Cornerstone Youth Group News

Construction - Progress on New Building

2011-10-15T13:27:00.001-07:00

Great progress is being made as the crews clear the church grounds in preparation for construction. Praise God! You should have seen those big machines working this week! I've captured pictures and videos - I'll try to post them later this evening.

But due to this progress, THERE ARE SOME MUDDY AREAS ON THE CHURCH GROUNDS where we used to walk to and from parking. So here are some tips:

If able, park in the main parking areas - behind the sanctuary building, or in the spaces to the side or nearest the road. This will allow you to walk into the sanctuary without walking thru dirt/mud areas.
IF the main parking areas are full, there is space is the parking lot behind the old building.
IF you park in the lot behind the old building, please drop off all passengers near the front door of the sanctuary before parking. This will minimize the number of people that have to walk thru dirt/mud or walk all the way around the church property to avoid the dirt/mud.
Also, IF you park in the lot behind the old building, follow the marked walk ways thru the construction area, which will help you avoid mud.

Thanks for you help in this area. I hope that we can fix up a walkway from the old parking lot for next week.

Please forward this information to others who may not otherwise get it. Pass the word!

Thanks,

Dave Perrin
Director of Ministry Development

Reformation Day Party - 10/30

2011-10-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 30, 5-8pm, Cornerstone Youth Ministries will host a Reformation Day Party. The party will be for the children of Cornerstone (PreK-5th grade) and for the community of Town Creek. The youth (6th-12th grade) of Cornerstone will be hosting and serving at this event. October 31 is the day Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the door at the Wittenburg Church door. This event sparked the Reformation. We will celebrate in the following ways:

1. Yard Games (bring your Cornhole, Bocce, etc.)
2. Food cooked over the fire (hotdogs, s'mores)
3. Trunk-or-Treating

We need families to host in the Trunk-or-Treating. Trunk-or-Treat is like Trick-or-Treating, except you do it from trunk of your vehicle. We will have people park in the front parking lot of the church and pass out candy to those involved. It will be a great time for fellowship and getting to know our community.

Also, if you have a yard game you would like to bring, please do so.

This will be a great night of fellowship and a great opportunity for us to get to know our community. Please invite your friends!

Middle School - Forrest Hall Farm/Corn Maze

2011-10-05T07:49:00.000-07:00

In lieu of middle school youth group, on October 24th, we'll be taking a trip to Forrest Hall Farm in Mechanicsville.

Who: Middle school students and their families.
What: Trip to Forrest Hall Farm to run through their Corn Maze, do a hay ride, and enjoy the various fun things at the farm.
When: Monday, October 24 - leaving the church at 5:00 pm and returning around 8:00 pm.

Cost: $6/person. Under 3 for free.

Other Notes: We'll be bringing food to the farm with us. If you have snacks that evening, plan accordingly. If you can drive, please contact Maria Matthias.

If you have questions, please call or email.

UPDATE: Service Opportunity - Hurricane Clean-up

2011-09-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

This encouragement is from Lee Mason. Thanks to all the folks to served that family in Wildewood. The Lord is good!

My sincerest thank you for the incredible turnout this last Saturday to help Mr. and Mrs. Patterson clear the downed trees from their property. I didn't take an exact count, but I estimate that we cleared out 13 large hardwood and pine trees, including all the branches and clippings. The sheer volume of debris on Wildewood Parkway and on their cul-de-sac is a testimony to everyone's hard work and dedicated service. And we completed all the work in 4 1/2 hours, which is 90 minutes fewer than we originally planned.

I know Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are exceptionally grateful, and what a wonderful way to show God's light in what can (and is) a very dark world. My hat is off to all of you. And to that end I would like to list the Cornerstone members and friends who assisted (not in any particular order):

Eric MacQuilliam
Robert Eby
Luke Hoffman
Austin Dillow
Gabe Mason
Nate Mason
Caleb Fahrner (with dad Carl)
Matthew Eastburg
Hank Rouland (with dad Aaron)*
Carter Harris*
Samuel Harris (both with dad Wade)*
Connor Dittmar
Micah Dittmar (both with dad Josh)
Daniel Leepa*
Christina Sproul
Daniel Shoup
Andrew Whipple
Stirling Brandt

*members of Boy Scout Troop 2819

I want to give special recognition to Hank Rouland as recipient of the Cornerstone Tree Clearing Service "Turn and Burn" Award. Hank put his head down and worked diligently throughout the morning and early afternoon. Great job!

Finally, I want to give Honorable Mention to Sam Perrin, who showed up, unfortunately, right as we finished the last tree-clearing. Though he missed out on the fellowship and service project, he will have other opportunities to show some "sweaty spirituality" in the weeks to come. More to follow, brothers!

In Christ,

Lee Mason

Youth Group Schedule

2011-09-17T16:51:00.001-07:00

Click here to download the schedule for our youth group meetings throughout the rest of the year.

The schedule is subject to change of course, but as of right now, this is it. Please call of email if you have questions.

Service Opportunity - Upcoming Children's Choir

2011-09-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

This would be a great opportunity for our youth to serve. If you are available on Wednesday evening, I'm sure Mrs. Ashby and Mrs. Baller would love your help!

Back by popular demand…the Cornerstone Children’s Choir! We are happy to announce that Kristin Ashby and Nicole Baller have volunteered to lead a children’s choir for those in Grades K-5. The choir will practice on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-6:45pm in the Sanctuary beginning on Wednesday, September 14th. The children’s choir will sing once a month for offertory in both services. Please signup on the back of the worship registration. Questions? Please contact Kristin Ashby, kristinumd@hotmail.com or Nicole Baller, howdynicole@gmail.com.

Service Opportunity - Hurricane Clean-up

2011-09-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is a letter I received from Lee Mason calling our youth (particularly our boys) into action. Hope to see you there!

Gentlemen of Cornerstone,

I am soliciting your support in helping a co-worker of mine, Mr. JB Patterson, who has ~12 trees down which need to be cut up and made ready for collection. He is a retired Navy Captain who lives on the corner of Wildewood Parkway and St. Andrew's Church Rd (at the end of Pine Needle Ct - first residential street on the right as you come up Wildewood Pkwy from St. Andrew's Church Rd). Originally he asked for my sons' help but it is just too much for so few people. His need has turned into a great opportunity for the young men of Cornerstone to serve the local community and show the light of Christ.

So here's the deal:

1) Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (understanding that there may be morning and afternoon commitments like soccer games and sports practices - just show up when you can)
2) Mr. Patterson will provide pizzas, bottled water, soda, and snacks (including healthy stuff) to keep everybody energized and motivated
3) Please bring gloves, wheelbarrows/handcarts, rakes, shovels, and - if any dads are helping - chainsaws. If you know of other good tools to bring, by all means do so.

As always, safety is paramount. This project will not include contests in dead-weight log-lifting, chainsaw battles, wheelbarrow racing (though maybe so after we're done) and tree climbing abilities. We are here to have fun AND serve simultaneously.

I encourage fathers to participate, although my principle audience for this project is the young men of Cornerstone. I know that this call for assistance is on very short notice, and I understand if you have other commitments. Nevertheless, I look forward to a good turnout for a great cause.

Please let me know yea or nay if you can assist. I can also be reached via cell or text: 301-997-5737.

In His Service,

Lee Mason

Cancellation - 8/29 Middle School Youth Group

2011-08-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

There will be no middle school youth group tomorrow night, 8/29,due to the storm. Please pass this along to those who may not have power on and can't get this.

Thanks,
Mike

8/28 - Congregational Forum

2011-08-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 8/28, there will be no high school youth group. There will be a congregational forum discussing the coming year's budget, as well as introducing our new Director of Ministry Development. I think it is important for our youth to be there, as it is an important event in our church.

The next Sunday is the day before Labor Day. We will have youth group that night.

Kick-Off Party - Solomon's Rec Center - 8/21

2011-08-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hope you all can join us for our Kick-Off party. We're coming together to start off the new school year with good food and lots of fun.

Who: All Middle/High School youth, their families, and their friends (PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!)
What: A great cookout/party to kick-off the new school year.
When: 8/21 5-8pm
Where: Solomon's Rec Center (if you need base access, please contact me)

Parents, if you could please bring a side dish or dessert. I'll be providing burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks.

We'll be playing Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball/Schism, and some yard games like Cornhole and Bocce. If you have a yard game you'd like to bring along, please do so.

If you have any questions, please contact Mike this week.

Middle School - Game/Craft Night

2011-07-31T16:56:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 1, in lieu of our regularly scheduled youth group time, we are going to have a Game Night at the Chipman house for the boys, and a Craft Night at the church (Old Building) for the girls. We will begin at our normal time of 6:30, and go until 8:30.

For boys, simply bring yourself. We’ll play some board games and Wii. I live at 44662 Willow Oak Ct in Wildewood. Click the link for directions or give me a call. It is just as you enter Wildewood and easy to find.

For the girls, bring with you a craft you are currently working on (scrapbook, etc) or just bring yourself, and there we will provide something for you to work on. Jen Schafer, Joan Heinsohn, and Emily Chipman will be heading this up.

This will be a great night of fellowship and a good change of pace during these hot days of the summer. If you have anything question, please let me know. This event is for all youth who are going into the 6th grade next year up to those who were in 8th grade last year.

Youth Praise Band - Looking for New Members!

2011-07-20T10:46:00.001-07:00

The Youth Praise Band will be holding a practice for newcomers on Sunday, July 31st at 4pm in the youth room. If you play and instrument or sing and are interested in being a part of the band, please come to this practice. Don’t let your level of skill keep you from coming. One of the best ways to get better is to practice with others. We hope you can join us! Please contact Mike with questions.

Youth Group - Summer Schedule

2011-06-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Summer is a busy time of year for families as they are traveling and participating in summer sports. With that, we have a drop in average attendance in all of our Cornerstone function, and youth group is no different. That said, we'll continue to have youth group throughout the summer. We'll have a bit of a break over the next few weeks, but we'll pick back up in the middle of July and go right into the school year.

There will likely be some schedule/structure changes associated with our old building going down, so stay tuned for information concerning that.

Here is a schedule for the rest of the summer:

June 26/27 - NO YOUTH GROUP
July 3/4 - NO YOUTH GROUP
July 10/11 - NO YOUTH (was previously scheduled to have it, but my family will be out of town, as will several other families.)

Remainder of July/August meetings will go as scheduled.

Also stay tuned for information about a party at Solomon's Rec Center to kick-off the new school year.

High School - Graduation Party

2011-05-21T09:57:00.001-07:00

There will be no youth group on Sunday evening. Instead, join us for the graduation party at Solomons Rec Center.

Click here for information. RSVP with the Prevatt's ASAP!

Middle School - Victory Jam 2011

2011-05-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

Our annual trip to Victory Jam is right around the corner! Victory Jam is a week-long camp where we go to have fun and learn more about Jesus. The camp is sponsored by churches in the Chesapeake Presbytery (PCA) and is completely run by youth pastors like myself who love seeing their kids grow in the Lord and providing a safe and fun place to do it in. The dates for the camp are June 27-July 2. The cost is $240/student. It is in Harvey Cedars, NJ, right on the ocean. This will be my 4th summer to attend, and I look forward to going back each year.

Links to the registration forms can be found below. If you have questions, please call or email. The DEADLINE for reserving your spot is Sunday, June 5th. SUNDAY JUNE 5th. Because the camp is run by another church, I cannot add or subtract from the list after that.

Again, please ask if you have questions. Victory Jam is a great opportunity for the kids to bond with one another and with kids from other churches in our denominations, as well as a chance for them to grow in their walks with the Lord. I highly recommend this trip for your middle school student.

VJam Registration Form

VJam Medical Release

Upcoming Youth Group Schedule

2011-04-17T13:17:00.001-07:00

With Spring Break and the Easter holiday, there are some changes to our schedule. Below are the changes:

Monday 4/18 - No youth group. Enjoy your Spring Break!

Easter Sunday 4/24 - No youth group. Enjoy Easter w/ your family!

Monday 4/25 - Though there is no school, we are having youth group.

Please call/email if you have questions.

Middle School - Game Night - April 11th

2011-04-06T12:31:00.000-07:00

On Monday night, April 11th, there will be a game night at Dirk and Jin Elwell's home from 6-8pm. The youth should bring either a drink (soda/juice) or candy to share.

With this, there will NOT BE YOUTH GROUP AT CHURCH. Please come out to this great night of fellowship and games at the Elwell's.

Directions to their house can be found here.

Their address is:

41414 Silver Charm Ct
Leonardtown, MD

If you have questions, please contact Mike or Toni Mason.

