• How can pastors and leaders respond to the moral confusion of our times?
• What strategies can churches adopt to disciple youth in truth and grace?
• Why is apologetics and worldview training more vital now than ever before?

Whether you’re a pastor, parent, educator, or student ministry leader, this episode will both challenge and equip you to lead with conviction in the cultural trenches.

Key Topics Covered:

• The growing gap in biblical worldview among Gen Z
• Why ethics must be grounded in Scripture, not cultural trends
• The influence of media and progressive ideologies on youth
• Tools for teaching biblical truth in a winsome and courageous way
• Practical ways churches can disciple students in truth and love

Featured Guest Bio:
Jason Jimenezis the founder of Stand Strong Ministries and a nationally recognized voice on Christian worldview and ethics. He is the author of several books, includingChallenging Conversations,The Rapture Verdict, andStand Strong in Your Faith. Jason regularly speaks at churches, conferences, and universities equipping believers to stand firm in biblical truth with clarity and conviction.

Resources & Mentions:

• Stand Strong Ministries:www.standstrongministries.org
• Books:Hijacking Jesus and Parenting Gen Z by Jason Jimenez
• Podcast:Challenging Conversations with Jason Jimenez

Quote Worth Sharing:
"We’re not just trying to win arguments; we’re trying to win people to the truth." Jason Jimenez

If you serve in a local church and want to better equip and empower your volunteers to thrive in ministry, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Jeff and Chad dive into research-based insights showing that parents are ready for more, more connection, more guidance, more collaboration with the church. But often, leaders don't know how to initiate or sustain that relationship.

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Today, we’re diving into the question: Why and how do we influence? This is a crucial topic that will be explored at YPS by leaders like Pastor Eugene Cho and Dr. Kathy Koch, who bring deep wisdom and insight into what it means to lead with purpose. Why do you believe this topic is so important for leaders today? When we look at Matthew 5:13-16, how should we apply Jesus’ words to our own leadership and influence? What are some key leadership insights you would share with leaders on how to maximize their personal leadership and influence? 

Key Takeaways from Today’s Discussion: 

• Salt speaks to how we shouldn’t compromise. Light speaks to the action of pointing others to Jesus—the decision is up to us. 
• Leadership is not just positional—it’s influential. We must lead with integrity, purpose, and a heart for serving others. 
• The greatest leaders don’t just develop strategies—they develop people. 

Join Us at YPS! Are you a youth leader, educator, or volunteer? Youth Pastor Summit is for you! It’s an opportunity to be equipped, encouraged, and connected with others in ministry. Register today and join us for impactful sessions, practical leadership labs, and an incredible time of community. 

That wraps up this special YPS series on Chasing Elephants! We’ll see you next time!

Why do you believe this topic is so important for leaders today?

Do you sense a movement of revival in this generation? What are some of the indicators you’ve seen?

How can ministry leaders actively foster and align with God’s mission in their own contexts?

Conclusion & Call to Action

Key Takeaways from Today’s Discussion:

Revival isn’t just something that happens around us—it must first begin within us.

God’s mission is already unfolding; our role is to join Him in what He’s doing.

Ministry leaders play a key part in guiding students toward a greater understanding of God’s redemptive story.

Looking Ahead:

Next up, we’ll be diving into Leadership—how and why we influence the next generation. Stay tuned!

Join Us at YPS!

Are you a youth leader, educator, or volunteer? Youth Pastor Summit is for you! It’s an opportunity to be equipped, encouraged, and connected with other ministry leaders.

Register today and join us for impactful sessions, practical leadership labs, and an incredible time of community. We’ll see you next time on Chasing Elephants!

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To help us explore this crucial topic, we’re honored to have voices like Dr. Robert Smith and Megan Fate Marshman joining us at YPS. Their wisdom and insight will challenge us to deepen our walk with Christ and lead from a place of spiritual health.

