Faith FEED May 2014

Faith

Ministry

Culture

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Leadership

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Innovation

Teens Tell All

Jars of Clay progay remarks Is shacking up better than marriage?

10 Fashion Commandments

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Chief Editor Linda Pintus Assistance Editor Rebecca Hines Chase Robins Editorial Staff Tim Robinson Jenny Cummins Contributors Bobbie Ann Cole Stephanie White Production Jamiel Cotman Will Doniker Lance Cummins Connect Contribute FaithFEEDMag@gmail.com Promote

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Teens take you into their world and you may not like what you

84

see.

Christian teens ask our editors the tough questions on faith, homosexuality, sex and more.

Contents Sections Faith

Men

Lifestyle

64

72

12

News

Review

Q&A

150

110 44

Creators FEED

S

o Where are the youth

wanted to see more young

in today’s churches?

women. And the case for young

And no, I don’t mean

men, is 100 times worse!

the little children who have no

They’re lost, like sheep without

choice but to show up, go to

a shepherd, more so than young

youth class and sing on the

girls, though both are missing in

praise team, I’m talking the

action.

young 15 to 25 group, who usually have the choice as to whether or not they show up, and then decide to do something else entirely?

Well, no more! We designed this magazines experience to address the youth, and the Christian leadership who hopes to guide them along life’s way.

That’s why I penned, ‘Return’, quite some time ago while at a Women’s Conference at our local church here in VA. While we had a great time, I just

- Linda Pintus

Though it’s a long road, its time for our kids to return to the Kingdom

Managers FEED didn’t do with our faith. And to

H

ow awesome is this edition?

top it off, we threw in a whole bunch of fun stuff like, ‘The 10 Commandments of Fashion’, so

We’re working more and more

youth today can know how to

to make sure each issue is an

dress godly, and still look great.

experience, more than a magazine!

Finally, I hope you peer thoroughly through ‘Teens Tell

That’s why this month, you’ll

All’, as much research went into

experience the hearts and

finding out the hearts of what

minds of youth the world over,

young people think, so we can

on their thoughts about faith,

better connect them to the God

relationships and what the last

of the bible.

generation did wrong.

The next generation is always a good reflection of what we did or

- Jamiel Cotman

To reach the next generation, were’ going to have to wake up.

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Return Answering Gods call to young people

Rachel Evans What Generation Y really wants from the church is not a change in style but a change in substance. We want an end to the culture wars. We want a truce between science and faith. We want to be known for what we stand for, not what we are against. We want to ask questions that don’t have predetermined answers.

God is calling you back. And

Believe it or not, Gods kingdom,

before you run to church,

not church, is the solution to

realize, that’s not what I’m

every problem your generation

talking about. The ‘back’ I’m

is facing. Where is His

talking about is His kingdom.

kingdom?

And heal the sick in it and say to them, the kingdom of God has come close to you.

Luke 10:9

The question isn’t where, but what. After Jesus told his disciples to heal the sick, he commanded them to say, “The kingdom of God is come near to you.”

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab] taken together will be given you besides.

Matthew 6:33

God wants you to return to His kingdom, or, His way of doing things.

Because unfortunately, todays culture has driven you away from that.

Why it is that nobody’s popular until they get pregnant, break the law, have sex or rebel against their parents?

Why it is that nobody’s cool unless they use profanity, deal drugs, or do the wrong thing?

I’ll tell you why, - the devil. And

There are three ways that

no he doesn’t have horns and a

today’s young people can return

red suit, but he manages to

to Gods way of doing things:

influence the hearts and minds of today’s leaders.

Linda Pintus

Make no mistake about this path, it’s not going to be a smooth road, but that’s ok.

God’s not looking for wimps who want everything easy.

You didn’t evolve, like the

were created means a whole lot

culture has taught you, from a

that you should never lose sight

pond of chemicals. Knowing you

of.

You can’t follow God, without going against

Creation means intent

Satan. You can’t live for

Creations means purpose

Christ, without retaliating

Creations means success

against the world.

The moment you think you’re

something God put you here for

here by accident, you’re out of

that the world can’t do without,

agreement with God, and can

you start to get hungry to find

no longer walk with Him [Amos

out what it is, and friend, there is

3:3]. However, the moment you

only one person that can tell

realize that you were made with

you.

a purpose, that there is

Recognize what God is for, not just against

Unfortunately, Christianity has

financially and eternity

been marketed as a list of, ‘don’t

hereafter, it will look a lot

do’s’. As a result, it sounds

different. The person of Jesus is

more like a living cell than

for your peace, the principles of

salvation. However, once you

Jesus are for your prosperity.

realize that faith in Christ and

The person of Jesus is for your

Gods word is key to having a

eternal life, the principles of

happier marriage, success

Jesus are for your earthly life.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14:12

Don’t be fooled, going against

learned that you have to have

Gods word may seem like it

less fun now, to have more fun

leads somewhere fun, but I’ve

later. Or, you’ll have a lot of fun now and no fun later. Decide.

Recognize, you must rebel

You can’t follow God, without

regarding the Christian faith as

going against Satan. You can’t

a to-do list for lame people,

live for Christ, without retaliating

never having fun, taking no risk,

against the world. It baffles me

and playing it safe. This is a lie

when I hear of young people

from Satan!

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow [contracted [a]by pressure] and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

Do you know what that verse

to promote the right things in the

means? It means you’re going

midst of adversity.

to have to put up resistance, rebel, and go against the way things are, to establish how they should be. No, you won’t be just avoiding doing the wrong things, to be truly Christian, you’ll have

You’re going to have to say, “I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman”, and proceed to show them how much fun a heterosexual

marriage can be by having a

Make no mistake about this

fulfilling one yourself.

path, it’s not going to be a

You’re going to have to not only say, “No” to drugs, but say “Yes” to treating your body right and feeling healthier, happier and more whole than your friends who don’t.

smooth road, but that’s ok.

God’s not looking for wimps who want everything easy. He’s looking for a generation of warriors, who’ll move aggressively towards His kingdom, and live for Him right

You’re going to have to turn away from the temptation to bicker about others behind their back and be mature enough to

in the enemy’s face. There’s a lot of risk involved in that, but I’ve got a feeling you’re up to the challenge.

find something good to say about them instead.

Don’t be fooled, going against Gods word may seem like it leads somewhere fun, but I’ve learned that you have to have less fun now, to have more fun later.

Rebecca Hines

Gods Guide to Popularity

Do you have to make a sex tape, post rude things on Facebook, or just be outright rebellious in order to be popular?

Pop Quiz.

How many people on earth have your fingerprint?

A) 14 B) 7 C) 187 The answer?

None of them!

As you probably guessed, there is nobody else quite like you. So let me ask you this: Why try so hard to be like everyone else?

I mean, think about it. Nobody

standing out that you’ll become

goes to Burger King because it

known. Why don’t young people

reminds them of McDonalds.

get this?

Nobody marries person A, because they remind them of person B. In the same way, you’ll never become popular God’s style, trying to fit in with everyone else. In fact, it’s in

Listen to radio, click on YouTube, turn on the flat screen. You’ve get ton, after ton, after ton of folks trying to be the next big thing.

The next Justin Beiber The next Nicki Minaj The next Miley

When the master key is being the first you, the only you, and nothing but you!

