Gangway Update

He is faithful...

2010-05-10T09:15:00.002-04:00

1 Samuel 12:20-22:

20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following theLord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.

21 And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.

22 For theLord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.

Samuel has just finished pointing out the people's sin of requesting an earthly king over God as king. The people had rejected God as king, desiring a "king like all the nations." They were confronted with this evil and filled with fear and grief. They ask Samuel to pray for them that God would not kill them. The above verses are Samuel's response to the people.

Be encouraged today Christian! For God is absolutely faithful, even when we are not!

For His Kingdom...

Spurgeon at his best...

2010-05-06T11:14:00.004-04:00

Here is yet another wonderful reminder from the master devotional writer:

C.H. Spurgeon's Morning Devotional

Thursday May 6, 2010

"We dwell in Him."-1 John 4:13

Do you want a house for your soul? Do you ask, "What is the purchase?" It is something less than proud human nature will like to give. It is without money and without price. Ah! you would like to pay a respectable rent! You would love to do something to win Christ? Then you cannot have the house, for it is "without price." Will you take my Master's house on a lease for all eternity, with nothing to pay for it, nothing but the ground-rent of loving and serving Him for ever? Will you take Jesus and "dwell in Him?" See, this house is furnished with all you want, it is filled with riches more than you will spend as long as you live. Here you can have intimate communion with Christ and feast on His love; here are tables well-stored with food for you to live on for ever; in it, when weary, you can find rest with Jesus; and from it you can look out and see heaven itself. Will you have the house? Ah! if you are houseless, you will say, "I should like to have the house; but may I have it?" Yes; there is the key-the key is, "Come to Jesus." "But," you say, "I am too shabby for such a house." Never mind; there are garments inside. If you feel guilty and condemned, come; and though the house is too good for you, Christ will make you good enough for the house by-and-by. He will wash you and cleanse you, and you will yet be able to sing, "We dwell in Him." Believer: thrice happy art thou to have such a dwelling-place! Greatly privileged thou art, for thou hast a "strong habitation" in which thou art ever safe. And "dwelling in Him," thou hast not only a perfect and secure house, but an everlasting one. When this world shall have melted like a dream, our house shall live, and stand more imperishable than marble, more solid than granite, self-existent as God, for it is God Himself-"We dwell in Him."

For His Kingdom...

The Big Bear...

2010-04-14T14:39:00.002-04:00

Today is my good friend Bear's birthday. So, in accordance with good birthday celebration, we took him to lunch @ La Bamba's. Now when I say we I mean a bunch of us. It was a great time! We conversed, laughed, ate and most of all, celebrated Bear.

This is not the first time I've been out with friends celebrating their birthdays. However, it was special and quite memorable for at least 2 reasons.

First, Bear is a superb friend! He is the kind of friend that I know I can count on no matter what. We've been through some interesting things together here in ministry. Yet, whatever the situation or circumstance, our friendship has maintained and even grown. Bear's gentle and kind heart coupled with his intense passion for God and His church are, for me, both refreshing and encouraging. He has become one of my most trusted and insightful confidants and companion. He quickly reminds me of the Proverb (27:9) that says "the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel."

This brings me to my second reason. Friends, good and close friends are extremely important in this life. One of the most intriguing and powerful things about my father is his keeping of close friends. My dad's best friends (the ones all us kids call "uncle" so and so) are friends that he has had since middle school! I have grown up with many of these friends and consider them family. As such, the older I get the more I consider my friendships. Especially now that Amy and I are going to be parents, I want my kid(s) to grow up with my friends kids. I hope to maintain some dear friendships that are really more like extended families. It is becoming more apparent to me that this life cannot be rightly lived in family isolation. We need community; we need close, endearing friendships that will rejoice when we rejoice and weep when we weep.

As I looked around the table this afternoon at all the friends that gathered to celebrate Bear and his birthday I couldn't help but feel excited about the community that God is growing and nurturing here. It was such a sweet time both b/c of the person we were celebrating and b/c of the friends we were celebrating with! I am certainly blessed by the people that God has brought into my life. I just hope that we will be friends, even family well into eternity.

So, Bear - Happy Birthday my friend!

For His Kingdom...

Spring Break(fast)

2010-04-07T10:42:00.002-04:00

Imagine yourself in the following situation:

You're a middle school student who has just begun your Spring Break. You begin to day dream about the endless possibilities that await during this much needed break from the grind of school. You fantasize about many hours spent at the beach or at friends houses doing whatever your little heart desires. It is going to be a week filled with late nights and even later mornings. Thus, you lay your little head on your pillow at night, thinking to yourself, "tomorrow I'm gonna wake up around noon and grace the world with my very presence." It is with that thought that you drift off into a peaceful and quiet sleep, tucked all cozy in your own bed.

Next thing you know, it is 6:00 am and there are strangers in your room, shaking you, squirting you with water guns, sounding sirens and yelling at you through a megaphone. You are near the point of having a heart attack, or at least tears.

"What is going on?"

Well, this was somewhat the general reaction of 9 middle school students yesterday. Dylan, Ali and myself set out on an excursion to snatch some students right out of their own bed and in their pj's and take them to breakfast. It was a truly awesome time! We snagged these students - Andrew, 3 Rachel's, Zack, Alex, Zoey, Brock and Susanna - an took them all to Ihop, the beach and Starbucks. We had a great time laughing, playing, talking about Jesus and just goofing off.

I have to say, though it was wicked early, I really enjoyed spending that time with the students.

So, until next time...

For His Kingdom...

Reading a great book...

2010-04-02T09:35:00.002-04:00

Right now I'm reading "The Trellis and The Vine" by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne.

It's a wonderful book so far on the nature of Christian ministry. The premise is that in ministry there are people and programs (please forgive my blanket and vague categories). In the analogy, people are represented by the vine and programs by the trellis. The authors set out to make the case that in Christian ministry there is a need for both the trellis and the vine. In other words, they go hand in hand. However, they note that too often in ministry it is the trellis that gets all the attention and begins to overshadow the vine. They propose that though this focus on programs creates a sense of accomplishment and growth in ministry, it is actually a less than adequate way of accomplishing ministry. It is their proposition that genuine Christian ministry needs to be more vine focused. It is people that matter most in the end.

This book has been marvelous at reminding me what my focus and vision should be for the Student Ministries. Though we utilize programs in ministry, they should be for nothing more than supporting real Christian discipleship and evangelism. We must never let the trellis replace the vine, lest we end up with an inanimate ornament that will only fade in the end.

For His Kingdom...

Scripture and the coffee filter...

2010-03-22T10:55:00.002-04:00

I had the enormous and humbling privilege of speaking to the high school students this Sunday. This is a venue usually held down by my cohort and partner in crime, Dylan. But, this Sunday I entered this incredible arena.

It was a marvelous time! We had some great discussion, a tad of silliness and the intentionally intrusive appearance of a man with a video camera. All this made for a quite interesting gathering. In reality, though, every time I speak to students, high school or middle school, it is interesting.

I talked with the students about 1 Thessalonians 5:21. We tried to discover together what exactly Paul was trying to communicate when he tells us to "test everything; hold fast to what is good." We discussed the idea of testing, or questioning or looking closely at everything that comes at us in life. From this we sought to understand what how we test everything; what is our standard, our filter? Thus, I illustrated this by describing a coffee filter. The coffee filter allows for all of the savory and rich coffee to come through but none of the tacky grounds. In the same manner, what is our filter for life?

As you may guess, the bible was the first answer. Though the right answer, I pressed them beyond the right answer and into the playing field of personal answers. "Sure the bible is to be our filter for life, but is that how you are actually living?" In other words, I questioned them past rote memory. This was a wonderful time of self examination (I hope).

As we contemplated this reality a bit more, we started to discover what we really think about how we filter and test all the things that bombard our lives on a daily basis.

So, I pray that it was a profitable time for the students, as it was for me. Please continue to pray for our students and for the ministry that God has given us charge over here.

For His Kingdom....

Refreshing...

2010-03-09T16:29:00.004-05:00

Here is another of Spurgeon's great insights into the scripture. He is a master of words and a magnificent voice of the truth and beauty of God!

C.H. Spurgeon's Evening Devotional

Tuesday March 9, 2010

"Abide in Me."-John 15:4

Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is matter of secondary importance whether thou livest on the mountain of honour or in the valley of humiliation. Living near to Jesus, thou art covered with the wings of God, and underneath thee are the everlasting arms. Let nothing keep thee from that hallowed intercourse, which is the choice privilege of a soul wedded to THE WELL-BELOVED. Be not content with an interview now and then, but seek always to retain His company, for only in His presence hast thou either comfort or safety. Jesus should not be unto us a friend who calls upon us now and then, but one with whom we walk evermore. Thou hast a difficult road before thee: see, O traveller to heaven, that thou go not without thy guide. Thou hast to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thou hast the Son of God to be thy companion. Thou hast to storm the Jericho of thine own corruptions: attempt not the warfare until, like Joshua, thou hast seen the Captain of the Lord's host, with His sword drawn in His hand. Thou art to meet the Esau of thy many temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok's brook thou hast laid hold upon the angel, and prevailed. In every case, in every condition, thou wilt need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron gates of death shall open to thee. Keep thou close to thy soul's Husband, lean thy head upon His bosom, ask to be refreshed with the spiced wine of His pomegranate, and thou shalt be found of Him at the last, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Seeing thou hast lived with Him, and lived in Him here, thou shalt abide with Him for ever

For His Kingdom...

Wise words from the past...

2010-02-26T11:19:00.003-05:00

This was just too good to leave before my eyes only.

C.H. Spurgeon's Morning Devotional

Friday February 26, 2010

"Salvation is of the Lord."-Jonah 2:9

Salvation is the work of God. It is He alone who quickens the soul "dead in trespasses and sins," and it is He also who maintains the soul in its spiritual life. He is both "Alpha and Omega." "Salvation is of the Lord." If I am prayerful, God makes me prayerful; if I have graces, they are God's gifts to me; if I hold on in a consistent life, it is because He upholds me with His hand. I do nothing whatever towards my own preservation, except what God Himself first does in me. Whatever I have, all my goodness is of the Lord alone. Wherein I sin, that is my own; but wherein I act rightly, that is of God, wholly and completely. If I have repulsed a spiritual enemy, the Lord's strength nerved my arm. Do I live before men a consecrated life? It is not I, but Christ who liveth in me. Am I sanctified? I did not cleanse myself: God's Holy Spirit sanctifies me. Am I weaned from the world? I am weaned by God's chastisements sanctified to my good. Do I grow in knowledge? The great Instructor teaches me. All my jewels were fashioned by heavenly art. I find in God all that I want; but I find in myself nothing but sin and misery. "He only is my rock and my salvation." Do I feed on the Word? That Word would be no food for me unless the Lord made it food for my soul, and helped me to feed upon it. Do I live on the manna which comes down from heaven? What is that manna but Jesus Christ himself incarnate, whose body and whose blood I eat and drink? Am I continually receiving fresh increase of strength? Where do I gather my might? My help cometh from heaven's hills: without Jesus I can do nothing. As a branch cannot bring forth fruit except it abide in the vine, no more can I, except I abide in Him. What Jonah learned in the great deep, let me learn this morning in my closet: "Salvation is of the Lord."

For His Kingdom...

The tyrannical "gift of gab"...

2010-02-26T09:42:00.003-05:00

I love to speak. I love speaking to large groups and small groups. I love having one on one conversations and also, dialoging with multiple people at once. I relish the opportunity to verbally present at least some sort of quasi-beneficial narrative or proposition to any and all whose ears would perk in my general vicinity. If I ever find it a proper time to interject with an opinion or proverbial "food for thought," I spring into vocal action. Needless to say, I'm a talker.

The good news is that I work with students and have ample opportunity to speak both to and with them. I absolutely love these students. I enjoy sharing with them God's Word, bits pieces of life, advice, stories and sometimes even tough love. I find myself continually engaged with these students in the sharing of thoughts, hopes, dreams and difficulties via word of mouth. I'm thrilled and, count it a great privilege when I get invited to lead chapel or speak to small groups or address a class. It is both a grand privilege and supreme responsibility to share the words of life to these students. Grant it, I'm not always as eloquent and pristine in my presentation of encouragement or love or rebuke as I'd hope to be. However, I believe that God has given me this "gift of gab" for this very purpose. I cherish the ministry God has seen fit to allow me participation in and would not trade it for the world. I mean, hey, I love to talk and that's just what I get to do on a daily basis.

However, as of late I have found that this love of talking, this "gift of gab", can become quite tyrannical if I do not, by God's Spirit, keep it in check. You see, not every situation calls for my input or opinion. Not every arena needs or even allows for my waxing excellent on some great concept or dynamic truth. There are just some instances when any words that I might conjure up would fall far short any self imposed goal secretly set upon them. It is in these situations that I find myself at war with my own tyrannical mind and tongue.

Certainly Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This is an instructive statement giving not only opportunity but permission to impart guidance and wise counsel. One of the most helpful and promising ways of doing this is... you guessed it, through words, conversation and verbal instruction. Yet, we also know, via the life of Job, that it is not always the words, conversation and instruction of man that a person needs most - often it's God's. This is not only wise but necessary. Ultimately, it is the counsel of God that will heal, empower, preserve and sustain. This is not something that I don't know, but something that I believe with all my heart, mind and soul. The hard part about this is that I always feel like I'm the instrument God is going to use to play His symphonic melody to the people I encounter. Sometimes, though, it's my role to just listen.

It is in those moments that I realize that God is working in spite of me. Even as I fight with my own tyrannical "gift of gab" and suppress it as the enemy in this circumstance, I find God beautifully and artfully speaking into peoples' lives. He is active even when I am not. Though He has gifted me to speak, He does not always want me to do so - sometimes I have to just listen and let Him do His thing.

So, to those of you whom I've counseled lately, God is working. Though I may not have had the most profound wisdom to share with you, God is working. When you feel alone and it seems like the walls are closing in and you need someone to talk to, God is there. James 4:8a says, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." Go to Him. Let He who has the supreme "gift of gab" speak to your weary hearts and bear you along in whatever trouble you are facing.

For His Kingdom...

When all seems lost...

2010-02-23T10:44:00.004-05:00

This morning my devotions took me to Psalm 54. This is a personal lament of David. He had been hiding out among the Ziphites, seeking solemn reprieve from Saul who was hungry for David's life. Yet, he was quickly compromised by those whom he was resting in. As such, this is a cry of a wounded and anguished heart. It is a reminder that David was a real person, with real feelings and real needs. He was not always a zealous warrior or a stately king. Here he is a helpless child who longs for the rescue of his omnipotent heavenly Father.

David's hiding place has been given up to Saul - he has been betrayed! He is left in a shriveled state of utter aloneness in the surrounding company of many foes. He lay in the in den of strangers in desperate need of a deliverer. David must have felt such hurt, confusion and loss. I can only imagine the flood of emotions that may have threatened to take him over like a mighty wave. He surly felt that sinking feeling of utter abandonment in the depths of his being. Thus, he not only needed a deliver, but longed for one - one who would come as a friend among enemies. So, David cries out to his God for help. He has absolute confidence in the mighty name (power) of God! He is assured that God is His faithful helper and friend and will not leave his child in distress. God does not forsake His people - especially in the air of certain trouble.

Thus, if God is able to deliver David from the sword of his pursuer, He can certainly deliver me from ANY of my troubles! He is a mighty God and is mighty to save! Let His Spirit arise within His people and show us the extent of God's wonderful love and protection.

For His Kingdom...

D-Now 2010

2010-02-22T19:43:00.002-05:00

Well, it's that time again...

Time for another zany adventure via the Student Ministries!

D-Now (Discipleship Now) Weekend 2010 is quickly approaching and I wanted to share just a little bit about it with all of you.

D-Now is a discipleship focused, fun-filled weekend! It includes elements of biblical study, service and, of course... lots of AWESOMENESS!!! The students will be taking a journey of discipleship alongside some amazing leaders and volunteers. They will be both engaged and challenged by God's Word and His work. They will be staying in host homes on Friday and Saturday night. The event starts promptly @ 5:00 pm on Friday night and will end after CRPC's 2nd service (about 1:00 pm) on Sunday afternoon. See below for more information or call Elizabeth Miehle @ 954-334-5183

Cost: $99 (includes everything)

Information & Registration: http://www.crpc.org/connect/students

All forms and $$$ due by: March 8, 2010 (middle school) & April 12, 2010 (high school)

Hurry and register today... space is filling up!!!

For His Kingdom...

Take 2...

2010-02-22T08:42:00.002-05:00

So, I've missed a few days. Thing is... it's not that I didn't do my devo's (not saying that in a proud, sort of duty bound way), but just that I don't like being on the computer over the weekend. I find the weekend is the time I get to really spend with my wife Amy. I enjoy chatting with her, running errands together and basically just getting in that quality time that seems so easily to slip away during our busy week days. So, I'm not trying to make any excuses, just to simply say that sometimes other things are just more important.

With that, here is today's little reflection.

Psalm 53

Sometimes it seems that my own "foolish" heart denies God. In practice, I often deny the reality of God's work and His very presence. If I'm honest, I quite frequently function as if God were somehow absent from this life. Thus, I act and look much like one of those who lacks understanding and heavenly knowledge. I presume that this is not an isolated feeling or reality significant only to me. It is perhaps the honest affirmation of most people who are genuinely seeking God. Our daily lives are much like the life of the "fool" in verse 1 - we say in our hearts (likely subconsciously) that there is no God. And so, when God looks down from heaven, I am rightly counted among the "none who does good, not even one."

However, there is a great difference between myself and the fool. The fool denies God b/c his heart is hard and he does not know the God who might soften it. I, on the other hand, have had my dark and hard heart transformed by the radical and wonderful grace of God! Though, I may at times functionally "act the fool," I am not a "fool" through and through. God has regenerated my heart and is in the process of making it more and more like His own.

