October 29, 2008
We're back! Due to circumstances beyond our control the Newsletter didn't get published last week. Not to worry...for we are back!
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
180 Gear
Many of you have asked for 180 T-Shirts. Well they are now here! Not only do we have T-Shirts available but a whole store! Visit the 180 Gear store to purchase everything from T-Shirts to hoodies, to hats, and more. All proceeds go to support the children we minister to in Mexico.
You will also find a link to our store on the sidebar of this blog as well as on the Stuff page of our 180 Student Ministries site.
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
180 Gear
Many of you have asked for 180 T-Shirts. Well they are now here! Not only do we have T-Shirts available but a whole store! Visit the 180 Gear store to purchase everything from T-Shirts to hoodies, to hats, and more. All proceeds go to support the children we minister to in Mexico.You will also find a link to our store on the sidebar of this blog as well as on the Stuff page of our 180 Student Ministries site.
Middle School TNT
Hey Middle Schoolers be sure to join us for Turkey 'N Thanks on Saturday, November 10. We will meet in the Ministry Center Great Room for a Thanksgiving style feast that you will not soon forget.
The night will include all your favorite Thanksgiving food, fun times with your friends, worship, and more. We will begin at 6:00 and conclude at 8:00 and the cost is only $5. Please sign up to let us know you are coming by Sunday, November 4.
See pictures of last year's TNT here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Ghosts, Spirits, and Reincarnation
And what, exactly, does the Bible teach about life after death--and spirits reaching out from beyond the grave? It doesn't leave much room for such things to happen.
The writer of Hebrews said, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…" (Hebrews 9:27).
That at least implies that death is followed by facing God, not by hanging around on earth in spirit form. It definitely rules out reincarnation for those who believe the Bible (since people die only once). And Paul wrote about his willingness to be absent from the body and present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), suggesting that for Christians, one immediately follows the other.
So even though I might feel strong emotions about getting a message from "the spirits all around us," including one from a lost loved one, I have to compare that idea to what the Bible teaches. And Scripture doesn't seem to teach that the spirits of lost loved ones can contact me through psychics.
Beyond that, we do believe the Bible leaves room for the possibility that Satan or demons could use a psychic to fool people into believing they were talking to the dead. Many psychics claim to be hearing voices or becoming possessed by the spirits of those they are "channeling." Though these claims are most often a hoax, it's at least possible that demons are involved in these processes.
That might be why God commanded the Israelites to avoid getting involved with such people: "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them" (Leviticus 19:31). Such contact could open a person up to demonic influence.
Only one passage in the Bible suggests contact with the dead is even possible--and even this story seems to suggest that things like that don't happen normally. It's the story of King Saul and the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28).
Saul was on the decline as king, and he knew it. He was afraid the Philistines were about to crush his army. So he called on God for some reassurance. But God wouldn't answer Saul.
So even though Saul had earlier had all the mediums and spiritists removed from the country, Saul's men somehow found one in Endor, and Saul went to see her in disguise. He wanted to talk to the prophet Samuel, who had died. But he had to swear to the witch in God's name that she wouldn't be punished if she did it. The king was willing to break his own law in order to find emotional reassurance from someone who had died.
When the witch did her thing, she cried out in surprise when she somehow suddenly became aware that Saul was the king. She said that she saw an old man rising out of the ground in a robe, and she delivered a disturbing message from Samuel to Saul that started out with the words, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" (1 Samuel 28:15).
The message that followed from Samuel is apparently something only Samuel and Saul (and God) would have known about. And it left Saul in greater terror than before he had come to the witch.
It's unclear exactly what happened in the witch's house that night, but Bible scholars suggest several possibilities:
Some suggest the woman was just pulling a hoax on Saul in order to give him what he wanted. However, it seems unlikely she would have known what Samuel told Saul.
Others say the woman was possessed by a demon who delivered the message to Saul through the woman. That's possible, since she was a witch in a time when there was much spirit worship. But the passage doesn't say anything about Samuel not really being Samuel.
A third idea--and the one that seems most likely--is that this witch intended to do a hoax, but got more than she expected. Perhaps she normally tricked people the way most psychics and mediums do today. The fact that she cries out in a loud voice when Samuel appears suggests that she was shocked and surprised to actually hear from someone who had "crossed over."
