Christmas Project

We are about to begin our annual Christmas Project! Start praying for what God will have you do.

What I'm listening to!

This is a great soulwinning message, by Dr. R. B. Oullette. Pastor Oullette is one of my favorite preachers of all time! This is another must hear. Listen to it here!

What I'm listening to!

Today, I listened to a sermon/testimony of Gregg Locke. It is a must listen to! You can download it from here.

Pleading Prayer

Pleading in Prayer for others!

1 Samuel 12:23

Are you lifting up others in prayer? Are you concerned with others problems or difficulties? Our requests are always the most urgent. We want God to answer our requests, but we do not have time to be concerned with others. Intercessory prayer is another vital part of a vibrant prayer life.

Three Reasons Praying for others helps you: (Phillipians 2:4)

1. Praying for others simply helps others people!

2. Praying for others takes the focus from myself to other people!

a. We see the needs of others
b. We develop a compassion for their needs

3. Praying for others helps us be concerned for others instead of critical!

Personal Prayer

Do you have a personal prayer life?

Mark 14:32-42

Do you talk to God when you're alone? Do you have prayer requests in your life, that you have only talked to God about? As Christian young people, we must develop a personal prayer life! How do you pray when it is just you and God?

Principles for the Practice of Personal Prayer:

• Personal Prayer demonstrates our special relationship with God!

• Personal Prayer demands a seriousness about our requests!

• Personal Prayer delivers the situation to God!

• Personal Prayer allows us to dwell in the Spirit!

How many Christians look upon it as a burden and a duty and a difficulty to get alone with God! That is the great hindrance to our Christian life everywhere -Andrew Murray

Practicing Powerful Prayer

Practicing Powerful Prayer

James 5:17,18

The generation of the great revivals are passing, and those who have
seen the mighty power of God sweep across our nation are almost gone. Is it possible for a young person today to see God's power in their personal prayer life? As Christians we must learn the keys to a powerful prayer life.

Powerful Prayer from the Prophet Elijah:

1. A powerful prayer life begins in the lives of ordinary people!
- James 5:17,18; 2 Kings 1:8

a. Elijah never did anything. GOD DID!
b. God's strength is what makes prayer powerful, not our strength!
-2 Cor. 12:9 (Example: Moses, David and Goliath, Daniel)

2. A powerful prayer life requires TRUST and OBEDIENCE!
-1 Kings 17:1-5

a. Powerful prayer's foundation is Faith! -Hebrew 11:6
b. Obedience and faith are a requirement for powerful prayer!


3. A powerful prayer life demands God gets the GLORY!
-1 Kings 18:30-40

a. A powerful prayer warrior understands that they are NOTHING!
b. Powerful prayer by its very nature points all GLORY to GOD!
- Psalm 63:1,2

Stupidity of Sensuality

Message from Sunday School here

0 Rules for Dating my Daughter

10 Rules for Dating my Daughter 



Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk you'd better be delivering, because you're sure not picking anything up. 



Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter. You may glance at her while talking, so long as you do not peer below her neck. If you cannot keep your hands off of my daughter's body, I will remove them from your arms. 



Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but I think you and all of your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and open minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: Should you come to the door with your underwear showing and/or your pants ten sizes too big, I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact, come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waistline. 



Rule Four:  You will not have sex with my daughter until after you marry her. My permission is required before you make any proposal to her. Any attempts to do so will result in your disappearance. No, I will not make this a public affair that would embarrass you. Your disappearance will say more than a public announcement. 



Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only words I need from you on this subject is:"Sir" and "early." 



Rule Six: I have no doubt you are a popular fellow, with many opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you scream. 



Rule Seven: As you stand in my front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time for the movie, you should not be dating my daughter. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process than can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like cutting my lawns or changing the oil in my pickup trucks? 



Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are no crowds, beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or carefree happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to induce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff T-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka -- zipped up to her throat. Movies with a strong romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies which features chain saws or hangings are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better. 



Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been. But on issues relating to my daughter, I am  all-knowing and merciless. If I ask you where you are going and with whom, you have only one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. In my shop and my home I have many chemicals, such as hot lime, many firearms, shovels, a backhoe, and five hundred acres behind the house. "Do not mess with my mind if you wish to see the next sunrise. Short truthful answers are best". 