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: others. It’s the originals that Notice, in order for God to make

everyone talks about.

his name great, or popular, he

But here is the key, you’ll never

had to get away from the people

know who you really are, until

that were around him. Why?

you know who God is. When

Because copies can’t become

you do, you’ll start to learn more

great. They’re just like the

and more about you

Trust me, there are tons of talented people who don’t live for God. You’ll never stand out that way.

The bible says He created you like Him [Genesis 1:26-27]. But if you don’t know what ‘Him’ is like, you’ll live your entire life, trying to be like everyone else, not realizing how awesome you already are!

Usually, in scripture, when people

? became closer to God, they became more confident and powerful themselves. “The people who know

their God will be strong and do exploits.” [Daniel 11:32] Revelation of who He is gives us a piercing mirror of how we should be.

And wouldn’t you guess, we

? So how do we get closer to

tend to act like who we think we

God, so He can reveal

are. I’d go as far as saying that if

ourselves to us, and make our

you don’t know who you are,

name great?

you’re bound to act like someone else.

Look at your gifts. You’re never closer to God, than when you’re in His will for your life. Sure I could have said, “pray” or given you any other generic Christian answer. But that would have made you stop reading. Looking at your gifts, and what comes naturally to you, is a hint of what you’re here for. And when you embark upon doing that thing, you’ll have a peace with God that is unlike anything you’ve experienced.

Stop trying to blend in, when you were born to stand out. This has to do with morals. Don’t merely identify and use your gifts, live right. Trust me, there are tons of talented people who don’t live for God. You’ll never stand out that way. Don’t be another gifted ball player, who ends up strung out on drugs. Don’t be another beautiful young girl, who yields her life to being promiscuous.

that makes your name great. And

So the next time someone asks you

there are plenty of gifted people who

the rhetorical question, “Who do you

don’t live right. Be different. Be holy.

think you are?” smile and say, “Different”.

Copies can’t become great. They are just like the others. It’s the originals that everyone talks about.

I’m different

I’m holy

I subscribe to

Faith FE

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Thou shalt be bored was definitely not in the bible the last time I checked, but it would appear most think it is.

What 2 Do? 10 Ideas 4 Bored Christians

Before we get started?

This article is for leaders. I’m sorry, but God’s not looking for conformists. If all you want to do is figure out what everyone else is doing that’s fun, go surf the web. The remainder of this article isn’t for trend surfers but trend setters, youth who are willing to do something different, outgoing, unique, but most especially, supernaturally fun!

Book club Book clubs sound lame right?

its obvious that reading can be

Wrong! If you look at the

very cool, if you surround it with

BILLIONS of dollars Amazon is

discussions, brunching, and life

making each year, the 1,000’s

application. Who are we kidding

of people that visit your local

here, it can be outright life

Barnes and Nobles each week,

changing!

A few tips.

First, be thou cool. I mean really, if you’re going to be in boring mode, this isn’t for you. Make sure you’re doing all within your power to make the event fun, and, be open to ideas from yourself, God and others that will make it that way.

Don’t make reading the center of it. Reading is just one thing you do, discussion is typically the height of the book club meet. In essence, you’re gathering with people who have the same values and interests as yours, discussing those things and

amplifying the books effect! You see, it’s one thing to read about, ‘How The Mighty Fall’ by Jim Collins, it’s another thing entirely to have lunch with someone who really lived it, ask them questions on how you can avoid it, and listen to Jim Collins lead a discussion on it as well. Do all you can to enhance the books experience.

Don’t confine it to a bookstore. You don’t have to always have it at Barnes and Nobles or a local library. How cool would it be for you to have a book club meeting about, ‘Edible Plants’ at a local kitchen that cooks them? Or, a review of ‘The Book of Kings’ at a war museum?

Witness But before you pick up your

Also, witnessing doesn’t have to

bible, you may not have to move

be so direct. You can simply

an inch! Right here online, lay

share a fun activity you did at

billions of people waiting to hear

church or for Christ in general.

about Christ.

Who said telling others about

said telling others about God has to be in the traditional more classic ‘Hey do you know Jesus?’ form? One teen said, “I love to ask my friends, ‘What’s your relationship status with Jesus’” Or cut the slogan’s altogether and bring up an intriguing topic from scripture. Your friends would love to hear about

prostitutes, wars, mysteries, and dramas in scripture. But most of all, witnessing for Christ will position you as a leader amongst your friends. Believe it or not, the Holy Spirit has spoken to many of those you’re around about coming to Him, but they’re too afraid to do anything about it.

However when you do, it encourages them to come out of the closet about their convictions as well.

Read ‘The Year of Living Biblically’ by A.J. Jacobs and do it!

Remember, this is about being different, and finding what others

Next.

miss out on. You could have that

Talk to Your Parents About

parent that others wish they had,

__________

you know, the cool ones. But you’ll

No really. Think for a moment, we always look outside of our families,

never know until you bite down and ask them the hard stuff.

whether it’s a concert, celebrity, store

For instance, ask your parents

or mall, to get a dose of fun. Could we

about their first time having sex.

be overlooking a great resource?

Or, talk to them about whether or

Remember, this is about being

not they’ve experimented with

or not they’ve experimented with

questions regarding your faith as a

drugs. If they’re honest, you’ll learn a

believer [think, How to handle

lot about why they tell you what they

being tempted by ______] and

do and if they’re dishonest, you’ll get a

begin to discuss and interact with

kick out of seeing them squirm.

others regarding it. Rehearse what

Learn

you’re going to say to someone you’re trying to win, impress or

And before you pick up a book, I’ll

reach for Christ .

have you know that classroom methods [reading, writing, lectures]

Attack

are the worst way! Real learning,

I just know you’ve ran into a

according to Professor Edgar Dale,

problem and thought, ‘When I get

comes when we do. Reading and

the time, I’m going to deal with

writing is more of a reinforcement

this’. Well tadaa! Now is that time.

strategy.

The bible says, “Making the most

Now, remember, you and I are kingdom rebels, born of God, and not of this world. So its our legacy and duty even to be different, outstanding and unique. So learn about something your friends aren’t probably thinking about. Take for instance, music in the bible. Don’t want to use the bible? No prob! Do a web search on some of the more pressing questions regarding

of every opportunity, because the days are evil” [Eph 5:16]. This is one thing that you’re doing, that your future self is going to thank you for! There have been plenty of times when I just ran into a bored slot in my day at work, time at church [waiting for my husband] or a Saturday at home.

To date, I have turned that recurring bored time at work, to a career development club, that boring second Sunday at church waiting for my husband, to a Christian women’s group, and those boring Saturday’s, oh well, still just bored there, ha. But you get my drift. We claim that we never have enough money, but time is more valuable than that, yet we waste it all of the time. Be productive, use bored time to attack a problem.

