Bonfire/ Campout 2008

Here is a few pics from our recent bonfire. Sorry i have done such a poor job with posts. We had a great time at the bonfire.Estimates of 100 people in attendance. It was a great opportunity to just spend some down time together. I enjoyed the praise songs around the fire. Thanks to those who led us. I don't know if anyone was aware of this or not but the Giaquintos had never camped in a tent before. AND with the rain they were the only ones who didn't come in and sleep in the gym. Way to go guys!!! Keep pressing on. Christ is life. Keep relying on Him!!!

What I Am Learning!

Well September and October have flown by. I have to admit the last month has been very tough in a lot of ways. I am constantly trying to love my wife well, stay “plugged in” with my own teens, adjust to our new addition, be a good father to 3 kids under the age of 3, manage our family finances, do my part around the house, etc. That is enough to be exhausted and I haven’t even touched on the care of the students. I am “learning” what it means to be a youth pastor. I do say learning, because I am finding out there are more questions sometimes than answers. It has been a tough month for “youth ministry.” I don’t really know how to explain it, but I will tell you some of the things I mean. First I am learning. That is a big issue in its self. Every new season is just that a new season that I am experiencing for the first time as a pastor. I don’t have a tried and true “program.” All I know is that I have an incredible desire to see our students know Christ through His Word and walk with Him in their daily lives. Second I desire to be better connected to our students relationally. That takes time together I know. But I am struggling to do that better. Thirdly, I so desire to have a “youth ministry” that helps you as a family. In saying that I desire for the students to want to come and be a part. I desire for them to have time together as a group to build relationships with each other. I desire to provide opportunities/ activities that they can enjoy also. All while providing a constant opportunity for them to be learning the Word of God and therefore experiencing the God
of the Word. In all of that I know we as families are very busy and all face the reality of money pressures. I never want to burden your family with time or financial pressure. So my desire is to balance all of those things, teach well, grow in my relationship with our students, support our families, be a good husband, father, and provider. I don’t share that
to have anyone feel sorry for me. I share that so that I let you know what God is teaching me in all that.

1. I can’t substitute “doing” for “being”! What Christ is reminding me as I face what seems like impossible standards is that I have to start with just being His. I have been reminded that it is so easy to desire to “do” and forget that it all has to flow from Him and my relationship with Him.
2. Seeing the impossibility of being able to do all that I desire to do is a great place to be. What I mean is I am being reminded that Christ always calls us to do things we are not capable of. His strength is made perfect not in our abilities but in our weaknesses.
3. In all of these areas I must do what I can (be faithful and present) and trust God to do what only He can do. Only Christ can make me a good husband, father, provider, pastor, and friend.
4. I must keep looking to Christ and follow Him as He leads. Life can be
overwhelming and that makes us want to quit. The way we persevere is to continually be looking to Christ and in obedience following Him moment by moment. The “tasks” are too large, but Christ is sufficient for my every need.

As I said these are some of the things Christ is teaching me and I share them so that you will pray for me. I also share them as an encouragement to you. You may not be facing the exact issues but I know we all face issues of our own. We can’t. He never said we could. He (Jesus) can and He always said He would. Let all of our circumstances point us to Him and our need to trust Him to be in us what we are incapable of being on our own.

Learning and Growing With You!
Eric

WHAT IS THE BEAM?

I want to share a part of a chapter found in the book "The Calvary Road." The quote is discussing Mathew 7:3-5. In this passage we are told to examine ourselves then we will see clearly how to help our brother. Here is the section.

"Now we all know what Jesus meant by the mote in the other person's eye. It is some fault which we fancy we can discern in him; it may be an act he has done against us, or some attitude he adopts towards us. But what did the Lord Jesus mean by the beam in our eye? I suggest that the beam in our eye is simply our unloving reaction to the other man's mote. Without doubt there is a wrong in the other person. But our reaction to that wrong is wrong too! The mote in him has provoked in us resentment, or coldness, or criticism, or bitterness, or evil speaking, or ill will - all of them variants of the basic ill, unlove. And that, says the Lord Jesus, is far, far worse than the tiny wrong (sometimes quite unconscious) that provoked it. A mote means in the Greek a little splinter, whereas a beam means a rafter. And the Lord Jesus means by this comparison to tell us that our unloving reaction to the other's wrong is what a great rafter is to a little splinter! God have mercy on us for the many times when it has been so with us and when in our hypocrisy we have tried to deal with the person's fault, when God saw there was this thing far worse in our own hearts. But let us not think that a beam is of necessity some violent reaction on our part. The first beginning of a resentment is a beam, as is also the first flicker of an unkind thought, or the first suggestion of unloving criticism. Where that is so, it only distorts our vision and we shall never see our brother as he really is, beloved of God. If we speak to our brother with that in our hearts, it will only provoke him to adopt the same hard attitude to us, for it is a laoad y Rw of human relationships that "with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."

That is very challenging! Our unloving reaction towards another's perceived sin is just as bad or worse than what we are seeing in someone else. We have a responsibility to act and react out of love. Think on that for awhile. Also I DARE you to get a copy of The Calvary Road by Roy Hession and read it. It is a great and powerful book. I have 2 copies if someone is interested.