Rule Ten: After dark, you will blow your horn once, only once, when leaving the highway. As soon as you pull in front of the house, you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, remain standing next to your car. Do not escort my daughter to the front door hoping for a kiss on the cheek -- there is no need for you to come inside my home after the sun sets. After my daughter enters the house, restart your car and quietly leave my property. The speed limit is 10 mph entering or exiting the property. Do not stop to chat with the man holding the night sight equipped rifle, that will be me. 

The History of Dating

The History of Dating

2 Timothy 2:22

Dating has become one of the most dangerous activities a young person can be involved in. How was dating done throughout history? Is dating any different than it was centuries ago? Today, we take a look at the history of dating.

I. Dating in Colonial times

A. In colonial times, dating was referred to as courtship.

1. Courtship was was usually confined to the parlor of the female's family.

2. Most relationships and communities were built around the church, which encouraged
purity.

B. Love was something that developed after marriage, it was not romantic!

II. Dating between 1840's-1900's

A. Courtship became a formal activity, and chaperons were required.

B. Romantic love was beginning to be viewed as the primary reason for marriage.

C. Women began to test their potential mate by faking illness, or breaking off the
relationship to test the man's commitment.

D. Purity was still important!

III. Dating in the early 1900's

A. Courtship begins to evolve into dating.

1. Poorer families whose house was not large enough for a parlor, began to court in
public places.

2. The wealthy followed this trend, and "going somewhere" became the norm.

B. The popular dates were dancing and movies. (These activities required money, making
the boys with more money more likely to get a date.)

C. Chaperons were not considered necessary in public.

IV. Mid 1900's to Present

A. Dating is becoming the normal activity for young people.

1. Dating was considered a way to get to know someone.

2. Dating is becoming "casual" and not for marriage.

B. The widespread ownership of automobiles changed dating.

1. Automobiles helped young people escape the public scene.

2. Physical contact in dating becomes the popular thing

C. Purity slowly loses importance.

1. Physical contact is accepted as long as the couple was "pure."

2. Purity is no longer the norm, and is now very rare.

V. Conclusion:

A. Dating/ Courtship have changed drastically through the years!

B. Despite societies preferences, PURITY IS IMPORTANT! ( Col. 3:5, Eph. 5:3)

If you have iTunes this is somthing you should listen to. It's unsaved people's version of dangerous music! Click Here

Intro to Dating

Introduction to Dating

2 Timothy 2:22

Where are you spiritually?

Before we can deal with the topic of dating, we must stop and take a look at our lives. Any human relationship requires a Christian to analyze their life through the Word of God. God has standards for His people to live by, and it is imperative that we apply them in our lives in order to have any type of relationship.

1. The primary focus is your relationship with God!

A. Salvation and assurance of Salvation are required!- John 3:3, Matt. 7:21-23

B. Become a student of the Scriptures! Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 2:15

C. Separate from the World! 2 Corinthians 6:17, 2 Timothy 2:22

2. How are your other relationships?

A. Your relationship with your family matters!

1. Parents- Ephesians 6:1-2, Colossians 3:20, 2 Timothy 3:2

2. Siblings- Luke 15: 25-32, 1 John 4:20-21

B. Your relationship with friends matters!

1. Develop friendships- Proverbs 17:17,18:24, 27:6,9

2. Maintain proper friendships- James 4:4 (Example: 2 Samuel 13)

Consider Christ over Culture!

Take time to watch this video! It shows that despite our culture's pitfalls, we can stand for Christ!

Strength through the Summer!

Strength through the Summer!

Ephesians 6:10-19

As summer is coming, it is important for young people to be on guard against sin. Studies show that during summer time, teens are more likely to get into trouble. As Christians, we must constantly fight against the world, the flesh and the devil!

Three Ways to Survive the Summer's Sinful Seduction

1. You must realize your dependence on God! -Ephesians 6:10-11

* You cannot resist temptation on your own!