Say Thankyou

who went out of the way to find them a discount. Especially in today’s fast pace society. I’ve made it a habit to personally send a reminder to blog writers, Facebook members and people on Twitter if they said something that blessed me. “Hey, your article on ________ really cheered me up. I was down about a situation at work and forgot about …” Can you feel where I’m coming from? There is an energy to being that one person who stopped whatever they were doing, to

“Leadership without ego is a rare

turn around, and say, “Thankyou”.

commodity”, according to Bob Evan’s

know you’re grateful. You don’t have

Tedx Talk. And you would be

to be sappy, just, “Hey thanks for

surprised at all of the many saved,

letting me know I was doing that all

sanctified Christians who love Jesus,

wrong, it really helped me.” will do.

attend church, give tithes and

Trust me when I say, its become a

offerings, but never say “thankyou” to

secret joy of mines, that I’m sure you’ll

the grocerer who went out of the way

learn to have fun with as well.

to find them a discount. Especially in

Warning: This doesn’t work unless you

today’s fast pace society. I’ve made it

actually put in the effort.

a habit to personally send

For instance, an email may be ok to Thank someone who’s blogging in another country, but if its your father at home, or, your pastor at church, or just

You don’t have to be sappy, just, “Hey thanks for letting me know I was doing that all wrong, it really helped me.” will do.

the manager at work, its better to pull them aside and let them know you’re grateful.

The sort of fun God wants you to have is beyond what you can ask or think!

God has a supernatural subscription for the disease of boredom.

Why

Wait

Until

2

Marriage Have

?

Sex

Today, you can have safe sex, in so many forms right?

Sex with a condom.

Sex with birth control.

Sex with a friend.

Sex with the morning after pill. processes to give them a more Then why in the world should you wait, you’re probably thinking? Please understand this, Gods not trying to take away your fun, He’s trying to

than necessary head start. It’s very difficult to have an every increasing sexual fulfillment with someone you haven’t learned to communicate with effectively.

help you have more of it. But in

In light of that, early sex could

order to do that, you’ll have to

be detrimental to a relationship,

sacrifice up front.

taking it away from

The social studies have already shown us that couples who waited until marriage to have sex, allowed communication and other social

communication, commitment and the ability to handle adversity.

Relationships were better and better the longer a person

waited to have sex, up until

researcher Dean Busby, of

marriage, with those having sex

Brigham Young University's

within a month of meeting each

School of Family Life

other ending up being the

But wait, there’s more!

worse. It figures, couples who wait to be sexual have time to figure out how trustworthy their partner is, how well they

According to the Centers for Disease Control Prevention, at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women will have

communicate, and whether they

a genital HPV infection at some

share the same values in life

point in their lives. HPV, or

"before the powerful sexual

human papillomavirus, comes in

bonding short-circuits their

both low- and high-risk forms;

decision-making abilities. What seems to happen is that if

low-risk HPV can cause genital warts, and high-risk can cause cervical and other cancers. In

couples become sexual too

90 percent of cases, the body's

early, this very rewarding area

immune system will fight off the

of the relationship overwhelms

disease within two years.

good decision-making and

Hmmm, maybe Gods

keeps couples in a relationship

advice to withstand from

that might not be the best for

premarital sex isn’t so bad after

them in the long-run," study

The

I0

Commandments

Of

Fashion

Hey, just what does God say about fashion and style? We think we’ve got a few of his guidelines and have thrown in some of our own.

Thou Shalt Always Look A Little Undone Chalk it up to our prodigious

to our jean jacket that's starting

laziness, but we're never totally

to rip at the seams, or forgoing

manicured from head to toe.

eye makeup as we hit the town,

Whether it's something as

leaving at least one box

deliberate as wearing an old T-

unchecked feels natural to us.

shirt with a ball skirt, holding on Thou Shalt be Modest and Fashionable Yep. This is the greatest of all

and nice, but the reward goes to

fashion commands. Because oh

the person who dresses

sure, anyone can dress modest

fashionable in addition to that.

Thou Shalt Dress up Oh no. Ever met that person

have you not been to a wedding

that hangs out with you, shops

before?” Is what you want to say

with you, and has lots of fun

when they visit your church with

with you, but when its time to do

you for a funeral, christening, or

something dress-up-ish, they

just plain ol service. Don’t be

look horrible! “I mean really,

that

Yea, we went there. You should be a little undone, or less together to look comfortable, stylish and relaxed.

Thou Shalt be versatile The same blazer you wear to work should also go out with you to a bar. Same goes for your bateau shirt that you pair as often with skinny trousers as you do with cutoffs. Heck — we even think you should be able to re-wear your wedding dress outside of the big day! Your clothes should be as versatile as you are, and this kind of flexibility is a true mark of on-point personal style.

Everyone knows how to dress down, more credit goes to the young person who can dress up just as well.

Thou Shalt Thrift We like to think about thrifting

inventiveness, and imagination

as the activity that separates

to leave a Salvation Army with

those who are good at shopping

one. In fact, you'd be hard

from those who are good at

pressed to find a Refinery29

spending money. Anyone can

staffer in an outfit that doesn't

head to Madison Avenue and

incorporate at least one thrifted

leave with a treasure, but it

item — it's our shared

takes a strong sense of style,

obsession!

Thou shalt team up Yep. We’ve seen the best

the more likely they are to look

looking celebrities, artists, and

horrible. Why? Because they

ministers look like total crap.

can afford it that’s why. Money,

These are some of the world’s

without fashion guidance,

richest folk, you would think they

equals embarrassment! So why

have enough money to look at

not learn from there mistakes?

least above average all of the

When you’re in a fashion

time right? Wrong! In fact, the

debacle, quickly snapshot it and

more successful someone is,

text the pic to a third eye. Often,

a nearby friend or relative can

the outside can make the whole

see what we don’t about an

thing pop. But seldom do people

outfit, and one little tweak from

do this.

Thou Shalt Embrace Classics Some things will never go out of

sports blazer as well as every

style, this reduces the risk of

girl. This sounds simple, but

your overall wardrobe. You’ll

you’ll be surprised at the fashion

always need nice jeans, dress

innovators who forget it. You

slacks, a watch and both hard

don’t always have to have a

bottom and soft bottom shoes.

super exciting hook up, to look

You should keep some plain

great. Simplicity, often carries

white t-shirts, solid color

with it a subtle grandeur that

sweaters and short sleeves. I

makes us marvel.

think every guy should have a Thou Shalt Use Bright Colors Sparingly Artist call this “splashing”.

But really, which one looks better to you, a dark colored t-shirt with a cool pic

splashed in red, or, a bright red shirt with a splash of navy blue?

Splashing is a secret of the most tasteful dressers.

Thou Shalt be spiritually subtle While its cool to wear an earmark of your faith, be it a cross, or, embossed Christ imprinted shirt, what is more cool is when you can make it look like an amazing outfit. All too often, evangelicals hide behind a ‘Jesus Saves’ t-shirt, that doesn’t look good at all, because everyone is afraid to say anything. Well I’m saying it now, its hideous! Not the message, the outfit. If you want to glorify God in your clothing, realize its not about having a bible verse or cross on, its about not dressing provocative, and more importantly, looking good while doing so.

Whoever said you can’t be godly and fashionable at the same time?

Thou Shalt Be Original There is a set of colors that

reaches into your own personal

looks perfect with your skin

style of dress. Think about it.

complexion, eyes and hair color.

Nobody wears that short cut the

Then, there is a certain type of

way Halle Berry does. And no

clothing that outright

guy, child or man, rocks the a

compliments it. No, you don’t

blonde head quite like Justin

have Beyoncé’s curves or

Bieber does. Find out what your

Rihanna’s thinness, but you

thing is. Own it, and innovate

know what, so what! I believe

upon it. You’ll be surprised at

that who God created you to be,

who begins to notice

.

