Young Adult Retreat plus last Sunday

Last session got deleted because Camp Nakamun has bad service and everything sucks.

Basically Pastor James talked about the things we need to do after we are dwelling in Jesus.

And that just means that we need to reflect on our actions, because those are the things that will express our emotions.

I also got prayed for in my sendoff weekend.

We spoke prophetic words over Pastor John and Ana.

We met up in small groups and talked about what it looks like to be a Christian and serve outside of "These Four Walls."

Left camp Nakamun.

Big post below

Church @ The Project

Baptism Sunday.

Chris from last weekends worship night.

James from Menergy.

Kalista? Twin

Nate? 

Brooke from Young Life

Frederick. Catholic background

Jessie. Best friend Jordan.

Announcement Andy!

On The Spot -Marriage 

Married couples:

Anket & Diandre

Carlos & Kennedy

Nick & Michelle

Compared to when you were single to now, what were your thoughts on marriage?

Marriage is for sex. But marriage is not all about sex, sex isn't the best part of marriage. Sacrifices for the person you love. Becoming a dad.

Marriage is work, you see them all the time, you aren't perfect with them, when you're married you unload on them. 

I was excited for marriage, you get to witness their life, and they get to witness your life.

Sex as well. Honouring your SO, bringing in more baggiage than you needed to. She had so much grace and he gets o experience it every day.

Expectation:marriage is great, but tough and all the work. Constantly think about how your actions affect another, being selfless is weok. It's awesome, it's fun, doing awesome stuff together every day.

Why get married? 50% ends in divorce. I wanna slap my old self, being vulnerable with another person, no stopping them off an d leaving them. Growing as one flesh. It's hard but learning how communicate is worth is and is so much more fun.

The things u outwork at become the miost fun. Things.

What did you do right before marriage?

Surrounding ourselves with good people who spoke into our lives. Married couples. Support. Advice, future.

Cancer in family. The established individual relationship win God help, and how dous the couples rlrstiihsip work as well. Dealing with stuff.

What do you wish you did before you were married? Doing it right

Accountability. Spiritually, as a guy. Masturbation? Married means spiritual life is easy, read the bible every night like good Christian couples. Not being a good leader at He start. I assumed she would taker her role and I would take mine. Establishing my role as leader I sucked at.

We would've had others holding us accohntsble, them being a apart of our lives, nobody to lean on or talk to about it.

What have been the best tools or supplements in your marriage?

Pre marriage course at church. Thin Ng's you argue about. Fighting fair. Putting their needs before yours.

Navigators counsel, preset questions, what did I do that made you happy. Any unresolved hurt or feelings. Making time to focus on your relationship.

Arguing well. Being too similar, not escalating, figuring it out right away. Not going to bed angry, making me tired. Figure out before we move on.

Quick to say sorry, don't keep fighting over whatever, even if it wasn't your fault approach it. Take it head on. Saying sorry. Escalate from there!

Take her on dates, coffee. Don't just sit an dcoexist, but go on walks where you need to communicate and be a part of others lives

Observing otherpeopel, asking questions, reading books. They look greetX what are they doing righ

None of them feel like they're perfect for it. We're all always figuring it out, you're always falling forward into it.

Do you think everyone is meant to be married?

Bit really, enerrioke jas different purposes.

Women look for in men?

?? Man that sees his wife in, man that's

Men look for in women?

Not crazy, cook, through the stomach, serious note, be yourself around and funny and serious, but serious at the same time.

Will marriage make you happy?

It's hard, but I hope so. I might not always like you but I will always love you. Knowing they're there no matter what

Marriage is one of the rnst things you. An do, but one of the hardest things you will ever so.

Ephesians 5:21 "submit to one another out of reverence to Christ." 

Submit is different in our culture. Not like how Paul uses. Submit to one another, not to one other. It's about the whole unit. 

Until your ready to give yourself as a benefit to the whole unit. 

Wives, if you had a husband who lived you likejesus loved you, it would be easy to entrust them in your life. Don't go chasing waterfalls. Wait until you find that person.

Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church. He gave up his life for her. Are you willing to break your laptop to make this marriage work. Every marriage has an opportunity to experience Jesus love. Guys unless your willing to lay your rights down for the benefit of your wife you ain't ready.

Submit to one another out of the example and respect for christ. Even when we be treated him he came and mended the brokenness.

Marriage is the longest and hardest. But if you honour it it'll bring you closest to what Christ wants for you.

Dialogue about marriage submitted questions.

How young is too young to get married?

Divide by 2 add 7?

22-21? 

There are a few things you wanna pay attention to. How do you now your doing it the right way. Make sur you're as similar as possible. Dogs looking like your owners? Find that. Values and goals? Similar in that. Opposites attract until they start attacking rags other. Creates friction. Similar deep held values. Kids, travel the world. Can you look at them and say that you would naturally be friend, that you would organically get along very well.

If you don't know why you wanna do in life? Passions and direction where you wanna go. Make sur r you Nile your bagisgr and unconscious baggage. Knowing your blindspots. 21-25 creates s 15% divorce rate.