It's definitely possible that God used this means as a one-time supernatural event to communicate his message to Saul through a deceased prophet who had been used many times to deliver supernatural messages. But this example does not suggest that it's "normally" possible to talk with the spirits of humans who have passed on. In fact, it seems to suggest that only through God's power could such a thing happen.
Emotions are wonderful and powerful, but we can't trust feelings to run our lives. And we really can't trust them to help us make right decisions about the world of the supernatural. Instead, God calls us to give our emotions to him and trust what his Word teaches us about the spiritual universe.
**
Taken from "Don't Buy the Lie" by Mark Matlock, copyright 2004, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Fun with Lemons: Who knew lemons could be so much fun?
~ Whack-o-Wheen: A pointless, but fun Halloween video game
4. BIRTHDAYS
We have got two birthdays to celebrate this week! We wish the very BEST of birthdays to both Elli Ramirez and Harison Manning!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
This will get you laughing! Darth Does The Blues
Want to see your video in the 180 Newsletter? We do! Grab your video camera, your friends, and let your creative juices flow!
Here's what you need to do. Create a video that is a maximum of 3 minutes in length, upload it to a site like You Tube and send the link to newsletter@180students.com. If your video is chosen as the Video of The Week you and all those who appear in the video will receive a free music CD (up to four CDs)
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Of two evils choose neither."
- Charles Spurgeon
"To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it."
- G.K. Chesterton
===========our|sponsor===========
DON'T BUY THE LIE
"I'm going to call a psychic." "I want to cast a spell on my boyfriend." "Let's have a séance tonight."
Thousands of people make comments like this every day often thinking they're just jokes and not knowing it's all a big trap. TV and movies portray the supernatural as innocent, fun, even cool. Psychics seem like they really can tell the future.
Don't buy the lie. It's not all fun and games.
This book shows you how to think for yourself, and not fall for these lies. You'll learn how to discern what's real and what's not; what the Bible says about the supernatural and what it doesn't say. Discover the "thinking traps" that people fall into when a slight twist of the truth gets them heading toward disaster. With this book, you'll be armed and ready to take on the lies that come your way.
Learn more and purchase "Don't Buy the Lie" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Everywhere is walking distance if you have time.
Ghosts, Spirits, and Reincarnation
And what, exactly, does the Bible teach about life after death--and spirits reaching out from beyond the grave? It doesn't leave much room for such things to happen.
The writer of Hebrews said, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…" (Hebrews 9:27).
That at least implies that death is followed by facing God, not by hanging around on earth in spirit form. It definitely rules out reincarnation for those who believe the Bible (since people die only once). And Paul wrote about his willingness to be absent from the body and present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8), suggesting that for Christians, one immediately follows the other.
So even though I might feel strong emotions about getting a message from "the spirits all around us," including one from a lost loved one, I have to compare that idea to what the Bible teaches. And Scripture doesn't seem to teach that the spirits of lost loved ones can contact me through psychics.
Beyond that, we do believe the Bible leaves room for the possibility that Satan or demons could use a psychic to fool people into believing they were talking to the dead. Many psychics claim to be hearing voices or becoming possessed by the spirits of those they are "channeling." Though these claims are most often a hoax, it's at least possible that demons are involved in these processes.
That might be why God commanded the Israelites to avoid getting involved with such people: "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them" (Leviticus 19:31). Such contact could open a person up to demonic influence.
Only one passage in the Bible suggests contact with the dead is even possible--and even this story seems to suggest that things like that don't happen normally. It's the story of King Saul and the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28).
Saul was on the decline as king, and he knew it. He was afraid the Philistines were about to crush his army. So he called on God for some reassurance. But God wouldn't answer Saul.
So even though Saul had earlier had all the mediums and spiritists removed from the country, Saul's men somehow found one in Endor, and Saul went to see her in disguise. He wanted to talk to the prophet Samuel, who had died. But he had to swear to the witch in God's name that she wouldn't be punished if she did it. The king was willing to break his own law in order to find emotional reassurance from someone who had died.
When the witch did her thing, she cried out in surprise when she somehow suddenly became aware that Saul was the king. She said that she saw an old man rising out of the ground in a robe, and she delivered a disturbing message from Samuel to Saul that started out with the words, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" (1 Samuel 28:15).
The message that followed from Samuel is apparently something only Samuel and Saul (and God) would have known about. And it left Saul in greater terror than before he had come to the witch.