While we think dressing down is cool, you’ll get more credit if you know how to dress up too!

Do’s Use your fashion team to put aside some pre-approved outfits.

That way, you don’t have to call around to wonder what looks good with what when the time comes.

Do wear something spiritual. This can be a logo of your favorite group at church, or, a t-shirt with a meaningful bible verse on it.

The trick here is to make sure it looks good, and is somewhat subtle. Remember, if it doesn’t look good, it won’t glorify God anyway. Secondly, if its not subtle, but is loud and blatant instead, it often rids people of the mystery they need for it to hold their attention and think about what its saying.

Don’ts Don’t dress provocative. If you’re showing too much skin, you’re not doing a whole lot. Remember, you can be very fashionable, attractive and visually enticing, while still being modest. This is what we believe will separate disciplined believers from none believers in the fashion sense. Anyone can show it all, however,

major fashion points is going to go the person who can stay modest and still look very good.

Dares Use the 10 Fashion Commandments to design a shirt of your own that has a Christian message.

We double dare you to not conform to how the world dresses, and look good while doing it!

O

ur Childre

Stephanie White

and the

en

W G ord of

od

1 Chronicles 29:19 And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements and decrees and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.

As a parent, our children are our

with the Word of God.

top priority. We love them and

wanted God to give his son the

we want the best for them.

wholehearted devotion to keep

David understood this.

His Word.

He

David

What does this

wanted the best for his son,

mean?

We

Solomon, and he knew just what

understand

what

was necessary for him to have

“keep” means. It was translated

the best – it was a connection

from the Hebrew word shamar.

KEEP / SHAMAR:

must

first

the

word

to hedge about (as with thorns), that is,

guard; generally to protect, attend to, mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, wait (for), watch (-man).

“Keeping” the Word means that you hedge the Word in your life – it is protected in your life and nothing makes you stray from it. To keep the Word means that you attend to the Word – you keep your focus on the Word and you look to it instead of other sources. You regard the Word – you have respect for the Word and you understand that it is your life (Deuteronomy 32:47). The Word is our Spiritual life; apart from Christ we can do nothing. We must know that the Word saves us from our flesh; we cannot ignore the flesh on our own. Keeping the

Word is waiting for the Word – it is holding on to God’s promises until you see them come to pass in your life.

David understood that the greatest thing his son could do was

shamar God’s Word. David knew from experience. The greatest gift we can give our children is teaching them to shamar the Word of God. Teach them by your example. Open the Word, abide in it, and teach them to do the same.

Isaiah 59:21 NIV "As for Me, this is My covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit, who is on you, and My words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the LORD.

When we understand the value of the Word of God in our lives, this will be one of our favorite promises from God to hold on to. As a child of God, your children are created for greatness. This greatness cannot be experienced apart from the Word of God. God gives us His Holy spirit so that we can connect with His Word, understand His Word, and abide in His Word.

God promises to never leave us nor

forsake us – He says that His Spirit “will not depart.” We have this hope to connect with no matter what the circumstances may be. I began holding on to this promise for my son when he was very young

Faith will enable you to remain patient until Gods Word is fulfilled in your child’s life

As a child of God, your children are created for greatness.

We had our ups and

No

matter

where

your

downs, and life will still throw

children are right now, no matter

more at us, but we have this

what they are saying right now,

promise and this promise is the

you have this promise from

ultimate. If we can hold on to

God.

the Word of God and continue

focus on it regularly, cling to it,

filling ourselves with it, we can

and understand that faith and

overcome whatever comes our

patience

way.

God tells us that faith

promises [Hebrews 6:12]. Your

comes from hearing His Word

child may not want anything to

[Romans 10:17] and faith is the

do with God today, but as you

victory that overcomes the world

abide in the Word, faith will be

[1 John 5:4]. The Word will take

produced, and that faith will

us through any challenge we

enable you to remain patient

encounter victoriously.

until God’s Word is fulfilled in

Write this verse down,

bring

about

God’s

your child’s life.

Stephanie White is a wife, a mother, a Bible teacher, and an author.

She has authored four books and co-authored four devotionals to-date.

Her website is designed to help share the Good News of God’s Word: www.heavenonearthforme.com

No matter where your children are right now, no matter what they are saying right now, you have this promise from God.

How it was the boy Jesus remained behind at the Jerusalem Temple.

Bobbie Ann Cole’s personal view of the story in Luke 2.

A

youth was making the steep ascent to

Jerusalem. An excited and joyful pilgrim of twelve or maybe thirteen years, he belted out psalms as he strode ahead.

Bobbie Ann Cole

Jesus’ BIG Decision He was about to make his Bar Mitzvah, through which he would become a fully-fledged member of the community of Israel, called upon during worship to read out portions

He was so young, and a country bumpkin with a vile Galilean accent to boot.

the first five books of the Bible, or the prophets, qualified to

home village of Nazareth, in Galilee.

make up a minyan of ten men for prayer.

The youth’s name was

Perhaps it was Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, a Jewish pilgrimage festival in early June.

Yeshuah — Jesus.

Traveling with him were

Jerusalem was a beautiful, bustling city. It seemed to Jesus

his mother, Mary, his father,

that God’s word came to life

Joseph, and a crowd from his

here.

They and Jesus’ guests were astounded by his depth of knowledge and perception.

He could see Abraham

He shivered as he saw

with his knife raised above his

darkness but it was followed by

son, Isaac’s, bound body. He

a flood of bright light as, filled to

heard the voice of his Father,

brimming with love, he

telling Abraham to sacrifice a

ascended to heaven on a cloud.

ram from a nearby thicket

That would happen at this very

instead.

season of Shavuot. He would go

He could see the future,

up as Moses came down,

too. He saw himself, processing

struggling as he descended

through the streets on a donkey

from a mountain carrying the

to the adulation of people who

Father’s rules, inscribed on

lay palm fronds on the ground

weighty tablets of stone.

before him. He saw himself

At the Temple, richly

making Pesach, the Festival of

decorated with sheaves from

Passover, here with dear friends

the grain harvests, Jesus

he didn’t recognize.

donned the new prayer shawl his parents had scrimped to

afford and was welcomed as a

into the night at this season.

Bar Mitzvah, Son of the

His insights intrigued and

Commandment.

delighted them when he

He read the portion he had

suggested that the character of

prepared from the Torah scroll.

Boaz was a picture of the

As he began to deliver a

Messiah and Ruth, his bride,

drashah, or commentary, on his

represented His congregation.

portion, the priests’ jaws

They asked him to stay,

dropped. They and Jesus’

even offering him a scholarship

guests were astounded by his

at the most prestigious yeshivah

depth of knowledge and

school of theology in all

perception.

Jerusalem.

He was so young, and a

Jesus knew in his heart

country bumpkin with a vile

that he was made to spend his

Galilean accent to boot, a boy

days deep in the Word and in

destined to follow his father into

prayer. He accepted.

a trade.

The priests invited him to

Three days later, his parents showed up in the

join in their discussion of the

Temple courts as He sat in

story of Ruth which is

debate with others of like mind.

traditionally read and debated

They were flustered and upset.

His mother said to him, ‘Son,

mother, he should return to

why have you treated us like

Nazareth with them. Clearly, this

this? Your father and I have

was his heavenly Father’s will.

been anxiously searching for

Rather than follow his own

you.’

inclination, Jesus needed to They had assumed he was

embrace obscurity once more

with their party when they set

and complete his apprenticeship

out to return to Nazareth.

in his earthly father’s trade.

