Week 8-The Acts of the Apostles 1-17

Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witness....."

Just think about what a great power and responsibility that is for you and for all Christians. Talk about a powerful verse.

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 6) The Gospel According to John 1-21

John 3:16

Most people know this verse. You see the signs at sporting events on signs all the time. A man started that trend by putting his favorite bible verse on a sign and taking it the a football game. Now you see it week in and week out at sporting events when you are watching them on television. Interesting how ONE man's idea had such a far reaching effect.

Just something to think about

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 5) The Gospel According to Luke 14-24

I read the story of the prodigal son in my daily readings this week and then when we went to see Rob Bell on Saturday he talked about the story. He brought up something I haven't really ever thought about the story. The story is left unresolved. It ends with the father and older son talking outside the party. We don't find out if the son goes to the party for his wayward younger son who has come home or if he stays outside pouting, or if something else entirely different happens.

I found that to be a great take on the story. We are left to interpret what happened. Hmmm

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 4) The Gospel According to Luke 1-12

I think the Gospel of Luke is my favorite of the gospels for a few reasons. First, it talks of Jesus as a universal figure. Second, it also kind of has a sequel in the Book of Acts-also written by Luke. Third, it has a theme of God's plan. Just a few thoughts about Luke...more to follow

grace & peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 3) The Gospel According to Mark

The gospel of Mark is written quite differently than the the gospel of Matthew. It is very childlike in its telling, it has only about half the number of chapters as Matthew. It is widely regarded as the earliest of the four gospels.

I believe my favorite part of Mark is the "controversy" stories underscoring Jesus teachings and how those teaching ultimately conflicted with the scribes and pharisees. Those 5 conflicting issues were: Faith, Blasphemy, the Son of Man's divine authority, how to deal with Tax Collectors and Sinners, and the Sabbath and keeping it holy.

Ultimately Jesus thought differently about these issues and that was part of the reason he was questioned. I guess it is true-Jesus got it and we are still trying to replicate that today.

I also like verse 10:15. It states that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it. This verse to me stresses the importance of raising our children right and get them started with their love for Jesus at an early age. (Thanks mom for MAKING me go to church)

grace& peace
kevin

Reading Through the Bible in a Year (Week 2) Matthew 18-28

The second half of the book of Matthew focuses on many things such as the transfiguration, more parables, teachings, allusions to the resurrection, plots, betrayals, trials, and the crucifixtion, and resurrection. So there is a lot of information in those 12 chapters. If I were picking one verse to focus on out of those 12 chapters it would be the last one: Matthew 28:19-20

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

What a powerful statement....any thoughts?

Reading Through the Bible in 1 Year (Week 1) Matthew: 1-17

This is the first gospel. Matthew quotes old testament scripture 47 times in the gospel. Why might he do this? Matthew is a jew and is speaking to the jews so he might be emphasizing their traditions and focusing on what they know. Matthew is probably trying to get them on board with what the word he is spreading about the messiah.

Something to think about...What do think is the difference between these two: "the letter of the law vs. the spirit of the law."

grace & peace
kevin

HERO

We use the term hero quite a bit, maybe we use it a little too much in society today. There are superheroe movies, the television show heroes, and many other references. I was listening to the lyrics of the song "Hero" by Skillet and it made we think. We all have heroes but only one is a hero to everyone. I'll give you a hint, he came and died on the cross for you and me and everyone.

Just something to think about.

grace & peace
kevin

matthew 27:32

Changing on the Fly

I had an entire message prepared on Tuesday night dealing with Isaiah and his life. I didn't really like the message I was going to deliver-it didn't seem to resonate with me too much. Then I was reading a daily bible passage from my phone it talked about Solomon and building a temple. I found it interesting so I looked up the rest of the passage and there it was-a much better biblical story about dedication. He devoted seven years to building a temple to the Lord. Isn't it funny how sometimes when you are struggling God just shows you something that speaks to you. I love those moments, they are so helpful and so much better than what I could do on my own.

grace & peace
kevin

Highlights of the Summer.......so far

Its been a busy summer so I haven't blogged for about a month...so hear goes, hopefully its not too long.

JUMMP: I thought it was great when a few of you guys stayed for the worship service with the other churches while we were hosting them. Also, thank you to everyone who helped cook hamburders and hot dogs for them at the lake. (Good thing we got out of there before the downpour started)

SR HIGH MISSION TRIP: Oh so many things that I can't remember all of them. I thought it was great how all the churches came together so early in the week and got along so well (thats probably why I did a sermon about it, huh) The drive there was fun...I still need a copy of the quote book from the trip. The Acton youth always work harder than anyone else, thank you for pointing that out Sheryl. No complaining and hard work..a great combination. Great job guys!!