So, when God looks down from heaven, He does not see Chris Perry in myself, He sees me "in Christ!" I have been joined to Christ; I in Him and He in me! I am now a Son of God; an heir with Christ Himself! I am one of "His people!" This is both perplexing and freeing all at the same time. Perplexing b/c I do not daily see myself as God does. I see the sinner, poor and needy, weak and wounded. I live with a constant understanding of my own "functional foolishness." Thus, I am driven to God daily in confession and repentance; seeking a refocusing of my attention and life upon Him. This reality is also freeing b/c I know God sees me different than I see myself - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has com." (2 Cor. 5:17). He sees me as His own! In Christ I have been redeemed, accepted and made new. God is at work in me, on me and through me! Thus, "when God restores the fortunes of His people" I will too sing and rejoice and be glad along with all His people.

For His Kingdom...

Who's paying the bill?

2010-02-18T08:49:00.003-05:00

Psalm 49:7-9; 15:

"7 Truly no man can ransom another,

or give to God the price of his life,
8 for the ransom of their life is costly
and can never suffice,
9 that he should live on forever
and never see the pit.

15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol,
for he will receive me.

Both rich and poor find their way to the grave. Some have a quick and often effortless journey. While others reach that ever leveling destination after long travels and many adventures. Nevertheless, it is an unavoidable end that eerily haunts ands and awaits us all. This the Psalmist contemplates. This he thinks upon, wondering and marveling at its inevitability.

From his meditation he realizes that though the grave shall be the final abode for all men that the wealthy seem to forget this. He notes that the rich boast much and often in their riches; they find their comfort and security in their abundance. They are self-sufficient and have all things at their fingertips. Yet, he calls them foolish. Why?

The answer lies in the above quoted verses. See, the Psalmist knows God and knows the end of the story, so to speak. He knows that in the end of all things, riches and wealth are futile and fleeting. For not even the richest and a most lavish man cannot ransom himself or another to God. He has not near what it takes to pay what he owes to God. For the debt that man stands accountable to God for is infinite and eternal; but his wealth is merely temporal. For, the ransom of one's life is costly and what we, or those richer than we, have to offer can never suffice.

It is only God who can ransom us - and He will! God, in His infinite riches, though disguised and displayed as poverty, will ransom our souls! He loves His people too much to leave us for the troubles of the grave.

In Christ we can have hope. Hope of a life beyond the grave. This is the gospel. That Christ came to die a death that we deserved in order to pay a debt that we could not pay. On the cross He accomplished this and proved it by rising from the grave 3 days later. Thus, in a power beyond all death and sin, He calls us to join in His resurrection. He commits to save our lives if we just believe! Just believe in Him and what He has done. This, the bible tells us, will make us into the richest people to ever live!

For His Kingdom...

And it's here...

2010-02-17T12:33:00.003-05:00

Only 2 days into my devotional upload project and I've already missed a morning! Thankfully God does not require devo's to be @ a certain time of day. In fact, He does not require devo's at all! God in His faithfulness requires noting from us accept belief; and even that, in and of itself, is a gift!

This is the amazing news; the gospel! God takes care of EVERYTHING for us! He not only justified us by His finished work on the cross, but He sanctifies us by His abiding Spirit. The Apostle Paul tells us in the letter to the church at Philippi that, "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" - Phil. 1:6. It's God who is preserving me and sustaining my growth. No amount of bible reading and prayer, or simply lack thereof can thwart what He has already intended to do from before creation! Simply reading the bible and praying for the sake of attaining some favor with God is a futile effort.

However, I must say, God does use His Word and prayer in the life and growth of His people. But, it's not to achieve something. Again, the Apostle Paul, in the letter to the Ephesian church, says He "has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." - Eph. 1:3. We have everything we could ever need or want! Thus, our daily devotions, bible reading, meditation and prayer, are not to gain ground with God, but are to draw us near to Him. Through those means we see more of God and His lovely and sometimes perplexing attributes. This is God's way of readjusting our focus. He shows us His son!

Though I missed my morning devo's, I hope in God! He will see me through even when I stumble, fall, fail and flounder. Thus, I praise Him! He is my help and my strong tower! May I always find shelter in Him!

For His Kingdom...

What we're talking about at Gangway these days

2010-02-17T11:32:00.002-05:00

Just FYI. For parents or anyone reading the blog. CRPC student ministry has been going through Galatians. Every week we post a few questions for discussion. Posted below are the questions for this week and next. If you are in a community at Coral Ridge the questions may look familiar. This is because these questions come from Tim Keller's study on Galatians which most if not all community groups are going through.

Gangway February 17th & 18th

Read Galatians Chapter 3:1-14

Questions:

1. What can we learn from 3:1-3 about how the Galatians came to Christ from paganism? (What was presented to them? How did they respond? What was the result?

2. What can we learn from 3:3-5 about how the Galatians are to grow spiritually, now that they are Christians? How are the Galatians to grow?

3. Paul warns the Galatians that it's easy to fall back into a works righteousness as we try to overcome sin. How does believing the gospel help us overcome sin?

4. In (v.6) What does it mean that Abraham's faith was credited? On what basis does God credit righteousness to Abraham?

5. How was Abraham's saving faith a model for us?

6. What does it mean that Jesus did not simply take our curse but "became a curse" for us? (vv. 10-14).

Gangway February 24th & 25th

Read Galatians 3:15-25

Questions:

1. What is the difference between receiving something by promise or receiving something by law? (v. 18)

2. What is the purpose of the Law? (vv. 19-22)

3. how does the law "lead a person to Christ?" (vv. 23-25)

4. If we are not under the law's supervision (v. 25)..., does that mean we can live any way we wish? How is the law viewed differently in a relationship with God by grace rather than performance?

Hear ye, hear ye...

2010-02-16T08:20:00.002-05:00

Psalm 47

The Lord God, He reigns! God is king over all the earth! There is no square inch of all that is physical (and spiritual for that matter) that God is not sovereign over. But, more specifically, He governs in the affairs of men. He has absolute charge over the people of this world. Yet, He is not a king like those of old - wretched, feared, dangerous. For, He rules not just with authority only, but with love, patience and kindness. He is no tyrant! He does not order his subjects with fear of punishment and pain. No! He goes before His people - He is the Lord, mighty in battle, strong to deliver. He offers peace to His people; care and delight. He is the great protector; the great example of true kingship!

All this and more is our God, our King! Thus, we should rejoice! We should sing and clap and dance and make merry in our God, our King! He reigns both now and forevermore. He sits on an eternal throne in an eternal kingdom and is, even now, gathering to Himself an eternal people. For that reason, He has chosen us; He has rescued us; He is subduing our enemies; He is preparing us and making us ready for His return.

So... rejoice in our King, He is our everything!!!

For His Kingdom...

My daily devos...

2010-02-15T08:55:00.003-05:00

So, I thought that sense I'm pretty much a failure at writing anything new and noteworthy that I would start just posting my daily devotions each day. Of course, I will be trying to keep this short and sweet, so it will not consist of all my devotional musings but that which God lays most heavily upon me that day.

This will do a couple of things (hopefully). It will keep me accountable to a daily devotional time w/God as I awake each day already thinking of the myriad of things I need (or so I think) to do. It may also spark some better material that I might then share to the relief of those who get tired of my daily gabbing. Finally, I hope that it will be an encouragement to you, the readers.

So, here goes...

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

- Psalm 46:10

In the entirety of the Psalm, the Psalmist speaks of God's protection and care for His people. Truly, God is a refuge for His people; He is our only sure foundation and solid rock upon which we might brave the experiences of this world. Though natural disaster and/or human agitation and calamity may fall upon us we are to hope in God - for our God is both creator and sustainer of life! We have a God who is strong to save! He will protect us in our most horrific times and deliver us from our pressing foes - both from within and without. This is the God the Psalmist speaks to us of.

But, then comes God's word to His people. He tells us to "Be still, and know that I am God." This is a strange word to us today. Stillness and quietness are a lost art form amongst us. Busyness, busyness, busyness... this is what seems to define the Christian person in our midst. But, God says "be still" - He wants us to settle down, take a break and just marvel in Him. He wants us to put away all of our distractions (people or otherwise) and "know" Him. He also reminds us that He "is God." We are not God and we must recognize this. We cannot see the future; we cannot altar the past and we surly cannot manipulate the present. Whatever may come upon us is often out of our control - but not God's. He is God and He is our hope and security. Thus, He "will be exalted." He will be high and lifted up in all things! He is lifted up among the "nations" and the "earth." Both people and nature are subject to God's sovereign love and purpose. He will bring glory to Himself and good to His creation - this is His promise.

Thus, it must be in stillness that I find this rejuvenated picture of my great heavenly Father. He desires that I stop, not that I seem unproductive, but that I may draw near to the one who is ever productive. It is in these still and quiet times that I know that God is God and I am not. This serves as the catalyst to my shifting perspective that God is all I need!

For His Kingdom...

A few exciting things...

2010-02-09T13:44:00.003-05:00

There are many exciting and wonderful things going on here at our church these days. I just wanted to take a moment to comment on a few of them.

1. We are joyfully pleased to have 8 vibrant and very talented young adults interning here at the church. These 8 interns will be working with us in the Student Ministries on Thursdays and will be really helping us out as we seek to move the ministry forward.

2. Discipleship Now (D-Now) weekend is coming up in March for both middle and high school. This is going to be a fun-filled weekend of worship, activities, service projects and intense discipleship. We are hoping for a really great turn out so that as many of our students as possible will become familiar with what we're doing in the Student Ministries. So... if you have any middle school or high school students or would like to be a host home, please give us a call!

3. Amy and I are having a BOY!!!

Hopefully these things excite you as much as they do me! We look forward to all that God will be doing in the lives of our students. We pray that seeds of revival are being sown and nurtured so that we might see a great work of God break into our midst! So, please... pray with us!

For His Kingdom...

XEE

2010-01-25T12:16:00.002-05:00

It's that time again...

Another XEE class is about to begin. It is going to be an incredible time of discipleship and training. This year we are pleased to have Mr. XEE himself, Adam Bond, here as our fearless instructor! Adam is probably one of the most passionate men I know when it comes to reaching the next generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He comes from a rich pedigree of EE giants (his father Rick Bond is the vice president of youth EE).

The class will meet on Thursday nights from 6 to 7 p.m. and will run for 7 weeks. The fist class will be held on Thursday, February 4th.

So, I hope all of you (both students and adults) will come out and join us! If you have any questions please contact the Out-reach department @ 954-334-5069

For His Kingdom...

Devastation...

2010-01-13T15:56:00.002-05:00

As many of you know, Haiti was hit yesterday by a massive earthquake. The epicenter of the quake was most prominent and devastating in and around the capital of Port-Au-Prince. Numerous buildings and land standing structures were violently shaken and their foundations severely compromised. Entire communities have been left in literal "rubble." Countless people have been affected by this catastrophe either in injury, displacement and even death. The great majority of these people are residents of Haiti. However, with this small country lying only miles from south Florida, this tragedy has crossed many waters in order to touch many victims locally here.

So it is, whether there or here, many Haitians and their family now know first hand real and painful loss. Families have lost touch of loved ones still living within Haiti's boarders and it is often this state of "not knowing" that is very difficult.

We know, as Christians, that God was not and is not surprised by this event. He, through His own mysterious yet, loving purpose, has allowed this earthquake to take place. He is not removed from Haiti, but quite the opposite, He is likely more near now than ever. Thus, it is our responsibility as servants of God and His church, to pray for the people of Haiti and their families both here and there. We must pray that God would be plainly and mightily noticed in this time. He is the God of all comfort and is the ONLY source of true and real comfort for all those struck by this great disaster. We must diligently pray for not only physical rescue but spiritual rescue as well. In all of this, we must look to Christ as the author and finisher of our faith and find our hope and peace in Him.

So, to all my Haitian friends, brothers and sisters... I am praying for you!

"The Lord bless you and keep you;

the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

- Numbers 6:24-26

For His Kingdom...

1st post of 2010

2010-01-11T08:37:00.003-05:00

What a humbling moment it is to realize that this is the first blog post of this new year - 2010. It seems like such a serious responsibility! I mean, what if it is terrible? What if it makes no sense? What if it is just more of the same old thing? To be honest it is terribly frustrating to put the beginning of 2010 into words. It's an often difficult matter to spell out my hopes and heart; to lay bare my thoughts, musings and perspectives. Perhaps the only comfort is being able to say that "it will only get better after this." At any rate, here goes.

At this very minute I am sitting @ my desk in my office listening to Shawn McDonald's marvelous song, "The Rider On The White Horse." I find it to be truly marvelous for a number of reasons. 1) The entire song consists of only these words - "someday I'm going to see the King." 2) The musical arrangement is magical, it moves me in a deeply emotional way - almost reaching out and pulling me into the story it tells. 3) The profundity of the song. Someday we will see the King.

Now, I've had this album in my possession for at least 2 years now and have only recently given it the attention it deserves. In fact, I started listening to it about 2 weeks ago, just before the new year. The above song appears in the 2nd slot on the playlist and when I heard it I was immediately hooked. I'm sure that I have listened to it at least 150 times since that fateful discovery.

So, why all the hype and publicity for this song, this artist you might wonder? Well, it's because I was touched and moved by something he created, something he did. He is using his talents, gifts and abilities to serve the Lord and His church! This is a wonderful thing! It is also a reminder that we (I) need to be about the Lord's work as well; using the talents, gifts and abilities that He has given to me to serve Him and His church. This is our calling, our duty and our blessing.

The song itself is also quite inspiring. In it's simplicity of lyrics it is also deeply complex in its theology. After all, someday we're going to see the King! I mean, one day I am going to be face to face with the King of Kings, the Lord of heaven and earth, the Creator Himself - that's AMAZING! But, what exactly does that mean for me today? How do I live and operate with that knowledge and hope this day, in this moment? What does this faith - let's call it what it is - look like? For it's one thing to sing along to this catchy song, it's a whole other thing to ingest it, internalize it and make it my own expression of the hope that resides in my innermost being.

Thus, in 2010 I want this to be the anthem of my life! I want to live every day as if that day I'm going to see the King! This is my hope, my earnest desire! Sure, I'm not going to perfectly accomplish this, but I'm striving! Strive with me. One day you too will see the King!

For His Kingdom...

To our parents...

2009-12-30T10:33:00.002-05:00

Just want to remind, or perhaps officially inform you of the up coming parent/student meeting. Below is all the "need to know"

When: Thursday, January 7th @ 6:30 pm

Where: Gangway (south end of CRPC)

Who: Parents and Students

What: Meeting to recap this past year and inform and explore this coming year

If you need more information, please feel free to contact the Student Ministries office. On behalf of all the Student Ministries, we are greatly indebted to you for your continuous support. We hope to see you all there!

* light refreshments will be served

For His Kingdom...

Back in the saddle.

2009-12-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

So, today is my first day back. Amy and I spent the past 7 days in Tampa w/ her family - our family :)

We left town after a wonderful time of Christmas partying (Gangway style)! Both our Middle School and High School Christmas parties were fantastic! If you happened to have missed out on all the festivities, you can check out the pics on the Gangway Facebook page.

We had a great time in Tampa! It was awesome to spend so much time w/ the family! We hung out, shot BB guns, played catch, chased the dogs, slept a lot and went to see Sherlock Holmes.

Christmas was spectacular! I'm totally spoiled. We had a blast exchanging gifts and laughing together.

Now, I'm back and Dylan and I are busy preparing for the new year. So, if we don't see you between now and 2010...

HAVE A BLESSED AND JOYOUS NEW YEAR!!!

For His Kingdom...

Christmas Parties!!!

2009-12-14T09:39:00.004-05:00

Tonight is the Middle School Christmas Party/white elephant gift exchange. I am super excited to see how it all turns out. We are going to have some games, some gifts and lots and lots of fun. So, if you have a Middle School student, send them out. It starts @ 6:30pm and goes to 8:00pm.

Tomorrow night is the High School Christmas Party/white elephant gift exchange. Hopefully it will be just as much fun as the M.S. one (maybe more - who knows). But, if you have a High School student, encourage them to come check it out. It starts @ 7:00pm and ends around 9:00pm.

I hope to see many students come and have a great time!

For His Kingdom...

Upcoming Events and Important Dates

2009-12-08T08:13:00.003-05:00

Hello world! (Or, at least the few who happen upon this blog)

Below are a few upcoming events and important dates we here in the Student Ministries would like you to be aware of.

December 16th - M.S. Christmas Party (white elephant gift exchange)

December 17th - H.S. Christmas Party (white elephant gift exchange)

January 6th - Miami Heat B-Ball Game (M.S. & H.S.)

January 7th - Parent/Student Meeting (6:30pm)

January 17th - Vision/Volunteer Meeting (1:00pm)

We hope that this is beneficial to your own calendar planning.

For His Kingdom...

Decorate me O, Lord...

2009-12-02T13:51:00.002-05:00

So, today I've been considering Christmas decorations for the Student Ministries. I've scoured the church and invaded many secret hiding places and prop stashes looking for extra decorations. So far I have come up with nothing. But, I have not lost heart for I may just slyly "borrow" some from the Fellowship Hall :)

However, as I have been looking for decorations I got to thinking about the whole process. We decorate our homes, work places and churches to show forth our Christmas spirit. In some way we want to show off how beautiful this world could be and how beautiful we can be. This, no doubt, is not the full intention of many. In fact, most people decorate for no significant reason other than it's just what is done this time of year. Yet, this is not the case for my wife, she decorates out of sheer joy for the season - and for her Lord!

So, as I contemplated this I wondered, is my life decorated? Does my life resemble that amazingly luminescent house that everybody drives out of their way to preview? Or, am I that house that has no lights, no decor, nothing? Have I become so caught up in the ways of the world that I have quenched the Spirit and I have a few bulbs out?

All of this caused me to go to the throne of Grace and ask, "Decorate me O, Lord!"

Just something to think about.

For His Kingdom...

Turkey, Football and Faith...

