Church Of Christ - Youth Group

I’m sorry that a few days went by without any updates. My internet connection was down here on the farm and I couldn’t even check email. It seems to be back up and working thanks to AN Electric in Vulcan. Notice that I posted up a new devotial thought below.

We take a look into the future today by looking at John 5:24-30.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”

Do you ever wish that just once you could see your future? Some people believe in horoscopes, tarot cards, or even self-proclaimed physics to give them just a glimpse of their own personal future. I can tell you not only your future, but also the future of anyone else. Are you interested? Well, listen closely.

Just imagine for a second that you’re at the checkout line of your local grocery store. You hear a voice. It is much too loud to be the intercom. It’s calling your name, but you’re not the only one who hears it. You have this uncontrollable urge to leave. Everyone in the store is also leaving, people are all moving in the same direction. You see what once was a graveyard now is nothing but a few holes in the ground. Suddenly you realize that it is Judgment Day and the voice you heard was Christ.

Does this future scare you? It shouldn’t if you are one of the flock. This very scene was laid out by the Evangelist John in John 5:24-30. Does the part about the graveyard frighten you? In John 5:28b-29 it says that, “…all who are in their graves will hear this voice and come out.” Then it says, “…whoever hears my Word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life.” These words should make our future sound bright.

We have the most accurate “crystal ball” in the world, our Bible. Believe it! Have the gift of eternal life through Christ our risen Savior!

Points To Ponder: Are you ready for your future or is it scary? Are your friends ready for the future? Do we take full advantage of our crystal “ball”?

Prayer Possibilities: Ask God to help you prepare for the future. Ask God to give you strength to witness to others so that they won’t have a grim future ahead of them.

Today we’re looking at greatness based on Mark 9:30-37. Head on over and read the passage before we begin. Mark 9:35-37 are listed below, but read the whole passage at the link above.

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Bob dedicated his life to helping people. He volunteered many hours of his time at the Mustard Seed. It seemed as though no one really noticed what a wonderful asset he was to his community. But that did not bother Bob, because he did these things out of love for the people he was helping rather than for any special recognition. Then suddenly, one day, the Mayor called Bob and asked him to attend a gathering at the provincial capitol. There, he was given the key to the city for his outstanding service. Many people really noticed his efforts!

Bob’s life of service is a good example of what Jesus says in Mark 9:35b, “If anyone wants to be the first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” To be great in God’s eyes, one must serve others. If someone only concerns himself with making himself the best in the eyes of the world, he will not obtain greatness in the eyes of the Lord. For God says in His commands to “love your neighbor as yourself” and “whatever you do for the least of these brothers, you have done unto me.” With that He promises, “and you shall receive your reward in heaven.”

Points To Ponder: What attitude about service is great in the eyes of the Lord? What will happen if we serve others without expecting anything in return? What is something we could do as a service for someone else?

Prayer Possibilities: Ask God to give you a humble heart. Ask Him to help you to do that which will receive His approval rather than that of the worlds.

This morning we’re looking at Mountains with Mark 11:22-25 in mind.

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

The concerned mother spent many anxious moments about the family budget. The father tossed restlessly on sleepless pillows, fearing the responsibilities which awaited him at the office. The worried school child lost sleep over the test that he spent many hours studying for. All of these people were afraid of mountains which for the most part were imaginary. Yes it is true, doubt creates mountains.

If it were possible for us to turn back the calendar just six months, and look from that point forward to today, how many mountains would you see along the roads which were put there by our doubts?

But, faith removes mountains. Not any kind of faith, not faith in ourselves, but faith in out Heavenly Father. He has revealed His love for us by sending us His Son into the world for our redemption. He has assured us that He will give us strength sufficient for the day. He has told us, “…as the day, so shall the strength be.” In His strength we shall be prepared to move the mountains of discouragement, anxiety, frustration and fear. In His strength we shall be able to emerge victorious, no matter how hot the battle. We should be like Paul and say “I can do all through Jesus Christ.”

Points To Ponder: Why are doubts compared to mountains? How can we remove our doubts?

Prayer Possibilities: Pray that we may overcome doubts (mountains) and pray for the strength in Jesus.

This morning we’re looking at Philippians 4:4-7 as we go up and down through Life’s Roller Coaster.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

A popular place to spend a summer’s day is Great America. Here there are exciting rides, entertaining shows, and a lot to eat. Great America claims to have one of the world’s largest roller coasters, the American Eagle. On this ride you go slowly to the top and then quickly come down. The ride can be scary and make you sick.

At times, life itself can be like riding the American Eagle. Life is full of ups and downs. At times you may feel great, at other times you may feel down in the dumps. Sometimes we’re happy, and other times we’re sad. That may be why life is so scary and even make people sick.

The Apostle Paul experienced the ups and downs of life. At times everything went fine when he told others about Jesus. At other times when he taught about Jesus, things did not go so well, like when he was thrown into jail for spreading God’s Word. Despite all that, Paul had learned how to live with the ups and downs of life. He learned that he could do anything with God’s help. Paul knew Jesus loved him so much that He gave His life for him. Through this Paul experienced divine love as Jesus helped him accept whatever happened.

Jesus does the same for us. He helps us live with the ups and downs of life and still happy. Paul encourages us: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice.”

Points To Ponder: When have you been really happy? When have you been really down? How can Jesus help you live through both the ups and downs of life?

Prayer Possibilities: Ask the Lord to guide you when going through the ups and downs of life. Thank Him for being with you on life’s roller coaster ride.