SOUNDWAVE CHOIR TOUR: What a great trip. All the girls from Acton and Douglasville on the same bus all week singing girl scout songs. I'm surprised I don't still have those songs stuck in my head. I am so glad that all the girls got along so well and did such a great job at the Youth Cue festival. Way to go!!!!

more to come....stay tuned

JUMMP (Junior High United Methodist Mission Project)

Thanks you to JUMMP for coming to help out in our community on their mission trip this summer. They will be here from June 8-12. Let's show our support for them and their program by helping them out in any way we can. It is a great program helping Junior High youth seeing the difference they can make in someone else's life. If any of you would like to know what a mission trip is like and all about-I invite you to come and visit a worksite and hang out with the youth while they are here.

grace & peace
kevin

3-D Ministries

We have recently talked about the 3-D ministries idea as a name for our youth group. I thought it might be cool if we could have the 3 d's stand for something.

I thought of dedication and discipleship as two possibilities. Any thoughts on what the third could be?

grace & peace
kevin

Kevin Anderson-Lenten Reader Article

Quiet. Prayer. Meditation.

When are we supposed to be quiet and when are we not supposed to be quiet? I often wonder about this. (Especially since I work with youth) I thought of Psalm 46:10 (be still and know that I am God) when I read Psalm 131.

So when and how can we be calm?

How about a golf analogy? I enjoy playing golf and it is a great game to play. I enjoy golfing because it offers so many things I enjoy: being active, being outdoors, and being in fellowship with others. At some points while playing golf I MUST be quiet, which is sometimes difficult for me. So how do I know when to be quiet on the golf course? Answer: practice, knowing the rules, and being told to be quiet on the course when I was growing up. I enjoy the fellowship that golf provides but I also enjoy the quiet moments. Just standing there and being still and quiet when someone is about to swing or when I am about to swing is a great feeling. It really gives me perspective. When I am still, quiet, and calm I am able to take in everything that is going on around me. I guess that is why I love golf: it encompasses so many things I enjoy, including quiet moments.

My prayer for you is that at least once today you stop what you are doing, look around, and be silent. You will be amazed how calm you feel. Be still and know that HE is GOD.

Kevin Anderson

Katy Lucas-Lenten Reader Article

Here is an article that Katy Lucas wrote for the church wide Lenten Reader-All I have to say is I was blown away by it. Enjoy

Our world is so very busy! It feels sometimes as though the life is slowly being squeezed out of Time, creating a breathless, flat mentality that carries us through our days. My mind is constantly sidetracked from the splendor of God by astoundingly trivial things. Who has time to sit and ponder religion when there is homework to be done?! The amazing sacrifice of Jesus can be pushed to the back of the mind by looming relationship problems, a very unsatisfied mother pontificating the virtues of a clean room, or the pressure of being "perfect" that seems to be taking over our society. And yet, when I stop to think, to really think about Jesus, I am overtaken with an awesome joy.
Jesus faced it all. His simple message of unconditional love was constantly shot down with skepticism and the grumbling of those set in the old ways. Sometimes, I find myself grumbling. How many of us have been so frustrated with the unpredictable circumstances of life that we throw our hands in the air and cry out "What good are you to me now, Jesus? I know you love me! I know you're up there somewhere watching over me! But right now, in this moment, that doesn't change the fact that I'm suffering." Sometimes, we forget what Jesus meant when he said "I am the bread of life." It's easy to be consumed with hunger and want nothing more than a satisfying snack. But Jesus is not the type of bread one eats greedily, and then forgets about until the next pangs of hunger. Jesus sacrificed himself so that we, these easily distracted, unworthy children, might have eternal life. One bite, and the hunger is eradicated forevermore. Our spiritual cravings to belong, to feel loved and fulfilled, have already been met, ever since the day the Son of God sacrificed himself for our sins. He did it not because we're unworthy sinners a muck with corruption, but because we are imperfect children who make mistakes, but are beloved all the same.

I invite you to take a moment of prayer. Wherever you are, pause and consider the magnitude of Jesus. Let his presence enfold you with all of its awesome power.
Father, we understand that life cannot always be "perfect." Our grumblings and complaints stem from the pressure of a world filled with doubt. Ease our suffering, Lord. Help us to realize that you are always, always with us, and that the bread of your salvation will never run out. Help us to share your love with others, to spread your message to those who are starving. Lord, open our hearts to the fact that "perfect" is not a slim body, or a nice pair of clothes, but a humble carpenter with callouses on the hands that shaped us. You are the bread of life, Jesus. Bon apetite. Amen.

Katy Lucas

Ski Trip Memoirs

We got back from our spring break ski trip earlier today and everyone probably went home and crashed. Everyone had a great time and there were no serious injuries. (just a couple cases of altitude sickness) Other than that I think the closest we came to injuries were Grant running into a pole (but the pole took the worst of it) and Kyle scraping his chin while sliding down the mountain on his face, and Marshall hurting his backside by skiiing backwards and falling down. And everyone could of gotten hurt by laughing so hard while we were having dinner in Denver. You probably had to be there to know how funny it was (or maybe we were just deliriously tired and everything seemed funny)

I hope everyone had a great time and was able to get some rest today and enjoys the rest of their spring break.

remember what Frodo did.....
and don't compromise your faith

grace & peace
Kevin

What is Different?