What We Expect From Others?

I found this challenging and helpful and wanted to give you all the opportunity to read it!!! God Bless, Eric

My Utmost for His Highest - July 14

The Account With Persecution
"

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." "

Matthew 5:39

These verses reveal the humiliation of being a Christian. Naturally, if a man does not hit back, it is because he is a coward; but spiritually if a man does not hit back, it is a manifestation of the Son of God in him. When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but make it an occasion to exhibit the Son of God. You cannot imitate the disposition of Jesus; it is either there or it is not. To the saint personal insult becomes the occasion of revealing the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus.

The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is not - Do your duty, but - Do what is not your duty. It is not your duty to go the second mile, to turn the other cheek, but Jesus says if we are His disciples we shall always do these things. There will be no spirit of - "Oh, well, I cannot do any more, I have been so misrepresented and misunderstood." Every time I insist upon my rights, I hurt the Son of God; whereas I can prevent Jesus from being hurt if I take the blow myself. That is the meaning of filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ. The disciple realizes that it is his Lord's honour that is at stake in his life, not his own honour.

Never look for right in the other man, but never cease to be right yourself. We are always looking for justice; the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is - Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.

I need to remind us all that our flesh is incapable of producing such a mindset. It is the fruit of Christ in us that gives us the desire and ability to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile!

"In Him"

“In Him” that is really all you need to know. If you correctly understand these 2 words you correctly understand the gospel. What do I mean? Well I was just studying Philippians 3:9 which says “and may be found in Him not having a righteousness of my own…” I have been studying this section for 2 weeks now. Today as I went to read through it again those 2 words just stuck out. “In Him” we are either found in Him or we are still trying to accomplish something on our own. Earn our way, buy our way, perform our way into righteousness. The problem is that the righteousness that is of God only comes from God in Him(Christ). There is nothing (no thing) we can do that produces righteousness before God. So my question was what does it really mean to be found in Him? I am just going to list a few verses and let the scripture speak for itself.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Ephesians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love”

Ephesians 1:13 “In Him you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,”

Colossians 2:6-10 “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;”

Grace is given in Christ. You are enriched with everything you need in Christ. You become the righteousness of God in Christ. We have every spiritual blessing in Christ. We are chose in Christ. We are sealed in Christ. We walk in Christ. We are rooted and built up in Christ. All of the fullness (completeness) of God dwells in Christ. In Christ we are made complete (or full). Are you getting the picture? Christianity really is a person and not a set of religious principles! Are you living in that truth. As Paul said do we see all other things as garbage compared to knowing Him.

New Camp 2008

Thanks to all for a great week of camp. We had a great time, made new friends, and most significantly we sat under the teaching of the Word of God. Judging from your feedback God was at work doing what only He can do. Challenging, correcting, encouraging, teaching, and growing. I hope you are taking some time to process what God may have been saying to you. As we were reminded if you haven't been already, expect that life will soon give you a good squeezin. When it does allow Jesus to be Jesus in you! We can't, He never said we could. He can and He always said He would. I love you guys! Enjoy the pics!
God Bless,
Eric

More PICS!

PRAYER

Prayer is: “to speak the whole day so that after everything you say, you might be able to add ‘amen.’ ”

-A description of what he thought prayer was. Given by a Communist Red Guard soldier who had never been in a church but had come to Christ

I read this quote in my "Extreme Devotion" book today. I really thought it was a great and simple description of prayer. Prayer seems always to be an area of the Christian life that we "struggle" with. I think that is because that most of the time we put a lot of undue expectations on our prayer life. We almost make prayer a work that we must do to be spiritual. This is just not true. Prayer is the overflow of a life surrendered to and in need of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is if we understand it correctly as natural as breathing. When we think, need, feel, desire we turn naturally to the one source that is able to understand us completely and who with perfect wisdom is able to act on our behalf. This quote talks about speaking the whole day so that at the end of it all you can say amen. Amen just means "so it is" or "let it be." So this definition of prayer just says that we should talk (and live) in constant fellowship with God so that all we do and say is a reflection of Him at work through us. Therefore giving us the ability to say "Amen" to all of our life. This definitely speaks to the whole area of hypocrisy. It is letting us know that true prayer is living a consistent life where our words, actions, and attitude all reflect Christ. It is never to be forgotten that Christ is the one in us to will and to work for His good pleasure. He is not only the ability within us, He is the very desire.

Christian Artist Link

Hey everyone, take note that I added a link to the Christian Artists you have been suggesting!!!

KidVenture

What A great time we are having in KidVenture! Thank You Students for the way you are serving and loving these kids!

Baptism!

Congratulations to Ray and Tyler. What a special time in their life. To be baptized together. Baptism is a significant marker in someones life. In baptism we give: 1. A Public declaration-we are acknowledging before the rest of the world that we belong to and are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2. A Picture- we picture for the watching world what God has done for us. We declare we have been buried with Him in His death and have been raised with Him in newness of life. It is so encouraging to see God at work in these 2 men. Thank you for your obedience to follow Christ!

Music!!

