November 26, 2007
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
Christmas Gifts For Our Neighbors
Christmas is coming! We have an opportunity to be a light to the world this Christmas by sharing presents with those who can't afford them. We have two great ways you can give gifts this year. Consider giving to children both in Portland (through Bridgetown Ministries) and Ensenada, Mexico (through missionaries Tim & Kathy Johnston).
Portland
Bring new toys for children from newborns through 12 years of age.
Mexico
Items you can give:
•Small toys
•Crayons
•School supplies
•Candy
•Fun soap or shampoo
Please make sure that toys are for children from newborns through 14 years of age.
All gifts need to be delivered unwrapped to the Youth Center by Wednesday. December 12.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
DEFINE TRUTH
Before we begin, I want you to do something first. Right here in the space provided--and without looking ahead--write down your definition of truth. Don't worry; you won't be graded. It's a definition just for you, to help you compare your understanding of truth now and what you will have at the end of this chapter. You may be surprised.
So what is truth? Define it.
____________________________________________________
Okay, let's go.
In an episode of The Simpsons entitled "She of Little Faith," Lisa embarks on a spiritual quest. While talking to Bart, Lisa says she's seeking "a religion that is right for me." She eventually discovers Buddhism and learns she can worship with any kind of religion as long as it promotes love. Satisfied, Lisa returns home to celebrate Christmas with her family. And as long as Lisa still participates in the family's Christian rituals, Homer is satisfied as well.
I usually enjoy watching The Simpsons because it holds up a mirror to our culture and asks us to reflect on who we are and what we've become. And I'm afraid the writers are correct in their assessments of how Christianity is perceived in our culture.
When Lisa says, "To find a religion that is right for me," the scriptwriters have made religion into something that can be dropped into a shopping cart. Religion here isn't a belief system that could be true or false--it's an accessory, like looking for the hat that's "just right for me." In trying to compliment all religions by saying they're basically the same, The Simpsons insulted every religion by implying none of them are unique.
Yet, I think I may agree with Lisa--just in a different way. I believe we do need to find the religion that's right for us, just like I need to find the medicine that's right for my bronchitis. I'm not looking for a religion that merely sounds pretty or makes me look better. Nor am I looking for the cough syrup that tastes like roasted almonds but can't clear up the congestion in my lungs. I'm looking for the religion (and the cough syrup) that deals with truth--right down to the core.
If we find this religion, this true religion, then it will be right for everyone, including Lisa Simpson. On the other hand, a false religion is right for no one, just like bad medicine is right for no one.
No one benefits in the long term by ignoring the way life is and the design of the universe. No one benefits by praying to gods who don't exist. No matter how much we might believe in the Easter Bunny, hoping and praying won't make it come hopping into our lives.
We need a religion that, as one writer put it, is "right where we are right" and "right where we are wrong."
Today, truth is in need of a friend. In politics, truth is what the voters vote for. In Hollywood, truth is what moviegoers pay for. In fashion, truth is whatever the trend is. In food, truth is whatever suits your tastes.
But what about truth itself?
In mathematics, some school curriculums are telling us we can no longer depend on the "truth" about numbers--2 + 2 may now equal 7.
In morality, "truth" becomes whatever an individual or group decides is right for them. In other words, truth isn't discovered--it's invented.
People then confuse the laws in our society with morality. Since laws are created, they believe morality is created. They forget that people start with morality and make laws to guard that morality.
They forget things can be immoral but legal--such as the way slavery was immoral but legal many years ago. Or the way some view abortion as immoral but legal.
Things can also be illegal but not immoral, too, such as jaywalking.
WHERE HAS TRUTH GONE?
A famous journalist of the 20th century once reported how truth was ignored in the Russian Kremlin when it was run by communist leaders. As the proposals were shared, one man raised his hand and said, "But if we tell the people this, it wouldn't be true."
An awkward silence rolled through the room. Then one man began to chuckle. Then another. And another. Until soon the whole assembly was laughing until tears ran down their cheeks.
You see, when a society turns godless, some person or group of persons or even every person becomes a little god in the process, and they start making up their own rules. But as this journalist pointed out, that moment in the Kremlin revealed the bankruptcy of the people. "It is truth that has died, not God."
When truth dies, the rails on which to run our lives are removed. Without truth, we cannot know things. Without the ability to know things, we cannot use things properly. If we cannot use things properly, we cannot take care of things properly.
After I bought my Jeep, the first thing I wanted to do was remove the hard top and put on the soft top. Some of my friends came over, and we pored over the directions in the manual. A half hour later, our work was done. But first we had to take the time to understand how the top on the Jeep worked before we could make it do what it was designed to do. We needed the truth.
One philosopher said, "What you would take care of you must first understand, whether it be a petunia or a nation."
But what about taking care of ourselves? Do we believe truth exists? Let's look at a survey of students ages 13 to 18. The survey asked a wide array of questions about topics from music to religion. The questions were organized, in part, to answer a bigger question, "Do you believe in absolute truth?" What would you answer?
Knowing your friends from school, clubs, and the neighborhood, what percentage do you think would say there really is such a thing as absolute truth? When you have a percentage in your head, turn the page.
What percentage of students ages 13 to 18 would say there really is such a thing as absolute truth? Your answer:
____________________________________________________
According to the national survey, only nine percent of all young people, religious and non-religious, affirm there is such a thing as absolute truth.
Does that surprise you? Or did you expect the percentage to be that low?
Interestingly, only a small percentage of students denied there was absolute truth. Most students were in the middle, neither affirming nor denying the existence of absolute truth. There's a good chance you also fit into this middle category.
When I speak to teenagers, I hear this question, "What is truth?" These are brave students, and they encourage me. They're asking one of the great questions of our time.