We went on our confirmation field trip yesterday and it was a very different experience for everyone. First we went to the Seventh Day Adventist Church service in Keene. This service was different for a couple of reasons. First-the worship service was on a Saturday and not a Sunday like we are all used to. And second the worship service was in spanish. It was interesting to watch and experience the service and how they worshiped. Everyone we met there was so nice and helpful to all of us.

Next we went to the Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth. Union Gospel Mission is a homeless shelter in downtown Fort Worth. We got a tour of the facility and met some of the people who live there and some of them who work there. The workers that we met there used to be residents of Union Gospel Mission and now are employed there as workers. They were able to put their life together and get back on their feet.

I was so impressed by how well the confirmation class did and how they interacting with everyone while we were there. When we started to talk about our experiences at the worship service and Union Gospel Mission we talked about how different they were than us.....And then we realized that they were not that different than us. Most of us have everything we have while the residents of the homeless shelter do not. But they are not that different than us. Some of them just made one mistake or just had a little bit of bad luck. Remember that they are not that different than us and treat them as one of God's chosen people.

Discipleship... What is that? (by Courtney Traylor)

What is a disciple? I hear many different answers but one is true to me. What a disciple is, they are a believer of Christ. That's what I think, but you have to decide that. If you are a believer, you are a disciple. Everyone thinks if you just come to church on Sunday and show that you are a Christian there, and don't show it at school, etc. You aren't a disciple. They are wrong! Many people come to church and leave what they have to say and how they show they are a Christian with Christ. You don't have to show everyone all the time. If you believe and follow God you're a disciple. But what are some ways we can show that we are disciples? Maybe, telling others about Christ or inviting them to church. You can also serve others. D-I-S-C-I-P-L-E, is the sermon series Pastor George is talking about. It's mainly what disciples are and what we are supposed to do as being disciples. Mainly, that is what a disciple is and what we do.

Courtney Traylor

The Day that Never Comes

I spoke last week about what everyone could pick up for lent and started to think about when I started to learn to play the guitar. I had a guitar given to me years ago and practiced every day for about a month and then got busy and kept pushing it to the back burner when something came up and eventually quit playing. I keep thinking month after month that this is the month that I pick a day and start playing again and learn to play the guitar.....but that day never comes.

I often wonder how often we put God on the back burner with our busy schedules which might include school, homework, practices, and what we do with our free time. (if we have any left)

I encourage everyone to spend at least a few minutes each day with God-spend as much time as you can in prayer, in scripture, and just spending time with God.

Grace & Peace
Kevin

(and I did pick up the guitar today)

Family

Periodically I will share thoughts about family on this blog since family and community are important to me and to everyone else. Kathy and I watched Carson, well we always watch Carson, and Lydia for a few hours at home this weekend. I understand now how difficult and fun it must have been for my mom to watch me and my twin brother Jason at the same time, all the time. Watching two kids was much more work that watching one. And they were happy and content to play the whole time, except when we tried to put them down for a nap-they were having none of that.
I can't imagine taking care of two kids at that age at the same time, all the time. It makes me appreciate what my mom did that much more. I guess what I'm trying to say is thanks mom.

And of course Carson says hi to his mimi and can't wait to see you

love
Kevin

40 Days of Discipline

What does lent mean for everyone? Is it about giving something up or is it about doing something differently? Or both? How many of you have ever given something up for lent? You hear about people giving up chocolate, caffeine, meat, biting your nails, etc.....

We can give things up but what if instead of just giving something up we picked something up as well. For example: you could give up 10 minutes of playing video games a day (which is a lot for some of you) and pick up the bible and read scripture for ten minutes a day....or more. If you are giving up fast food (like this guy is) you could use that money that you would of spent on fast food to buy canned food to donate to the needy.

Is it enough to simply give something up for lent, yes. It is important that we are able to show discipline for 40 days. But this year I encourage you to think about giving something up so that you can do something that means that much more.

grace & peace
Kevin

Striving Toward Perfection

We have talked about sharing our Faith Stories at youth a couple of times and want to continue to encourage you to do so. I was trying to think of an analogy for my faith story. I could not think of anything until Victor mentioned something in staff meeting that rang true for me and probably others as well. (thank you Victor)

Victor and others on staff are what you would call avid golfers. We are all at different skill levels but all enjoy playing. When I am playing golf the best feeling I get is when I hit a drive a long way down the fairway. Its a great feeling. I would say that I am probably at the lowest skill level of everyone on staff. I believe this is for a couple of reasons. First, I have not had any lessons. (I will shortly) And second I have not played as much on the course as everyone else.

The point is the more I practice and the more I play the better I get. And with coaching I will get better. And I'm not just talking about golf-more importantly I'm talking about my faith walk.

The more time I spend with God, the more scripture I read, the more bible studies I take, the better I get at knowing my faith story and growing in my relationship with God.

grace & peace
Kevin