2. You must recognize who your enemy is! -Ephesians 6:12

a. We do not fight against "flesh and blood."

b. We battle against:

i. Principalities: supreme powers

ii. Rulers of darkness

iii. Spiritual wickedness

3. Remember the Basics!- Ephesians 6:13-19

a. Truth Matters!

b. Righteousness still applies!

c. Be Prepared with the Gospel!

d. Faith is a necessity!

e. Salvation must be assured!

f. The Word of God is your weapon!

g. Prayer and watchfulness keep us alert!

Bay Bears

Meet at the church at Five o-clock Friday... no late excuses! Expect to be back quite late... I'd say 11 is the earliest.

“The Letdown after a BIG Victory” by Garett Ordway

“The Letdown after a BIG Victory”

After
big wins, whether it be in baseball or another sport, sometimes, teams
come out in the next game with a lack-luster performance. This can
happen in our spiritual lives as well. In the life of Elijah, he had a
great victory, followed by a failure. In today’s world, Christians need
to be ever aware of the letdown after a big victory.

I. The ______ Victory IKings 18:20-46

A. ___________ of Baal

B. ___________’s sacrifice

* “that this people may know that thou art the Lord God”

C. Elijah’s “2nd” _________ (for rain)

II. The Letdown IKings 19:1-14

A. Jezebel’s _________

B. Elijah’s _________

1. Focus on _______ (I, I, I...)

2. Lack of focus on ____’s __________

III. Restoration of ______________ IKings 19:15-19

A. _______________ with God

B. _____________ God’s commands

IV. Preventing the Letdown IPt5:8,Ps.37:7-8

A. Beware temptation

B. “Rest in the Lord”

Progressive Dinner

We are meeting at the church at 1:30 on Saturday. Mrs. Pemberton's house is the first stop, so feel free to come in your swimming clothes to make things faster. (Dark shirt and shorts to the knee. Guys these shorts can be your swim trunks. Girls, wear your bathing suit underneath.) Please try to bring a towel with you. We will end up at the graduation party as our dessert stop around 6:00 - 6:30.

Faithfulness

Can God Depend on You?

1 Corinthians 4:2

The generation in which we live is considered, one of the most undependable generations yet. Young people do not understand the meaning of faithfulness. One of the most simple ways to please God is to be faithful to him. Ask yourself a question, Can God depend on you?

Faithfulness:worthy of trust or belief; reliable

Example of Faithfulness: (These people may not be considered the top ten Bible Personalities, but they are commended for their faithfulness.)

1. Caleb: Deuteronomy 1:35-36; Joshua 14:6-22

2. Hannah: 1 Samuel 1:1-2

3. Simeon and Anna: Luke 2:25-38

Enemies of Faithfulness:

1. The Devil: 1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 4:27

2. The World: 2 Timothy 4:10

3. The Flesh: Romans 7:18-24

Exercising Faithfulness:

1. Have total Faith in God! -Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:13

* We become unfaithful to God, when we take our eyes off of Him!

2. Be Steadfast -1 Corinthians 15:58

* Your faithfulness is never in vain!

Godliness

What is Godliness?

1 Timothy 4:8

Too many Christians today,could not give a definition of godliness; but profess to live a godly life. Multiple times, Paul told Timothy, that godly living is key in
the work of God. In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul states that the outward is nothing without the inside being right. Let us look to the Word of God, so we can better understand godliness.

Godliness: conforming to the laws an wishes of God; devout (expressing devotion); divine (devoted to God)

I. What Godliness is not! - 2 Timothy 3:5

A. Godliness is not following a list of rules or laws!-Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8

 *The Pharisees would have been the most godly people in Israel!

B. Godliness is not giving God 51% to 99.9% of your life! -Colossians 3:3-4

*Godliness requires 100% of our being.

II. Godliness is:

A. Conformity to God's Word through obedience! -Romans 12:1,2; I Timothy 6:3-5

B. Being consumed or obsessed with living for God! - Philippians 1:21

* Everything else is only temporary -II Peter 3:10-13

C. Consistency through opposition! -2 Timothy 3:12; Titus 2:12; II Peter 2:9

III. Are you Godly?

Copy of Practicality of Proverbs -Conclusion

Practicality of Proverbs -Conclusion

Proverbs 2

We have looked at the themes throughout the Book of Proverbs. (Pride, 

Parents,prosperity)  As we close the study of the book, there 

are  a couple of truths still to be applied to our lives.