Join us for Game Night at the Mason's

2011-01-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

~Parent and Junior High

Game Night

When? Monday 2/7/11 from 6pm-8:30

Where? The Mason’s - 23144 Grey Squirrel Lane

California, MD 20619

Please bring a parent and a snack or dessert to share and join us for some fun!

Senior High Super Bowl Party @ the Prevatts!

2011-01-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

Senior High Super

Bowl Party!

Sunday 2/6/2011

6 pm

The Prevatt’s House

Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

For more information contact Mike or Toni Mason

Young Ladies Small Group

2011-01-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

Young Ladies Small Group

Joan Heinsohn is interested in starting a small group for young ladies. The first topic would be the study of the book of Esther. Along the way there would be opportunities for other activities (cooking, craft, movie). If you are interested please email her at the church office. She is ready to begin as soon as possible.

Middle School Youth Group - 1/3

2011-01-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

There will be no middle school youth group on Monday, January 3rd. Enjoy the evening with your family on this new year!

We'll be starting back up on Monday, January 10th. Hope to see you there!

High School - "Elf" Movie Night

2010-12-16T14:15:00.000-08:00

Who: High School Youth
When: Wednesday, 6-10pm
Where: Disarufino home
What: Watching "Elf" and enjoying food and fellowship

Food, drinks, and dessert will be provided. Please bring an appetizer to share. If you have questions, please contact Izzy Disarufino.

Middle School - Christmas Party

2010-12-15T12:06:00.000-08:00

Who: Middle School students
When: Monday December 20th at 6:30
Where: Home of Frank and Joan Heinsohn home (near Flat Iron Farm)
What: Chili and Cornbread, Soda and Hot Chocolate, and lots of fun and games will be provided.

Questions? Email Joan at the office or call Mike.

High School - Dare2Share Conference

2010-12-15T10:23:00.001-08:00

Who: High school youth
When: February 11-12
Where: Washington, DC
How much: $75-$100
What:

Dare2Share is a ministry that seeks to equip teens to share their faith with their friends, and undergird youth ministries with conferences, curriculum and other teaching aides. This year's conference will focus on how God uses teens to further his kingdom and change the world. For more information, please visit the conference website.

If your student is interested in attending, I need to know no later than January 9th to plan for hotel accommodations. We will need 1 adult per 5 youth who plan to attend for purposes of hotel rooms and transportation. As an adult leader, your ticket/hotel will be paid for. If you are interested in attending, please call/email me.

Last year, a group attempted to go to the conference in Columbus, OH, but where hampered by a blizzard. Those who purchased tickets last year already have a ticket to this years conference. With that, if you bought a ticket last year, and can't use it this year, consider selling it to another student.

If you have questions about Dare2Share, please ask myself or Kathy Barthelmes. I will order tickets and arrange for hotel accommodations on January 10th. Please notify me of your intent to attend no later than January 9th.

High School - Christmas Party

2010-12-14T07:14:00.000-08:00

When: December 19, 6pm-8pm (note: a big longer than normal)

What: Bring 3 items with you:

1. Food to share: cookies, chips, etc
2. A Less than $5 White Elephant gift for exchange.
3. An item that would serve as an odd/funny/weird prop in a movie.

Should be a great time. Please call me if you have questions.

Turkey Bowl 2010

2010-11-22T07:12:00.000-08:00

What: TURKEY BOWL 2010
Where: LEONARD HALL FIELD, RT245 near Leonardtown
When: THANKSGIVING DAY, 10AM - NOON.

Join us for a couple games of flag football to fellowship and celebrate the tradition of Turkey and Football. Bring your cleats, some water, a football and join us for some fun. All ages welcome. Contact Steve Brandt for questions.

Progressive Dinner - UPDATE

2010-11-17T07:46:00.001-08:00

This Friday, November 19th, the high school youth are having a progressive dinner.

We will meet at 6pm at the church. The students will be split into 3 groups and go to different destinations for the appetizer course then the main course. All groups will be going to a common destination for the dessert course. We will return to the church around 10pm.

Some of us will be going to see a movie that begins at 10:50pm and will not be over until around 1:30am. With that, each student will need to arrange for transportation to and from the movie, as the drivers for the dinner are not all attending the movie. Many of the students drive, but they will need to arrange this before Friday night. I will be able to carry some, but not all. I can also bring them back to the church after the movie.

If your child plans to go to the movie, he or she will need to purchase a ticket online beforehand, as it will likely be sold out that evening. We are going to see the new Harry Potter movie at 10:50. Fandango.com is the best place to pre-buy your ticket.

If you have questions, please call.

High School Event - Progressive Dinner

2010-10-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

On Friday, November 19th, the high school youth will be having a progressive dinner. We need you to host a group of youth at your home to serve them one of the courses. There will be 3 courses: an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. The dessert course destination is already spoken for. However, we would like several of you to sign up for each other course. We would like to split the youth up into smaller groups, having these groups visit your homes for the first two courses, then meet back up at a common destination for the final course.

With this event, we would love for you to get to know the high school youth at Cornerstone and for them to get to know you. It is a great opportunity to open up your home and serve the youth of our church. If you have any questions, please contact Mike.

10/18 Teaching - Conduct Yourself with Fear

2010-10-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to conduct oneself with fear? Peter commands that the church do that until the exile is complete. As we will see, this matches with much of what he has already said.

Peter begins with a conditional statement, basically saying, "If you call him Father, then conduct yourself with fear throughout the exile." If you are a Christian, there is a certain way in which you will conduct yourself. Peter isn't calling the believers to be afraid of anything. He is calling us to fear the Lord - know who he is, what he has done, and what he demands from us. This fear involves a right trembling before God and recognition of who he is - our Almighty Creator. Often times, we lose sight of this and talk about God as if he is just another person in our lives. I have even seen shirts that say "Jesus is my Homeboy!" I partly understand what they are getting at, but it is still a basic belittling of God and his majesty. Part of conducting ourselves in fear is to daily remind ourselves of the fact that he is God and he is not one to be taken lightly. His glory demands a proper respect - a proper fear.

Why do we do this? We conduct ourselves this way because of what he has done for us. We have been ransomed from the futile ways of our past, and been made new. We now conduct ourselves with a right fear toward God because we are in awe of who he is and what he has done for us. We don't owe it to him. Jesus paid for ALL of our sin, and because of his death and resurrection, we owe nothing. However, we love and fear God because of what he has done.

The question for us is to ask how then are we conducting ourselves? How are we not conducting ourselves with fear as God would have us. What in our lives is evidence of this? The call for us is to pray to the Lord and ask him to show us those areas that we discount him. We should study the Word as it shows us more and more who he is. We should then turn from those sin and repent, asking him to forgive us and turning from those sins.

Some things to discuss with your child could be:

1. Memorize: Isaiah 40:28
Ask them:
2. What does it mean to conduct oneself with fear towards the Lord?
3. Why do we do that?
4. How are you not doing that?
5. Pray with them, asking the Lord to show you both the areas in your lives where you sell him short and don't live as you should.

Messy Game Night - Thank You!

2010-10-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

What a great night we had Sunday at church! We played messy games and just enjoyed at great time of fellowship with one another. How great it is that we can gather as God's people and laugh together. What a great time!

Thanks to all who made it happen: setup, food, cleanup, and game supervision. Also, a big thanks to the youth in taking the ball and completely running with it. I did very little in seeing this event be such a great success.

Thank you for your continued support and prayer for our youth ministry. The Lord is doing great things - He is always faithful!

10/11 Teaching - Pharisee and Tax Collector

2010-10-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Note: The Middle School is a week ahead of the High School in teaching. That gap will increase some over the next few weeks as many Sunday evenings will have other things going on.

Text: Luke 18:9-14

This parable is one of the most famous of Christ's parables and it has much to teach us about living the Christian life and how the gospel transforms how we live. Last week, we talked about what it meant to be holy (from 1 Peter 1:13-16). This parable expands on some of those same concepts.

Jesus presents us with two men, one a Pharisee, and another a tax collector, or publican. The Pharisees were essentially a ruling class who dictated religious law to the people. The tax collectors worked for the Roman government, and were well known for skimming too much off the top for their own pockets. Jesus is essentially presenting us with opposites - one person who is regarded highly, and another who is not.

The Pharisee embraces his position, points at the tax collector, and says, "Lord, thank you I'm not like that guy." Can you imagine the arrogance it would take to say that? We know the kind of arrogance it take to think that though. We are all guilty of thinking the very same thing as the Pharisee, though we likely don't say it aloud in a public place. What is interesting about this parable is the reason Luke lists for Christ telling it: "He told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt." It's almost as if he was able to see into our own time and know the issues we struggle with! In our attempts to be holy, we often get caught up in the doing. When we do good, we look at others who are not, and we point fingers. We think things we shouldn't and say things about people to other people. This type of behavior allows us to create deep-seeded prejudices and stereotypes that hinder our ministry to the world. This behavior creates a worldly standard and we decide who can live up to it and who can't.

Consider the tax collector. He stands far off and can't even look up to heaven - perhaps out of guilt and shame, but maybe simply out of the realization of his own sin compared to the matchless grace of God. (see Isaiah 6) He realizes his need for a Savior, and prays for mercy.

In our own lives, and as we seek to live holy, we must understand that the call to be holy is not a call to seek salvation outside of the person and work of Jesus Christ. We are called to do good things, but doing good things doesn't make us holy. Christ does that. Because we are his, we are holy. Daily we are sanctified and we grow more and more like Jesus. In that, we become more holy - the Holy Spirit working in us, setting us aside, and making us a people for himself. Our good works and there because of who we are - not because they somehow make us better than everyone else.

This is particularly difficult for youth as they become more and more acquainted with a culture that is so driven by performance and one's deeds. We easily transfer these ideas to the church. The challenge to us as parents is to keep before our believing children the grace of God, while at the same time, hold them accountable to the calling of God in our lives to be holy - to be ever mindful that we are people bought with a price, and we should live accordingly. We should approach the Lord like the publican, recognizing our sin and inability, and daily request mercy and forgiveness. We must also be willing to accept that the others in our lives are publicans too, and they need our mercy, lest we become the Pharisee.

Follow-up with your family:

1. Read Luke 18:9-14 with your family.
2. What is wrong with the prayer of the Pharisee?
3. What is right about the prayer of the tax collector?
4. How are our own thoughts/prayers like that of the Pharisee?

All Youth - Messy Food Game Night

2010-10-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

When: October 24th 5:00-7:30
Where: Cornerstone Youth Group in the Old Building (downstairs and outside)

As you probably have figured out, I'm not a big fan of messy games. I'm easily grossed out and value clean hands over egg in my face any day. However, I realize, that for whatever reason, many of the youth love messy games and having egg on their face. Therefore, we are having one night in which we will play all the messy games they could ever ask for or imagine.

It's going to be a great time to eat spaghetti and then watch and participate in messy games as people do crazy things with food and who knows what else! This is for Junior High and Senior High kids, and families are welcome!

If you would like to help out, and Gabe Mason has not contacted you, please give him a call at home.

Junior High Youth Group Outing

2010-10-08T11:46:00.001-07:00

Please join us for a fun evening at the Forest Hall Farm Corn Maze!

Who? You! Junior High Youth Group and your friends!

Where? Forest Hall Farm Corn Maze (North on 235, left at WaWa, up a mile on the right)

When? Monday, October 25th 5-8:15

Why? Cuz it's a good reason to run around getting lost in the dark!

How much? $5.00 a person...this covers a hay ride, the corn maze and a small personal sized pumpkin

I have six drivers as of now, but may need more. We will meet in the church parking lot to leave promptly at 5:00 pm. We will return to Cornerstone between 8-8:15. Note: Siblings are welcome to attend, but will be required to pay the same $5.00 entrance fee. If a child is 3 or younger he/she will be admitted for free with a paying adult.

http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/Pumpkin.php?URL=http://www.forresthallfarm.com

Please sign up on the youth room bulletin board and pre-pay Toni Mason before the night of the event. Please call or email Toni with any questions: 301-862-3930 / leetoe4@msn.com

10/31 - Reformation Day Party

2010-10-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 31, 5-8pm, Cornerstone Youth Ministries will be hosting a Reformation Day Party. The party will be for the children of Cornerstone (PreK-5th grade) and for the community of Town Creek. The youth (6th-12th grade) of Cornerstone will be hosting and serving at this event. October 31 the day we celebrate Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the door at the Wittenburg Church door. This event sparked the Reformation. We will celebrate in the following ways:

1. Blow-up games
2. Other games (including a costume contest and cakewalk)
3. Food cooked over the fire
4. Trunk-or-Treating

There are a few things we will ask of the congregation:

First, we would like families to host games. Games can include, but are not limited to: bean-bag toss, Pin-the-Theses on the door, etc. The youth will be hosting games and will be available to help at your game as well. There will be costume contest and a cakewalk as well.