Hey Everyone! I have had a request to suggest some good Christian music. What I would like you to do is put your suggestions for good Christian artists. Just click on "comments" at the bottom of this post. I think you can comment anonymously if you do not have a yahoo or google account. Some of my favorites are: Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, Mercy Me, Jeremy Camp. I favor/ prefer good contemporary "worship" music. Anyway I look forward to reading your suggestions.

Is Jesus a "part" of your life or is He your life?

I assume most know of and remember the name Rachel Scott. She was one of the students tragically shot and killed in the Columbine shootings. She was the young lady who reportedly was asked by the gunman "do you still believe in God?" and she answered "yes". Those were her last words. Rachel did not come to faith in that moment. Her diaries she left behind gave testimony of God's work in her life in the weeks/ months before this moment. The reason I bring this up is in the "Extreme Devotion" book that I read from time to time they commented on her story today. I just want to share a few quotes from her and then ask you some of the questions I began asking myself.
"I lost all my friends at school. Now that I've begun to 'walk my talk,' they make fun of me. I am not going to apologize for speaking the name of Jesus. I will take it. If my friends have to become my enemies for me to be with my best friend, Jesus, then that's fine with me. I always knew being a Christian means having enemies, but I never thought that my 'friends' were going to be those enemies."

I don't know why that struck me so hard this morning but it did. I guess in a culture that seems to take commitment to Christ so lightly, it just really begged the question, "Is Jesus just a part of my life or have I (we) come to the place like Rachel that we are ready to follow Christ even when it cost us?" As I was thinking these thoughts I returned to my computer to find an email from Shane and Alicia basically saying we are in the process of getting rid of all our earthly possessions because we can't take them with us to India where God has called us. They are giving up everything that we so often hold onto as security. Now hear me correctly I am not saying we have to get rid of everything we have and lose all of our friends to truly be followers of Christ. This is not some list of things I must do to be a truly devoted follower. This is what I am asking us to think about though: Is Jesus just a part of my life? Do I have a "good" life and I have Jesus as a part of the many good things that is in my life? Or is it true to say Jesus is my life and He is above all that I hold dear and "if" I had to give up or lose friends, family, comfort, wealth, material possessions, popularity, etc to follow Christ I would? Does He mean that much?
"I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything, I will." Rachel Scott

ORDINATION- My Testimony

This post is a little more personal than most. On Sunday June 1st I will be ordained as a minister of the gospel. This will be one of those significant milestones in my life. In thinking back on my life I just wanted to share briefly one of the other milestones. A place that was a significant marker of God's work. Isn't it funny how we remember certain things so well and yet others that may even be important events we can barely recall. What do I mean? Well I can't remember the exact time or circumstance surrounding the moment that I recognized that I was a sinner and that sin meant I was spiritually dead , without life. And in realizing my condition, recognizing Jesus to be the savior that I needed who offered life to me and therefore surrendering my life to Him. I can remember though a very clear yet quiet thought that God put in my heart sometime as a teenager. Pastor Ted Paintor said to me one day at his house "Eric you are so smart you will be an engineer or something one day." I was so encouraged by that comment but I remember thinking "No one day I am going to be a pastor"! I had no idea what it meant to be called by God at that time. I also didn't know where that thought came from at the time. I literally would take a zero on an oral book report rather than stand in front of anyone and speak. I never even shared it with anyone until I was 19 years old. Well I would love to say that I answered that call and walked with God in all that He was doing, went off to school and became a pastor and lived happily ever after. That was not true of me. Though I never forgot that thought in my heart, I spent most of my teen years living in rebellion to God. That rebellion cost me a lot of difficulty and pain. Things that even to this day I have to face because of decisions made then. I know God's incredible forgiveness and have been walking with Him for 16 or so years now, yet some things have lasting consequences. With all of that being said here I am 2 days before my ordination having already taken a position as a full time pastor. Well it is obvious that it was not my own human will, determination, and ingenuity that got me to this place. It is a testimony to a sovereign God who birthed that call in my heart and even through my disobedience worked in my life through the years to do in and through me exactly what He made me and called me to do. So as I walk through the ordination service there will only be one thought on my mind "Thank you Lord Jesus you are incredibly faithful!"

TRUE CHRISTIANITY!

True Christianity is not a set of principles we are to live by, it is a person who is life!!!

WORK!!!

WORK! Now there is a word for you students to think about this summer! But summer is for rest, relaxation, and fun not work. Well let me say that first actual physical productive work is a positive thing. We are made to work, be producing, and active. It is good for the body and the mind. There are a lot of warnings in scripture about laziness. Let me shift gears a little though and mention work in the spiritual realm. Work is a lot of times misunderstood. Some people have the attitude that they are “working for God”! That is really a misunderstanding about what it means to walk with Christ (though it is used with good intentions). To be a Christian is to walk in what God is doing. We don’t work for God. He is at work in us and through us. On the other hand some people feel like that means they do nothing. They are so afraid of the word work in the spiritual realm that they have decided the best thing to do is to do nothing. After all they would never want to be accused of trying to work their way to heaven. This is an improper understanding of what it means to walk with Christ also. So what am I to do then? What is the work I should be doing? In John 6 Jesus had a dialogue with some folks who had a similar question.