If a guy says you complete me? I don't feel like marrying half a man.

If you don't know, you'll create an identity out of that person.

Financially. Thinij g about that crates security. Are you aware about your financial situation? What it X happens?

Are your parents on your side with marriage?

What do you want to see before you'll marry someone?

Never submit to you if you're not confident in your ways of leading.

Value system. Love Jesus and has the relationship wtb God, listening and asking direction. Knowing what you're attached and drawn to. God has been shaping your identity. That is what is goinf to create the healthy space. 

What wil you do if you are married to someone who is married to video games?

If you brought it up and there is no shard reciprocation? Try to find a third party to manage the conversation. Be honest with what your feeling, don't see that person through your bitterness. Seek help out. Video games are a huge detriment to marriage.

Healthy behaviours and decisions lead to healthy emotions. If you aren't making the right choices then you haven't been having then right behaviours.

Why even get married it's the 21 century we edont need labels?

That's one way of seeing it. I see the marriage vow and covenant is not pushing away and separating love. It supercharged and advances them.

I'm commuting to love you and to be faithful, I'm commuting for your future and eeer both submitting to that. My love is at s marriage level, I'm in it all the way. "I will commit to you in life and death before you could even commit to me." Marriage is meant to express what god intends to express in reliishoo with us. Greatest way to love someone

How important is mareiage prep?

You gotta do more work to get s drivers license than it is to get married. Over 36% of couples that do marriage prep have a mor Erik filling marriage. It's the longest thing you do in life. Married at 35 and die at 85? That's 50 years of your life. Marriage prep helps you, gives you the tools to communicate about sex and finances and annoying habits.

Before you get engaged get marriage counselling. At least read s book. The other person is worth it.

What about this cases wher some couples get married after a month? They don't find out about those habits until after marriage?

Being a good communicator, talked about your feelings. If you learn to communicate well it means you invest into your SO, after investing into them you can overlook their annoyances. Communicating your annoyances is easy, and then you will show that you love them by Doing something about it. Different love languages and such. Communication can get over anything?

How do you know if you've found the one?

Once you say I Do. 

How do I support my spouse aside from going to church together?

Our spiritual life is s long journey. Things are going to happen. Be in tune with one another Anne where they're at. Are you praying about them more than you are taking about them? Talk to them and pray about it. God heard prayers and He is the one to chfsngr people. Posture of prayer, giving things to God and allowing  Him to work. If it brings goodness and gentleness it is a good thing.

Being in others to encourage and work with you.

My fiancé supports my faith, but doesn't believe?

I would have spoken to the person that brought me here, asking for help from those in faith. 

Biblical instruction in Corinthians.

If you aren't married you aren't married. It's hard to recognize while your in it.

One of you will compromise your values. Unfair to ask of someone. This is an important thing to ask. Wife or husband if you're married to someone who doesn't follow Jesus: pray for them and act like Christ in that relationship. Don't push your agenda. God doesn't do that. Pray and believe for your spouse, and be Christ like as much as you can.

What about friends who are good Christians and date someone without faith?

Do not base your life on exceptions. We all wanna base our life on best case scenario. That sets us up for disappointment and failure. It could happen, and pigs could fly.

You need to be wise. You are making decisions that will form the rest of your lives.

Do not screw with a relationship that will affect the rest of your lives together.

It's a role reversal. The Jesus lover falls away and the anti God person finds Jesus.

It's way too important a conversation to not have and not talk through.

We want you to do it well. Nobody does it perfectly. Learning to work with each other, learning good habits and unlearning bad habits. Nothing will shape you more than relationships.

That's all for now.

Young Adult Retreat First Session

Pastor James @ Camp Nakamun

First Saturday Session

Friend of Pastor John from college.

James story: Investment in his dads life by the Rowse family.

Humility, let's join together and talk about discipleship. "I've heard a million talks about this 😂"

John 15:1-

Story: people who you know on Facebook, you feel like you are not close with them at all, but they feel like you guys are best friends? Or maybe you thought someone was like that for you?

Story: going for a kiss with a girl in her BMW, "by the way I have a boyfriend." What? I thought I knew you?!

Like our relationship with Jesus, we want to be in a relationship with Him, but we don't actually know Him. Ask yourselves if you actually know Jesus. Is it your parents faith, or your pastors faith?

This weekend is for reevaluating if you know who Jesus.

Excuses, things that aren't bad but they distract us, 

On our phones, Netflix, insta, distractions that can remove us from focusing on Jesus.

Three primary things:

1. Disappointment: a time where you're hyped up on the spiritual high! But you go home and nothing happened. We did what the preacher said, and it didn't happen and I'm disapponted. Ten year old James story of being disappointed with his asthma faith healing. "I am not goona go there again because I don't want to be disappointed again." Didsppointment leads to laziness.
2. The devil. Without sin, without Adam and Eve. Our relationship with God would be so much more tangible. We would be i the garden, free. But it isn't God who tempts us.
3. Temptation: REALLY? Like God flip a switch in my life. I've gotta go through this again?! Wtf? Ima do all the Christ-like things, skinny jeans, goona go through all the motions. But without relationship... I could have intimacy and get the benefits of that relationship without _______. How do I go from being a follower to being a disciple. When temptation and apathy comes in we don't run from God, we run TO God. Story about having a fragile relationship, worried about earning God's love.

