Muslim Demographics

According to statistics, Islam will overwhelm Christendom unless Christians recognize the demographic realities, begin reproducing again, and share the gospel with Muslims. I thought this was an interesting video that should force us to our knees and stir our hearts to reach a lost generation.

Steve Harvey's Introduction of Jesus

I don't know theologically where Steve Harvey stands; but the introduction of Jesus during his "Stand-Up" made everyone Stand-Up! Pretty Amazing.

Thanks for the Heads Up Greg Steir.

HCBC's National Day of Prayer Service

125 Students attended the National Day of Prayer Service at Honey Creek Middle School this foggy morning. Leaders and students alike prayed at the open-mic service for our country, state, and city leaders. Students also prayed for God to move through their school and for a national stand for a Pro-life movement in America. Amazing time of community, donuts, and heart-felt prayers!

Why Do We Let the World Determine the Value of a Person?

Great points by Rick Warren on the Value of People. However his political views are received, Rick got this one right. There are great points for our students to grab onto. Why does the world (esp. media) have to determine the value of a person? Why does it have to be about grades, athletics, or looks? Why can't we accept a person as the perfect creation of our Creator. I am not talking in the sinful state. That's what we do, not what He created us to be. God can take care of the sin. Jesus waits for you receive Him... then you will be transformed into the image He designed.
I am talking about you and I being God's creation, not someone else's! God loves His creation! Jesus died for His creation? Why do we want to re-create His creation? Love as God loves and understand that His Creation has value... in and out of the womb!

Thanks Josh Griffin for posting the video at morethandodgeball.com

Kari Beattie wins a Golden Apple Award

Kari is a special needs teacher at West Vigo Elementary, and serves as one of Agape's Nursery Directors. She and her husband Jeff serve together on the Agape' Childrens Sports Team, Agape' KICKS, during the seasons of Karate and In-door Soccer. Join me as we celebrate this ever-deserving Golden Apple Award with her. Way to go Kari!!!

I'm Just a Teenager, but I'm the Church

We Are the Church from Southeast Student Ministry on Vimeo.

Great Video!!! Had to re-post for my students. Thanks Southeast Team and Josh Griffin for the heads up on this one!

The Teen Song

The song says it all! Teens are conversationalists!

Thanks for this one Marko!

Flutter... The New Nano Blogging Social Network

Just as you got used to the "tweet" on Twitter, now comes "flap" on Flutter! Check it out!

IMPACT JR HIGH HEADED TO BELIEVE

The IMPACT Jr.High students are ready for a two-day event, packed with high-energy worship, Biblical teaching, new friendships, and challenging opportunities. We are treking to Anderson University Friday expecting to experience God's transforming power in students and adults alike. Pray for us as we desire for God to do something miraculous through the vessel of CIY Believe.

Only Time by Kaylie

Kaylie you did a great job in the play. Just had to post it. We all love you! Blessings!

You Are a Representative of Christ on Earth

by Jim Burns

You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. — 1 Corinthians 12:27

God created the world
He appeared on this earth in the form of Jesus
He was beautiful
We mocked Him and killed Him
He rose from the dead
He is alive and eternal
He needs a new body on this earth
You have been chosen!
You are an important part of the body of Christ. You are needed to fulfill His work on earth. Your job is to live as He lived and love as He loved. One other thing—He gives you His Spirit to get you through the day.

I Love Jim's simplicity with today's devotional. Check out other resources from
Homeward.