"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal." Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." John 6:27-29

So what is the work of God that we are to do? Trust Christ. In this passage “believe” is in the aorist tense, which means at a point in time. We are told in Colossians 2:6 that as you have received (by faith) Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk (ongoing- present tense) in Him. The activity in our life is to believe, be persuaded in who Christ is and what Christ is doing in and through us. To walk in Him. SO what is my encouragement to us in that? Well don’t take the summer off. Hopefully you all have something productive in some way to be doing this summer. Look for ways to be active and interacting with people. Serve, give, and work. But most importantly be intentional about your walk with Christ this summer (and every season). Listen for His voice, spend time in His Word, and walk in what He is doing!

Do I Just Follow Christ When It Is Easy?

“Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard; because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.”

Philippians 2:29-30

In this passage Epaphroditus is being commended to his fellow believers in Philippi. They are told to receive him and to hold men like him in high regard. Paul goes on to explain what he means by men like him. He says he came close to death. Now it doesn’t say what the particular situation was but it does go on to say that Ephroditus obviously knew he was walking into some danger. It says “risking his life”. In the Greek the word translated risking is parabole which means knowingly placing oneself alongside danger. As I said we aren’t told the details of the situation but whatever it was we are told that to complete their service to Paul, he willingly placed himself in danger. He came close to death in this service to Paul. The Philippians are told to hold men like him in high regard. So what does that say to us? Well we are not often (in our American culture) placed in harms way because of our faith. We are always called to die to self and deny ourselves and follow Christ though. This often places us in a position where to follow Christ means saying no to our own comfort and self promoting desires. We are faced with saying yes to self and our comfort or saying yes to Christ even when it seems to cost us something. Are we willing to follow Christ even when that seems risky? Following Christ often will stretch us but He can always be trusted. Are you walking with Him? What does that look like? Well from our text we can see that the risk was taken to serve and minister to Paul. Are we allowing Christ to lead us into others lives. To minister to the people He has placed around us in a way that may cost us personally? Let’s look beyond ourselves to the people God has placed all around us and let’s serve them as God leads!

Cookout/ End of Year Celebration

Well that was it! The last of the fund-raising. Last night (Wed) the student ministry hosted the last of their fund-raising dinners. We had a cookout for the whole church. I don't in any way enjoy "fund-raising". I do believe that the students learned a lot about serving others by hosting these dinners. The body seemed to really enjoy being served also. It was a win win!!! You students did another great job!

We also used this opportunity to mark the end of the year. We did what students do best- we laughed and enjoyed each other. We also sealed the evening by hurling spherical objects at the strongest possible velocity with the intention of striking another persons anatomy in an effort to remove them from participation in the organized group activity. HUH? We played DODGE BALL!!! Anyway, I love you students and I look forward to those coming up from elementary school to join us. I look forward to those moving from middle to high school. I also look forward to seeing how God works in the lives of those graduating!!!

God's richest blessings found in Christ Jesus to you all!

Graduate Recognition 2008- PSBC

On Sunday May 18th we recognized and honored our graduates in a special service. We had a total of 8 high school graduates that are a part of Poplar Springs in some way. We also acknowledged 3 college graduates. It was a special time to celebrate, acknowledge and encourage these graduates. They received a gift from the student ministry and was challenged and hopefully encouraged by the Word of God! May all of you place your education(past and future) in God's hands along with the whole of your lives!!!




The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7




We had one home school graduate, 2 Ooltewah High graduates, and 5 Ringgold High graduates. They will be headed to West Georgia, Toccoa Falls, UT (go big ORANGE), the military, work. They will be pursuing art, missions, American studies, strategic intelligence, social work, and some desire to raise a big family one day. May you all be lead by Christ and place your life in His hands!!!





We are proud of you all!

Worldview- What is the Starting Point?

How does a theologian and a scientist, or a believer and a non-believer, or even just 2 different individuals look at the same circumstance, body of evidence, or object and come to totally different interpretations and explanations? It has to do with their starting point or worldview. Their set of preconceived ideas and notions. Why do I bring this up? Well I have been thinking a lot about Proverbs 1:7 which says “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. What does that mean? Well as I have meditated on that verse it seems to say that true knowledge (what we understand or know about everything/anything) has its beginning in the fear of the Lord. In other words we can not have correct knowledge without beginning with God. The fear of the Lord at its core is realizing God is creator, sustainer, and the purpose behind all of existence. When you start there you can then accurately interpret the world. Faith is not irrational and neither is scientific conclusions apart from God in one sense. It all has to do with the purpose you see in our universe. The irrational part in science (without God) is trying to explain life itself and therefore the purpose for it. So where are you? Do you have a fear (reverence and awe) of God? Do you view life through His eyes? Today we will be honoring our graduates. They will be entering a world that in a lot of cases doesn’t begin with God. Let’s all pray that they will be strengthened in their faith as their worldview is challenged. Pray that they will be able to stand in the face of opposition (in some cases) as lights in the midst of the world.

Tenth Avenue North concert!