Second, we need people to donate candy and toys <$5 for the cakewalk. Please bring your candy and/or toys to the office.

Third, we will need families to host in the Trunk-or-Treating. Trunk-or-Treat is like Trick-or-Treating, except you do it from trunk of your vehicle. We will have people park in the front parking lot of the church and pass out candy to those involved. It will be a great time for fellowship and getting to know our community.

Food will be hot dogs and smores roasted over the fire pit.

If you can help with this event, please call/email Mike Chipman.

10/4 Teaching - Be Holy

2010-10-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Note: The High School heard another student testimony this week. We will be hearing another this coming Sunday. It has been fantastic to see the Lord growing this group and growing their sense of community with the other saints.

Text: 1 Peter 1:13-16

As we continue through 1 Peter, we come to a section that many often stumble over. Peter quotes Leviticus which says, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." When we understand what holiness is, we understand that is a difficult calling.

In v 13, Peter asks us to set our minds on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Christ? What is that? In short, I interpret this as the fact that when Christ comes back, we'll be made complete. Our sinful bodies will be made whole again and we will be without sin. That is something to really set your mind on! Especially when you consider Peter just finished talking about the persecution of the church and how they were to look toward their inheritance rather than their present struggles. The same can be said here.

After this exhortation, Peter calls us to be holy. How is one holy? The simply answer is that we must be set apart from the other things. Our ways and lives must be different from those of the world around us. God has set his people aside for a future hope, and we must act becoming of that. What is our motivation? It isn't to be able to point fingers at those who don't, or to somehow make ourselves better than the world. We set ourselves apart because we believe in eternity. The hope of eternity brings meaning to all that we do.

One question I posed to the kids was to think, "How would you act differently if you didn't believe the Bible was true?" Think about it. Without the truth of Scripture and its foundation, we would be completely justified in our selfishness - however it manifested itself. If we had no hope - if death was the end - then we would need to suck the marrow from every experience, and do so with only ourselves in mind. What would be the point of marriage? Having children? Only to serve our own needs and desires.

Where do we see this kind of life lived out? In the world. We also see it in the church. Peter's call to holiness is for us to remember the death and resurrection of Christ, and act in light of his immanent return. Because he is coming back, we have hope. Because we have hope, we are to be holy.

Things/questions to consider with your child:

1. Continue reading 1 Peter together.
2. How would you act differently if the Bible weren't true? Why?
3. What hope do we have for eternity? How do we have that?
4. What does it mean to be holy?
5. What are some ways that it is easy to get mixed up in the world?

October 17 - Ordination Service

2010-09-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

My ordination service will be held on October 17th. We will not be having youth group that evening, but I encourage all to come out and celebrate the work God has done. It has been a long road, and God has walked with me every step of the way. I can't wait to share this experience with the Cornerstone community.

The time for the service is tentatively set for 4:30 in the afternoon, with a reception to follow the service. There will be more information out later.

9/19-9/20 Teaching

2010-09-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

For youth group on 9/19, we were able to enjoy a testimony by one of our students. It was encouraging to hear not only how God is working in his life, but also how he is continue to wrestle with God in the difficult times of life. I have encouraged other students to do the same thing as they feel led. When we talk about our lives - either how Christ is growing us or how we are struggling (both are closely tied together) - we create a greater atmosphere of transparency and openness. One of the core values of our church is that we are an Authentic Community. This is a community where it is safe to be broken without fear of condemnation, where there is gospel inspired transparency and accountability, and where there is a fertile context for the Holy Spirit to transform lives. It is great to see this happening at our youth group meetings.

For the middle school, I was out of town at the annual Presbytery Retreat.

Misprint - Frisbee Event

2010-09-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

The Ultimate Frisbee Tournament for this Saturday begins at 1pm, not at 2pm as previously printed.

The event will begin with Frisbee, so if you plan to play, please come early. It will be followed by food and fellowship, with testimonies and a time of worship.

High School Event - Ultimate Frisbee Tourney w/ Leonardtown Baptist

2010-09-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

This Saturday, September 18, there is a event for high school students. There will be an ultimate frisbee tournament, following by food and fellowship. High school students from Cornerstone are invited to attend, and we will be joining the high school ministry of Leonardtown Baptist. Here are the detail:

Who: High School Students
When: Saturday, Sept 18, 1pm-8pm
Where: Here (a LBC member's home)
What: Bring Ultimate Frisbee clothes, swimwear (pool on-site), a friend. Food will be served that evening.
Why: For fun and encouraging relationships with students from different churches.

If you have questions about the event, please contact myself or Allen Acker at LBC.

9/5-9/6 Teaching - Our Inheritance

2010-09-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Text: 1 Peter 1:3-5

This week, we continue our look at 1 Peter. In this passage, Peter talks about the inheritance we have in Christ.
What is an inheritance? An inheritance is something that we receive because someone who has died choose to place us in their last will and testament. For whatever reason, they thought enough of us to leave a part of themselves behind in their passing, whether it be money, property, or anything really. In this passage, Peter speaks of the inheritance we have in Christ, but the our hope is not in the possessions of a dead man, but in the life of the resurrected Christ, and the hope we have in the resurrection. Because we have been born again in Christ, we are given this glorious inheritance, which culminates in our spending an eternity with him in the place he has prepared for us. What do we need to do in order to get this inheritance? Nothing. That is the glory of it all – that we didn’t do anything to be put in God’s will, and we can’t do anything so bad as to make ineligible. He not only makes us alive in Christ, but he also keeps us.
What is often our response to this inheritance we have in Christ? Instead of embracing the riches of Christ, we often turn back to the scraps we had before Christ. Consider this: God is the King, and we, before Christ, were just beggars outside the gates, convinced that our life is the only way there is, even though it stinks. For reasons only known to him, the King comes and brings us into his castle, puts a robe on our backs and a ring on our finger and calls us a son. We love our new surroundings, but there is that part of us that always longs to be back outside, living on scraps. Why is that? Until we get to heaven, we will continue to struggle with that side of ourselves that wants to deny the inheritance we have in Christ and embrace the perishing things of this world.
What tools do we have in the struggle? First, we have Christ, interceding to the Father on our behalf. We need only go to him, in prayer, with a simple cry for help. Our realization that we can’t do it alone is a big step in our growth as believers. We must continually belief the same gospel that saved us in order to grow. We also have the means of grace, whether it be prayer, the reading and hearing of God’s Word, or partaking of the sacraments. Also very importantly, especially in the life of students, is the fellowship of other believers. Only another believer can understand the struggles of our Christian life. Believers should be free to talk about their struggles and doubts, because hiding or masking them will only serve to create a huge mess. We must walk this perilous road, but we need not walk it alone. God has put other believers in our lives to share our struggles with and in turn grow in the grace we have in Christ.
Some questions to discuss with your child:
1. Scripture Memory: Ephesians 1:13-14
2. What is an inheritance? What is the inheritance that we have in Jesus Christ?
3. How are we “born again?” What does that mean?
4. What are some things that we choose as opposed to the inheritance we have in Christ?
5. What tools do we have in the struggle of choosing earthly treasures over the imperishable inheritance we have in Christ?

Teaching Posts Resuming

2010-08-30T09:42:00.001-07:00

With the beginning of a new teaching topic, I will begin posting a brief write-up on the weekly lesson taught in youth group. I took a break from it over the summer to prepare for ordination. I greatly appreciate your patience with me during this time, and it will soon be over.

With each lesson posted, I will include ways in which you, the parent, can follow-up with your child about the lesson. It is also a way for you to know what I am teaching and for you to ask any questions you may have. I will include suggested Bible readings, follow-up questions, and Scripture memory for each week.

8/29-8/30 Teaching - God of the Gospel

2010-08-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2

As a new school year begins, we will start a new teaching focus in the youth ministry. For the remainder of the year, we will be studying the topic, “What is the Gospel?” In our youth group meetings, we will be examining this question in the letters of 1 & 2 Peter.

Peter wrote his first letter to “the elect exiles of the dispersion in [Asia Minor].” He wrote the letter during the reign of Nero – a Roman emperor with a penchant for killing Christians. Nero eventually had Peter executed. In this letter, Peter encourages the Christians who are in the dispersion, or those who are scattered abroad. Peter’s purpose for writing this letter is to exhort and declare the true grace of God (5:12). In God’s grace, the Christian is to find comfort during his/her trials. For the 1st century Christian, it was the threat of death and violence for his/her beliefs. Today, we do not expect to die for our faith, but we still endure the hardships of a sinful world.

In the opening of the letter, the apostle greets his reader with the assurance of the gospel. The way in which Peter presents the message here is remarkable. He draws upon the three Persons of the Godhead and shows their relationship to our salvation.

First, he greets the elect, how are such “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” What is this foreknowledge? It is not simply God’s knowledge of the future, but it is that in God’s knowledge, he sees things come to pass. His foreknowledge is his sovereignty in determining and implementing his decision to save sinful man.

Second, he says their election is “in the sanctification of the Spirit.” What is this work? The Shorter Catechism says that sanctification is “a work of God’s free grace whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” Scripture says that we have been set apart from the beginning to be save “through the sanctification by the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13). Our conversion to Christ cannot be separated from our continued growing in him. Even in those times when we rebel, God still grows because the Spirit sanctifies, not us. Though our sanctification does not depend on us, we take part in it. God calls us to be holy as he is (1 Peter 1:15).

Last, our election is “for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood.” This clause points also to our sanctification, which leads to our obedience in Christ. The idea of “the sprinkling of blood” reminds us of the atonement we have in Jesus, because of the shedding of his blood. The atonement for our sins is a one-time event in which we have our sins forgiven, but it is also a continual event in our life, and one we should pray for. David prayed for God to wash him so that he would be clean again (Psalm 51). That isn’t to say that we continually need atoned for, but that Christ atonement continues to work in our live towards making us more like himself.

One of the aspects about the gospel is God’s intimate involvement with his elect. From the beginning of time, the Father foreknew them. The Spirit quickens their dead hearts and makes them alive in Christ. Every Person of the Godhead is involved in seeing a person come to faith and continue in that faith. Christians should be abundantly encouraged and strengthened in reading these truths. They speak plainly of a gospel message works in the hearts of men, who are unable to help themselves.

Way you can follow up with you child:

1. If you do not already have a Bible reading plan for your family, I might suggest you reading 1 Peter together. It is only 5 chapters, and I suggest reading it together over the course of a few weeks.
2. Some questions to ask:
a. What is an apostle? Are there any more apostles?
b. Who are God’s elect?
c. What is God’s foreknowledge?
d. What is sanctification?
3. Scripture Memory: Ephesians 4:23-24

August 22 - Beach Party - Solomon's Rec Center

2010-08-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

For this Sunday, August 22nd, we having a party for middle school and high school youth. We will begin around 2:30 with swimming, games, and fellowship. We will be having dinner: hamburgers, hot dogs, chips.

The party serves as a good opportunity for us to kick off the new school year and gear up for another great year together in the youth ministry.

For those who are unable to get on base, there will be some available to shuttle you to the party. Please call me for me details.

King's Fest 2010 - UPDATE

2010-06-15T11:30:00.000-07:00

The deadline to place your name on the list is JULY 1st. Each person is responsible for purchasing their ticket and then telling me that you are attending. Please do not assume you are on the list to go. As of right now, there is myself and two others on the list. Please check with me on that.

We are still in need of drivers. Right now, we can take 10, counting the 2 drivers (myself and one other). It is an all-day trip. We will leave around 8am and return after midnight. If you can drive, please let me know as soon as possible.

The tickets for King's Fest are best purchased from the park, as those tickets purchased on base are not for the park + concert. The combo ticket purchased from the park is the best route to go.

Please contact me with any questions you might have about the trip.

King's Fest 2010 - DEADLINE

2010-05-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

We will be attending King's Fest (a Christian concert at King's Dominion) this year on July 8th. I need to know who is attending no later than Thursday, July 1st. The number of spots available will be limited to the number of spots in vehicles we have going. With that, I will need adults willing to drive and spend a day at the park. We will leave early that morning and return home late that night.

Each person will be responsible to getting their own tickets. To order tickets you can call the park at 1-800-745-3000, or you can pick them up at the park (if you happen to be in the area). Seats are available at the amphitheater, but in the past we have got the lawn seating to allow more freedom. If you have questions about the purchase of tickets, please call or email me.