2009-11-30T09:36:00.002-05:00

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

I had the joy of spending Thanksgiving morning with some great friends. We gathered @ Westminster Academy's West Campus and embarked on our 1st annual "Gangway Turkey Bowl." It was a blast! However, it did serve to remind me that I am no longer 18 and I just can't, no matter how much my mind/ego wants to, keep up with some of these guys (and gals - shout out Patia and Lezlie).

After the game it was a refreshing drive home, a quick shower and a hike up to Stuart w/Amy to my dad's house for dinner and a superb Cowboys victory! (shout out Tullian)

Unfortunately, the following day Amy had to work so we headed home early. Although, I was quite tempted to stay b/c my sister-in-law was talking about some crazy "Black Friday" shopping and the schedule she was proposing sounded at least intriguing. Then I came to my senses and wisely declined.

That next evening Amy's parents and siblings (minus Jenny) came to visit for the weekend. It was a double blessing b/c we had waited to tell them that we were pregnant, so when we laid it on them they were ecstatic! But, then they surprised us w/ a new TV! Ok, well it's not brand new, but it's new to us and it's huge!

We had a great time with them, just hanging and being together. They left yesterday and it's always a bit sad watching them go.

All of this came rushing back down upon me this morning as I was having my morning devotions. I was reading through Hebrews 11 - the "faith hall-of-fame" chapter - and got to thinking about life, especially my life. The chapter begins with a definition of what faith is and then proceeds to give a list of biblical examples of faith in action, of people who not only professed faith but lived in it. As I read, I had to stop and examine my own life. Is this what my daily experience looks like? Is my faith always genuine or do I often profess a generic wish/faith? If I were to exercise this kind of faith, the kind Abraham and Noah and Moses had, would my life be extremely different? All these questions immediately collided with my afore mentioned Thanksgiving schedule. I thought to myself that in the midst of all that "to do" I don't remember ever having to really exercise any faith - it all just happened. Now, I'm not saying that any of the activities I did are wrong or bad, I'm just wondering if they are distractions.

See, in this world we live in, if we are really honest, we rarely need to exercise real, genuine faith. This world offers us everything and anything. If I want food I go buy it. If I want stuff I go shopping. If I want companionship I go to the Internet. Whatever we want, it's at our fingertips. This world has made faith the enemy and seeks to afford us with every opportunity to be self-sufficient and composed. Thus, faith is becoming less and less a necessity for us. This is a serious problem b/c this world we live in has propped itself up as the ultimate means of gratification and eliminates our desire for something else, something better.

All these thoughts rushed upon me this morning and I just thought I'd share them. I hope that we can all be pricked by these questions and take a hard look @ ourselves and our lives. May God be honored and all of our faith increased!

For His Kingdom...

We've moved into the 21st century...

2009-11-23T11:11:00.002-05:00

Chris and Dylan are now in the Twittershpere! That means we can now be found on Twitter.com.

Follow @dylankallioinen and @choyeperry.

For His Kingdom...

Let's all get together...

2009-11-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

On Sunday my cohort and partner in crime Dylan was not well. He was stricken with a bad case of "everything on the inside wanting to be on the outside" (thank you Brian Regan for the description). How this came about is a seeming mystery, but we suspect that it may be some kind of divine trickery being played on him for making fun of Kyle for being sick - but who knows.

Anyway, all that was to say that He was not here on Sunday and so I had the opportunity to speak to both the Middle School and High School students together. This always makes for an interesting time. It's always quite humorous to observe this awkward social environment and note the changes in certain student's behaviors. We do love experiments here in the Student Ministries :)

Despite the awkwardness of the situation it really was a sweet time.

Our discussion for the morning centered around King Hezekiah and the impending doom being proposed by Assyria. It really was a perilous time for Judah and its capital Jerusalem. So, we explored the background of what was going on and then focused our attention on King Hezekiah's prayer (found in Isaiah 37:14-20). This is a most amazing prayer for several reasons. It is quite genuine and personal. Hezekiah does not pray abstractly or ritualistically, but refreshingly from his heart. He lays the burdens confronting him and his people before the Lord with great humility and yet, wonderful boldness. The prayer is also direct and honest. Hezekiah pleads for rescue and protection from Assyria. He notes their power and strength, but trusts that it is all at the hand of the Lord and He will deal with them accordingly. He then proclaims his unwavering trust in the Lord, the one true living God. He recognizes that none of the other nations' false gods could save them, but the God of Israel is REAL and will save them.

With all of this right in front of us, I posed some inescapable questions.

- Do we trust the Lord with the same intensity and surety as King Hezekiah?

- If so, do we then pray with such genuine honesty and faith as King Hezekiah?

These questions are most pressing and dire for all of us to ponder. See, Hezekiah was surrounded by enemies, his people were living in fear, the spiritual temperature of Judah was mild at best and to top it off he had Assyria showing up on his doorstep insulting him, his people and his God. This is likely a situation that not many of us comfortable, church going, optimistic Americans can fathom or understand. Thus, Hezekiah's prayer does not affect us as it should. It lacks the force that would come if we truly could place ourselves in Hezekiah's place (or even in the place of an Israelite living in Judah at that time).

So, we need to seek the help of the Holy Spirit to help us rightly understand the circumstance of Hezekiah in order for us to grasp the wonder of his prayer. From there, we must confront ourselves with the above questions and search long and hard for their answer. For, Hezekiah's God is our God and His faith ours. Thus, we must seek God in prayer as Hezekiah did, with intensity and purpose, laying our burdens before the Lord and imploring Him to act on our behalf.

Revival fire fall on your people in this day, O Lord!

For His Kingdom...

Volleyball...

2009-11-10T11:07:00.002-05:00

So, tonight our WA Lady Lions volleyball team will be taking on the Calvary ladies in a regional showdown. Some how a rivalry has been created between these 2 teams. This is interesting being that both schools are dedicated to the same one, true, living God and are bound to train up their students in righteousness and Godliness. But, however it has come about, it is set and sometimes fierce.

Thus, tonight's game will be intense to say the least. I'll be there to show my support and I hope the gym will be packed; not with hatred and hostility, but with love, humility and good sportsmanship.

See you all there!

For His Kingdom...

Ooops...

2009-11-02T09:19:00.002-05:00

So, my first question is - "I wonder how many people's church lives were affected by the time change?"

Our Sunday school attendance was low on Sunday and I propose 3 possible reasons:

First, the time change messed our student's (and possibly parent's) sleeping habits up and this resulted in an altered church day.

Second, our students ingested so much candy and sugar over the weekend that they were either sick or the "crash" was too much and they could not physically get out of bed.

Or third, and more likely, I'm a really boring Sunday school teacher and the students are starting to revolt.

Whatever the reason, we hope to see more of our students out this week and weekend! So, if you've missed coming as of late, we've missed having you and hope to see you soon!

This week we are on for all of our regularly scheduled events (please see above calendar for more info.) and want to not only greet old friends but meet new ones! So, if you are coming to either our mid-week gatherings or our Sunday school, bring a friend or bring 2 :)

See you all soon!

For His Kingdom...

What the heck is an inheritance anyway?

2009-10-28T14:07:00.003-04:00

In 1 Peter 1:3-5 the Apostle Peter says this:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

I read this text just the other day and have been thinking quite a bit about it lately. What it essentially boils down to is that God in Christ has caused us to be reborn to a living hope. We, being firstly born "dead in our trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1), have in Christ been given a 2nd birth. This birth is not hopeless, leading fatefully to death, but is hopeful, leading surely to resurrection life! With this new life also comes a blessed inheritance. This inheritance, which = is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, is being kept and looked after for us by God in heaven. It is most surely ours, but awaits our ultimate possession of it at the culmination of our salvation.

And what is this blessed inheritance? It is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself! He is our great inheritance, our sure hope, our eternal life!

Now, the reason I've been thinking about this text lately is because of my grandfather's recent passing. It got me thinking about the inheritance he may or may not have left behind. Let me first clarify that I was not and am not thinking of this inheritance with any motive toward selfish gain. I am simply curious. I don't really know how the process of passing on an inheritance works; and I would assume most people (or at least the students I work with) don't either. So, it is for this reason I have been pondering the above text.

If I don't really understand "inheritances" then how am I to rightly glean from this text the rich nutrients it is meant to provide? If I know little or, in my case, nothing about inheritances, then how is knowing or learning that Christ is my inheritance supposed to move my soul to deeper love and adoration for Christ?

It is from these questions that got me thinking about how we read and understand the Scriptures. Please don't misunderstand what I'm about to say, for I have spent the past 4 years studying in a seminary that has a high and reverent view of Scripture and they taught me to handle it with the utmost care and diligence. I have studied the original languages and mulled over text upon text discovering deep theological truths that the Scriptures hold and pronounce. However, it was in that context, as well as working with students, that I began to realize that even thought the Bible holds these proverbial "nuggets" of deep truth it also houses a wealth of practical truths that sit on the surface of the text and stare us straight in the face. The problem is that we don't even understand these truths rightly. We have become so far removed from the culture of the Scriptures that we miss some of even the simplest truths.

Thus, I have started to read the Scriptures a little differently as of late. I have moved from the posture of detective, looking for clues within the Scripture that lead to deep and profound truth (this mostly because I'm just not smart enough to do that) and have taken the position of a curious child. I want to see and hear God in the simplest of stories and be moved by the Spirit with the most obvious truths!

So, the curious question which springs from my lack of understanding as of late is "what the heck is an inheritance anyway?"

What's yours?

For His Kingdom...

It's been awhile...

2009-10-26T14:44:00.002-04:00

True, it has been some time since my last post. For this I sincerely apologize as this blog began with the intent of posting almost everyday. I had hoped that this would be a real means of communicating all that is going on in the Student Ministries of CRPC, as well as a place to share thoughts, musings, experiments and ideas. However, I have found it much harder to do that than initially expected. So, that coupled with the often discouraging lack of comments and interaction has caused a sense of waste in these writings.

Then I remember that it is not necessarily how many people view this blog, comment on posts or even get anything out of accidently coming across this page; but it is an issue of being faithful and committed to what I've began. So, with that in mind - I write.

Things have been a little crazy around here. Not just in ministry but in my personal life as well. I feel like I have been very absent as of late. I have been out of town for various things such as Spiritual Retreats, getaways, concerts and 50th birthdays. All of this has really been good, but it has also really jumbled my schedule. So I am glad to finally have a bunch of that travel behind me.

The ministry is going well! We have established a student leadership team and have had 3 meetings already. I have high hopes and expectations for these students. Our mid-week programs continue to be a good time to fellowship with students and speak truth into their lives. We are currently looking in to how we can make these programs better. Sunday school is also continuing on. This is a wonderful time of fellowship, rest and learning. I pray that these times are not a waste and that God would use these times to really touch the hearts and lives of our students.

With all that, please keep (or start) praying for us. We desperately need God to work in our lives and in the students lives.

For His Kingdom...

Parent Meeting...

2009-10-12T10:16:00.002-04:00

I love experiments!

This will be my 2nd one I've attempted on this blog-site. So, we'll see how it goes...

We are in the midst of planning our next parent meeting and were wondering when the best day and time to hold it would be. So, we thought we'd do the most obvious thing and just ask.

Parents, this is for you.

- What would be the best day for you? Week day or week end?

- When would be the best time for you? Morning? Afternoon? Evening?

Please leave us a comment and we'll do the best we can to make the recommended accommodations.

Thank you for your continued patience with us as we move through this trying season of ministry.

For His Kingdom...

Life...

2009-10-07T08:58:00.002-04:00

Life seems to come at us so quickly and sometimes so harshly. Not only is this so but many times it creeps up and blindsides us. We are swiftly caught off guard and soon find ourselves wondering what has happened.

This has been my experience over this past week. A couple of family issues, including the loss of my Grand-dad, aka "Papap," as well as ministry and church struggles have come upon me in no easy fashion. I have found myself feeling completely weak and abused, looking around for some glimmer of hope or perhaps even a slight answer to all this.

Then, yesterday at Papap's funeral I felt (I know, strange for a Presbyterian to say) God's presence in a very real and vital way. I was lead to read 2 Corinthians 1-3 with Amy before we left for the funeral, paying special attention to chapter 1. I was confronted by the comfort of God Himself and it quickly began to leak from the pages of Scripture into my own heart. I was no longer needing to be satisfied by answers or the discovery of hope. I found in that moment God was enough! I also understood that with this comfort, as was the case for Paul and Timothy, I was to comfort others. Thus, I took the comfort of God and sought to spread it to my family and friends. I pray that in that funeral God was honored and glorified and that His comfort was truly felt.

I mention this because I have heard Pastor Tullian say time and again that "Christ plus nothing equals everything." I believe that with all my heart and understand if fully. However, I wanted to experience it. So, I prayed. God has since brought all this "stuff" into my life that has stripped me down. Then, when I was feeling quite low and just tired, God granted me the desire of my prayer! He drew near to me and comforted me. God is great and His grace is ever so sweet!

"Papap, I'll miss you!"

For His Kingdom...

Progress...

2009-09-29T10:23:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful time we had this Sunday together!

The middle school students and I talked about Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. It was a fun time retelling the story in modern vernacular and seeing that there is but one, true God who will not share His glory with anyone or anything. We saw that God means business when it comes to who/what we worship and that He alone must be the object of our worship. We saw how worshipping and putting our trust in anyone or anything else is futile and simply foolish.

This was cleverly illustrated by a makeshift tug-o-war match between Jessica M. and 5 boys. It was initially apparent that Jess had no chance of winning. Then I gave the boys their instructions. They had to lay on their bellies and pull only with their left hand. This was absolutely hilarious and most helpful to show the students that the 5 boys were basically useless in the contest.

What a great time we have together!

May God truly bless the Student Ministries as we seek Him in all that we do!

For His Kingdom...

For my students...

2009-09-25T17:38:00.003-04:00

As was blatantly evident from some conversations held last night, there are some valid and honest questions and concerns circulating through our student community. This should not come as a surprise, nor should it be simply swept under the rug of "oh, they're just kids." The majority of these students are communicant members of this church (CRPC) and have not only a right to these questions, as they pertain to their church, but a right to a fair and tender treatment of theses questions and concerns.

As such, I attempted to give an adequate answer to some of their questions and concerns last night. The students I spoke with were genuine in their concerns and also quite willing and open to discuss them in an unbiased and humble manner. Thus, we were able to converse together as loving brothers in Christ. As we chatted I tried to present the facts of all that has and is taking place in our church as I know them. I was also able to encourage these students to be mindful and aware of a couple of things.

First, in all of this there is a great deal of emotion involved. Not that emotion is all bad, but emotion unchecked by reason and facts can wreak havoc on any situation or conversation. So, I humbly asked these students to keep this in mind and to be a people who don't overly cater to emotions but check them with truth. Also, when someone comes emotionally charged, making accusations and definitive statements of which the students don't have adequate facts and truth, I requested them to kindly defer from discussing the situation.

Second, there is a lot of here-say and second hand information being disseminated amidst our community. Therefore, I asked these students to check the sources of those who are speaking this or that to them. If it has come from someone who heard from someone else, then to dismiss it as what it is - gossip! It is very easy to not only misconstrue a persons words when you hear them from that person, but when you hear it from someone who heard it from someone else, this leaves much room for misunderstanding and even reinterpretation. So, I asked them to just be careful what they count as truth and facts and what they count as gossip.

Finally, I encouraged our students to consider the frailty of people. We need to remember that we are all vessels that are so easily broken and that the utmost care needs to be taken in dealing with each other. We must seek to be a gracious and loving people, even to those we count as being of differing opinion than us (Matt. 5:43-45). So, as we are engaged in conversation regarding all that is taking place here @ CRPC, we must be swift to entertain the proverb that says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1)

This was my humble word to the students I spoke with last night. I know that I was unable to answer all their questions and satisfy all their concerns, but it is my hope and prayer that they will continue to come to us. I hope and pray that as life descends quickly and heavily and even harshly upon them that they will come us. They will continue to question and have concerns and wrestle with their faith. As this happens, we are here for them. We (the Student Ministries dept.) love all our students dearly and deeply! We love those who signed the petition and those who didn't. We love them regardless and pray diligently for all of them. We are here, and we are praying that we would spend ourselves and be spent for these students and their families.

So, for my students:

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Thank you for sharing your lives with us and for allowing us to minister to and with you! Let's make our ministry truly heaven on earth!

Num. 6:24-26

For His Kingdom...

Hooray Weekend!

2009-09-21T12:25:00.002-04:00

What a weekend!

So many things to talk about regarding this past weekend; where should I start???

Most important, at least in my humble opinion, our church rallied behind our Senior Pastor this Sunday and with a significant majority voted to retain him as our Pastor. I am thrilled about this outcome for several reasons, of which I will name just a few.

Tullian is first and foremost a man on a mission. He takes God and His Word seriously and makes no buts about it. He has a specific purpose and vision for our church and how we are to reach both our community and this world for the Glory of Christ!

Tullian is also a dear friend and wonderful leader. I have no reserve following him. He is a man I believe is following Christ with all his might and that is something I need to see. As the Apostle Paul said "Be imitators of me as I am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1), so I shall seek to imitate Pastor Tullian as he imitates Christ before our church!

Lastly, Tullian has 3 children that are all either in the Student Ministries or are going to be. Thus, he is a huge proponent of the S.M. and sees what we do as valuable and important. For that I am most grateful!

This being the event of utmost importance this weekend I thought it should receive first mention in this post. However, we did have another fantastic event this past Friday night Saturday.

Dylan, Brooke, Amy, Ali and myself along with 43 middle school students all experience a sort of preparation for what a Florida Winter may feel like. We met up here at the church on Friday night for some wild Winter themed games, such as "freeze tag," "carpet skiing," "toilet paper snowball fighting" and "icy toes." It was a most exciting and hilarious sight! Then, before catching some much need ZZZZ's before our early Saturday morning departure, we watched the movie "Ice Age 2" - Sid the Sloth, need I say more! Next stop, dream land...