Some people say today's students don't care about truth, and they just want to do whatever feels good. But I don't believe that. I don't see that on the street. When students say such things, they're either lying, or they're contradicting the way they live, or as one professor says, they're just trying to end the conversation.
I believe students care about being good friends and performing well in sports, hobbies, or music. And all of these things require truth to do them well. So why the low percentage--why only nine percent?
Could it possibly be because most students don't even know what absolute truth is?
To many, truth is an alien concept, such as stating that bibliokleptomania is a fungus.
**
Taken from "Living with Questions" by Dale Fincher, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ C-SPAN's STUDENT CAM '08: A documentary competition for students
~ Thanksgiving Hangman: A pointless game to help you get over your turkey hangover
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got one birthday shout out this week and it goes out to Andrew Wiseman! Happy birthday Andrew!!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Got your Christmas lights up yet? How would you like to live next to this house?
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
The heart of an astronaut actually gets smaller when in outer space.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them."
- Galileo
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."
- Mark Twain
===========our|sponsor===========
GET HELP WITH YOUR QUESTIONS
Have you ever asked one of these questions?
* Does what I think really matter?
* What is truth?
* Is God there?
* Has God spoken?
* Am I important enough?
* Am I good enough?
* What's so great about heaven?
If you've ever wondered about any of these questions, you've come to the right place. In "Living With Questions", Dale Fincher will help you look at each of these questions in such a way that you'll discover clues, helpful tools, and answers--and what they all mean for your life and your faith. The answers you find will put you on a path to dig deeper and gain confidence in your faith. As Dale addresses the big questions that he's been asked by students across the country, you'll find that you're not alone in your doubt, confusion, or questioning.
Learn more and purchase "Living with Questions" here.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
There is no mistake so great as that of being always right.
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
Christmas Gifts For Our Neighbors
Christmas is coming! We have an opportunity to be a light to the world this Christmas by sharing presents with those who can't afford them. We have two great ways you can give gifts this year. Consider giving to children both in Portland (through Bridgetown Ministries) and Ensenada, Mexico (through missionaries Tim & Kathy Johnston).
Portland
Bring new toys for children from newborns through 12 years of age.
Mexico
Items you can give:
•Small toys
•Crayons
•School supplies
•Candy
•Fun soap or shampoo
Please make sure that toys are for children from newborns through 14 years of age.
All gifts need to be delivered unwrapped to the Youth Center by Wednesday. December 12.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
DEFINE TRUTH
Before we begin, I want you to do something first. Right here in the space provided--and without looking ahead--write down your definition of truth. Don't worry; you won't be graded. It's a definition just for you, to help you compare your understanding of truth now and what you will have at the end of this chapter. You may be surprised.
So what is truth? Define it.
____________________________________________________
Okay, let's go.
In an episode of The Simpsons entitled "She of Little Faith," Lisa embarks on a spiritual quest. While talking to Bart, Lisa says she's seeking "a religion that is right for me." She eventually discovers Buddhism and learns she can worship with any kind of religion as long as it promotes love. Satisfied, Lisa returns home to celebrate Christmas with her family. And as long as Lisa still participates in the family's Christian rituals, Homer is satisfied as well.
I usually enjoy watching The Simpsons because it holds up a mirror to our culture and asks us to reflect on who we are and what we've become. And I'm afraid the writers are correct in their assessments of how Christianity is perceived in our culture.
When Lisa says, "To find a religion that is right for me," the scriptwriters have made religion into something that can be dropped into a shopping cart. Religion here isn't a belief system that could be true or false--it's an accessory, like looking for the hat that's "just right for me." In trying to compliment all religions by saying they're basically the same, The Simpsons insulted every religion by implying none of them are unique.
Yet, I think I may agree with Lisa--just in a different way. I believe we do need to find the religion that's right for us, just like I need to find the medicine that's right for my bronchitis. I'm not looking for a religion that merely sounds pretty or makes me look better. Nor am I looking for the cough syrup that tastes like roasted almonds but can't clear up the congestion in my lungs. I'm looking for the religion (and the cough syrup) that deals with truth--right down to the core.
If we find this religion, this true religion, then it will be right for everyone, including Lisa Simpson. On the other hand, a false religion is right for no one, just like bad medicine is right for no one.
No one benefits in the long term by ignoring the way life is and the design of the universe. No one benefits by praying to gods who don't exist. No matter how much we might believe in the Easter Bunny, hoping and praying won't make it come hopping into our lives.
We need a religion that, as one writer put it, is "right where we are right" and "right where we are wrong."
Today, truth is in need of a friend. In politics, truth is what the voters vote for. In Hollywood, truth is what moviegoers pay for. In fashion, truth is whatever the trend is. In food, truth is whatever suits your tastes.
But what about truth itself?
In mathematics, some school curriculums are telling us we can no longer depend on the "truth" about numbers--2 + 2 may now equal 7.
In morality, "truth" becomes whatever an individual or group decides is right for them. In other words, truth isn't discovered--it's invented.
People then confuse the laws in our society with morality. Since laws are created, they believe morality is created. They forget that people start with morality and make laws to guard that morality.
They forget things can be immoral but legal--such as the way slavery was immoral but legal many years ago. Or the way some view abortion as immoral but legal.
Things can also be illegal but not immoral, too, such as jaywalking.
WHERE HAS TRUTH GONE?
A famous journalist of the 20th century once reported how truth was ignored in the Russian Kremlin when it was run by communist leaders. As the proposals were shared, one man raised his hand and said, "But if we tell the people this, it wouldn't be true."
An awkward silence rolled through the room. Then one man began to chuckle. Then another. And another. Until soon the whole assembly was laughing until tears ran down their cheeks.
