Sin Separates
I have been studying recently the Scriptural account of creation and God's goodness to His creation. Just think of how perfect Adam and Eve's existence must have been in the Garden of Eden. There was no death, no sin, the most incredible food, a perfect relationship with each other, and a perfect intimate relationship with their Creator - the Almighty Eternal God. They were commanded to rule over all of this creation; however, they could not eat of one tree in the midst of the Garden of Eden. That tree was the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Life could not have been better than it was until Satan (in the form of the serpent) started speaking lies to Eve about God. Genesis 3:4 says, "Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' " Satan is telling Eve that God is a liar! He suggests to her that God only gave this warning to them because He doesn't want them to be like Him. It's easy to cast judgment on Adam and Eve for buying into the lies of Satan in the Garden of Eden, but isn't that the case with us every time we give in to one of his temptations to us? Satan, in essence, is painting a skewed picture of God in our minds. He is telling us that the rules that God laid out for our "protection" are because God is an unloving tyrant. He tries to convince us that the satisfaction we will gain by fulfilling the desires of our flesh is far greater than any satisfaction God can offer us. But, let's not miss the lesson from Adam and Eve. All sin has consequences. Because they bought into Satan's lie, they experienced spiritual separation from God and physical death began its process. And my sin does the same. Thankfully, we are on the other side of the cross, though, where that separation has been bridged by the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ - God's Son. Now, even though I must still face physical death, I do not have to face eternal death. God has made a way for the relationship to be restored. Praise the Lord for that! Still, I echo the words of Paul in Romans 6:1, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" I cannot sin just because I know grace will abound. I have been "buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so [I] also should walk in newness of life." So remember, Satan is the liar, not God. God can be nothing but good. And even when we, His creation, have messed up so horribly, God has made a way so that we no longer have to experience separation from Him. After receiving His most generous gift of salvation, you and I now have a responsibility to "walk in newness of life." "God, thank you for sacrificing your Son, Jesus, on the cross so that we do not have to face separation from You!" If you would like to know more about a relationship with God, please contact us at info@encounterrevival.org. We would be glad to help you in your search for Truth. In His Service, PC Staff
Raising the Bar
Recently in our teen Bible study, we have been going through the book, "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris. This past week we discussed how teenagers must rise above the low expectations set on them and live a life of impact-really doing something for God. Well, I won't give it all away. I'll let one of the teens tell it like she sees it. This is what she has to say as a result of last week's Bible study. "Pride is a disease. Although it is eating away at every one of us, many don't do anything about it. Scoring the winning basket, getting 100% on a test, or leading a worship service in your church; they are seen as great accomplishments in today's society, but we never really stop to ask why. Why are these great accomplishments? Because people around you tell you that they are. I mean, if we're not out drinking, smoking, or partying, we must be on the right track...right? We let peoples' opinions of our so-called accomplishments boost our egos. After all, isn't our highest standard in this world NOT drinking and NOT smoking? Personally, I would rather be known for what I do, then what I don't do. I want to strive for perfection in His eyes, but His standard is extremely high. His desire is for us to try our hardest to achieve it. So just NOT doing things is enough to exceed the world's standards, but we still fall short of God's standards. See how pride winds its way into this? We get caught up in the world's values, and we see God's standards as completely unreachable and unfathomable. We give up and accept the world's standard as the norm. As long as we avoid some of the things that typical teenagers are doing today, then we are praised for it. This is where pride is slowly consuming our life. In Psalm 1:1-2 it shows us that we cannot just refrain from doing the wrong things. Rather, we must rebel against those things while striving to do the complete opposite. We will only be blessed, says the psalmist, when we delight in following God's standard. In 1 Timothy 4:12 it tells us that we can't let people look down on us because we are teenagers. However, in today's world, that's what people do because they see us as lazy, inconsiderate, disrespectful kids! In addition to refraining from evil and wicked things, we must actively pursue godly actions, speech, purity, and conduct. This is why I cannot be impressed with myself; for no matter what I do, I am still unholy, impure, and miss the mark. This is why I am living for Him. He see's me as beautiful, His creation. He knows that on this earth, I will not be completely like Him, but He fully expects me to grow closer to His image-to conform to His standard. And He has promised to help me along the way. This is why I must exceed the low expectations set on me as a teenager, because God requires it of me." -Amanda Swink Well said, Amanda. Are you satisfied with being a "good" teenager? Are you happy with just refraining from evil things? Well, let us be reminded of the potential that is packed inside of each one of us. God expects us to refrain from evil, but He also expects us to rely on Him to unleash our full potential for Him. What are you actively doing for Him? Are you being a good steward of your God-given talents and abilities? "Lord, help us all to answer these questions honestly and to listen to Your voice that prompts us day-by-day to strive for holiness in every area of our lives."