When was the last time you led someone to Christ outside of the church? What is your reputation with outsiders? Do people in coffeeshops and sports teams know you're a follower of Christ? 

"If you remain in me you will bear much fruit"

...then all of your desires will be given to you.

But are you in Me? Am I in you?

They will know you by your fruit, but are you showing them the love of Christ?

Be honest with yourselves, are you in Christ or are you just following Him? 

What has your heart? Your job? Your relationship? Your sports? Church? 

A Good Good Father: showing that He just wants to be with us.

There is always a level that you can go deeper, there is so much more to who He is.

You'll never get there if you don't be with Him, if you don't spend time in Him.

...

...

You can't earn your place in heaven.

You don't need to try.

God says that He loves us because we are His sons and daughters. Step one is to be with Him, remove any hindrances that are stopping that and just be.

Discussion time.

What did God say? Where you at with Jesus? What you feeling, let me help you journey with this.

Session 2 Saturday

Praying

Wrote my other post, talking about expressing things.

Praying and encouraging Matt and Nikki

Pastor James:

Being with Jesus, spending time.

Story: James and spending time with his wife. 

The most important thing to do in your life is spending time with Jesus

Second step to becoming a disciple is becoming like Jesus. Representing Him as best as we can.

Practice the things that He practices 

1 Corinthians 9:24-

Like an athlete would train for their event, we need to train as 

Stressed: kids ministry, gray hairs. Driving? Yeah.

"Dude you gotta control your emotions" being a hypocrite.

At work? Boss/coworker driving you crazy?

College/Uni? Homework is the killer.

Stress is tossed around pretty easily these days.

Burning out is real.

Renovations no permits basement suite, new super pastor at work worried about jobs, wife forgetting birth control, 

When we try to follow Jesus we think of it as a sprint, more like a marathon. If we don't lived a balanced life... stuff happens, but if we don't have practices in place we will one day give up and just throw in the towel.

Jesus was sweating blood, "can this cup be passed of me?!" Not my will but Yours.

You can't try your way to be like Jesus, you need to train your way to be like Jesus.

What were the spiritual disciplines. Jesus gave up His deity when he came to earth.

I don't say anything that u don't see the Father saying.

1. Get away from the crowd. Jesus, afterwards his ministry. A place of solitude, a place of silence. Get alone with the Father. 1 on 1 time.
2. Fasting. Jesus did this a lot. He was anointed into ministry and immediately went into the wildernesss and fasted for 40 days. That moment for Jesus wasn't his weakest but his strongest. He wasn't relying on a natural strength but the spiritual strength. You access supernatural resources when you fast.the point of fasting is that the time you would be doing X, you supplement it with prayer.
3. Reading your Bible. The power and presence that you can tap into simply by meditating on scripture. Reading the matriarchs and patriarchs of the faith. Read case for creator, case for the bible. This book is legit.
4. The art of Sabbath. It was initiated in Genesis when God rested. An important principle to take a 24 hour period when you just rest.
5. Community and food. After the Holy Spirit came down they broke bread, they gathered around and had food. Doing life outside of community is not the life Jesus called us to live. Coinenia Greek word meaning fellowship. Doing life together.
6. Sunday gathering and worship. Jesus sent to the synogogue once a week at least. Where we can get together as a family and get fed and get sent back out.
7. Serving. In and outside the church. "I did not come to be served but to serve." When I become more Christlike is when I go help somebody move. Jesus washing the disciples feet. Peter protested because Jesus was Doing the thing that nobody else wants to do. Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Don't tell anyone that you're serving, redding the Bible. Don't do it for recognition or as a popularity contest.
8. Gratitude. Stopping, taking a moment and just thanking God for what he's done in your life. So much power to tap into, potential is off the charts. Pray for your leaders. Thank you for _______. Bless them. God you love them, God I love them.
9. Celebration. I'm Jesus and I like to party. The year of jubilee, Passover, weddings, massive party. Mazeltov, Jesus' culture knew how to party.

Of these, probably focoud on the one that you are neglecting. Don't change your personality, don't become an extrovert/introvert, but come find Jesus in a place that is uncomfortable to you. Do something you've never done before. Invite God into moments in your day. Work these things into your daily routine, practice the things that Jesus practiced. Do the things that Jesus did to get filled with the spirit.

Liturgical audit: public worship, taking inventory of Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat. Does this do my heart well? Is this tapping into the Holy Spirit? Is it an addiction? Train towards the pain? 

Try these 9 things one at a time.

Just start practicing.

If you don't replace a habit you'll fall into that habit again.

I'll be honest I don't have any right now. I do need to do this once I'm in Montreal.

That's all for now.

The Morality of War, What does being in the Army mean?