Discovering his absence, Mary

This seemed so strange

and Joseph had once again

because, here in Jerusalem, he

climbed the steep mountain

had seen himself becoming

slope to the city and looked high

High Priest, one day.

and low for him.

‘Why were you searching

Such dreams. How could that ever be the destiny of a

for me?’ Jesus asked. ‘Didn’t

carpenter from Nazareth?

you know I had to be in my

But God’s ways, he knew, were

Father’s house?’

greater than those of man.

He sighed as he realized that to honor his father and

Nothing was impossible for Him. Nothing.

Bobbie Ann Cole is author of ‘She Does Not Fear the Snow’ ‘A Jewish women searches for God’s guidance and finds love indescribable, hope and adventure.’ Her free testimony training program is at TestimonyTrain.com .

Stephen Crawley

Male Rite of Passage

A lost art that young boys are secretly yearning for.

Fathers did you know that

passage. In primitive cultures

young men are leaving the faith

the men capture the boys from

at an alarming rate. Research

their mothers and take them into

indicates that more than 70% of

the wilderness. There the boys

boys brought up in today’s’

learn the ways of men.

churches abandon it during their

Convictions are shared. They

teens and twenties.

are subjected to tests preparing

Why is this happening?

We work so hard to train them up in the way they should go.

How could they simply abandon it after years of valuable training? I believe we can combat this widespread tragedy – if we revive young male initiation.

Throughout human history men have had the sacred responsibility of initiating boys into manhood through rites of

them for manhood. These rites of passage are often strenuous and brutal, involve beatings, tattooing, and trials of physical stamina. Once a boy passes however, he’s returned to the village and his manhood is publicly recognized with a ceremony.

Christian fathers have inherited a rich tradition of male initiation from the Jews.

Hebrews have elaborate

manhood rituals, culminating

those who finish it. It’s getting so

with the Bar Mitzvah, a formal

bad the U.S. Justice

recognition of manhood. Have

Department believes young

you noticed how many of the

boys consider going to prison a

heroes of our faith were driven

rite of passage, and have

into the wilderness and tested

launched an ad campaign to

by God? Scripture is full of

stop the trend.

these tales: the flight of Jacob; the exiles of Moses and David; the temptation of Jesus.

The modern church no

Can you see what’s happening here? For centuries, cultures have provided boys with rites of passage. Since we

longer formally recognizes

no longer do this, our sons have

manhood. So our boys obtain

created their own. Leaving

manhood validating experiences

church has become a sign of

wherever they can get them.

manhood.

Why are young men drawn to dangerous, irresponsible behavior? It’s because we have not laid out the path to true manhood, nor have we bestowed the title of ‘man’ upon

It is time for Father’s to take responsibility for initiating their sons again. Christian men must provide boys with a vision of manhood, and show the

them how the pursuit of Christ moves them closer to it.

trips with their sons or even actual Bar Mitzvah. However you do

What’s really needed is for the entire

it, it must be done for the future of

community of men to see male

Christianity, for the boys themselves,

initiation as their most sacred collective responsibility Christian

and the good of society.

men employ this in many ways, from boy scouts, to

If we don’t challenge the masculine heart within the church, they’ll find challenge outside of it.

Teens Tell All

God, faith, and what they wish Christians would change.

I’m a Christian girl, and often, I have feelings for other girls.

Remember that God loves you, and any voice to the contrary is not from Him. He too gets tempted, and does not look down on you for having those feelings. You must realize however, that feelings are followers, not leaders. For instance, when the temperature drops, you FEEL cold, when it goes up, you FEEL hot. In the same way, the world has changed the climate on relationships, and have caused millions to feel that’s its ok. Sex was created for one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage. As you ask God to surround you with healthy examples of that, you will start to feel different. Remember He loves and wants what’s best for you, and knows the true fulfillment is in his design, not the world’s perversion.

Galatians 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

I’m 16 and pregnant

First of all, congratulations.

While having a child is a major responsibility, it is still a time to rejoice. The bible says, “Children are a blessing from the LORD.”[Ps 127:3] You should do all that is within your power to remember that during this time of change.

Understand that whether you planned to or not,

God doesn’t make mistakes, and He has a special thing that he wants your child to accomplish during his or her time here on earth. As a parent, its your job to see to it that the child seeks God and follows hard after Him, and receive His best by fulfilling that purpose.

Finally, you must repent, because sex before marriage is a sin, or, missing Gods best for you.

Song of Song 8:4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he pleases.

I’m a virgin

Renew your mind. Virginity is a

whether its virginity or celibacy

priceless gift you give to the

are more fulfilled within it. So

person you’re going to marry.

while you shouldn’t spurt out

What better way of saying, “I

your sexual status, virgin or not,

honor you” to your future

to just anyone, its definitely

spouse than having waited to

nothing to be ashamed of, and

enjoy the experience of sex with

on the contrary, you should

them. In fact, studies show that

boast in it!

those who wait until marriage, Scripture Proverbs 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy y

I keep getting suspended.

Let’s face it, school often sucks! It can be boring, tempting, and outright dull. The key here is to recognize where the problem is coming from. Is it you or them? If its them, then you have to be honest with your parents or guardians about unfair treatment, and mannerably work with them in keeping that from taking place. If its you however, pray and ask God to bring you to peace with the rules. Often times, as teens we have a grudge against boundaries that those in charge have setup. But as God reveals the purpose of those rules as being what’s best for you, your performance will begin to improve.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

I smoke marijuana.

Stop. You can feel great without drugs, cigarettes or alcohol, by taking care of your body, not destroying it. You should also know that studies dictate if kids that don’t quit before they’re 18, are unlikely to ever stop. That means you’ll spend a lot of money supporting this habit as you grow. Also, it is destined to come between you and the good life God wants you to live. It destroys your brain, it damages your lungs, and shortens your life.

Proverbs 31 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Good question, because there is definitely a right and wrong way. Let’s start with the wrong way. Don’t just randomly do something out of character and use it to start the discussion. If you want to be taken seriously, be mature and actually schedule a meeting with your parents about it. Let them know that you’re considering it, and would like to hear both sides, the Christian and none Christian way. We’ve all struggled with doubts about our faith, and whether or not we’ve made the right choice to follow Christ. But you must understand if you choose not to follow God, no amount of evidence will turn you back to Him. Faith is a decision of the heart.

Please don’t make a temporary decision, due to seasonal doubt. Work with your parents and a local pastor on the issue.

How do I tell my parents I’m considering atheism?

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Both my parents drink, smoke and my father sells drugs Please understand that you’re not alone. You represent a vast majority of low income, minority and even many affluent households. And, the answer for you, is the same as it is for them, - God. As you look to Him, His principles, His people and His tools to build a successful childhood, you can influence your parents to change or at least alter their behavior on your behalf. Expect opportunities to talk to them about how what they’re doing grieves and wrongly influences you. Be mannerable. Be respectful. But be honest as well. Even the worse of parents tend to want to work out their difficulties if they see its harming their child.