This Wed we attended a Tenth Avenue North concert. We took about 25-30 to Silverdale Baptist. We had a great time. We enjoyed being together, seeing others, the music, and most importantly it was a good opportunity to worship together. When I say worship that takes many forms. On this evening we were lead in songs about God that helped us have the opportunity to express His worth to us in some way. We also were reminded of some great truths about God. His incredible unfailing love for us, that we don't have to try to be good enough for God- He (Jesus) is the only one who can make us good, and a great reminder that our life has to be based on God's truth and not our ever-changing emotions. What a great time. Thanks Tenth Avenue North, Silverdale Baptist and most of all thank you Lord for continually revealing yourself to us! You are truly worthy of worship and praise!

THE SEARCH FOR SIGNIFICANCE!

"We are built for significance. Our problem is not that we search for it, but that we search for it in all the wrong places." That is the opening line of a book that I am reading. I haven't gotten very far into the book since it was just given to me on Sunday, but I think it is laying out a very real problem that is at the heart of who we are. Even that opening line has a lot to say. It is not a problem that we search for significance. I mean the reality is we are made in God's image, we are made to have a relationship with God Himself, we are made to live eternally, in creation humanity seems to be the pinnacle of all that God created, the very Son of God (God in flesh) suffered and died to buy our forgiveness. Those are all significant truths about who we are and what we are made for. As that opening line goes on to say the problem is that as broken, fallen humanity we try to regain our significance in all the wrong ways. The first chapter lays out all the areas of life that is ultimately effected negatively by this pursuit of significance. It effects 1. Our Personhood- I respond to people and behave the way I do ultimately because of my protection of my significance. Think about it when someone wrongs or hurts us why do we react so strongly? Because in some way we are being told by their treatment of us that we are not significant. Or at least not as significant as them. Therefore we have the need to defend ourselves. 2. Our Relationships- every relationship we have(friendships, dates, family,etc) is effected by this desire for significance. We have a tendency to look at others for what we can get from them. This is a direct result of our need for significance. We need others to make us feel significant. This is a devastating and unrealistic demand we put on the people in our lives. 3. Our Culture- so many of our cultural issues can be traced back to this need for significance. Prejudice, arrogance and pride, violence, wars, politics all have their roots in a need to feel superior or significant in some way. So what is the answer? Well I think it is what the New Testament means when it talks about dying to self. In other words I don't live life trying to make myself significant. I die to self and allow Christ to restore me to the proper place of significance. How does that effect these three areas? Well if I understand who I am in Christ and the security that comes from Him, then I am not always threatened by others or the circumstances I face. I mean my significance found in Christ is something that no one can take away or add to. It is unconditional so I don't have to "earn" it. In relationships instead of looking to others to serve or give to me in some way, I can now look at others and serve and give to them. Instead of taking I can give! The effect on our culture is obvious at this point. We would have no need to build self up, tear others down, oppress, or rule. We could truly do what is right and best for others. So where do you stand? Are you still searching for significance or are you at rest in who you are in Christ? Check out Philippians chapter 3 and see if you notice where Paul did look for significance and then ultimately where he found his significance. It is amazing (though not surprising) how accurately and directly the scriptures address every issue of life if we will listen.

WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?

I have been struck with that thought recently. Why do you do what you do? Maybe it is the end of another school year and graduation for several of you that has made me think about that so much. The reason it has come up is as I have been praying for and thinking about you students, especially the graduates (including one of my daughters), I have been wondering what the road ahead may hold for you all. As you graduate high school you are entering a new stage of life. It is a very exciting stage, and a very different one. You are leaving behind a stage of life called childhood. In a lot of ways it is the first time you have had to begin to make important decisions on your own. For many they are prepared for this. For many others they seem not to be. What is the difference? Well I think it has to do with the question we asked in the title of this post, "Why do you do what you do?" For the first time in a lot of students life they realize that the reason they do what they do is because of parents, or teachers, or family, or a particular peer group, even a youth group. All of those things may be beneficial protections in our lives, but what happens when they are gone. If you don't have an inner set of values, convictions, and standards that guide your decision making process you can find yourself in places and circumstances that you would never have imagined. What I mean is if you are only controlled by the exterior structures placed around you and then upon graduation and going off to college you find those boundaries removed you can end up not knowing who you are. I think that is what Paul may be referring to in Philippians 2:12:
"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;"
Paul's reference to obeying much more in his absence is reminding the Philippian' believers that it is not Paul who is their motivation for obedience. In other words Paul says don't do what you do because of me. Do it in light of God's salvation being worked out in your life. As he goes on to say it is God who is at work (continually) in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure. So what does that mean for you students? Well, why do you do what you do? Is it because you belong to Christ? Does it come out of the reality of who you are in Him? Do you have a faith of your own? Does the Lord Jesus Christ live within you and does the fact that you are His child energize your every decision? When you are left to your own decisions are you being led by Christ? Let me encourage us all to give that some thought!

What is Your Treasure?

