Destinations

I’m preparing for a GodTalk for FYG tonight (if the weather shapes up enough that I can drive!).  I’ve decided to talk about hell.  Not because I want to.  I’m not sure anyone likes the topic.  Unless maybe you are a judgmental sort that likes to think of people burning forever.  *shudder*

I’m not so much planning on talking about hell as much as destinations.  Over the years we’ve tried to paint a compelling picture of following Jesus.  And yes, it is compelling!  There are a lot of really good, awesome truths that are very exciting!  But if you’re like me, we prefer to ignore the urgency of the real after life consequences for not accepting Jesus.

So, yes, I want teens to grow in understanding the Bible and believing it to be true.  I want them to believe in Jesus.  I want them to pray.  And I don’t want them to go to hell so I think it’s time to talk about it and do my part to remind them (or tell them for the first time) how serious our beliefs are, especially in a culture that says we can believe whatever we want.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.  We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”  2 Corinthians 5:20

My Church!

I am really thankful for the church I get to be a part of!  I’m excited to be part of a church that loves Jesus, the Bible and people.  I know when I go to church I’ll be hearing a gospel-centered sermon and sing songs that proclaim God’s goodness and love.

God has been really good to our church, enabling us to have a lot of good programs.  One of my favourites is Ladies Sunday School.  Each Sunday I get to spend time with a group of women, opening our Bibles and sharing things God has taught us and is teaching us.

But the reason I am bragging up our church is to let you know that we have recently launched a website.  Included on the website are the weekly sermons in audio and/or print format.

Again, I love my church!  So if you live in the Emo area and don’t have a church home…check us out!

Build Your Wall

“…Each one repaired the section immediately across form his own house.”

Nehemiah 3:28

I’m preparing for the next time we are meeting as FYG Leaders and for some reason (God?) this part of the story in Nehemiah came to mind.  (Of course, the fact that our pastor has just started a sermon series in Nehemiah probably helped too!)

In case the correlation between FYG and Nehemiah isn’t coming to mind for you (what, you can’t read my mind!?!) let me tell you.  The job of the builders was to build what was in front of them.  Was the job bigger than that?  Absolutely.  But each person’s job was to do whatever was in front of them.

This is true for every Christian.  We are part of a global team that God is using to ‘rebuild’: restoring people to a relationship with God.  Sometimes we get to see how God is using someone on their part of the wall (a missionary visits our church, we read a blog, etc).  Sometimes we get to go help someone on their part of the wall (short term missions trips, giving money, etc).  And those times are really encouraging and lift our eyes to our amazing God.

But most of the time, we’re looking at our own section of the wall: the neighbours in our apartment; the cashier at the grocery check out; the people in our small group.  God has given each of us a very specific section of the wall to build with Him.

In the case of FYG, it’s not just a section for an individual; it’s a section for our Leader’s Team and our supporting churches.  Each time we have an event or Bible study we are in the process of building a wall; declaring there is a God who loves deeply and rescues sinners.

How are we doing at building the wall?  As a team?  As an individual?  God is working in us, moving us to be His builders.

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”  Philippians 2:13