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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3-4

Thomas Aquinas, a 13th century Catholic priest, wrote that "self-love is the cause of every sin." Think about that. If we were to look at the heart and motive behind every act of disobedience, would we find a love of self at its core?

Why do people cheat on tests? To get a better grade for themselves. Why do people steal? Is it because they want something easy instead of working for it? Why do we lie? I think that most of the time it is because we think we can get ourselves out of trouble by doing so. That or we do so to project ourselves in a more positive light. Gossip, sexual sins, greed, and vengeance all have this love of self, which seeks its own pleasure and gratification first, at its core. That is why this passage in Philippians is so outrageous.

Can we truly live in such a way where we consistently put others ahead of ourselves? If so, that would change everything. The way we talk, dress, our friendships, and goals. I think that is the point. Jesus lived a life that embodied this philiosophy. Put others first. It's not about you. While some may mock this type of life claiming that it exhibits weakness, there is actually great freedom in it.

People all over the world spend their whole lives chasing happiness. They do it by doing things that make them happy and it always ends up empty. The pleasures of this world will satisfy momentarily but will always leave you empty and looking for the "next fix." In living a life of service, you don't have to chase that next fix. Because in living like Christ, you find meaning, purpose, and significance. You learn to lean on His strength instead of your own. You also learn to live in and accept God's grace because pride will always compete with God's grace. It will tell you that you can do it on your won and that you do not need it.

Look for ways you can live out Philippians 2:3-4. How can you "swallow your pride" and servc as Jesus would. Pray that God will give you a heart for others as well as give you opportunities to look "to the interests of others." Remember, it is Christ is you that allows you to live a life that promotes God and others.

Praying for you,
Matt

Have you ever been to a movie and sat next to a person that keeps talking or asking questions about the movie? You know, the one that keeps guessing what is going to happen next? Well, I'm that person. I don't so much try to guess the outcome but I'm always talking and pointing out spiritual analogies and applications. Rachel really appreciates my interruptions. I don't know why I do it, but I always do.

While there are many movies that have spiritual applications, one of my favorite is from "Saving Private Ryan." For those of you who have seen this movie, you know that it is not one that you watch to be entertained. It's really hard to watch as it graphically depicts events of World War II. However, the ending gives a powerful plea to live a "worthy life."

The movie depicts a squad (8) of men traveling through Europe searching to save one man, Private Ryan. The U.S. War Department wants to bring Ryan home because his three brothers had been killed within days of each other. So the movie tells this story of this squad fighting their way to find and protect Private Ryan. In doing so, seven of the eight men in the squad lose their life. The last secene has the captain of the squad dying in the arms of Private Ryan and telling him to "earn this." What he is saying is for Ryan to live a life worthy of the sacrifice that was made saving his life.

This message is found throughout the New Testament. 1 Thessalonians 1:12, Ephesians 4:1, and Philippians 1:27 (to name a few) all say that we as believers are to live lives worthy of God and our calling. Have you ever thought about this? We as believers are to live lives that validate the sacrifice of Jesus. This does not mean that we have to earn our salvation or anything like that. Rather, everything we do should reflect the value we place on the sacrifice made for us. If we live in such a way that only promotes our own well-being and pleasure, what does this say about how we view Christ's death? Is it truly something we cherish? Is it really that important? Why would others need His sacrifice?

We would all agree that a relationship with Christ is of supreme importance. The key is that we say that with our lives and not just our lips. May you show the world, your school, your friends just how important Christ is. May they see in you a life that lives for something greater than anything this world can offer.   How can you do this? By treasuring God more than anything else. Spend some time praying about living this type of life. Remember, you are not "paying" for your salvation, rather you are being obedient and authenticating the claims of Christ to people who need to see and believe.

Praying for you!
Matt

Well, I decided to go ahead with it (obviously) because for those of you who do surf the web and will check this site with some frequency I wanted to offer some spiritual encouragement. Some of it will come from what God is teaching me, what others have taught me, or something that God has laid on my heart. Over the past 3 or 4 weeks I probably spent 80+ hours on this site and many times I asked myself, “Why am I doing this?”

There are many answers. First, I wanted to give people an idea of what we are all about. When telling people about our church, it is really easy to point them to this site. Secondly, the student section on our main church site was limited. While it is very well done and attractive, I wanted more for our student section. That and this site will give you more ownership of this ministry. But more importantly, I wanted this site to be a resource and encouragement for your spiritual walk.

I tell you guys all the time to make your faith your own. One of the hardest things for a student minister is to see recently graduated students abandon their faith in college. Unfortunately, this happens at an alarming rate all over the country. Some estimates say that 90% of students who attend church once a week in high school quit practicing their faith in college. Is that really possible? How can someone who commits their entire life to Jesus so easily dismiss Him when their parents aren’t around? While that number may be inflated (there are some non-Christians who attend church once a week in high school and many of the others likely never truly repented of their sins and gave Christ control of their life) the fact remains that it still happens way too often. It is really heart breaking.