Saturday morning came all too early as we awoke at a very brisk 6:00am. I woke the boys up and then proceeded to most gently and graciously wake the girls up with a bullhorn and whistle - I love my job! We packed up our stuff, had a hearty cereal breakfast and loaded up for our 3 hour trip to Orlando and the Winter themed water park "Blizzard Beach." We arrived around 10:30am and the rest is history. We had complete run of the place till it closed at 5:00pm. We went on some crazy rides, such as "Summit Plummet" which was basically straight down and the largest water slide in the U.S. We also rode some toboggan sled rides and tube rides that held 6 people - it was great! At the end of the day, we were all spent. Around 5:30pm we loaded the bus once again to begin our journey back home.

I love our church, our students and the time I get to spend with each and every one of them. This trip was meant to get to know some students better and just have some fun together. So, with that - mission accomplished!

Until the next crazy event...

For His Kingdom...

Oh, what a birthday...

2009-09-14T15:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday (Sunday) I celebrated my 29th birthday! It was a wonderfully peculiar day.

First of all, we are having a congregational meeting @ our church next Sunday to decide whether or not to retain Pastor Tullian as our Senior Pastor. This is a hard thing in the life of our church. The meeting will be one of pro and con address and a final voting process to determine a majority decision. This being the case, all communicant members are entitled to vote. So, naturally this affects 90% of our students.

So, we had one of our Elders here, James Turner, come and address the students during Sunday School. He talked about the meeting, how it was to be conducted, process and procedures and the like. Then some questions were addressed and hopefully answered sufficiently.

It was my heartfelt desire for our students to realize the magnitude of what is going on and to understand that it affects them. They are a part of this church as much as anyone and have the right to express themselves in all its dealings. Thus, I encouraged all our students to, along with their families, prayerfully consider what God is calling them to with regards to this meeting. I am praying that in all of this, God would be glorified and exalted by His people in unity and love!

As we closed and prayer and were ready to dismiss, Dylan interrupted me. He would not let anyone leave without singing "Happy Birthday" to me - mostly off key and extremely loud. It was super fun! Then we, all 90+ of us, enjoyed cake thanks to Dylan and Elizabeth - what a wonderful staff of friends! The students showed me more love than I could ever have wanted - or needed all at once :) Laura H. baked me a cake as well - it was amazing!

From there, it was on to an amazing worship service with my beloved wife, dad and step mom - they came down from Stuart to go to church and lunch with us (pray for their coming to faith please).

This was my morning...

That afternoon and evening I just relaxed with Amy - it was awesome!

Well, 30 here I come - Lord willing :)

For His Kingdom...

Put off Lies / Put on Truth-telling

2009-09-11T09:34:00.002-04:00

So...

As another semester of school and ministry begins to pick up steam, we've had a great couple of weeks here in the Student Ministries @ CRPC. Last week we had our official "kick-off" for both Middle School and High School. For M.S. we had a wonderful time running, swimming, slipping and sliding @ our "Wet-n-Wild" Gangway. As for H.S., well, let's just say it was AWESOME! We had a great group of students participating in 4 different heart pounding, strength testing and gut checking events @ our "Gladiator" Gangway. All in all, it was an adventurous 2 nights!

From slip-n-slides and sock wrestling to gathering for fellowship and study, we began our regularly scheduled mid-week activities this week.

On Wednesday we had about 50+ Middle School students gathered in Bay D basically causing havoc on the entire South end of the church! They were jazzed for Gangway and it showed in their energy and rambunctiousness :) I hope to continue that energy and excitement, but perhaps just contain it and direct it a little bit better (sorry Wendy).

We began our time playing a game called "2 truths and a lie." We got a couple of students to come up and, as convincingly as possible, tell us 2 truths and 1 lie about themselves. Then the rest of us had to try and guess which one was the lie. The good news is that most of the students were terrible liars! The only one to successfully lie to us was Zoey Masters - way to go Zoey :)

On Thursday night we had about 15+ High School students (darn WA sports BBQ!) gathered for snacks, songs and, of course, fun (hopefully)! I am hoping that since we pretty much have the run of the facilities on Thursday nights we can begin to pack the place out - so students... START BRINGING FRIENDS!

The night started out with a real treat and blessing in that we had our newly formed Student Music Team leading us in praise and worship! I need to say "thank you" to all the team and especially to Matt Tyson for his work with the students - you're the man! It was a wonderful time of singing and praising and enjoying God together. Then we recapped for all who didn't make it last week what fun we had @ "Gladiator" Gangway - this was made possible by Dylan's expert technical video making skills!

The discussion for both nights were centered around the same text and theme. We looked at Ephesians 4:17-25. We talked about how this text is calling for action, not just belief. We saw that there are 2 ways to live; according to the old self or according to the new self. We, as Christians, are to live according to the new self, putting to death the old self. So, Paul gives us in Ephesians a principle to follow; the Put Off / Put On principle. We need to, by God's grace and empowerment, put off certain thing and put on other things.

But, how? What does this look like?

Well, we looked at vs. 25 for the first application of this principle - put off lies / put on truth telling. We discussed the reason for this and the implications, both positive and negative of living this principle out. If we live according to the old self, as liars, there will be negative implications, both for us and for those around us. If we live according to the new self, as truth-tellers, there will be positive implications. We noted that living as liars or truth-tellers doesn't only affect us, but those around us - family, friends, community, church... It was a real good time of fleshing out practical ways of living according to the new self.

All of this is to say that we are having a great time here in the Student Ministries! However, please continue to pray for us, as we continue to pray for you and may God bless us as we endeavor to train up students in the way of Godliness!

For His Kingdom...

President Obama's Speech to Students...

2009-09-08T13:57:00.003-04:00

First of all, if you perchance missed our President's speech to students this morning I will below post links to both see and hear it - I hope you will visit these links!

The speech itself was a well delivered and necessary one. In a time when school is just not "cool" and education sits low on most young people's priorities, President Obama exhorts students everywhere to commit to their education. He also reminds students that though it is partially the responsibility of parents, teachers and schools to be the educators, it is very much the responsibility of students to be educated and to take their education seriously.

In his address, the President makes many good points of application to our students regarding their education. Some of these points of application are things such as Discipline, Commitment, Hard Work and Perseverance. As these points can and should be applied to our students education, they can also be applied to our students Christianity. As in their education, and so much more in their faith, should our students take responsibility, work hard, be disciplined and committed!

This is a crucial notion in our day. For we live in a time that does not often portray hard work or commitment or discipline as virtues. Students simply do not see value in eduction or church or really anything that expects these virtues. Yet, this is not only what our President calls for in education, but what our God calls for in this life. We, as Christians, are called to Spiritual Discipline, Commitment to God's Word and His Church, Hard Work and Perseverance in doing good and right. This is our lot and our privilege. Thus, we need to be about not only calling our students to a higher standard, but modeling one as well.

So, with that, I say, "Thank you Mr. President for your bold proclamation of a real need in the life of education. Also, thank you for a viable application of real virtues in our Christian life."

For His Kingdom...

Here are some links to check out:

Al Mohler's blog - www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=4404

John Piper's blog - www.desiringgod.org/Blog/1989_ive_read_the_presidents_speech_amazing/

Speech in writing - www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Speech in video - www.foxnews.com/video/index.html (title: "fulfill your responsibilities")

Here we go...

2009-09-01T13:56:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday morning we finished up our Summer curriculum for Sunday School. We, the Middle School students, closed out the Summer talking about King Solomon. We looked quite intently at the end of his life. Though he began doing great things for God, later in his life he fell into utter ruin.

King Solomon was lead astray in his heart! He had multiple foreign wives (exactly what God warned not to have in Duet. 7 & 17) who turned his heart to false gods - IDOLS! He made a Great Exchange! He exchanged God for things that were not God; he exchanged the greater for the lesser. Because of this Great Exchange there were consequences. God stripped the Kingdom from Solomon. All that Solomon was, all that he did would come to naught. He would become but a memory. Yet, because of God's covenant/promise to David, God gave a small part of the Kingdom to one of Solomon's sons. God is faithful even in the midst of our disobedience and waywardness.

This was a great place to end the Summer. We noted that we are not all too different from King Solomon. We too are lead astray in our hearts. We too are idolatrous. We too have made a Great Exchange! All the time we exchange the greater for the lesser; God for what is not God. We exchange God for friends, God for sports, God for fashion or technology. Thus, we are much like King Solomon - utterly ruined.

So, as Summer comes to an end we see ourselves as like Solomon at the end of his life - failures.

But, we begin this new semester with Hope! We have hope because God is faithful even in the midst of our failures and disobedience. Though we have made a Great Exchange by exchanging God for idols, another Great Exchange has taken place. Christ has come and Exchanged His life for ours. He offers us an even Greater Exchange than the one we daily make; he offers life for death; righteousness for sin; hope for despair. This is the great faithfulness, love and mercy of God! For He is the Son of David who now sits on the eternal throne who has not failed but fulfilled all that God has commanded. He is our hope! He is our Great Exchange!

So, here we go!

This semester we, the Middle School students, will be looking at the divided Kingdom. We will still see some failure, but we will also see God's faithfulness and sovereign workings pointing us to hope in Christ. It's going to be a wonderful time!

For His Kingdom...

"Solo" - An Uncommon Devotional

2009-08-27T15:50:00.002-04:00

Just a heads up for all who are interested - the devotional we, the Student Ministries staff, are going through is now available in the CRPC bookstore!!!

It is a wonderful devotional for students and we highly recommend it! It is simple yet profound; and it's lay out, with sections entitled "Read", "Think", "Pray", "Live" truly engages the reader are most helpful for taking the text and really applying it to everyday life.

So, swing by the bookstore, check out the devotional and say hi to Brooke - she'll appreciate it :)

For His Kingdom...

Start Dates...

2009-08-24T11:52:00.004-04:00

New Season the TV show of "Dr. House, M.D." - Monday, September 21st @ 8:00pm

Middle School Gangway - Wednesday, September 2nd @ 6:00pm

Dallas Cowboys Regular Season - Sunday, September 13th @ 12:00pm (my birthday!!!)

High School Bible Study - Wednesday, September 2nd @ 6:30pm

High School Gangway - Thursday, September 3rd @ 6:30pm

Regular Time (end of DST) - Sunday, November 1st @ 2:00am

X-EE (high school) - Tuesday, September 8th @ 6:00pm [it's going to be awesome!]

Enjoy!

For His Kingdom...

Hello

2009-08-20T00:18:00.000-04:00

This post is a test. I repeat this post is a test. Thank you.

From One Season To The Next...

2009-08-19T13:56:00.002-04:00

Tis the season...

Not the holly jolly, Santa seeing, it's really only 5 degrees colder here in South Florida than July type season; but the season of change and transition. It comes upon us right around this time every year. It affects everyone from students to parents to business men and women.

Students are beginning the transition from Summer break to the period of time when they are just counting the days to the next Summer break. School is starting! They are moving from the lazy days of Summer to the daily grind of early mornings, quizzes, gym clothes and home work. The days of sleeping in late, staying up late, hanging out with friends on what seems like a constant 12 hour clock, frequenting the beach, the mall and the ever popular local Tiajuana Flats are over. This is a real change for them.

For others, who are not operating within the realms of the local school calendar, this is also a time of transition. Family vacations have come and gone. Summer travels have become a distant hazy memory. People are gearing up for the upcoming business quarter. Major holidays are right around the corner and for some people in other parts of the country cooler weather. So for them, it's out with the shorts and jeans and in with the snow boots and jackets. This too is real change.

No matter how you look at it, unless you look at things funny, this is a time of change and transition.

With this, we here in the Student Ministries are gathering steam for this upcoming ministry season. We have some wonderful events and activities planned as well as some amazing opportunities for discipleship and service. We are preparing the ministry to receive new students with love and joy, sharing the gospel and showing forth Christ in all we do. We are also, preparing the ministry to take our settled community of students to a deeper level in their spiritual lives. All this is by its nature a type of change and transition.

So, change and transition is not all bad. In fact, we see it as good and necessary. Thus, we are inviting all our students, parents and volunteers to join with us; to change and transition with us. From this it is our hope, desire and prayer that we all will encounter Christ and His gospel in a more vibrant, enlightening and profound way this year!

For His Kingdom...

It's all about the info. baby!

2009-08-11T11:23:00.003-04:00

Last night we had our end of Summer, here we come Fall parent / student meeting. It was a great time of fellowship and information sharing. We were able to talk about the overall movement of the ministry within a given calendar year; as well as looking more closely at this up coming semester of ministry.

We feel that the evening went really well. We gave parents and students a lot of information as well as where to find more info and just some general life and ministry resources.

There was also a brief time for questions and we hope that all those that were posed were adequately answered. I also made known that if there are still any lingering questions, concerns or confusion that I would be happy to meet with any of our parents on an individual basis to be of as much help as possible.

Also, thanks to Dylan's quick thinking and technological savviness, we were able to record last night's meeting. As soon he edits the recording and makes me sound much better than I actually do, we will have it posted. It will most likely be posted on the CRPC website on the Student Ministries page. Yet, if it ends up being posted elsewhere, we'll be sure to let you know.

So, thank you to all the parents and students who came last night, it was a great time. For those of you who could not make it, fret not, we will be having another meeting at the end of this semester.

Until, then... May the Lord bless you and keep you!

For His Kingdom...

Resources...

2009-08-10T14:42:00.002-04:00

I'm one of those people who is always looking for opportunities to learn and grow. I have come to realize over the years that I actually know very little and, in fact, have a lot of growing to do. So, with that in mind I am constantly fishing for resources to help me along on my journey.

Therefore, I thought that I would, in turn, post just a few resources that I have found especially helpful. These are by no means exhaustive in scope or depth, but have proven to be profitable in my life and ministry.

1) "The Ministry of Nurture" - by Duffy Robbins

2) "Solo - An Uncommon Devotional" - by Eugene H. Peterson

3) "Learning To Pray Through The Psalms" - James W. Sire

I hope that these can serve you well as resources both for life and ministry. We will be continuing to update this list of resources as we come across them.

May the Lord bless you all!

For His Kingdom...

Upcoming Parent/Student Meeting

2009-07-30T14:08:00.001-04:00

Dear Parents,

I wanted to take this opportunity to personally invite both you and your student(s) to our upcoming Parent/Student meeting. This will be taking place on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Student Meeting Room (aka Gangway).

We will be gathering to recast our hopes and vision for the Student Ministries and to explore how we might be able to best partner with you in the discipleship and nurture your student(s). We will also be going over a bit of our calendar for this upcoming semester of both school and ministry.

This meeting is part of our ongoing efforts to better communicate all the advancements in the life of CRPC Student Ministries. We affectionately request your presence, desiring it to be a sweet time of fellowship and encouragement.

For His Kingdom…

Back on...

2009-07-29T10:51:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been a little while but we are back on this week for Mid-week gatherings! Wednesday for MS and Thursday for HS.

Being away at camp for the past 2 weeks was a wonderful experience! I enjoyed hanging with some of our students in a completely different setting and at time quite close quarters :) We all had a great time of fellowship, fun and hopefully some spiritual growth. I also enjoyed meeting new friends and connecting with other youth pastors and leaders. I'm sure that the Lord is going to use all that took place over those 2 weeks in a marvelous way in all of our lives.

However, while I was away I found that I truly missed our weekly gatherings and Sunday school times. I missed seeing all our students and interacting with them in their own corner of the world. I appreciate all of our students and how each one of them makes the ministry here special and touches me in a unique and passionate way. Even though our weekly activities can soon become routine, there never ceases to be a moment when I feel God is near. He is using us to be a part of His Kingdom work and building and for that I am most candidly grateful!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I deeply love my church, my staff and the ministry God has given us here. Most of all, I love our students! They are the church, the ministry, the next generation and the ones for whom Christ poured out His life. Thus, I want to pour mine out to them as well.

For His Kingdom...

Pancho Villa is not dancing at the party...

2009-07-27T10:10:00.002-04:00

Wow!!!

What a great time we had @ middle school camp this past week! It was a time of crazy, silly, energetic, delirious fun and excitement. We blobbed, canoed, tubed, swam, rode horses, played soccer, dodge ball and some other wacky games. We were non-stop for 5 days and it was AWESOME!

Wayne Kerr totally rocked! He not only lead us through some of the strangest songs and wake up activities but also into a real state of worship. The students loved him and I grew to appreciate him greatly.

We also had a wonderful opportunity to sit under some amazing teaching! We were lead through the Bible's "big story." It consisted of 4 chapters - Creation, Fall, the Cross and Fulfillment. The first 2 have passed, we are living in the 3rd and the 4th is coming. This is God's story and our lives, our story is very much a part of that big story.

All in all, it was a marvelous time! We all met new friends, grew closer to old ones and just had a blast!!!

So, in one last word... beware of moose crossing; they are truly dangerous animals :)

For His Kingdom...

"Whoa-oh-oooh-ohoh-oah" / H.S. Camp

2009-07-17T10:17:00.003-04:00

We have returned!!!

It is both sad and exciting that we are all back from our amazing High School Camp adventure. Sad because it was so good and refreshing to get away for a little while. Plus, we had a spectacular time getting to know each other, waking up early, staying up late, dominating other churches in sports and games and of course white water rafting!!! It was also an awakening and special time of sitting under superb preaching and teaching of the Word! We were all confronted with the reality of our multitudes of "idols."

However, it is also exciting to be back. Now we all get the chance to share our stories and implement all that we learned. Being back means taking the atmosphere and attitude of camp and making it a continuing reality. Here, at home, we can live out our changed lives and become catalysts for others to be changed. What a wild concept, huh?

So, I am so grateful for this past week of camp. I loved getting to know everyone better and sharing life with friends and family - we truly had real community!

So, until next time... "whoa-oh-ohhh-oh-a-ohh!!!"

For His Kingdom...

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

2009-07-07T14:01:00.002-04:00

On Sunday we had a great time in the middle school Sunday school!

We looked through the book of Ruth. We began by reading various portions of the book, then we discussed it as a group, then we prayed about how it affects us today, and finally we sought to apply the text to our lives.

It was an interesting and encouraging time.

The Great Name Change...