You see, when a society turns godless, some person or group of persons or even every person becomes a little god in the process, and they start making up their own rules. But as this journalist pointed out, that moment in the Kremlin revealed the bankruptcy of the people. "It is truth that has died, not God."
When truth dies, the rails on which to run our lives are removed. Without truth, we cannot know things. Without the ability to know things, we cannot use things properly. If we cannot use things properly, we cannot take care of things properly.
After I bought my Jeep, the first thing I wanted to do was remove the hard top and put on the soft top. Some of my friends came over, and we pored over the directions in the manual. A half hour later, our work was done. But first we had to take the time to understand how the top on the Jeep worked before we could make it do what it was designed to do. We needed the truth.
One philosopher said, "What you would take care of you must first understand, whether it be a petunia or a nation."
But what about taking care of ourselves? Do we believe truth exists? Let's look at a survey of students ages 13 to 18. The survey asked a wide array of questions about topics from music to religion. The questions were organized, in part, to answer a bigger question, "Do you believe in absolute truth?" What would you answer?
Knowing your friends from school, clubs, and the neighborhood, what percentage do you think would say there really is such a thing as absolute truth? When you have a percentage in your head, turn the page.
What percentage of students ages 13 to 18 would say there really is such a thing as absolute truth? Your answer:
____________________________________________________
According to the national survey, only nine percent of all young people, religious and non-religious, affirm there is such a thing as absolute truth.
Does that surprise you? Or did you expect the percentage to be that low?
Interestingly, only a small percentage of students denied there was absolute truth. Most students were in the middle, neither affirming nor denying the existence of absolute truth. There's a good chance you also fit into this middle category.
When I speak to teenagers, I hear this question, "What is truth?" These are brave students, and they encourage me. They're asking one of the great questions of our time.
Some people say today's students don't care about truth, and they just want to do whatever feels good. But I don't believe that. I don't see that on the street. When students say such things, they're either lying, or they're contradicting the way they live, or as one professor says, they're just trying to end the conversation.
I believe students care about being good friends and performing well in sports, hobbies, or music. And all of these things require truth to do them well. So why the low percentage--why only nine percent?
Could it possibly be because most students don't even know what absolute truth is?
To many, truth is an alien concept, such as stating that bibliokleptomania is a fungus.
**
Taken from "Living with Questions" by Dale Fincher, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ C-SPAN's STUDENT CAM '08: A documentary competition for students
~ Thanksgiving Hangman: A pointless game to help you get over your turkey hangover
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got one birthday shout out this week and it goes out to Andrew Wiseman! Happy birthday Andrew!!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Got your Christmas lights up yet? How would you like to live next to this house?
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
The heart of an astronaut actually gets smaller when in outer space.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them."
- Galileo
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."
- Mark Twain
===========our|sponsor===========
GET HELP WITH YOUR QUESTIONS
Have you ever asked one of these questions?
* Does what I think really matter?
* What is truth?
* Is God there?
* Has God spoken?
* Am I important enough?
* Am I good enough?
* What's so great about heaven?
If you've ever wondered about any of these questions, you've come to the right place. In "Living With Questions", Dale Fincher will help you look at each of these questions in such a way that you'll discover clues, helpful tools, and answers--and what they all mean for your life and your faith. The answers you find will put you on a path to dig deeper and gain confidence in your faith. As Dale addresses the big questions that he's been asked by students across the country, you'll find that you're not alone in your doubt, confusion, or questioning.
Learn more and purchase "Living with Questions" here.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
There is no mistake so great as that of being always right.
November 19, 2007
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
Thanksgiving Worship
Yesterday morning we all enjoyed a very unique time of worship together. Many of us discovered that we have more to be thankful for than we even realize.
Read Pastor Brian's reflections on the morning here.
High School Winter Youth
High Schoolers get ready for an amazing time living, playing, and growing together at Winter Youth 2007. With relevant speakers, seminar choices, great worship times and 4 days with your friends, it's going to be awesome! It's all happening December 27-30 at the Red Lion Inn in Portland.
If you would still like to get in on the early registration price of $165 call Pastor Aaron today! After today early registration will be over, but it is still not too late to register. The cost will be $195, and there are several discounts available. Pastor's kid, Missionary kid, full time ministry kid, & multiple kids per family can get a $20 discount. If money is an issue for you, please do not let that stand in the way of your involvement. Please see Pator Aaron if you need assistance.
Download all info, registration cards, and discount coupons at our 180 site, or pick them up on the info table in the Youth Center.
See pictures of last year's Winter Youth experience here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
GIVING MY TIME
It seems as though people are busier today than ever--especially middle school students. When we were in middle school, there really wasn't much else happening. We'd come home from school and sit around, hoping to find something fun to pass the time. But life for you gets really busy really easily. You play sports all year round, you're in a couple of after-school clubs, you have tons of homework, and you probably go to church once or twice a week. When you do find yourself with a little free time, you probably spend it hanging out online, playing video games, or reading really cool books about middle school life! None of that stuff is bad. Heck, both of us enjoy going online, playing video games, and reading books, too!
But when you look around, it's pretty easy to see that lots of people are using some of their free time to do stuff that helps others and makes the world a little bit better. When a disaster like a hurricane or tsunami happens, people from all over the world chip in to help out. In the inner city, caring volunteers tutor and mentor children. Volunteers who enjoy sports and spending time with kids coach the sports teams you play on.
You're probably good at lots of stuff. In fact, take two minutes and make a mental list of everything you're good at. It'll probably take more time than that, but two minutes should give you a good start. God gave you those gifts and abilities for a reason: So you can use them! Not so you can use them just for your own fun and excitement, but so you can make a difference!