There are a number of factors as to why this happens but one of the biggest reasons is because they never make their faith their own. Their parents are Christians so as a result they inherit their beliefs and practices. Another factor is that they don’t know how to grow on their own. Too many Christian teenagers simply do what their parents, pastors, or friends ask them to do instead of pursue a daily, one-on-one relationship with the God of the universe through His Son, Jesus. Why? Because it’s easier. Being in a relationship with God is hard, frightening, and demanding. “He wants me to give up everything for Him?” “You mean I can’t do that anymore?” But it’s also the best, most rewarding, and purest place to be.

That is what I want this website to be,--a place that helps and encourages you to grow ON YOUR OWN. My prayer is that in some small way it, along with everything else we do, can serve that purpose; for you to have a faith you can’t walk away from.

In Christ,
Matt
Matthew 16:26


This weekend was our High School retreat at Camp Schafer. Here are some things that I learned from the weekend.

            1. Smores Pop-Tarts go with any meal
          2. Andrew Lewis can burg like none other
          3. Carley is no camera-woman
          4. None of the freshmen have a future in ship-building

While there are other memorable moments from the weekend, the thing that stuck-out to me the most was how much we all need spiritual retreats with God. I heard from a number of those that went how things had gotten so busy with school, work, sports, etc. that their relationship with God kept getting pushed down on their priority list. Because of this, it had been a while since many of us had spent time alone with God.

So I want to give you a few tips on how to maintain time for you and God each day. First, have a plan. What will you read? How much? When? What to read is different for everyone. If you haven't done this before, start small. Read a chapter in Psalms followed by a chapter or two in John. This should be a good start. Tackle Leviticus later. And make sure you give time for God to speak to you. A few moments in silence is very effective. Oh, and choose a posture in which you won't fall asleep. As for time, in the morning or evening, stay consistent. Protect your time. Don't allow your schedule to dictate whether or not you spend time with God. Remember, it's not about finding time to spend with God but making time for Him.

Most importantly, have someone keep you accountable. You need to have someone ask you with regularity how your quiet times are going. This needs to be someone you can be honest with and someone who will commit to keeping you accountable.

Spending time with God each day is not a form of legalism. We do it so that we can express the character of Christ naturally through our life and personality. God will use that time with Him to change our hearts so that others will see Him in our lives.

Praying for you!
Matt


“But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” Acts 9: 15-16

The apostle Paul, known then as Saul, was on his way to Damascus to wipe out any evidence of Christianity when he was struck down by a blinding light. He encountered the risen Christ and his life was changed forever. There are a number of truths that can be taken from Paul’s conversion, but the thing that sticks out to me the most is that Jesus called him to a life of suffering.

Think about this for a second. Paul was a young man (some say as young as 26 at this time) who had everything going for him. He had great status, education, and influence. The future looked bright for him. A man with his pedigree and drive for success undoubtedly sought to make a name for himself. However, Christ changed Paul’s name and in doing so, gave him yet another name to live for. With this name came no wealth, no prominence or comfort, but rather suffering (Read 2 Cor. 11:23-29 for a look at Paul’s hardships).

What kind of deal was that? Christ blinded him, caused him to abandon his family and a life of prosperity to endure a life of suffering. Why would God call him to do that? The reason is simple. This life is not all that there is. So many people, Christians included, look at this life as a time to accumulate wealth and comfort. We want to be entertained, want things our way, and we want to build a name for ourselves. While wealth and entertainment are not evil, God calls all of us to live for another name, His name.

The theme of suffering is prominent throughout Scripture. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote that suffering is a badge of true discipleship. As a believer, it is to be expected. Now that does not mean that we will all be beaten for our faith or will end up homeless and alone, rather the pleasures the world offers will not be what sustains us. God is. The greater goal of suffering is to be more like Jesus (Phil. 3:10). And by being more like Him, we truly enjoy and experience life and joy to the fullest.

As follower of Christ is not simply someone that maintains church membership. A follower of Christ is one that has committed to live for His name instead of their own. One who takes on Christ’s yoke and lives for Him who is gentle and humble in heart (Matt. 11:29). While suffering is part of the Christian walk, it is where we find rest for our souls.

So as a follower of Christ, let us all put aside the pursuit of living for our glory and self-preservation and live for His in whatever we do. Let us all remember that our time on earth is like a mist (James 4:14) and our ultimate goal is to live for eternity.

In Christ,
Matt


I can’t believe it. The website is ready to be launched and for that I am thrilled. I have never done anything like this before so if you think it is terrible . . . don’t say it to my face.

Anyway, the last thing I am doing is this blog, article, column, encouragement, whatever. I have never in my life kept a journal and English was not my best subject so I apologize if this is riddled with poor grammar, run-on sentences, and dull adjectives. Hopefully Ross will not read it. I really hesitated even putting this on the site because:

    1.       I’m not sure if anyone outside of my family will read it. Hi mom!
    2.      I’m not that exciting or engaging
    3.      After 20 weeks or so, what will I talk about?