I. Why study Proverbs? Proverbs 2:1-9

    A. We study Proverbs to understand the fear of the Lord.

    B. We study proverbs to find the knowledge of God.

    C. The Lord gives understanding of judgement, equity, and righteousness.

II. Why apply Proverbs? Proverbs 2:10-22

    A. Proverbs will give you discretion.

        

        Discretion: ability to make responsible decisions

            1. To deliver you from the froward man

        Froward: : habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

                

                a. The one who left good to do evil.

                b. The one who enjoys wickedness.

            2. To deliver you from the strange woman

                a. The one who leaves the guide of her  youth, and forgets about her covenant with                         God.

                b. The one who brings destruction.

             3. To show you good people, and righteous ways.

    B. The application of God's Word brings rewards. 

                

Upcoming Activities

Saturday, meet at church at 3:30 or Seminole at 4:00.

May 9th Progressive Dinner. Meet at the church at 1:30. We will end up at the graduation party for dessert.

Bay Bears Game is on the 29th. (Printed calendars we gave your parents are right. The one I wrote on the wall in the teen room is wrong.) Meet at the church at 5:00. This is a FRIDAY night!

Track/Lamberts Activity

We are meeting at the church at 1:45! We need to be to the Track by 3:00. If you are by chance meeting us there, you must be with us when we get there to get your tickets to ride stuff. We're heading to Lamberts after that so eat a good lunch. I expect to be back around 7:00ish. We'll call parents on the way back to church if we need to.

*** Remember that you must wear dark clothes if you want to go on the bumper boats, and you should probably bring a towel too. I suggest you just ride on the go-carts.

Poverty and Prosperity in Proverbs

Poverty and Prosperity in Proverbs

-Proverbs 13:7

    Health and wealth have become the slogans for modern "Christianity." The Church has adopted the world's false philosophy of what prosperity and success really are. In Proverbs, We are taught a Biblical view of poverty and prosperity. 

Definitions:

    Poverty: The state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or 

                material possessions

    Prosperity: The condition of being successful or thriving

1. Being Rich or Being Poor -Proverbs 30:8-9

    A. In America, we have some people who will live for wealth, and some who do not desire 

        wealth, and are pleased to live in poverty.

    B. God uses wealthy people. (Example: ____________________________________________)

    C. God uses poor people. (Example: ______________________________________________)

    D. The key is when your focus is on God, you will always be prosperous (eternal prosperity).

2. God's response to poverty and the poor 

    A. God shows us in Proverbs some things that lead to poverty.

       

        i. LAZINESS/SLOTHFULNESS- Proverbs 6:10; 10:4a; 13:4a

        ii. Love for Pleasure -Proverbs 21:17

        iii. Alcohol -Proverbs 23:21

    B. God is VERY concerned about how the poor/needy are treated

        i. God honors those who help the poor. (Proverbs 14:21,31; 19:17; 22:9; 28:27a)

        ii. God condemns those who despise the poor. (Proverbs 17:5; 21:13; 29:7)

3. The Road to Prosperity

    A. Prosperity takes work, whether Spiritual or Physical. (Proverbs 24:30-34)

        *Success requires work!

    B. "Get Rich Quick" or "Easy Prosperity" are not success. ( Proverbs 22:16; 28:8,22)

Horseback Riding Activity: Horses = Evil

Big thank you to Mr. Ordway for recovering these photos after the deleting accident!!!

Split Activities

Guys: Fishing
Girls: Shopping

Everyone is meeting at the church at 10:00 A.M. Saturday. We'll split from there.
Girls, please bring money for lunch.

GCBC

Purity in Proverbs

Purity in Proverbs

Proverbs 20:11

    How important is Purity? The world has thrown purity out the window. People seem to believe they can think whatever they want, and do whatever they please. Most of societies issues stem from impure thoughts and actions. Murder, fornication, adultery, rape, pornography, and other wickedness start with impure hearts and minds. God still thinks purity is pretty important, and as Christians so should we!

What is Purity? (Proverbs 30:12)

    1. Purity: freedom from sin or guilt; innocence; chastity

    2. Purity does not mean you are naive or stupid it is a conscious choice to do right!

    3. Purity does not just pertain to sensual sins, it is any thing our lives that is impure to God! 

Why is Purity Important?