Are you good at sports? Then maybe you can help coach a team of younger kids.
Are you good at math? How about asking your math teacher if he knows of anybody who needs extra help?
Do you like little children? The children's department at your church is probably looking for extra help!
Life keeps us really busy. But most of our time is taken up being busy doing stuff that only helps ourselves. What if you slowed down just enough to spend some of your time doing something that makes a difference in someone else's life?
GIVING MY TALENTS
If you're reading this book in order, you'll probably notice that this chapter is a lot like the last one. In fact, this chapter is almost like part 2 of the last chapter. So you may want to read the chapter on giving your time before you read this one.
Jesus told a story about a landowner who was going away on a long trip. Before he left, he pulled aside three of his servants and gave them each some money to take care of while he was gone. He was gone for a really long time, and when he finally came home, he called his servants to see what they had done with his money (in the Bible, this money was called "talent"). Two of the three servants had used the money in creative ways to make even more money for the landowner. He was super excited and thankful. The third servant didn't do so well, though. He played it safe and did nothing with the money. Instead of using it to make more money for the master, he just dug a hole in the ground and hid it. In his way of thinking, it was better to play it safe than to take a chance and risk losing the landowner's money.
That doesn't sound terrible, does it? Well, it must have been, because the master was totally ticked off! He called the servant evil and lazy because he didn't try to use the money he had been given. The story doesn't say this, but it seems as though the landowner just wanted the three servants to do something...anything...with the money he left them. It would have been better for the third servant to take a risk and lose the money than to just bury it and not use it at all.
God has given you lots of gifts. You are good at lots of stuff. If you're a Christian, you are God's servant, and God gave you these talents to make a difference in our world. He doesn't care if you try and fail. He understands that using your talents for him feels a little risky. He's okay with all that. In fact, part of growing in your Christian faith is practicing using the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given you. When you start using your talents, you'll find out pretty quickly that things won't always work out exactly the way you think they should. The truth is you'll probably make lots of mistakes. But that's okay, because the biggest mistake is playing it safe, taking no risks, and doing nothing with what God has given you.
**
Taken from "My Faith!" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2006, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Turkey to go – another pointless game to take your mind off of other things.
4. BIRTHDAYS
Hey everyone...we've got FOUR birthdays to celebrate this week! Be sure to wish Kevin and Caleb O'Halloran, Katie Leonard, and Jacob Eitzen very HAPPY birthdays!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Spinning Hampsters!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. They can also burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse."
- Henry Van Dyke
"Even though we're a week and a half away from Thanksgiving, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."
- Richard Roper
===========our|sponsor===========
KEEP YOUR FAITH STRONG AS YOU FACE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Life can be hard. Especially when you're in middle school. (Believe us, we remember!) It also can be hard to understand what your faith is all about – and keep it strong when you face the trials and temptations that come along with being a teenager.
"My Faith" will give you all the tips and secrets you need to really grasp your faith and keep hold of it.
From ex-middle school morons turned adult morons, Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher – this book is filled with short and fun-to-read devotional-style pointers along with humorous stories. Plus there are quotes and questions from students just like you. After reading "My Faith", you'll be ready to face the challenges of middle school with a strong faith.
Learn more and purchase "My Faith" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
It is now common knowledge that the average American gains 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Enjoy!
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
Thanksgiving Worship
Yesterday morning we all enjoyed a very unique time of worship together. Many of us discovered that we have more to be thankful for than we even realize.
Read Pastor Brian's reflections on the morning here.
High School Winter Youth
High Schoolers get ready for an amazing time living, playing, and growing together at Winter Youth 2007. With relevant speakers, seminar choices, great worship times and 4 days with your friends, it's going to be awesome! It's all happening December 27-30 at the Red Lion Inn in Portland.
If you would still like to get in on the early registration price of $165 call Pastor Aaron today! After today early registration will be over, but it is still not too late to register. The cost will be $195, and there are several discounts available. Pastor's kid, Missionary kid, full time ministry kid, & multiple kids per family can get a $20 discount. If money is an issue for you, please do not let that stand in the way of your involvement. Please see Pator Aaron if you need assistance.
Download all info, registration cards, and discount coupons at our 180 site, or pick them up on the info table in the Youth Center.
See pictures of last year's Winter Youth experience here.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
GIVING MY TIME
It seems as though people are busier today than ever--especially middle school students. When we were in middle school, there really wasn't much else happening. We'd come home from school and sit around, hoping to find something fun to pass the time. But life for you gets really busy really easily. You play sports all year round, you're in a couple of after-school clubs, you have tons of homework, and you probably go to church once or twice a week. When you do find yourself with a little free time, you probably spend it hanging out online, playing video games, or reading really cool books about middle school life! None of that stuff is bad. Heck, both of us enjoy going online, playing video games, and reading books, too!
But when you look around, it's pretty easy to see that lots of people are using some of their free time to do stuff that helps others and makes the world a little bit better. When a disaster like a hurricane or tsunami happens, people from all over the world chip in to help out. In the inner city, caring volunteers tutor and mentor children. Volunteers who enjoy sports and spending time with kids coach the sports teams you play on.
You're probably good at lots of stuff. In fact, take two minutes and make a mental list of everything you're good at. It'll probably take more time than that, but two minutes should give you a good start. God gave you those gifts and abilities for a reason: So you can use them! Not so you can use them just for your own fun and excitement, but so you can make a difference!
Are you good at sports? Then maybe you can help coach a team of younger kids.
Are you good at math? How about asking your math teacher if he knows of anybody who needs extra help?
Do you like little children? The children's department at your church is probably looking for extra help!
