Week 2 Phase 1 January 25--Feb 1
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Steve Smith
Jan 27, 2015, 1:57:35 PM1/27/15
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Dear students we are off to great start. However please DONOT start a
New Post when you submit your work. To reply click on the Heading of
that week, then click on reply at the bottom of the page to submit
your work. I look forward to reading your post. Remember to reply to
two students.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE AND GIVE A RESPONSE. DO YOU AGREE
WITH THE AUTHOR? HOW CAN THIS INFORMATION AID YOU TO BE MORE
EFFECTIVE
IN YOUR MINISTRY?
God’s word never changes! The culture of the world is changing.
Regardless if we minister directly to youth are children there are
some facts we should be aware of before we start our spiritual
formation study, Richard Foster’s Celebration of the discipline.
Hidden deep in the pages of the Old Testament you'll find a
description of a relatively small group of people who joined David and
thousands of other warriors to liberate the Ark of the Covenant. The
Chronicler describes these men of Issachar as people "who understood
the times and knew what men should do." (1 Chron. 12:32) As people
called to do ministry in rapidly changing times, we must embark on a
never-ending quest to know our culture and world. Theologian John
Stott challenges followers of Christ to engage in "double listening,"
by consciously seeking to hear both the Word and the world. Listening
to the world allows us to discover how best to relate the Gospel to
it. One large component of today's world that's largely ignored or
misunderstood by those of us in ministry is the unique world of our
children and teens. Youth culture is the soup they swim in every day.
From the moment they are born, kids marinate in a mix they absorb
through the "pores" of their life. Eventually, it all becomes a part
of who they are, shaping their values, attitudes, and behaviors.
Because we want to lead children and teens to hear and follow the
Incarnate Word, we must know their world. While the world of today's
youth culture is a complex and fluid place, here's a non-exhaustive
list of 11 current youth culture trends you not only need to know,
but
that you might find surprising. Prayerfully "listen to" and ponder
each, thinking about the implications for your ministry, preaching,
teaching, counseling, etc.
1. Advertising is a powerful shaper of kids.
The typical child sees between 3,500 and 5,000 advertisements a day,
all of which are carefully constructed by marketers to create a
continuous need for products by exploiting kids' anxieties and
aspirations. Because of where they're at developmentally, young
people's lives brim with anxieties and aspirations, making them
especially vulnerable to advertising. Marketing taps into their
spiritual brokenness and exploits it by promising redemption,
fulfillment, wholeness, and satisfaction through the purchase and use
of products. In effect, marketing substitutes a false gospel for the
true Gospel we've been called to communicate. But ads don't only sell
a product. Their greatest power lies in their ability to sell a
worldview. They serve as a map for curious young hearts and minds
that
are looking for guidance that will shape their behavior.
2. Everything's happening at younger and younger
ages. This
phenomenon is known as "age compression." Marketers have actually
employed this as a strategy to expand a product's market by pushing
adult-type products, values, and attitudes on kids at younger and
younger ages. What's resulted is an environment where what used to be
for 18-year-olds is now for 6-year-olds. Today's 6-year-olds are
increasingly looking, dressing, talking, and acting like yesterday's
18-year-olds. Some of the most direct effects can be seen in what
children at younger and younger ages know and believe about sexuality,
materialism, and violence. The children in your congregation are far
less innocent and far more jaded than their peers in previous
generations.
3. They are engaging new media in new ways.
Because they live in a world where technology is developing at warp
speed, today's children and teens are more media-saturated and media-
savvy than any prior generation. Researchers report that on average,
children ages 8 to 18 spend a total of eight hours and 33 minutes a
day exposed to a wide variety of media, including television, movies,
books, magazines, video games, computers, and music. Because they are
using multiple media simultaneously (yes, they do their homework while
instant messaging, talking on the phone, and surfing the Internet!),
their average daily media use is just under six and a half hours a
day. The amount of time spent in school, at church, and in
conversation with their parent pales in comparison. Not only that, but
more and more kids are using media alone in their rooms. Seven out of
10 have a television, and one out of five has a computer. This means
that family viewing time is becoming a thing of the past. As a result,
a growing number of kids are processing everything they see and hear
void of adult input. In today's world, media is raising and shaping
the kids. Researchers report that on average, children ages 8 to 18
spend a total of eight hours and 33 minutes a day exposed to a wide
variety of media, including television, movies, books, magazines,
video games, computers, and music.