2009-07-02T10:54:00.003-04:00

As the cat begins to scramble out of the bag, we here in the Student Ministries are kicking around the idea of changing the name of the ministry. This idea began not as an attempt to simply be "new" or "novel" but through the desire to communicate better the heartbeat and hopes of the Student Ministries.

The name "Gangway" has been around for as long as probably anyone can remember. It's an interesting name with a particular meaning. The term "Gangway" refers to the plank that spans the gap between a ship and the dock. Back when this name was introduced, the entire theme of the Student Ministries was nautical - hence the name "Gangway," "galley groups" etc. However, over the years this theme became obsolete, but the name Gangway just stuck . As Gangway was originally not the name of the overall Student Ministries but merely one aspect of the ministry (mid-week gatherings), it has through out the years now morphed into an all encompassing term. So that today, when we speak of "Gangway" it can mean anything from Sunday school to the name of the meeting room itself.

This being the case, we want to move away from a name that refers to a bygone theme in favor of one that will project the present reality and vision of the Student Ministries. However, even as we brainstorm for a proper and befitting name we realize that this must not be held in a closed fist close to our chest but in open hands lifted toward heaven. Just as the name Gangway served it's time and purpose in the history of our church, so to will this new name. Yet, it is only a matter of time till this name too becomes obsolete and in due season will also be changed.

Regardless of the names chosen, this should not be something we are deterred by. For it is not the name of the Student Ministry that matters to God but those for whom the name represents - the people! This should be and must be what matters most to us as well.

With all that said, and much more could be said, I invite you all to join with us in exploring names for the Student Ministries. Thus far we have come up only with a name for the room itself; but we have not concluded upon a name for the ministry (i.e. - "U-turn Student Ministries").

So, let's get those God-given creative juices flowing!

For His Kingdom...

Vacation, anniversary and a revelation...

2009-06-23T18:24:00.002-04:00

As my wife began our vacation this past Sunday, I had a bitter/sweet feeling of being gone for an entire week. Though I believe in time away, both for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation as well as caring for my family/wife, I often find it hard to leave the ministry - namely the students! However, rest assured, as I am, that things are running just as smoothly, if not more so, in my absence with Dylan, Kathryn and Elizabeth faithfully plugging along. I will be in constant prayer for all our wonderful students, our volunteer leadership and staff; and I would invite all who read this to be about that same business!

With this vacation not only comes time away, but also Amy and I's 2 year anniversary. They (whoever they are) say that the first 2 years are the hardest. If that is the case then praise God b/c we've had a great time thus far! I thank God for Amy as she compliments me so well - if nothing else Amy is a testimony to God's absolute sovereignty b/c I'm sure there is nobody else who could put up with my continued shenanigans. As we celebrate 2 years [today actually - I expect presents when I return :)] I look forward to where and into what adventures God is going to lead us into in the coming years. Yet, in this time we are having an absolute blast serving the students and families @ CRPC.

However, in all this I've had a revelation. It has finally occurred to me how needy and desperate I actually am. I have mentally consented to this for some time now, but through certain events that have taken place thus far, I am sure in the depths of my soul that this is the absolute case. This has driven me to a deeper understanding of myself and of God - and I praise Him for making me privy to all this.

However, I am now being overtaken by my family... so more about this later!

For His Kingdom...

Lesson Synopsis for June 24 & 25 with questions

2009-06-23T13:02:00.002-04:00

All Peoples Guide to the Universe: Scripture our Guide for Life

Walk away point: Our lives often demonstrate that we hold more valuable what the world says over what God says and that needs to change.

One of the most tragic occurrences in the world at large, but sadly even in our churches, is that many have lost trust in the sufﬁciency and relevancy of the Bible. In the minds of countless people, the Bible is just an outdated book. Not only is the Bible treated as irrelevant in our day by non-Christians, but many professing Christians have lost the deep conviction of solaScriptura (scripture as the authority for Christian faith). I have no question that people in the church and abroad believe the bible contains some truth. But I believe we’d be hard pressed to ﬁnd a majority of professing Christians who believe the Bible is absolute truth or total truth. A good deal of what we believe, the methods we employ and perspectives we hold, come from other sources than the Bible. Many would sooner believe what a university professor would say or maybe a scientist or a doctor since they are the supposed leading scholars and authorities on truth. In this lesson, we want to challenge the students to ask critical questions of themselves as to whether they really believe that the Bible is from God, is true, reliable, inerrant and so forth. While God can be known in some ways through creation he has "added the light of his Word in order that he might make himself known unto salvation."[1] Calvin compares Scripture to being like a pair of spectacles, that enable us to properly interpret what we see in creation:

“For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.” [1]

For the Christian, the Bible should be our rule for life, the guide we follow. I have no doubt that many profess belief in the Bible, I just know that when it comes to actively applying the truth of God’s word to how we make decisions, what we do or even how we think, we very often fall short.

[1] Calvin, John. “The Need of Scripture, as a Guide and Teacher, in Coming to God as Creator.”
The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 2008.

Questions:
1. What has been the most important decision you have had to make up until this point in your life?

2. When you made this decision where did you look for help in making the decision? How did the choice or decision go for you?

3. How often do you apply the Bible to your life (how you should act) or in decision making?
Depending on your answer why or why not?

4. How often do those you ask for advice, whether family or friends, bring you to the bible for
guidance or instruction?

5. Why do you think we don’t turn to the Bible for help in how we are to act in particular situation or in decisions we make?

6. How would a better understanding and application of the bible help you to be different from the world (worldliness) and make a difference in the world?

The Avondale Project

2009-06-18T14:38:00.003-04:00

We here at in the Student Ministries are getting getting on board with the Outreach Department to serve our community through what's being called "The Avondale Project." It's going to be an event that seeks to reach out to the Avondale community by providing a fair-type atmosphere for kids complete with games, activities and events. It will also offer a health fair area and other "ministry" related areas.

The event will be taking place on July 18, 2009 from 11:30am - 3:00pm. The exact location will be provided soon.

So, here's what we're going to be doing!

From now until July 15 we, the Student Ministries, are going to be collecting backpacks and various school items to fill those backpacks. Here is a list of items:

pencils

colored pencils

pens

paper

crayons

safety scissors

glue

folders

etc.

Starting this Sunday we will have a bin out in "Gangway" for students to start bringing in backpacks or any of these other items. All items must be new.

Please encourage our students to be involved with us in this community re:newing event!

For His Kingdom...

Mid-week lesson 2 (6/17 - 6/18)

2009-06-17T12:48:00.003-04:00

"www.what-in-the-world.com"

Preparation for lesson: Read chapter 2 & 3 of Unfashionable.

Walk away point: Against the World for the World

The World asks, “Are you Christians for or against us?” The Church responds by saying, “Yes!”

In this weeks lesson we are going to discuss the helpful distinctions made between the uses of the word “world” in the Bible. Rightly understanding these distinctions will enable us to understand the churches place in the world and much of the Christian’s life in the world. When reading the bible, one can become confused because some of the language is seemingly contradictory. What we need to understand is that there are multiple meanings of the word world in the bible. The original language distinguishes between the meanings but when translated to English there is only one word to describe them, “world”. Let’s look quickly at some passages that have different usages of the word world in the Bible.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

“Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)

When we read these verses it seems that the Bible is practicing double talk. Three helpful categories will help us tell the difference between the way “world” is applied in the bible.

1. World as the created order

2. World as the human communities

3. World as the sinful ways of humanity

When the bible calls us to be at odds with the “world” it’s referring to this third category. If we look again to 1 John 2:15-17 Paul isn’t calling us to be against the created order (peoples places and things), but against “the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions” which could be described as worldliness. We aren’t called to show displeasure toward people (your neighbors), places (Ft. Lauderdale) or things (buildings & baseballs), but we show our displeasure toward sin and worldliness. Worldliness can be described as the sinful misdirection of God’s good creation. For example a knife in and of itself isn’t a bad thing. Yet, a knife in the hands of a malicious person could be perceived as a bad thing. But, before we go calling a knife bad, what has changed about that knife? Nothing! So it’s not that the knife is bad, but it’s the misuse of the knife for evil or bad. Actually, in and of itself the knife is neither good or bad. The improper use of a thing does not invalidate the proper use of a thing. So the Christian is to live against worldliness.

This begs the question, “How are we for the world?” Christians are living for the world when they live according to God’s ways and communicate God’s truth in the world. In doing this the Christian acts as salt and light. It is for the world’s good that we fight against every sinful motive, action, desire...

So, as Christians we are to be for the world against the world (or worldliness), putting on godliness and putting off worldliness.

Questions:

1. What is your favorite thing (possession) or thing to do (activity) in the whole entire world?

Sample answers:

• I love my car, I love my books, I love my computer, I love my pet, I love my collection of...

• I love to play sports, I love to read, I love watching beautiful sunsets, I love to spend time with friends and family, I love to draw, I love watching TV, I love rafting or kayaking, I love worshipping God.

2. In (1 John 2:15) we read that we are not to love the world or the things in it. How can we understand these verses when we also read in (John 3:16) that God so loved the world... How can we love the world and at the same time not?

Sample answer:

• We have to understand what it is we are supposed to appreciate about the world and what we are should be opposed to in the world Created Order vs. Worldliness

3. When the bible talks negatively about the world it often speaks about wrong desires or the misuse of good gifts that God has given (read context of 1 John 2:15-17). What are some ways we misuse God’s good gifts?

Sample answers:

• We selfishly use money (problem of greed)

• We use our words to hurt not help

• We use people to get what we want

4. How does knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord help us to resist worldliness and at the same time give us a greater love for His world?

Sample answers:

• We learn through the Bible how to make use of the gifts God has given and how to appropriately enjoy them.

All We Need is Love, Love, Love...

2009-06-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

This past Sunday I had the privilege of leading our wonderful high school students in a discussion on "love."

We began our time by talking about how flippantly we throw about the word "love" in our daily life. We say we love things like "chocolate" or "the color purple"; or places and things like "Cheesecake Factory" or "Brad Pitt." Yet, when we blurt this kind of thing out we rarely consider the weight of what we are saying. This is b/c, for the most part, our notion of love is so weak that we just assume that if we really like something we therefore "love" it. But this should not be so! We, as Christians, should of all people have a much higher view of love.

So, we decided to try and come up with a working idea or definition of love. Let me just say, we all fell woefully short of a good one. I then played for the students a song by a Christian hip-hop group, Mars Ill, called "Love's Not." It speaks about what love is by affirming what it's not. However, it's the last line, the one that proclaims what love is, that I think is absolutely beautiful.

"Love is blood and body, bread and water

remember the time,

Love is God divine,

crucified for mankind"

This is "love!" This is what the Scriptures say love is. It's not a feeling or fashion - it's Christ! Jesus is love personified. He is what defines love for us. As we discussed this, we looked at how this should affect how we love God and love others. This should also make us think twice about how easily we let the word "love" roll off our tongues.

From here we mulled over our need to properly love God and others. This is our call; it was how Jesus lived and how He calls us to live as well.

For His Kingdom...

Summer Kick-off's

2009-06-12T17:26:00.003-04:00

We had a fantabulous time this past Wednesday and Thursday @ our official "Summer Kick-offs!!!"

We hung out, played some games - some serious dodge ball on Wednesday - and dove right into a study of Pastor Tullian's book "Unfashionable."

I hope everyone had a grand time and will continue to come out throughout the Summer. Also, we hope and pray that it will be so exciting that our students will start bringing their friends - sweet!!!

I'd like to extend a huge "thank you" to all the volunteer leadership that came out and helped make the 2 nights a success. We could not have done it without you.

Until next time - stay in the shade, it's hot out there!

For His Kingdom...

M.S. Talking Points for 6/14/09

2009-06-08T15:29:00.002-04:00

Here are some points you (parents) may wish to converse with you student(s) about.

- What are the 5 points of the "cycle of the judges"? - discussed them last week

- Why does God continue to have mercy on the Israelites? Us? - His covenant faithfulness

- What was Deborah confident in? - God / What was Sisera confident in? - his chariots

- Who was praised for the victory? - God / What victories can we praise God for?

For His Kingdom...

"What a Mess"

2009-06-08T14:54:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday we had a ball in middle school Sunday education! We had a ton of middle schoolers all gathered to look at Scripture together (some more than others of course).

We began our time by way of review. We briefly scanned the history of the children of Israel from Abraham to the time of Joshua. We looked especially at God's Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the whole of the children of Israel.

This review landed us in the Promised Land just before the time of the Judges. We especially noted that God is always faithful to His Covenant. Yet, we, like the Israelites, often break that Covenant. Such was the case at this particular time in Israel's history. It was in deed a mess of a time.

The children of Israel were keeping the Covenant while Joshua was alive and even unto the time after Joshua while his elders were still alive. However, the elders eventually died and the text tells us that the next generation arose and had no knowledge or memory of God and His work among the children of Israel. Thus, they did evil in God's sight and turned away from Him to follow after pagan gods.

What a mess!

This is one of the most distressing parts of Scripture for me as a Student Leader to read. This is because the generation I am working with have the very real possibility of being described in this way. Thus, we here in the Student Ministries, by God's grace, are spending ourselves in the service of His students, "the next generation." It is our earnest hope and prayer that the generation we are working with will not be condemned as those who "forgot God," but will be heralded as those who "worship God."

However, this is ultimately out of our control. For, it is God alone who changes, molds, shapes and orders lives. We are but His tool and agents and we wish to be well used.

From this point in our study we begin the "cycle of the Judges." This is a repeating cycle that is found throughout the book of Judges. It goes something like this:

- Israel forgets God and does evil in His sight

- God gives them into the hands of their enemy

- The Israelites cry out for help

- God sends them a Judge/Deliverer

- The Israelites are obedient (at least until the Judge dies, then the cycle repeats)

The cycle is more than just a pithy way of reading the book of Judges, it is a story or picture of our own lives.

- We have forgotten God and done evil in His sight (covenant breakers).

- God gives us into the hand of our enemies - our own minds [Rom. 1:24, 25] (our punishment).

- God's Spirit works in our hearts and we cry out to God for help (repentance).

- God has sent the ultimate and final Judge/Deliverer - Jesus Christ (God's covenant faithfulness).

- By faith we are obedient to the covenant through Christ (covenant keepers).

Thus, we must read these stories and realize that they are not just ancient myths to be read at bedtime. They are our history, and history has a funny way of repeating itself. So, look to these stories to see your own needs. Then turn not to any of the specific judges, but to the one, true Judge - Jesus Christ - and find deliverance.

For His Kingdom...

Ride the Rapids, have some fun; ride the Rapids everyone!

2009-06-02T19:09:00.003-04:00

Today I had the great privilege of joining the 7th and 8th graders of Westminster Academy on their annual Rapids water park excursion. This is my 3rd year going to the Rapids with all my students and each year is just as much fun as the previous one!

I love being able to hang with the students in an environment that is much less abrasive than the church building. I got to have some great conversations with students in lazy river, in line for rides and around the lunch picnic table. For me, this is ministry. Not b/c I was having a blast at a water park all day, but b/c here some of the hierarchical structure of ministry was broken down and the conversation and general opening up was not to Chris the youth leader, but to Chris the mentor and friend. This was both wonderfully encouraging and fearfully humbling all at once.

So, I hope and pray that today's activities were both fulfilled and memorable! I also hope and pray that they were impacting for some of the students I chatted with, b/c they were for me.

Thanks for letting me tag along :)

For His Kingdom...

She'll be coming 'round the mountain...

2009-06-02T18:38:00.003-04:00

I love teaching middle school Sunday education (school)!!!

I have a great group of students who are at least most of the time paying some kind of attention to what I'm saying. Even though I have to get onto them at least once every Sunday about focusing and being respectful of, not just me as a teacher, but God whose Word we are studying, I still enjoy them very much. So, to all my students - I love you guys!

As for content...

This past Sunday we looked over Hebrews 12:18-29. Here we find the author making a comparison between the events that took place on Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion. He presents the comparison in such a way as to make the reader desirous of one of the Mountains over the other - Mt. Zion over Mt. Sinai.

The author paints the picture of Mt. Sinai in colors of grey and black; conjuring up a remembrance the terrible happenings that took place there. He recalls the clouds and thick darkness, the fire and pronouncement of judgment to any (even animals) who would come near enough to touch the mountain. To be sure, Mt. Sinai was the place of God's dwelling in that moment, but it was an abode that produced fear and anxiety and hurled only a promise of judgment.

On the other hand we see the same author using a palette of white and ivory to paint the picture of Mt. Zion. He we see only wonderful and amazing happenings as we encounter angels, God and Christ Himself. At this mountain one finds not judgment, but mercy in the mediating blood of Christ. Those who come are not threatened with death but are promised life! Here also is the dwelling place of God, it is His city, but it is a glorious abode that invokes praise, worship and adoration!

These are the 2 mountains being compared; yet, it is not the mountains alone that the author wishes us to take notice of, but the heralds of those mountains. As Mt. Sinai has for its herald the great Moses, so, Mt. Zion has as its herald the even greater and ever blessed Jesus Christ. As Moses calls for obedience to the law or judgment, Christ, who was completely obedient to the law on our behalf, calls for faith in Himself or judgment. So, as the text says, we must not refuse Christ's call, b/c those who refused even the call of Moses encountered judgment and the call of Christ is an even better, more sure call and will by no means be refused w/o judgment.

From here we looked at how this would take place - the judgment. It will come by another shaking of the earth and even the heavens. This will be the removal of all things that can be shaken - i.e. - all that is not fixed upon Mt. Zion. Thus, the call of Jesus Christ goes out from Mt. Zion for all to come. Come from Mt. Sinai, from Jerusalem, Judea, Africa, Asia and North America; come all to Christ, to a mountain and a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Come and find forgiveness, salvation and life!

With all of this, we ended by asking "what mountain have you come to?" If we have not come to Mt. Zion; to Christ, then we must. If we have, then we need to be a demonstration community (the church) of what life on that mountain looks like, so that those we encounter from elsewhere will want to join us.

Why?