Last weekend in Edmonton (I'm not actually in Edmonton right now lol). Last week I got sworn in to the military, had lunch and a really good conversation about my moral thoughts while I'm a part of the Army, and I kinda wanna write them out to solidify the values and ideals in my head. Um also last week I had some really sweet worship time, and the week before "last week" I was sick so that kinda sucked, hope my health is at its peak before I end up in Montreal, I wanna succeed physically.

Ok so regarding my thoughts on morality.

My hope is that the training period will give me the perspective that allows me to make judgement calls if I'm in the moment where I need that. 

Eg: I encounter an unexpected unknown/possible enemy and have to react quickly and decisively.

I believe in giving people the benefit of the doubt, so my idea is that those who are commanding me and giving me orders know that we are doing the 'right' thing with our actions as a unit: that I won't get an order that I know is wrong.

Now if that does happen, I hope that I will be allowed to express my thoughts.

Eg: if I see our company doing something I know is wrong because of the information that I have available to me, then I would hope I could say "Is this what we are supposed to be doing? What about X information which I know because of Y?" And I would be told further information based on that discussion.

As a member of the military I represent (to an extent) our citizens and peoples. Society depends on some members of the military domestically (for sure) and abroad (I hope so). Domestic issues are natural disasters and matters of national security, and I cannot think of a situation where I would question that in any way, shape, or form. Abroad? I could foresee that being an issue. Sometimes the locals do not want a military presence. NATO and the UN make choices based on the information available to them, and sometimes that information can be biased or outright incorrect, and if that happens and the situation on the ground is vastly different from command's understanding of the situation beforehand I would want to be able to communicate that in the fastest manner, especially when I am not experienced enough to understand what would need to change to accommodate the new situation that has arose.

What about killing someone?

I can honestly say that if I know that someone wants me dead I will not hesitate to stop them at any cost. That looks different in the field, because you don't know everything, and you have to make quick decisions that will have eternal (permanent) consequences. Another fact is if I am protecting someone from an aggressor, or possible aggressor, I do believe that there is no reason for there to be any doubt if I am seeing something "unexpected."

A man shows up somewhere he should absolutely not be at that time and refuses to communicate or back down? There should be a process that he has ignored deliberately and if he has gone that far than I am only retaliating to what he has already done as a conscious choice. I do not think I would hesitate if I knew that the safety of my company would be in danger if I did not take action.

My exposure to the world has taught me that people are not always to be trusted, and if someone has trusted their life (safety) in my hands then I should not doubt my own decisions to accomplish our goals with the greatest care and diligence.

I've beaten around the bush enough, if I saw someone with a weapon I would shoot first if I thought I had enough information to know that they are my enemy (they have made a conscious decision to A: have a weapon (implies readiness to kill, main, and destroy), and B: be in an area where they will find soldiers with the intention of ambushing/assaulting them, lastly C: having no identity aside from the weapon, this would apply to uniforms or marking designating friendlies). I would shoot to kill.

My goals are for everyone on earth to live in such a way where they do not fear for their lives as they move around the environment they are born into. Sometimes there is an unavoidable danger (dark street at night) that will be unavoidable no matter where you are located geographically, but that does not change my goal of basic human rights for life.

I do wonder about the motivations of those who find themselves in a 'War-Zone.' Obviously there are no real chcoices in that, if they could leave they would have, and if there is no other portion, I'm sure they would fight for their lands/families/ideology if that was the only option presented to them.

But when it turns to crimes against humanity? Treating prisoners like criminals? Killing civilians without any semblance of morality? Child soldiers? Ambushing enemies without any decision making or goal?

Those are things I disagree with wholeheartedly.

And if those doing these things were on my 'team?' Would I be able to stand in front of them and tell them that they cannot go through with what they wanted to? To physically try to stop them? I hope so.

What about the goals of the 'state' and the allies of our country (the western world, UN, NATO, and America foremost)? Do I think that everything the country does is right and am I comfortable with being only a pawn in those goals? 

My thoughts are that I hope that those placing the orders understand that they may not have all the information, and if they make a decision without all the information it could end up being the wrong one. Once the correction is made and more information has been gathered being able to change to the right choice is a hard one, and I hope it would be pursued and not ignored. Again I've kinda talked about this already, but just not agreeing with going along with something that is absolutely wrong, and being able to communicate why it is based on the real and true information.

I think something I'm thinking about is that the soldiers are not just 'warm bodies,' but that they are thinking, rational, knowledgeable human beings, and they can contribute to the choices that affect the world around them. Obviously there is a reason for the chain of command and those with experience and knowledge will be able to contribute more than those without.

That's all for now.

Crunch Time

I just finished the last two basketball games that I'll be an official at before I leave Edmonton.

Definitely a garbage two days to start this career hold on. Yesterday my partner just three me for a loop for the first bit of the first game. Just an attitude/personality clash I think.

It did teach me a bit, I was able to look at myself with a more critical eye, seeing what habits I fall into and what I should be working on improving.

Today I got to experience a terrible coach. Gave him a technical, it was a game where I completely lost my voice afterwards (due to other factors as well but the game was the primary cause). It was a situation where a more experienced/mature official would have caused a different result, although if everyone involved (coaches) were less selfish it wouldn't have been a thing at all.