It's unclear exactly what happened in the witch's house that night, but Bible scholars suggest several possibilities:
Some suggest the woman was just pulling a hoax on Saul in order to give him what he wanted. However, it seems unlikely she would have known what Samuel told Saul.
Others say the woman was possessed by a demon who delivered the message to Saul through the woman. That's possible, since she was a witch in a time when there was much spirit worship. But the passage doesn't say anything about Samuel not really being Samuel.
A third idea--and the one that seems most likely--is that this witch intended to do a hoax, but got more than she expected. Perhaps she normally tricked people the way most psychics and mediums do today. The fact that she cries out in a loud voice when Samuel appears suggests that she was shocked and surprised to actually hear from someone who had "crossed over."
It's definitely possible that God used this means as a one-time supernatural event to communicate his message to Saul through a deceased prophet who had been used many times to deliver supernatural messages. But this example does not suggest that it's "normally" possible to talk with the spirits of humans who have passed on. In fact, it seems to suggest that only through God's power could such a thing happen.
Emotions are wonderful and powerful, but we can't trust feelings to run our lives. And we really can't trust them to help us make right decisions about the world of the supernatural. Instead, God calls us to give our emotions to him and trust what his Word teaches us about the spiritual universe.
**
Taken from "Don't Buy the Lie" by Mark Matlock, copyright 2004, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Fun with Lemons: Who knew lemons could be so much fun?
~ Whack-o-Wheen: A pointless, but fun Halloween video game
4. BIRTHDAYS
We have got two birthdays to celebrate this week! We wish the very BEST of birthdays to both Elli Ramirez and Harison Manning!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
This will get you laughing! Darth Does The Blues
Want to see your video in the 180 Newsletter? We do! Grab your video camera, your friends, and let your creative juices flow!
Here's what you need to do. Create a video that is a maximum of 3 minutes in length, upload it to a site like You Tube and send the link to newsletter@180students.com. If your video is chosen as the Video of The Week you and all those who appear in the video will receive a free music CD (up to four CDs)
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Pumpkins are members of the vine crops family called cucurbits.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Of two evils choose neither."
- Charles Spurgeon
"To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it."
- G.K. Chesterton
===========our|sponsor===========
DON'T BUY THE LIE
"I'm going to call a psychic." "I want to cast a spell on my boyfriend." "Let's have a séance tonight."
Thousands of people make comments like this every day often thinking they're just jokes and not knowing it's all a big trap. TV and movies portray the supernatural as innocent, fun, even cool. Psychics seem like they really can tell the future.
Don't buy the lie. It's not all fun and games.
This book shows you how to think for yourself, and not fall for these lies. You'll learn how to discern what's real and what's not; what the Bible says about the supernatural and what it doesn't say. Discover the "thinking traps" that people fall into when a slight twist of the truth gets them heading toward disaster. With this book, you'll be armed and ready to take on the lies that come your way.
Learn more and purchase "Don't Buy the Lie" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Everywhere is walking distance if you have time.
October 15, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Video of The Week
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Fall Retreat "The Movie"
Here it is...
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Topic:
Feeling left out
Just sitting down to write this chapter made us feel a little sad. It makes us sad because we know how much it hurts to feel left out. And if you're feeling that way, we want you to know we understand how you feel because we've both felt that way before. We've also talked to lots and lots of middle schoolers who feel that way, too. Feeling left out is no fun. We may not know the exact reason why you're feeling left out, but we do know a few of the common reasons why it happens:
Middle schoolers are selfish. Most kids your age are way more worried about their own survival, popularity, friendships, and so on than they are about yours. Because being in middle school is so tough, it's pretty common for middle schoolers to overlook the needs of their classmates because they're just too busy looking out for their own needs. In other words, sometimes people leave out other people not because they're trying to be mean or hurtful, but just because they aren't thinking about the other person at all.
Middle schoolers move in herds. What we mean is that most kids your age like to hang out with and spend time with other kids who look, act, and dress like them, and who do the things they like to do. It's super-easy for them to leave out other kids if they don't believe they have a lot in common with them. There are lots of other reasons, but those two are probably the biggest. So what do you do when you feel left out? Well, to be honest there's no easy answer to that, but here are a few thoughts:
Be yourself. Don't try to be somebody you aren't, just to fit in. Trying to change who you are will usually backfire on you. The people you're trying to fit in with
can tell you're trying too hard, and they may end up leaving you out even more.
