January 28, 2008
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. Today Is...
1. 180 NEWS
SNOW FUN
We had a great time up on the mountain last Monday! With the temps at 16 degrees and a wind chill factor of 0, we tubed, skied, snowboarded, and tried to stay warm!!
It was a great time! Check out all the pics here.
30 HOUR FAMINE
Yesterday we officially launched our 30 Hour Famine event, happening February 22-23. If you were not with us be sure to pick up a fundraising packet this week and make plans now to be apart of this great event!
Kids just like you are seeing their friends and families die from hunger - 29,000 every day, gone for good. They're counting on us to care. We know your own life is busy, but do you have room to care for someone else as well? If so, join us.
Be Seen. Be Heard. BE HUNGRY!
Water Bottles
MANY THANKS to all those who have been bringing in empty water bottles! We still need more!
Pastor Brian is collecting water bottles for use at the 30 Hour Famine Rally. We have a large cardboard box in the Youth Center designated for water bottles. Please collect as many empty bottles as you can and bring them with you to church over the next three weeks. You will be impressed with what happens with them!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
EXTREME FRIENDSHIP--LOVE IS MEANT FOR EVERYONE
Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
START
Ever since third grade you've been feuding with the sorry excuse for a human being who's just plunked down in the desk in front of you. Last week your squabble erupted afresh when the guy pelted your house with three dozen eggs--resulting in two giant swaths of dimpled siding, three shattered windows, and one traumatized family dog. If that wasn't bad enough, the police interrogated you. Your parents blamed you. The only plus about sitting behind him now is that he can't see your laser-like eyes smoking holes in his skull.
How do you treat people who inflict pain on you?
READ Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said: 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
THINK
Perfect? Like God? If this command sounds over the top, breathe deeply. Then answer this: Why does Jesus tell you to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"? (Look for what follows "that you may be...")
On whom does God shower his care--his warm sun and life-giving rain?
Even pagans who don't know God care about people who love them. How can you do better than that?
LIVE
If you love people who cause you pain, are you excusing the wrongs they do? Explain.
You've learned that God wants his care to spread around the world and to every person on the planet. No doubt there are some people you'd rather skip. Yet when you love the unlovable and care for the incurable, you're like God. Perfect. Holy. Mature. God never brushes off evil. In fact, he's the only being in the universe who knows how it feels to have the whole human race stand against him (Romans 5:10). But his undeserved kindness busts through our sinfulness and makes us his friends (Colossians 1:21-22). He wants us to pass on to others the love he's given to us.
When you scan your world, who looks easy to love? Why?
Who is more challenging to love? Make a list. Next to each name, jot down one tiny way you can show this person the same brand of kindness God shows us.
WRAP
You might figure that Jesus received a lot of playground thrashings as a kid. After all, he tells you not just to love your enemies but to "turn your other cheek" (Matthew 5:39 NIRV). One thing shows us for sure that Jesus was no wimp: He was radically tough in his willingness to suffer for our sake. Loving an enemy doesn't mean you're pathetically weak. It proves you're incredibly strong.
MORE THOUGHTS TO MULL
What people in your world act with Christlike kindness? Ask them how they pull it off.
Think about some of your ugliest thoughts about people. Then ask yourself how you'd feel if God or other people felt that way about you.
Some of the people who hurt you in life will be fellow Christians. How does the fact that you and your archenemy may one day share a pew in heaven alter how you act now?
MORE SCRIPTURES TO DIG
Your natural instincts tell you to dish back whatever others dish at you. Jesus sums up that mentality in Matthew 5:38-42. Then he tells us to go out of our way to be kind to people who cause us pain. Clearly that's a massive challenge, but it's doing love the way Jesus does it. You might feel as though you're letting evil slide if you don't take revenge for the wrongs done to you. Actually, when you choose not to repay evil with evil, you stomp on evil by doing good things. "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Look for all of these deep thoughts in Romans 12:17-21.
None of this means you can't ask God to rescue you from people who aim to crush you. Look at Psalm 25 for some wise words. King David prays for safety. He asks for his enemies' downfall. But David also asks God to forgive his sins, and he invites God to guide him along the right paths in every part of his life.
You have one enemy who's more evil than any other. And he's one guy you don't have to love. Read about him in 1 Peter 5:8-11.
**
Taken from "Stick" by Kevin Johnson, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Captain Underpants Game: Just for fun!
