This past Sunday night I had the opportunity to preach a message on the topic of music. You can listen to that message at http://www.southcharlottebaptist.org/.
In her book, Music and Morals, author Kimberly Smith states,, "...There is no such thing as 'Christian' music. There are only two choices for music: moral and immoral."
The "world" very clearly understands that music is very powerful. Just ask Muzak, a business that makes its living because of that power. Just ask any secular artist. Immoral music has a power that easily influences its listeners towards sensuality and rebellion, and influences them away from God.
That is where the pull of music comes in. 2 Timothy 3:1, 13-17 document well the pull of the world which can be seen in its immoral music.
Allow me to illustrate to you the "slide" that has taken place in so called "Christian" music.
Step 1. CCM (Contemporary Christian Music) - Artists such as Amy Grant and others began to popularize CCM which took the sound of the world and coupled it with "Christian" lyrics falsely believing that music (the sound) was amoral or morally neutral. CCM's belief was and still is that any music can be joined with Christian lyrics to make it acceptable and pleasing to God. (This is a Biblically incorrect belief.)
Step 2. CCM (Christ, Community, and Music) - This step began as "Christian" artists began to "crossover" into the world's pop music. In fact, these artists began to be referred to as "artists of faith." This meant that a musician, who gave any type of 'Christian' testimony, could perform Christian music and could also perform secular music. Many would place Taylor Swift, who gives a Christian testimony yet performs secular music, in this category.
Step 3. The slide hasn't stopped with simply taking the world's music and coupling it with Christian lyrics. Now it is a full acceptance, by Christians, of secular, worldly music - lyrics and all. I have on my desk right now a teen, "Christian" magazine with an article entitled, "Music to get you in the Christmas spirit." In this article it not only lists contemporary Christian musicians, but also artists of faith, as well as out-right secular musicians such as Harry Connick Jr. and Kelly Clarkson, former winner of the American Idol.
This same magazine, in tackling the subject of evangelism says, "Honestly, people want 'proof' of the difference Jesus makes. Your life is the proof." How can we prove that Christ has made a difference in our life when they "hear" no difference in our music and even see us accepting their music.?
"Come out from among them and be ye seperate..." (2 Corinthians 6:17)
Showing posts with label teenagers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teenagers. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Permission Slips
Below you will find PDF's of the permission slips of tonight & tomorrow's youth activities.
Click on the appropriate permission slip to open/view/then print.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
What Are the Signs of Rebellion?
Tonight, in Bro. Rand's message, he gave us the 7 signs of rebellion. He then went on to preach a wonderful message on being "A Rebel - But No One Knows It."
1. Little or now communications
2. Loss of interest in spiritual things
3. Lousy friends
4. Lack of enthusiasm
5. Letting go of strong moral standards
6. Lack of gratitude or thankfulness
7. Little or no respect for authority
1. Little or now communications
2. Loss of interest in spiritual things
3. Lousy friends
4. Lack of enthusiasm
5. Letting go of strong moral standards
6. Lack of gratitude or thankfulness
7. Little or no respect for authority
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday @ The Wilds
We arrived safely this afternoon after an almost 5 hour drive from Charlotte to The Wilds! We'll update more tomorrow!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Teens & Technology
I have written to parents in the past about teens and technology. However, I was recently reminded about the subject and thought it important enough to address again.
Technology is everywhere. Every aspect of our lives is touched in some way by technology. Whether it be cell phones, Ipads, ATM machines, portable DVD players (and the list could go on), we can't seem to get away from it!
Unfortunately, parents many times "assume" that teenagers know how to use this technology. Now, while teenagers know how to use technology they really don't know how to use it! Hopefully the following thoughts will help you understand what I mean.
1. As a parent, take the time to acquaint yourself with all the technology that your children and teenagers use. (I understand that this can be an intimidating task but it is important!)
2. As a parent, teach your children how to use technology. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therfore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Teenagers need to be taught to use technology in the right way - a way which glorifies the Lord!