If you plan on going, please let me know in order to reserve your spot. For more information on who is in concert that evening, please visit this site.

Victory Jam Deadline

2010-05-19T06:54:00.000-07:00

Several of you have expressed interest in attending Victory Jam (middle school summer camp) this year and we are going to have a great group going. If you are planning to attend, I will need to know no later than Sunday, June 6. I will be turning the final list in on Monday morning. Money for the trip will also be due at this time.

If you have questions about Victory Jam, please call me at the office or on my cell.

Sunday School - Middle School Class

2010-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

The middle school class has just finished a short study on the first part of Judges, and now, per their request, will be studying through the whole book of Revelation. Having gone through this book with my small group last year, I can say that we are all in for a great treat studying this last book of God's Word.

When it comes to studying Revelation, many ask, "What does a book about end times have to do with my life today?" or "How does this book apply to what my child is going through?" It is a good question, but I assure you, Revelation is not only applicable to the church today, but it is necessary (like all of God's Word) for the church to hear and read in a time when the church and the gospel message are misused and abused.

The book of Revelation was written to 2nd-generation Christians during some of the most terrible persecution Christ's people have ever known. It was written by the Apostle John while in exile on the isle of Patmos - a small Greek island off the coast of Turkey. For the 1st century church, it was a breath of encouragement and comfort during a time of severe hardship. For the church, they didn't see this book as a confusing web of secret code, but as a message that helped them sleep better at night and face the deadly world the next day. In a day when pastors had a near 100% martyrdom rate, these words helped them to understand their plight in the face of God's overall plan for the redemption of his people.

How does this apply to today then? Just as the church needed encouragement in the midst of persecution then, it needs it today. Sure, many Americans will never have to face death for their faith, but every day we face a world that isn't right, and we look in the mirror and see people who aren't right. We need all the encouragement we can get. For the student who is wrestling with their beliefs and coming to an understanding of who Christ is outside of the paradigm set up by their parents (which is a good thing) Revelation puts the whole Bible in perspective, with over 250 direct quotations from the Old Testament. It also gives a great picture of what the kingdom of God is, and how Jesus is seeing it redeemed and made new.

We will spend the next quarter and a half studying this book. If you have questions, please ask. I look forward to going through this book with the children and I encourage you to read through it with your families during this time as well.

Service Opportunity - Church Work Day - 5/8

2010-05-02T12:25:00.001-07:00

There is a great opportunity for the youth to serve on May 8th as there will be a church work day that morning and early afternoon.

There is much that needs to be done around the church, inside and outside. If you are interested in service, please contact one of the deacons to ask how you can help or just show up. If you are interested in taking some leadership role in this, please contact one of the deacons.

Not only is this a great way to serve the Lord and his church, but it is also a great way for you to acquire community service hours (if you need those to graduate).

Youth Praise Band - CiCi's Pizza

2010-04-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 1st, there will be a fundraiser at CiCi's pizza to benefit Ignite the Night, a local Christian music concert and festival that takes place on June 19 of this year. Inform the cashier that you support Ignite the Night, and 10% of your bill will go towards the concert.

There will be live music all day outside of CiCi's. Our youth praise band will be playing at 3pm. Please come out and support us as well.

2010-04-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Below is the Victory Jam Parent's Permission Slip. If you plan to attend Victory Jam, please print this, fill it out, and turn it in with your money. Thanks!

Victory Jam Permssion Form 2010

King's Fest 2010 - All Youth

2010-04-21T17:23:00.000-07:00

On July 8th, we will be attending King's Fest at King's Dominion. We will spend the day at the amusement park, with the evening closing with a Christian concert. Skillet will be the headlining band. The cost of the ticket is $57. Food and amusement park related trinketry will be extra of course.

There will be more info on this trip later. Please mark your calendars, as we'll need drivers and other adult leaders to attend. If you have questions, please contact me.

Victory Jam 2010 - Middle School

2010-04-21T17:20:00.001-07:00

We are planning to attend Victory Jam again this year. Victory Jam is a Christian camp run by the Chesapeake Presbytery in conjunction with churches from our own presbytery. It is located in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey. The dates are June 21st-25th and the cost is $227. That cost may go up a small amount to account for the cost of travel (as we will likely rent a vehicle).

I will be sending information home with the students this coming week. If you have questions concerning this camp, please contact me. It is a great opportunity for the youth and the kids we have taken in the past have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Current Status of the Blog

2010-04-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Due to an incredibly busy schedule, I have had to let certain things fall by the wayside, and unfortunately, it has been the blog. I still plan to use it to keep you up to date on upcoming events/deadlines/cancellations/etc, but I'll be suspending all posts about what I'm teaching.

That said, please call anytime with questions about what is being taught at youth group. For the past few months, we have been going through the book of John, particularly focusing on how Jesus loved the people he ministered to, and how then we can love those we minister to as well. We'll be finishing this series up in June. I still haven't decided what I'm going to teach for the summer. It will likely revolve around the churches Core Values, as we begin doing that as a church as well.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this busy time of my life.

Youth Group Beach Party - Senior High

2010-04-21T11:43:00.000-07:00

Youth Group will not be as normal this week, but will be meet at Solomon's Rec Center for fun and food on the beach. We will begin at 5pm and go till around 8pm. Will have have music and a short lesson like we normally have.

You are welcome to bring your families and friends. Please RSVP by Thursday evening to Andrea Prevatt or Izzy Disarufino so we can get an accurate count for food.

If you have questions, please call me or the girls mentioned above. There is also a Facebook page set up for the event.

4/5 - No Middle School Youth Group

2010-04-04T19:02:00.000-07:00

We will not have youth group on Monday, April 5th. Many are still celebrating the Easter holiday and Spring Break.

See you back on April 12th!

“Orphans and You” – a High School Sunday Class

2010-03-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! This is Dave Perrin posting this blog, so don't expect the clever humor that Mike usually adds...

I wanted to write and let you all know about the plan for the High School Sunday School class. As a follow up to the Orphan ministry kick-off, we will be investigating many aspects of Orphans over the next few months. Some of the material may be very intense, so I wanted to give you a heads up and provide an opportunity to give me feedback now.

I think the topic of Orphans is important for teens for many reasons:
1. Many of the orphans in the world are teenagers themselves. (I'm looking forward to hearing what you teens think about this topic.)
2. It's always good to try to understand how many live outside of America - a little perspective on life.
3. God has a special place in His heart for orphans, widows, and "the least of the least". We can get to know God better if we understand this aspect of His character.

First, we will investigate what is going on in the world right now - what is the plight of the orphan around the world, especially in poverty stricken countries. I plan to use some movies/videos to help us "enter into their world" and relate/identify with orphans. This is the intense part of the class.

We've used parts of "Slumdog Millionaire" already, and I plan to use more of this tomorrow.

(Link link below to read the review:) http://www.pluggedinonline.com/videos/2008/q4/slumdogmillionaire.aspx

I also have a film called "Letters to Francis", which documents 2 American college students on a short term mission trip to Swaziland, Africa, with a population that is ~40% infected with AIDS/HIV. This is very powerful, as it describes the incest and sexual abuse that women in that culture often experience. I was very glad to find this film, because I think it presents this difficult, intense issue from a young adult perspective, without any graphic visuals. (This issue doesn't need graphic teaching aids!) (Read review: http://www.chronicleproject.org/dearfrancis/film.html )

I am also thinking about using parts of "The Blind Side", a movie about an abandoned inter-city teenager in Memphis that is adopted by an affluent family on the "other side of town". I just saw this movie and highly recommend it. (Based on a true story.) We probably will not watch parts of this until later in the class when we discuss foster kids... and you gotta spread out the visual teaching aids! (Read review: http://www.pluggedin.com/videos/2010/q1/blindside/aspx )

Back to the course description - after investigating the plight of the orphan in the world, we will dig into God's Word and study what God thinks about orphans.

About this point, there may be some big questions entering the discussion:
WHY does God let this happen? WHY doesn't God do more for them?
This is not an easy topic to understand (I'm still learning), so I expect some lively discussion as we look at God's Word and expand our understanding of God's character. This is important as it affects our response to ministering to "the least of these" in our world.

At this point, some may be overwhelmed with the situation. Others may be fired up and ready to save the world.
This will lead into a philosophical discussion of, "WHY should we try to help?" If we go into this ministry with the wrong motives, we will mostly hurt both those we are trying to help, as well as ourselves. We will investigate many principles from a book called, "When Helping Hurts", by 2 gents from the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College. This is an excellent resource for understanding poverty and how to make a difference. (Watch video interview with the authors: http://www.christianbook.com/helping-alleviate-poverty-without-hurting-yourself/brian-fikkert/9780802457059/pd/457051?item_code=WW&netp_id=612569&event=ESRCN&view=details )

At this point, we will shift from academic / theological into application... from "Talk" to "Walk". We will be brainstorming how each student in the class may/can/will get involved with Orphan ministry. In this last phase of the class, we will watch some videos of existing ministries, and we'll start to discuss how the young adults in the class can start to minister to orphans right now.

We will look at Katie Davis and her ministry, Amazima. Katie went on a missions trip as a teen, then returned the next year to teach Kindergarten, then started a ministry there sponsoring the kids in the town. She is an example of how a teenager can be used mightly by God. (Read details: http://amazima.org/history.html and check out her blog: http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/ )

We will look at the existing "channels" of Cornerstone's orphan ministry, Living Hope-2-Orphans (H2O) - Foster Care, Adoption (International and Domestic), Orphan Care (international orphanages), and the "Wrap-Around" channel - helping those families with adopted or foster kids.

We will brainstorm how each of these kids could get involved - looking at their unique gifts and situation, especially as a teen in High School.

And once we have a good idea of what the students want to accomplish, we may study the principles of "Helping without Hurting" - the practical tips on doing short term missions effectively.

Along the way, we'll listen to some songs with messages that apply to orphan ministry to keep us engaged and our thinking fresh. We will memorize some of God's Words to keep focused on His heart and message. We may have movie nights. We may do a class project... if the students organize it!

I'm very much looking forward to it. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. I'm very much open to ideas and letting God do HIS thing. (301 509-3348; Dave.Perrin@ngc.com)

Thanks for the priviledge of spending time with your teens (if you are a parent) or you (if you are a teen)!
Dave

3/14 - 3/15 Teaching - Jesus and the Blind Man

2010-03-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

Text: John 9:35-41

This text offers a great picture of how the world often responds to Christ and even other things they would want to "save" them. It also reminds the believer what the proper response to Jesus is.

Jesus heals this blind man and after he is disowned by his parents and kicked out of the synagogue for it (strange that such a blessing could bring about such pain!) Jesus searches him out.

It is important for us to note that Jesus intentionally sought this man out. Jesus was already in hot water with the authority for claiming to be God and making other claims that pointed to him as being the Messiah. This act, him seeking out a man who had just been excommunicated from the synagogue, would have gotten him in much deeper trouble. Nonetheless, Jesus sought him out. It goes to show us how deeply he loves and cares for us - even while we were still sinners. This man had not yet assented to belief in him yet, but had to have been walking around with a strange sense of "something amazing just happened and I have no idea how to explain it".

We get this with his response to Jesus' question. He simply says, "Show me who he is that I might believe in him." Isn't this the way we all are? For the unbeliever, they are constantly turning to anything and everything that will fill the role that only Jesus can. It is no secret as to why self-help and "get rich quick" manuals sell so quickly. People are looking for any way to save themselves from the world that continually lets them down. Even as believers, we constantly turn to things that can't possible do for us what Christ can. Though we know Jesus, we still chase after whatever makes us feel good. All the while, he continues to pursue us.

The man's response is right. He was right to worship the only One who deserves our worship. Though we constantly bow to other things, it is Christ alone who deserves our worship.

So how do we keep from turning away from Christ? First, we must come to realization that we were blind and now we see - and this is only because of Christ. Just because we see, we don't stop needing him. We constantly need him. The Pharisee's had forgotten this point. Their question, "Are we blind too?" came from a smugness that we are all too familiar with I'm afraid. We readily forget it is the Lord who causes us to believe in him, and it is the Lord who continues to enable us to do so. When we think we are fine without him, that is when we fall and worship other things.

Secondly, we must surround ourselves with community. That community is with Christ himself first and foremost. Time in prayer and time in his Word are indispensable for drawing us nearer to him and further away from ourselves. We also need our brother and sisters in Christ. What a relief this former blind man must have felt to know that though he had been kicked out of one community (the synagogue) he was being accepted by another (the Church). What a great picture of the church! A lot of former blind, lame, and helpless beggars who daily rely on the Father above for provision and on each other for support and encouragement. We can't do it alone.