Questions asked on today's episode:

Why do you believe spiritual formation is such an important conversation for leaders today?

 How have you personally practiced spiritual disciplines in your life and leadership?

What are some practical ways leaders can assess their spiritual growth and identify opportunities for development?

Conclusion & Call to Action

Key Takeaways from Today’s Discussion:

Spiritual formation is about who we are becoming, not just what we do.

As leaders, we can’t give what we don’t have—our personal walk with Jesus matters.

Spiritual formation isn’t about behavior modification; it’s a lifelong commitment to following Jesus in a healthy, holistic way.

Join Us at YPS!

Are you a youth leader, educator, or volunteer? Youth Pastor Summit is for you! It’s a place to be equipped, encouraged, and connected with others in student ministry.

Register today and join us for impactful sessions, practical leadership labs, and an incredible time of community. We’ll see you next time on Chasing Elephants

Looking Ahead:

In the next episodes, we’ll dive into topics like God’s Mission and Leadership—you won’t want to miss it!

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1. Spiritual Formation – Who are we becoming?
2. God’s Mission – What story is God telling?
3. Ethics – How should we think?
4. Leadership – Why and how do we influence?

At its core, YPS provides:
A Community – A network of like-minded leaders passionate about investing in students.
A Place of Learning – Engaging discussions led by experienced ministry practitioners.
A Moment of Understanding – A space to reflect, recalibrate, and gain fresh perspective.

The Question of Ethics: How Should We Think?

In this episode, we continue our discussion on ethical decision-making, particularly how to think biblically about pressing moral and cultural issues.

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1. The Foundation—God’s Design in Creation

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

• Gender is not a social construct, but a divine ordinance established at creation.
• Genesis 2 highlights the intentionality in the creation of male and female, reflecting God’s image in a complementary way.
• Marriage (Genesis 2:24) is designed to reflect Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:22-33).

Discussion Question:How does this divine design inform the institution of marriage?

2. The Fall and the Distortion of Gender Roles

Genesis 3:16 – The consequences of sin led to a distortion of gender roles, leading to dysfunction in relationships.

• The Fall introduced brokenness into gender dynamics—struggles for control, passivity, and domination.
• Instead of complementing each other, men and women often experience conflict in their roles.

Discussion Question:How does Jesus redeem and restore gender roles?

Answer: The Gospel restores what was lost! In Christ:

• Men and women find their true identity in alignment with God’s will.
• Ephesians 5:22-33 calls husbands to love sacrificially and wives to respect—not about hierarchy, but servanthood and love.

3. Cultural Challenges and the Church’s Response

• Today’s culture views gender as fluid and self-defined, often detached from biblical truth.
• The Church must stand firm on biblical gender identity while engaging with compassion.

Practical Ways to Uphold Biblical Gender Roles:

1. Teach & Model biblical marriage in homes and churches.
2. Support & Disciple men and women in their God-given roles.
3. Speak Truth in Love—grace-filled cultural engagement.
4. Pray for a revival of biblical truth in our world.

Closing Encouragement

Q: What encouragement would you offer to those struggling with gender identity?
A: God’s design is good and for our joy. If you’re struggling:

• Seek God’s truth in His Word.
• Connect with a biblical community.
• Trust Christ’s power to restore what is broken.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Loved this episode? Don’t forget to:
Subscribe to the Chasing Elephants Podcast
Share this episode with others
Continue standing on God’s truth with grace and love

Until next time, keep seeking biblical wisdom in a culture full of shifting perspectives. God bless!

C.S. Lewis’s The Four Loves: A Brief Overview

C.S. Lewis’s classic book The Four Loves breaks down the four distinct forms of love that humans experience. Each love, while good, requires God’s divine love (Agape) to be fully redeemed and effective.

