As a Youth Pastor, I make it my duty of first importance to encourage biblical literacy and understanding (sadly not the norm). I do this for many reasons, but mainly because their generation is becoming less receptive to inductive study (optimistic usage of your brain) and more responsive to spoon-fed, socially conforming media (facebook updates, youtube and the evergrowing blogosphere).

I realize this sounds harsh, but my mom use to say the same thing about me watching cartoons and playing video games all day, and she was right (man I miss cartoons!). I digress.

As a result, many young people end up aligning (theologically), not with scripture but with much of what the passed 250 years of western philosophical development has created (very generically categorized by what it means to “Be”, “Think” and “feel”). Now, don’t get me wrong, I want students to ponder the great mysteries of life, art and beauty more than the next, but with the understanding that all grand conclusions must live and die at the authority of God’s Word.

So, this begs the question, why Ephesians?

I could argue that it is easily one of my favorite books and that plainly stated, it is awesome. However, ultimately, Ephesians is vital to our young people’s understanding and equipping for today and tomorrow’s world.

Last night, we finished chapter 1. And in that moment I realized the profoundness of what is taking place. My students are being afforded (by God) an opportunity to re-evaluate or redefine altogether, Spiritual blessing and hope (chapter 1),  grace in its mystery and ability to unify (chapters 2-3), and what it means and requires to walk them out in this life(chapters 4-6). This is an enormous thing.

As we continue through this beautiful exposition of God’s heart and motives, would you pray for us as we eagerly seek His best?

I’ll conclude with a wonderful insight from N.T. Wright.

Six Verses in Ephesians to Shape us for the Future

1:10 – God’s plan was to gather together all things in heaven and earth under Jesus.  There is no dichotomy between heaven and earth, no split level living. Jesus enables us to live the life of heaven and earth as a reality here and now.

2:10 – We are God’s art work. God created us to bearing fruit, to be co-creators in this world. God gives each of us  a calling to bring to the world unique thing(s) that only we can do. We are each playing a real role in heaven and earth.

3:10 – The Church is called to be a diverse and counter-cultural community so that the wisdom of God might be known by the principalities and powers of the world. The very existence of the Church testifies that Jesus is the true Lord (And that they are not).

4:15 – The Church is called to hold to the truth in love, growing up into one, connected with the head, Jesus. This is  not about us. We are growing together with the Church, under the authority in into the likeness of Jesus.

5:14 – The resurrection of Jesus displays the power of God to change our way of life.  We do not have to live the old way of life. There is hope for a new way of life because of heaven and earth’s union in Jesus.

6:13 – We must put on the full armor of God. This is a battle. The powers do not want to submit to the just and righteous rule of Jesus. We are to live out the way of God’s Kingdom in the face of powers’ resistance to the true King.

Soli Deo Gloria-

 ”Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you…” (1 Thess 5:16-18)

Though I believe many would agree that comfort food, televised football and mid-afternoon naps would make a great daily routine, this is obviously not the heart and mind of God in this text.

Rather Paul highlights the privilidge of Christian community and our shared responsibility to one another.

“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work…” (v12-13)

Be thankful for your Pastors, leaders, mentors and parents. Those who work with you and alongside you for your growth and the spreading of the hope we share in Christ, Jesus. These faithful men and woman have a very difficult task; laying out the duties and responsibilities of the Christian life wile correcting and training in Godliness. Love them dearly and hold them in the highest regard! God is showing you tremendous grace by His provision of solid, Christ-centered leadership.

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all…” (v14)

Be Thankful for those who struggle, doubt and lack strength. This is the beauty of church. That God would sufficiently endow His children with gifts according to His will, by His grace, that we would lock arms (Gal 6:2) and encourage one another as we press forward in the race He set out for us!

“See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone…” (v15)

Be thankful that God has set His perfect love as the goal of our maturity and growth. Be purposeful in your love. Seek any and every opportunity to display the example of Christ and His passionate pleasure in showing mercy where justice and vengeance should have reigned.

God supplies all that we need to grow, serve and display His goodness. To this end we ought to have no other response than  ”Rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us…” (1 Thess 5:16-18)

I realize that it’s been a while since my last post. I really don’t want to be the guy who busts out 5-6 posts a month just because he has to. All that to say, I also don’t want to be the guy who goes three months without adding a thing.

Recently I have been listening to some great sermons by Matt Chandler. For those of you that know me, I am kind of a fan. There is something special about people who treasure Christ above all things and desire that all people would share in that treasure(Romans 10:15).

I wanted to share something that really struck me. Something that God used to truly arrest my attention.

I pray that through the month of October you would consider these next 9 points in you’re prayer life as we grow in our capacity to be effective for His glory.

As His body, let us pray these things…

1. That we would see that the greatest problem in the universe is not mere moral failure – but a failure to honor God (Romans 1:21)

2. That we would understand that discipline will never bring about love – but love always brings about discipline (Galatians 3:5)

3. That we would realize that children of God are not under wrath – but mercy (Romans 9:23)

4. That we would find that the fullness of all things – including life and joy – is in Christ (John 10:10)

5. That we would experience a holy discontentment with where our lives are – and espouse the hope of what our lives can be (Romans 8:20)

6. That we would recognize that God has purposefully placed us here – at this time, in this place – for His glory (Acts 17:26)

7. That we would develop a taste for truth – even difficult ones (Psalm 119:11)

8. That we would embrace Biblical Christianity – not American evangelicalism (2 Timothy 3:5)

9. That we would believe in the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit – and desire them earnestly (1 Corinthians 14:39)

Eagerly expecting His return…Pastor Jo-