This point can't be labored enough with the youth, as they are facing a time in their lives where the loner is praised and being "different" is what everyone is doing. We must endeavor to teach them that though the Church is one body with the same purpose, it is also full of many different people with different personalities and backgrounds.

Some questions for you to interact with you child on this passage are:

1. What does Christ's question to the former blind man tell us about how he interacted with people? (even the fact he was talking to him at all)

2. What does the man's answer tell us about how the mind of people works today? (constantly looking for something to fill that "savior" void)

3. How does our own experience with Jesus echo the experience of the blind man?

4. What things are we seeking other than Jesus?

5. How can we guard against this?

Ultimate Frisbee!

2010-03-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

There will be Ultimate Frisbee at the Wildewood Rec Field (the baseball field) at 2:30 on Sunday afternoon.

Please invite your friends and family and join us. It is shaping up to be a beautiful weekend.

2/28-3/1 Teaching - Being Born Again

2010-02-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

Text - John 3:1-21

It was an odd thing for Nicodemus to be searching Jesus out.

It is no secret by this time in Christ's ministry that the Pharisees weren't his biggest fans. At this point, there were even gathering material to eventually form a case against Jesus, as he claimed to be many things the Pharisees just couldn't buy into.

Then there was Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee, but he just couldn't shake the thing that he had heard Jesus say. So, he sought him in out in the night to ask him questions. He wanted to make sure no one saw what was going on, but I don't think he had any real idea who he was talking too...at least until after their conversation.

Nicodemus had seen the sign Jesus committed, with the turning water into wine (he had at least heard about this) and then thrashing the temple clean. These things pointed to someone who had a different kind of authority. Nicodemus recognized this, and even restated this idea to Christ. He was then floored with the response.

Christ responded, "Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Born again? How could this be? We miss the gravity of this with our "grown-up-hearing-it" ears, but in reality, the idea of being born again is quite abstract.

The idea of being born again here is synonymous with belief in Christ, and it is what happens to us when we call upon his name to save us. It's the idea of being made new by the Spirit through Christ and his death on the cross. For Nicodemus, these things should have been elementary (at least Jesus thought so) but it wasn't until Christ changed his broken heart that he could finally see Him for who He was. Christ is the light who shines into the darkness. Not only does he shine into the darkness, but he casts it out. There are some who will see the light and continue to run away, but for those whom Christ causes to be born again, the light is irresistible.

We don't hear the end of this event with Nicodemus, insofar as what he did after hearing these things. It is likely that after coming face to face with his Creator, he fell to his knees and worshiped. From other texts in the NT, we can say that this man likely believed in Jesus from that day forward. It is incredible what the Lord can do in the heart of a man who is vehemently opposed to him just days before. It is a reminder to us all: the Lord does the work of deliverance in the hearts of men and women.

Though we would seek time and again to be the savior for our friends and family, even ourselves, it is the Lord alone who can do that work. Indeed, that is why he came, bled and died. He did that so that we could be born again - made new. He did that so that we would believe in him for eternal life and so that we would continue to believe the promises he has for us until he calls us home.

Youth Council Meeting - 2/22

2010-02-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

There is a youth council meeting downstairs in the old building on Monday, February 22nd from 5pm to 6:30pm (when middle school youth group starts).

As with all youth council meetings, all are invited to attend and be a part of the youth council, that functions to facilitate the ministry to the youth at Cornerstone.

For this meeting, we will begin talking about the purpose and vision of our youth ministry, particularly as we seek to align it with the purpose and visions of our church. We'll begin talking also about our mission (how we accomplish the vision) and the specific strategies associated with that. This is the beginning of conversations that will be taking place over the course of the next few months.

If you have questions concerning this, please contact me or another youth council member.

Current Youth Council:

Mike Chipman
Rob and Kathy Barthelmes
Lee and Toni Mason
Rich and Tina Prevatt
Dave and Traci Perrin
Tom and Amber Kubalewski
Shawn and Allison Disarufino

2/14-2/15 Teaching - Come and See!

2010-02-16T10:11:00.001-08:00

First, I just wanted to let you know how great it was to be with all the youth again. I have been able to spend some time with a few of the kids, but having everyone together again was such a blessing and I realized how much I missed it. Again, I want to thank you for the privilege of serving you and your children.

Text - John 1:35-51

This spring, we'll be looking at many of the stories from the book of John. Our goal in this is looking particularly at Christ's ministry and learning from it how we can minister to others. In that process, we will also learn much about our own hearts and our proclivities toward sin...thus showing us our daily need for a Savior.

This passage has John the Baptist again pronouncing Jesus as "the Lamb of God". John's ministry was to proclaim the coming of the Lord. This time, we have two of his own disciples, Andrew and likely John (the gospel writer) immediately following Jesus. John wanted to make sure everyone understood what this Jesus was about. This Jesus, he is the one you have always heard would come. He is the one that you have heard from your youth that would come and deliver his people from their enemies. He is God, in the flesh, come near to us, to live among us, to teach us, and to die for us. This is the one! John and Andrew's faith is demonstrated in their following him. Peter and Philip follow shortly, and Christ's motley crew is beginning to be assembled.

Then there is Nathaniel. We all relate with him if we're honest. Philip runs to his friend Nathaniel, excited with the news of the Messiah. Philip says, "Hey Nathaniel, you know the Messiah, the Prophet Moses spoke about...well, he's here! Not only that, he's from Nazareth...right down the road." Nathaniel's response is classic, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?"

We get this skepticism, don't we? We readily place people and places into boxes like this. We may think things like, "Can anything good come from Iraq?" or "Can anything good come from a state prison?" Maybe something a bit more relevant, "Can anything good come from my neighbor's house?" or "Can anything good come from that school?" We think this way. It's also the way the world thinks about the church. "Can anything good come from the church? It is full of hypocrites, or judgmental people, or people who think they are better than me, or {fill in the bank}"

So, when we read this response from Nathaniel, we can understand his concerns. Nathaniel lived in a time where the Roman government held a tight noose on much of the known world. He saw even the greatest attempts at revolt squashed under the swift and violent hand of the Roman juggernaut. He had likely even seen people or heard of people who claimed to be the Christ. So, here comes Philip with this news of the Messiah. He reacts just like we think he should, or just like we likely would.

And how does Philip respond? He doesn't pull out his scrolls and seek to prove the coming of Jesus from a Scriptural standpoint, though he very well could have. He answered him in the most disarming way possible: "Come and see."

What were Nathaniel's options at this point then? He could say one of two things: Yes or No. Nathaniel could have attempted to argue the finer points of Jewish Messianic prophecy or even from any number of pantheistic ideas that were associated with the Roman government, he didn't. He went and saw. After all, what did he have to lose? On that same note, what did Philip have to lose in the equation? Was Nathaniel ultimately going to be rejecting Philip for his invite? No - at this point, he could only accept or reject the claims of the man he was going to see, Jesus Christ.

Of course, Jesus turns out to be exactly who Philip said he was. Imagine the scene, as Nathaniel approaches, Jesus calls out, "Now there a Jew in whom there is no deceit." That's a pretty amazing claim, and there's really only one person capable of making it, especially to a complete stranger. And again, Nathaniel's response is warranted: "How do you know me?" Jesus replies, "So, remember earlier when you were standing over by the fig tree, I saw you then." For whatever reason, and whatever Nathaniel was doing by the fig tree, this resonated with him. He knew then that Jesus was exactly who Philip claimed he was. "You are the Son of God...You are the King of Israel."

How will our friends react in coming face to face with Jesus? Well, there is no standing on the fence when it comes to Jesus to be sure. He is who he says he is, and there is no indifference. We are either for him or against him. Our friends who don't know Jesus will be the same way. They will either do like Nathaniel and realize that they have indeed come face to face with their Creator and worship him and give their life to him. Or they will reject Him...not you. That frees us up to talk about Christ. That frees us up to invite our friends to youth group even.

One of my goals at youth group is to share the gospel each week in one form or another. No matter what text we are looking at in Scripture we will talk about the gospel of Jesus Christ. So then, practically what this means is that part of this "Come and see" mentality for the youth can be for them to simply invite their friends to youth group, as their friends will comes face to face with Jesus through the Word of God.

The one of the functions for our youth group meetings is to provide a place for our students at Cornerstone to interact with their friends who don't know Jesus. As you read and meditate on this passage, ask the Lord how you can use this approach to evangelism to minister to those around you who do not know the Lord.

Some questions for you to consider with your children are:

1. Read and meditate on John 1 and also Psalm 34:8, which says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

2. How did John the Baptist reference Jesus? Why?

3. What was Nathanael's argument against seeing Jesus?

4. How do people similarly respond today?

5. How does Philip speak to Nathanael's hesitance to come to Jesus?

6. How does this teach us to relate to others?

Swing Dance Class - Saturday, February 13th.

2010-02-11T13:47:00.001-08:00

There is a group going to the Sweetheart Swing and Ballroom Dance at the House of Dance in Hollywood on Saturday, February 13. A dance class will be help from 7-8pm, with open dance following until 11pm.

Cost is $10 per person and $18 per couple.

If you would like to go or have additional questions, contact Gabe Mason.

Cancellation - Middle School Youth Group

2010-02-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

As stated earlier, with the cancellation of school today, there will be no middle school youth group.

As of this morning, the churches lots were still completely covered up. With the very low temperatures expected tonight, we don't want to risk any accidents.

Enjoy your evening at home!

Worship and Youth Group Cancelled - Super Bowl Party

2010-02-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

Worship at 1:30 today has been cancelled. Youth Group is also cancelled.

There is a Super Bowl party at the Barts at 6pm for those who can make it.

Blizzard Plans - Service Opportunity

2010-02-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

Currently, our plan is to have our Sunday worship service at 1:30pm, with Pastor Bob Boidock's Sunday school presentation to be at 3pm. Youth group will be at 6pm as normal - meaning praise band will meet at 5pm. Note that this is the current plan and depending on the weather, these plans may change. The latest news will be on this blog as well as on the church's website.

For Sunday's service, the deacons are asking for help with shoveling sidewalks and clearing out the snow and ice. If you are able to help and would like to serve our church in this way, please call Dave Eby or email him. Both contacts can be found in the directory.

Please call myself or Pastor Nilsson with questions.

Blizzard #2?

2010-02-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

Apparently there is another major storm system coming our way. It has the potential to snow us under, or just drop a few inches of the white stuff.

That being said, I wanted to establish a few parameters for this Sunday and Monday youth group meetings.

If church is cancelled on Sunday, we will also cancel all youth activities on Sunday evening.

If St. Mary's Public Schools are closed on Monday, we will also cancel all youth activities on Monday evening.

If you have questions concerning this, please let me know.

Cancellation - High School Youth Group 1/31

2010-01-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

Due to the snow, youth group is cancelled for Sunday, January 31 for the high school. Please notify any guests you normally bring.

Summer Activities

2010-01-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

This summer will be another busy summer for the youth group. Right now, there is a middle school camp being planned and the possibility of a big high school trip as well. We'll also be taking our annual trip to King's Dominion.

Victory Jam is a camp/conference for middle school students. It is located in Harvey Cedars, NJ. The dates for it are June 21st-25th. It is for students entering the 7th grade through students entering 9th grade. Cost will be ~$215 (last year's cost). We have attended this event the last two years and it is a blast.

For the high school, I would like to plan a trip to the RYM (Reformed Youth Ministries) Conference in Panama City Beach, FL. RYM is a ministry to middle and high school students. They hold conferences all over the country during the summer with strong teaching and a great environment for fellowship and growth. This trip will be a long one, as PCB is a two-day trip. The conference itself is July 12-17, with us leaving on the 11th and returning on the 18th (likely). The cost will be around $500, with conference costs being $335 and additional hotel/fuel costs rounding out the difference. Though this is a lot, this is the kind of trip that students remember for a lifetime. This trip would be for students entering 9th grade through recent graduates. Before we decide to go, I need to get an idea of the interest in the group. If you are interested, please let me know no later than February 14th. For more info, click here.

King's Fest is a concert at King's Dominion that we have attended the previous 2 years. It is an all-day event with amusement park all day and concert into the night. The dates for this event are July 8-10; we will pick one of these days. The cost will be around $60, plus the cost of food and amusement park trinketry.

As always, please call with questions.

Sunday School Update

2010-01-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

I want to remind you of our upcoming Sunday School schedule, as it is different than what we normally do.

1/24 - No Sunday School for 6th grade and up; We will be having a congregation meeting.

1/31 - No Sunday School. There will be a presentation by the Living Hope2Orphans Ministry in our church.