The following is taken from a journal entry by Mike the lead singer of Tenth Avenue North. I really enjoyed reading it. They are the ones we will see in concert on Wed May 14th at Silverdale Baptist. Check them and their music out on the web after you read this. www.tenthavenuenorth.com

03/26/08

Precious

So,
I’m assuming that most of you reading this are at least familiar withthe Lord of the Rings trilogy, written by J.R.R Tolkien, and just recently, adapted to film under the direction of Peter Jackson? Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Frodo, rings, elves, trolls, wizards, wars, and of course....Smeagol. Yes, Smeagol. That little river hobbit gone bad. The little half-naked creature fighting within himself, in continual conquest for a little shiny piece of gold, affectionately named, "the precious."
To quote wikipedia, "Originally known as Sméagol, Sméagol was later named Gollum after the guttural, choking, coughing noise he made in his throat. His life was extended far beyond its natural limits by the effects of possessing the One Ring. His one desire was to possess the Ring which had enslaved him. He pursued the ring for 76 years after having lost it to Bilbo Baggins. During his centuries under the Ring’s influence, he developed a sort of split personality: "Sméagol" still vaguely remembered things like friendship and love, while "Gollum" was a slave to the Ring and would kill anyone who tried to take it.
Does this ring a bell for you now? Excellent.
Well, before I go on, let me just remind the reader that I possess a close personal affinity for this little guy, mostly due to the fact that I like to impersonate him on occasion, but also, because I know how he feels. Now, by that I don’t mean that I know how it feels to have all my goodness and love corroded away by the influence of an ancient, all-powerful ring, but I definitely know how it feels to be ruled by desires. And perhaps a bit more specifically, to be ruled by those desires which explicitly mean to rob me of joy and ultimately kill me.
Smeagol was led away, enticed, and finally destroyed by his obsession with a chunk of metal, and sadly, I don’t think that I’m all too different sometimes. Granted, I’m not big into mythological jewelry, but I am very very much into, (as I John 2:16 puts it) "all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life..." I don’t strip down to a loin cloth and and spend all my time caressing a ring in a cave, but I do spend plenty of time casting off self-restraint and stroking my own ego. So what? What’s the point, Mike? Why all this talk of Lord of the Rings and the striking similarities between you and a cgi character? Well, the point is this:
"the worth and excellency of a soul is measured by the objects of its love."
-Henry Scougal
In other words, we are a form of what we love. Hence, Smeagol, captivated by the ring that was designed to rule and lord over all mankind, was himself captured and enslaved to it. Neglecting even his most simple needs to serve and admire the ring. He worshipped it, and it ruled over him. The ring was precious to him...literally.
So this begs the question, what then is precious to you? For if Gollum here is any indication, you will inevitably become whatever you hold most dear. You will most closely resemble that which you find value in. Whatever you love, that is what you will come to be. And that of course, is quite alarming. At least, it is for me. Because as I have said before, I am much like him. This world is a magnet after all, pulling and drawing me to all that it has to offer, shining, sparkling, enslaving... and it’s no easy feat to break that gravitational pull. Think on the mental and physical strain that Frodo underwent to finally dispatch of the ring? Now imagine if the ring was himself? Or, for Smeagol, it really was himself, to the point of creating another self altogether. Hmm, sounds like something I’ve read before,

"So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand.
For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members
another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to
the law of sin that dwells in my members." (Romans 7:21-23)

So what do we do? How do we find escape from this world, this self, these rings of death that
promise peace, pride, and prosperity? Well, I’m not an expert, but I guess there’s only one thing we can do. We find something better. Someone better. Toss the ring in the lava and lift our eyes to more lofty shores, to life, to truth, to the true treasure. To Him who is "Precious," because
"to those who believe, the stone is precious." (I Peter 2:7)

Is He then? Is He precious? I have to ask myself that everyday. Do I fail? Yes. Do I still get tricked by my little rings of self and lust and fear? Yes. But do I delight in the law of God in my inner being? Am I still fighting? Am I still wrestling? Is He still precious? Oh, while we continue to battle these deceitful desires, may we not give up. May we keep heading toward Mt. Doom, toward the freedom that awaits us in the end. Let us keep on fighting, until all we desire is Him.
And of course, then, and only then, will be made to be just like Him.

"We are forms of all the things we love." -Jars of Clay

The Wisdom of Fools!!!

As you know as students we have been looking at the book of Proverbs on Wed nights. Proverbs is a book of wisdom. It is not a deep theological book. Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that are helpful as general principles. The main theme of Proverbs is that the fear(appropriate, reverent, respect) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (1:7). 2 places in the Psalms says that a fool has said in their heart there is no God. This lays out the 2 foundations of life that determines whether the Bible would call you wise or foolish. One is a God-centered view and the other ultimately is a self-centered view. This past Wed we looked at the characteristics of a fool as the Bible defines it. There were several principles about a fool that are important to note. First a fool has said there is no God. They live life without a big picture or an ultimate purpose. We also saw that a fool trusts only himself and his own wisdom. They don't want or accept advice from others. We also saw that fools live life carelessly. They tend to rush ahead without thinking about the consequences. We also saw that a fool doesn't learn from their mistakes. They continue to do the same things over and over, even if it is destroying them. The reason I highlight these things again here is that I think it speaks to the teenage culture very directly. Don't pass this off as this is talking about the fool at school. Ask yourself how you live life. Is life defined for you by the fear of the Lord? I mean do you live in light of the fact that He is the giver and taker of life, that He holds eternity in His hands, and that He is the supreme ruler and very purpose behind all that exists. In making decisions do you seek the wisdom of others and God's Word or do you just do what you think best? Do you live purposely or do you just go with the crowd. Do you learn from mistakes and the failures of others? Do you receive correction and discipline and grow from it? These are all good evaluation questions. Are you living a life marked by wisdom or foolishness?