I’m afraid [no future]

When your fears start talking, let faith answer. Go

Aren’t we all? Fear is a

to Gods word and pull out

spirit, that attacks our

promises He’s said about

minds. And we all, strong

your future, your potential,

or weak, have been tempted by it. The key is not to yield to it.

your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Rebecca Hines

Marriage

Premarital Sex

We live in a world that just can’t stop having pre-marital sex.

Because it’s better to marry than be destroyed by lust.

1 Corinthians 7:9

B

You know what, we live in a ut if they can’t stop

generation that just can’t

having premarital sex, they

stop having premarital sex.

should marry. Why?

And though both the bible and science says the prescription is marriage,

the prescription is marriage,

you always. May you be ever

that’s not what the culture is

intoxicated by her sex."

saying.

“Whoa! Ahh, you sure

Proverbs 5:18-19 says,

that’s in the bible?” You may be

"Rejoice in the wife of your

thinking. And the answer is a

youth. A loving doe, a graceful

resounding YES! Need more?

deer—may her breasts satisfy

16

My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes[f] among the lilies.

17 Until the day breathes and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, be like a gazelle or a young stag on cleft mountains.[g]

Ted Cunningham,

hazards of cohabiting or

author of Young and in Love:

shacking up as well. As Andrew

Challenging the Unnecessary

Cherlin of Johns Hopkins

Delay of Marriage believes that

University explains, Americans

while we’ve emphasized the

“have the shortest cohabiting

dangers of getting marriage, we

relationships of any wealthy

should also point out the

country in the world.” So while a

lot of marriages fail, people who

and enjoying sex. They're doing

shack up aren’t necessarily

just the opposite. They're having

living it up either.

"Kids are doing the opposite with the message

sex and delaying marriage."

Below, we list 3 major reasons why you should lean towards

we're giving them," says

marriage, as the bible suggests,

Cunningham. "They're not

instead of cohabiting like the

delaying sex, getting married

culture is telling you to.

No investors Who would have guessed that your marriage, like a business, needs investors. But that’s what the studies are showing us.

Relationships that have community, family and overall social support, last longer. The saying, “Teamwork makes the dream work” really applies here. However, nobody wants to help a couple who are merely shacking up because they don’t know if the couple will even be a couple tomorrow. “Parents, siblings, friends of the partners are less likely to get to know a cohabiting partner than a spouse and, more important, less likely to incorporate a person who remains outside "the family" into its

Though marriage has challenges, the studies show us that shacking up is multiple times worse.

activities, ceremonies, and financial dealings.” says Linda J Waite of The Communatarian Network.

Not Fulfilling And while couples living together tend to have more sex than those who are married, the devil is in the details. These couples, according to Lee Lillard and Michael Brien, are having sex with other partners. So yea, you’ll have more sex, but less exclusivity.

It seems couples who live together but aren’t married, quietly except the fact that their partner sneaks out from time to time to be with someone else sexually.

It’s bound to end While many marriages enter into divorce, shacking up is far worse. Furthermore, cohabiters’ have far more frequent and intense disagreements than married couples. According to Linda J White, “Cohabiting unions break up at a much higher rate than marriages. Cohabitors have no responsibility for financial support of their partner and most do not pool financial resources.

Cohabitors are more likely than married couples to both value separate leisure activities and to keep their social lives independent. Although most cohabitors expect their relationship to be sexually exclusive, in fact they are much less likely than husbands and wives to be monogamous.”

The Main Thing Listen. It’s not about avoiding

says Dr. Mohiler of the Southern

cohabitation. In fact, cohabiters

Baptist Theological Seminary.

who planned to marry did a little better than those who didn’t.

The point is, while marriage does have some challenges, we can’t throw the baby out with the bath water. “As a married person, I think we [tend to] emphasize a bit [more] of the challenges of marriage over the joys and benefits of marriage,”

To me as a woman, the scariest thing I discovered was that people who cohabit [without plans to marry] have exhibiting the primary trait of someone who will probably never marry, and continue to attract people who don’t want to,- low standards!

Make up your mind, work

lifetime, instead of just shacking

towards, and commit to having

up. And if our studies are right,

an exciting, fun, and sexually

you’re more likely to see it than

fulfilling marriage that lasts a

not.

The point is, while marriage does have some challenges, we can’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

When we put marriage in the ring against premarital sex, the studies show us marriage wins every time!

Top Books 4 Christian Teens

C

lose to 60 percent of young people who

Based on new research, You

went to church as

Lost Me shows pastors, church

teens drop out after high school.

leaders, and parents how we

Now the bestselling author of

have failed to equip young

unChristian trains his

people to live "in but not of" the

researcher's eye on these

world and how this has serious

young believers. Where

long-term consequences. More

Kinnaman's first book

importantly, Kinnaman offers

unChristian showed the world

ideas on how to help young

what outsiders aged 16-29 think

people develop and maintain a

of Christianity, You Lost Me

vibrant faith that they embrace

shows why younger Christians

over a lifetime.

aged 16-29 are leaving the church and rethinking their faith.

199 Favorite Bible verses is sure to rejuvenate your faith

Yep, teens need a word from God too. With 199 favorite verses you get just that!

L

ike every girl, Sarah

road was lonely. She was

Jakes dreamed of a life

shunned at school, gossiped

full of love, laughter,

about at church. And a few

and happy endings. But her

years later, when a fairy-tale

dreams changed dramatically

marriage ended in a spiral of

when she became pregnant at

hurt and rejection, she could

age thirteen, a reality only

have let her pain dictate her

compounded by the fact that her

future.

father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was

Instead, she found herself

one of the most influential

surrounded by a God she'd

megachurch pastors in the

given up on, crashing headlong

nation. As a teen mom and a

with Him into a destiny she'd

high-profile preacher's kid, her

never dreamed of. Sarah's

captivating story, unflinchingly

Found offers hope and

honest and deeply vulnerable, is

encouragement. Perhaps you,

a vivid reminder that God can

like Sarah, find yourself

turn even the deepest pain into

wandering the detours of life.

His perfection.

Regardless of how lost you feel,

More than a memoir, Lost and

you, too, can be found.

Y

ou have been lied to!

too late. It's already stuck in my

Have you been

head."

deceived? Through a nationwide survey and in-depth

"For me, the whole wife and

discussion groups, Nancy and

mom thing is overrated. It isn't

Dannah have listened carefully

cool to want a husband and a

to the heart of your generation.

family."

And here are some things they've heard:

"I know God should be the only thing that satisfies, but if it could be Him and my friends, then I could be happy."

Maybe you can identify. Trying to listen to the right voices can be difficult. This book has been written by friends who will help you find the Truth. Maybe your heart is telling you that some

"It seems like I have been

things in your life are way off

struggling with depression

course. Certain habits and

forever. I always feel like I am

relationships have left you

not good enough."

confused and lonely. This is not

"I tell myself that I don't really

the way it's supposed to be.

listen to the song lyrics, but

In this book, Nancy and Dannah

once I hear a song a few times

expose 25 of the lies most

and start thinking about what

commonly believed by your

they're saying I realize that it's

generation.