2/7 - No Sunday School. There will be a presentation by Pastor Bob Boidock concerning his time and ministry in Iraq.

2/14 - Return to regularly scheduled programming.

For middle school Sunday School, following the break we will start a series on the book of Judges. After polling the class as to what they want to learn about, they consensus was a book of the Old Testament, many even specifically mentioning Judges. The last few weeks we have been looking at Genesis 3 and other selected passages to gain a greater understanding of the concept of redemptive history and what God's plan looks like throughout biblical history and into the present day. Judges is a great book for showing us the ups and downs in the history of God's people, all the while showing us that there is a central motif to stories, and that is redemption found in Jesus Christ.

I am looking forward to beginning a new year with your children and if you have questions about the Sunday school program or anything I teach, please don't hesitate to ask. As always, you are invited to sit in on our class time as well.

Fun and Games - Mason's House - 1/24 - Middle School

2010-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 24, there will be a Potato Bar, games (including playoff football in the background) and fun at the home of Nate Mason. The event will be from 6pm - 9pm.

As there will be no youth group on Sunday or Monday, all middle school students are invited to come to Nate's house for a night of fellowship and fun.

If you plan to come, please contact Toni by Saturday morning 1/23 to RSVP. You can call Toni or myself for more information.

Youth Group Reminder - Cancellation/Service Opportunity

2010-01-18T08:30:00.001-08:00

There will be no youth group on 1/24 or 1/25.

Our church will be participating in the WARM (Wrapping Arms 'Round Many) program in St. Mary's county. This program seeks churches and other organizations to serve as housing facilities for the homeless population in our county. During these winter months, it is tough on the homeless to find shelter and safety from the cold temperatures. Our church is opening its doors for the week of 1/24-1/30. If you would like information on serving during this time, we need people to serve as overnight monitor and to help with meals. Please contact Tony Bowie or myself for more info.

Hope and Healing for Broken Kids

2010-01-18T07:57:00.001-08:00

Hope and Healing for Broken Kids - One Day Seminar

Please check out the link above concerning this seminary. I think this would be a great opportunity for those of you serving our youth now or maybe those who are interested in working with the youth. We currently serve many children from broken homes and all of our youth live in a world that will always struggle with these things. With that, this would be a great opportunity to learn more about these struggles and how we can better facilitate hope and healing for these kids.

I will be unable to go, as our baby is due on the 10th, but anyone who is interested in going, the cost of the conference will be covered by our youth ministry budget.

Please contact me if you are interested.

1/17-1/18 Teaching - All Things are Possible!

2010-01-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

Text: Mark 9:14-29

Here is a very familiar story of a demon-possess boy and his father. The way Jesus handles this situation is wonderful considering what he had to deal with. It gives a great picture of his loving-kindness toward us and our own struggles with the faith.

Christ comes down from the mount of Transfiguration with Peter, James, and John to find the scribes, his other disciples, a crowd, and a father squabbling about a demon-possessed boy. The father speaks up and asks for help, saying that the disciples were unable to deal with the demon. Christ's response speaks volumes: "O, faithless generation, how long am I to be with you..." He obviously wasn't too pleased.

Next the man says, "If you can help, would you?" Christ then rebukes the lack of faithfulness in the man. The man was likely waiting for "Christ the magician" to do a trick to save his son. It was no secret by this time in the ministry of our Lord that he worked miracles. People knew that. They came to expect it actually.

Christ's rebuke gets to the heart of the issue, "If you can? All things are possible for the one who believes." If that statement wasn't profound enough, the fathers statement (an unnamed man not mentioned again) was equally profound for the standpoint of his acknowledgement of his place before Christ. He said, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief."

What can we gather from this statement - together with the lack of faith demonstrated by the disciples? For the Christian, one of the major takeaways is that belief isn't black and white. Sure, there is a time when we can point to that we began to believe in Christ. Even if you can't point to that time, you can at least say that you indeed to believe in Christ and his gospel. That rabbit hole goes deeper though. Does the statement, "I believe" encompass our walk with the Lord and that is where it is finished. Is our relationship with Christ a stagnant one, in that we need only state our belief once, then that is enough until we say otherwise? Of course that isn't true. Our relationship with Christ is one that is "in progress". We don't finish it this side of heaven, and with it there will be many struggles and times of doubt.

So, with this man's statement, he is echoing the fact that he believes that all things are possible, sure, but there is a long way to go before he can fully grasp that statement. This is especially true considering his son is a convulsing, frothing mess. This isn't some mundane situation to this man - this is life and death. He believes...but he recognizes that there is so much more to that than he even realizes.

The disciples might be getting it now too. They even ask later, "Lord, why couldn't we do it?" Christ told them, "This one can only be removed with prayer." In other words, "Hey boys, you can't do this on you own, you need help."

Isn't that the truth? We do need help. In so many realms in our lives we think we got it figured out, but we readily rely on something else besides the Lord in that. At school, it may be, "I got this figured out...if I can just impress this group of people, I got it made." or "I got this figured out, if I can just make a 4.0, then my life will mean something." At home, "I got this figured out, my parents have no idea what they are talking about so I'm going to get it done myself." In our relationships, "I got this figured out, if I can just get him to like me, then my life will be good." It's amazing what we think we have figured out.

Christ said, "All things are possible for the one who believes." What all things? Good grade? Popularity? No. Resting in Christ even if you make a C is possible though. Being secure in your faith when you are the least popular is possible. Obeying your parents even when you don't agree is not just possible, its easy. Why? Because we believe in the one who makes all things possible. In him, we have life, not in the things we think we have figured out.

We will continue to struggle with this though. It's easy for me to write this, but not easy for me to buy into it on a daily basis in the situations in my life. What can we do then? First, we come to the point where we realize that though we believe, we need help with our unbelief. Where do we get that? Jesus. How? A great way to start is with the one he suggests - prayer. Prayer is a direct line to the Creator and to our Redeemer. Our belief will be strengthened when we pray. This could start with the simple prayer of a distraught father, "Help my unbelief!"

Some questions to discuss with your student might be:

1. Meditate on this passage with your family as you consider your own struggles in the faith.
2. What does the man mean when he says, "I believe, help my unbelief!"?
3. Why weren't the disciples able to drive out the demon?
4. How does this relate with our own pattern of belief and unbelief?
5. What are some ways you aren't believing the gospel message in your life? How can we confront this unbelief?

Dare2Share Conference - Waiver/Release Form

2010-01-15T05:52:00.001-08:00

If you are attending the Dare2Share conference on February 5-6 (you should know who you are), then you will need a signed release form in order to attend. Click the link below to download and print that, or see myself or Tyler Disarufino for a hard copy.

Dare2Share Release Form

1/3-1/4//1/10-1/11 Teaching - He Makes All Things New

2010-01-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

For the next two weeks, we'll be looking at Revelation 21:1-8.

The passage is ripe with meaning, but we'll be particularly focusing on the idea that the old is passing away and and how God makes all things new for those in Christ.

We'll be particularly focusing on how this applies to the situations the youth are in and the people they interact with.

I will post a more substantial teaching segment next week, but the questions we will be working from are the following:

What are the former things that have passed away?
What does it mean that he is making all things new?
What awaits those who are thirsty? What about the cowardly?
Knowing this, how does it change the way we see the situations in our lives?
How does it change the way we look at people?

I encourage you to read and meditate on this passage for the next few weeks with your family. As we have entered this new year following the celebration of Christ's birth, there is no better time than to study why the Lord came to earth and what is ultimate plan for redemption is.

High School Ski Trip - 1/16

2010-01-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

There is a day ski trip planned for the high school youth on January 16. Information below:

Date: Saturday January 16th
Cost: $55 (8-hour lift ticket)
$40 Ski Rental
$46 Snowboard Rental
Location: Whitetail Resort - Mercersburg, PA

DEADLINE - January 10th. We need to know who will be going by January 10th to secure transportation. Please respect this deadline.

If you have any questions about the trip, please contact myself or Conor Smith for more details.

Christmas Eve Service - 12/24 7pm

2009-12-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

Services Cancelled - 12/20/09

2009-12-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

Due to the weather, services at Cornerstone will be cancelled for Sunday, December 20th.

If you have questions, please call one of the deacons or your elder.

Service Opportunity - Habitat House

2009-12-16T08:32:00.001-08:00

This Saturday, December 19, there is an opportunity for our youth to serve at the Habitat House. Help is needed with clean up and other work at the house.

If you are interested, please contact Richard Menard or the church office.

Youth Group Teaching - New Year

2009-12-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

With this year coming to a close, I am at a stopping point on what we have been teaching in recent weeks. I am considering options on what to teach next.

With that, I'm interested in hearing what your thoughts on that are. What are your suggestions on possible topics to teach the youth in the coming year? The teaching at youth group is designed to encourage and challenge the believer while teaching the simple truth of the gospel to the unbeliever.

If you have input as to what you would like to see taught at youth group or on the past teaching, please contact me via email or telephone.

Thank for your participation in youth group and I'm looking forward to serving you another year.

12/13-12/14 Christmas Parties

2009-12-12T07:43:00.001-08:00

Sunday December 13 and Monday December 14, we will be having parties at youth group. Youth Group will still be the same in format, except we will have a long time of eating and fellowshipping together. With that, we have asked each student to bring something with them to eat. That doesn't mean that each student should bring enough to feed an army, but chips, cookies, appetizer-style foods will be fine. We'll just plan on having a table set up with the food. I will be providing the drinks.

If you have questions, please contact me by cell.

12-6/12/7 Teaching - The Thorny Soil

2009-12-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

Matthew 13:22

We have been looking at this parable of the sower for the last few weeks, and this week we will be looking at the seed that feel among thorns.

The text mentions that the seed falls among thorny soil, and the thorns are the "cares of the world" and the "deceitfulness" of riches". What are these things?

The cares of the world could be anything that one is using to take the place of the Lord. Particularly, considering that Jesus speaks of riches right after this, the "cares" could specifically be related to material possession and money.

One thing that was brought out in the youth group discussions was the idea of popularity among peers as being a care of the world. Other things were good grades or success in sports. None of these things are bad thing, but when they become your sole focus, they will choke out God's Word in your life.

What then is the deceitfulness of riches? Deceitfulness is another word for trickery or lies. These "riches", whatever they are, will trick us into believing they along can fulfill our needs. Adam and Eve fell for the same deception in the Garden of Eden as Eve looked at the fruit saw that it was good for giving her wisdom? Did it give her wisdom? Not the kind she was hoping for. The only thing it brought her was knowledge of her own nakedness - shame, guilt, and ultimately, death.

The cares of this world will trick us into thinking they are what we need. However, it is God's Word alone, the gospel of Jesus Christ, that we need. Christ alone is where we find salvation and contentment.

Some questions to discuss with your student could be:

1. What things other than Jesus are your trying to get contentment from?

2. How are these things going to fall short?

3. How can we keep from being "tricked" by these things?

4. How is Christ so much better?

YG Cancellation - Service Opportunity

2009-12-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

The week of January 24-January 31, Cornerstone is hosting a community project called WARM. WARM is a program to house people who are homeless during the cold winter nights. We will be housing them at our facility each night during that week, starting with Sunday night and ending with Saturday night.

With that, we will not be having youth group on 1/24 or 1/25. There will be no youth group for high school on 1/24 or middle school on 1/25.

That said, this is an opportunity for our youth to serve the community. Volunteers will be needed to set up, prepare, serve, and clean up during meal time (supper and breakfast). Also, there is a need to provide some sort of entertainment for our guests. I would strongly encourage the youth to take part in this ministry, as it will heighten their awareness to the poverty in our area and give them a clear picture of what it looks like to live the gospel out by deed.

If you are interested in serving or have kids who would like to serve, contact Tony Bowie. His information is in the church directory.

There will be more information on this to come, and there will be a couple of youth who will be heading up the effort to get other youth involved.

Please call or email with questions.

12/13 Senior High Youth Group - White Elephant Gift Exchange

2009-11-30T11:21:00.000-08:00

On December 13th, there will be a White Elephant Gift Exchange with the Senior High Youth Group.

If you plan to participate, please bring a gift with you - wrapped - and costing under $10. If you could bring an extra gift (for those who may forget) that would be great too.

The youth group format will be the same as always, and we will use our game time to facilitate this gift exchange.

If you have questions, please contact me.

11/29-11/30 Teaching - And Some Fell on Rocky Soil

2009-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

Text: Matthew 13 - focus on vv. 20-21

Again we are focusing on the parable of the sower, as Christ taught the crowd gathered by the sea. We are particularly focusing on the explanation of the parable that he gave to the disciples. Verses 20-21 say, "As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is th one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself but endures for a while and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of th word immediately he falls away."