1. Affection (Storge) – The love that naturally develops in families and close communities.
2. Friendship (Philia) – The deep bond of trust and companionship between people with shared interests.
3. Romantic Love (Eros) – The passionate love that moves individuals toward deep commitment.
4. Charity (Agape) – The selfless, sacrificial love that reflects Christ’s love for humanity.

In this episode, we apply these loves to leadership and examine how Christian leaders can integrate them into their ministries, teams, and organizations.

The Four Loves in Christian Leadership

1. Affection (Storge) – Cultivating a Caring Community

What It Means:
Storge is the love of familiarity, warmth, and deep-rooted connection. It is seen in family relationships and close-knit communities.

Leadership Application:

• Foster a culture of care and belonging in leadership teams and congregations.
• Ensure people feel valued beyond their roles or contributions.
• Beware of pitfalls like favoritism or complacency.

Practical Takeaway:

• Develop mentorship and pastoral care strategies.
• Make time for personal connections and genuine encouragement.
• Lead with empathy and presence, ensuring your team feels seen and supported.

2. Friendship (Philia) – The Power of Brotherhood and Sisterhood in Leadership

What It Means:
Philia is the love of deep friendship and shared purpose. It is not based on obligation but on mutual respect and commitment to a common mission.

Leadership Application:

• Cultivate strong, trusting relationships with fellow leaders.
• Emphasize team-based leadership over top-down authority.
• Guard against exclusivity or favoritism that could hinder inclusivity.

Practical Takeaway:

• Build a healthy leadership community that encourages accountability.
• Develop peer mentorship and co-leadership models.
• Foster an atmosphere of encouragement and collaboration.

3. Romantic Love (Eros) – Passion and Devotion to a Calling

What It Means:
Eros, in leadership, is not merely romantic love but also represents a deep passion for one’s calling. Passionate leaders inspire, but they must guard against self-centered ambition.

Leadership Application:

• Lead with passion and conviction while staying humble.
• Avoid letting ambition override the needs of people.
• Ensure passion is fueled by Agape (selfless love) rather than personal success.

Practical Takeaway:

• Regularly evaluate motivations to ensure they align with God’s calling.
• Maintain accountability with fellow leaders.
• Stay rooted in service over self-promotion.

4. Charity (Agape) – The Ultimate Model of Servant Leadership

What It Means:
Agape is the selfless, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ’s love for humanity. It is the highest form of love and the foundation for true servant leadership.

Leadership Application:

• Make decisions that prioritize people over power.
• Lead with humility, grace, and a heart for service.
• Recognize that Agape often requires sacrifice but yields eternal impact.

Practical Takeaway:

• Adopt a servant leadership mindset, following Jesus’s example.
• Make leadership about equipping and empowering others.
• Seek to love without expectation, embodying the heart of Christ.

Closing Thoughts: Leading with Love

A Christ-centered leader embodies all four loves in leadership:
1. Storge (Affection) → Cultivating a family-like community.

2. Philia (Friendship) → Building deep, trusting relationships.

3. Eros (Passion) → Leading with inspiration and conviction.

4. Agape (Charity) → Serving with unconditional love.

By applying these principles, Christian leaders reflect the love of Christ and create thriving, impactful ministries.

Reflective Questions for Listeners

• Which of the four loves is most challenging for you as a leader? Why?
• How can leaders balance passion (Eros) for their mission without becoming consumed by personal ambition?
• What are practical ways Christian leaders can cultivate Agape in their leadership today?

Join the Conversation!
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Connect with us on social media and share how you apply The Four Loves in your leadership journey.

Follow & Subscribe for more episodes on faith, leadership, and life!

Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to educate, inspire, and challenge listeners to celebrate history while looking forward with hope.

Show Notes

• Featured Guest: Dr. Robert Smith – Professor, scholar, theologian, and author ofDoctrine That Dances
• Topics Discussed:
  • The origins and importance of Black History Month
  • The enduring legacy of the Black church
  • Challenges and opportunities facing the Black church today
• Recommended Reading:Doctrine That Dances by Dr. Robert Smith
• Follow Us: Stay connected with us on @slulead and subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring episodes.