4. Family violence is rampant.
It's frightening to think that much of our nation's child abuse and
sexual abuse goes unreported. What is reported is frightening enough.
It's believed that one out of every four girls and one out of every
six boys is sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 16. Most
of the abuse is perpetrated by a parent, sibling, or close relative.
In addition, studies indicate that between 3.3 million and 10 million
children are exposed to domestic violence annually. These realities
leave deep, life-long marks on kids. Children who are exposed to or
victims of family and sexual violence are more likely to become
perpetrators of violence themselves. They're also more likely to
exhibit a variety of health and behavioral problems growing up,
including depression, anxiety, self-abuse, suicide, and drug and
alcohol abuse. The home used to be a place of refuge and a source of
much-needed resiliency for kids growing through the normal
difficulties of the adolescent years. In today's world, relational
deprivation and breakdown is a mark of the emerging generations.
5. The nature of peer pressure has changed.
I was 12 when I was first exposed to pornography. My friends convinced
me to join them, and we hid and huddled behind a neighbor's stone wall
to look at a magazine found on the side of the road. We did what we
did where we did it because we knew it was wrong. Back in those days,
peer pressure took the form of a verbal invitation to come and do
something that both you and the person inviting you to do it knew was
wrong. In today's world, peer pressure usually takes the form of an
unspoken expectation to come and get involved in behavior that the
overwhelming majority of your peers think is normal and right.
Today's
peer pressure is much more intense and difficult to resist.
6. Materialism is a desirable lifestyle.
The dawn of the new millennium has brought increased economic
opportunity and wealth into the lives of children and teens. More and
more kids are working long hours, buying cars, and furnishing their
rooms with the latest in electronic gadgetry. Many have more monthly
discretionary income at their disposal than the average adult. Others
are showered with material "blessings" from over-indulgent parents.
Young people are going through their teenage years developing life
expectations – and related priorities – of having whatever they want,
whenever the want it. They are, and will be, accumulating debt at
unprecedented levels. Their present situation indicates that today's
teens are building their lives around the desire to possess things.
7. Oral sex is big.
Researchers are just now beginning to look more seriously at oral sex
and teenagers. The practice has become so prevalent amongst teens –
especially among middle school students – that it's considered to be a
recreational activity that takes place casually and without any sort
of dating relationship, either when alone with another person or in
groups. The most recent data indicates that among 15- to 19-yearolds,
more than 55 percent of the boys and more than 54 percent of the girls
report giving or getting oral sex. By the time they reach the age of
19, three-quarters of all teens will have engaged in oral sex. When
asked if oral sex is "sex," many young people answer "no." The reason?
You can't get pregnant from it.
8. Far too many kids are depressed.
The increased intensity of peer, media, and family pressures has made
the teenage years more difficult. The constant barrage of confusing
messages and expectations can be too much of a burden for some teens
to handle during the normal adolescent developmental shake-up,
especially when parents are absent or ignorant of what is going on in
their lives. One study of students in grades six, eight, and 10 found
that 18 percent of youths reported symptoms of depression. Our
children and teens are at increased risk for being more than down in
the dumps. Teen depression has reached epidemic proportions.
9. There's little difference between churched and unchurched kids.
There's a sad and sorry trend I've been noticing more and more over
the past several years.
Increasingly, kids from Christian homes and churches are looking more
and more like their mainstream teenaged peers – and less and less like
Christ. While many of these kids claim allegiance to Christ, their
values, attitudes, and behaviors indicate there's a disconnect between
their stated faith and daily lives. This reality is reflective of a
growing trend among Christians of all ages who are failing to
integrate their faith into the place where it rightfully belongs – all
of life. Sadly, more and more students are living disintegrated lives
with their faith saying little or nothing to how they relate, learn,
date, play, and work, etc.