"For our God is a consuming fire." He will be swift and perfect in judgment. All will once again be shaken by His marvelous voice. So, come to that which is unshakable; come to Christ!

For His Kingdom...

Construction Zone

2009-05-28T18:34:00.002-04:00

It's true, Gangway is under construction.

We have been in serious need of a facilities update for some time now. Now, thanks be to God, we are seeing some of that update taking place.

We are getting fresh paint throughout the meeting and game rooms, new ceiling tiles and lights and some new furniture. This is just the beginning of the update and we are hoping to see our audio/visual upgraded in the near future.

We are extremely excited about this update and are hoping it will create a new and refreshed atmosphere in the Student Ministries.

For His Kingdom...

Membership: Why Join a Church?

2009-05-24T20:16:00.005-04:00

Today in Sunday school we discussed the importance of being plugged into a a local church community. In my preparation I came across this quote.

"God has given us four pictures of the church, not one. This is not just to emphasize and prove the point by repetition, but also to say four different things about what it means to be a member of a church. To be a stone in his temple means to belong to a worshipping community. To be part of a body means to belong to a living, functioning, serving, witnessing community. To be a sheep in the flock means belonging to a community dependent on him for food, protection, and direction. To be a member of a family is to belong to a community bound by a common fatherhood. Put together you have the main functions of an individual Christian. Evidently we are meant to fulfill these not on our own but together in the church. Now can you see the answer to the question why you should join a church?"--G. Eric Lane, I Want to Be A Church Member (Bryntirion, Wales: Evangelical Press of Wales, 1992), p. 21.

I often hear people say, "I don't need to be part of a particular church because I'm part of the universal church." While it is true that those who are in Christ are apart of His universal church, I believe the best way to demonstrate our commitment to Christ's church is to give ourselves in service of a local community of believers. If everyone faithfully invested themselves in their local church I believe the needs and mission of the global church would be met. All this to say their are many blessings and benefits to be had from becoming a member of a church. But one of the greatest things about being a member of a local church isn't what you get, but the opportunity to be used by God to be a blessing.

Beautiful Pandemonium

2009-05-21T10:26:00.003-04:00

Last night we gathered all our Middle School and High School students together for a "pre-summer party." There had to have been at least 100 students, a handful of leaders and a few parents - it was awesome!

Actually, it was more than awesome, it was a beautiful pandemonium. There were students everywhere, all thoroughly enjoying themselves. We played some silly, summer camp style games, ate popcorn, cookies and drank cheap Publix soda - it was quite the event.

By the time the night was over, I was so humbled by the shear amount of students God has placed in our care. I love each and every one of them, even the ones I'm constantly getting on to. Thus, I pray that even in the midst of a beautiful pandemonium our students would know not only our love for them but Jesus'.

So, Summer is right around the corner and I am excited about the opportunities we will have for some more pandemonium, some intense worship, devoted prayer, deep study and zealous living. Please be in prayer for both our students and us as a Student Ministry staff.

And remember, even pandemonium can be beautiful if you see it through the eyes of Christ.

For His Kingdom...

Prizes for everyone!

2009-05-18T18:43:00.002-04:00

We had a wonderfully crazy time in Middle School Sunday school this past Sunday! We began a discussion on "Spiritual Gifts." This was the first of many more conversations we are going to have relating to the topic of Spiritual gifts.

We looked into the subject of Spiritual gifts via 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

To begin the discussion I thought it would be helpful to use a fun and easily transferable object lesson. So...

We played a trivia game. For each right answer a prize was given. Often it was multiples of the same prize. The prizes that were given were: a notebook, several unsharpened pencils, a couple of pencil sharpeners, some highlighters and a bunch of erasers.

After all the prizes were handed out and the pandemonium had ceased to a tolerable level, we discussed what each of the prizes could be used for. Then I asked what could happen if all the prizes were used together? Some said "homework," others said "take notes." I agreed and pointed out that if taking notes, for instance, was the main objective, then you would need all the prizes used together to accomplish that task.

I then related this to Spiritual gifts; pointing out that though there are many gifts, there is only one gift giver and He expects all the gifts to be utilized together for His great task - building His church!

We then talked about how every genuine Christian has received a Spiritual gift. As such, it is our responsibility to find out what that gift is and use it for the accomplishing of God's purpose! We are to use our Spiritual gifts for the common good of the church; for the work of the ministry and the building up of the body of Christ! No man has received a gift for private use, but for the benefit of others.

Thus, I challenged the students to find out what their Spiritual gifts are. I told them that if they don't it would be like sitting in front of all your Christmas presents on Christmas morning and saying "I don't care about those presents, I'm not going to open them and play with them." That's just crazy!

So, here are a couple of links to websites that will assist both students and parents in discovering their Spiritual gifts.

http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com

http://elmertowns.com/spiritual_gifts_test

http://www.churchgrowth.org/analysis/intro.php

For His Kingdom...

Summer Camp/Conferences

2009-05-18T00:05:00.003-04:00

For all parents and students who want to check out a few of the details regarding our summer trips you can check out the Southland Student conference website.

Prices on the website are subject to change with transportation costs. We will be sending out a full info. packet ASAP.

http://southlandcamps.com/home.htm

Sundays Song

2009-05-17T22:55:00.003-04:00

Every week in the high school Sunday school class we will be looking at great songs of our faith from the present and the past. This weeks song was

Before The Throne Of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

A Few Sunday School Notes

2009-05-17T22:27:00.005-04:00

Another great Lord's day! As I was sitting down after greeting people this morning I was reminded how much I need to be in worship Sunday mornings. It's medicine for my soul. As I sat watching the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic I thought it would possibly be beneficial to post a few points from the high school Sunday school.

Today we had the privilege to continue in the book of Romans. We found ourselves moving from our discussion of Christ as the greater Adam (chapter 5) to our union with Christ (chapter 6). We also moved from the issue or topic of our Justification (God's pardoning of sinners, accepting them as righteous through Jesus.) to Sanctification (God's gift of grace to the Christian which enables one to die more to sin and live for God). Here are some distinctions between the doctrine of justification and sanctification.

Justification declares the sinner righteous.

Sanctification makes the sinner righteous.

Justification is a once-and-for-all act.

Sanctification is a continuous work.

Justification causes salvation.

Sanctification is the result of salvation.

Justification deals with the Christian’s standing before God.

Sanctification deals with the Christian’s experience in life.

Justification is objective.

Sanctification is subjective.

Justification removes the guilt and penalty of sin.

Sanctification removes the growth and power of sin.

Justification changes a person’s position before God.

Sanctification changes a person’s nature and character.

Justification, again, changes a person’s position before God.

Sanctification changes a person’s disposition in relation to God.

Justification deals with the imputation of righteousness.

Sanctification deals with the impartation of righteousness.

Justification is for the sinner.

Sanctification is in the saint.

Great Time At Gangway!

2009-05-14T21:12:00.005-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to give shout out to all the middle school Gangwayer's. I had an awesome time scavenging around the campus. I still don't know exactly who won the competition. The girls came through with a pretty strong performance, but Nate Tchividjian stepped up and threw down 10 one handed push-ups! I guess we'll have to settle this next time. Remember Gangway next Wednesday for our end of the year beginning of the summer youth group extravaganza.

Do you know what you're listening to?

2009-05-13T10:06:00.002-04:00

My wife and I (Dylan) were watching American Idol this evening. I know it’s played out and it’s been around for years, but my wife and I really just started watching it last year so it still has a freshness to it. Anyhow, the last three performers are pretty talented young guys. I especially enjoyed Kris Allen’s performance. He performed The Fray’s arrangement of Kanye West’s song Heartless. All of this music listening got me thinking about, well, music. I think that music is one of the most powerful mediums there ever has been or will be. Great music has the ability to inspire, it can heal a broken heart and even make me cry. If you’re anything like me, you love music. I would go so far as to say I couldn’t imagine life without it and wouldn’t want to for that matter. I looked up the definition of music and it read:

Music: an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner.

Music is defined as a form of communication. I often ask people what they like about a particular music group, genre or singer and they typically say, “I just like the music” (beat, groove, rhythm, etc.) These individuals say they focus more on the instrumental. I too enjoy a great instrumental. But, where does the communication part come in? So many people I talk to say they really don’t care or pay attention to lyrical content. I then ask, “how can you sing the lyrics without even knowing the message being conveyed?” They respond with something like, “I dunno?” The only reason I bring all this up is because a lot of popular music today communicates a totally different world view from what Christians believe. By world view I mean how one sees or interprets life in this world.

I checked out iTunes top 10 songs. Some of the songs on the top ten were these:

# 3 Poker Face by Lady GaGa

# 4 Sugar by Flo Rida

# 5 Don’t Trust Me by 3OH!3

# 6 I Know You Want Me by Pitbull

# 10 Blame It by Jamie Foxx

I wasn’t surprised by the songs that made the top ten. Why? Because that’s the world. All of the songs above are sexually supercharged. The world view they convey is one of substance abuse for the sake of inhibition and sexual promiscuity. This is totally contrary to the biblical world view. We know that people aren’t to be used as objects to be had, but people to be loved. And furthermore sexuality is beautiful within the context of marriage, but practiced out of the confines of marriage brings hurt and brokenness. I think that most people know that to live like this is wrong so in order to suppress this knowing they inhibit themselves via drug and alcohol abuse.

Ultimately, I’m not saying don’t listen to modern contemporary music. What I’m advocating is that we need to become critics of the media we choose to watch or listen to. Whether you think so or not media has an influence on you, me and everyone. And even if you feel able to not be affected by music and lyrics what about your neighbor? How do your choices of music, movies and media impact the relationship you have with others.

Paul calls us (more important Jesus calls us) to practice deference when we read

1 Corinthians 8:9-12 (NLT)

9 But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble. 10 For if others see you—with your "superior knowledge"—eating in the temple of an idol, won't they be encouraged to violate their conscience by eating food that has been offered to an idol? 11 So because of your superior knowledge, a weak believer for whom Christ died will be destroyed.12 And when you sin against other believers by encouraging them to do something they believe is wrong, you are sinning against Christ. 13 So if what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live—for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble.

All this is simply food for thought. We are each called to

Romans 12:1-2

“give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

So I call to all who will hear. Let us strive to follow Christ with our whole beings music, media and all.

It's just another manic Monday...

2009-05-11T08:42:00.002-04:00

Well... here we are, back in the 'ol office.

Mondays are always so mixed up for me. This is usually because I didn't get enough sleep during the weekend. Or, it could be that over the weekend I ate so unhealthy that I can't believe my arteries haven't completely clogged. But sometimes it's because I encountered God in the worship service on Sunday and He has began working on some area (or multiple areas for that matter) of my life. Thus, I begin to wrestle with Him in an attempt to rightly understand the work He is doing and how it is to change my life.

This is the case today. God met me in the evening worship service (Tullian's installation service) last night and began working on my heart and mind. How did God meet me you may ask? Well, it happened when Dr. John Wood issued the charge to "Die." God began to speak to my heart urging me to take this charge seriously and personally. He reminded me that He was willing to go to that far for me and as such I should be willing to do no less.

Now, the perplexing part is not that God is working on me, for I am in desperate need of His work, but that as He does this will inevitably affect the ministry He has called me to here @ CRPC. For if I am to die to self that I might live to Christ, then it should be Christ alone that is visible in the Student Ministries. It should be His will that drives the ministry not my desires, dreams or ideas. It should be His Word that shapes us not my suggestions, or insight. It is His work and thus needs to be done His way and in His power, not mine. For I am but a tool in the master's hand.

However, this is precisely where God is doing His work. You see, I have a very strong, dynamic and outgoing personality. I love people! I enjoy meeting new people, hanging with friends, talking to people, gathering crowds and being the life of a party. This is both a blessing and a curse. The last thing I want is for anything to have my stamp on it. I don't want a growing ministry because of me (don't get me wrong, I want a growing ministry), but because of Christ. I desire nothing more than if I were to be marooned on a desert island for the rest of my life that the Student Ministries here would continue to grow and change the world. Why? Because Christ is central!

Therefore, I request your prayers; in fact, we all do here in the Student Ministries. We desire to decrease that Christ may increase. So, as we are planning and working, please pray that we are doing so according to the will of God, for His glory alone and by His grace. Pray that we don't push our agendas or attempt to do things just because we think we need to. This is the Lord's ministry and His students; we are but His instruments. Please pray that as God so chooses to use us that we would be a beautiful sound in His ears and an enticing and piercing melody to a deaf world.

For His Kingdom...

Soaking wet...

2009-05-07T13:50:00.002-04:00

This past Wednesday night was our 2nd annual middle school "Pool Party." It was a marvelously crazy time; but then again any time you have 20 pizzas, 40+ students, a pool with a diving board and water polo goals it's sure to be a wild event.

We met over @ the Westminster Academy pool to wet every one's appetite for summer. We inhaled a few pizzas, washed it down with some H2O and Capri Sun's and headed for the water. It really was a magnificent time of fun and fellowship, bonding with old friends and meeting new ones. We played water polo and hosted an ever popular belly-flop contest.

We had a great time and want to thank everyone who came out to share in the extravaganza. We'd also like to thank W.A. for letting us use their pool facilities and our wonderful life guards - Jeremiah Borton, Joey D'Onofrio and Austin Saunders.

With that... be on the look out for our next big middle school event - "Bigger-Better" on May 14th.

For His Kingdom...

What a weekend...

2009-05-04T10:25:00.002-04:00

"Whew" - not sure how to spell that, but it's that sigh of weary relief.

We had a busy, fun (and sun) filled weekend in the Student Ministries.

Saturday we hosted our pre-summer, high school "Beach Bash" @ Pompano Beach. It was a blast!!! We had a good number of students show up for the fun and festivities. We played volleyball, beach football, swam and just hung out together. Derek and Kaitlin Kelmanson were our grill masters for the day; so it was inevitable that the burgers, dogs and hot-wings would turn out to be so amazing! Also, a number of our leadership team showed up to meet new students, grab a bite to eat and soak up some beautiful south Florida sun.

So, from all the Student Ministries staff, we'd like to just thank all of you who came out. We hope you had as much fun as we did :)

Sunday boasted another great time of learning and laughter in Sunday school. Dylan again taught the high school group and I took those wonderful, rowdy middle schoolers. We talked about friendships; how they're important and upon what foundation they are to be built.

We looked at numerous passages of Scripture talking about the importance of choosing friends carefully and wisely because they help to shape who we become. Our friends play a huge part in our lives, influencing us for either good or bad. Thus, it is extremely vital that we choose our friends with the utmost care and concern.

We then talked about how to treat the good friends we have. We noted that Jesus laid down His life for His friends and subsequently calls us to do the same (John 15:12-14). However, this doesn't necessarily mean that we have to lay our physical lives down for our friends; although some may one day be called to that. We talked about what it looks like in our everyday life to love our friends like Jesus loves us; to lay our lives down for them. We noted that it means we are to love our friends sacrificially; seeking their good and well-being above our own. We are to take into account our friends feelings, issues and ideas above our own. Our lives need to be an encouragement for our friends, as well as a challenge when they are in the wrong. For if we are truly to be the disciples of Jesus, he tells us that the world will recognize us as such by "our love for one another" (John 13:35).

Thus, it is our sacrificial, all encompassing love for our friends that will be a tip off to the watching world that we are disciples of Jesus Christ.

"So no faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor. 13:13)

For His Kingdom...

The day before Monday...

2009-04-30T14:11:00.003-04:00

I know that it's a little bit late in the week to be blogging about this past Sunday's events, but hey, better late than never.

As of this past Sunday we have officially started our new Sunday school schedule. For right now, we are having Sunday school during both services (9:30am and 11:15am). The way it works is if you go to service @ 9:30am then you are to go to Sunday school @ 11:15am. Likewise, if you go to service @ 11:15am then you would need to come to the early Sunday school @ 9:30am. It's really not as confusing as it sounds, I think. However, during the early Sunday school hour (9:30am) this past Sunday we only had 4 students in Sunday school. So, we are going to have it again this week, but if no more than 5 show up to attend we are going to move to only 1 Sunday school hour @ 11:15. This will allow us to focus our efforts and maximize our ministry endeavor.

Now that we've got all that logistical stuff out of the way, on to the fun!

We had a superb time this past Sunday. I taught the Middle School group and Dylan Kallioinen taught the High School group. For illustrations, he was using mouse traps and I had a cane (I know we're dangerous together). This made for a lively time of meeting and greeting new students, incoming families, old friends and fellow laborers. Big things are going to be happening in the Student Ministries, so keep an eye out.

In the Middle School class we talked about Knowing and Experiencing God from Psalm 107. We discussed how sometimes we see only 1 side of God; the big, cosmic, all-powerful side. Though this is not a wrong view, it needs to be balanced by the other side of God; the personal, interested, personal side. God loves us and cares for us, but not just in theory in practice as well. He longs to walk with us and be intimately involved in our every action, breath, thought and conversation.

Thus, we here in the Student Ministries are fervently praying for and expecting an out pouring of God's Spirit upon our students. We believe God is on the move and on the brink of doing some amazing things here in South Florida. For this reason, I told the Middle Schoolers this past Sunday that I want them to be drawing so near to God and experiencing Him in such real and vibrant ways that they are coming to Dylan and I with stories that we don't believe. I want to hear our students telling us about how God is moving in their bible study and devotions as well as how He is moving all around them.

We're all a part of God's story, I want us to be an exciting part of it.

For His Kingdom...

The official word

2009-04-24T15:50:00.002-04:00

Much has been taking place in the life of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church over the past few months. We've experienced a successful merger between the congregation here and that of New City Presbyterian Church. We have a new, vibrant and passionate senior pastor. We've gained some talented and wonderful new staff members. We're finishing up a spectacular mission conference. I'm on track to graduate from Knox Seminary this May. And of course, Summer is right around the corner.

All of this, along with the many other things that I just didn't have the space to list, should cause us to praise God! He is an amazing God and is not one to suffer His church to undue struggles. He is at work in our midst orchestrating great and marvelous things, both for His own glory and the benefit of His people. He has reset our course and reintroduced a refreshing wind into our sails. Therefore, let us not only give Him praise but let us rejoice with one another, reveling in the undeserved grace and mercies of our great God.