D

ay of War’ is the

mighty men and their

second installment

encounters with the Living God

in the ‘Lion of War’

as they go through daily

series, a fictional

struggles and overcome through

epic centered around King

faith. If you like to read about

David and his mighty men,

exploits of selfless men who

referred to by author Cliff

value honor and courage, this is

Graham as ‘The Dirty Thirty’.

a must read! “It inspired me and

The book is a wild, uncensored

made me wish that I could have

and passionate story of these

been in the story fighting

alongside Benaiah. I have

faced death on them. “Never

always loved the story of David

before have I read a book in

and this brought more flesh to it.

which I felt so involved and

This story also sharpened and

entangled in every element of

reinforced my image of

the story.” - Mike

manhood, the fearlessness, the decision to stand up for what I believe, to be less of a wimp . . .”- Phil For those of us who grew

It is well written and remains faithful to the biblical record which inspires it. Read this book, and let it take you back to the beginnings of the

up with the Sunday school

Kingdom of Israel - to a world of

version of the story of David,

turmoil and awe-inspiring acts of

‘Day Of War’ allows us to see,

heroism. Benaiah, David, and

smell, and taste what the real

the other Mighty Men are going

battlefields of biblical times

to be the heroes of a new

would have been like. No

generation!

sugarcoating here. You will experience the unbridled violence of ancient battlefields and the heart-wrenching emotions of the warriors who

Author Cliff Graham is an Army veteran and the author of the Lion of War Series, soon to be a major motion picture

franchise from director David L.

main character, Benaiah, suffer

Cunningham [The Path to

through the insecurities, regrets,

9/11] and producer Grant

and frustration that every man

Curtis [the Spider-Man

battles during his life. The

films]. The book is deeply

relationship between the main

masculine, but not in a giant

characters in the story is

muscle, macho, dumb killing

evidence of the fact that

machine sort of way (though it is

Graham has served in the

a very violent book). Graham

military and understands the

touches on the deeper part of

inexplicable bond of men who

manhood as the reader sees the

fight together.

A

rt Greco

is discovering

in a dying man’s life: “Oh dear

that God kills and the

Holy Assassin: Be loving

devil gives life — that

enough to eliminate what

Christ is in the business of

pollutes my heart and erodes

destroying and Satan is in the

my soul. And when the day

business of sustaining. While

comes that I attempt to annul

God seeks to kill that which

this contract, to withdraw the

should not be allowed to live in

permission I now give, listen

us, Satan tries to breathe life

instead to the instructions of

into it. Perhaps that’s why he

Your own headstrong mercy.

finds himself addressing God in

Swallow hard, breathe deep,

a rather strange way when he

take aim, and pull trigger.

prays lately, using a much less

Amen.”

common title, his dominant title

Oh dear Holy Assassin: Be loving

enough to eliminate what pollutes my heart and erodes my soul.

I

n Young and In Love,

struggles with naysayers who

pastor, author, and speaker

dismiss or hinder a God-

Ted Cunningham boldly

designed relationship. It also

argues that young love should

addresses young adults who

be celebrated, even promoted.

struggle with the teachings of

Early marriages can be God’s

other popular books on

will and often provide the key to

abstinence or on delaying dating

sexual purity. With this in mind,

or marriage. And it offers

Cunningham shares the secrets

parents and pastors who feel

to a successful early marriage

concerned about a relationship

with those in their late teens and

a source of wise counsel that

early twenties who are in love.

carefully prepares young adults for a godly marriage.

This book suits anyone experiencing young love who

Early marriages can be God’s will and often provide the key to sexual purity.

Based on the National Study of

"Moralistic Therapeutic Deism"--

Youth and Religion--the same

a hodgepodge of banal, self-

invaluable data as its

serving, feel-good beliefs that

predecessor, Soul Searching:

bears little resemblance to

The Religious and Spiritual

traditional Christianity. But far

Lives of American Teenagers--

from faulting teens, Dean places

Kenda Creasy Dean's

the blame for this theological

compelling new book, Almost

watering down squarely on the

Christian, investigates why

churches themselves. Instead of

American teenagers are at once

proclaiming a God who calls

so positive about Christianity

believers to lives of love, service

and at the same time so

and sacrifice, churches offer

apathetic about genuine

instead a bargain religion, easy

religious practice.

to use, easy to forget, offering little and demanding less. But

In Soul Searching, Christian

what is to be done? In order to

Smith and Melinda Lundquist

produce ardent young

Denton found that American

Christians, Dean argues,

teenagers have embraced a

churches must rediscover their

sense of mission and model an

hope. Based on these findings,

understanding of being Christian

Dean proposes an approach to

as not something you do for

Christian education that places

yourself, but something that

the idea of mission at its core

calls you to share God's love, in

and offers a wealth of concrete

word and deed, with others.

suggestions for inspiring teens

Dean found that the most

to live more authentically

committed young Christians

engaged Christian lives.

shared four important traits: they could tell a personal and

Persuasively and accessibly

powerful story about God; they

written, Almost Christian is a

belonged to a significant faith

wake up call no one concerned

community; they exhibited a

about the future of Christianity in

sense of vocation; and they

America can afford to ignore.

possessed a profound sense of

Almost Christian is a wakeup call no one concerned about the future of Christianity in America can afford to ignore

I

t can be said that the words

Real? discusses what Scripture

“heaven” and “hell” are

really says about these

thrown around flippantly

mysterious places, giving you

these days. It seems they have

real, solid, reliable information.

become part of our vernacular

The book includes scripture

without much thought or

quotes that capture the current

concern about what they really

interest in the reality of heaven

mean.

and hell, while offering readings

The reality of heaven and hell is a hotly-debated topic spurring countless conversations, books, and sermons. It’s fashionable to have an opinion about the reality of heaven and hell, but what does the Bible really say?

Heaven and Hell: Are They

on heaven and hell. Also included are quotes and insights from trusted authors including Billy Graham, Randy Alcorn, C.S. Lewis, and more. For the curious reader looking for more information on heaven and hell, Heaven and Hell: Are they

Real? is the perfect choice.

W

hat is Jesus worth

have manipulated the gospel to

to you?

fit our cultural preferences. He

It's easy for

shows what Jesus actually said

American Christians to forget

about being his disciple--then

how Jesus said his followers

invites you to believe and obey

would actually live, what their

what you have heard. And he

new lifestyle would actually look

tells the dramatic story of what

like. They would, he said, leave

is happening as a "successful"

behind security, money,

suburban church decides to get

convenience, even family for

serious about the gospel

him. They would abandon

according to Jesus.

everything for the gospel. They

Finally, he urges you to join in

would take up their crosses

The Radical Experiment--a one-

daily...

year journey in authentic

But who do you know who lives

discipleship that will transform

like that? Do you?

how you live in a world that

In Radical, David Platt

desperately needs the Good

challenges you to consider with

News Jesus came to bring.

an open heart how we

A

nthony Spencer is

authenticity and perhaps,

egotistical, proud of

redemption. The adventure

being a self-made business

draws Tony into deep relational

success at the peak of his

entanglements where he is able

game, even though the cost of

to 'see' through the literal eyes

winning was painfully high. A

and experiences of others, but

cerebral hemorrhage leaves

is "blind" to the consequences

Tony comatose in a hospital

of hiding his personal agenda

ICU. He 'awakens' to find

and loss that emerge to war

himself in a surreal world, a

against the processes of healing

'living' landscape that mirrors

and trust. Will this unexpected

dimensions of his earthly life,

coalescing of events cause

from the beautiful to the corrupt.

