So many thoughts run through your head throughout your life. But, one of those “thoughts” (maybe more) are more than thoughts. It becomes a passion, a desire. I have had several “thoughts” coming up through high school and somewhat college. I have had church planting going through my head. I have had pastoring go through my head. And I have had just a secular job living in community with others go through my head. I think all these things are great, for different people.

It’s hard, for me at least, to not be influenced by different things. I guess I am an “influenced” person instead of an “influential” person. I’ve been trying harder and harder lately to be my own self, to take/get advice/opinions, but overall make my own decisions. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, I don’t think, that I am influenced I just have to keep it in check and not get influenced in a bad way.

But, there is one thing, one “thought”, that has stuck with me since early high school. It is definitely a passion of mine and has become increasingly so more and more. This passion is with kids and youth. I have always been sooo involved in my youth groups I have so fortunately been a part of. I was raised in church all my life and I was never a “wild” kid. But, I still had my problems.

Kids/youth these days are really struggling. They are struggling to find their “image”. They have so many things trying to get them to go a certain way and unfortunately I do not think the Gospel is a main one. This has got to change. I really believe America is at a time where we can go the Gospel-rooted path or we can go a Sodom/Gomorrah path. And this next generation will be a HUGE factor.

All this to say, follow your passion whatever it may be. Pray, pray, pray. It took me a while to find out what I truly want to do, but I know now and I have a lot of work to do, but I am ready to dive in and get my hands dirty for this generation!

Live out the Gospel.

If you haven’t read the beginning of this, right now go read the first part (1-4).

5. Those who are born of God confess the Son and receive (have) him.

“No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.” 1 John 3:23

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John 4:15

“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:12

6. Those who are born of God practice righteousness.

“If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” 1 John 2:29

7. Those who are born of God don’t make a practice of sinning.

“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” 1 John 3:6

“No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:9-10

“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18

8. Those who are born of God possess the Spirit of God.

“By this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.” 1 John 3:24

“By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” 1 John 4:11

9. Those who are born of God listen submissively to the apostolic Word.

“We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:6

10. Those who are born of God believe that Jesus is the Christ.

“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God.” 1 John 5:1

11. Those who are born of God overcome the world.

“Everyone who has been born of God overs the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.” 1 John 5:4

I believe the last point stood out to me the most. In America, we are all about the “American Dream”, which is very, very worldly and not Christlike. The Bible, in several books, tells us to overcome the world through faith in Christ. That is the ONLY way we can overcome the world.

My next book to read is “Radical: Taking Back our Faith in the American Dream” by David Platt. So, the last point I leave with will, more than likely, spur another blog post about this “American Dream” we have in the great United States of America.

Until next time,
Andrew

First off, these are taken from the book “Finally Alive” by John Piper, where he (Piper) takes them directly from the book of 1 John. This chapter in the book and the book of 1 John really convicted me and learning more and more every day. I just wanted to share these evidences that are taught in the book of 1 John (Bible).

1. Those who are born of God keep his commandments.

“By this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:3-4

This is sooooo convicting. “…does not keep his commandments is a LIAR, and the truth is NOT IN HIM.” Wow! We have got to change and we have got to work harder to keep God’s commandments. It’s a must!

“Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 3:24

2. Those who are born of God walk as Christ walked.

“By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 1 John 2:5-6

Walk in the same way Christ walked?? That’s sooo tough, but we have to try harder every single day!

3. Those who are born of God don’t hate others but love them.

“Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.” 1 John 2:9

“We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” 1 John 3:14

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is LOVE.” 1 John 4:7-8

“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar.” 1 John 4:20

4. Those who are born of God don’t love the world.

“If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15

More coming on a second blog post because of the size of the this!

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 ESV)

If you were in any sort of youth ministry in middle school and high school, you probably have seen this verse. It is used so much in youth ministries today. And, it is a very powerful verse.