Having said all of that, I would like to throw open the windows and doors of the Student Ministry here at CRPC so that everyone can see what we're up to. As to the staff here:

- Jerry "Bear" Noonan has been moved out of his role as the Director of Students and Children and upgraded to the role of Director of Ministry Development. This is an awesome move for Bear! The new position is being tailor made to fit him to a T. He is both uniquely qualified and gifted for this new role and we are all super excited for him. Also, with this new role Bear is still going to be hanging out with us here in the Student Ministry, just in a different capacity - like getting us coffee and stuff :) We love you Bear!

- Chris Perry (me) has been promoted from part-time Jr. High ministries to Director of Student Ministries. I thank the Lord for this opportunity to serve the students and their parents as well as the rest of the Student Ministry staff. I trust that through much prayer, diligence and some silliness the Lord will bless the Student Ministry here.

- Dylan Kallioinen has been faithfully and wonderfully serving as the Director of Student Ministries at New City for the past few years. He is coming on board here at CRPC as the Assistant Director of Student Ministries. Dylan is serious student of the Word and a grace-filled leader. His love for Scripture and students is evident within the first 2 minutes of meeting him. I am pumped about working together with him as partners in crime (not real crime, but the metaphoric kind).

With all that, I hope you feel a little bit more informed so that you may earnestly pray to God on our behalf. We don't have it all together but we love the Lord, His Word and His students.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns or donations please feel free to contact us here in the Student Ministries.

For His Kingdom...

The bigger, the better... the more room we need!

2009-04-16T12:48:00.002-04:00

Wow....

What an incredible night we had last night! We had about 52 Jr. high students out @ Gangway; praise the Lord!!!

It was a bitter sweet time for my wife and I. Last night was the last Gangway as we have known it for the past 4 years. However, we are now moving into an even more exciting and interesting time in the life of the student ministry here. God is on the move; it's apparent and awe inspiring! We are all waiting in knee-knocking anticipation for what God is going to do in and through the student ministry.

Last night we played some great games and had a wonderful time of fellowship and joy. We talked about being one church, one body and the need to pursue the unity of the Spirit in humility. We hope to be beacons of light, life and unity for all to see, both in the church and beyond its walls.

Amy and I are so blessed and so incredibly thankful for having been able to serve our students in the capacity we have. We love each and everyone of them with a Godly and heavenly love; hoping and praying to see all of them become sold out, grace bearing followers of the one, true and living God.

For His Kingdom...

What a crazy, beautiful time...

2009-04-15T11:32:00.003-04:00

Sometimes life is just hectic.

I can vouch for this.

These past 2 weeks have been some of the craziest in my life. I finally finished writing the last paper of my seminary career. It was a 25 page church history paper that I thoroughly enjoyed, but it took an enormous amount of my time. I've also been involved in merger meetings, ministry planning teams and the like here @ Gangway. This too has taken up loads of time. Then came Easter! We had our first combined worship services as "Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church." It was an utterly unbelievable time! God saw fit to fill us to the brim with people. However, preparing for that wonderful day also took much time and energy.

I say all of this, not to vent or complain or search for some sympathetic remarks, but to proclaim that life is just sometimes crazy and messy. Things don't always flow so smoothly; sometimes there's rocks in the river of life.

This is the beauty of it all.

As we maneuver through this life we will certainly come up against hecticness and craziness. But God is always there to show us His beauty and wonder. This is the relief point.

Focus on Him!

For His Kingdom...

Gathering the troops...

2009-04-09T10:01:00.002-04:00

Last night we had our first un-official youth meeting. It was a pretty informal "meet and greet" type gathering. There were about 10 people in attendance; mostly New City volunteers, along with Dylan, his adorable daughter Grace, Amy, Joel Hurst and myself. We grubbed out together, got to know one another and talked pretty freely about some upcoming youth events and activities. It was a great time just hanging and chatting it up with those whom we will soon be serving and laboring alongside.

Though this was the first meeting, and a bit impromptu, it certainly is not the last. We will be putting the word out soon for all who would like to join with us in molding young minds and seeing the next generation equipped to be Kingdom builders.

So, with that said, I'm asking all who read this blog to prayerfully consider being a part of what God is doing in the lives of our students. May this next generation not be labeled as those who forgot the Lord because we were too busy to point them toward Him.

For His Kingdom...

sigh...

2009-04-07T12:54:00.002-04:00

Well, no one commented on my previous post so I guess that means that my social experiment was a failure. But hey, at least I wasn't being graded on it :)

As for this past Sunday, we had our final combined Sunday school group. Next Sunday there will be NO Sunday school due to a heavy Easter schedule. So, I hope that everyone will take the time to have their own form of family Sunday school or devotions or some sort of spiritual conversation.

Being that this previous Sunday was the Sunday before Easter (traditionally - "Palm Sunday") we discussed "pre-Easter protocol." We discussed the fact that most every church in America will see a swelling of their congregation on Easter Sunday. We talked about the many potential reasons leading to this remarkable event; whether it be tradition or obligation or social pressure. But regardless of the reason, people will be going to church on Easter.

So, we inquired, what's so special about Easter? Why do hundreds of thousands of typically un-churched individuals wined up in the pews of most American churches?

Well for the un-churched, a lot of times that's just what people do on Easter Sunday - they go to church. See, there's still some lingering religious notion in a lot of people's minds that Easter is a famed day to go to church.

However, it is not how people perceive Easter that makes it so special, but what took place on that faithful day more than 2000 years ago. It's the events of Easter that make the day famous, not popular opinion and recognition. Thus, we took a step back to look broadly at the event of the whole Easter drama. We gazed up at the stage of history to view its grand center piece, that old rugged Roman cross and Him who hung upon it. We sought to see Jesus and His cross and how it prepares us for the glories of Easter Sunday.

So, we looked at Colossians 1:13-20. We noted that the text tells us plainly both who Jesus is and what He has done. The text makes no buts about the truth that Jesus is God. He is also Creator and Sustainer of all things, both on earth and in heaven. Thus, He is preeminent above all things! As such, He is the only one able to carry out the great purpose of God, the redemption of all things! Because a great rift had come between God and man because of sin, something had to be done. Sin has made us enemies of God. Thus, upon the cross, peace and reconciliation were made between God and man through the God/man, Jesus Christ.

Therefore, we have to understand this amazing act of history or we will never fully grasp the reality of Easter. If we fail to grasp the reality of Easter then we cannot and will not be affected and changed by it. And if this be our state, then we have no more claim to salvation and eternity than those who will flood our churches Easter Sunday, who have no clue of the power of God unto salvation.

Therefore, I beg and implore all who read this to ask yourself, in the deep recesses of your heart, "what's so important about Easter and the events surrounding it?"

For His Kingdom...

Another zaney Wednesday night...

2009-04-02T14:49:00.002-04:00

We had not only a huge and awesome group of students, but an awesome evening as well.

However, as a social experiment I'm not going to elaborate on the evening until I get a few comments posted.

So... if you interested, make a comment!

For His Kingdom...

Beyond the horizon...

2009-04-01T10:47:00.003-04:00

I have 2 friends, Scott and Jennie Phillips, who are laboring in Indonesia with New Tribes Missions. They are ministering among a group of people called the Dao.

Scott and Jennie are my age (28) and are regular people. Scott has a sweet beard and Jennie a sweet heart and spirit; Scott also has some pretty amazing tattoos. I met them when I was visiting a friend at Word of Life, Florida and have not been able to forget them. They had then and continue to exhibit not only a strong desire and passion for the Lord Himself, but for people as well; especially people that have had little to no access to the gospel.

Their passion and work are a continued source of encouragement and blessing to me! I hope that you will check out their web-site that they may be a blessing to you as well.

http://sjphillips.org/

For His Kingdom...

To see, or not to see, that is the question...

2009-03-30T13:12:00.002-04:00

Ok... so we had yet another combined Sunday school this past Sunday morning. I'm sure most of the high schoolers are tired of hearing me by now... but hey, welcome to the world of the jr. highers!

I wanted to begin with a couple of worship songs but was unable to find anyone willing to play. That's when I realized "I need to learn how to play the guitar." So... that's exactly what I'm doing. I have began, with the help of my famed teacher - Ricky Blanchette, the laborious journey to becoming a guitar virtuoso. However, I feel this will be quite a long and arduous process, so I hope no one's expecting "Stairway to Heaven" as an opener for next Sunday. But soon enough... yes, soon enough :)

We did, however, begin with a brief story about cell phones, providers and the infamous "fav 5" plan. To see what all this intro entailed look back at my post entitled "who's in your fav 5?"; it's worth it.

Then we looked at our mornings passage, John 12:20, 21. This is the account of some Greeks who traveled up to Jerusalem to worship at the Passover feast. They were Gentiles who were being converted to Judaism and who had an openness of heart towards the God of Israel. They made this wearisome trek, all the while knowing that they would not even be able to partake of the Passover sacrifice. This shows us their earnestness and devotion.

The Greeks come to Philip, who was a Greek himself, and make the following request, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." This was the request of a genuine and hopeful people. They wanted to see Jesus for more than just a quaint "hello" or quick autograph or picture. They wanted to see Jesus because they recognized who He really was! This is what caused them to give up their precious Greek lifestyle in order to become a Jewish proselyte; strangers among a foreign people, in a foreign land. They wished to see Jesus! In all His beauty and glory and wonder! So much so that they were willing to give up everything to see Him. This is the price they were willing to pay.

Then I posed the question, "what are we willing to give up; what price are we willing to pay to see Jesus?"

This is a question we all need to ask ourselves each and every day! We must be willing to give it all up to see Jesus; to draw closer to Him. For He gave up everything in order to draw near to us; to see us. Let's work together to encourage one another to this end, that we may all be completely and utterly sold out for Christ! Otherwise, we'll often catch ourselves wishing to see anything but Jesus.

For His Kingdom...

How Embarrassing (HS Gangway 3/18/09)

2009-03-23T12:03:00.004-04:00

Thursday night our wonderfully faithful high school students graced us with their presence again. We truly do have a great group of young people who bring Chris and I tremendous joy as we spend time with them.
This past week I shared an embarrassing story about my first year at WA. It was during half-time at the homecoming football game. It involved driving a convertible Porsche across the field with two of the most popular girls (voted onto homecoming court) sitting parade-style in the back-seat. Well what was supposed to be a very cool opportunity quickly derailed. It is only by God's grace that I was not marked with shame for the rest of my high school days. (You will have to ask your students for the full story).
I transitioned into a similar experience in the Bible. It is the account recorded in the Gospels of Peter walking on water (Mt 14:22-34). Here's what happened:
1) The disciples saw something scary and cried out in fear.
2) Jesus identified Himself and encouraged them not to be afraid.
3) Peter sought confirmation, then stepped out in faith.
4) Peter took his eyes off Jesus, began to sink and cried out.
5) Jesus immediately rescued Peter and asked why he doubted.
6) They returned to the boat and all the disciples worshiped Jesus.
What started out as being an amazing opportunity to do something no one else had, turned into one embarrassing moment. God by His grace teaches us an important lesson through this humiliating time. As I have written about before, I believe the parallels to our situation here at CRPC are apparent. A few months ago we entered an unknown scary situation. We were presented with not just a new head pastor but also a joining of two congregations. Both sides were were not sure what was happening. So we all cried out to God asking if this was of God. God answered He was in it. But before we stepped out in faith, we desired to confirm that Jesus was calling us to step out of our comfort zone (boat). He did. By a unanimous vote of both sessions and 91% of the congregation, God confirmed He was calling us to step out on the water. This is what's happened. Now we find ourselves in the uncharted territory, trying to keep our eyes on Christ while we are getting soaked by the wind and waves. Here is the point that I wanted all the students to grasp as we move ahead. Peter messed up. He took his eyes off of Jesus. He started to sink. After seeing it was Jesus walking on the water, after waiting on Jesus to call him out on the sea to walk with Him, Peter botched it.
All of us are like Peter. Every single one of us. We are all going to mess up at one point or another. From our new pastor, our new leadership teams, and of course even the students themselves. None of us are perfect. So now that we know this, we need to be gracious to each other when (not if) we mess up. Just as I desire grace when I falter, I need to give grace when others do the same. As we move forward to serve God together, let us be reminded that the only one who will never let us down is the one Peter cried out to in faith when he started to sink. The passage tells us that Jesus immediately took hold of Peter. He will do the same with us.
When Jesus and Peter returned to the boat, all the disciples worshiped Jesus. Isn't that our goal? To journey with our Savior in faith, even if we start to sink, and end up with all the saints together in worship. So may we do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with our LORD.

In His presence & by His power,
Bear

A scenic route, snake bites and the cross

2009-03-23T11:03:00.003-04:00

First off, let me assure you that the title for my blog has everything to do with the Sunday school lesson and nothing to do with drugs, alcohol or the age old art of snake handling. However, I was tempted to bring in a fake snake for visual stimulation but refrained. And who says I'm not maturing...

We had yet another combined Sunday school with a packed house of eager young minds awaiting some prophetic word from their world class bible scholar (oh, wait... that was Dr. Lamerson's class).

However, we did have all of our lovely students together and it was a great time of storytelling and fun. We looked at Numbers 21:4-9. It is a great story about Israel, their frustration and impatience and how God dealt with them. For, Israel's impatience led them to speak out against God and His chosen leader, Moses. They were tired of wandering and eating such bland food and being nourished by water from rocks. So they basically told God that they were fed up with Him and His ways. We would probably chalk this up to stress and brush it off as just blowing off some steam. But God saw it another way; He saw it as sin! Therefore, God sent fiery serpents amongst the people that would serve as a visual manifestation of their sins. Now, when the snakes bit the people many of them died, thus demonstrating for the people both the result and seriousness of their sin.

Now, with the snakes all around them, the painful bites and people dropping dead left and right, Israel quickly became aware of their sin and sought forgiveness and relief. Yet, they recognized that they could not help themselves and thus asked Moses to pray to God to take the snakes away and save them. So Moses did and then God told him to do something pretty peculiar. God told Moses to make a fiery snake, put it on a pole and anyone who is bitten when they look at it shall live. What a crazy way to save the people! I mean where's all the bells and whistles of the Red Sea parting or bread from heaven or water from rocks? What's up with the snake on the pole? All the people have to do is look at it and live? What's that all about?

Well, God answers that for us in John 3:14, 15. Here Christ revives for us this interesting old story that took place back in Israel's wilderness journey. He tells us that just as Moses lifted up the snake so too must He be lifted up. For as the snake on the pole represented Israel's sin, it is Christ on the cross who becomes His people's sin for them (2 Cor. 5:21). As the people of Israel looked to the serpent on the pole, believing God's word of rescue and finding life; we must now look to Christ on the cross, believing His word of salvation, that He took our place and paid for our sins and find eternal life!

That's what the whole story in Numbers is about... it's about Christ! God was preparing His people for the way He would bring redemption through Jesus Christ. The cross is the bells and whistles of rescue and salvation! Therefore, let us all boast only in the cross of Christ and revel in its magnificence and glory!

God was not about to leave His people then to perish in the wilderness and He certainly is not about to leave His people now to perish in their sins. For if you have never been relieved of the deadly and painful bite of sin, then do as the Israelites did and look... look in faith to Christ! It is only in Him that you will find healing and life!

For His Kingdom...

Really Wet Wednesday...

2009-03-19T10:15:00.002-04:00

I'm pretty sure that yesterday might have been the rainiest day I've experienced in a long time. It literally rained all day! There were so many puddles that I had to either jump over, walk around or wade through that I considered buying knee high rain boots. It was crazy!

However, this did not stop the masses from coming out to Gangway... oh no!

We had about 6 new visitors stop by to hang with us; it was AWESOME! Also, my friend and New City youth director Dylan hung out with us for the night (I hope we didn't scare him too bad). Oh, and just for the record... Dylan is a stud b-ball player, single-handedly taking it to both Herald Eubanks and Trace Garretson! Good times, good times.

We started out as usual; hanging out, goofing around and playing games... a typical day in the life of Gangway students. Then we split up for the lesson. We discussed Proverbs 7. I talked to the boys about temptation and how it is a sneaky thing sometimes. I asked them to seek God so that He may reveal to them temptations in their lives because sometimes they can catch us off guard and we won't even know that we are being led astray. We talked about the importance of wisdom and good judgement and they are key to navigating life and avoiding temptation. We closed with prayer and asked God to help us both know our temptations and to give us strength to avoid them.

As the night drew to a close I realized something, there are a whole lot of students and only one of me. I love each and everyone of the students God has brought through our doors and I cherish each one of them. However, I can't effectively minister to all of them at once, it's just spatially impossible. That being said, I hope that you as parents will consider volunteering on a Wednesday night. Our students deserve all the attention they can get and I just can't give it to all of them. So, I humbly ask you to prayerfully consider volunteering in the Jr. High department. If nothing else... we know how to have fun!

For His Kingdom...

It's go time...

2009-03-16T15:47:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday all Sunday school classes were postponed due to Pastor Tullian filling the pulpit here at Coral Ridge. Every effort was given to focus all attention to his message and the daunting task that would follow.

Therefore, I have nothing new to add regarding the youth department other than that I am thankful for all of our students and am excited to see what God is going to be up to in our midst.

As for the congregational meeting that took place just after the morning service...

91% of the people said "it's go time!"

For His Kingdom...

3-11-09

2009-03-12T14:50:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful Wednesday night Gangway we had last night!

We enjoyed a good "get to know ya" game called spider-web. Everyone sat in a huge circle and Lindsey C. started us off. I gave her a big ball of yarn and told her to hold the loose end. Then she stated her name and 1 comment about herself (the funnier the better). After this, she then threw the ball of yarn across the circle to someone else who then repeated the process. Soon we had a huge spider web of yarn in the middle of the circle. I then proceeded with an attempt to navigate from one side of the circle to the other without getting tripped up. It was quite humorous!