Meet the Guests:

Tim Wadsworth: Director of Student Ministries at North Hills Church, Greenville, SC.

Jason Stanland: Middle School Pastor at Fruitcove Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL.

Bryan Howell: High School Pastor at Hunter Street Baptist Church, Hoover, AL.

With over 40 years of combined experience, these leaders share their invaluable insights, offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools for anyone passionate about student ministry.Part Two: Parental Engagement

Discussion Focus:

• The vital role parents play in the spiritual formation of their teenagers.
• Strategies for equipping, encouraging, and partnering with parents in ministry.
• Real-life examples of bridging the gap between the church and home.

Don’t miss this candid and insightful conversation with leaders who truly understand the trenches of student ministry. Whether you’re a youth pastor, volunteer, parent, or church leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to navigate the ever-evolving world of student ministry with clarity and confidence.

Listen now and join the conversation!

Meet the Guests:

• Tim Wadsworth: Director of Student Ministries at North Hills Church, Greenville, SC.
• Jason Stanland: Middle School Pastor at Fruitcove Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL.
• Bryan Howell: High School Pastor at Hunter Street Baptist Church, Hoover, AL.

With over 40 years of combined experience, these leaders share their invaluable insights, offering wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools for anyone passionate about student ministry.

Show Notes:

Part One: Trends & Challenges
Discussion Focus:

• Exploring current cultural ideologies and perspectives influencing students today.
• Unpacking the mindsets shaping how students engage with faith, community, and their world.
• How these trends impact ministry strategies, programming, and effectiveness.

What is Advent? Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or "advent," of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time with reflections on four pillars - hope, peace, love, and joy.The word "advent" means "coming". And while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus.

History: The tradition of Advent has been observed by the global Christian church for centuries, with the earliest mentions dating back to 380 AD. 

Why is Advent Important?

Advent can be a simple and fun tradition of counting down to Christmas. But for others—particularly those who believe Jesus to be the incarnation of God and the long-awaited Messiah—Advent is a shared experience of meditation and prayer that celebrates the arrival of Jesus.

Who Celebrates Advent?

People from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions celebrate Advent, though the specific practices may vary from community to community. Additionally, some people celebrate Advent without the focus on Jesus' arrival, seeing the tradition as a fun way to countdown to Christmas.

When it starts: Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30, which is about four weekends before Christmas. In 2024, Advent will begin on Sunday, December 1. 

Candles: The four candles of an Advent wreath represent the four Sundays of Advent and symbolize the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. 

Themes: Each week of Advent has a theme:

1. First week: Hope – The Purple Candle/Prophet's Candle
2. Reflection – We have hope that comes from God's actions and promises for humanity Jesus is the fulfiller of hope. (Romans 15:13)

1. Second week: Peace - The Purple Candle is also known as the Bethlehem Candle.
2. Reflection – Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

1. Third week: Joy – The Pink Candle/The Shepherd’s Candle
2. Reflection - The joy of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10-11)

1. Fourth week: Love – The Purple Candle is also known as the Angel's Candle. 
2. Reflection - God's love for us and the reason for Jesus' incarnation (1 John 4:10)

Here are some things to know about Advent:

What is Advent? Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar dedicated to anticipating the arrival, or "advent," of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time with reflections on four pillars - hope, peace, love, and joy.The word "advent" means "coming". And while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus.

History: The tradition of Advent has been observed by the global Christian church for centuries, with the earliest mentions dating back to 380 AD. 

Why is Advent Important?

Advent can be a simple and fun tradition of counting down to Christmas. But for others—particularly those who believe Jesus to be the incarnation of God and the long-awaited Messiah—Advent is a shared experience of meditation and prayer that celebrates the arrival of Jesus.

Who Celebrates Advent?

