The Modern Demographic

Today's modern world celebrates sin, immorality, foolishness and the like.

Christ calls us to live a life of no compromise, wisdom and self control. A life that celebrates Faith, Hope and Love. Faith in the only one who can save. Hope of a future of eternal joy. Love, like the one who loved us so much that He would sacrifice His son for us.

People around us celebrate their sinfulness, boast about their immorality, pride in their shortcomings, laugh in their foolishness.

The only thing we can celebrate is Christ crucified for us.

Lessons

Over the past few years, I have learnt these important lessons in life:

1. No one and nothing is worth my trust, my time, my effort, except for Jesus.

2. All of my plans are epic fail compared to God's plans.

3. Satan is real. He is swift and subtle, but dangerous and destructive.

4. Satan loves to see me fail. He hates to see me stand up and fight back.

5. Jesus has overcome. My future is secure in His hands, and no other.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Soli Deo Gloria

Boys 2 Men

Over the past few months, I've had a number of conversations with people about the state of of young men within the church. Most of us have come to a conclusion that there are many 'old' boys but not many young 'real men' in the church today. What sets apart boys from men? Is it the tonka toys they play with compared to big boys toys? Or is it the state of their singleness or relationship? Is it if they are living at home or moved out? Is it the fact that they are in leadership positions or not? Some of these may be relevant in minor ways, but the quality that separates boys and men is maturity.

Here is a pretty good article I saw which talks about the qualities of manhood - written by a solid teacher that I would trust: http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001093.cfm?utm_id=emailafriend&utm_campaign=1

We need more leaders like this

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.

Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.

Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

We need more leaders who have these qualities displayed within and throughout their lives....