This verse is in 1 Timothy, which was to, you guessed it, Timothy. ESV study bible commentary says that more than likely Timothy was around 30 or so years old so that is probably what the “youth” term was meaning back then. We think about that and think, “wow, 30 years old is youth?” But, they also probably lived a little bit longer back then, then we do now. So, that could’ve been “youth”. But, either way, it is relevant for people between the ages of teen-20somethings today and still somewhat 30somethings.

Back several years ago, I think older people really looked down on the “youth” of the day and thought they should really be quiet in church and life in general. They thought, probably, that they were dumb and immature and didn’t need to talk. I think today is the same way, somewhat, but I think our generation/world is changing. Young people are very popular right now and are changing the way the world thinks. We are known as the “Y” generation (or really the “Why?” generation) because we are asking questions. We are asking why thinks have been like they are for so long. Social media was really started good in the “youth” generation nowadays and is spreading still like wild flowers.

Today’s youth culture (that are 18 years and older) helped, very strongly, put our current U.S. president into office. I’m not going into great detail here because I want to avoid politics and arguments, but this is just one big example I wanted to use. The youth of today, remember the range, have made a HUGE impact on the society around us.

But yet, people are still out there despising us and thinking we don’t know any better, that we are changing the world in a bad way. The youth of today are very involved in social justice, more than any other generation I’m aware of. Why are people despising us so much then? We are doing good!

It’s change. Older people don’t like it as much. Or maybe even jealousy. They might have wished they would’ve thought of it. Of course, I’m speaking in general here and not all older people are like this at all.

All this to say, let’s not be discouraged, youth. Let’s look at the last part of this verse and let’s go for it. Let’s set examples for the world. Examples in speech, in conduct, in faith, and in purity. Think of the real CHANGE we can have in our world if we set these Christ-exalting, God-glorifying examples.

The world, and America in general, is in dire need of HOPE. Real, Godly Hope. People are looking for it everyone, including our government. But, they won’t find it there or it will only be temporary. Let’s show the world the true HOPE in Christ! May our youth and the new “teen” youth coming up grow and mature and present Godly Hope to the world around us!

I encourage you to maybe write these examples down that the last of this verse talks about. Remember them. Strive to follow these examples DAILY.

In Christ,
Andrew

All this talk on healthcare lately has really got me thinking. First off, let me just say, if you know me you know that I used to be (and you might still think I am) very big on politics. But, lately, I’ve just started having an open-mind on things (everything in general, not just politics). Well, how much time are we spending debating on Facebook and/or with friends, family, etc. about healthcare and this new reform bill. How much time are we spending in God’s Word? Where is our priority at, for real? Is it truly in Christ, or is it in a STUPID, perishable, inanimate bill (aka piece of paper, a lot of paper too)?

I’m not saying I disagree with anything and I’m not saying I agree with it. That is beside the point. The point is, there is a lot more to think about, care about, and prioritize than this….in my opinion.

Just something to think about, folks!

And, trust me, I know its hard to just sit back and do/say nothing. I know its hard not to get wrapped up in it, because it is our country and we should be involved. But, lately, I’m just thinking to what extent should we be involved, seriously? I don’t think God would want us to be involved in politics and our government in general more than His Son.

Reply with your comments. Tear me apart if you disagree. The lines are open now.

Andrew

“For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written,

“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”

Paul’s Plan to Visit Rome
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while.” (Romans 15:18-24)

It is a GOOD thing to have a HOLY AMBITION. But, not a vain/worldly ambition. Paul has an ambition to preach the Gospel. We should have a holy ambition like that!

I’m going to be mainly talking to “twenty-somethings” people. I am speaking to MYSELF. We need to grow up! We are way to lazy and we take too long to grow up. People think we can not do anything responsible. Well, I got news for them. Through Christ, 20,000 “twenty-somethings” raised over $600,000 this past weekend at Passion 2010 for social justice causes throughout the world. We have work to be done people! The younger we start, the more we can get done (through the help of Christ, and only through Him)

One of the main characteristics of “growing up” is getting a holy ambition.