3. As a parent, you must "inspect what you expect." Now, although this will take effort on your part as a parent and although it may not be pleasantly received by your children and teenagers, it is a very necessary step. If you've taken the time to understand the technology yourself, and you've taken the time to teach them how to use the technology, then take the time to make sure they are using the technology in the proper way. Proverbs 29:15b says, "...a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
4. If, after following these first 3 points you find that your children/teenagers are not using technology properly, please don't have a "knee-jerk" reaction and simply take the technology away. Go back to steps 1-3 and ask yourself, "Do I understand how this technology works and what it has the ability to do?" "Have I instructed them in the proper use of this technology?" "Have I been holding them accountable for how they've been using this technology?" It may be necessary for you to have your children take a break from the technology for awhile but be sure that it includes plenty of Biblical instruction.
"All Scripture is given is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get right), for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right): that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Computers began to become household items when I was a young teenager. My father bought our first computer when I was 12. I was intrigued with computers and began to teach myself how to use them. I learned that I could hook a telephone line up to a modem, type in a phone number, and visit "bulletin boards." (Remember, this was in the days before the internet and "unlimited" calling plans.) The online shopping mall that I visited was in California. While I did not get in trouble because of what I was viewing online, the phone call itself cost a lot of money. My parents hit the roof when the $800 phone bill arrived in the mail. Not that I'm blaming my parents, but had they taken the time to find out what that computer could do, then instruct me on how to correctly use that new technology, and then check up on me, they could have saved me a lot of "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth" and saved themselves some money!
Technology is everywhere. Every aspect of our lives is touched in some way by technology. Whether it be cell phones, Ipads, ATM machines, portable DVD players (and the list could go on), we can't seem to get away from it!
Unfortunately, parents many times "assume" that teenagers know how to use this technology. Now, while teenagers know how to use technology they really don't know how to use it! Hopefully the following thoughts will help you understand what I mean.
1. As a parent, take the time to acquaint yourself with all the technology that your children and teenagers use. (I understand that this can be an intimidating task but it is important!)
2. As a parent, teach your children how to use technology. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therfore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Teenagers need to be taught to use technology in the right way - a way which glorifies the Lord!
3. As a parent, you must "inspect what you expect." Now, although this will take effort on your part as a parent and although it may not be pleasantly received by your children and teenagers, it is a very necessary step. If you've taken the time to understand the technology yourself, and you've taken the time to teach them how to use the technology, then take the time to make sure they are using the technology in the proper way. Proverbs 29:15b says, "...a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame."
4. If, after following these first 3 points you find that your children/teenagers are not using technology properly, please don't have a "knee-jerk" reaction and simply take the technology away. Go back to steps 1-3 and ask yourself, "Do I understand how this technology works and what it has the ability to do?" "Have I instructed them in the proper use of this technology?" "Have I been holding them accountable for how they've been using this technology?" It may be necessary for you to have your children take a break from the technology for awhile but be sure that it includes plenty of Biblical instruction.
"All Scripture is given is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is wrong), for correction (how to get right), for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right): that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Computers began to become household items when I was a young teenager. My father bought our first computer when I was 12. I was intrigued with computers and began to teach myself how to use them. I learned that I could hook a telephone line up to a modem, type in a phone number, and visit "bulletin boards." (Remember, this was in the days before the internet and "unlimited" calling plans.) The online shopping mall that I visited was in California. While I did not get in trouble because of what I was viewing online, the phone call itself cost a lot of money. My parents hit the roof when the $800 phone bill arrived in the mail. Not that I'm blaming my parents, but had they taken the time to find out what that computer could do, then instruct me on how to correctly use that new technology, and then check up on me, they could have saved me a lot of "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth" and saved themselves some money!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Teens & Technology
I remember as a young teenager when I had earned enough money in order to purchase my very first Sony Walkman - a completely portable and battery powered cassette player! I was excited! I next remember purchasing my very own camera, a Kodak Disc 4000. I took literally hundreds of pictures with that camera.
As you realize though, technology has come a long way since then. Teenagers are know inundated with MP3 players, IPods, digital cameras, cells phones, DVD players, laptop computers, portable games, and the list could go on. Technology has definitely changed but what has not changed is the tempatation that teenagers face to use technology in a sinful way.