10. Homosexual lifestyle;
Greg Quinlan, a former member of the homosexual community, who
testified before the Ohio Defense of Marriage Act in November, 2003
claimed that the physical and mental
devastation caused by homosexual behavior, and the cumulative effect
of that behavior "is incalculable." The American public has been left
largely in the dark about the extent of the problems associated with
homosexual activity because of the influence of pro-homosexual
political agendas. Some even believe they are being "compassionate" by
not disclosing vital health information for fear of offending
homosexuals. The following is a brief review of what is currently
known to medical science about the health risks associated with
homosexual activity. HIV/AIDS; Homosexual activity remains a major
source of transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus. Over 54 percent of all
AIDS cases in America were homosexual men and according to the Center
for Disease Control (CDC) nearly 90 percent of these men acquired HIV
through sexual activity with other men. Even more alarming, the Center
for Disease
Control & Prevention reported that an estimated half of all new HIV
infections in the United States are among people under 25. Among 13-to
24-year-olds, 52 percent of all AIDS cases reported among males in
1997 were among young men who have sex with men.
Emotional / Mental Health Risks; Youth who identify themselves as
homosexual, lesbian and bisexual are four times more likely than their
peers to suffer from major depression; three times more likely to
suffer anxiety disorders, four times more likely to suffer conduct
disorders, six times more likely to suffer from multiple disorders and
more than
six times more likely to have attempted suicide.
11. There's a deep hunger for heaven.
While my focus has been on some of the more negative and troubling
youth culture trends, there is good news as well. Teenagers are
displaying a God-shaped emptiness in their
lives filled by God. If you listen and look closely, you'll see and
hear it in their music, films, books, magazines – and even in their
very lives. Even when they don't recognize it as such, we can rest in
the assurance that their hunger is for God and the heaven we
proclaim.
Today's culture might not be a very pretty place, but it's the very
particular place where Jesus sends us – his particular followers – to
proclaim the life-changing Good News. Will you listen to their world?
Walt Muller
New Post when you submit your work. To reply click on the Heading of
that week, then click on reply at the bottom of the page to submit
your work. I look forward to reading your post. Remember to reply to
two students.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE AND GIVE A RESPONSE. DO YOU AGREE
WITH THE AUTHOR? HOW CAN THIS INFORMATION AID YOU TO BE MORE
EFFECTIVE
IN YOUR MINISTRY?
God’s word never changes! The culture of the world is changing.
Regardless if we minister directly to youth are children there are
some facts we should be aware of before we start our spiritual
formation study, Richard Foster’s Celebration of the discipline.
Hidden deep in the pages of the Old Testament you'll find a
description of a relatively small group of people who joined David and
thousands of other warriors to liberate the Ark of the Covenant. The
Chronicler describes these men of Issachar as people "who understood
the times and knew what men should do." (1 Chron. 12:32) As people
called to do ministry in rapidly changing times, we must embark on a
never-ending quest to know our culture and world. Theologian John
Stott challenges followers of Christ to engage in "double listening,"
by consciously seeking to hear both the Word and the world. Listening
to the world allows us to discover how best to relate the Gospel to
it. One large component of today's world that's largely ignored or
misunderstood by those of us in ministry is the unique world of our
children and teens. Youth culture is the soup they swim in every day.
From the moment they are born, kids marinate in a mix they absorb
through the "pores" of their life. Eventually, it all becomes a part
of who they are, shaping their values, attitudes, and behaviors.
Because we want to lead children and teens to hear and follow the
Incarnate Word, we must know their world. While the world of today's
youth culture is a complex and fluid place, here's a non-exhaustive
list of 11 current youth culture trends you not only need to know,
but
that you might find surprising. Prayerfully "listen to" and ponder
each, thinking about the implications for your ministry, preaching,
teaching, counseling, etc.
1. Advertising is a powerful shaper of kids.
The typical child sees between 3,500 and 5,000 advertisements a day,
all of which are carefully constructed by marketers to create a
continuous need for products by exploiting kids' anxieties and
aspirations. Because of where they're at developmentally, young
people's lives brim with anxieties and aspirations, making them
especially vulnerable to advertising. Marketing taps into their
spiritual brokenness and exploits it by promising redemption,
fulfillment, wholeness, and satisfaction through the purchase and use
of products. In effect, marketing substitutes a false gospel for the
true Gospel we've been called to communicate. But ads don't only sell
a product. Their greatest power lies in their ability to sell a
worldview. They serve as a map for curious young hearts and minds
that
are looking for guidance that will shape their behavior.