People from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions celebrate Advent, though the specific practices may vary from community to community. Additionally, some people celebrate Advent without the focus on Jesus' arrival, seeing the tradition as a fun way to countdown to Christmas.

When it starts: Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30, which is about four weekends before Christmas. In 2024, Advent will begin on Sunday, December 1. 

Candles: The four candles of an Advent wreath represent the four Sundays of Advent and symbolize the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. 

Themes: Each week of Advent has a theme:

1. First week: Hope – The Purple Candle/Prophet's Candle
2. Reflection – We have hope that comes from God's actions and promises for humanity Jesus is the fulfiller of hope. (Romans 15:13)

1. Second week: Peace - The Purple Candle is also known as the Bethlehem Candle.
2. Reflection – Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

1. Third week: Joy – The Pink Candle/The Shepherd’s Candle
2. Reflection - The joy of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10-11)

1. Fourth week: Love – The Purple Candle is also known as the Angel's Candle.
2. Reflection - God's love for us and the reason for Jesus' incarnation (1 John 4:10)

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14 And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray constantly, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Unpacking 3-Princples Concerning An Attitude of Gratitude: 

1. Gratitude is always to be expressed 
2. “Rejoice always” (vs. 16a) commands that we are to have an ongoing attitude of gratitude.
3. “Pray without constantly” (vs. 16b) suggests a mental attitude of prayerfulness, continual personal fellowship with God, and consciousness of being in His presence throughout each day. 
4. “Give thanks” (vs. 18) affirms that followers of Jesus are to be marked by thanksgiving.
5. A grateful person will be a happier person.
6. A grateful person will be a healthier person.

NOTE #1: Gratitude is not an option; it is an obligation. Having an attitude of gratitude is never tied to what we have or who we are, it is a result of who God is and what He has done for us.  

1. Gratitude should never be limited 
2. Paul says to give thanks ''in everything” (vs. 18) (not in most things or in good things.) 
3. Thanksgiving has nothing to do with feelings. 
4. We are not commanded to ''feel grateful.'' 

NOTE #2: Paul had been beaten, whipped, imprisoned, shipwrecked, stoned, and left for dead. Yet he said, ''give thanks in everything'' 

A Practical Outlook on Gratitude:

• Be grateful for the blessings of life- God's greatest blessings are oftentimes found in the smallest things. 

• Be grateful for the burdens of life - 2 Corinthians 4:15-16 says, “Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day.”

• Be grateful for the benefits of life - Psalm 103:2 says, “My soul, bless the Lord,
  and do not forget all his benefits.”

NOTE #3: We should be grateful for the blessings, burdens, AND the benefits!

1. Gratitude is what’s expected of us. 
2. (vs. 8) “Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
3. Gratitude is a real test of our character.

Why An Attitude of Gratitude is Important:

• It will shield us from cynicism (suspicion/doubt). 
• It will protect us from pessimism (negativity). 
• It will draw us closer to God, and it will draw God closer to us!

1 Timothy 4:4-5 (CSB)

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

An Attitude of Gratitude says:

• In the happy moments…I will Praise God
• In the difficult moments…I will Seek God
• In the quiet moments…I will Worship God
• In every moment…I will Thank God

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“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.”

We are called to submit to higher authorities, which means, who we choose as leaders matters. The leaders we choose has a great impact on rather people prosper or endure extended hardship. Proverbs 29:2 (CSB) says, “When the righteous flourish, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, people groan.”

As we approach the ballot box on Tuesday, November 5th, as citizens of Heaven with a civic duty to vote, we should consider three things:

1.  We should ask God for discernment.  There is no perfect candidate, and many political issues have a lot of layers to them. But we should be asking for discernment before we approach the ballot box. Not every issue is the same. However, some issues have a clear biblical mandate and will have a bigger impact on the trajectory of our culture, economy, and foreign relationships. Thus, you have to decide how to weigh the importance of each issue.

• Ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 (CSB) “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly and it will be given to him.” 
• In order to discern what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God, we must renew our minds. (Romans 12:2)

2.  We should vote based on biblical truth. As Christian, we should vote based on the truth of God’s Word and what it says about the issues of today. This is why reading God’s Word daily is vital. So, when we study the positions of candidates, we can properly connect the dots on whether their views and positions aligned with our biblical worldview…not what is cultural acceptable.

3.  We should vote for a collective good. This speaks to the way we are called to love our neighbors. Galatians 5:14 (CSB) says, “For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

If we are to love our neighbors, we should vote for people and policies that will promote the communal welfare of the American people. *****In some cases, that might require us to vote against some of your own personal interests or preferences, if it is in the best interests of everyone else. 

Philippians 2:3-4 (CSB) says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility, considering others as more important than yourself. Everyone should look, not to his own interest, but rather to the interest of others.” 

A collective good is desiring that every city, state, and our country is mutually beneficial for everyone. Jeremiah 29:7 (CSB) says, “Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.”

Last:

We should pray for our leaders, even if the outcome this election is not what we voted for. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 CSB says, “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessors, and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for the kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life and all godliness and dignity.”

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If you are interested in getting involved with the disaster relief efforts in Florida or North Carolina, please visit the following website: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene

If you are interested in getting involved with disaster relief efforts in Florida, please visit the following website: https://flbaptist.org/dr-volunteer/

6. Believers suffer as a testament of faith to others (Hebrews 11 – Living by Faith: “Now without faith, it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him”).

7. God allows people to suffer so they will turn to Him in repentance and not perish for eternity (Luke 13:1-4 – Two Options…Repent or Perish: Jesus said in verses 3 & 5 – “I tell you, unless you repent, you will perish as well”).

8. Christians suffer so they can be conformed more closely to the character of Christ (Romans 8:28-30, James 1:2-4 – “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing”).

9. Believers suffer so they can know Christ more fully (Philippians 3:10 – “My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead”).

10. To prepare followers of Christ for the glory of Heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory”).

Common Questions: “Why does bad things happen to good people?” Some become agnostics or atheists because they cannot come up with satisfactory answers to the question: “How is it that a loving, all-powerful God can allow the terrible suffering that is in the world?” And thus, since none of us are exempt from suffering and death, it’s important that we understand what the Bible teaches us on this difficult subject matter.

Many philosophers, theologians, and pastors have written books about suffering. Some of these books are helpful, while others can be a bit unorthodox and unconventional. However, in Romans 8:18-22, Paul provides us with the biblical perspective that we need to endure through the suffering that we will surely encounter. This is not comprehensive, but it is both helpful and practical. Paul is saying: To persevere in present sufferings with hope is to keep our eyes on the future glory that God has promised us.

In Romans 8, Paul articulates two certainties: First, the present time is marked by sufferings because of man’s fall into sin. Second, the future will be marked by glory (or victory) for believers, as God fulfills all His promises to us.

If we keep our eyes more on the future promised glory, then we can better endure the present sufferings with perseverance and hope.

Ref: John 16:33 (CSB): Jesus said, “33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

1. Suffering is the result of mankind’s sin and rebellion against God (Genesis 3). Mankind chose to reject God’s one command, the world became corrupted by sin, and humans have suffered ever since.

2. God’s chosen people (the Hebrews) suffered when they disobeyed the Mosaic Covenant (Blessing of Obedience - Deuteronomy 28:1-14) (Curses of Disobedience – Deuteronomy 28:15-68: If the Israelites failed to respect God’s law, God told them their cities, fields, fertility, and livestock would be cursed.)

3. People sometimes suffer from the wrong choices of other human beings, even though God uses the resulting suffering for good (Genesis 50:20 – “You planned evil against me [Joseph said]; God planned it for good to bring about the present result – the survival of many people”).