Life keeps us really busy. But most of our time is taken up being busy doing stuff that only helps ourselves. What if you slowed down just enough to spend some of your time doing something that makes a difference in someone else's life?
GIVING MY TALENTS
If you're reading this book in order, you'll probably notice that this chapter is a lot like the last one. In fact, this chapter is almost like part 2 of the last chapter. So you may want to read the chapter on giving your time before you read this one.
Jesus told a story about a landowner who was going away on a long trip. Before he left, he pulled aside three of his servants and gave them each some money to take care of while he was gone. He was gone for a really long time, and when he finally came home, he called his servants to see what they had done with his money (in the Bible, this money was called "talent"). Two of the three servants had used the money in creative ways to make even more money for the landowner. He was super excited and thankful. The third servant didn't do so well, though. He played it safe and did nothing with the money. Instead of using it to make more money for the master, he just dug a hole in the ground and hid it. In his way of thinking, it was better to play it safe than to take a chance and risk losing the landowner's money.
That doesn't sound terrible, does it? Well, it must have been, because the master was totally ticked off! He called the servant evil and lazy because he didn't try to use the money he had been given. The story doesn't say this, but it seems as though the landowner just wanted the three servants to do something...anything...with the money he left them. It would have been better for the third servant to take a risk and lose the money than to just bury it and not use it at all.
God has given you lots of gifts. You are good at lots of stuff. If you're a Christian, you are God's servant, and God gave you these talents to make a difference in our world. He doesn't care if you try and fail. He understands that using your talents for him feels a little risky. He's okay with all that. In fact, part of growing in your Christian faith is practicing using the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given you. When you start using your talents, you'll find out pretty quickly that things won't always work out exactly the way you think they should. The truth is you'll probably make lots of mistakes. But that's okay, because the biggest mistake is playing it safe, taking no risks, and doing nothing with what God has given you.
**
Taken from "My Faith!" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2006, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Turkey to go – another pointless game to take your mind off of other things.
4. BIRTHDAYS
Hey everyone...we've got FOUR birthdays to celebrate this week! Be sure to wish Kevin and Caleb O'Halloran, Katie Leonard, and Jacob Eitzen very HAPPY birthdays!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Spinning Hampsters!
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
A spooked turkey can run at speeds up to 20 miles per hour. They can also burst into flight approaching speeds between 50-55 mph in a matter of seconds.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling. Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse."
- Henry Van Dyke
"Even though we're a week and a half away from Thanksgiving, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas."
- Richard Roper
===========our|sponsor===========
KEEP YOUR FAITH STRONG AS YOU FACE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Life can be hard. Especially when you're in middle school. (Believe us, we remember!) It also can be hard to understand what your faith is all about – and keep it strong when you face the trials and temptations that come along with being a teenager.
"My Faith" will give you all the tips and secrets you need to really grasp your faith and keep hold of it.
From ex-middle school morons turned adult morons, Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher – this book is filled with short and fun-to-read devotional-style pointers along with humorous stories. Plus there are quotes and questions from students just like you. After reading "My Faith", you'll be ready to face the challenges of middle school with a strong faith.
Learn more and purchase "My Faith" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
It is now common knowledge that the average American gains 7 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Enjoy!
November 12, 2007
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
MS Turkey 'N Thanks
After Saturday night we were all left fat, happy, and real thankful! TNT this year was an exceptional time. We came away thankful for much!
Click here to see pictures of our time together.
Click here to see the formal portraits that were taken. If you would like a copy of your picture you may either order a print from the site, or simply download it, or have us email it to you. Great shots!!
High School Winter Youth - December 27-30
Get ready for an amazing time living, playing, and growing together at Winter Youth 2007. With relevant speakers, seminar choices, great worship times and 4 days with your friends, it's going to be awesome!
Sign up with your $50 deposit by this Sunday, November 18 to get the early-bird price of $165. After that you can sign up for $195. Certain students (Pastor's kid, Missionary kid, full time ministry kid, & multiple kids per family) can get a $20 discount. If money is an issue for you, please do not let that stand in the way of your involvement. Please see Pator Aaron if you need assistance.
Download all info, registration cards, and discount coupons at our 180 site, or pick them up on the info table in the Youth Center.
See pictures of last year's Winter Youth experience here.
180 GEAR
Have you been to the 180 Gear store yet? Visit the 180 Gear store to purchase T-Shirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, messenger bags, mugs, 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.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Not long ago I met a man named Bob who is working to educate pastors in Africa about the AIDS crisis on that continent. As one of the leading AIDS counselors in Africa, Bob has many resources to help pastors understand the emotional, spiritual, and physical nature of the AIDS epidemic as it relates to members of their congregations in Africa.
I told Bob about my friend Harrison and the experiences we went through while he was dying. I wept as I told the story. Bob kept an open ear while I worked through some hard memories. At the end of our conversation, he said, "Andy, I want you to know I have AIDS."
"What?" I asked.
"I’ve been living with AIDS for the last 17 years," he explained. "The Lord is using my life to minister to many people who are dealing with this crisis. I want you to know, you did the right thing. Loving your friend to his death is the very act of compassion Jesus spoke about when he said, ‘Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends’" (John 15:13).
Laying down our lives doesn’t necessarily mean dying for our friends. In some cases it might mean laying down our pride for them--or laying down our preconceptions. It might mean extending a hand of compassion, even if it’s not popular with the "Christian" crowd. It might mean offering that bottle of water, even when it seems as if the other person isn’t going to drink it.
My friendship with Harrison taught me how to love my neighbor better. It taught me that neighbors aren’t necessarily the people I sit next to on Sunday morning. Sometimes they are people with different opinions, different experiences, and different outlooks on life.