2. Everything's happening at younger and younger
ages. This
phenomenon is known as "age compression." Marketers have actually
employed this as a strategy to expand a product's market by pushing
adult-type products, values, and attitudes on kids at younger and
younger ages. What's resulted is an environment where what used to be
for 18-year-olds is now for 6-year-olds. Today's 6-year-olds are
increasingly looking, dressing, talking, and acting like yesterday's
18-year-olds. Some of the most direct effects can be seen in what
children at younger and younger ages know and believe about sexuality,
materialism, and violence. The children in your congregation are far
less innocent and far more jaded than their peers in previous
generations.
3. They are engaging new media in new ways.
Because they live in a world where technology is developing at warp
speed, today's children and teens are more media-saturated and media-
savvy than any prior generation. Researchers report that on average,
children ages 8 to 18 spend a total of eight hours and 33 minutes a
day exposed to a wide variety of media, including television, movies,
books, magazines, video games, computers, and music. Because they are
using multiple media simultaneously (yes, they do their homework while
instant messaging, talking on the phone, and surfing the Internet!),
their average daily media use is just under six and a half hours a
day. The amount of time spent in school, at church, and in
conversation with their parent pales in comparison. Not only that, but
more and more kids are using media alone in their rooms. Seven out of
10 have a television, and one out of five has a computer. This means
that family viewing time is becoming a thing of the past. As a result,
a growing number of kids are processing everything they see and hear
void of adult input. In today's world, media is raising and shaping
the kids. Researchers report that on average, children ages 8 to 18
spend a total of eight hours and 33 minutes a day exposed to a wide
variety of media, including television, movies, books, magazines,
video games, computers, and music.
4. Family violence is rampant.
It's frightening to think that much of our nation's child abuse and
sexual abuse goes unreported. What is reported is frightening enough.
It's believed that one out of every four girls and one out of every
six boys is sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 16. Most
of the abuse is perpetrated by a parent, sibling, or close relative.
In addition, studies indicate that between 3.3 million and 10 million
children are exposed to domestic violence annually. These realities
leave deep, life-long marks on kids. Children who are exposed to or
victims of family and sexual violence are more likely to become
perpetrators of violence themselves. They're also more likely to
exhibit a variety of health and behavioral problems growing up,
including depression, anxiety, self-abuse, suicide, and drug and
alcohol abuse. The home used to be a place of refuge and a source of
much-needed resiliency for kids growing through the normal
difficulties of the adolescent years. In today's world, relational
deprivation and breakdown is a mark of the emerging generations.
5. The nature of peer pressure has changed.
I was 12 when I was first exposed to pornography. My friends convinced
me to join them, and we hid and huddled behind a neighbor's stone wall
to look at a magazine found on the side of the road. We did what we
did where we did it because we knew it was wrong. Back in those days,
peer pressure took the form of a verbal invitation to come and do
something that both you and the person inviting you to do it knew was
wrong. In today's world, peer pressure usually takes the form of an
unspoken expectation to come and get involved in behavior that the
overwhelming majority of your peers think is normal and right.
Today's
peer pressure is much more intense and difficult to resist.
6. Materialism is a desirable lifestyle.
The dawn of the new millennium has brought increased economic
opportunity and wealth into the lives of children and teens. More and
more kids are working long hours, buying cars, and furnishing their
rooms with the latest in electronic gadgetry. Many have more monthly
discretionary income at their disposal than the average adult. Others
are showered with material "blessings" from over-indulgent parents.
Young people are going through their teenage years developing life
expectations – and related priorities – of having whatever they want,
whenever the want it. They are, and will be, accumulating debt at
unprecedented levels. Their present situation indicates that today's
teens are building their lives around the desire to possess things.