The Resurrection Appearances of the Savior

1. To Mary Magdalene in the garden (Mk. 16:9 ; Jn. 20:11-18 ).
2. To the women returning from the tomb (Mt. 28:9 , 10 ).
3. To two disciples on the Emmaus Road (Lk. 24:13-32; Mk. 16:12 , 13 ).
4. To Peter in Jerusalem (Lk. 24:34 ; 1 Cor. 15:5 ).
5. To ten of his apostles in the upper room (Lk. 24:36-43; Jn. 20:19-23).
6. To eleven of his apostles in the upper room (Jn. 20:24-29 ).
7. To seven of his apostles by the Galilean Sea (Jn. 21:1-24 ).
8. To his apostles and 500 believers on Mt. Tabor (Mt. 28:16-20 ; 1 Cor. 15:6 ).
9. To eleven of his apostles and James, his half-brother, in Jerusalem (Mk. 16:14-18 ; Lk. 24:44-49 ; 1 Cor. 15:7 ).
10. To the eleven on the Mount of Olives (Lk. 24:50-53 ; Acts 1:3 ).

Wilmington's Guide to the Bible

The Last Statements of the Savior

1. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34 ).
2. “Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43 ).
3. “Woman, behold thy son! Behold thy mother!” (Jn. 19:26 , 27 ).
4. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mt. 27:46 ).
5. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28 ).
6. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30 ).
7. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46 ).

Wilmington's Guide to the Bible

How Could it Be?
by Greg Stier

How could He live through all the pain?
How could He suffer and still stay sane?
In spite of the lash’s cruel embrace,
Unmingled focus upon His face.
Like raining sulfur on His back
The Cat of Nine it did attack.
It hit and ripped and hurt and tore.
But Jesus lived…for there was more.

How could He die as sinners do?
A wooden cross, a nail or two.
He hung and bled in utter pain,
As crowds they mocked His holy Name.
On one side a man who now believes.
On the other a man in anger seethes.
He will not trust a bleeding King
Eternal life for him to bring.

How could our God be crucified?
How could the Creator of life now die?
How could the indestructible break?
How could the Father His Son forsake?
How could His back be turned on Him?
How could Christ suffer for my sin?
How could this death bring victory?
How could it save both you and me?

“Eloi! Eloi!” Jesus cried.
“It is finished!” then He died.
The veil was torn. The victory won.
We were spared. He was done.
In our stead He took our pain.
The sting of hell on him did rain.
He bore the sins and all the shame
Of all who call upon His Name.

How could this Jesus be in the grave?
His body buried in a cave.
The cloth and darkness wrap Him tight.
He breathes no air. He sees no light.
He’s dead, a corpse, all His friends grieve.
His earlier message still not received,
The news that He would rise again,
And live anew and conquer sin.

How could it be Him just standing there?
They hear him say “Now do not fear.”
He ate some fish. I’m sure He smiled.
He arose. He left, to reconcile.
What once was lost had now been found.
The angels cheered. The demons frowned.
For God’s own Son claimed victory.
He died, He rose for you and me.

How can it be?
How could it be?
That He loves you?
That He loves me?

Greg Stier

The Dare2Share Office

North Carolina Tar Heels Take Michigan State in 89-72 Win

It was great to finally see a Big 10 School back in the dance in the Final Game of March Madness, but I had to cheer on my #3 the North Carolina Tar Heels. If IU and ISU cannot contend, it's always UNC! It has been a great run for the Tar Heels... Congrats! Also, I am callin' out my Brother in the Lord Tyler Zeller from Washington, IN! Hope to see you at CIY Anderson this year!

Pic: Associated Press; April 6, 2009

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

IMPACT Student Ministry at the Dare 2 Share Conference in St. Louis

Pray for the conference this weekend and our students as we embark on the Gospel Journey to St. Louis, MO. We are expecting God to do some amazing things in and through our students. In the words of Greg Steir...

We have over 8,000 teenagers already registered and could see close to 9,000 teens in total with those who sign up at the door. That’s a potential army of Jesus loving, gospel sharing evangelists who come from all over the midwest and could be used to strike a revival of Biblical proportions all across America. God is up to something big. We are more than willing to drive 14 hours to see what it is.

May lives be transformed and passions ignited for the Kingdom of God as students are trained and sent out to testify in the name of Jesus Christ. May they obtain a boldness that encourages each of the to share the Gospel of Christ with everyone they come in contact with. May our student ministry and our schools be transformed by the efforts of D2S, your prayers, and the power of Christ.