~ HomeworkSpot.com: Get some help with your tough assignments
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got 4 birthdays this week! One hundred and eighty birthday wishes go out to AJ Geist, Leah & Michelle Wiseman, and Zach Eitzen. We wish you all the BEST!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
2007 Was a great year for us here at Grace Point. Here is the video shown last night at Primetime.
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
While 7 men in 100 have some form of color blindness, only 1 woman in 1,000 suffers from it.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"You have become a mature person when keeping a secret gives you more satisfaction than passing it along."
~Author Unknown
"The best mirror is an old friend."
~George Herbert
===========our|sponsor===========
LEARN THE SECRETS TO GREAT FRIENDSHIPS
This Bible study is designed especially for middle school students, and will walk you through some of the major truths in God's Word. In this study you'll learn:
- what kinds of friends to look for
- how you can be a friend worth having
- how to help your friends when they're hurting
- what to do when your friends let you down
Don't get stuck with friends who bring you down. Learn the secrets of doing friendship God's way so you'll have friends who always stick close.
Learn more and purchase "Stick" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. TODAY IS...
NATIONAL KAZOO DAY! So get out there and make some noise... Learn all about kazoos here:
http://www.kazoos.com/historye.htm
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. Today Is...
1. 180 NEWS
SNOW FUN
We had a great time up on the mountain last Monday! With the temps at 16 degrees and a wind chill factor of 0, we tubed, skied, snowboarded, and tried to stay warm!!
It was a great time! Check out all the pics here.
30 HOUR FAMINE
Yesterday we officially launched our 30 Hour Famine event, happening February 22-23. If you were not with us be sure to pick up a fundraising packet this week and make plans now to be apart of this great event!Kids just like you are seeing their friends and families die from hunger - 29,000 every day, gone for good. They're counting on us to care. We know your own life is busy, but do you have room to care for someone else as well? If so, join us.
Be Seen. Be Heard. BE HUNGRY!
Water Bottles
MANY THANKS to all those who have been bringing in empty water bottles! We still need more!Pastor Brian is collecting water bottles for use at the 30 Hour Famine Rally. We have a large cardboard box in the Youth Center designated for water bottles. Please collect as many empty bottles as you can and bring them with you to church over the next three weeks. You will be impressed with what happens with them!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
EXTREME FRIENDSHIP--LOVE IS MEANT FOR EVERYONE
Matthew 5:44
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
START
Ever since third grade you've been feuding with the sorry excuse for a human being who's just plunked down in the desk in front of you. Last week your squabble erupted afresh when the guy pelted your house with three dozen eggs--resulting in two giant swaths of dimpled siding, three shattered windows, and one traumatized family dog. If that wasn't bad enough, the police interrogated you. Your parents blamed you. The only plus about sitting behind him now is that he can't see your laser-like eyes smoking holes in his skull.
How do you treat people who inflict pain on you?
READ Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said: 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
THINK
Perfect? Like God? If this command sounds over the top, breathe deeply. Then answer this: Why does Jesus tell you to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you"? (Look for what follows "that you may be...")
On whom does God shower his care--his warm sun and life-giving rain?
Even pagans who don't know God care about people who love them. How can you do better than that?
LIVE
If you love people who cause you pain, are you excusing the wrongs they do? Explain.
You've learned that God wants his care to spread around the world and to every person on the planet. No doubt there are some people you'd rather skip. Yet when you love the unlovable and care for the incurable, you're like God. Perfect. Holy. Mature. God never brushes off evil. In fact, he's the only being in the universe who knows how it feels to have the whole human race stand against him (Romans 5:10). But his undeserved kindness busts through our sinfulness and makes us his friends (Colossians 1:21-22). He wants us to pass on to others the love he's given to us.
When you scan your world, who looks easy to love? Why?
Who is more challenging to love? Make a list. Next to each name, jot down one tiny way you can show this person the same brand of kindness God shows us.
WRAP
You might figure that Jesus received a lot of playground thrashings as a kid. After all, he tells you not just to love your enemies but to "turn your other cheek" (Matthew 5:39 NIRV). One thing shows us for sure that Jesus was no wimp: He was radically tough in his willingness to suffer for our sake. Loving an enemy doesn't mean you're pathetically weak. It proves you're incredibly strong.
MORE THOUGHTS TO MULL
What people in your world act with Christlike kindness? Ask them how they pull it off.
Think about some of your ugliest thoughts about people. Then ask yourself how you'd feel if God or other people felt that way about you.
Some of the people who hurt you in life will be fellow Christians. How does the fact that you and your archenemy may one day share a pew in heaven alter how you act now?
MORE SCRIPTURES TO DIG
Your natural instincts tell you to dish back whatever others dish at you. Jesus sums up that mentality in Matthew 5:38-42. Then he tells us to go out of our way to be kind to people who cause us pain. Clearly that's a massive challenge, but it's doing love the way Jesus does it. You might feel as though you're letting evil slide if you don't take revenge for the wrongs done to you. Actually, when you choose not to repay evil with evil, you stomp on evil by doing good things. "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Look for all of these deep thoughts in Romans 12:17-21.
None of this means you can't ask God to rescue you from people who aim to crush you. Look at Psalm 25 for some wise words. King David prays for safety. He asks for his enemies' downfall. But David also asks God to forgive his sins, and he invites God to guide him along the right paths in every part of his life.
You have one enemy who's more evil than any other. And he's one guy you don't have to love. Read about him in 1 Peter 5:8-11.
**
Taken from "Stick" by Kevin Johnson, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ Captain Underpants Game: Just for fun!
~ HomeworkSpot.com: Get some help with your tough assignments
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got 4 birthdays this week! One hundred and eighty birthday wishes go out to AJ Geist, Leah & Michelle Wiseman, and Zach Eitzen. We wish you all the BEST!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
2007 Was a great year for us here at Grace Point. Here is the video shown last night at Primetime.
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
While 7 men in 100 have some form of color blindness, only 1 woman in 1,000 suffers from it.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"You have become a mature person when keeping a secret gives you more satisfaction than passing it along."
~Author Unknown
"The best mirror is an old friend."
~George Herbert
===========our|sponsor===========
LEARN THE SECRETS TO GREAT FRIENDSHIPS
This Bible study is designed especially for middle school students, and will walk you through some of the major truths in God's Word. In this study you'll learn:
- what kinds of friends to look for
- how you can be a friend worth having
- how to help your friends when they're hurting
- what to do when your friends let you down
Don't get stuck with friends who bring you down. Learn the secrets of doing friendship God's way so you'll have friends who always stick close.
Learn more and purchase "Stick" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
=================================
8. TODAY IS...
NATIONAL KAZOO DAY! So get out there and make some noise... Learn all about kazoos here:
http://www.kazoos.com/historye.htm
January 14, 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
SNOW FUN
We are looking forward to a great day on the mountain next Monday! If you are registered to go, here are are few things to remember.
• We will leave the church at 8:00 am.
• Tubers will return at 4:00 pm.
• Boarders/skiers will return at 8:00 pm.
• If you will be snowboarding/skiing please bring a lunch & dinner or money to purchase them.
• If you will be tubing your lunch will be provided.
• Please be sure to have all rental forms completed and turned in before we depart.
• If you are tubing, please bring your parent into the Youth Center when you arrive on Monday to sign the group release form.
Mt Hood, here we come!
MS MISSION TRIP
Hey Middle Schoolers plans are coming together for this summer's mission trip! August 4-8 we will be participating in Student Life's Mission Camp, hosted at George Fox University in Newberg.
We will be joining with hundreds of other students for an amazing camp experience, as well as each day of the week having the opportunity to go to a ministry location, and share the love of Christ, to serve as Jesus did.
Join us and be a part of something BIG! Pick up a full color brochure and informational flier this week. If you would like to be a part of this incredible opportunity a $50 deposit is due by Sunday, January 27.
Please visit Student Life's Mission Camp site fore more info. Click here to download an informational flier.
30 HOUR FAMINE
We are gearing up for our annual 30 Hour Famine, happening February 22-23. Make plans now to be a part of this very strategic event.
Kids just like you are seeing their friends and families die from hunger - 29,000 every day, gone for good. They're counting on us to care. We know your own life is busy, but do you have room to care for someone else as well? If so, join us.
Be Seen. Be Heard. BE HUNGRY!
Be sure to check out this week's Video of The Week to learn even more.
Water Bottles
We need plastic water bottles! Pastor Brian is collecting water bottles for use at the 30 Hour Famine Rally. We have a large cardboard box in the Youth Center designated for water bottles. Please collect as many empty bottles as you can and bring them with you to church over the next three weeks. You will be impressed with what happens with them!
Newsletter Note
Due to our Snow Fun event next Monday there will be no update to our 180 Newsletter blog. See you on the mountain!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
GO AND MAKE NEW DISCIPLES
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
--MATTHEW 28:19-20 (ESV)
The world calls it proselytizing, and for all practical purposes, what they're referring to is not the right way to disciple someone. Jesus didn't tell people to go out on the street corner and slander people because of their sin in hopes that they'd come to repentance.
He didn't even ask you to argue with someone until he comes to a realization of salvation.
No, Jesus said, "Go." Go to all nations and make disciples.
Today, making disciples looks a lot different than it did even 15 or 20 years ago. People aren't as compelled to listen to someone ranting and raving about sin in the world and prophecy of doom and destruction.
We've moved into a time period when the general public is longing for someone to live what she says. They want to check you out personally and make sure you're the real deal before they let you into their spiritual worlds. Some people don't think they need God, while others are simply ignorant of the fact that God exists.
Some Christians think you have to be an old, wise sage to speak into the lives of others. Don't be fooled--you don't have to be 60 years old to start discipling someone; you can start today. Paul told Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:12-16, ESV).
When you set out to disciple someone, all you need is simply to be one step ahead of the person you're teaching. As you go through this book, each chapter is dedicated to preparing you to take one step forward. You'll have plenty to talk about if you simply look up the Scriptures and combine your reading with a little study on that particular issue.
Go and find someone who respects you. Find someone who looks up to you. Find someone who would be excited to sit down over a cup of coffee, or a slice of pizza, and talk about how to know God's will in his life. It's the most rewarding part of being a Christian, because it's true to Jesus' commandment.
**
Taken from "Duplicate This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ The Go Overboard Challenge: Share your idea on how to change the world, and you could win a grant.
~ The Traveler IQ Challenge: For you geography buffs (or those of you who need to brush up on your geography!)
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got two birthdays this week! We want to wish the very best of birthdays to Luke Freitag and Jerielle Raibley. We appreciate both you and are glad you are a part of 180!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Make plans now to join us for this year's 30 Hour Famine! February 22-23, 2008.
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Every year, Alaska has about 5,000 earthquakes.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"In the Kingdom of God, service is not a stepping-stone to nobility: it is nobility, the only kind of nobility that is recognized."
~T.W. Manson
"Such a blessed people should be a thankful people."
~Cotton Mather
===========our|sponsor===========
HELP YOUR FRIENDS WALK WITH JESUS
Before Jesus left his disciples he said to them, "go and make disciples of all nations." It was a command for everyone who follows Jesus. But what does it mean?
In "Duplicate This!" you'll learn the foundations of discipleship and what it means to make a disciple, and you'll be equipped to walk with your friends as they learn what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Learn more and purchase "Duplicate This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you:
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
If you don't care where you are, then you ain't lost.
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
SNOW FUN
We are looking forward to a great day on the mountain next Monday! If you are registered to go, here are are few things to remember.
• We will leave the church at 8:00 am.• Tubers will return at 4:00 pm.
• Boarders/skiers will return at 8:00 pm.
• If you will be snowboarding/skiing please bring a lunch & dinner or money to purchase them.
• If you will be tubing your lunch will be provided.
• Please be sure to have all rental forms completed and turned in before we depart.
• If you are tubing, please bring your parent into the Youth Center when you arrive on Monday to sign the group release form.
Mt Hood, here we come!
MS MISSION TRIP
Hey Middle Schoolers plans are coming together for this summer's mission trip! August 4-8 we will be participating in Student Life's Mission Camp, hosted at George Fox University in Newberg.
We will be joining with hundreds of other students for an amazing camp experience, as well as each day of the week having the opportunity to go to a ministry location, and share the love of Christ, to serve as Jesus did.
Join us and be a part of something BIG! Pick up a full color brochure and informational flier this week. If you would like to be a part of this incredible opportunity a $50 deposit is due by Sunday, January 27.
Please visit Student Life's Mission Camp site fore more info. Click here to download an informational flier.
30 HOUR FAMINE
We are gearing up for our annual 30 Hour Famine, happening February 22-23. Make plans now to be a part of this very strategic event.Kids just like you are seeing their friends and families die from hunger - 29,000 every day, gone for good. They're counting on us to care. We know your own life is busy, but do you have room to care for someone else as well? If so, join us.
Be Seen. Be Heard. BE HUNGRY!
Be sure to check out this week's Video of The Week to learn even more.
Water Bottles
We need plastic water bottles! Pastor Brian is collecting water bottles for use at the 30 Hour Famine Rally. We have a large cardboard box in the Youth Center designated for water bottles. Please collect as many empty bottles as you can and bring them with you to church over the next three weeks. You will be impressed with what happens with them!
Newsletter Note
Due to our Snow Fun event next Monday there will be no update to our 180 Newsletter blog. See you on the mountain!
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
GO AND MAKE NEW DISCIPLES
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
--MATTHEW 28:19-20 (ESV)
The world calls it proselytizing, and for all practical purposes, what they're referring to is not the right way to disciple someone. Jesus didn't tell people to go out on the street corner and slander people because of their sin in hopes that they'd come to repentance.
He didn't even ask you to argue with someone until he comes to a realization of salvation.
No, Jesus said, "Go." Go to all nations and make disciples.
Today, making disciples looks a lot different than it did even 15 or 20 years ago. People aren't as compelled to listen to someone ranting and raving about sin in the world and prophecy of doom and destruction.
We've moved into a time period when the general public is longing for someone to live what she says. They want to check you out personally and make sure you're the real deal before they let you into their spiritual worlds. Some people don't think they need God, while others are simply ignorant of the fact that God exists.
Some Christians think you have to be an old, wise sage to speak into the lives of others. Don't be fooled--you don't have to be 60 years old to start discipling someone; you can start today. Paul told Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things; devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers" (1 Timothy 4:12-16, ESV).
When you set out to disciple someone, all you need is simply to be one step ahead of the person you're teaching. As you go through this book, each chapter is dedicated to preparing you to take one step forward. You'll have plenty to talk about if you simply look up the Scriptures and combine your reading with a little study on that particular issue.
Go and find someone who respects you. Find someone who looks up to you. Find someone who would be excited to sit down over a cup of coffee, or a slice of pizza, and talk about how to know God's will in his life. It's the most rewarding part of being a Christian, because it's true to Jesus' commandment.
**
Taken from "Duplicate This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ The Go Overboard Challenge: Share your idea on how to change the world, and you could win a grant.
~ The Traveler IQ Challenge: For you geography buffs (or those of you who need to brush up on your geography!)
4. BIRTHDAYS
We've got two birthdays this week! We want to wish the very best of birthdays to Luke Freitag and Jerielle Raibley. We appreciate both you and are glad you are a part of 180!
5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Make plans now to join us for this year's 30 Hour Famine! February 22-23, 2008.
6. FORGETTABLE FACT
Every year, Alaska has about 5,000 earthquakes.
7. POTENT QUOTABLES
"In the Kingdom of God, service is not a stepping-stone to nobility: it is nobility, the only kind of nobility that is recognized."
~T.W. Manson
"Such a blessed people should be a thankful people."
~Cotton Mather
===========our|sponsor===========
HELP YOUR FRIENDS WALK WITH JESUS
Before Jesus left his disciples he said to them, "go and make disciples of all nations." It was a command for everyone who follows Jesus. But what does it mean?
In "Duplicate This!" you'll learn the foundations of discipleship and what it means to make a disciple, and you'll be equipped to walk with your friends as they learn what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Learn more and purchase "Duplicate This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Click here to find a Christian bookstore near you:
=================================
8. PARTING SHOT
If you don't care where you are, then you ain't lost.
January 7, 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
Thank You
We received the following note from Marshall Snider, of Bridgetown Ministries...
Brian and Aaron, and the Youth at The Grace Place!
Wow! Thanks so much - you guys are awesome! What a blessing you all are! God is blessed by your continued support of Bridgetown.
Looking forward to other great times ahead!
Blessings,
Marshall
Thanks to all who helped make Bridgetown's Christmas outreach a success. Watch for more opportunities to serve and partner with Bridgetown Ministries!
Winter Youth Pics
Eighteen of us had a great time at this year's HS Winter Youth Celebration, December 27-30.
Check out all the pictures here.
MS Mission Trip
Hey Middle Schoolers we are excited to let you know that we are putting together a missions experience just for you this summer! August 4-8 we will be participating in Student Life's Mission Camp, hosted at George Fox University in Newberg.
We will be joining with hundreds of other students for an amazing camp experience, as well as each day of the week having the opportunity to go to a ministry location, and share the love of Christ, to serve as Jesus did.
Join us and be a part of something BIG! Watch for more info. to be released soon. If you would like to be a part of this incredible opportunity a $50 deposit is due by Sunday, January 27.
Please visit Student Life's Mission Camp site fore more info.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
IMITATING JESUS
It's easy to write down, but hard to put into practice. Paul tells all Christians we are baptized in the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12), and that's true. This book certainly isn't a conversation about conversion from the old you to the new you. This book attempts to answer questions Christian teenagers are asking about their own spiritual journeys.
Every reference to conversion in the Bible speaks of confession, belief, and obedience. In other words, confession isn't the only component. You have to imitate (obedience), believe (belief), and become (confession). It seems discipleship is nothing less than imitating God.
But how can you imitate someone you've never seen?
You have to watch someone imitate Jesus so you can, too.
You have to watch someone mirror the concept of belief so you can, too.
You have to explore the life of someone who has become like Jesus so you can become like Jesus, too.
The road is an individual one accompanied by the deep fellowship of community commonly found among fellow believers. It's a path you can only know inside you, but you must seek help on the outside to enrich the quality of your spiritual life--by listening to real people around you who've walked the road before you.
The sole intent of this book is to invite you to realize those basic fundamental truths, so you can then share them with people in your life.
Become an imitator so others can imitate you.
Become a believer so others can believe, too.
Become a follower of Jesus so others can follow also.
Some of these foundational bricks are easy, and others are widely debated and difficult to reconcile. The Bible says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, ESV).
It's in the search where God reveals himself to you.
It's in the discovery where truth will come alive and imitating will begin to lead you to becoming the very person God created you to be.
However, it's not the end of the story. Once you've discovered God's righteousness in all its beauty, it's imperative that you duplicate yourself by sharing what you know with someone else. A friend of mine admitted recently, "You have to get rid of your concept of 'destination' and remember life is a journey on which you interact with others." How profound. Getting rid of my idea of destination frees me to walk this journey every day, because the love of God shouldn't be confined to some unrealistic sense of arrival.
It doesn't mean you walk around the school with a big "mule-sized" Bible, beating others into conversion.
It doesn't mean you have the right to argue someone at work into a "God-only" kind of corner. The concept of duplication happens between two people who desire to know God in their innermost beings.
It's something special; because to transfer God's love from one person to another is as beautiful as watching the stars light up in the heavens.
It's deeper than all the oceans.
It's taller than the highest mountains.
It's richer than the colors of a beautiful painting.
It's more real than a great acting performance.
Jesus makes it a process, and he desires first for you to know the process and then go and share the process with others.
He told his disciples to "come," and then in his final hours on earth, he commanded them to "go."
Come and go.
Those are two of the most important commands in all of Christianity.
Are you ready?
**
Taken from "Duplicate This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ 180 Pics - Did you know we have nearly 4 years worth of archived photos on our site?
~MS Pics
~HS Pics
~ What Kids Can Do: Stories from teens who are doing great things
~ Learn to Write a Thank You Note
4. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Ever wonder what you will look like 6 years from now?
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Flamingos pee on their legs to cool themselves off.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
~Jim Elliot
"I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
~Martin Luther
===========our|sponsor===========
HELP YOUR FRIENDS WALK WITH JESUS
Before Jesus left his disciples he said to them, "go and make disciples of all nations." It was a command for everyone who follows Jesus. But what does it mean?
In "Duplicate This!" you'll learn the foundations of discipleship and what it means to make a disciple, and you'll be equipped to walk with your friends as they learn what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Learn more and purchase "Duplicate This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Go here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Great minds run in great circles.
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
Thank You
We received the following note from Marshall Snider, of Bridgetown Ministries...
Brian and Aaron, and the Youth at The Grace Place!
Wow! Thanks so much - you guys are awesome! What a blessing you all are! God is blessed by your continued support of Bridgetown.
Looking forward to other great times ahead!
Blessings,
Marshall
Thanks to all who helped make Bridgetown's Christmas outreach a success. Watch for more opportunities to serve and partner with Bridgetown Ministries!
Winter Youth Pics
Eighteen of us had a great time at this year's HS Winter Youth Celebration, December 27-30.