I just want to say that the whole thing is about the kids. They just want to play some basketball, and especially at this level (moderate/beginner) it is more important to look after the players: safety, fun, game involvement, sportsmanship etc.

Anyways my voice is gone but overall I did enjoy my refereeing experience and I look forward to improving myself in the future.

Young Adults @ CCC 

Pastor Dean & Laura Panel - Pastor John & Ana

How we met?

Church Camp and first kiss story.

What sort of activity should I have in the search for my spouse?

Hard to steer a parked car.

Let God direct you.

Be the best you you can be,

Work on you, God is grooming you for you future spouse.

No one perfect person, there are a lot of people for you, they are all people. God will take you to the flower garden and you shall pick one.

Things you should look for in your spouse, all sorts of shapes and sizes and scents and gifts and skills that you can look for and pick.

:D

Is it sinful to date a non christian, "missionary dating"? Flirt to convert

How can two walk together if.... Amos 3:3

Your spouse needs to be a lover of Jesus Christ.

Look for the fruit of it, look for their passion for discipleship, a teAchabld spirit, will they obey God in the hard things? Do they tithe (time, money, etc) don't expect they to change, would you marry that person as they are? Don't expect them to be able to change.

When you're dating you put your best foot foreword, you do things you want them to see.

Rose coloured glasses.

Should we always date with the intention of marriage? What should we be doing?

Dating is not a game, it should be used to find someone who you would marry. If you would never marry that person, don't date them!

If you don't intend to marry them you are really going into the relationship with the wrong reasons.

We are all wired sexually. The problem with just having a bf/gf gives you a big temptation to go into a deeper sexual relationship. Setting yourself up for disappointment and failure.

Developing soul ties with others who you have shared a sexual relationship with will create emotional baggage.

Be friends first before you jump into that romantic relationship.

Hang out in group settings, 

Common sense.

Promise each other what your limits are. Create boundaries and respect them.

Don't fool around with sex before marriage.

Did you see lifelong commitment modelled in your family of origin?

Laura - Yes

Dean - No. fighting every week, remarriage. You have a choice. You can become like your environment or you can make a conscious decision to avoid that.

So you accept conflict or view it as a threat? What does it mean to fight fair?

Will have disagreements: two lives blended together to be come one will be a union to work for. Conflict resolution is a key aspect in a healthy relationship.

Dialogue, discuss, treat with respect, avoid exaggerations (you ALWys, you NEVER, etc).

Time and a place, be prepared to talk. Create an environment where situations are well allowed.

In a good frame of mind. "To go to the person, not your mother, your friend don't take it to your people first. Pray about it, bless them and forgive them, right and work out the situation. With grace and without offence.

Don't listen to the incorrrct Counselor, at night when you're angry and questioning? That is not coming from God.

There will be a point where you think, "I married the wrong person."

There is no unicorn.

You will always disagree, you will find flaws.

It is a daily relationship development.

Grace and God's love allows you to choose to love someone. 

Emotions will trick you, feelings don't last. They will disappear, the goosebumps will dissipate. 

Marriage is choosing to love that person, better or worse. A literal vow. A promise, covenantal vow.

Pray for that person and let God give you peace on that.

Don't doubt in the darkness what God has revealed in the light.

Trust God's peace.

Marriage as the "end goal"?

False assumption is that marriage brings bliss.

Get to learn them, date them for at least a year before marriage.

That's all for now.

Third-last Sunday in Edmonton

It feels like I haven't seen anyone from CCC in a while, and that kind of is the case. I've missed a bunch of young Adults because of reffing basketball and other things (accepting the position in the Army). But I'm here now and that'll be great.

Church at CCC - Pastor Dean

Philippians 4:15 - Giving and receiving

Announcements

Pastor John - Young Adult retreat

Part 3, Conclusion of:

Declaring War on Selfishness

What is love?

This isn't love?

3 Misconceptions of Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

1. "Love accepts people's lifestyle"

The truth is - Love differentiates between people and their opinions and lifestyle!

Examples with the homosexual lifestyle - need to be born again.

2 + 2 = 4 Absolute Truths. 

God or no God. No moral compasss, no order or compass.

Story of the adulteress woman. 

John 8:3

Jesus said "Let he who is without sin throw the first stone?" Wrote on the sand.

"Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

Many paths? "I am the Way" John 14:6

Freedom does not mean acceptance of everyone's lifestyle and practice.

Leviticus 13:22

Romans Chapter 1

2. "Love = trust"

Unless someone gives you jurisdiction over someone's life, you have no jurisdiction over other people's lives.

Don't criticize, point fingers, or go around telling that they'll go to hell in a hand basket.

If you do the same thing God will do the same thing he did to me.

Dispensation of grace. Eschatology. End time events. 

Revelation 2:18-20

What a good picture of a church! But nevertheless...

Love loves the person but rejects the sin.

If you ever forgive somebody with a string attached it's not forgiveness it's a dale.

Without expectations? That's a gift.

Forgiveness does not always mean trusting eberyone.

Because you haven't proven your trust.

