Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Titus and Teaching

Last night at Bible study we started a series on the book of Titus.
I have Bible study with the group of people I lead at our youth group with, so the words of Paul to Titus speak strongly to us. Why? Because like all leaders in the church, we have been entrusted with God's work.
God has been good enough to let us in on the amazing work of bringing others to know and love Him and to live lives worthy of that calling!
And this is what Paul says is the only way to carry out this task...

"Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless - not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to much wine, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."

hmm...how do you hold up to that description?
I expect for each of us sitting on our comfy little couches in our leaders warm and welcoming house amongst good friends, these words spoke to us slightly differently, each with our own thing to work on. I know what they said to me. What do they say to you?
What a list - or rather, a life - to strive for!
My favourite part of that passage was the words "one who loves what is good". Surely, if we are loving what is good how can the bad be given a door into our actions and attitudes?!

The words "hold firmly to the trustworthy message" and "by sound doctrine" also made me think.
I certainly hope this is what I (and my fellow leaders) are holding to each week as we come to teach these kids!
But it made me think about how we package this message.
On friday evening I had a conversation with a man from another church in sydney. A man who's kids go to youth group at his church, but knowing that there are 'bigger and better' youth groups out there they often want to visit the other for a week or two. What do we do with that? The group is small and possibly not meeting the needs of the boy who is the only one of his age in the group. But what about what the boy can give to the group? What about the discouragement that comes to the leaders and fellow members of the group when they are one member down? Or rather, the encouragement when he chooses to join them rather than have a possibly more enjoyable night with more mates at the other group?
One of the constant challenges of running a youth group is meeting these kids where they're at. Attracting kids and keeping them committed and interested.
There is a certain amount of responsibility of the kid's behalf - yes, they gotta invite their friends, yes, they gotta persist when times get tough. Then of course, these kids are putting their reputations on the line when they ask their friends along, so we as leaders gotta make sure it is worth it too, right?

But all this, ALL this, is totally and utterly pointless if we are not teaching sound doctrine; if we become so concerned with how to entertain, attract, keep these kids that the truth we are there to teach becomes secondary to our purpose (or at least appears that way in the reason and way the kids are responding).

I say it is a constant struggle to find this balance. But balance is key, cos we cannot lose sight of why we are there. We have been entrusted with God's work. This is why Paul commands us to be above reproach in all areas of our lives - the kids are learning from us, they are watching, they are copying - but above all they are learning a message of truth - one we must not compromise!

If you are a leader in your church please think about how you are going with these things Pauls raises.
And if you are at all the praying kind, please pray that at CCSI we will be faithful in our teaching!

Also, If you are involved in youth ministry at your church and have a specific prayer point in need of bringing before our loving and merciful Father, please feel free to leave these in the comments, Id love to pray for you!

God bless,
CJG

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

First Aboriginal language Bible!

"The first complete Bible translation in an Australian Aboriginal language ever was launched in the Top End this month after a staggering 27 years in translation."

Praise God!
He is a God of all nations, tribes and languages, lets praise Him for this new translation and pray for those who will be distributing it, teaching from it, and reading it.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Tribute to Dylan

This is a photo of a painting of Bob Dylan I have been working on for a few weeks now. There are still a few bits to do on it, but i thought id post it anyway.

Dylan is one of my Dad's favourite musicians.
Ok, so the famous singer/songwriter didnt have the best voice in the world, but man, could this guy write poetry!!
so there it is, my tribute to Dylan!

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

A Violent Grace

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Ephesians 1:7-8

Today I read an explanation of the term 'a violent grace' which I thought spoke so clearly and beautifully of how as Christains we can come to see something as horrible as blood shed with such a glorious light!

"Yes, bloodshed is the epitome of violence. But for you and me, blood is also the costly guarantee of a most extravagant gift of grace."

Michael card continues with such a wonderfully ironic statement so true to the Christain faith, to the beauty of forgiveness...

"if you have let His blood stain you, you will be as white as snow."

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Graduation!

I had my university graduation today!

Thats right, I can finally say 'It is finished' - I got the framed piece of paper to prove it!

It was a bit weird being back at Uni after all this time, but turned out to be a good morning, and actually much more exciting than I expected!

I'm a graduate - I have a degree - thats so cool!!