Bringing back the Blog!

Hey Pier People!! I am bringing back the blog so I can keep in better touch with you during our break! Feel free to post comments and questions- and I'll update this whenever possible! I'll add more tomorrow!! See ya soon!

Tess

October 21st

This week we talked about putting faith and actions together. We can show God's love to those around us by the way we act and what we say. Here are the handouts from last Wednesday

October 14th

Click on the handouts to see them in a larger window.

I haven't updated our blog in a very long time- sorry about that for all of you who check it! We just finished off our talk on Sex and Dating. A very intense 3 weeks. God's plan for marriage is perfect, it includes a man and a woman. We also talked about how sex is not wrong if kept within a marriage. The culture tries to push it's view of sex by sending wrong messages in movies and on TV. The truth, God's Biblical standard is the only one that matters. Some verses to help show that are Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4. Know what you stand for now- let others know. Stick to it! God's plan is perfect! We talked about pursuing purity too- it's something you have to strive for and something you have make a conscious effort to do. It's not easy- but God is with you every step of the way!! Your parents are there for you- and so am I and your leaders!! Go Pure! 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:22.

KNOWN Part 2 also

Wednesday night was a bit tough for some of you. We talked about God's unconditional love for us- well that's not the hard part- and how he loves us no matter what. We are suppose to also love others- to care for those around us- to treat others with respect. We talked about bullying- and being bullied. Many of you stood up and shared about your experiences (that would be the tough part) it's not easy to love those that hate or persecute you. Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:22 that all men will hate you because of me... but those who stand firm to the end will be saved. Jesus didn't promise us an easy go at things- no he says we'll have troubles. The cool part is that he understands this- we can go to Him when we need strength or comfort. On the other side of this - if you are the one bullying and treating others with absolutely no respect then you are not showing God's love and the question is do you have Jesus in your life? Jesus is there waiting for you to accept Him- to accept his gift of salvation from your sins. We've been talking about how we all have the same problem of sin in our lives- Jesus comes to take away that sin if we accept Him. He is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). It's a narrow path, but well worth the journey. Think and reflect about your actions, your heart, your language toward others, is it filled with love? God's love? or is it filled with hate, anger, envy, pride? What do you need help with?

KNOWN Part 2

For the past few weeks we have been looking at evil and how evil the people on this planet are. We are all born sinful and continue to sin. We have a problem. Everyone has the same problem. We can not fix this ourselves. We are use to trying to fix everything and anything that is broken but this problem is out of our control. There is no way to live a completely perfect life. We need to know that- admit that- embrace it- and find out who can fix it. This week we are bringing Jesus onto the scene. He fixed it for us. We are completely separated from God because of our sin and that is not cool! God provided a bridge for us- he gave us Jesus. Jesus came lived a perfect life- and then gave of himself on the cross for our sins- every lash from the whip, every crude remark, every bullying he received, every hurt and pain he received, he did with us in mind (John 17)- Loving us- knowing already that we are evil, but wanting so much to show his love. He took our place- he conquered death. Do you walk around all proud and cool at church and youth group giving lip service to those around you- then when in front of friends go along with their jabs toward God? Do you let your mouth just run with no control when talking to your family? Do you do things in private you think are ok since no one is watching- but God sees?! We have to walk the walk not just talk the talk. We all struggle with sins- of all sorts- God wants us to stop because every time we sin we are separated from Him. Christ is our connecting piece and his forgiveness is there for anyone that wants it. How about you? Do you want it? Do you accept it? Or feel unforgiveable? Think of ways you can show God how much you appreciate His gift of eternal life then put them into practice!

KNOWN week 4

We just talked about some important questions to ask yourself when handling choices and decisions- can you name them off the top of your head?

Here they are;
1- Does your choice bring glory and honor to God? 2. Is your choice a hindrance to others? 3. Will your choice build others up?? and 4. Are you 100% sure your choice is right? If not -- when in doubt... don't!! As I interact and talk with lots and lots of students I get a picture of what you are dealing with. It's not innocent stuff that surrounds you every day. It's tough stuff. It's temptations, it's perversion, it's Satan at his finest. He tries to attack you and get you especially at the age you are at right now. So how are you combating this?! Read Ephesians 6 and especially focus on verses 11 and on- God says you need armor- you wouldn't go into a game of paintball without a gun or some protective gear... and you shouldn't go through life without being armed either. God is taking care of you- He loves you and he wants you to enjoy your relationship with Him, but we need to make choices that bring him glory- I've asked this before- Do you really love Jesus?! Then show it. Not for His sake, but for those around you. Don't be a hindrance- and trust your gut- when you know you're making a poor decision- stop. Talk to God! How are you going to begin to change up some things in your life?!