November 5th Parent's update

     Wow!  The last two months have gone by so quickly that it is difficult to imagine so many things have taken place in such a short time.  We kicked off a new Tuesday night ministry called the 4:12 Aftermath, changed up Sunday mornings, and enjoyed some traditional favorites, like the fall rally and the Middle School 24 hour mystery event.

     With all the activity, you may find yourself wondering, along with former President Bush, “Is our children learning?”  Let me reassure you, our children is learning!  On Sundays, we have done an in-depth look at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  We’ve talked about the disciplines that build a strong Christian walk, like regular Bible reading, prayer, and developing an accurate understanding of who God is.  On Tuesdays, we have been studying apologetics,
equipping students to defend their faith in the marketplace of ideas they encounter at school, work, or when hanging out with friends.  Interwoven into these two core areas of study has been discussion of the development of Christ-like character.  Most recently, we looked at two important habits to develop if we want to be considered trustworthy; an accurate reporting of past events, and consistent follow-through to do what we say we will do.

     I am very excited to see what God will do in the coming months at Edgewood.  Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns about our youth ministry.  In the meantime, here are a few questions you can ask to continue the learning at home:

     What are three “C’s” that give us evidence there really is a God? (Creation, Conscience, Christ) and how does each of them reveal God?

     What does Romans 5:8 say?

     Tell me what grace means in your own words

     What is important about the cities of Tyre and Babylon?

     Why was there a picture of Lindsay Lohan on the powerpoint on Tuesday night?

     I will try to give you more questions like this, I believe they will give you insight into what we talk about at youth group and reinforce the ideas for your student.

Please pray for us as we seek to reach young people with the Gospel!

Why is it called the 4:12 Aftermath?

     When you read the word aftermath, what image comes to mind?  Maybe you picture a city in ruins, with splintered skyscrapers against a dark, gloomy sky.   Or is it a bomb-scarred wasteland, with no signs of life?  The word aftermath is often associated with disaster, but it does not have to be.  One definition of aftermath is "a phenomenon which follows and is caused by a previous phenomenon". 

     As followers of Jesus, each of our lives is a phenomenon which follows and is caused by a previous phenomenon.  God has used His people to influence and encourage us through the example they provided in the way they lived their lives.  It is a process that has been going on for thousands of years, a process Paul encouraged Timothy to pursue as he served God's people:

"And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity." I Timothy 4:12, The Message

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."  I Timothy 4:12, NASB

     We will challenge young people to set an example.  We will give students frequent opportunities to encounter the life-transforming truth that in the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there is new life for us!  It is our hope that many young people will hear it, love it, live it, and share it!  This is the aftermath we are seeking.  We want to see what it looks like when a generation of young people embrace the call to live their lives as an example!  Please pray with us as we look forward to the aftermath of God's work in His people.