Some of my neighbors have worldviews I don’t agree with. Some of them make lifestyle choices I don’t agree with. That doesn’t mean I should compromise my standards or change my beliefs to condone something the Bible speaks against. But it does mean I should look deep in my own heart at the sins I struggle with on a daily basis. That way, when I look around at other people, instead of condemning them for the lack of God’s grace in their lives, I can conjure up the love and compassion Jesus commands me to give.
Echoing the most famous love chapter in the Bible, I say, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).
**
Taken from "Love This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ What Do You Know about AIDS? World AIDS Day is December 1. Test your knowledge and find out what you can do to help those with AIDS and HIV.
~ Spot the Difference: A game to test your attention to details
~ Click here for your shot at a free 180 T-Shirt.
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week we wish a VERY HAPPY birthday to Connor O'Brien, and Christine Laughlin! We wish you all the BEST!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Dare You To Move
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"A Christian is someone who shares the sufferings of God in the world."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Jesus promised the disciples three things--that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy and in constant trouble."
- G.K. Chesterton
===========our|sponsor===========
LEARN TO LOVE AS A WAY OF LIFE
In "Love This!" you'll read real-life stories of people like you who've found ways to love their neighbors. You can make a difference in the world by loving people who are often ignored or unloved--the homeless, the addicted, the elderly, those of different races, even your enemies. This book will help you discover tangible ways you can demonstrate that love.
Learn more and purchase "Love This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Never wear your best pants when you go to fight for freedom.
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
MS Turkey 'N Thanks
After Saturday night we were all left fat, happy, and real thankful! TNT this year was an exceptional time. We came away thankful for much!
Click here to see pictures of our time together.
Click here to see the formal portraits that were taken. If you would like a copy of your picture you may either order a print from the site, or simply download it, or have us email it to you. Great shots!!
High School Winter Youth - December 27-30
Get ready for an amazing time living, playing, and growing together at Winter Youth 2007. With relevant speakers, seminar choices, great worship times and 4 days with your friends, it's going to be awesome!Sign up with your $50 deposit by this Sunday, November 18 to get the early-bird price of $165. After that you can sign up for $195. Certain students (Pastor's kid, Missionary kid, full time ministry kid, & multiple kids per family) can get a $20 discount. If money is an issue for you, please do not let that stand in the way of your involvement. Please see Pator Aaron if you need assistance.
Download all info, registration cards, and discount coupons at our 180 site, or pick them up on the info table in the Youth Center.
See pictures of last year's Winter Youth experience here.
180 GEAR
Have you been to the 180 Gear store yet? Visit the 180 Gear store to purchase T-Shirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, messenger bags, mugs, 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.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
Not long ago I met a man named Bob who is working to educate pastors in Africa about the AIDS crisis on that continent. As one of the leading AIDS counselors in Africa, Bob has many resources to help pastors understand the emotional, spiritual, and physical nature of the AIDS epidemic as it relates to members of their congregations in Africa.
I told Bob about my friend Harrison and the experiences we went through while he was dying. I wept as I told the story. Bob kept an open ear while I worked through some hard memories. At the end of our conversation, he said, "Andy, I want you to know I have AIDS."
"What?" I asked.
"I’ve been living with AIDS for the last 17 years," he explained. "The Lord is using my life to minister to many people who are dealing with this crisis. I want you to know, you did the right thing. Loving your friend to his death is the very act of compassion Jesus spoke about when he said, ‘Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends’" (John 15:13).
Laying down our lives doesn’t necessarily mean dying for our friends. In some cases it might mean laying down our pride for them--or laying down our preconceptions. It might mean extending a hand of compassion, even if it’s not popular with the "Christian" crowd. It might mean offering that bottle of water, even when it seems as if the other person isn’t going to drink it.
My friendship with Harrison taught me how to love my neighbor better. It taught me that neighbors aren’t necessarily the people I sit next to on Sunday morning. Sometimes they are people with different opinions, different experiences, and different outlooks on life.
Some of my neighbors have worldviews I don’t agree with. Some of them make lifestyle choices I don’t agree with. That doesn’t mean I should compromise my standards or change my beliefs to condone something the Bible speaks against. But it does mean I should look deep in my own heart at the sins I struggle with on a daily basis. That way, when I look around at other people, instead of condemning them for the lack of God’s grace in their lives, I can conjure up the love and compassion Jesus commands me to give.
Echoing the most famous love chapter in the Bible, I say, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).
**
Taken from "Love This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.
Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ What Do You Know about AIDS? World AIDS Day is December 1. Test your knowledge and find out what you can do to help those with AIDS and HIV.
~ Spot the Difference: A game to test your attention to details
~ Click here for your shot at a free 180 T-Shirt.
4. BIRTHDAYS
This week we wish a VERY HAPPY birthday to Connor O'Brien, and Christine Laughlin! We wish you all the BEST!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Dare You To Move
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"A Christian is someone who shares the sufferings of God in the world."
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"Jesus promised the disciples three things--that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy and in constant trouble."
- G.K. Chesterton
===========our|sponsor===========
LEARN TO LOVE AS A WAY OF LIFE
In "Love This!" you'll read real-life stories of people like you who've found ways to love their neighbors. You can make a difference in the world by loving people who are often ignored or unloved--the homeless, the addicted, the elderly, those of different races, even your enemies. This book will help you discover tangible ways you can demonstrate that love.
Learn more and purchase "Love This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
Never wear your best pants when you go to fight for freedom.
November 5, 2007
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
MS TNT
Hey Middle Schoolers be sure to join us for Turkey 'N Thanks this 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. Note: The flier mistakenly says the event concludes at 7:30. We will conclude our time together at 8:00.