     *God desires purity, and He is the standard! (Proverbs 6:16-18;15:26; Ephesians 5:25-27)

What are consequences of impurity?

    1. Impure thoughts and actions will destroy your life! (Proverbs 7)

    2. Impure thoughts and actions will destroy others lives! (Example: David)

How do you maintain purity?

    1. Guard your heart! (Proverbs 4:23; 7:25)

    2. Stay away from those things which cause impurity! (Proverbs 7:6-9)

    3. Decide to keep yourself pure, Mentally and Physically!

How can you "regain" purity?

    *There is no way to undo past actions, but God is willing to forgive! 

        (Proverbs 28:13, 1 John 1:9, Isaiah 1:18)

Horseback Riding Activity

Our next activity is horseback riding. If you are interested in finding out more about the place we are going, their website is http://sites.google.com/site/countryadventures/. We are doing the 90 minute trail ride (info is about half way down on the left.)

I am going to pack a sandwich, chips, and water lunch for everyone. We will split into 2 groups. One group will fish and eat. The other will go on the trail ride. Then we will swap. If you have a fishing pole, feel free to bring it. However, we do have limited van space (lots of people coming,) so keep that in mind. We are meeting at the church at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday March 14th. Hope you can all make it.

I will be printing out the permission slips and bringing them to church. Everyone will need to have one signed by a parent in order to ride the horses.
~Erin

Prudent People -March 1,2009

Prudent People


Proverbs 16:21

Our society has tried to give young people a pass on personal responsibility. Wisdom and common sense are things older people believe teenagers and young people cannot grasp. Solomon tells his son many times throughout Proverbs to "get wisdom and understanding." It is imperative that as a young person, you strive to be a prudent person.



Prudent: a. marked by wisdom or judiciousness

b. shrewd in management of practical affairs

c. marked by circumspection



Three Practices of Prudent People


1. Prudent people look up, because wisdom comes from God!

(Prudent: marked by wisdom or judiciousness*)

A. God is the only source for true wisdom! - Proverbs 2:1-6; James 1:5

B. The world claims to have wisdom, but instead they propagate foolishness.

-Proverbs 14:6; Romans 1:22-25 (examples: evolution, humanism,
sodomy...)


2. Prudent people look ahead, because God has a plan.

(Prudent: shrewd in management of practical affairs)

A. The prudent person's main goal is to pursue God's will in every aspect of
everyday life. -Proverbs 3:5,6;16:9; Psalm 37:23

B. A prudent person understands the importance of wisdom and that it is the
key to a truly successful Christian life. -Proverbs 8

3. Prudent people look around, because the world, the flesh, and the devil seek to
destroy the upright. - Proverbs 14:15; 22:3; 27:12
(Prudent: marked by circumspection)

- A perfect illustration is Proverbs chapter seven.

Pride

Pride- A Dangerous Parasite


Proverbs 16:7a

     

    The world has made pride, something to be proud of. Arrogance is pervasive in our society! Celebrities, Athletes, Politicians, and Religious Leaders act as if they are some type of supreme beings. Upon studying the Book of Proverbs we find how terrible pride actually is!


Pride: inordinate self-esteem

Practical Problems with Pride

  1. Pride simply brings shame and destruction!

        A. When pride is finished it brings shame. -Proverbs 11:2

        B. Pride has caused many to fall. -1 Corinthians 10:12; Proverbs 16:18

  

  2. Pride hinders a proper relationship with God!

        A. Pride is SIN!  -Proverbs 21:4

        B. Pride takes our focus off of God and places them on ourselves. -Psalm 10:4

   

   3. Pride is the reason for strife  and contention. -Proverbs13:10

 

   4. God HATES pride! -Proverbs 6:16,17; 16:5; 21:4

"Many Christians define sin as the sum total of acts which themselves do not commit."
-Carlyle Marney

Practicality of Proverbs

Activity February 28th

Don't forget Saturday at 6:00pm there is a bowling activity! Meet at Deluna Lanes at 6:00pm. Please eat before or after the activity! Questions? gcbcteens@gmail.com

The New Way to know what's happening in the Youth Group!

Let's try and see if this will work! Here is how we can keep track of what is going on!