7. Oral sex is big.
Researchers are just now beginning to look more seriously at oral sex
and teenagers. The practice has become so prevalent amongst teens –
especially among middle school students – that it's considered to be a
recreational activity that takes place casually and without any sort
of dating relationship, either when alone with another person or in
groups. The most recent data indicates that among 15- to 19-yearolds,
more than 55 percent of the boys and more than 54 percent of the girls
report giving or getting oral sex. By the time they reach the age of
19, three-quarters of all teens will have engaged in oral sex. When
asked if oral sex is "sex," many young people answer "no." The reason?
You can't get pregnant from it.
8. Far too many kids are depressed.
The increased intensity of peer, media, and family pressures has made
the teenage years more difficult. The constant barrage of confusing
messages and expectations can be too much of a burden for some teens
to handle during the normal adolescent developmental shake-up,
especially when parents are absent or ignorant of what is going on in
their lives. One study of students in grades six, eight, and 10 found
that 18 percent of youths reported symptoms of depression. Our
children and teens are at increased risk for being more than down in
the dumps. Teen depression has reached epidemic proportions.
9. There's little difference between churched and unchurched kids.
There's a sad and sorry trend I've been noticing more and more over
the past several years.
Increasingly, kids from Christian homes and churches are looking more
and more like their mainstream teenaged peers – and less and less like
Christ. While many of these kids claim allegiance to Christ, their
values, attitudes, and behaviors indicate there's a disconnect between
their stated faith and daily lives. This reality is reflective of a
growing trend among Christians of all ages who are failing to
integrate their faith into the place where it rightfully belongs – all
of life. Sadly, more and more students are living disintegrated lives
with their faith saying little or nothing to how they relate, learn,
date, play, and work, etc.
10. Homosexual lifestyle;
Greg Quinlan, a former member of the homosexual community, who
testified before the Ohio Defense of Marriage Act in November, 2003
claimed that the physical and mental
devastation caused by homosexual behavior, and the cumulative effect
of that behavior "is incalculable." The American public has been left
largely in the dark about the extent of the problems associated with
homosexual activity because of the influence of pro-homosexual
political agendas. Some even believe they are being "compassionate" by
not disclosing vital health information for fear of offending
homosexuals. The following is a brief review of what is currently
known to medical science about the health risks associated with
homosexual activity. HIV/AIDS; Homosexual activity remains a major
source of transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus. Over 54 percent of all
AIDS cases in America were homosexual men and according to the Center
for Disease Control (CDC) nearly 90 percent of these men acquired HIV
through sexual activity with other men. Even more alarming, the Center
for Disease
Control & Prevention reported that an estimated half of all new HIV
infections in the United States are among people under 25. Among 13-to
24-year-olds, 52 percent of all AIDS cases reported among males in
1997 were among young men who have sex with men.
Emotional / Mental Health Risks; Youth who identify themselves as
homosexual, lesbian and bisexual are four times more likely than their
peers to suffer from major depression; three times more likely to
suffer anxiety disorders, four times more likely to suffer conduct
disorders, six times more likely to suffer from multiple disorders and
more than
six times more likely to have attempted suicide.
11. There's a deep hunger for heaven.
While my focus has been on some of the more negative and troubling
youth culture trends, there is good news as well. Teenagers are
displaying a God-shaped emptiness in their
lives filled by God. If you listen and look closely, you'll see and
hear it in their music, films, books, magazines – and even in their
very lives. Even when they don't recognize it as such, we can rest in
the assurance that their hunger is for God and the heaven we
proclaim.
Today's culture might not be a very pretty place, but it's the very
particular place where Jesus sends us – his particular followers – to
proclaim the life-changing Good News. Will you listen to their world?
Walt Muller
Darren Angus
Jan 30, 2015, 10:50:33 AM1/30/15
to new-jersey-em...@googlegroups.com
hello,
i agree with the auther beacue if you if you pay attenttion in todays society life is getting advance and you can see our youths doing lt and even more of what was explain by the author, human tends to solve there problems and get around things the easy way no matter the cost. that adaptation starts with our youth. as they progress in life they want it to be easy and "give me free" with hardly no work in, and no resonsibilities. thats why the bible staes to train up a child so no mattter what he or she will never forget their roots. much of these starts with our parents they must know the facts of what out there and try to protect there child as much as posilble. lets face it we cant protect them from all of it.
nevertheless this information is very crucial to our ministry not only for the youth but for everyone involved in gods plans. bible also states that my people are be destroyed because the lack of knowedge. knowing as much ass possbe will make your ministry more effective to your odeience.
know the problem, understands the facts, getting partispant opinion, do your study (bible), eliminate as much of the prolems as you can through your ministry (prayer, fasting,preaching etc).