After that we all went into the College and Career room to watch a DVD of this past weekend's "Morph Weekend" trip. We reminisced and laughed and told those who didn't go that they need to go next year. It was a great time for everyone!

Then, I talked about 1 Peter 2:9, which was the verse the speaker (David Grant) talked about at Morph. I asked some of the students who went what they remember about this verse and the lessons we went through. Rachel T. talked about how this verse tells us we are "special" because we are chosen by God. It was also mentioned that we are God's people, the church, not some building or pews or the like. Thus, we concluded by praying that we would all recognize just how special we are as God's chosen people and seek to live in the light of that knowledge.

So, may we all remember that we are special, chosen by God, to proclaim His excellencies in all the world!

For His Kingdom...

Holy smokes... we made it!!!

2009-03-09T09:45:00.002-04:00

We're back...

At precisely 3:34pm (give or take a few minutes) yesterday afternoon, our Morph Weekend posse returned! It was a wonderful and fun filled weekend. We woke up early, went to bed late, ate fun camp food, played crazy games, goofed around, met new friends and worshiped God together. In my humble opinion, it doesn't get much better than that!!!

I just want to officially say "Thank you" to Glenn Paraday for driving us and staying to help me keep all our wild boys in line. Also, to my marvelous and loving wife who not only has to keep an eye on me when I start acting like a big kid, but also poured her self out to our adventurous young ladies.

I also want to give a shout-out to all the students who went on the trip:

The Boys...
Jacob Jackson, David Paraday, Herald Eubanks, Jordan Mansour, Zack Ferraguti, Alex Griswold, Jonathan Ferguson and Patrick Powell.

The Gals...
Rachel Tyson, Jessica MacClugage, Michaela Garretson, Natasha Baker and Emily Bishop.

We all had a truly amazing weekend, and I'm already starting to miss all the time we had together as a group. I'm not sure what all was retained as far as Spiritual info's concerned (although, the speaker was great... ask you student about him and his lessons) but, I hope that the community aspect of the trip remains and even overflows into our daily lives.

But if not... I'm going to put a call in to the camp security officers and have them make some house calls ;)

For His Kingdom...

Just a heads up...

2009-03-05T12:55:00.002-05:00

There is no Gangway this week - either Wednesday or Thursday - due to the ongoing EE clinic. We will resume next week with a variety of exciting and phenomenally hilarious games and activities, as well as a sure word from the Lord!

Also, some of the Jr. Highers, along with my wife Amy and Mr. Glenn Paraday are going to Morph Student Retreat this weekend. It is going to be a fantabulous time!!! Please be praying that we would all grow closer to God and to one another and that we would have the time of our lives!

Until next time...

For His Kingdom

Who's in your "Fav 5" ????

2009-03-04T09:08:00.004-05:00

After posting this on the Gangway Facebook page, I realized that not everyone has a Facebook account. So, I thought I'd post it here on our blog as well (I know, I'm too kind).

My wife Amy and I were talking about cell phones (we both want I-Phones) and service providers the other night just before bed. During the discussion I remembered that T-Mobile has what's called the "Fav 5" plan. This allows you to designate 5 people (or numbers) that you call the most, or would like to call the most, so that when you call them it is free. It's kind of a neat idea.

So...

We took this idea and jokingly talked about who would be in our "Fav 5" if we had T-Mobile. We began with friends and family, but it soon escalated to anybody of any time period, any where, dead or alive. At this point the conversation became alot more fun and a lot more revealing.

All that being said, I'd like to pose the question to all of you as well. Thus...

Who's in your "Fav 5" ????

Mine would look something like this:

1) My wife Amy
2) The Apostle Paul
3) Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza
4) C. S. Lewis
5) My brother Brett

Have fun!!!!

For His Kingdom...

1st joint Sunday school of 2009!!!

2009-03-02T21:06:00.002-05:00

Well...

This past Sunday I had the privilege of leading and teaching our first joint Sunday school of 2009. Bear, our fearless leader, was speaking in the Contemporary service for our annual "Youth and Children Sunday." He had a ton of responsibility to tend to so he left me in charge of Sunday school... Oh, the potential for mayhem and adventure!

First things first...

I contacted my good buddy Joel Hurst to see if he could lead us in a couple of worship songs. Not only did he agree, but he also recruited Mr. Ricky Blanchete, a wonderful young man and exceptional guitar player. They came up with 2 songs to play for that morning, "You are God" and "Marvelous Light."

So...

Sunday morning arrived and so did our faithful students. It was an incredible sight, both Jr. High and Sr. High students mingling, interacting and preparing to worship together. We began with announcements and then I read a portion of Scripture (Psalm 57:1-3; 7-11) to prepare us for singing, praising and making at least some kind of noise to the Lord. Joel and Ricky then lead us in the 2 wonderful worship songs which, hopefully, allowed us all to express our hearts to God through song.

After the music we opened the Scripture together to see what God had to say to us all. We looked at Philippians 3:1-11. The question we raised was "where is your confidence?" We discussed how the apostle Paul noted that confidence in the flesh (the Jewish way of doing things) is of no value because it opposes Christ. In fact, he refers to it as "rubbish," counting it all a loss for the sake of knowing Christ. We talked about how his confidence was now in Christ alone. Therefore, we concluded that to put our confidence in any thing other than Christ is "rubbish;" it's absolutely worthless. Thus, to put our confidence in people or status or things is utter futility and in the long run, a loss.

We ended a bit early because a bunch of the students had to help out in the service. So, the rest of us just hung out, chatted, goofed around and enjoyed one another. It was a genuinely amazing time!

Also, Bear totally rocked it from the pulpit!!! The students did great passing out bulletins, taking up the offering and performing special music for the service. I am so proud of all our students as well as Bear, whom I respect and admire greatly. May the Lord continue to bless the ministry of Gangway and use us, His lowly servants, to touch the lives of students and families here in this place.

For His Kingdom...

Wonderful Wednesday 2-25-09

2009-02-26T09:00:00.002-05:00

Once again we had a marvelous time at Gangway on Wednesday night! We played, laughed and learned together.

However, there was a point when things were getting just a bit crazy. The students were finding it a little hard to calm down and ended up being obnoxious and disrespectful. So, I sat them all down and discussed with them that there is a time to goof around and a time to be serious. This seemed to work for the remainder of the night, with a few exceptions. For this reason I am requesting 2 things from you as parents. 1 - please consider volunteering, even if it is only a couple times a month. 2 - please talk with your students about being respectful and obedient while at Gangway (much the same as they would in school). With your assistance I believe that we can make Wednesday nigh Gangway not only run smoother, but be more exciting as well!

As for this past Wednesday...

We opened the night with a hilarious game. We played "have you ever?" On pieces of paper I wrote random things that the students may or may not have done (i.e. - been snow skiing, fallen in a pool, etc.). Then on other pieces of paper I wrote random motions and movements (i.e. - 2 steps forward, turn "180 degrees", etc.). As I called out the "have you ever" part, if they had ever done that particular thing then they did the motion or whatever I called out next. The object was to be the first to reach the other side of the gym. It was hysterical!

After another quick game, we split up for the lesson. The guys and I talked about Proverbs 6:6-11. We discussed 2 aspects of laziness, physical and spiritual. We noted that in both areas we need to exercise discipline in order to keep from being overtaken by laziness. We used sports or playing an instrument as an example. We mentioned that to be good you need to practice and that takes discipline. The same goes for our spiritual lives; we need to practice it, work at it, be disciplined in it. So, I then asked the guys which is worse, being physically lazy or spiritually lazy? Everyone agreed that spiritual laziness is worse. So, being that all of them play sports or an instrument, I challenged them to ask themselves next time the get ready to practice, "have I practiced in my spiritual life yet today?" If the answer is "no", then they are really saying that physical laziness is worse and that is why they are putting all their efforts into that type of practice.

Please join with me in encouraging our students in the spiritual disciplines of bible reading, Scripture memory, prayer and fellowship. I pray that we would have some star athletes and performers of the spiritual life in our presence. Let us work together to both be an example of this disciplined life as well as teachers of it. For, these students are the future, let's not lose them.

For His Kingdom...

Humble Pie (HS Sunday School 2/22/09)

2009-02-24T21:12:00.004-05:00

This Sunday I brought the high school students more bad news. Last week we talked about God's just wrath and our idolatry (click here to read). This week as we looked at Romans 2:1 - 3:20. Paul declares that everyone is guilty before God; no one can measure up to His standard and be righteous in His sight. The point I wanted the students to take home is that despite a Christian upbringing or knowledge of the Bible, our sin makes us guilty before God. On our own we are no better than those outside the church. We have no room to boast. In fact, because we have been blessed with being brought up in the church, we have a greater responsibility to live out God's Word. Paul warns the Jews in these verses not to be self-righteous in themselves. A problem we face in the modern church. Paul says the Jew claim to be "a guild for the bind" (vs.2:19-20) but they don't practice what they preach (vs. 2:21-24). Paul then quotes Isaiah 52 saying, "The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you." All of this is true of the church today. Finally, Paul puts a nail in the coffin in the first part of Chapter 3. He states Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin and then tells us of our condition in verses 10 -19. It is not a pretty picture.
So Sunday was a humbling day for all of us. It is important that we understand how dire our condition is so we can know how great our salvation is. In two weeks we will look again at the good news of God's provision of justification. (this Sunday we will have a combined Sunday School as I am preparing to for the Youth and Children Worship Service).

~Bear

Youth and Children's Worship Service

2009-02-23T21:27:00.003-05:00

This Sunday is the Youth and Children's Worship Service. It has been postponed several times before but it is finally upon us. Please pray that God would pour out His Spirit in an special way this Sunday. Pray that He would strengthen the families with His love. Pray that we would all take the responsibility of discipleship more seriously, especially to our children. Pray that I would be faithful in preaching His word for His glory. Pray for my health as I am coming down a cold. Pray for all those who don't know Christ - that they may recognize their sin and see the splendor of the Savior. Pray! Pray! Pray! Pray for the youth and children.

~Bear

Sunday, Sunday...

2009-02-23T08:39:00.003-05:00

Once again I am amazed at how God moves and works in our midst. He continues to mold and shape us with such love and precision. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for a particular purpose; to glorify God! I was reminded of this on Sunday morning as I gathered with a bunch of wonderful Jr. High students. Even more poignantly, I was reminded that I have been called to glorify God as I minister to, and serve the students that God has placed in my charge for such a time as this.

As we met together for Sunday school yesterday I was praying that God would just teach us all something; something practical and applicable to our lives.

So, we opened up the Scripture to Numbers 16 - Korah's rebellion.

We talked for a bit about the essence of the rebellion, why it happened in the first place. It was suggested that it may have been jealousy, anger, bitterness or hatred on Korah's part. Yet, we came to the conclusion that it was sin festering in their hearts and was now being unleashed on Moses and Aaron. We then looked at how even though Korah and his rebel buddies seemed to be rebelling against Moses and Aaron, in reality they were rebelling against God. This point was made clear when we discussed how it was God who appointed Mose and Aaron to lead. They were not self appointed and, in fact, Moses didn't even want the job at first. However, this is the way God would have it and He was about to show the whole congregation of Israel who His real appointed leaders were.

So, Moses called a meeting and Korah and his 250 rebel buddies showed up along with all of Israel. Moses testified to all that the Lord will make known His appointed leaders for all to see. Thus, God told Moses to have all the people get away from Korah and all his rebel friends and all their houses. Don't talk to them, don't touch their stuff, just get away. Then, in an instant, the ground opened up and swallowed Korah and his rebel minions. Those who were left, God struck with fire from the pillar of fire residing over the Tabernacle (God Himself). So it was that God had proven Moses and Aaron to be His appointed leaders before all the people.

Now, to make this applicable we looked at Romans 13:1, 2. We talked about how to sin against God's appointed leaders, whether in the home (parents), at school (teachers, principals, etc.), at church (pastors, elders, leaders, etc.) or event in the government is to, in reality, sin against God.

This was the message of Korah's rebellion. That is why God has preserved that story for us, so that we don't make the same mistake, so that we don't live out the same sin. We are to respect and pray for our leaders, trusting that God has set them up for a purpose and He knows what He is doing.

With all that said, I think we all learned something in Sunday school. I hope and pray that what takes place on Sunday and Wednesday will continue to be talked about, though about and prayed about in the home throughout the week. I am grateful for the time I have with our students, but the time parents have with them is much more important. Don't let it just pass by!

To all the students here... "I love you guys!"

For His Kingdom

Another Wednesday Night...

2009-02-19T10:27:00.002-05:00

Another Wednesday night has come and gone. Yet, I hope and pray that the message of this past evening has not gone from the students minds quite so quickly.

It began as a typical Wednesday night Gangway. The students gathered together to throw balls around, chat it up with each other, goof around, play some games and just be Jr. highers. It's really a great time! Even though it gets crazy sometimes, it's our little community. I love all the students who show up because each one brings something special to our ministry. God truly does have a sense of humor :)

After settling down ,we played a game of "Categories." I wrote some categories (ie. sports, food, animal, etc.) on 2 white boards and then pitted the guys against the girls, each with their own white board. Then I called out a letter and each team had to come up with an answer for each category that started with that particular letter. It was fantastic to see how creative they all got! Each team held their own for 4 intense rounds. However, in the end the boys prevailed over the girls in sudden death.

After this, we all scrambled to our particular meeting places for the bible lesson.

I do need to interrupt here to thank and praise Amelia R. for bringing cupcakes. They might have been the best cupcakes I have ever eaten. You go girl!

As we have been going through the Proverbs, looking at practical instructions for life, we have come to Proverbs 5. In this chapter we are confronted with instruction regarding "the forbidden woman." So, the boys and I talked about girls. We drew from last weeks lesson about "keeping your heart with all vigilance" (Prov. 4:23a) and how we can apply this to their relationship with girls (whatever that looks like as determined by their parents). We noted that we need to keep our hearts after the ways of God and not after the ways of this world because the 2 are not compatible. So, we looked at what Proverbs 5 said about the forbidden woman. We discussed how she is sly, deceitful and tempting; but also lost, without life herself and leading to death. Thus, we talked about how not everything that looks or seems good and desirable necessarily is. This is why we need to keep our hearts, in order to be discerning and to make wise decisions. We concluded with the idea that, as young men, they need to be striving for God; keeping their hearts in check, disciplined in God's ways so that they may be able to make wise choices as life comes at them. This is especially true with regards to young ladies.

As we talked about this mature subject I was very proud to see all my boys paying attention and not giggling and smirking at any comments or points made. They all handled the study well and for that I praise and thank God!

I hope that as parents you will continue to ask your child(ren) about their time at Gangway; what they did, what they learned, who they met, etc. We want to work in tandem with you to provide the best training and guidance for the students as they move through this crazy life. So, may the Lord use us all to the benefit of His children and the building of His church!

For His Kingdom...

Senior High Sunday School 2/15/09

2009-02-17T14:30:00.007-05:00

This past Sunday we continued our study of the book of Romans. I reviewed the prior Sunday's lesson (see earlier post). This week we looked at Romans 1:18-32. The overall theme for this section is God's just judgment and wrath. This may seem unusual because Paul has just proclaimed the good news of God's righteousness in the gospel. However, Paul wants the church in Rome and us to understand why we need God's righteousness. For on our own we make a mess of things.
After we talked a bit about the difference between general revelation (v. 20) and special revelation (Jn 14:6, 2 Tim 3:16), I pointed out two other issues this passage brings up. The first concerns homosexuality. While this is a hot cultural topic, I decided to hold off on discussing it. Instead, I focused on the second (greater) issue Paul brings up - idolatry.
Most of the students understand what idolatry is and can even point out some of the forms it takes today. So we looked at an Old Testament passage that I believe is relevant to both the passage of Scripture in Romans we are studying and our current situation with the possible merge with New City.
It is the narrative found in 2 Kings 18. Hezekiah has become king and he was one of the few good kings during the divided kingdom. Hezekiah starts his reign by removing all the pagan idols. Then he does something that is surprising. In the middle of verse 4 it says, "He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made." While we cheer at the destruction of the Asherah poles (not sure what that is but it doesn't sound good) and other idols, we pause for a moment at the bronze snake. God had commanded Moses to make this bronze serpent for a special purpose. Countless Israelites looked upon this serpent-on-a-pole (in faith) to be saved from the deadly affects of poisonous snake bites. The bronze snake was used for salvific purposes. Why did Hezekiah shatter it to pieces? We are not left to wonder for the next phrase in verse 4 tells us. It says, "for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan.)" The bronze snake had become an idol. It was even given a name. Hezekiah had to take action.
Now what does this have to do with the merge and our study of Romans 1:18-32? I called attention to the fact that many of the students may overhear or even engage in talks about the merge. As it looks more and more like God is bringing the two churches together, some are desiring to put stakes in the ground, saying "this is where I draw the line." It may sound like this, "God used this or that to bring me to Himself" or "God has used this or that to draw many others to Himself." Whether if be part of the building, a particular ministry, or even a staff member, the importance of these things are elevated. Here is where we are in danger of making it into an idol like the bronze snake. What was once used by God, even brought about by one of God's faithful servants, can become an object of worship. There should be nothing elevated above our worship of God. Not tradition, not a building, not a program, not even a person. Hezekiah understood that in order to follow God and restore the kingdom, the bronze serpent had to go. So it is with the merge. If we truly want to follow God then we need to be prepared to shatter some bronze snakes on both sides. This is how the narrative of the Hezekiah and the bronze snake relate with us today. It is a reality check and a warning.
So back in Romans, Paul gives us the reality and the warning, "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen." The reality is that left on our own, we make a mess of things. We suppress the knowledge of God and worship things created (even things that God uses for very special purposes) instead of the Creator. The warning is that we guard against idolatry of any kind. This is why we continually need God's righteousness. Paul declares in Philippians, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (verse 12-13).
I finished by reading John 3:14-15. "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life." Here Jesus redeems the purpose of the bronze snake. It teaches us about faith and points towards the cross. May all we do point and direct people to faith in Christ.