WHO IS AT FAULT? WHO IS GOING TO FIX IT?

It seems that there has been several situations that I have been in or asked about or just observed that is asking those very questions. Most people focus on whose fault is it. While there is a place to understand fault (what is causing this situation), the main issue is who is going to fix it? There may be issues on both sides that need to be addressed. Ultimately you can only "fix" yourself. What I mean is if you approach relationships thinking I need to fix or change them you are headed for disappointment. The question is not how do they need to change so we can get along better. The question is am I going to let Jesus in me make a difference. That doesn't mean we are a doormat, God's love speaks truthfully about situations. But God's love in us is able to bless even in the face of unfair treatment. It is able to reach out even when pushed away. It is able to respond in peace even in the face of anger. I guess the whole point is are you going to be a victim or are you going to be the one to make a difference? So the next time you face a conflict(with a parent, friend, girlfriend/ boyfriend, family member, etc.) don't dig in and wait for them to do what you think they should. Determine to do the right thing yourself regardless of what they do. You be the one to make a difference.

Yard Sale 2008- Thanks for the hard work!

CONGRATS!

Hey students, I just wanted to recognize some of your recent athletic accomplishments that I am aware of. Congrats to Logan and Andrew and the RHS tennis team. They went to Atlanta to play in the State tourney. Sorry to say they lost but good job and good year. Also a big way to go to the RHS ladies soccer team who hosted and scored in (for the first time) a State tournament soccer game. Way to go Anna and Meredith!!! I also understand the LFO track team placed 2nd in the region! Way to go to all!

No REGRETS!!!

Hey students let me tell you what is on my mind today. I was listening to a preacher today and he was actually talking about being a wise woman. In one part he read a poem of sorts from a lady who was talking about all the things she would have done differently if given a chance to live life over. As I was listening I was thinking of you students. One of the things that motivates me as a student pastor is the desire to help you students live life now with no regrets. Carpe diem is Latin for seize the day. Now that can be used in a destructive way to just live life on the edge because there might not be a tomorrow. But in a positive way it just means don't wait to live life, live it to its fullest now with no regrets. As I listened to the preacher read all the regrets of the woman, I just wanted more than anything to plead with you students to give yourself fully and completely to the Lord Jesus Christ. Walk with Him with no reservations, nothing held back. Follow Him with all of your heart and allow Him to define your life. A life with no regrets begins by seizing the day and following Christ now. Not when you get older, not when you have a family, not after you have sown your wild oats, but NOW! Why is that so hard? I mean as you look around we see more people living with regrets than people living in the fullness of Christ. One reason for you as a student is that you don't realize how important the decisions you are making (or not making) are. I wish someone would have woke me up as a teenager and helped me to make better decisions. Let me encourage you follow Christ today and live with NO REGRETS!

Having Christ's Mindset Toward Others and Life

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Philippians 2:5-8

We could spend a month discussing the truths found in these verses. You very well may have when pastor Erik taught it. This is a beautiful passage of scripture packed full of deep theological truths. Pastor Chris reminded me this week not to miss the point. This passage is pointing to Christ as our example and the very life within us to have a proper mindset of humility as we deal with each other. There are three verbs in this passage. The first is did not regard. Regard is to hold out in the front of your mind, to consider. Equality with God was not something Jesus took by force or robbed, it was what He was. The point is who He is was not what He focused on. Humanity and their need is. The second verb is emptied. He emptied or veiled His glory by taking the very nature of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness and appearance as a man. The third verb is humbled. He humbled Himself in obedience all the way to the point of a cruel and unfair death on a cross. You say that is beautiful, BUT that was Jesus. Well don’t forget how the passage starts “Have this attitude(mindset) in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus. Verse 13 reminds us that “it is God who is at work in you.” So student, parent, fellow believer take off the “religious” glasses and ask yourself, is my life marked by trying to lift myself up and promote my importance, or is it marked with a humility of mind (correct understanding) of myself and who I am in Christ? Do I see others (no matter who they are) as valuable and important, or am I too focused on myself? Do I live my life looking out for only my own interests or is there room to care for the interests of others? May we be people that allow Christ to produce His very mindset in us. May He help us to see our self, others, and our world the way He sees it.

This is part of a truth the Lord seems to be trying to teach us as a group of students. What does it mean to be a part of a youth group? Well it means a lot more than just having some fun together. It is a peer group that God has placed you in to live out close, deep, beneficial relationships. Relationships that look past those surface things that divide us into “cliques.” Anyway, I hope you as a student are spending time meditating on God’s truth and taking part in the opportunities offered. If there is anything I can do for you or your family let me know.

God Bless,

Eric

Waveland 2007 Slide Show

Slide Show- Camping 2007

Slide Show- Pics from March. Goofing off together.