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Dwight Lamar
Jan 30, 2015, 6:19:51 PM1/30/15
to new-jersey-em...@googlegroups.com
Dear Students and Leaders,
I totally agree with the author. It is we as ministers are wise (Proverbs 11:30), understanding the times and what men should do.
Hebrews 13:8 states Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. In Ecclesiastes 1:9 we find, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. One might use these two passages to conclude the world isn’t changing or that we shouldn’t employ new methods of ministry.
However, as the author demonstrated, paradigms do shift. The church should be obliged to engage in double listening and modify ministry methods lest it loses its savor and no longer salt’s the earth.
Understanding the information presented by the author, ministers will know their audience well enough to tailor their presentation of the unchanged Word of God in a fashion that can be well received. For example, church leaders can design marketing messages and content designed to create positive pear pressure since our young people are exposed to so many marketing messages throughout the day.
Sincerely,
--
dlt1906
Jan 30, 2015, 6:58:06 PM1/30/15
to new-jersey-em...@googlegroups.com
Dear Students and Leaders,
I totally agree with the author. It is we as ministers are wise (Proverbs 11:30), understanding the times and what men should do.
Hebrews 13:8 states Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. In Ecclesiastes 1:9 we find, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. One might use these two passages to conclude the world isn’t changing or that we shouldn’t employ new methods of ministry.
However, as the author demonstrated, paradigms do shift. The church should be obliged to engage in double listening and modify ministry methods lest it loses its savor and no longer salt’s the earth.
Understanding the information presented by the author, ministers will know their audience well enough to tailor their presentation of the unchanged Word of God in a fashion that can be well received. For example, church leaders can design marketing messages and content designed to create positive pear pressure since our young people are exposed to so many marketing messages throughout the day.
Sincerely,
Dwight LamarI totally agree with the author. It is we as ministers are wise (Proverbs 11:30), understanding the times and what men should do.
Hebrews 13:8 states Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. In Ecclesiastes 1:9 we find, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. One might use these two passages to conclude the world isn’t changing or that we shouldn’t employ new methods of ministry.
However, as the author demonstrated, paradigms do shift. The church should be obliged to engage in double listening and modify ministry methods lest it loses its savor and no longer salt’s the earth.
Understanding the information presented by the author, ministers will know their audience well enough to tailor their presentation of the unchanged Word of God in a fashion that can be well received. For example, church leaders can design marketing messages and content designed to create positive pear pressure since our young people are exposed to so many marketing messages throughout the day.
Sincerely,
dlt1906
Feb 1, 2015, 9:57:00 AM2/1/15
to new-jersey-em...@googlegroups.com
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Elaine Brown-Cameron
Feb 2, 2015, 2:39:30 AM2/2/15
to new-jersey-em...@googlegroups.com
The scenario painted here is indeed true of the culture our young people face today. There is a disconnect between them and older individuals who minister to our youth who y view them as obsolete and lacking in understanding of the times. The challenge is how can we minister to them without being offended at their perception..