See pictures of last year's TNT here.
High School Winter Youth - December 27-30
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.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
A little while ago I was in Grand Rapids, Michigan, team teaching with a guy named Steve Carter. Steve has invited me up there to speak with his youth group a couple of times, and we're becoming pretty good friends. He's showed a lot of confidence in me and has helped me discover that young people like me have something worthwhile to say to the church.
Anyway, Steve was telling me about this new word he'd made up: wombish. Before you get weirded out, let me tell you what he means by that. You see the word compassion in the Old Testament is actually the plural form of the word womb. So basically, being compassionate is being wombish. The Bible tells us to be compassionate as God is compassionate. When we think of God's compassion as being like a womb, it's a pretty cool picture. A womb is the ultimate safe environment, where virtually nothing can harm you, and the mother must give away a piece of herself in order to keep you safe. As a matter of fact, if the person doing the protecting weren't there, then life in the womb would cease to exist. I think that's the kind of compassion and care we should offer to people who are oppressed and hurting around the world. (And this doesn't apply just to situations as drastic as slavery.)
Steve also pointed out the first few verses of Isaiah 61 to me, in which Isaiah says the Spirit of God is upon him, giving him a mission to preach to the lowest of the low, to break bonds, and to bandage wounds. Jesus reads these very same words aloud as he begins his own ministry (Luke 4:18-19). God sent Isaiah--and Jesus--to reach out to the hurting, the despised, the rejects. And God asks the same of each of us.
My friend Steve lives this out among the youth he ministers to at Mars Hill Bible Church. After speaking at the church, I had the opportunity to have pizza with some of the middle and high school kids. [Are you reading this right now? Be the first student to email us here to let us know, and what you think of this article, and you will win a free 180 T-shirt, to be awarded this Sunday!] Each student around the table shared with me how they were living out compassion in their lives. A group of middle schoolers told me they had learned of some people in their own community who were unable to pay their electric bills and were in danger of living in freezing conditions. The students decided to raise money by recycling cans so they could pay their neighbors' heating bills. Other students went to the region devastated by Katrina and helped with the cleanup. Still others went on short-term missions trips outside the country. It was great to see so many students living out their faith to help others and becoming wombish.
Some people seem to be afraid of an idea they call the "social gospel." I don't know everything they mean by that term, but I think they're concerned that if we emphasize serving the poor and bringing justice as part of God's calling for us, we're saying living for Christ isn't about holiness and trying to get closer to God. But I don't see it that way. Compassion is not some alternate gospel. Compassion is an overflow of the gospel--the Good News of Christ's sacrifice. Compassion says we have embraced the relationship with God through Christ. It's not that we have to earn our salvation by doing good things, but compassion and service flow out of us because we are filled with God's love. If we don't take care of orphans and widows, if we don't care for the poor and hurting, how can we say we belong to Jesus?
Even though it's a weird word, think about this word "wombish" for a little while. What do you think it would look like in your life for you to be "wombish" toward people in your school who are suffering?
What about people in your larger community--the homeless, fatherless, or sick?
What about people who make you feel uncomfortable?
What about people around the globe?
Have you ever been involved in serving someone in need?
How did it make you feel?
How do you think it makes God feel?
Do you think of serving the poor and needy as a way to get to God or as an overflow of the relationship you already have with him?
Check out James 1:27. What does James mean when he talks about "pure religion?"
**
Taken from "Be the Change" by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ ZGraphicNovels: A new line of Christian manga books
~ #1 Song on the Day You Were Born: Just a fun site to visit
4. BIRTHDAYS
Hey everyone we've got TWO birthdayas of note this week. Be sure to wish both Forrest Andeson and Evan Mangelsdorf a very HAPPY birthday this week!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Kitty Wake Up Call
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
Pearls melt in vinegar. (Don't try this at home!)
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."
- Booker T. Washington
===========our|sponsor===========
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD
Most people think the average teenager isn't capable of much beyond hanging with their friends and wasting time. But Zach Hunter isn't your average teenager. And he's hoping to show you that you're not either.
Just look around the world and on the news and you'll find that there are plenty of things wrong with our planet--homelessness, hunger, global warming, AIDS...the list goes on and on. And we usually look at these problems and decide they're too big for us to do anything about. Zach has been trying to end slavery around the globe and is proving that one person can make a difference. And in his book, he'll reveal the elements needed to make amazing changes in your world. In the end, he hopes you'll find the thing you're passionate about--and start making changes!
Learn more and purchase "Be the Change" here.
Purchase book here.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
A babysitter is a teenager acting like an adult while the adults are out acting like teenagers.
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
MS TNT
Hey Middle Schoolers be sure to join us for Turkey 'N Thanks this 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. Note: The flier mistakenly says the event concludes at 7:30. We will conclude our time together at 8:00.
See pictures of last year's TNT here.
High School Winter Youth - December 27-30
Get ready for an amazing time living, playing, and growing together at Winter Youth 2007. With relevant speakers, seminar choices, great worship times and 4 days with your friends, it's going to be awesome!
Sign up with your $50 deposit by Sunday, November 18 to get the early-bird price of $165. After that you can sign up for $195. Certain students (Pastor's kid, Missionary kid, full time ministry kid, & multiple kids per family) can get a $20 discount. If money is an issue for you, please do not let that stand in the way of your involvement. Please see Pator Aaron if you need assistance.
Download all info, registration cards, and discount coupons at our 180 site, or pick them up on the info table in the Youth Center.
See pictures of last year's Winter Youth experience here.
High School Guys Night Out - November 16 - 17 (6pm - 9:30am)
While the ladies are at their Revolve Tour, us dudes will be hanging in the youth center for some great times: Movies, music, games, video games, dinner & breakfast. Sign up (email Pastor Aaron or sign the sheet in the back of the Youth Center) by Sunday the 11th.