Be an Example
Just recently in our teen Bible Study, we have started a series entitled "Do Hard Things." It is based on the book by the same title authored by Alex and Brett Harris, younger twin brothers of Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye). We were discussing the words that Paul wrote to Timothy found in 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul urged Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." Certainly society has despised youth today. I suppose we can't be too upset at that, given the current lifestyle of many teenagers today. When asked to list characteristics of today's teenager, far more negative comments were listed than positive ones. As a result of this image, society has placed some very low expectations on this age group. They feel as though teenagers are incapable of carrying out normal adult responsibilities. "Let no man despise thy youth." These words from Paul were to remind Timothy that he should give no one an occasion to despise his youth. He had a responsibility as a young pastor to live his life as an example to the believers. Paul gave Timothy the following categories that certainly apply to us today. We can be an example... IN WORD - Do we use our words to edify (build up) or tear down. Do we participate in gossip? Do we take God's name in vain? IN CONVERSATION - This is also translated as conduct. How do we carry ourselves? Do we do things that would give someone an occasion to despise us? IN CHARITY or LOVE - This is an action! We must have compassion for those around us and act on that compassion. IN SPIRIT - If we truly want to be an example, we must obey the Spirit's leading in our lives. IN FAITH - Want to be an example? You must have faith in God first! He will help you to rise above the low expectations of society. IN PURITY - Purity is not popular, but necessary to be an obedient example for God! Give no one an occasion to despise you because you're young. BE AN EXAMPLE FOR GOD! 1 Peter 2:21 - "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" We pray that God will make the necessary changes in your life to be an example to those around you! For Him, The Philster
Desire is Not Enough
Proverbs 13:4 – The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Many times you’ll hear people say that if you really want something, you can have it. However, this verse teaches us that desire is not enough. A definition for the word sluggard is “a lazy person,” so this verse may well be paraphrased, “The lazy person desires, but he still doesn’t have anything.” Just wanting it doesn’t get the job done. The verse goes on to tell us that the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Now, when we see the word “fat,” we automatically think of things that we don’t want for our lives; however, this verse speaks of a diligent person being overrun with blessings (a fat soul). Sounds like a good thing, right? In other words, the diligent person not only desires something, but does what is necessary to acquire it. God rewards this diligence with an abundance of blessings. Today we are looking at a generation of teenagers who desire many of the things of this life – cars, motorcycles, money, fancy houses, nice jobs, popularity – but they don’t really want to work for it. So remember, the lazy person desires something, but he never gets it – he has nothing. Do you want to be fat? In the soul, that is! Diligence is the key. Desire good things, be willing to work for what you want, and watch as God honors your hard work with an abundance of blessings. Matthew Henry notes in his commentary of Proverbs that “this is especially true in spiritual affairs. Those that rest in idle wishes know not what the advantages of religion are; whereas those that take pains in the service of God find both the pleasure and profit of it.” Be diligent in the service of God! Article contributed by Ardy Parlin
Zambia Trip Photos
Click here to see photos from ERM's recent missions trip to Zambia.
