Contemporary vs. Traditional?

In the past couple years our church and many churches have been asking the question of Worship styles. On one hand songs that have been part of our faith's legacy are a great look back to where we have come and our rich heritage of exalting God. On the other had you have new artists and songwriters making new music that brings glory and honor to God. Due to the vast difference in music styles many have decided that its one or the other. Either we keep our foundational heritage or we go to a drum set. Wow. Many have drawn a line in the sand and set up for the coming war. What have we missed? When did this become the conversation? Is it war-ship or worship? Romans 12:1 tells about what worship really is. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship." If we are convinced that worship is a style of music or a time on Sunday between 9 and 10 we are grossly mistaken. The question is not either or but both and. If we can sing songs to glorify God then we are on the right track. Worship can not become your personal preference but instead is an attitude of the posture of your heart. I am not a hymn guy. But God has changed my heart to see that i must explore all avenues He wants me to, to bring glory to him. "He is the audience, we are the participants." We should always be looking for new ways to worship God because He is worth it. He is so worth it. So decide that you will be a advocate for change. No not that the old is out and the new is replaceing. Not the styles of music. But that you will advocate the change needed inside your heart and mind. We need to understand that true worship is humbly coming to God and reminding Him how great He is. Worship has NOTHING to do with the music you like. It's all about Him

More than what you thought they were?

We've been talking about friendship in youth the past couple weeks and what a real friend looks like. Since we were made God saw that it wasn't good for us to be alone. Adam was walking around paradise with all the work he could ever want, MOPING. So God chose to make a helper and friend for Adam. We were destined to make significant relationships from the beginning. The question is not whether you have friends, we all have some friends, but the question is are your friends good for you. Amanda bought me way too many of these chocolate turtles for valentines day. They are luscious little pieces of caramel with pecans in it, covered in chocolate. They are like biting into happiness, however they have around around 300 calories for a single one. They are good but not at all good for you. Some of your friends are like this. My challenge to you is to see whether or not your friend are the ones that hold you up or the ones that drag you to the bottom. God has great plans for everyone of us and part of his plan is to have us surround ourselves with those that would hold us to be the kind of people he wants us to be.

Woot for Weakness

Have you ever felt weak and worthless? I mean really have you? I think at any time most of us feel as though we are loosing our minds and at least a little out of the loop. I mean think about this. You walk into the doors of your school, you have your hair still stuck to the side of your face and sleep still in your eyes from when you tore yourself from you pillow this morning. Your on your way to your locker when you realize you left your science homework on the table at home. You can see it sitting there in your mind and you immediately go into a panic attack. Or how about this. You try to can't seem to ever bring up your faith with your friends because of a paralyzing fear that overcomes you. Even the thought of bringing it up scares you to death.
I have good news for us. God loves your weakness. Really He absolutely loves you when you are weak. Oh don't believe me.

"but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Cor 12:9

You may feel at times unsuccessful, or weak, or worthless, but remember that the God of the universe actually prefers you when you are that way. Because in your times when you feel really low, He can bring your higher and show your His amazing power.

Introduction to the Page

Hey guys. This is a new way that we want to keep up with your questions and provide you with good answers. The truth is that God only knows all the answers but we can find some answers together. The text messages that you send me will sometimes make it on here. Don't worry nothing personal linking anyone will be used. Our hope is that you will visit here to get added information that you wouldn't be able to have from Wednesday night.