Children and Ultimate Fighting

If we have outlawed things such as Dog fights and Cock fights, why are are we so reluctant to outlaw 6 year olds participating in Ultimate Fighting? Is is because there is no money exchanged during betting hour, or is there? What are we thinking? Everyone thought allowing children to watch Bugs Bunny and the Road Runner challenged brutality and increased violence in children, but what about this new phenomenon? My wife say, "Some parents are just idiots." I agree totally.

The Greatest Definition of Youth Ministry I Have Ever Seen

My Friend Josh Griffin posted this on his blog, "Morethandodgeball.com." This is the greatest because Youth Ministry is like herding cats...especially JR. High Ministry.

Kutless' "Strong Tower"

One of my favorite songs. Really ministers to me when doubt sets up camp in my life.

Check it out!

Knowing Christ is the Goal of Life!

I am preaching this weekend on the Life Goals from the premise that if we were to ask the Apostle Paul, "What is your Goal in Life?" Paul would probably respond, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10-11)

"What does it mean to really know Christ?"

J. I. Packer gives four characteristics of those who know God intimately and authentically:

1. Those who know God have great energy for God.

2. Those who know God have great thoughts about God.

3. Those who know God have great boldness for God.

4. Those who know God have great contentment in God.

If knowing Christ is Paul's Life Goal, what is yours?

Jesus is risen! He is risen, indeed!

Laurin, one of my Facebook friends, posted her thoughts on Facebook. I think her excitement about our Savior needs to be caught. Too many people just think of Easter as another day...ham sandwiches and chocolate bunnies. Let's boldly share this message of hope through out the remainder of the year, not just once a year! And, let's get excited...as believers, we have the hope of eternal life.

As my pastor shared on Friday night, Jesus' resurrection changed everything. Without it, His followers would've scattered, and what we know as Christianity would've simply died off as just another sect of Judaism. The faith would have died when Jesus did.

But He rose. And that changes everything. That means that everything He said was true. He was the Messiah, our Savior. He was God. He had come to earth to show us who God is and to show us how to live. And His death had bought us our salvation. The resurrection changed everything.

Many truths in scripture became true about us when we accepted what Jesus did on the cross as payment for our sins 2,000 years ago. "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17).

But He did rise. Our faith isn't futile. Our sins have been paid for. Our salvation is secure. Our King is alive!!"He is not here; he has risen, just as he said!" (Matthew 28:6). Thank You, Jesus! May we live in the truths You died to give us.
Live like the children of the King you are, y'all!! Have a great week, rescued ones!

Laurin Makohon, YW editor