Spring Cleaning
Ok, I’ll admit it. There is one thing I dislike about living in Pennsylvania - the winter time. Oh, I like snow, but only when I’m skiing or sledding. Once a year is plenty for me! I don’t like the cold that accompanies it. I don’t like wearing coats all the time. I don’t like having to wash the salt off my car every week. I don’t like scraping my windshield when I want to go somewhere. I guess all of these intense feelings of dislike stem from the fact that I grew up in good ol’ South Carolina. But you know, there is one thing I like about the winter…spring always follows it. The faithfulness of the seasons is very comforting to me. There is something about the spring air that rejuvenates me. Now, when we talk about spring, we often hear about spring cleaning. You know what I’m talking about. This is when your Mom goes crazy and makes you help her move everything in the house that’s not nailed down so she can clean under it, around it, behind it, on top of it, and everywhere else she can reach. Your house gets a complete wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor cleaning. If you sit on the couch for more than 5 seconds without moving, you get cleaned. At least, that’s what it was like at my house growing up. And of course, that cleaning frenzy includes YOUR room! Well, if you’re like most, you are probably not incredibly excited about this new found exuberance for cleaning that has suddenly overtaken your mother. But, you know it’s a good thing to do, so you help her on her week-long project of making the house look immaculate! It’s then that you realize that your room has not been cleaned really well since last spring. So there are piles of unorganized things overtaking your closet; there are old clothes that you’ll never wear again just taking up space in your closet, or under your bed, depending on where you threw them. There is clutter on your nightstand and dresser, and dust everywhere that has been collecting all winter. Then you finally realize, “Wow, I better do something about this mess.” Well, just like we examine our house after the winter time and do some major cleaning, so ought we to examine our spiritual condition. Has dust been collecting? Have you piled up little sins in the corner hoping it won’t make a difference? Has your walk with God become stagnant? Have you become unconnected from the Vine as John 15 warns us not to do? If so, then allow the change in the seasons to be a reminder to you that you need to clean out your heart also, and allow God to change you for His glory. Paul, in the book of Ephesians, put it this way: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” So I embrace the spring! The new life on the trees and plants is a reminder to me that I need to be willing to change, to not be content with my current spiritual walk. My cry to God is the cry of David when he said in the Psalms, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” This must be a daily cry to God. To remain connected to the Vine means being daily in the Word, growing, and ridding our lives of the old, sinful nature. For our lives, a once a year overhaul just doesn’t work. The dirt piles up way too quickly, and Satan gets a foothold on our hearts. If this is where you find yourself, remember that God is faithful. He is waiting to create in you a clean heart if you will just humble yourself before Him! Just as spring always follows the winter, God will do a new work in you also. But you must submit to Him. So when you’re cleaning your room, be reminded that God is much more concerned with the “dust” in the crevices of your heart then the dust under your bed (but you should clean that too!). “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalms 51:10 Ah, yes, the Spring!! Bring it on!! Signing off, PC Staff
Quiet Time Cautions
Read: Matthew 6:5-8 Meditation: vs. 7 ("But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions...") Explanation: Chapter 6 of Matthew is in the middle of Jesus' known discourse, the Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus pulls His disciples apart from the crowd to teach them in some of the weightier issue of the Christian life. Much of the emphasis of His teaching centered on the concept that God is more concerned with the condition of the heart than He is with the actions. He wasn't negating religious actions; He was simply teaching that "externals" are of no value apart from heart-felt obedience. This was a major issue for the Pharisees, and Christ didn't want His disciples to do the same. One of the issues within this discourse was prayer. He was very concerned that His disciples understood the importance of it, and how to do it. One of the instructions given was "...use not vain repetitions..." Christ didn't have anything against repetition; He was concerned with "vain" repetition. Vain repetition is when you are babbling words without a purpose. When this happens, your prayers become useless. Relationship to Quiet Time: Having a Quiet Time (spending time with God every day for the purpose of cultivating a relationship with God that is life-changing) is one of the greatest disciplines of the Christian life. But unlike other spiritual disciplines, it is one that is repeated on a daily basis. You go to church once a week, youth activities once a month, but you have your Quiet Time every day. Anytime we do something on a repeated basis, we are in danger of it becoming "vain" like the prayers of the Pharisees. Knowing that the problem isn't with the principle of Quiet Time, we have to do what it takes to continue this discipline (repetition), while guarding against it becoming meaningless and purposeless (vain). Tips for Avoiding a "Vain" Quiet Time How Can I Keep My Quiet Time from becoming "Old Hat?" Be cautious of a... 1. Quiet Time without a plan. Know what you're doing when you show up. 2. Quiet Time without a tool. A good devotional (tool) helps you with extra insight on a passage, keeps you organized and focused on an issue, etc. 3. Quiet Time without enough time. 10 minutes won't do. Be sure you allow yourself enough time to do it without rush. 4. Quiet Time without application. If you'll give time to meditate on what you read, God will bring to your attention how it applies to you. Be patient. 5. Quiet Time without journaling. Journaling will take discipline, but it is very helpful in "nailing down" your commitments. 6. Quiet Time without variety. Stay out of routine and rut by changing up your plan and your devotionals regularly. Do what it takes to keep it "fresh." And remember, nothing that is worthwhile comes easy, especially when you are dealing with spiritual things. Satan will be attacking you, trying to get you discouraged. Ask God to help you guard against his attacks. We are praying that many of you will make commitments to strengthen your devotional time with God. In Christ, The PC Staff
Practical Pointers from Proverbs
*Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them. PROVERBS 22:5*
Who Really Cares?