Tony to examine his life and

It is here that he has vivid

realize he built a house of cards

interactions with others he

on the poisoned grounds of a

assumes are projections of his

broken heart? Will he also have

own subconscious, but whose

the courage to make a critical

directions he follows

choice that can undo a major

nonetheless with the possibility

injustice he set in motion before

that they might lead to

falling into a coma?

How do we answer them when they say that the greatest law is the law of love, and that love requires us to embrace them as they are?

church deals with

T

Gay and Christian? will provide

homosexuality has

solid biblical answers, clearly

become the great moral and

written and based on sound

spiritual issue of this generation.

scholarship, in a compassionate

How do we respond to gay

way that causes the reader to

people who tell us how much

wrestle with the issues and

they love the Lord and

discover the biblical truth. The

experience God’s power? How

book also provides practical

do we answer them when they

guidelines for ministry and

say that the greatest law is the

shows readers how they can

law of love, and that love

resist the gay agenda while

requires us to embrace them as

reaching out to their gay friends

they are? What do we do with

and family

he question of how the

the argument that the Old Testament laws (such as the prohibition against

How do we respond to

homosexuality and the dietary

gay people who tell us

laws) no longer apply?

how much they love the Lord and experience God’s power?

W

ritten during a

within the human heart, calling

train trip in the

readers to examine what they

late 1940s, The

believe and put aside

Pursuit of God shows how God

preconceived ideas that disrupt

pursues humans to draw them

this relationship with God. “It is

into a relationship with Himself,

a solemn thing,” he writes, “to

while humans thirst after the

see God’s children starving

things of God—though they

while actually seated at the

attempt to fill this thirst with

Father’s table. This book is a

things other than worship of

modest attempt to aid God’s

their Creator. Tozer explores

hungry children so to find Him.”

different aspects of this desire

“It is a solemn thing,” he writes, “to see God’s children starving while actually seated at the Father’s table.

Revised & Updated Edition! God

hungry for an authentic faith that

is love. Crazy, relentless, all-

addresses the problems of our

powerful love. Have you ever

world with tangible, even

wondered if we're missing it?

radical, solutions? God is calling

It's crazy, if you think about it.

The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and Eminor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss. Whether you've verbalized it yet or not, we all know something's wrong.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you

you to a passionate love relationship with Himself.

Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts—it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

P

age-Turning Romantic

her Mennonite roots and her

Suspense Set Against

faith as firmly in the past as she

the Backdrop of a

thought. She draws on the

Small Mennonite Town.

Lizzie Engel is used to

support of Noah Housler, an old friend, as she hides out and

running away. At eighteen, she

attempts to plan her next steps.

left her Mennonite hometown,

When it becomes painfully

her family, and her faith with

clear that the danger has

plans never to return. Five years

followed Lizzie to Kingdom,

later, Lizzie finds she'll have to

suspicions and tensions run

run again. False accusations at

high, and she no longer knows

her job, a stalker, and a string of

who to trust. With her life and

anonymous threatening letters

the lives of those she loves at

have left her with no other

risk, Lizzie will have to run one

options. This time, however, her

last time--to a Father whose

escape is back to Kingdom, her

love is inescapable.

hometown.

As Lizzie becomes reacquainted with Kingdom, she realizes she may not have left

When it becomes painfully clear that the danger has followed Lizzie to Kingdom, suspicions and tensions run high

C

answers important questions an we trust the Bible completely?

Is it sufficient for our

complicated lives?

Can we really know what it teaches?

With his characteristic wit and clarity, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung has written an accessible introduction to the Bible that

raised by Christians and nonChristians. This book will help you understand what the Bible says about itself and the key characteristics that contribute to its lasting significance.

Avoiding technical jargon, this winsome volume will encourage you to read and believe the Bible—confident that it truly is God’s Word.

This book tells you exactly why you can trust Gods word.

News

S

ooo, heard about Jars of Clay? Well if you haven’t, I’ll let their words speak for themselves.

Dan says

“I'm trying to make sense of the conservative argument. But it doesn't hold up to basic scrutiny. Feels akin to women's suffrage. Is the argument born of isolated application of scripture or is it combined with the knowledge born of friendship with someone who is gay? I just don't see a negative effect to allowing

gay marriage. No societal breakdown, no war on traditional marriage. ?? Anyone?”

Whoa!

Oh, and we forgot to leave out the others.

“Scripture clearly says...(blank) about...

Because most people read and interpret scripture wrong.

I don't think scripture ‘clearly’ states much of anything regarding morality,” and, “I don't particularly care about Scriptures stance on what is ‘wrong.’ I care more about how it says we should treat people.”

And while all of these comments should be addressed, we’ll simply deal with this one from the bands leader:

“Just curious what ‘condoning a person’s [sic] homosexuality’ does. Does it change you? Does

it hurt someone? What is behind the conviction?”

Do understand, God created us and not we ourselves. And whether or not it hurts someone isn’t the full barometer of right and wrong, His Word is! That, and that

conviction from a spirit filled believer opposing the matter.

A few days after the remarks, Jars of Clay reportedly apologized for their careless words.

alone is what’s behind any

Perhaps Floyd is a champion in more than one way, given that he stood up for the life of an unborn child.

She Killed Our Baby "The real reason me and

I'm totally against killing babies.

Shantel Christine Jackson

She killed our twin babies," says

@missjackson broke up was

undefeated fight champion

because she got a abortion, and

Floyd Mayweather.

Disturbed at her actions, he

the babies, if you wanted me to

cancelled his engagement.

put you back together like I did in the beginning, I could've done

"It hurt my feelings, all because she's selfish because all she's worried about is looks,

it again."

Perhaps Floyd is a champion in

talking about, 'I don't want to

more than one way, given that

mess my body up.' Everything

he stood up for the life of an

you got on your body, I paid for

unborn child. .Miss Jackson is

so it's OK,” he said. “Even if you had the baby—even if you had

reportedly dating rapper Nelly now.

Floyd Mayweathers aborted child.

Father arrested after protesting pornographic book his daughters teacher demand she read.

Pornographic Homework?

N

ineteen Minutes is a

But this year, somebody forgot

novel that 14-year-

to let mom and dad know their

old English students have been

youngsters were going to parse

assigned to read at the local

a literary classic that includes

high school. It’s a story that was

this unforgettable line: “Semen,

first reported by EAGnews.org,

sticky and hot, pooled on the

the website of the Education

carpet beneath her.”

Action Group Foundation.

The novel is based on a school shooting and deals with a

variety of issues ranging from

someone had been handing

bullying to sexual violence. In

those passages to students off

previous years, parents have

campus, they might have been

received some sort of

arrested.

notification about the nature of the novel.

“The School District policies IGE, IJ, IJA, KEC

William Baer became

(available on the school district

furious when he learned that his

website) refer to the procedures

daughter had been assigned the

for the use of novels containing

book. He said the school not

controversial material. The

only failed to notify parents, but

district will take immediate

they also failed to offer parents

action to revise these policies to

a chance to opt their kids out of

include notification that requires

reading the book.

parents to accept controversial

Baer, who is an attorney,

materials rather than to opt out.

put it in perspective. He said if Furthermore, the notification will

Did you catch the part

detail more specifically the

about forcing parents to accept

controversial material.�

racy, bawdy novels rather than opt out?

Last Page

Why try so hard to blend in when you were born to stand out?

1 Peter

2:9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: