Bottom line, Sideline & Frontline

G-Train did some great talks on ‘Back to the Frontline’ for our youth & children’s vision day. Here is a quick snapshot:
The Bottom line - Why do we do ministry? To save some! (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
The Sideline – Are we in on the action or just watching? Get off the sideline in other words! (Matthew 5:11-12).
The Frontline - Where do you spend most of your time? That is your frontline! It’s where bold action should take place, so it will be hard & you will take some hits! For, we are in a battle (Ephesians 6:10-20). This is why ministry is so important, because people need support.

Obedience & love

In a great sermon by Brian (& this is a jet-lagged Brian!) on Mark 7:1-13, he talked about how rejecting the word of God is actually rejecting Jesus. But, in our culture which sees obedience & love as contradictory, this seems problematic doesn’t it!?!

But when you think about it, the two aren’t at all. When we love someone we change to please them, we do what makes them happy - we change our life, conforming to their desires (like Marty hates it when I leave cloths in the sink – so I try not to now :) ) But, this doesn’t feel like obedience, because their happiness is your happiness.

Is this not the same with God?

The Bible is not a book of rules. The purpose of the Bible is to show us what God loves. Look at the way David describes it in Psalm 17:

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

The Bible is the words of God - to us! We should delight in it, enjoy it, love it, read it, & listen to it.

Born again

Recently at youth group we looked at how Jesus death & resurrection changes us. So, what does Jesus do in us when we put our faith in him?

What amazed me was the absolute sovereignty of God in all of this. Being born again is in fact a total work of God, in of which we have no part! It is the work of the Spirit:

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water & the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:5-8)

This new birth is what God does in us so that we can believe 1. So, in fact we are born again before we become Christians! This kind of plays with my head a bit, & confuses me! (so verse 8 is a comfort!). But it is awesome! ‘cause it means that God brings us to himself - it’s not what we do that brings us to God. God gives us a new heart, so that we can believe & trust in him, & have new life!

1. Wayne Grudem's, 'Systematic Theology' pg703

Are we ever to old?

It seems that the predominant age of leaders involved in youth ministry (ages 15 – 20) are around 18-25. Why is this? Are the 30+’s to old? Do they no longer have anything to offer?

Are we ever to old for youth ministry?

Tim Hawkins outlines that there are 5 stages of youth ministry (in ‘Leaders That Will Last’):

1. The “One of the Gang” Stage
2. The “Big Brother or Sister” Stage
3. The “Uncle or Aunty” Stage
4. The “Parent” Stage
5. The “Grandparent” Stage

All of these stages have advantages and limitations and are just as worthwhile as each other - you just have to acknowledge which one you are in!

So… we are never too old for youth ministry! It isn’t just a ministry that paves the way to other ministries – it is one worth staying in for the long hall!

For once we are never to old for something!

Welcome...

Well I have been thinking lately that we really don't give ourselves enough time to think, reflect, & mull over things. We are so busy with life - family, ministries, etc that we just don't stop! We have lost time to meditate on God's word, our lives, & just really thinking about things (well I have anyway!).

So... I suppose this blog is kind of a result of this - a chance for me to share my relfections on life with you (what an honour for you!). But mostly it's for my dear family who I'm terrible at keeping in touch with!

So enjoy...!!