Jr. High Winter Camp

We just got back from jr high winter camp yesterday. It was so fun!

The speaker up there talked about labels- things that people label us as (nerd, jock, loner, loser, popular, stuff like that). We talked about the fact that God doesn't label us like that but sees each one of us as valuable enough and lovable enough to die for.

He challenged us to not label each other but instead to see them the way God does.

So here's what you can do- every morning when you wake up, pray to God that He would help you to see people the way that He sees them. Do you think you can do that? Try it and let me know what happens!

Truth and Culture

We live in a time known as the "postmodern" era. One of the trademarks of this time is the decline of absolute truth. It is becoming harder and harder to say that we know anything for certain or know that anything has always been and always will be true.

Jesus says that he is the way, the truth, and the life. I believe that Jesus was and is the only way to a full life and to eternal salvation. I believe that that is a truth that will never change.

So my question is this: how do we proclaim Christ in this age of diminishing truth? To what extent do we need to change culture? But at the same time, how do we proclaim Christ within our culture?

Advent Conspiracy

What do you think of that video?

I think it's pretty powerful to see just how much money we spend on Christmas presents... and how little money compared to that it would take to provide clean water for everyone. So what are you going to do? How are you going to worship Christ this Christmas? I mean, he is the reason for the season after all...

Here's my challenge: give up one present this year. Just one. And then ask your parents, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, or whoever to donate that money to a charity of your choice. See how much happier that makes you and how much longer it lasts than the present you'll forget about by New Year's.

Fair Trade

We talked yesterday (Sunday) about Fair Trade.

Basically, it assures fair wages and benefits to the farmers responsible for growing the things we consume so much of (cofee, tea, cotton, rice, etc.). We talked about how we need to be activists of choice and that the decisions we make affect people all over the world.

Do you think fair trade is important enough to spend a little extra money on it or avoid stuff that isn't? Or is fair trade more hype than truth? What do you think, can we make a difference through the stuff we buy? What else can we do?

Activist

We're getting ready to start a new series this Sunday called Activist.

Before we do that, I want to know what you think about that word. Does it have positive or negative connotations for you? Do you think Christians should be activists for anything? Why or why not?

Come check it out on Sunday, it's going to be good!

Art and Faith

So here's an open ended one that I think about a lot...

What is the role of art in our faith? Whether it be music, film, painting, photography, graphic design, or whatever else you consider art.

Do these benefit our faith? Do they ever hurt our faith?

The Formula

Normally I hate applying formulas to a relationship because relationships are just way too liquid to make a formula work. However, I came across one that I really like, and that makes a lot of sense.
We've been talking about the Fruit of the Spirit in youth group, and talking about love, I came across this thought:

The amount of love in our life is directly related to the amount of God in our life.

Now it's hard to quantify that, but in generalities I really think it holds true. The amount of love we have for people is so closely tied to how our relationship with God is doing. If we're close to God, we'll have a more loving attitude, but as we get farther away from God, that love significantly decreases and lasts for shorter amounts of time.

Do you agree with this? I think it it makes sense, but what do you think?