Be friendly. There's a verse in the Bible that says one "who has friends must...be friendly" (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV). Sometimes people who've been left out a whole lot start to respond by shutting others out, treating them poorly, and acting like they really don't care. This just results in a crazy cycle of being left out even more.
Be an "includer of others." If you're feeling left out, you aren't the only one. What if you decided to find other kids who also seem to be left out and include them? Pretty soon you'd have a group of friends who no longer feel left out because now you've all been included--by each other. Pretty cool stuff!
Know that you're never alone. We know this sounds a lot like two middle school pastors talking, but remember that even if you feel alone, you aren't. God is with you; he's on your side and he wants to help you figure out this whole middle school thing.
**
Taken from "Middle School Survival Series: My School" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ The Dash
What are you doing with your dash?
~ Stop Bullying Now
~ Ben & Jerry's Halloween Experience: Have fun with ice cream and other stuff
4. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
The Dance
This video of a skit performed at Winterfest 2006 does an excellent job of portraying God's love, grace and joy, when one of His own moves away from Him. Allow yourself to enter into it and you will be moved.
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
The origination of Goodbye is from an Olde English saying of "God be with ye".
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God."
- William Carey
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
- C.S. Lewis
===========our|sponsor===========
MY SCHOOL
As a teenager, you naturally question your faith and purpose in life. You might wonder if God's real, if God's listening, or what happens when you die. You're not alone in these hard questions, nor are you wrong to ask them.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
If you eat a live frog in the morning, nothing worse will happen to either of you for the rest of the day.
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Video of The Week
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Fall Retreat "The Movie"
Here it is...
High School Fuel
This last Wednesday night we kicked off Fuel, our new Wednesday name, and began looking into how to fuel up. We explored Fuel.refuel: Fuel challenges us to daily refuel on the food God calls us to devour-His Word. We're also challenged to refuel each other through encouragement.
Make sure you come this Wednesday as we explore Fuel.consume.
High School Fuel Cells (Small Groups)
If you missed our first small group meeting, don't worry, there's still room for you! Come Wednesday at 5:45 for a great time of discussion, prayer and getting into each other's lives.
Revolve Tour
Okay gals, you've heard us say it before, but you can STILL SIGN UP for the Girl's Revolve Tour! Make sure you turn in your $20 deposit to Aaron Geist by October 28. Visit www.revolvetour.com for more information.
Nightstike
Join us on Friday night, October 26th as we head for downtown Portland to minister to the homeless, with Bridgetown Ministries. We will meet at the church at 5:30 PM and return at 11:00 PM. Come and see Jesus, and your life in Him, in a whole new way!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Topic:
Feeling left out
Just sitting down to write this chapter made us feel a little sad. It makes us sad because we know how much it hurts to feel left out. And if you're feeling that way, we want you to know we understand how you feel because we've both felt that way before. We've also talked to lots and lots of middle schoolers who feel that way, too. Feeling left out is no fun. We may not know the exact reason why you're feeling left out, but we do know a few of the common reasons why it happens:
Middle schoolers are selfish. Most kids your age are way more worried about their own survival, popularity, friendships, and so on than they are about yours. Because being in middle school is so tough, it's pretty common for middle schoolers to overlook the needs of their classmates because they're just too busy looking out for their own needs. In other words, sometimes people leave out other people not because they're trying to be mean or hurtful, but just because they aren't thinking about the other person at all.
Middle schoolers move in herds. What we mean is that most kids your age like to hang out with and spend time with other kids who look, act, and dress like them, and who do the things they like to do. It's super-easy for them to leave out other kids if they don't believe they have a lot in common with them. There are lots of other reasons, but those two are probably the biggest. So what do you do when you feel left out? Well, to be honest there's no easy answer to that, but here are a few thoughts:
Be yourself. Don't try to be somebody you aren't, just to fit in. Trying to change who you are will usually backfire on you. The people you're trying to fit in with
can tell you're trying too hard, and they may end up leaving you out even more.
Be friendly. There's a verse in the Bible that says one "who has friends must...be friendly" (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV). Sometimes people who've been left out a whole lot start to respond by shutting others out, treating them poorly, and acting like they really don't care. This just results in a crazy cycle of being left out even more.
Be an "includer of others." If you're feeling left out, you aren't the only one. What if you decided to find other kids who also seem to be left out and include them? Pretty soon you'd have a group of friends who no longer feel left out because now you've all been included--by each other. Pretty cool stuff!