A recent news article from Fox News.com illustrates that point. The headline for that article read, “Trading Nude Photos Via Mobile Phone Now Part of Teen Dating, Experts Say.” That’s an alarming headline but by no means is it an isolated news story. I have other articles that speak of similar dangers that teenagers (and adults) face in using technology.
There is no way to escape technology. It surrounds us on all sides. Technology itself is not inherently good or bad. It is how we use it that determines whether it is good or bad. Proverbs 15:20a states, “A wise son maketh a glad father:” We all want teenagers that are going to use technology in a wise manner.
This may come as a shock to some but teenagers need to be taught how to use technology! The last part of 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “Do all to the glory of God!” Teenagers need to be taught, by their parents and other caring adults, how to apply Biblical principles in their use of technology. (3 John 4)
As you realize though, technology has come a long way since then. Teenagers are know inundated with MP3 players, IPods, digital cameras, cells phones, DVD players, laptop computers, portable games, and the list could go on. Technology has definitely changed but what has not changed is the tempatation that teenagers face to use technology in a sinful way.
A recent news article from Fox News.com illustrates that point. The headline for that article read, “Trading Nude Photos Via Mobile Phone Now Part of Teen Dating, Experts Say.” That’s an alarming headline but by no means is it an isolated news story. I have other articles that speak of similar dangers that teenagers (and adults) face in using technology.
There is no way to escape technology. It surrounds us on all sides. Technology itself is not inherently good or bad. It is how we use it that determines whether it is good or bad. Proverbs 15:20a states, “A wise son maketh a glad father:” We all want teenagers that are going to use technology in a wise manner.
This may come as a shock to some but teenagers need to be taught how to use technology! The last part of 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, “Do all to the glory of God!” Teenagers need to be taught, by their parents and other caring adults, how to apply Biblical principles in their use of technology. (3 John 4)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Biblical Principles of Dating, Part 2
Last night in 7 Star Teens, I finished preaching on "Biblical Principles of Dating." This is a subject that is of interest to all teenagers. It should be of interest to all parents of teenagers as well. Part of the audio of that sermon & the Power Point to go along with it can be found at www.7StarTeens.org.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
My son...
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." Proverbs 1:8
In his commentary on Proverbs entitled, Godly Advice for Young Adults, Dr. David Sorenson says, "It is...incumbent upon parents to instill discipline, obedience, and the principle of righteousness in their children at the earliest age."
In his commentary on Proverbs entitled, Godly Advice for Young Adults, Dr. David Sorenson says, "It is...incumbent upon parents to instill discipline, obedience, and the principle of righteousness in their children at the earliest age."
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Why Wait?
We've been studying the book of Acts & the early church in our teen Sunday school class. (We haven't gotten very far at this point. We've been in the first chapter for over a month.) In Acts 1:4, Jesus told the disciples to go back to Jerusalem and "wait for the promise of the Father." 10 days later "when the day of Pentecost was fully come," they finally experienced the promise of the Father. An interesting question, that I don't have the answer for is, why did Jesus want them to wait for 10 days? Why didn't they recieve the power of the Holy Spirit right there on Mt. Olives as Jesus ascended back into Heaven? Think about that one today.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What is Wisdom?
The whole of Proverbs can be summed up in one word - wisdom. There are 3 parts to Biblical wisdom. There is the accumulation of Biblical principles. In the book of Proverbs it is refered to as knowledge. (Proverbs 2:3-4) Next comes the assimilation of Biblical principles. In the book of Proverbs it is refered to as understanding. (Proverbs 2:5-6) This is the part of Biblical wisdom where, with the Holy Spirit's help, you get a firm grasp on the understanding and meaning of those priniciples that you have eagerly sought to accumulate. The final part of Biblical wisdom is the application of those accumulated & assumilated Biblical principles. (3 John 4)
Young people are simple. Proverbs 7:7 says so. Being simple is not necessarily a bad thing. (It is if a young person stays simple!) A simple person is neither wise or foolish but can be easily influenced either way. That was the point King Solomon was trying to make with his son - "You are simple, I want you to become wise!" (Proverbs 1:1-7)
We all need to develop more Godly wisdom. It is found in the pages of God's Book - the Bible! Spend time in it each day. Encourage your children to spend time in God's Word!