Check out all the pictures here.
MS Mission Trip
Hey Middle Schoolers we are excited to let you know that we are putting together a missions experience just for you this summer! August 4-8 we will be participating in Student Life's Mission Camp, hosted at George Fox University in Newberg.
We will be joining with hundreds of other students for an amazing camp experience, as well as each day of the week having the opportunity to go to a ministry location, and share the love of Christ, to serve as Jesus did.
Join us and be a part of something BIG! Watch for more info. to be released soon. If you would like to be a part of this incredible opportunity a $50 deposit is due by Sunday, January 27.
Please visit Student Life's Mission Camp site fore more info.
2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART
IMITATING JESUS
It's easy to write down, but hard to put into practice. Paul tells all Christians we are baptized in the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12), and that's true. This book certainly isn't a conversation about conversion from the old you to the new you. This book attempts to answer questions Christian teenagers are asking about their own spiritual journeys.
Every reference to conversion in the Bible speaks of confession, belief, and obedience. In other words, confession isn't the only component. You have to imitate (obedience), believe (belief), and become (confession). It seems discipleship is nothing less than imitating God.
But how can you imitate someone you've never seen?
You have to watch someone imitate Jesus so you can, too.
You have to watch someone mirror the concept of belief so you can, too.
You have to explore the life of someone who has become like Jesus so you can become like Jesus, too.
The road is an individual one accompanied by the deep fellowship of community commonly found among fellow believers. It's a path you can only know inside you, but you must seek help on the outside to enrich the quality of your spiritual life--by listening to real people around you who've walked the road before you.
The sole intent of this book is to invite you to realize those basic fundamental truths, so you can then share them with people in your life.
Become an imitator so others can imitate you.
Become a believer so others can believe, too.
Become a follower of Jesus so others can follow also.
Some of these foundational bricks are easy, and others are widely debated and difficult to reconcile. The Bible says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33, ESV).
It's in the search where God reveals himself to you.
It's in the discovery where truth will come alive and imitating will begin to lead you to becoming the very person God created you to be.
However, it's not the end of the story. Once you've discovered God's righteousness in all its beauty, it's imperative that you duplicate yourself by sharing what you know with someone else. A friend of mine admitted recently, "You have to get rid of your concept of 'destination' and remember life is a journey on which you interact with others." How profound. Getting rid of my idea of destination frees me to walk this journey every day, because the love of God shouldn't be confined to some unrealistic sense of arrival.
It doesn't mean you walk around the school with a big "mule-sized" Bible, beating others into conversion.
It doesn't mean you have the right to argue someone at work into a "God-only" kind of corner. The concept of duplication happens between two people who desire to know God in their innermost beings.
It's something special; because to transfer God's love from one person to another is as beautiful as watching the stars light up in the heavens.
It's deeper than all the oceans.
It's taller than the highest mountains.
It's richer than the colors of a beautiful painting.
It's more real than a great acting performance.
Jesus makes it a process, and he desires first for you to know the process and then go and share the process with others.
He told his disciples to "come," and then in his final hours on earth, he commanded them to "go."
Come and go.
Those are two of the most important commands in all of Christianity.
Are you ready?
**
Taken from "Duplicate This!" by Andy Braner, copyright 2008, Youth Specialties/Zondervan. Used by permission. Order the book here.
3. SURF REPORT
~ 180 Pics - Did you know we have nearly 4 years worth of archived photos on our site?
~MS Pics
~HS Pics
~ What Kids Can Do: Stories from teens who are doing great things
~ Learn to Write a Thank You Note
4. VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Ever wonder what you will look like 6 years from now?
5. FORGETTABLE FACT
Flamingos pee on their legs to cool themselves off.
6. POTENT QUOTABLES
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
~Jim Elliot
"I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess."
~Martin Luther
===========our|sponsor===========
HELP YOUR FRIENDS WALK WITH JESUS
Before Jesus left his disciples he said to them, "go and make disciples of all nations." It was a command for everyone who follows Jesus. But what does it mean?
In "Duplicate This!" you'll learn the foundations of discipleship and what it means to make a disciple, and you'll be equipped to walk with your friends as they learn what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Learn more and purchase "Duplicate This!" here.
Also available in your local Christian bookstore.
Go here to find a Christian bookstore near you.
=================================
7. PARTING SHOT
Great minds run in great circles.