Where does a holy ambition come from? (v.20-21)
From Christ. Period.

But, we should have an ambition to share the Gospel where it has never been shared before, where Christ has not been shared before. You might ask, “There are people groups that have never heard the Gospel??”. And I might answer, “YES. Go here: http://www.joshuaproject.net/”.

Ask God to burn something on your heart. Ask Him to give you a holy ambition, to show you what He wants you to do. Get in the word, God speaks through the Word.

Will these people (these unreached people groups) go to Hell if they die and never hear the Gospel? Yes. They will. Is it fair? Well, let’s take a look at Romans 1:18-23.

v. 18: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

I think that pretty much sums up the answer to whether it’s fair or not. God can not be around sin. He can not be around ungodliness and unrighteousness. We, as human beings, are totally depraved sinners without Christ. We are without excuse, the entire world. We all suppress the truth. Christ HAS to be preached or the people are lost. (Romans 2:12)

We still have a thing in this world called “pioneer missionaries” because we still have unreached people groups in the world. When Paul says in the latter part of the chapter at the beginning of the post that he has no work left there, he means his calling is for where there is NO gospel, where the unreached peoples are. He puts various people in charge of the areas he is leaving behind to pastor. He doesn’t just leave it unattended.

We are not all intended to go reach unreached people groups in the world. But, I do believe some of us are. So, as I am praying, I pray you will pray also. Pray that God will show you the calling He has on your life. God has called me to church planting/pastoring. But, he is still “working on me” about where that is to take place. It could take place in multiple locations.

Pray. Pray. Pray.

In Christ,
Andrew

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV

God will equip us with everything we need to “battle” it out, per say. To go through life and go through spiritual warfare. The word “equip” in this verse means: to equip, to prepare, to supply, to readjust. God equips us by preparing us.

This is a very, seemingly, simple process that I am about to list. But, it should be told because we forget so much OR, even worse, ignore it.

1. God equips us by ADJUSTING us.

2. God equips us by REPAIRING us.

3. God equips us by FILLING us.

In Christ,
Andrew

P.S. Come back tomorrow for the next “segment”!

Check it out! Our life is small. Whoa! Our life is just a speck. And, God is absolutely HUGE! When we look up at the stars or across the Grand Canyon, we might, just might, get a feeling of insignificance. Let me share with you, if you will, an experience like no other I have had before.

Let’s compare our life to John 11. What is John 11? The death of Lazarus. Lazarus was ill. Jesus was friends with him and Martha. So, when Jesus found out his friend, Lazarus, was sick, he didn’t just go immediately to visit Lazarus. No. He waited a few days. Then, after 2 days, Jesus told his disciples, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

As we know, or maybe not, Jesus awoke Lazarus when he visited him.

What can we learn from this? Like Lazarus, we must die. We must die to worldly things. Jesus wants to move the stone. He doesn’t care about the odor that we have. He’s not offended by you/us.

Let us move the doubt from us. Jesus says to unbind us and let us go. He doesn’t just say wake up. He doesn’t just put up with the odor we have.

Let us LIVE!

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Proverbs 27:5 (ESV)

Rebuke your brothers/sisters in Christ, don’t hold back from saying something they need to hear.

The supplements for partaking of this divine nature that Peter talks about in 2 Peter 1:3 are: faith with virtue; Virtue with knowledge; Knowledge with self control; Self control with steadfastness; Steadfastness with godliness; Godliness with brotherly affection; Brotherly affection with love.

These qualities help live a life partaking of the divine nature. These are the desires of a transformed heart. Only God’s infinite power can accomplish salvation, not human will. Only God can provide us the chance to “partake” of this divine nature. Through the divine nature, we can become increasingly like Him, but not part of Him.