Young people are simple. Proverbs 7:7 says so. Being simple is not necessarily a bad thing. (It is if a young person stays simple!) A simple person is neither wise or foolish but can be easily influenced either way. That was the point King Solomon was trying to make with his son - "You are simple, I want you to become wise!" (Proverbs 1:1-7)
We all need to develop more Godly wisdom. It is found in the pages of God's Book - the Bible! Spend time in it each day. Encourage your children to spend time in God's Word!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
The Wilds - Day 4
It really is hard to believe that the week is almost over. Only 2 more days before we come home. I'm sure that most of the parents are eager to see their children and, although some of the young people are looking forward to going home, they would still love to see this week continue.
Evangelist DeGarde's message in chapel this morning was very good and powerful. The title was, "5 ways the God displays His power." His text was Jonah chapter 3. I don't have my notes right here with me so I can't give you the points. The one point that has stuck is, "God displays His power through preaching!" (1 Corinthians 1:18)
This afternoon we were able to have Family Reunion with the juniors and the teenagers. We took time for the teens to share a spiritual testimony from the week (and a "fun" testimony). From the teen's testimonies I must ask the parents, "Are you being a hinderance or a help in your teenager's spiritual walk?"
Tonight, we went to the junior's service where Jeremy Frazer preached a message entitled, "How to block Satan's attacks!" Several of the young people responded to the message.
Moms and Dads, I must ask a favor of you. On Saturday, when we get home, please let your young people rest for awhile first before you pepper them with a lot of questions about how their week was. They are going to extremely tired and may not be too excited (right after they get home) to answer a lot of questions.
Also, we will give the young people the opportunity to give their testimonies on Sunday night while the experiences are fresh on their minds and hearts.
Evangelist DeGarde's message in chapel this morning was very good and powerful. The title was, "5 ways the God displays His power." His text was Jonah chapter 3. I don't have my notes right here with me so I can't give you the points. The one point that has stuck is, "God displays His power through preaching!" (1 Corinthians 1:18)
This afternoon we were able to have Family Reunion with the juniors and the teenagers. We took time for the teens to share a spiritual testimony from the week (and a "fun" testimony). From the teen's testimonies I must ask the parents, "Are you being a hinderance or a help in your teenager's spiritual walk?"
Tonight, we went to the junior's service where Jeremy Frazer preached a message entitled, "How to block Satan's attacks!" Several of the young people responded to the message.
Moms and Dads, I must ask a favor of you. On Saturday, when we get home, please let your young people rest for awhile first before you pepper them with a lot of questions about how their week was. They are going to extremely tired and may not be too excited (right after they get home) to answer a lot of questions.
Also, we will give the young people the opportunity to give their testimonies on Sunday night while the experiences are fresh on their minds and hearts.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
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The Wilds - Day 3 (Wednesday)
Today started out with a trip into town. We have a "Family Reunion" time with the teens on Thursday and we always like to give them some snacks at that time. So, every year we take a trip into Brevard to visit Wal-Mart.
When we got back to camp, it was time for Water Wars. The Juniors play water games at/in the lake. Immediately after that we ate lunch with the teens and then they had their "Lake Games." The Wilds has not done water games at/in the lake with the teens since 1997 but with since this year's theme has water related, they brought them back. Both the teens and the juniors loved the water games.
I was able to get my laptop working this afternoon on the Wilds' wireless network. After doing a little work, I had to hustle back to my room before the thunderstorms rolled through. It rained heavy for about 30-40 minutes and then cleared up again.
Wednesday night is always "Fun Night" at the Wilds. We went to the junior's fun time, then went to the teen's preaching service, and then the teen's fun time. Willie and Matt Herbster are hillarious together.
Evangelist Ron DeGarde preached a strong message on sin and salvation. Many responded. I am eager to look at the decisions slips that our teens have filled out. I will see them on Saturday morning when we leave.