HOW CAN I KNOW CHRISTIANITY IS DIFFERENT?

I am going to post a question I received and the answer I gave. I will do this anonymously but the question was from one of our middle school students:

Eric,

I have looked at the blog site. I think it is very cooooool!! I was wanting to know if you could add some christian music to the site.I have one question though, how do we post comments? I thought that some of the article related to me in some way. We have some history classes at my school and they are talking about all of these different kinds of gods, how do I know that Jesus is just not a myth like them? I tried talking to my dad about it and did not get what he was saying. I know its in the bible , and I know you have got to have faith, is their a simpler way for me to understand?

Your Friend,

MY REPLY:

Thanks for the questions. I am glad you are thinking. You will be a more confident believer by asking questions and seeking answers. I am glad you like the site. It is designed for you students to have a place to see yourself and the group. I haven't figured out how to put music on the sight yet, but I will. There is a comment button at the bottom of every post. You may have to sign in. That is not a big deal though. Just hit the comment button, write your comment and then hit publish comment. I hope that helps. I left your name off but I did put your question up, because it is a good one.

So let's get to the question. There are alot of reasons to trust the truth of Jesus above other claims. I will try to keep it simple. First true Christianity is different than any other religious claims. Religion is ultimately what I am doing to try to be right with God. Christianity is what God has done for me to be right with Him. The only thing I do is recognize that I need Him. That is a major difference. Secondly, the Bible -the Word of God can be trusted. It is an incredibly unique book in every way. It was written over 1500 years by many human authors yet it has a consistent message.It has been found to be accurate in everything it teaches (historically, archaeologically, scientifically, morally, etc.). All of that to say that the Bible can be trusted, it is not a book of myths or lies, but of accuracy and miraculously fulfilled prophecy. No other book could stand up under the scrutiny and attacks that the Word of God has undergone. Last but certainly not least the Bible from front to back ultimately points to a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is unique in every way. As pastor Chris said He was the only 1 out of the estimated 106,000,000,000 people that have lived to live the perfect life he did. Jesus' teaching is unique also. He was the message. In other words He didn't teach good religious things that you need to know, He taught that you need to know Him. He is the message. He also claimed to be God. Not a God, but the very God that was the power and purpose behind the universe. He did many miracles (called signs) that verified who He was, but the most convincing fact of His authenticity is that He said after being put to death that He would rise again from the dead. What is so incredibly convincing is that He did exactly what He said He was going to do. The resurrection of Jesus is an established fact of history that has been celebrated and changing lives for 2000 years.

These are some of the "evidences" or proofs of why we trust Jesus. Ultimately it is something that is supernatural though. What I mean is that God himself must persuade you of these truths. That is what it means to have faith. God has persuaded you of the truth of who He is and how to know Him. Millions of people throughout history have been eternally changed by the person of the gospel message- the Lord Jesus Christ!

I hope that helps some. Let me know if you still have questions I can help with!

I love you!
God Bless,
Eric

INSECURITIES

Students, are you complete? Do you have a sense of confidence in who you are? I think insecurity is a major component of the human race. We all try to hide it in different ways, but it is there. Those nagging thoughts of: "am I ok, do I fit in, is there a purpose for my life, do I measure up, does anybody like me, does anybody love me?" Some people cover their insecurities by presenting themselves as cocky and confident. Others just hide themselves from the crowd by being quiet and unnoticed. At the root both have the same problem- insecurity. So where is security found? I mean sometimes parents with their best of intentions don't do a good job helping us answer those questions. I know as a parent I don't. Friends let us down and even add to our insecurities sometimes (keep in mind they have got issues of their own). We watch and participate in the whole "dating" scene looking for someone to tell us we are ok. It seems most of those relationships end in heartbreak and only add to our fears that something is wrong with me. I want you to do something that is difficult. Take off your religious glasses for a minute and think about the verses from Colossians at the top of the blog. It tells us that in Christ all the fullness of God dwelt bodily. The fullness (Greek- pleroma) nothing left out, complete. It goes on to say that in Christ you have been made complete or full (Greek- pleroo). So the verse says that all of God is in Christ and that if He is in you then you are complete or full. Now that has some religious implications- I don't have to try to make myself complete for God, I don't have to perform in some way to please Him. All that is taken care of in Christ. But what would it mean for you as an insecure teenager to understand and really believe that you are complete in Christ? You could quit looking to all of the things we look to for answers(friends, dates, family, parents, teachers, coaches, popularity, grades, circumstances) that all in one way or another can disappoint us and realize that in Christ you are whole. I believe that is the only answer to our insecurities. If we don't begin there we are destined to a life of frustration, trying to be filled up some other way. The question is do you know that? Do you live with the knowledge that you are in Christ and that in Him you are whole? Think about that for a little while and be honest with yourself.

Pics From the Past!

Deano!
Say "Cheesy"
Julia and Anna



The GIRLS!

Just Merideth and Devan!




Bowling anyone?
DEANO- Just Chillin!

Serving the body at Poplar Springs

Today Wed. April 16th the students hosted the church for dinner. Of course the master chef was Sunny, but the students did a great job. The money raised went to pay for summer camp and mission trips the students will be attending this summer.