Know that you're never alone. We know this sounds a lot like two middle school pastors talking, but remember that even if you feel alone, you aren't. God is with you; he's on your side and he wants to help you figure out this whole middle school thing.
**
Taken from "Middle School Survival Series: My School" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ The Dash
What are you doing with your dash?
~ Stop Bullying Now
~ Ben & Jerry's Halloween Experience: Have fun with ice cream and other stuff
4. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
The Dance
This video of a skit performed at Winterfest 2006 does an excellent job of portraying God's love, grace and joy, when one of His own moves away from Him. Allow yourself to enter into it and you will be moved.
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
The origination of Goodbye is from an Olde English saying of "God be with ye".
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God."
- William Carey
"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
- C.S. Lewis
===========our|sponsor===========
MY SCHOOL
As a teenager, you naturally question your faith and purpose in life. You might wonder if God's real, if God's listening, or what happens when you die. You're not alone in these hard questions, nor are you wrong to ask them.
Order here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
If you eat a live frog in the morning, nothing worse will happen to either of you for the rest of the day.
October 8, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Fall Retreat
We have returned and man was it a great time! Even the extraordinarily long 3 1/2 hour drive home wasn't all that bad!
Go here to see all the pictures. Watch this space for the soon to be released video!
Nightstike
Last week we announced that on next Friday, October 12, we would be heading for downtown Portland to minister to the homeless, with Bridgetown Ministries. Due to the memorial service of Jan Geist we have moved our Nightstrike to Friday, Ocotober 26.
Come and see Jesus like never before. Come and live out your faith the way He desires us to. We will leave the church at 5:30 PM and return at 11 PM.
Jan Geist Memorial Service
Please join us for the memorial of Jan Geist this Saturday, October 13 at 10:00 AM. Come and celebrate a life well lived. The service will be held at Tigard Christian Church, 13405 SW Hall Blvd.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ( John 21:7)
Some people approach a swimming pool by sticking their toes in to check the temperature of the water. They ease into the shallow end and walk, little by little, until they’re waist high. Their arms are up in the air like they’re afraid to get them wet. Others approach a pool by running full speed along the diving board, leaping into the air, yelling, “Cannnnnonballllllllllllllll” as they splash with full force into the deep end. Jesus calls us to do a cannonball. Easing in and testing the waters shows a lack of faith. A life with Jesus requires a full-out leap. Total abandonment. He doesn’t want us to stand on the side and say, “It looks cold,” or “It’s too deep.” When we jump in with total abandon we can appreciate the deep love Jesus has for us when we come up for air.
OZ (Oswald Chambers) says: Have you deliberately committed your will to Jesus Christ? It is a transaction of will, not of emotion... If you have heard Jesus Christ’s voice on the billows, let your convictions go to the winds, let your consistency go to the winds, but maintain your relationship to Him.
Just Between You And God:
Ask God, not for courage to jump, but for the ability to give up what would hold you back. Don’t dwell on what others might think. Don’t decide it’s too cold before you jump.
**
Taken from by “Everything Counts” by Steven Case, copyright 2003, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ How to Build a Ship in a Bottle
~ Web Sudoku
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week we've got two birthday shout out! HAPPY Birthday to Jason Pittelko and Jamie George! We wish you the very best!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
The average lead pencil will draw a line 35 miles long or write approximately 50,000 English words.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
- C.S. Lewis
“Conversion is a complete surrender to Jesus. It's a willingness to do what he wants you to do.”
- Billy Sunday
===========our|sponsor===========
GET A YEAR’S WORTH OF DEVOTIONS ON RADICAL LIVING
For generations, Oswald Chambers’ soul-stirring devotionals have been a daily reminder of the fierce discipleship God requires of Christians. His bestselling classic “My Utmost for His Highest” is now adapted for you. Be ready to be challenged and inspired.
Order book here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Go here to find a Christian bookstore near you:
================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Did Noah keep his bees in archives?
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Fall Retreat
We have returned and man was it a great time! Even the extraordinarily long 3 1/2 hour drive home wasn't all that bad!
Go here to see all the pictures. Watch this space for the soon to be released video!
Nightstike
Last week we announced that on next Friday, October 12, we would be heading for downtown Portland to minister to the homeless, with Bridgetown Ministries. Due to the memorial service of Jan Geist we have moved our Nightstrike to Friday, Ocotober 26.
