Youth
What is the "gospel" anyway?
If asked, almost every church-going teenager would say that they believe in the gospel.
We have heard the word in church, and realize that we are supposed to. But, what is it? It is such an unusual word. What does “gospel” even mean?
Some teenagers falsely think that it is something we, as Christians, can just live out. In other words, a certain Christian lifestyle might be considered gospel living.
Do You Want Me To Smell Like A New Car?
Have you ever sat down in a brand new car and taken a deep breath?
There is just something about that smell. I love it! It’s so clean and fresh! There is just nothing quite like it. But, it doesn’t last long. Before long the filth from the outside gets in. Next thing you know there are crumbs, dirt, dust, spilled sodas, trash, and mud.
God in a manger?
Christmas is a time when we often see images of Jesus as a newborn baby. When we do, it is kind of hard to imagine all that Jesus was and is.
Yes, Jesus was born to Mary in Bethlehem, but that was not the beginning of the second person of the Trinity. He is eternal. He has no beginning and no end. He was never created for He is self-existent. In the book of Isaiah, Isaiah tries to describe when he saw the Lord, which was at least 700 years before Jesus was ever in a manger scene.
Don’t be a Zombie!
The living dead are amongst us! You might even be one! Someone you know might be a Zombie!
Well, something can always be said of shock value.
So how are we in any way like zombies that are part dead and part alive? Well, it’s like this, even though you or someone close to you might be walking around looking quite alive, spiritually they could be absolutely dead.
I need to talk to someone!
“Make plans by seeking advice,” (Prov. 20:18)
If you were in need of life-saving surgery, would you go to a first year medical student and ask him to perform the surgery?
Of course not, you would prefer a doctor who has completed many years of school and has many years of experience. Why? I’m sure both men would do try their hardest. However, while both men would do the best job they could do, one would clearly have more knowledge and experience to draw from.
"It’s not like I am going to marry them!"
In the 11th grade, my youth director told me something really deep. He told me that I was going to marry someone I dated.
Wow, ground breaking news! Well “of course”, I thought. Congratulations on stating the obvious Mr. Youth Director! Actually, his point was that you shouldn’t go out with a person that you would not marry.
Summertime dress, or lack of:
What to wear and not wear this summer!
Guys are notorious for staring at girls, lusting after girls, and looking at them as only sexual objects.
The way you look at someone can actually turn to sin rather quickly. Some will say, “It’s okay to look as long as you don’t touch.” However, we must remember that even our thoughts are known by God. What we do, say, and even think can be sinful.
Help! They don't trust me anymore!
A 15 year old boy wrote me last month to ask how he could rebuild trust with his parents. He had done something to lose it and now it seemed like there was no getting it back. Can he? How long will it take? Should his parents not trust him ever again?
It seems like everyone has had someone they trust do something that caused trust to be broken. It is an extremely important attribute of people and we expect it of the people that are close to us. Webster's dictionary defines trust as "total confidence in the integrity, ability, and good character of another." Great definition!
Just One Drink...
"Everybody is doing it." "No one will know." "Your parents won't find out." "You're the only one that hasn't tried it yet."
If you are over the age of 12, odds are that you have been confronted with at least one of these statements before. Alcohol is not only the most abused substance among teenagers, but it is also the most common danger to a teen's life foundation.
Make sure your love is logical.
Usually when you are in a relationship for a long time, you begin to attach your emotional strings to that person.
Often, you overlook actions that would normally raise a flag because feelings of love have blinded you. You've probably heard the saying "love is blind." That's truer than you know. It is very common that as a relationship builds, young people start thinking and making their decisions based only on their emotions. Young people that decide to get more and more involved physically greatly increase this false sense of relational well-being.
What Are You Making?
Another year is underway. Have you made your New Years resolutions yet?
? It's a common question that you have already heard many times this year. It seems to be the popular time to think of, and set, some new goals for your life. The most common ones seem to involve fitness. For instance, more people join gyms and go on diets in January than any other time in the year. Which is a great resolution however, this year I want you to think a little deeper than just skin deep.
Merry Incarnation Day!
Every year this month seems to have more and more controversy surrounding what we refer to December 25th as. Some will continue to say "Merry Christmas" still others will attempt to refuse Christ of this time and say "Happy Holidays".
As you shop try to notice what employees have been instructed to say. I am sure you will quickly see the controversy. In reality the word "Christmas" comes from the practice of having a Christ Mass and "Holiday" comes from Holy Day. However, both terms seem to have taken on their own meaning separate from the truth that they were supposed to represent.
"Who Knows What Morals Are?"
I was speaking to a group of about 100 teenagers one day, and asked them "What are morals? Can anyone define or explain what they are?"
After, several moments of silence, the hand of a tenth grade boy lifted up. Relieved that someone was going to share their answer, I called on him. And I never will forget his answer. With all seriousness, he said "Aren't those the really good pieces of chocolate that you can get at the mall kiosk."
