August 1, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Often times, we hear this verse being used in the context of trying to accomplish some great feat.  “I can pull a bus 100ft. because God strengthens me.” or “I am really good at basketball because God strengthens me.”  or “I’m really buff because God strengthens me.”  It is true that you can do nothing without the grace of God and God is the one who allows you to excel in whatever area you apply yourself, but these are not the reasons He strengthens you.

Most of the time this is the favorite verse of someone who is involved in some type of competition where physical strength is needed.

Look at the verses that come before verse 13, starting in 11.
“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
 

The strength that God gives us is for the purpose of being content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.  It is for the purpose of understanding that God has us right where He wants us to be.  It is not for the purpose of excelling in a sport.
 

It takes the strength of God to fully rely on God when things are going well in your life.
 

It takes the strength of God to be content and praise God when your world is falling apart.
 

You see, God gave Paul strength, not so that he might lead 20 more people to the Lord, but to help him be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself in.
 

How does God strengthen you?
 

What evidences have you seen of God strengthening you?
 

When have you been tempted to go it on your own instead of relying on God’s strength?
 

Do you thank God for strengthening you to make the right decision in times of trial?
 

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
 

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July 21, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

This question came from Jared:

“Where did the Age of Accountability come from and is there biblical proof for it?” 

I’m not sure where the idea for the “Age of Accountability” came from.  It was probably started in the Jewish traditions when a boy became a man at the age of 13.  So now this man had more responsibility and is held accountable for his actions.  There are no verses to support that the Age of Accountability starts at age 13.  I think that you know of a few people who can be held accountable for their sin before the 7^th Grade. 

In 2 Samuel 12:21-23, David acknowledges that he will once again see his baby (Son of Bathsheba) in heaven.  This shows that God’s grace and mercy is extended to those who are not yet at a point in their maturity to either accept or deny Christ. 

Also, each person who has been born is guilty of committing sin.  Psalm 51:5 says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.”  David also sees how even infants are born into sin. 

So, back to the question.  Is there biblical proof for an age of accountability?  No, there is no specific age where someone would be accountable before God.  Imagine someone who is mentally handicapped.  Some are so severe that even if they are 40 years old, they still think like a 4 year old or younger.  There are also some who have the mental capacity of a 6 year old and have recognized their need for a Savior and committed their life for Christ.  God has NOT stated in His Word that if you make it to live 1,976, then that next day you are held accountable and must make a decision for Christ.

