Current State of the Family

The current state of the family is in a crisis! We can blame it on whatever; however, the issue is how do we correct it. I don't want to sound cliche', but the answer is always Jesus Christ. Our only hope comes from Christ. Do you believe that? I hope so!

However, I don't think God just wants us to stand around waiting for Christ to return to straighten things out! I believe He desires for us to take the action necessary to strengthen our own families in Christ and to help others in this fallen state of affairs. The first step is recognizing that there is a crisis, then seeking the face of God for wisdom on how to personally and ministerially handle the issues... asking Him to do a might work in the hearts and lives of all those involved.

Following is a direct post from Homeward's Jim Burns on the crisis:

I know you would agree with me that as the family goes so goes the future strength of our nation and the church. Just at a time in our nation’s history with the economy faltering and what seems like almost a general depression in the lives of so many people, the changing face of the American family is also in great need.

As Dorothy said to her little dog in the Wizard of Oz, “Toto we aren’t in Kansas anymore.” Let me put some stark facts in front of you:

• The cell phone will be the greatest distributor of pornography for kids before the year 2011.

• "Sexting” is the new craze reported CBS news last week. 1 out of 5 kids have received an unwanted text photo of someone naked on their cell phone.

• 160,000 kids stayed home from school today (and everyday) because of bullying and they literally are afraid to go to class.

• 12 million people in America participate in self-injury (mainly cutting) each year with most of them being young people.

• Today there are at least 25 different Sexually Transmitted Diseases people can catch. Time magazine reported: of the young people who are sexually active, they will have 7 different partners by age 25. One out of five has a sexually transmitted disease. Do the math – it isn’t pretty!

I do not want to sound like a gloom and doom prophet but friends, we are one generation away from a greater disaster with the current state of the family; greater than any economic problems we have. (Jim Burns... Homeward)

What is it that God is calling you to do in your own families and in the lives of those in your community? I can tell you that it starts with pointing students to Jesus Christ! We here at Agape are doing the best we can with what and who we have been resourced with. If you love students and feel compelled to serve in our student ministry... we want and need you! This next year, with an influx of students at every level and age, we need more volunteers. It's time to get involved. It's time to help restore this generation in the power and wisdom of Jesus Christ! Join me in helping to mobilize students to a deeper relationship with Christ, and as a result, strengthen our families.

Shreddin' the Gnar at Dare 2 Share in St. Louis

The Agape Christian Church IMPACT Students attended the Dare2Share "INVINCIBLE" Tour in downtown St. Louis last weekend. It was an amazing opportunity to be equipped to share the GOSPEL message by some amazing teachers and preachers. Students were challenged by the D2S Team to "Go All Out... or Go Home!" Students had opportunities to share their faith in Christ with the lost by calling their unsaved friends on cell phones, by going door to door in the communities surrounding St. Louis, and by intentionally starting conversations downtown and at the motels they were staying.

The Preacher, Greg Stier passionately shared the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ in a palletable way so students could grasp how to share the love and forgiveness of Christ with their friends and how to have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe by accepting Jesus as Lord for those who had not made that personal decision.

"Mobilizing teenagers to relationally and relentlessly reach their generation for Christ!"

My friend Sean, who was in the "Sharing Zone" the whole time, was able to experience a dream come true by meeting one of his evangelist superheroes, Greg Steir. Sean is passionate about sharing the Gospel with unbelievers. He has an extremely compassionate heart and an evangelistic personality.

Zane Black surfed in to encourage students to share Christ with his personal testimony and to share some practical witnessing applications through drama and "Zane-iness!"

A few of the girls were thinking of ways they could share the love of Christ with their friends! Or, they were dreaming of ways they could get Zane to go with them to grab a chili-cheese dog!

Besides the rain and snow, it was an amazing weekend that connected with our students and is still resonating as I have already heard stories about how they are invading their campuses and neighborhoods with the Good News of Jesus. We are truly on a GOSPEL Journey!

Goals for Daily Living
by Jim Burns

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.—Proverbs 16:9

Have you ever written down goals for living your life? I'm not talking about the do's and don'ts of legalism. I mean forming a philosophy of life and then living your life to the fullest according to your goals.

F.B. Meyer was a great writer and minister of the gospel. He had seven goals for daily living that I use and recommend.

1. Make a daily, definite consecration of yourself to God (audibly).
2. Tell God you are willing to be willing about all.
3. Reckon on Christ to do His part perfectly.
4. Confess sin instantly.
5. Hand over to Christ every temptation and care.
6. Keep in touch with Christ. (Read the Word, and good books; pray; and seek places and people where He is.)
7. Expect the Holy Spirit to work in, with, and for you.

Homeward Devotionals