All the kids are doing great! Not a single problem! Continue to pray that their spirits will be receptive to the Lord speaking to them.
Until tomorrow!
When we got back to camp, it was time for Water Wars. The Juniors play water games at/in the lake. Immediately after that we ate lunch with the teens and then they had their "Lake Games." The Wilds has not done water games at/in the lake with the teens since 1997 but with since this year's theme has water related, they brought them back. Both the teens and the juniors loved the water games.
I was able to get my laptop working this afternoon on the Wilds' wireless network. After doing a little work, I had to hustle back to my room before the thunderstorms rolled through. It rained heavy for about 30-40 minutes and then cleared up again.
Wednesday night is always "Fun Night" at the Wilds. We went to the junior's fun time, then went to the teen's preaching service, and then the teen's fun time. Willie and Matt Herbster are hillarious together.
Evangelist Ron DeGarde preached a strong message on sin and salvation. Many responded. I am eager to look at the decisions slips that our teens have filled out. I will see them on Saturday morning when we leave.
All the kids are doing great! Not a single problem! Continue to pray that their spirits will be receptive to the Lord speaking to them.
Until tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Wilds - Day 2, Part 2
I'm having computer problems here at camp. I have yet to get my laptop to work on the Wilds wireless network. I've got things that I need to get accomplished that I can't do until I can get that working.
Tuesday went by quickly. Everyone was busy. I was "accused" today of being 48 years old! Wow! I wouldn't have seen that coming.
All of the young people are doing great! I'm sure that there are some parents that are having a worse time of it than our young people are doing. Not one of them has complained of being home sick. They are having too much fun!
Stephenie went to the Junior Boot Camp chapel this morning and told me that they're speaker - Mr. Frazier - did an excellent job! Apparently Mr. Frazier holds a black belt in Karate and used it in his chapel message! Needless to say he was able to keep the kids' attention.
Evangelist DeGarde is preaching through the book of Jonah during senior high chapels in the morning. The teens are also studying through the book Jonah during they're "God & I Time" each day.
Evangelist DeGarde preached another powerful message tonight entitled, "The Blueprint for the Battle." His text was Matthew 3:16-4:11. His main points were 1) The warning signs of our enemy 2) The weapons of our enemy 3) The weakness of our enemy. He preached hard on sin and many of our teenagers responded during the invitation.
Stephenie & I have enjoyed watching the teens/juniors have fun. My mind tells me to go on the hikes, ride the giant swing, etc. but I can't just seem to get my body to go along with it. So, we end up sitting in a central location watching all the activity around us.
Have a great night! More tomorrow!
Tuesday went by quickly. Everyone was busy. I was "accused" today of being 48 years old! Wow! I wouldn't have seen that coming.
All of the young people are doing great! I'm sure that there are some parents that are having a worse time of it than our young people are doing. Not one of them has complained of being home sick. They are having too much fun!
Stephenie went to the Junior Boot Camp chapel this morning and told me that they're speaker - Mr. Frazier - did an excellent job! Apparently Mr. Frazier holds a black belt in Karate and used it in his chapel message! Needless to say he was able to keep the kids' attention.
Evangelist DeGarde is preaching through the book of Jonah during senior high chapels in the morning. The teens are also studying through the book Jonah during they're "God & I Time" each day.
Evangelist DeGarde preached another powerful message tonight entitled, "The Blueprint for the Battle." His text was Matthew 3:16-4:11. His main points were 1) The warning signs of our enemy 2) The weapons of our enemy 3) The weakness of our enemy. He preached hard on sin and many of our teenagers responded during the invitation.
Stephenie & I have enjoyed watching the teens/juniors have fun. My mind tells me to go on the hikes, ride the giant swing, etc. but I can't just seem to get my body to go along with it. So, we end up sitting in a central location watching all the activity around us.
Have a great night! More tomorrow!