Fuel This Week
Be there as Elli Ramirez shares how God impacted her this Summer in Scotland.
Sign up with your $50 deposit by Sunday, November 18 to get the early-bird price of $165. After that you can sign up for $195. Certain students (Pastor's kid, Missionary kid, full time ministry kid, & multiple kids per family) can get a $20 discount. If money is an issue for you, please do not let that stand in the way of your involvement. Please see Pator Aaron if you need assistance.
Download all info, registration cards, and discount coupons at our 180 site, or pick them up on the info table in the Youth Center.
See pictures of last year's Winter Youth experience here.
High School Guys Night Out - November 16 - 17 (6pm - 9:30am)
While the ladies are at their Revolve Tour, us dudes will be hanging in the youth center for some great times: Movies, music, games, video games, dinner & breakfast. Sign up (email Pastor Aaron or sign the sheet in the back of the Youth Center) by Sunday the 11th.
Fuel This Week
Be there as Elli Ramirez shares how God impacted her this Summer in Scotland.
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.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
A little while ago I was in Grand Rapids, Michigan, team teaching with a guy named Steve Carter. Steve has invited me up there to speak with his youth group a couple of times, and we're becoming pretty good friends. He's showed a lot of confidence in me and has helped me discover that young people like me have something worthwhile to say to the church.
Anyway, Steve was telling me about this new word he'd made up: wombish. Before you get weirded out, let me tell you what he means by that. You see the word compassion in the Old Testament is actually the plural form of the word womb. So basically, being compassionate is being wombish. The Bible tells us to be compassionate as God is compassionate. When we think of God's compassion as being like a womb, it's a pretty cool picture. A womb is the ultimate safe environment, where virtually nothing can harm you, and the mother must give away a piece of herself in order to keep you safe. As a matter of fact, if the person doing the protecting weren't there, then life in the womb would cease to exist. I think that's the kind of compassion and care we should offer to people who are oppressed and hurting around the world. (And this doesn't apply just to situations as drastic as slavery.)
Steve also pointed out the first few verses of Isaiah 61 to me, in which Isaiah says the Spirit of God is upon him, giving him a mission to preach to the lowest of the low, to break bonds, and to bandage wounds. Jesus reads these very same words aloud as he begins his own ministry (Luke 4:18-19). God sent Isaiah--and Jesus--to reach out to the hurting, the despised, the rejects. And God asks the same of each of us.
My friend Steve lives this out among the youth he ministers to at Mars Hill Bible Church. After speaking at the church, I had the opportunity to have pizza with some of the middle and high school kids. [Are you reading this right now? Be the first student to email us here to let us know, and what you think of this article, and you will win a free 180 T-shirt, to be awarded this Sunday!] Each student around the table shared with me how they were living out compassion in their lives. A group of middle schoolers told me they had learned of some people in their own community who were unable to pay their electric bills and were in danger of living in freezing conditions. The students decided to raise money by recycling cans so they could pay their neighbors' heating bills. Other students went to the region devastated by Katrina and helped with the cleanup. Still others went on short-term missions trips outside the country. It was great to see so many students living out their faith to help others and becoming wombish.
Some people seem to be afraid of an idea they call the "social gospel." I don't know everything they mean by that term, but I think they're concerned that if we emphasize serving the poor and bringing justice as part of God's calling for us, we're saying living for Christ isn't about holiness and trying to get closer to God. But I don't see it that way. Compassion is not some alternate gospel. Compassion is an overflow of the gospel--the Good News of Christ's sacrifice. Compassion says we have embraced the relationship with God through Christ. It's not that we have to earn our salvation by doing good things, but compassion and service flow out of us because we are filled with God's love. If we don't take care of orphans and widows, if we don't care for the poor and hurting, how can we say we belong to Jesus?
Even though it's a weird word, think about this word "wombish" for a little while. What do you think it would look like in your life for you to be "wombish" toward people in your school who are suffering?
What about people in your larger community--the homeless, fatherless, or sick?
What about people who make you feel uncomfortable?
What about people around the globe?
Have you ever been involved in serving someone in need?
How did it make you feel?
How do you think it makes God feel?
Do you think of serving the poor and needy as a way to get to God or as an overflow of the relationship you already have with him?
Check out James 1:27. What does James mean when he talks about "pure religion?"
**
Taken from "Be the Change" by Zach Hunter, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ ZGraphicNovels: A new line of Christian manga books
~ #1 Song on the Day You Were Born: Just a fun site to visit
4. BIRTHDAYS
Hey everyone we've got TWO birthdayas of note this week. Be sure to wish both Forrest Andeson and Evan Mangelsdorf a very HAPPY birthday this week!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Kitty Wake Up Call
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
Pearls melt in vinegar. (Don't try this at home!)
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."
- Booker T. Washington
===========our|sponsor===========
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD
Most people think the average teenager isn't capable of much beyond hanging with their friends and wasting time. But Zach Hunter isn't your average teenager. And he's hoping to show you that you're not either.
Just look around the world and on the news and you'll find that there are plenty of things wrong with our planet--homelessness, hunger, global warming, AIDS...the list goes on and on. And we usually look at these problems and decide they're too big for us to do anything about. Zach has been trying to end slavery around the globe and is proving that one person can make a difference. And in his book, he'll reveal the elements needed to make amazing changes in your world. In the end, he hopes you'll find the thing you're passionate about--and start making changes!
Learn more and purchase "Be the Change" here.
Purchase book here.
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
A babysitter is a teenager acting like an adult while the adults are out acting like teenagers.