Who Really Cares? Who cares? Don’t you hear that a lot these days? Think about it. The philosophy of the world is this: “Do whatever you want, go where ever you want, look at whatever you want. Who cares? It’s your life; do what you want with it, right?” Wrong! If we fall into this lie we are giving our Enemy the victory and pushing God out of the picture, and ultimately our life. Why don’t we care about the way we live our lives? One reason is we want to be accepted by all people. Let’s face it, we all want to be accepted and we want everyone to like us. However, we must see if our wants are clashing or going against God’s Word. As Christians we are called to be completely different than the world. It says in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” That verse sums it all up—we must not let the world pull us down with the attitude of ‘who cares’! Perhaps another reason might be that as Christians we have forgotten what we are living for. If we have, we need to ask ourselves some questions: What are we really living for? What is our purpose on earth? In Ecclesiastes 12:13 it says, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” This verse simply states that in order to live a life that is pleasing to God we must obey Him, and obedience requires us to care about the way we live our lives. Not only have we forgotten what we are living for, we have also lost sight of our eternal home with the Lord. It says in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Matthew 6:19-21 also talks about laying treasures up in heaven and not on this earth. This world is fading away, and if we are living for what it has to offer then we too will fade with it, and our life will account for nothing. We must never forget our purpose in life, as well as our eternal home that the Lord has prepared for those who diligently serve and faithfully follow after Him. If we call ourselves Christians, then we must be different from this world. One verse that is a huge help in this battle is John 15:18, 19: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” WE MUST CARE ABOUT THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIFE!! DO YOU? Devotional Contributed by Caleb Frye (2nd year Encounter member)
Global Games Extension
Lou San Times Olympians Showdown with Titans at the Global Games Coliseum By Philip Drake Global Games Resident Professional (which means absolutely nothing!) The Olympians brought it strong in the latest showdown with their fierce competitors, the Titans! The contest was stretched out over 3 days and involved many grueling events such as Big Ball Bonanza, Extreme Frisbee, Big Ball V-ball, and the most heated of all events – Torch It! On October 1 at 5:30pm, competitors from Leesburg Christian School in Leesburg, VA stepped onto the property of the Global Games Village at Mt. Lou San at the base of Blue Mtn. for the first time as they began their 3-day quest for gold. The events at the Global Games Village, which many thought were over in early August, were extended for this 3-day matchup. The Encounter members once again assumed their roles as “coaches” to facilitate this epic scenario, as they quickly bonded with their “athletes” for maximum effectiveness. Apart from the rivalry, the athletes enjoyed spending worthwhile time with their coaches at the Global Games Chapel learning more about God’s pattern for their lives. They learned lessons on teamwork and unity in the body of Christ at the Low Ropes Training Course. Through the sport of geocaching, the coaches were able to help their athletes understand how God’s Word is like the GPS tracker that guided them through the woods to their treasure. And through a time set aside for personal devotions, the athletes were able to cultivate their relationship with their heavenly Father – many for the first time in a long while. Certainly, the highlight of this episode of the Global Games was the fireside testimonies shared by coaches and athletes alike, where it was evident that the events between the Olympians and the Titans took backstage to the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of all those who attended the games. To the readers/subscribers of this issue of the Lou San Times: We thank God for this time with Leesburg Christian School and ask that you would please remember these students in your prayers. Many have made life-altering decisions and need the courage to stand up for those decisions, and the perseverance to carry them out. Thank you for your prayers and commitment to Mt. Lou San. We would encourage you to look for the next issue of the Lou San Times in the near future! God bless!