What does it mean to "Immediately receive with joy"? This could be someone who at first hearing of the gospel receives it without question. Compare this with the previous type of hearer, the hard hearted. This person receives the word with joy and accepts all that he or she is told as truth. It could even be that this person has grown up with these beliefs and has never really questioned the, just received them as truth because they were told to. Compare this to how some children come about a belief Santa Claus. They are told that a jolly man in a red suit flies around the world with his reindeer friends delivering toys to EVERY CHILD! As far-fetched as that sounds, children all over readily accept it as truth. Why? Because they aren't told any different. The same can be true of our Christian faith. Just as a belief in Santa is easily challenged and debunked, a believer that has no roots will easily be cast into doubt and despair. Though a person could be a believer for years, it is possible for one simple question to shatter their basic assumptions.

These "questions" or persecutions can come in many ways. We don't have savages chasing us with machetes in this country, and though Christianity is heavily scrutinized in our American culture, we enjoy many, many freedoms that our brothers and sisters in other countries can only dream about. Some examples of trials and persecutions in our own culture could our peers, Christian and non-Christian, who would cause us to doubt and question our basic assumptions. It could be the culture itself, that seeks to pull us away from the faith. There is idolatry again, which seeps its presence into every facet of everything we do. Another thought that I have observed in years of youth ministry is the idea that as kids grow up and mature, they tend to become less and less serious about their faith. It would seem that the natural process of growing up and maturing physically and intellectually has caused them to start questioning things - for some this means they thrown everything out, including those things which they have always known to be true. They do so to rebel or upset their parents, but they do it nonetheless. In a sense, they are causing their own trial.

The question that I asked the youth was "Would you say the gospel has taken root in your life?" In our youth room, we have the words, "Own it, Live it, Share it". Essentially, I'm asking them, "Are you owning it?" You can't live it or share it until you do. Yeah, you can fake it, but what does that do? In the end, you might fool everyone, including yourself, but you don't fool the Lord. He sees the heart.

In Christ, we have the freedom to not only receive the Word with joy, but also to let it take root. How do we do that? We have to come face to face with our questions and doubts. We can't just readily accept things, but we should actively seek to know what Scripture teaches. It's takes the faith of a child to understand and accept the gospel initially, but it will take all eternity to learn God and his ways. We can know that though trials come, our Lord stands the test of any scrutiny. Any trial that we get concerning our faith, whether it be from an outside source or from our own wrestling with unbelief, we can rest in knowing that the Lord is with us every step of the way and if we are his, he will never let us go.

Some questions to use as follow-up with your child can be:

1. Read and meditate on Matthew 13 this week again.

2. What does it mean to “immediately receive with joy”?

3. Would you say that the gospel has taken root in your life? What does that mean?

4. What are examples of tribulation or persecution that you could experience in your daily life?

5. How have these things caused you to fall away?

Youth Group Reminder

2009-11-21T15:57:00.001-08:00

Just as a reminder, there is no youth group on 11/22 or 11/23. Here is the original post detailing that.

http://cpcyouthnews.blogspot.com/2009/11/1122-1123-youth-group-announcement.html

Devotion Guide for the Youth

2009-11-17T08:44:00.001-08:00

It has been suggested to me to put a guide for daily devotions on this blog. Though I don't use a "guide" for my own devotional life, I have used them in the past and likely would again. Below are a few that I think are particularly good.

The Jesus Storybook Bible
This one is very good for younger children, but would even work very well for middle school kids. This is a great book for family devotions. We use it at my house. Its bests quality is that it points every story to Christ.

For the Love of God 1 & 2 (link to volume 1)
This devotion, written by Don Carson, uses a popular Bible-reading plan and takes the reader through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice in one year. Each day has a devotional thought accompanying it. This one is a bit more higher-level, but still very effective in showing God's redemptive pattern throughout his whole Word. I own this one as well and used it for some time.

Soul Fuel - Dare2Share This is a weekly email devotion/training guide from Dare2Share Ministries. The primary purpose of this devotion is to show the youth how to share their faith using something from popula culture - whether it be the newest movie or something in the news. Very good training material. Dare2Share also has many devotions available on their website.

One-year Devotional from Josh Mcdowell This one deals with many topics that teens are faced with and helps them to make right choices in those areas.

There are literally hundreds of teen devotionals available out there. Please be careful in selecting one, as many are very dubious. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

11/22-11/23 Youth Group Announcement

2009-11-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

There will be no youth group on Sunday evening, November 22nd, and Monday evening, November 23rd. This is to prepare for the week of Thanksgiving ahead.

Youth group will resume on 11/29 and 11/30 as regularly scheduled.

On 11/29, I will be on vacation. Gabe Mason will be teaching that evening. I encourage you to pray for Gabe leading up to this evening. I know he will do a fantastic job!

Please contact me with questions.

11/15-11/16 Teaching - And Some Fell on the Path

2009-11-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

Matthew 13

A field usually consists of the tilled ground where the crop is planted and the other areas - usually some sort of makeshift road to allow for access for trucks and tractors to get down. During the planting time, seeds are spilled onto the path. Those seeds will sit there usually until they rot, rarely ever taking root.

Why is that? the seeds don't take root because the ground is too hard. The same is said in this parable of the sower, as some of the seed fell on the hard path. That seed was stolen away be birds, thus never taking root.

Christ explains the parable by saying that the seed is the word of the kingdom, the gospel message, and the ground is those who would hear it. The path then represents the one who hears the word and "does not understand it". He also adds that this is the word that is "sown in his heart".

It is true that the bird,the evil one Satan, comes and takes the seed away. We see this in a myriad of ways, from culture seeking to discredit God's Word to pastor "dumbing down" God's Word making it friendly to all ears. While that is true, the primary cause of that seeds inability to take root isn't the bird, but the hard heart it was sown into.

One of the best example of this in Scripture is the older brother in the prodigal son story (Luke 15). The younger brother, though hard-hearted at first, comes to realize fully the fathers love for him - realizing that it isn't his merits that earns him the father's love. In fact, nothing does. The older brother isn't convinced of this and excuses himself from the ensuing party that celebrated the younger brothers return. Though the father sought him out, the older brother continued in his hardness of heart, refusing to see that the father loved him simply because he was a son, not because of all the hard work and loyalty he displayed.

Interesting enough, the Pharisees were some of the addressees of this parable of the lost son. Jesus called the Pharisees "white-washed tombs" (Matthew 23:27) Why did he say that? Well, the Pharisees were definitely "good" people on the outside. They went to church, they tithed, they memorized Scriture, they prayer every day, they kept the commandments, etc...but their hearts were hard. On the inside they were dead. They had heard the gospel message and rejected it. Even more, they had seen the Messiah, yet they persecuted him and rejected him.

How are our hearts hard to the gospel? How do we readily reject the gospel, instead seeking our own righteousness as the standard for God's love and acceptance. We do this many ways, whether it is pointing the finger at those who we are "better" than. Sometimes we physical do point at the, but most of the time we simply do so by acknowledging in our hearts that God can't possibly love them, "I mean, look at them. They are wretched!" Do you believe that you are entitled to the Father's love because you have served him for so long? Do you believe that your morality is what the Father really requires?

The Father loves you, whether you have been like the lost son and squandered all of his wealth and returned penniless, or if you have served him faithfully all these years. Because of Jesus Christ you have forgiveness and the Father love - not because of you.

When we fully understand this - that is when our hearts begin to yield and allow for the gospel message to intrude. That is when the gospel will take root in our hearts - when we are seeking Christ for the Father's love, not our own good works.

Discussion questions for you and your child:

1. Read Matthew 13 together and review the meaning of the parable according to what Christ teaches.
2. Read Luke 15 and meditate on it this week. Ask yourself, "Which brother am I?"
3. How are our own hearts hard to the word of the kingdom?
4. How can we seek after Jesus for the Father's love and not our own righteousness.
5. What influences in your life are snatching the word away from before it can take root?

11/8-11/9 Teaching - The Parable of the Sower

2009-11-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

I apologize for not posting this earlier. I have been unusually busy the last few weeks, and some things just couldn't get done.

Text - Matthew 13

This week we looked at the parable of the sower.

Over the next few weeks (until we stop for Christmas) we'll be looking at the parable and seeing how the parable speaks to the life of the youth.

My main point of emphasis is to get them to look at the first three types of ground (path, rocky, thorns) before they skip to the last one (the good soil) and say, "Oh, that's me!"

It's a very familiar parable, but we will be using it ask to the youth hard questions about their own faith and how they are responding to the gospel message or "the seed".

11/1-11/2 Teaching - What music should I listen to?

2009-11-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

Text - Philippians 4:8

The question from the box this week is:

What do you think about listening to really “good” song with “bad” lyrics? I feel kind of guilty…or something listening to “bad” music in front of Christians.

So, this question begs another question - What is good music? Sure, we could argue what makes good music is the right style or form - the presence or absence of a particular instrument or beat, etc. However, that isn't the crux of this conversation. My take away from the person who wrote the question is that they seemed to be more concerned about the ethical implications of his/her music choices.

What makes "good" music? Better yet, what makes "bad" lyrics? It would be easy for us to make a blanket statement such as, "All music played by this radio station is good" or "All music with this word or that word is "bad". I do believe there are certain absolutes in dealing with this issue - for instance music that is drawing attention to sin or sinful acts should be used with much discretion, as the power of music over us is greater than we give it credit. However music that doesn't fall into this category - which is most of it - should be examined carefully.

For instance, one could easily turn to any Christian music station and hear songs that are basically void of any meaning. They may sing about happiness or a good feeling. They may be theologically off. Whatever it is, we shouldn't simply turn on the Christian station and turn off our thinkers. That said, we shouldn't automatically discount anything that isn't played on the Christian station. Much of the music in the secular world has a very deep and profound meaning and speaks to very deep issues in life. Though it may not be coming from a Christian worldview, it isn't necessarily "bad". There is likely redemptive value to be seen.

An example would be some of the music that Michael Jackson produced in his lifetime. Whatever you want to say about the person, the man had amazing God-given talent that few have ever seen or experienced. His music spoke of hope for the destitute and even his own responsibility towards helping them. Michael's personal worldview was very mixed up, but we shouldn't cast his music away because of that. Another example is the work of Derek Webb, a Christian artist who in the past has rightly pressed the envelope with some controversial lyrics, but has recently (in my opinion) crossed the line on what constitutes "good" lyrics.

What does the Bible say? In Philippians 4:8, we are told that whatever is right and good and pleasing to the Lord, we should think on those things. What are these things? Since there isn't a hard and true objective moral guide to music (other than the restriction listed above), we have the task of reasoning through this question according to our own tastes and also the culture within which we are influencing for the gospel of Christ and the furtherance of his kingdom.

In Acts 17, Paul used secular, pagan plays to cut to the hearts of the Athenians and teach them about their Creator and Redeemer. He even pointed to the idol of the "Unknown god" and said, "What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you." Paul could have said, "Hey guys, there are idols down there...we should probably get away," or "Well, I should only quote the Scriptures when talking about the Lord - not some silly pagan play". He didn't do either. He knew that all thing come from the Lord and that even things like statues to unknown gods and lines in pagan scripts can be used for God's redemptive purposes.

Does it matter what music we listen to? Absolute. Again, music has a powerful influence over us. Even Friedrich "God is dead and nothing matters" Nietzsche said, "Without music life would be a mistake." Very powerful coming from an atheist! We should see it very similarly - God made music and music is good. Not all music is right for our consumption as believers in Christ and we should practice discernment in choosing what is right and good.

Some discussion questions to have with you child might be:

1. What kind of music do you like? Why?

2. What kind of influence does music have over your life?

3. Meditate on Philippians 4:8 this week as a family - possibly even memorize it. Talk about the implications this verse has for the way your family lives and works in the world.

High School and Middle School Retreats - Cancellation

2009-10-27T11:52:00.001-07:00

Due to lack of interest and other conflicts, these retreats (for November 13-15 and November 20-22) have been cancelled. If you have questions concerning this, please contact at the office or on my cell phone.

10/25-10/26 Teaching - Where did evil originally come from?

2009-10-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

Text - Job 1

This is a very interesting question and has plagued believers and non-believers alike for as long as man has lived. Since Adam and Eve, we have had to deal with evil in one way, shape or form. Where does it come from? Though there are some things that we can't definitively know, there are certain things that we can know that Scripture teaches.

The Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) states the following:

God from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass; (3.1)

What does this tell us about the origin of evil? Did it spring up from nothingness on its own? No, it tell us that somehow God brought evil to being. Isaiah 45:7 says, "I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things."