Trust is built on faith, on a knowledge of something.

3. "If you love me you would do anything for me"

Selfish story.

James 4:2 yet you do not have because you do not ask.

Young girls-Boys and In Heat vs Love.

Men and pornography, conditioning our minds to create a perfect woman.

Women pornography, drama novels and soap operas. Built up a fake relationship with a false personality type.

Jeremiah Covenant with my eyes.

Menergy - 33 The Series

Why do we work?

This volume 4: Bigger Vision of Work

Conventional views of work and tension that we can feel.

What do you do?

Why do you do it?

What do you love about your job?

Do you work to make money?

What frustrates you about your job?

Tension

A Man and His Work

Work is a dominant force in the life of every man

Most of us have never engaged In a deliberate process

Work can be exhilarating, fulfilling, and purposeful.

Groundwork

1. What we want from work
2. Conventional responses to work
3. Historical eras of work

What we want from work

1. Success

Skill or expertise

Recognition for our work

1. Fake compensation

We want to be compensated

Lack of money creates tension

Paid fairly and on time gives us success

1. The right job fit

Matches our skills and personality

Not having that gives frustration

1. Know our work matters

Knowing this. More than success.

We want our work to be purposeful 

Conventional responses to work

1. Disengaged

Going through the motions

Work is the place where we put on a costume, we're just acting. Not passionate about what we're doing. Just a means to a pay check, I want retirement.

2.Disappointed 

Not expected pay, 

Less than half of us workers are satisfied with their jobs

A third are disappointed with the money they receive, 

Electrician vs senior manager vs high school football coach

3. Over-engaged

It has unfortunately become a respected behaviour in our country.

86% of American work more than 40 hours a week

Leisure sickness

Prioritized work over everything else in life

4. Underworking

Leisure is the goal of life

Never declare a career path

Dabble perpetually

At work, tempted to do as little as possible

Better at pretending

This response Springs from a lack of personal ambition or career vision 

The three eras of work

1.Agricultural era

Cultivation of Land for the production of food

The identity of a man was tied to bis family rather than work

Work was the same everywhere

In 1890 40% of us population listed their occupation as farming

Today less than 1% of us population lists their occupation as farming

2.Industrial era

Leave the fields and commute to cities to work factories

Emphasis of efficiency and profit

Employers view employees as a means for production

Micromanagement popularized here

Mass production enabled mass consumption

Work became the dominant way men defined themselves 

3.Informational era

Knowledge and creativity are prime commodities

The use of technology to replace workers

The informational era is defined by innovation

Tensions from the historical eras of work

A blurring between your leisure and your work

Miroslav Volf quote "lives today alternate between frenzied work and frenzied play"

Having to change jobs multiple times

Change has become the norm

Potential vocational tension between fathers and sons

Not as easy for a dad to be involved in a sons vocational development

We are going to take you through a deliberate process 

Gods original intention for work

Manhood definition

Reject passivity

Accept responsibility

Lead courageously

_______

Friendship is born at the moment one person says to another

What? you too?

I thought I was the only one

-CS Lewis

Discussion

Church at The Project

On The Spot: Pastor Tomas

Baggage

3 questions

What is baggage?

Your history, the good and the bad. Walking into life/a relationship with. Assume it has to deal with sexual history/your sexual past.

Bible/ being a Christian. We think sex is not just a physical experience, it should be enjoyed within the safety of marriage. It should be accompanied with a vow, a marriage vow. Without that safety net... It is a spiritual event, those two that become one should not be taken apart.

Church is bad about talking about sex.

Sex is an expression: all that you are, im not going to leave you.

Best case scenario is it happens within marriage.

Porn is another baggage topic, 

Tomas marriage and first Marital fight story. Bottle it up inside.

1 Corinthians "how can a believer be bonded with an unbeliever?"

2. At what point should I begin to worry about my baggage?

Very individualistic and situational. One person could deal ez pz, next guy is debilitated.

Proverbs: Wisdom literature.

3:21-25 "hang on to common sense and discernment...

When your baggage is all you see.

I feel like God is always at our door pointing out all that's wrong with us.

He says that all the work that needs to be done has been done for us.

If we don't deal with it we will identify our future with our past.

When there is an disunity caused by it. Especially between you and your significant other. Moreso with you and God.

3. At what point should I begin to worry about someone else's baggage?

Be careful to not identity someone else by their scrapes and bruises.

We want a unicorn. Someone of standards which we ourselves cannot meet.

Corinth had bad things. Sex mostly.

What's the difference between giving someone grace and having the wisdom to say "that Far but no further?"

The wiser people see that every decision is interconnected. If you are With someone who has some baggage, but are dealing with it? That will probably not matter in 20 years. If they have walked through it and have gotten healthy it will not matter. It has to be dealt with by both members of a relationship.

Perspective is a thing. If they're living a life where that is their constant habit? Do you want to have that be a thing for the next 20 years?

Should I be ok with it? No. Are you ok compromising that area of your life to be ok with it?

You will be the one to change.