It involves love and caring without being judgemental at what is seen in their lifestyle. Youths of every age are called to be holy even as God is holy. The power of scripture transcends all the enemy does to blind and destroy our youth. Awareness of the challenges they face gives focus in courageously giving the call to serve God. Of course this requires much fasting and prayer as it is spiritual warfare when the way to supercede the world values are presented. Once the seed is planted early and nurtured, the holy spirit will do the rest. A good example is Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abenego in Daniel 1 vs 8-20
On Sun, Feb 1, 2015 at 6:57 AM, dlt1906 <dwight...@gmail.com> wrote:
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Elaine Brown-Cameron
Feb 2, 2015, 2:52:56 AM2/2/15
to new-jersey-em...@googlegroups.com
Aaron P
Feb 2, 2015, 12:18:12 PM2/2/15
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Hello everyone,
After reading the article I totally agree with the author. We need to know what battles our youth and young adults are facing on a daily basis. The alarming statics that were mentioned in the article truly show what today's youth are dealing with inside and outside of the church walls. Because I am a minister of music and a recording artist I get to touch base with a lot of youth daily. Whether through social media or in person these same things are what I'm hearing first hand. They are confused by the images they see on television and online. Not just by secular things but also what they see in their churches and/or in other Christians they look up to. Giving them the truth in love is exactly what they need. Having an open dialogue will improve relationships with our youth. Most feel that we (the church) are here to chastise and condemn them. But what they don't know or understand is that all we want is for them to know the greatness of God. Again, I think this article is great tool in understanding what today's youth is battling.
After reading the article I totally agree with the author. We need to know what battles our youth and young adults are facing on a daily basis. The alarming statics that were mentioned in the article truly show what today's youth are dealing with inside and outside of the church walls. Because I am a minister of music and a recording artist I get to touch base with a lot of youth daily. Whether through social media or in person these same things are what I'm hearing first hand. They are confused by the images they see on television and online. Not just by secular things but also what they see in their churches and/or in other Christians they look up to. Giving them the truth in love is exactly what they need. Having an open dialogue will improve relationships with our youth. Most feel that we (the church) are here to chastise and condemn them. But what they don't know or understand is that all we want is for them to know the greatness of God. Again, I think this article is great tool in understanding what today's youth is battling.
Anish Kuriachen
Feb 2, 2015, 9:48:02 PM2/2/15
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Dear All,
I agree with author. But there are some more things needs to add into it.
1. Family Life. : Now a days most of our families are very busy(All are saying time flie). So parents are running behind their schedules and spending very limited time with family especially children. So children are forced to live by their own. I was talking to a person who is working with teenagers who are drug addicts or abused by others etc. when he analyzed those kids and learned that they are really missing the care from their parents. So my point is we should focus on family, not only children.
2. "Today's 6-year-olds are increasingly looking, dressing, talking, and acting like yesterday's 18-year-olds" : I agree with this statement, but this is not because of the ability of new generation kid, but its because of the technology. I got my first phone only after my college studies, but now my daughter(5 year old) is able to use smartphone.Now a days all want capsule solutions, nobody have time to spend time with word of God. Just google it for word and its description. Are we directing our kids(also ourself) to focus on word of God.
3. Dropping our culture to accommodate current world: Now a days if we look into spiritual world, some are imitating world but adding God into it. Children are not aware of their forefathers life and their prayer life. As we read in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 " ..having a form of godliness and denying its power..." . So my point is here is we should focus on youth but don't drop our doctrinal values.
Church leaders can use new technologies and social media to spread word of God, but make sure that its not dropping our doctrines and also our culture. We should encourage our kids to be more active with word of God specially when they deals with their friends.
Thanks
Anish
joscelyn cameron
Feb 3, 2015, 3:30:53 AM2/3/15
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The last writer's comments were quite valid. It is true that while we are attempting to keep abreast of the change we we see all around us, as followers of Christ, we need to be cognizant of the fact that, although we are living in the world, yet, we are not of the world. We have a responsibility akin to our calling: therefore, we need to adopt the ways of Christ and model His example as portrayed in scripture. The word ought to be our guide on a daily basis. Yes, we are humans and we are prone to wander at times yet, we know in whom we believe, and that He is able to keep us from falling and therefore present us faultless before His Father with great joy.(Jude 1: 24-25) Very interesting! However, I move on now to the next phase.
Rev Denis Pamba
Feb 3, 2015, 5:19:18 PM2/3/15
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I agree with the author, indeed the world is changing none the less the word of still remains the same with the same power and authority. The word of God still discerns and still corrects. I think to some extend parents have neglect God`s command and that gives a lot of room for the world to creep into homes through children. Moses says in Deuteronomy Deu 6:4-9 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: (5) And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (6) And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: (7) And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (8) And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. (9) And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates"
This shows that God new that times will change and the world will turn to the young people and a point of influence. We must have diligence as we compete with the media in capturing our young people back to the Kingdom. As much as fashion and media seems to be overwhelming, the word of God is more powerful.