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Wilds - Day 1
Today has been a day of "forgetting." When we left the church this morning, I left the checks (to be used for paying for camp) sitting on my desk. Fortunately, I realized it before we got too far. Pastor Scott brought them to us at the Wal-Mart parking lot off of Hwy 49. Then, when we got to camp I realized that I forgot to pack the power cable/adapter for my laptop. Contrary to what some may think, I do spend some of my time during camp working. I had to call Bro. Waller and he very graciously volunteered to send it to me.
The trip to camp went very well. We had no problems with the bus. (Praise the Lord!) Would you believe, though, that it was the guys (one in particular) who were more "in need" of stopping to go to the bathroom than the girls were?!?!?
We arrived at camp around 2:30 and began the check in process. Normally it takes Stephenie just a short time to get the juniors checked in. She then meets me as I wait to get the teens checked in. However, today, I got the teens checked in and then got to our room and unpacked before Stephenie even got finished!
We took a short "power nap" after our sponsor meeting tonight. Driving several hours in a bus with that many juniors and teens can wear a person out!?!?!? It's not difficult but there's just only so many times a person can hear, "Are we there yet?" before they begin to lose a little of their sanity!?!?!
We watched the juniors tonight play a game called "Battleship Dodgeball." What happened after the game provided me with 2 - not just 1 - "Video Clips of the Day." Both of these would be on anyone's "Top 10" list! I may post one of them tomorrow.
Tonight, Evangelist Ron DeGarde, preached (to the teens) on "The Power of the Word of God." No pun intended but, it was a powerful message. His main point (and his only point) was, "God's Word has the power to change lives!" His main text was from 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
Well, everyone should be in bed and asleep by now. That's where I'm headed! I will try to give an update each day while here along with posting some pictures. Please spread the word to others about this blog so they can keep up with what the teens are doing.
Pray for the young people! Some mighty great things can be accomplished this week! God's Word is powerful!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Six Flags
This past week we took 25 people to Six Flags over Georgia. We had a great trip!
Trip - The actual trip, both going and coming, was excellent. The bus ran perfectly, the weather was cool and comfortable, the teens didn't beg to stop for the bathroom every 5 minutes or son, and I had a wonderful church member who went with us to drive the bus so that I could fellowship with the teens instead of driving myself.
Teens - All of the teens had great attitudes during the entire trip! Now, don't get me wrong, they weren't perfect but they did a great job! I was especially please to see how they all pitched in to help set up and clean up for dinner on Wednesday night.
Accomodations - We stayed at Bible Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA. An old college friend of mine, Jon Williams, is the pastor there. Jon's wife is one of Stephenie's good friends. We had a great time of fellowship with them!
Six Flags - The weather was superb and the crowds were short. The worst wait was for the Superman coaster. We waited about an hour to get on. The best ride we went on was The Goliath. The Goliath is a metal version of a wooden coaster. It has three things going for it - a huge first hill, speed, and great hills that keep your stomach jumping up and down!
Trip - The actual trip, both going and coming, was excellent. The bus ran perfectly, the weather was cool and comfortable, the teens didn't beg to stop for the bathroom every 5 minutes or son, and I had a wonderful church member who went with us to drive the bus so that I could fellowship with the teens instead of driving myself.
Teens - All of the teens had great attitudes during the entire trip! Now, don't get me wrong, they weren't perfect but they did a great job! I was especially please to see how they all pitched in to help set up and clean up for dinner on Wednesday night.
Accomodations - We stayed at Bible Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA. An old college friend of mine, Jon Williams, is the pastor there. Jon's wife is one of Stephenie's good friends. We had a great time of fellowship with them!
Six Flags - The weather was superb and the crowds were short. The worst wait was for the Superman coaster. We waited about an hour to get on. The best ride we went on was The Goliath. The Goliath is a metal version of a wooden coaster. It has three things going for it - a huge first hill, speed, and great hills that keep your stomach jumping up and down!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Connecting to An Online Generation, Part 1
Proverbs 23:26 “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.”