Come and see Jesus like never before. Come and live out your faith the way He desires us to. We will leave the church at 5:30 PM and return at 11 PM.
Jan Geist Memorial Service
Please join us for the memorial of Jan Geist this Saturday, October 13 at 10:00 AM. Come and celebrate a life well lived. The service will be held at Tigard Christian Church, 13405 SW Hall Blvd.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. ( John 21:7)
Some people approach a swimming pool by sticking their toes in to check the temperature of the water. They ease into the shallow end and walk, little by little, until they’re waist high. Their arms are up in the air like they’re afraid to get them wet. Others approach a pool by running full speed along the diving board, leaping into the air, yelling, “Cannnnnonballllllllllllllll” as they splash with full force into the deep end. Jesus calls us to do a cannonball. Easing in and testing the waters shows a lack of faith. A life with Jesus requires a full-out leap. Total abandonment. He doesn’t want us to stand on the side and say, “It looks cold,” or “It’s too deep.” When we jump in with total abandon we can appreciate the deep love Jesus has for us when we come up for air.
OZ (Oswald Chambers) says: Have you deliberately committed your will to Jesus Christ? It is a transaction of will, not of emotion... If you have heard Jesus Christ’s voice on the billows, let your convictions go to the winds, let your consistency go to the winds, but maintain your relationship to Him.
Just Between You And God:
Ask God, not for courage to jump, but for the ability to give up what would hold you back. Don’t dwell on what others might think. Don’t decide it’s too cold before you jump.
**
Taken from by “Everything Counts” by Steven Case, copyright 2003, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ How to Build a Ship in a Bottle
~ Web Sudoku
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week we've got two birthday shout out! HAPPY Birthday to Jason Pittelko and Jamie George! We wish you the very best!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
The average lead pencil will draw a line 35 miles long or write approximately 50,000 English words.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”
- C.S. Lewis
“Conversion is a complete surrender to Jesus. It's a willingness to do what he wants you to do.”
- Billy Sunday
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For generations, Oswald Chambers’ soul-stirring devotionals have been a daily reminder of the fierce discipleship God requires of Christians. His bestselling classic “My Utmost for His Highest” is now adapted for you. Be ready to be challenged and inspired.
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Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
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================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Did Noah keep his bees in archives?
October 1, 2007
Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Fall Retreat
We leave this Friday! If you are registered to go with us, here are a few important reminders.
• We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00
• Please bring with you a Bible, Sleeping bag/pillow, plenty of clothes, and any personal items you need.
• All electronic equipment will be held for you for the weekend and you will not have access to it. Please leave it at home. This includes things like cell phones, iPods, video games, mp3 players, CD players, etc.
It's going to be a great weekend! Can't wait to see you there!
Nightstrike
Next Friday, October 12 we will be heading for downtown Portland to minister to the homeless, with Bridgetown Ministries. Come and see Jesus like never before. Come and live out your faith the way He desires us to. We will leave the church at 5:30 PM and return at 11 PM.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Topic:
A righteousness not our own
Main Scriptures:
“...and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” (Philippians 3:9)
“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:13-14)
Other Scriptures:
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 45:11; Romans 3:21-22; Romans 10:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 10:14
What Jesus Might Say To You:
Some people believe they’re better than others. They think they have it together and others don’t. However, I know you sometimes feel quite the opposite. You see yourself as a horrible sinner who can do nothing right and has nothing good to offer. You may even feel worthless...and then call it humility.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not humility. It’s just shame and poor self-image. So what is humility? How should you see yourself?
It’s true—you are a sinner. No matter how hard you try, you can never live up to my perfect standards on your own. This is why you so desperately need me. I did for you what you could never do for yourself. Through my perfect life, death, and resurrection, you’ve been given my righteousness and made blameless in my eyes!
In addition, you were created in my image. Everything about me is good, and therefore you also bear great good. I have given you amazing gifts. You are of infinite worth in my eyes. You enthrall me.
So when you think, “I wish I could be more...” or, “Why can’t I get my act together?” I want you to remember this: You bear my image and righteousness. You just need to live like you know it’s true. You are salt. You are light. You reflect me. This is who you are. Believe it. Live it!