As interesting as it is to discuss the “Age of Accountability”, remember that there are no verses to state a specific age.  Do not let this become one of those battles that you would die for.  There are far too many of those.  In discussing this with friends always speak with love and ALWAYS use Scripture. 

~~~If you have any questions that you would like answered email at answers@youthteam.org

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July 19, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

One of the first things that God tells Noah after the flood is this.  Genesis 9:6 - “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God He made man.”

God is the one who first introduced to man to capitol punishment.  Anything that God originates MUST be good. 

James 1:17 - “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above…”

If EVERY good thing comes from God, it is impossible for any bad thing to come from Him.  It is against His character of being holy to institute something that is wrong, sinful, or evil.

Don’t get me wrong.  God did not want it to come to this.  If He did not allow for free will then He would not have had to place this law into effect.  If there was no free will, there wouldn’t be sin in the world.

God loves us so much that He allowed His perfect blameless son to undergo capitol punishment in order that we might be saved.

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July 17, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

Many decisions and commitments are made during the life of a Christian.  What separates the real decisions and the temporary decisions?  No one would make a decision knowing full well that they don’t plan on keeping it.  When decisions are make, we are fully intent on following through.  So why does it seem that decisions made at camp are often forgotten about 1 or 2 months later?

Accountability - During a camp week, campers are focused on God.  The counselors and other leaders are focused on God.  The counselors are almost always around their campers to help them focus on God.  This accountability and constant focus on God is what helps the campers stay focused on their decisions.  When the campers get back from camp they have ball games, hanging out with friends, and other things to do other than worry about the decision they made at camp and often times, no one around to remind them.

Paul held the Corinthian church accountable.  I Corinthians 4:14-15 - “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.  For though you might have tenthousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”

Importance - When decisions are made, they are made because the camper thinks that the decision is an important one to make at the time.  Likewise, any decision that is made that would cause someone to be more like Jesus is an important decision.  At camp all spiritual decisions are held in such high regard that some might even be tempted to make a decision just because everyone else is.  It is true that if something is important enough for you, you will make time for it.  If changing your life to become more like Jesus is important to you, you will make time.  If basketball or piano is most important to you, you will make time.  Larry Bird use to shoot 200 free throws before school every morning.  He MADE time to shoot.  There is always time for devotions, it’s just whether we make the time.

Paul also knew what it took to BECOME more like Christ.  Romans 12:2 - “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Steps to help follow through on your commitments 

Step 1: Find someone who WILL keep you accountable.  Someone who will ask you the tough questions.  Someone who you can speak truthfully to.

Step 2: Understand the importance of your commitment.  Commitments made before the Lord should not be taken lightly.  Make the time to give you the opportunity to succeed.  Be willing to clear things that are not important off your schedule to make room.

Step 3: Pray.  God wants you to succeed.  God will help you follow through if you would only ask.  He loves it when we make decisions for Him.  He loves it even more when we follow through.  God gave you the Holy Spirit to help you.  You are not alone.

Everyone should be able to see if you followed through on your commitment.  They should see a changed life.  They should see a desire to please God.  They should see a Christ follower.

Philippians 1:6 - “being CONFIDENT of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you WILL complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

If you would like more tips on how to follow through successfully with your commitments, please email pm@youthteam.org or see Pastor Matt.

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July 4, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

Galatians 5:1 - “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject to a yoke of slavery.”

Before Christ we are slaves to sin.  There is nothing that we can do to please God.

After Christ we are set free so that we might sin no longer.  What did Jesus say to the woman accused of adultery?  “From now on sin no more.” (John 8:5)  Did He set her free to continue in sin?  Did He spare her life and then tell her that He’ll understand if she falls into adultery again?  No.  He said, “sin no more”. 

For those who trust in Christ our challenge is to sin no more.  Are you free to please God?  Praise the Lord that He sent His only Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.  Praise the Lord that three days later He rose from the dead.  Rising from the dead, showed the conquering of sin.  It was that conquering of sin that gave us our freedom. 

Which freedom do you enjoy most, the freedom to say what you want, when you want or the freedom to please and enjoy the Everlasting God?

Praise the Lord for our country where we have the freedom worship the God that has set us free from sin.

Questions to ask yourself this week:

1.  Is there any sin in my life that I am a slave to?  (just pick one)

2.  Did Christ die for that sin?

3.  What are some practical things that i can do to get rid of the temptation to sin in this way?

4.  In putting off that sin, what is something that God wants me to put on?

If you have any questions or comments on this topic, feel free to post a comment or send an email to answers@youthteam.org

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July 3, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

Many people believe that America was founded on biblical principles.  In truth, the Founding Fathers were not Christians. 

Ben Franklin doubted the divinity of Jesus. 

Thomas Paine said, “I do not believe in any creed professed…by any church that i know of.” 

George Washington allowed the appointment of a chaplain in the army who did not even believe in Hell. 

John Adams once said, “This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it.” 

Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The doctrine that flowed from the lips of Jesus himself are withing the comprehension of a child.”  He also said that the writings of John in the book of Revelation were the “ravings of a maniac”.

America might have had some generally good principles that followed along with the Bible.  The whole point of establishing America was not to have a country devoted to the one true God, but to give freedome from the oppression of the British.

Psalm 33:12 - “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.”

Has God blessed America more than other countries?  Pretty Obvious Yes

Is it because America is a godly country?  No 

Will America ever be a country who makes God as their Lord?  Not likely

Is there anything we can do?

Yes!  We can make God our Lord.  It must happen individually before it can happen nationwide.  It takes individuals in a community to start a revival.  It takes a personal commitment to God, that YOU won’t succumb to the pressures of the culture around you.  It takes individuals who will stand up among all those who are sitting down.  It takes godly teens who are devoted to their Lord to start a revival. 

That is when we’ll start seeing a change.  Let’s pray to that end.

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June 29, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

Here are some verses to follow up our lesson on Religion and Homosexuality so that you might think biblically about this subject.

Homosexuality in the Bible:

OT: Genesis 19:5-8 (Sodom); Leviticus 18:22;20:13 (an abomination & detestable)

NT: Romans 1:24-27 (Abandoned natural function/Indecent); I Cor 6:9 (Not inherit Kingdom of heaven); I Timothy 1:9-10 (In a list of ungodly characteristics)

These verses show that homosexuality was not created by God, nor does God condone homosexuality.  It is through the twisting and taking out of context that others might use these verses to further the cause of coexistence between Religion and Homosexuality.  BUT if you take these verses as literal and look into any commentary on these verses, you will see that God is against Homosexuality.

NOTE:  God is NOT against homosexuals.  Is homosexuality a sin?  Yes.  Are people who practice homosexuality sinners?  Yes.  Is stealing a sin?  Yes.  Are people who steal sinners?  Yes.

In loving one another, we need to call sin sin.  There is great hope in this.  When we acknowledge our sin before God, we are then able to ask for forgiveness.  When we try and redefine God’s standards and change “sin” to “preference” that is when we will never be forgiven for that sin, because we will never ask for forgiveness for a “Preference”. 

In loving one another, we need to love everyone.  If they are living a homosexual lifestyle, if they are a pathalogical liar, if they always disobey their authorities, no matter what sin someone is living in, we are all still created in the image of God and THEREFORE deserve to be loved as individuals not matter what.

As John S. mentioned on Wednesday, we are to confront ONLY if it is to restore a believer or bring someone to Christ.

Matthew 22:36-40

 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the great and ^foremost commandment.

 “The second is like it, ‘^You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

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June 21, 2007 by Pastor Matt.

The purpose of having this blog is to encourage teens to KNOW God and LIVE for God.

On this blog you will find follow up questions on the Wednesday lesson, Devotionals for teens, follow up on Pastor Crawford’s sermons and things I’ve been learning.

All comments must be God-Honoring.  Please provide honest feedback.  If any comment appears to be gossip or degrading or anything that would detract from thinking on things that are excellent and praisworthy, they will be deleted.

If you would like me to post anything about any certain topic, please leave a comment or email answers@youthteam.org.

>Pastor Matt

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