Best indicator of future behaviour is past behaviour. If someone shows no initiatice, no dedication no commitment to changing? They will continue down that path until something in their life changes.

This far, no further.

Group discussion.

Laura, Andy and 

Hard dealing with past sexual sins in the context of dating. Will stuff resurface? It seems inevitable. Healing and wholeness possible while still dating?

Understanding that there is a past.

Steps to protect future marriage?

If I waited and they didn't? How do I accept and forgive that?

Everyone does sin, especially in our generation.

It is not the unpardonable sin. The church is guilty of this.

Do not rank sins. Find someone who you can talk to about this stuff.

Do marriage counselling before you're engaged.

Do I need counselling for my baggage or will God heal me?

Both, and.

Every young adult needs to see a Counselor st least once. <25 years old? Gotta do it.

Self awareness is really important. With social and cultural pressures without self awareness we will cave to pressure.

"God will help me" not the case, you need to be intentional.

When is a good time to tell your other that you weee sexually abused?

When do you drop the bomb? When you're thinking about a future with them.

Establish trust. If you know that you can trust that individual with very sensitive things? Yes. If they willl hear and validate your experiences.

Why do you want to communicate what you are communicating? They probably don't need details.

How do I get over the fear of being hurt if I've been hurt before?

Time. Trust takes so much time to rebuild.

To forgive someone you don't need to trust them for it.

Is it a pattern? Where is your sense of value? Sense of self worth?

Recognizing wher that comes from it leads you into healthier relationships where that individual values you.

Find people who can help you navigate this baggage.

It's not as simple as do X and you're done.

Philippians "I press on to possess that perfection that Christ possessed... I forget the past and I look forward to what lies ahead."

That's all for now.

Encounter Core 2.0

Hanging out at Andy's place off White Ave

Carl Leitz preaching

You will make it through the valley

/White people staying in their zone./

Disney swirl, overnight changes

Not how the world works, there are dark days.

Religiosity does not mean we will not have valleys

Psalm 23 "the Lord is my shepherd..."

1. Stay Active

-keep moving, 

Proverbs 11:25 "The generous will prosper, those who refresh others will they themselves be refreshed."

Story of the mother of 5 with terminal cancer, still serving, 

2. Stay Connected

-relationships will make or break you

Ecclesiastes 4:9

"Two people are better than one....of one falls, the other can reach out and help. If one person falls alone... a person standing alone can be easily attacked, but two can stand back to back and overcome. A three braided cord is not easily broken."

Lean on me, when you're not strong

Sometimes there are doorways only you can go through.

Phil 4:13 "You can do all things through..."

If I wanna mess up my life I need to lie to a million people

Is it too easy to sin? Make it hard on yourself.

3. Stay Focused

-keep your eyes on the promises of God

Hebrews 12:1-3

"Do you see what this means-all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we better get on with this strip down, keep running. Never Quit!... when you find yourself flagging in your faith, go through that story again, item by item, and it will shoot adrenaline through your soul."

Why am I here? Most googled question

If you don't know, and are unfocused?...

In a moment God can change a season.

Chaplin of ____in Florida Lindsey Sterling - Majesty

Are you the same guy who has fallen 40 times but is still going after god?

Aren't you the same girl_____ dicorces, with those kids.

Aren't you the same church that nobody knew about last year but...

Focus on the cross

Churches are going to fail you, preachers are going to fail you, but Jesus will never change.

That's all for now.

Young adults

Young adults @ CCC

Theme for this month: hearing Gods voice

Life changing, destiny shaping, walking in Gods peace no matter the circumstances.

Sharing time.

God speaking to us:

When we're reading the bible

In situations, events, etc

In prayer, meditation & reflection

Internally, directed thoughts

Dreams, awake visions,

Music, 

Through strangers, friends, words from others.

God has called us to pursue Him, we need to be active listeners, not passive sheep.

Disobeying does have consequences, but they might not be as obvious as you'd like

Be still and know that I am God Psalm __:36

Distractions, not making time, selfish desires, "busyness"

The foreign feeling of Quietness

Samuel 3:1-11?

The word chose to speak to Samuel.

Why not so much? Complacency, normalness, not a miracle, distractions, not hungering for God, 

Joel 2:28 young men will receive visions, older men will see dreams

Esther 4:12 Esther interceded for her people.

How should you balance your life input?

Who should you allow to have influence over you? 

Take everything to God first, pray and ask for wisdom when dealing for inputs.

God has the final say, people make mistakes.

1 Kings 19:11-12

'The more you listen to His voice, the louder it gets.'

Psalm 37:4 "...and He will give you the desires of your heart."

As we align our hearts with the Lords purpose our desires become one.

Idols. 

Change of Heart

Your will be done

The Bible *is* the primary way that a God speaks to you

Recap:

Audible voice

Still small voice

Desires

Bible

Being intentional, using your off time, scheduling time.

Sponsored by Shine FM: Safe and fun for the whole family.

That's all for now.

YA Kickoff!

I Young adults kickoff service at CCC, dis gon' be good.

I've just gotten a cold, so that's a thing.

This particular variety of sickness is literally the worst thing I've ever experienced.