Your glory,
Jesus
Summary Challenge:
You are perfect in Jesus’ eyes; now you just need to live like you know it’s true. “Humility, then, means understanding that, while you desperately need me, you also bear a great glory. A reflected glory. My glory. My goodness. You are my mirror. I earned it all, but I have chosen you to bear it, because of my great love for you.” (John Eldredge, Waking the Dead, 77)
Take Some Time To Journal About This.
**
Taken from by “Conversations with Jesus” by Youth For Christ, copyright 2006, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Who I am in Christ
~ 3Story
4. BIRTHDAYS
Hey everybody....we've got three birthdays to celebrate this week! BIG 180 BIRTHDAY WISHES go out this week to Nathan Potter, Janna Ranney, and Kyle Dietmeyer. We wish you all the best!!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Slugs have four noses.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
“Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”
- G.K. Chesterton
“Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full.”
- Watchman Nee
===========our|sponsor===========
GET IN ON GOD’S STORY
“Conversations with Jesus” is a 60-day devotional presents Scripture to you in daily letters from Jesus. You’ll learn to abide in Christ and connect your own story to God’s story through daily readings and journaling opportunities. Go through it with a friend!
Go here to order book.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Why don’t sheep shrink in the rain?
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot
1. 180 NEWS
MS Fall Retreat
We leave this Friday! If you are registered to go with us, here are a few important reminders.
• We will leave the church on Friday at 4:30 and return on Sunday at 4:00
• Please bring with you a Bible, Sleeping bag/pillow, plenty of clothes, and any personal items you need.
• All electronic equipment will be held for you for the weekend and you will not have access to it. Please leave it at home. This includes things like cell phones, iPods, video games, mp3 players, CD players, etc.
It's going to be a great weekend! Can't wait to see you there!
Nightstrike
Next Friday, October 12 we will be heading for downtown Portland to minister to the homeless, with Bridgetown Ministries. Come and see Jesus like never before. Come and live out your faith the way He desires us to. We will leave the church at 5:30 PM and return at 11 PM.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Topic:
A righteousness not our own
Main Scriptures:
“...and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” (Philippians 3:9)
“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:13-14)
Other Scriptures:
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 45:11; Romans 3:21-22; Romans 10:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 10:14
What Jesus Might Say To You:
Some people believe they’re better than others. They think they have it together and others don’t. However, I know you sometimes feel quite the opposite. You see yourself as a horrible sinner who can do nothing right and has nothing good to offer. You may even feel worthless...and then call it humility.
Contrary to popular belief, this is not humility. It’s just shame and poor self-image. So what is humility? How should you see yourself?
It’s true—you are a sinner. No matter how hard you try, you can never live up to my perfect standards on your own. This is why you so desperately need me. I did for you what you could never do for yourself. Through my perfect life, death, and resurrection, you’ve been given my righteousness and made blameless in my eyes!
In addition, you were created in my image. Everything about me is good, and therefore you also bear great good. I have given you amazing gifts. You are of infinite worth in my eyes. You enthrall me.
So when you think, “I wish I could be more...” or, “Why can’t I get my act together?” I want you to remember this: You bear my image and righteousness. You just need to live like you know it’s true. You are salt. You are light. You reflect me. This is who you are. Believe it. Live it!
Your glory,
Jesus
Summary Challenge:
You are perfect in Jesus’ eyes; now you just need to live like you know it’s true. “Humility, then, means understanding that, while you desperately need me, you also bear a great glory. A reflected glory. My glory. My goodness. You are my mirror. I earned it all, but I have chosen you to bear it, because of my great love for you.” (John Eldredge, Waking the Dead, 77)
Take Some Time To Journal About This.
**
Taken from by “Conversations with Jesus” by Youth For Christ, copyright 2006, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Who I am in Christ
~ 3Story
4. BIRTHDAYS
Hey everybody....we've got three birthdays to celebrate this week! BIG 180 BIRTHDAY WISHES go out this week to Nathan Potter, Janna Ranney, and Kyle Dietmeyer. We wish you all the best!!
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Slugs have four noses.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
“Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.”
- G.K. Chesterton
“Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full.”
- Watchman Nee
===========our|sponsor===========
GET IN ON GOD’S STORY
“Conversations with Jesus” is a 60-day devotional presents Scripture to you in daily letters from Jesus. You’ll learn to abide in Christ and connect your own story to God’s story through daily readings and journaling opportunities. Go through it with a friend!
Go here to order book.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Why don’t sheep shrink in the rain?