Everything the author talked about is real, but we need to take our stand and defend and protect the generation behind us by diligently instilling the discipline of Studying the word of God; praying; fasting; physically attending the fellowship of brethren; creating quality family time; listening to them; giving them guidance when it comes to purchasing so that they do not do impulse buying.
When one carefully listens to young people you will discover the hunger for spirituality. With the right uproach we can guide them and show them the way to their maker.
Rev Denis Pamba
Feb 3, 2015, 5:28:36 PM2/3/15
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Thanks Anish, but remember children tend to imitate those that are above them. When they see adults and especially their parents spending more time chatting and googling etc more than the word, that is exactly what they will do. If they come with questions and we refer them to Google instead, then they will know that it is google that has an answer and no one else. this will lead them to rebel.
joscelyn cameron
Feb 3, 2015, 6:16:08 PM2/3/15
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Jlc126
Well said Rev Pamba. God bess you!
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Cameron,J
J cameron
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joscelyn cameron
Feb 3, 2015, 7:46:03 PM2/3/15
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Bishop, the conversations are healthy and I have personally gained quite a bit since I got linked with the group. While still waiting the delivery of my text book, I have been gleaning from the inputs made thus far. My goal in joining in this course is to equip myself with the knowledge whereby I will be able to effectively work among the youth as well as the seniors whether they freely roam the community or are incarcerated. I believe that at such a time as this, God truly is using this medium to prepare us for the task ahead. The work load is great and we at times, tend to fail to see the whole picture and its spiritual application. God wants us to perform, therefore He has called us as laborers together in His vineyard and He expects to see results. The writer has opened our eyes to clearly see and understand what is happening to our youths. These observations are not new to us but, here the writer has placed them on our door steps, (so to speak) and we cannot circumvent them. I say, we get to work and produce for Him who has called us into His harvest. (Matt. 9 :37). Great job Bishop!--
Cameron,J
Cameron,J
Anish Kuriachen
Feb 3, 2015, 10:17:12 PM2/3/15
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Dear Bishop,
Thanks You your reply.
I totally agree with you. I was pointing to the same . When we think about children/youth and their problems (Google is just an example, there may be several facts) , we should consider their entire family and the route cause. Some may not be because of Parents problems, that may the peer pressure.
Thanks
Anish.
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Thank You
Best Regards
Anish
Best Regards
Anish
prodigalson973
Feb 23, 2015, 2:35:25 PM2/23/15
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Hello Elaine,
My name is Doug A. I'm playing a little catch up here in the class, but I just wanted to mention that I agree with your point especially about the disconnect that sometimes takes place between our youth and the elder leaders in the church. I appreciate the encouragement to stand fast and not to make judgement. I would like to add that we should all must try and remember, the youth of today and tomorrow find commonality with all of us, the youth of yester-year, in one key way, their struggles are the manifestation of the progression of sin in this world. Their new age trials and tribulations are just new symptoms of the cancer that seeks to progress in this world. I recently turned 31, and have begun to run into some of the challenges of ministering to the younger end of the youth spectrum. your outlook motivates me to seek His face that much more in my further youth endeavors.
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prodigalson973
Feb 23, 2015, 3:17:47 PM2/23/15
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Phase 1 week 2
Dear Saints,
I agree with the article reporting some of the conditions our current youth have to live in. I would like to remind us all to not only stay aware of the things our youth encounter, but also to become educated on the media and social resources that have become such a large part of society. Those same social media avenues that try to plague this generation with cyber peer-pressure and inappropriate propaganda, offer a forum where we can connect and minister to the masses. To be transparent, I had a lack there of, the social media dynamic until relatively recently. It wasn’t until I realized that it was almost mandatory for my 10 year old at the time son, needed an email at least to be eligible to download games or apps on his tablet. I recently have found that it is an essential practice to ask questions to our youth about where they are at, what they have encountered, and allow them to express their feelings regarding such.
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