Teenagers are growing up in the most “connected” generation ever. Due to the information age where they have grown up, teenagers can connect with whomever they want, whenever they want. However, many of these same teenagers feel more “disconnected” from their parents and other loving adults than any other other generation before them. Sure, these teenagers live under the same roof with their parents, eat breakfast at the same table, watch TV in the same room, and even ride in the same vehicle; but that’s not the type of connection I am talking about. I am talking about the type of connection that Solomon was referring to when he said, “My son, give me thine heart…” I am talking about a connection that goes beyond the physical connection of living in the same family to that connection that binds the heart of a parent with the heart of their teenager. I am talking about the type of connection that so many parents and teenagers desire to have with one another yet so few actually do.
Over the past decade and a half of ministering to teenagers I have seen, as a whole, parents and teenagers drifting further apart. I have read books that deal with this issue. I have preached messages that have dealt with this issue. I have taught lessons that have dealt with this issue. Yet, as the years go by, the real heart connection between parents and their children has continued to deteriorate. Although they have not said it verbally, I have seen the questions in the eyes of parents and teenagers alike, “Why is this happening? What can be done to stop it?” Over the next several issues of this newsletter, I want to tackle the subject of connecting - really connecting at the heart - with your children. I want to encourage you to prayerfully read these articles and ask yourself the question, “Am I really connected with my children? What can I do to make the heart connection with my children stronger?”
In order to begin the process of really connecting, on a heart level, with your teenager, you must first seek to understand them. Have you ever made this statement in reference to your teenager, “I just don’t understand teenagers these days!” Or have you ever asked this question about your teenager, “What were they thinking?” Part of this feeling is due to the infamous “generational gap.” However, it is a valid point that in order to understand your teenagers, you need to understand that world in which they have grown up is different from the world in which you grew up.
Each year, two professors at Benoit College in Benoit, Wisconsin put together a “Mindset List.” They have been putting this list together for the past 11 years and it is designed to help the college faculty and staff understand the incoming class of freshman students. This list identifies those experiences which have helped shape the lives, mindset, and worldview of the incoming freshman. I want to include a few of the items from this past year’s list for the 2008 incoming class of freshman. You must realize that this list was compiled for a secular university that is not interested in Biblically training these young people. But, as you read this list, stop and consider how different of a world in which your children have grown up from the world in which you grew up. (If you would like to see the entire list, you may visit www.Beloit.edu/mindset.)
Mindset List for the Class of 2012
1. Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino.
2. WWW has never stood for World Wide Wrestling.
3. Films have never been X rated, only NC-17.
4. IBM has never made typewriters.
5. The Tonight Show has always been hosted by Jay Leno and started at 11:35 EST.
6. Caller ID has always been available on phones.
7. Soft drink refills have always been free.
8. Windows 3.0 operating system made IBM PCs user-friendly the year they were born.
9. 98.6 F or otherwise has always been confirmed in the ear.
Although this list may make you feel a little “old,” it serves to illustrate the fact that your teenagers have grown up in a world that is vastly different from the world in which you grew up. You must keep that thought in mind as you seek to “connect” with them. The next time you need to “confront” your teenager, keep in mind the command found in James 1:19, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” Before demanding that they understand your point of view, seek to understand where they are coming from. That attitude will serve to help you truly connect with your teenagers.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Ping Pong Ball Relay
We have a lot of fun on Wednesday nights during 7 Star Teens! (At least I like to think so.) We normally play some type of game during the course of the evening. Last night we played "Table Tennis Relay." The teens were divided into two teams and then grouped together by two's. Each person was given a straw. Each group, using only the straws had to blow a ping pong ball down the length of two tables and then back without letting it fall off the 
tables. If the ball fell off, they had to start over again. For some of the teenagers, it was a little harder than it looked!
tables. If the ball fell off, they had to start over again. For some of the teenagers, it was a little harder than it looked!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Camp at The Wilds, Part 4 - Pictures
Ben and Tim with one of the teen speakers, Mark Herbster.
The girls at the pizza party after "Fun Night!"
Elijah getting ready to ride the "Land Trolley."
The teenagers after our "Family Reunion."
Sterling's first ride on the "Giant Swing." (Notice that Ben is such an "old pro" that he was confident enough to take his camera with him on the ride!)
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