Not because I am disabled or anything because of it, but it's attacked my throat, and that makes it the worst thing. I can't drink water without feeling like garbage. Food isn't as enjoyable because i know in the back of my mind that I'm not going to feel good afterwards.

I can't even drink water without feeling terrible. And just existing also sucks because whenever I swallow I hope for it to feel better, but it doesn't.

Just venting at this point, UGH.

Momentum conference: November 2-3 Fri-Sat

$79 Oct 30 early bird end.

Plans for YA future,

They don't want it to be a copypasta of Sunday, they want it to be their own feel, maybe incorporate grow groups?

February YA retreat in Nackamin(sp)

Good time to refresh, Saturday, Sunday

Offering: plans for food and outreach and incentives. Invite other people!

John preaching:

Being in this new facility, full band with rotations, no need for tear down, basically awesome stuff all around.

Something we've all probably heard before:

In The Zone

"Let's get out of our comfort zones."

Pushing past boundaries, go and grow and so amazing

Things for Him.

What is your comfort zone?

Our lives, we've got so much going on, we know what we feel comfortable in.

Playing sports, gaming, going to the park, lake trips, restaurants, couch.

Story time with John:

John was good at getting other people out of their comfort zones

There as this one kid in particular:

These guys were biking, rode up a huge hill in grade 9-10, down thehill there's a huge jump at the top of the next hill.

Name? Anyways, he was booking it!

Serious air! Kinda landed the front wheelie, but biffed it so hard, even hurt his leg, and busted his front tire.

Same kid, more peer pressure.

Again on the bikes, these guys bunny hopping the driveway,

His friend catches his tire at the end, so he eats it over a drop face first probably.

What is your comfort zone? Entertainment, movies, tv, going to musicals, theatre, 

Your career, heading to work everyday, 

Routines of life, schedules,

Emotions, how you can be easily led by your emotions.

A place where you feel at ease, or delayed.

Walking with God is all about getting out of our comfort zones.

All the stores, examples in the Bible of people who did absolutely great things  definitely here outside of their comfort zones.

Our first step is choosing Jesus

Society says do everything you can for yourself.

When we choose Jesus it's the opposite, we served someone else, we follow someone.

Luke 18:18

Jesus talking to the rich young ruler

Good ruler what must I do to enter the kingdom of heaven?

One thing you still lack: sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor. Verse 22.

Easier for a camel to enter the eye of a needle,

"What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

Johns in law relative or uncle:

Massive house, golfing green, huge pool goes into a waterfall, literally insane, basically should be in a magazine. A million dollars of art.

2 Ferraris, 

Crazy house you have! "It's just stuff."

It didn't bring him happiness, he was separated from his wife, he didn't see his kids much,

People try to find happiness in the things of this world,

We need to be those who go after Jesus, for that is where we will wind true comfort.

3 areas of life to step out

1. Have a heart that gives

Can't find happiness through possessions, but when you serve you experience Gods goodness

God loves a cheerful giver

Freely you have received, freely give.

Don't believe society, focus on God, give your whole life to Him.

It's not about how much you have, but how much you give. Disciple others, fill this place with people who are transformed for Jesus, THAT is out heart

2. Be Kingdom Minded

Doing what God has called you to do, understanding your calling, asking what has God called you to do?

There is a spot for you, in YA, in church, in your workplace.

Be the most fruitful yourself you can be.

Maybe you haven't asked that question, why here? Why are you doing the things you do.

Go to work everyday, church in Sunday, you don't even think about it because you do it every day.

Push those boundaries, don't be held back. It's going to take work, sacrifice to further His kingdom, stepping into where God is calling us to go

Matthew 6:33

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Work for the food that endures for eternal life

God wants us to enjoy things, sports etc

But it's not about that, it's about being a light in those situations

3. Know your source

The rich rulers wealth was his whole life, he was sad when Jesus told him to sell his things and give them to the poor.

Do you have a similar mindset? Is that your comfort? If Jesus asked you to give it up would you be upset? Would you be able to give it up?

What are we taking with us? The things that are eternal, that will last forever.

John was at a missions trip, a part of street ministry.

Guy sitting at a bus stop, John "do you want to go talk to him?" John being bold at YWAM, I'll go and you just jump in.

This guy was a traveling musician, not a local here in Australia. The Holy Spirit totally took over, talking abut God and the things God had for him and what His plans were. By the end John was leading this guy to Christ, at a bus stop in Australia.

These are the things that will last, we will see these are the people we touched,  we prayed for, we experienced life with!

God is our source.

Step out! Don't feel like it's inconvenient for you, trust Gods timing, sacrifice your own.

Listen where God is speaking and step out in that.

Luke 18:27 "Impossible with man, possible with God."

When you start a ministry, you are going to hit walls. Push past those things that might try to tear our ministry apart. 

When we start to grow, numbers going up, people showing up. The enemy will try to intervene, and we will pursue Gods plan for our lives together.

It's not just our vision, it's our vision.

Ana's plan:

Write a name of someone who we will commit to pray for and invite to our YA events.

That's all for now!