We see this very clearly in the story of Job. In Job 1, we have Satan come to God in heaven. God tells him about Job and how proud he is of him - and Satan scoffs, "It's only because you pamper him." (my paraphrase obviously) God then states, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand."

Then Job's life falls down around him. But, the intriguing thing about what happens next is that we read things like, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep" and "a great wind came...and [the house] fell upon the young people and they are dead."

How are we to read this passage? Should we read it like, "Well, Satan caused these things." Did Satan take possession of God's fire? Does Satan control the winds now? What conclusion are we left with? Biblically, we are left with the same one as Job - "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away."

Is God evil for causing these things to come upon Job? In order for us to rightly judge God, we have to be in a place to do so. Are we? Absolutely not. We are creatures - we cannot see all ends. Thankfully, with Job's story, we have the end. We read that Job's life again returns to a state of blessedness. Of course this is after Job repeatedly questions God followed by God saying, "Shut your mouth and listen to me - who are you to question me?" (my paraphrase obviously - see Job 40-42). Job couldn't see the end, but God could. Job questioned the Lord, only to be reminded that only the Lord knows his ways and thought and motives - and he owes us no explanation.

This is obviously something we wrestle with. But what is more comforting? To know that God is on our side when Satan orchestrates attacks...or to know that God is the behind the trials in our lives? Isn't it comforting to know that whatever is happening to us - evil or not - has been ordained from the beginning of time by our Creator and Redeemer. We can't see the end of our trial - but God has written our our book like the book of Job. We can't see the end, but we trust God and believe he is in control.

Paul, when faced with the matchless splendor of the King said, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!"

Though we can't possible wrap our hands around God's goodness and mercy in the light of our trials, we can take comfort in the fact that we worship a God we can't possibly understand fully.

I recognize this is a tough subject for many and welcome your questions and comments.

Some discussion questions to ask your child could be:

1. Where did evil come from?
2. What does the Bible say about evil?
3. Is God sovereign over the evil decision of men? (in Job 1, the Chaldeans, the Sabeans, etc)
4. Read Job 1 as a family. Discuss the questions in light of this passage.

Ultimate Frisbee - Saturday, October 24th

2009-10-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

This Saturday evening, October 24th, we will be playing Ultimate Frisbee at Chancellor's Run Field 3. We have the field from 5:30-7:30 with the lights.

All youth and families are invited to come. Please encourage the youth to invite their friends.

If you have questions, please contact Andrea Prevatt or myself.

10/18-10/19 Teaching - My friend wants to have sex with her boyfriend...what do I tell her?

2009-10-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Note: This lesson was taught to the senior high class only. After speaking to a few middle school parents, we thought it better to reserve topics like this one for the high school group. There, I taught a previous lesson to them this week. Last week, they heard a testimony from a Christian father that was very edifying for the group.

Again, I want to preface this lesson by saying that if you aren't talking to your middle school student about sex, you should be.

Text: Matthew 5:27-30

The question in the box this week was:

My friend wants to have sex with her boyfriend. How can I discuss this with her and kinda tell her it's a better idea to wait?

This is a difficult question, but its one that many people, believers and non-believers alike, are faced with every day. What do you tell them? I think a better question to assess is: Is it better to wait and why?

The Bible is very clear on sexual sin and it being an abomination to God. That isn't to say that God detests it more than other sin, but no one can argue that the consequences associated with sexual sin are much further reaching than other sin. In sexual sin, it is not only a sin against God, but against our own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

With that, it is better to wait simply because God forbids it. As believers, we are commanded to obey God and his laws. But what about the unbeliever? It isn't that the unbeliever isn't held to this standard - they are - but the unbeliever doesn't see God as being a factor in their lives. By definition, they are dead in their sin and aren't seeking after God. What should we tell them?

Most of the time we use situations like this to throw our morality at people as if they needed it - or as if our morality is so much more than theirs. Christ reminds us in Matthew 5 that all are guilty of the sin of adultery. One only needs to think lustfully to commit this sin that was punishable by death. In that, what grounds do we have to throw stones?

What does this friend really need? She needs someone to tell her that she is loved and accepted because of who she is, not because of what she does. That in order to find security and comfort in her life, she need look no further than Jesus Christ. How is Christ better than sex? Christ is better because what he has to give is everlasting - and any benefit of sex, whether it be pleasure, security, love, acceptance, etc, is not lasting and can't ultimately satisfy.

How do you tell her it's better to wait? First, check your own heart and repent of your own sin in this area. Then go to your friend with genuine concern for her, not her sin, and show her the grace she is forsaking by clinging to the worthless idol of adulterous sex. How do you show her this? Tell her about Jesus. Tell her that he has come that she might have abundant life...that she might have rest for her soul...that she might have someone who loves her no matter what.

Some discussion questions for you to have this conversation with your child are:

1. Read Matthew 5-7 together as a family and meditate on it. One of the purposes behind the Sermon on the Mount was to show us that we can't possibly keep the law and we need Jesus.

2. So, what would you tell your friend?

3. Is it a better idea to wait? Why?

4. Why do you think she want to have sex with her boyfriend?

5. What alternative is there that is better than sex?

If you have questions about how to talk to your child about this, please don't hesitate to ask.

High School Mountain Fest 2009 - Update

2009-10-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

I will be preaching in the worship service on November 22nd, so I will not be able to attend the High School Retreat.

That said, I still very much want our students to attend. If you are willing to go and enjoy the weekend with the youth, please let Jenn Mills know soon, as the deadline is quickly approaching.

If you have questions concerning this, please let me know.

Mountain Fest 2009 REMINDER

2009-10-15T04:57:00.000-07:00

Youth and Parents--

We are quickly approaching the deadlines for registration for Mountain Fest 2009. Middle School deadline is October 26th and the High School deadline in November 2nd. See the post named Mountain Fest 2009 for more details and the permission form.

These are FIRM DEADLINES set by the group organizing the retreats so please let me know ASAP if you will be attending. We will not be able to accept anyone after these dates.

To reserve your spot, you MUST 1) let me know you are coming- call, email, in person, or text 2) give me a completed permission form and 3) give me the money in the form of a check made out to Cornerstone.

There are several ways you can get me the money and permission form:

1- In person at church (I will be at church Oct 25th and November 1st)
2- Send it via mail (my address is 48279 Picketts Harbor Court, Lexington Park, MD, 20653)
3- Send it via mail to the church office or drop it by the church office, indicating that it is for ME

If you choose to send it through the mail, please shoot me a note letting me know so I can be on the lookout for it.

If there are any questions, feel free to contact myself or Mike Chipman.

I hope that you will be able to come as I am sure it will be a great time!

Thanks, Jenn Mills

Youth in the Corn Maze

2009-10-14T11:01:00.001-07:00

What: Bowles Farm Corn Maze

When: Friday, October 23rd - 4:45pm in church parking lot to drive up there.

Cost: $10

DEADLINE: Monday, October 19th.

Please plan to pre-pay if you are coming. Money will be due upon registration. Signups will be at youth group on Sunday and Monday night.

For more information or if you can drive, please contact Toni Mason.

10/11-10/12 Teaching - Does God Make Deals?

2009-10-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

Text - Genesis 22:15-18

The question from the box this week is "Does God Make Deals?"

This is a very interesting questions, as all through Scripture, we have people "making deals" with the Lord. A few notable ones come to mind. The situation with Sodom and Gomorrah and Abraham pleading for the lives of his family. Also, there is judge Jephthah and the deal he made with God to sacrifice whatever came through his door. There are lots of deals with God in Scripture? How does God look at them? How are we to view them? What "deals" should we make with the Lord today?

In Genesis, we read of big "deal" the Lord made with Abram, saying that he, an old man with no children, would be the father of many nations and that his people would be as numerous as the stars and the sand on the shore. Pretty crazy, eh? None the less, the Lord gives him a son, Isaac, and some years later, Abraham is asked to sacrifice him. The Lord, seeing the faithfulness of Abraham, provides a Lamb, and promises that not only will his seed be blessed, but the whole world will be blessed through Abraham's seed.

How do we see this deal playing out? Well, did Abraham continue to be faithful? No. How about Isaac? Nope. Jacob? Not even close. Sure, they all had their moments, but for the most part, it wasn't happening. The people of Israel always broke the deal they made with the Lord - the continually longed for the gods of other nations and for the security that these nations offered as opposed to the security that the Lord of Hosts offered. Through countless trials and persecutions, Israel sought out their captors rather than their Savior...until one day.

Jesus, a son of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, finally kept the deal. He kept the law to the letter. He did it, and because he did, we can have hope. Because Jesus kept our end of the deal, we can have peace with God.

So, what's the deal now? Do we have to keep up our end of the bargain still? No. Christ did that for us! How incredible is that! Christ, while we were still sinners - actively breaking the deal over and over - died for us, so that we could have all the blessings of the "deal" without having to live up to any of the stipulations. We have the Lord's blessing - and we don't even have to keep our end of the deal!

So, what does that mean for our petty deals now? We all do it. "Lord, if you'll just do A, I'll do B." "Lord, if you'll just give me a good grade on this exam, I'll study harder next time." "Lord, if you'll just cause that girl to like me, I promise to be a better person." The list goes on. Just fill in the blanks. What are we doing when we do that? We are asking for a blessing over and above what he has already given us. The Lord has said that he wants us to have it all - we are his children. However, we have deemed that as not good enough, and we want more. The admonition for us is to grab hold of the blessing we have. To see our lives as a great big blessing and to see our loving Father as one who gives good things to those who ask (Matthew 7:11). Do kids need to make deals with their parents to have their blessing? Absolutely not! Then why do we treat our heavenly Father so? Reach out and take hold of the blessings we have in Christ.

Questions for discussion with your children could start with:

1. Read Matthew 7:7-12 and meditate on that as a family. Talk about how this passage should influence your prayer life.

2. What kind of deals does God make?

3. How has Christ kept the deal for us? How does this free us?

4. Why are we tempted to make deals with God? How does this cause us to forfeit the grace and blessing that could be ours?

10/4-10/5 Teaching - Is Death Nothingness?

2009-10-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Text: Matthew 25:31-46

The "hard question" for this week is the following:

Death is the absence of life, and Christ conquered death. So how do you conquer nothingness? Death is the absence of life and absence is nothing.

I see the crux of this question coming in the syllogism at the end:

Death is the absence of life.
Absence is nothing.
THEREFORE - Death is nothing.

The questioner didn't make the final assumption, but it can easily be made. It is an interesting assumption indeed. Many in our culture would likely agree with this. As we deal increasingly with New Age ideas set in line with the rampant presence of vast materialism, the assumption that death is nothing would seem to be in line where people are thinking today. People are living for today - for the sake of today. There is no tomorrow, therefore, eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we are nothing.

Of course, we know that Scripture doesn't teach this at all. Each soul is a soul that will never die - at least in one sense. We know that the Bible tells us that it is given once for every man to die. Death is very much a part of life. That said, that death doesn't equate with nothingness at all. In the spiritual sense, our soul always exists.

We see this very vividly in the account given by Jesus in Matthew 25. Here he describe a time that is obvious the Last Day - and he is sorting all those who have ever lived. On his right are the sheep - those who find their righteousness in Christ. On his left we see the goats - who are cursed. The sheep will spend eternity with Christ - the goats will spend eternity without him...in eternal punishment.

What a vivid picture our Lord paints! Not only is the reader brought face to face with their own mortality, but also that the state after death is only the beginning.

This causes us to ask some very pointed questions. How does this passage counteract ideas of death we here in popular culture? In Christian culture? How does it counteract our own presuppositions about death? We come face to face with the idea that there is no nothingness. After we die, we have a whole eternity to be. Where we will "be" is the important question.

One way our own views of death are missing the mark is that we honestly belief that death doesn't apply to us. We live for today, and by implication, we ignore tomorrow. To be sure, today is a very good thing to live for. Today is the day the Lord has made - we should be glad in it. However, we can become so focused on today that we forget that each new morning brings us closer to this Last Day. The Lord hasn't told us when that will be. Frankly, its none of our business. He just said he's coming - and that coming is soon.

Knowing Christ is knowing eternal life with him. Knowing him not is knowing eternal punishment.

Particularly as this week as transpired and we had a very close call with one of our own, this question seemed appropriate.

I strongly encourage you to interact with your children with these ideas. A few questions for you all to wrestle with are:

1. Read and meditate on this passage as a family. Another would be Matthew 7:21-23.

2. What is death?

3. What are your views on death - how does it apply to you?

4. Are you afraid of death? Why?

5. How can we embrace today in light of tomorrow?