4. Suffering brings faithful believers into deeper understanding and relationship with Him (Job 1:20-22 – “Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: naked, I came from my mother’s room, and naked I will leave from this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Bless be the name of the Lord. Throughout all of this, Jacob did not send or blame God for anything.”).

5. Believers suffer because of the jealousy and hatred of certain people who reject the Christian faith (Acts 7:54-60 [The First Christian Marty…Stephen being stoned]– (vv. 59-60 - “While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ After saying this, he fell asleep”).

• strategic leader
• tactical leader 
• operational leader

4 Behaviors of a Leader:

1. Master the art of self leadership 
2. master the art of positivity
3. the willingness to think critically
4. the unwillingness to be a passive leader
   1. choose to take initiative
   2. planning and preparing for whats to come 
   3. respond to what important
   4. don't waste your time 

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SLU is all about providing opportunities for young believers to develop into capable, confident leaders that will change the world. We teach the next generation to Think, Dream, and Lead at the feet of Jesus. Visit slulead.com for more information.

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Brent defines these words: 

PATRIOTISM: The term patriotism, “coming from a Latin root pater, ‘father,’ patriotism is zeal or enthusiasm for the fatherland, that is, the country of one’s birth or adoption.*” This enthusiasm encompasses the feelings of gratitude and a vision of what is best for the country. Therefore, the patriot is devoted to the highest and most noble ideals of her or his nation. 

ETHOS : A Greek word meaning “character” and the English word “ethic” is also derived from ethos. Therefore, ethos represents the moral or ethical character of an individual who is conveying her or his beliefs and aspirations. The dictionary defines ethos as the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. 

Some Key Points: 

1. A Patriotic Ethos is informed by obvious and understandable truths: We hold these truths to be self-evident. 

2. Patriotism is grounded in equality of all persons: that all men are created equal. 

3. A Patriotic Ethos is motivated by divine blessing: that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights. 

4. Patriotism is guided by the highest ideals of what a nation should aspire to be: that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 

5. Patriots seek to hold their country accountable to a better version of itself: whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government. 

6. The patriot is patient with her or his government: Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes. 

*R. K. Harrison, ed., Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1987), 303. 

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In 1863, during the American Civil War, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared more than three million enslaved people living in the Confederate states to be free. More than two years would pass, however, before the news reached African Americans living in Texas. It was not until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, that the state’s residents finally learned that slavery had been abolished. The formerly enslaved immediately began to celebrate with prayer, feasting, song, and dance.

The following year, on June 19, the first official Juneteenth celebrations took place in Texas. The original observances included prayer meetings and the singing of spirituals, and celebrants wore new clothes as a way of representing their newfound freedom. Within a few years, African Americans in other states were celebrating the day as well, making it an annual tradition. Celebrations have continued across the United States into the 21st century and typically include prayer and religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings and picnics, and festivals with music, food, and dancing.1

10 Facts about Juneteenth

Fact #1: Following the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, not all enslaved people immediately found freedom.

· The Emancipation Proclamation slaves in states then in rebellion against the United States. Union troops operating in said states gave teeth to the Proclamation. This, however, did not apply to the border states.

Fact #2: The Civil War ended in the summer of 1865. Union General Gordon Granger and his troops traveled to Galveston, Texas to announce General Orders No. 3 on June 19, 1865. June 19th would go on to be known and celebrated as Juneteenth.

· General Orders No. 3 stated: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor."

Fact #3: Part of General Order No. 3 encouraged the newly freed people to remain with their past owners.

· “The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.”

Fact #4: The period after Juneteenth is known as the ‘Scatter.’

· Undeterred by the recommendation to remain in place, many former slaves left the area during the original reading. In the following weeks formerly, enslaved people left Texas in great numbers to find family members and make their way in the postslavery United States.

Fact #5: Juneteenth has been celebrated under many names.

· Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Second Independence Day, and Emancipation Day to name just a few.

Fact #6: Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas was bought specifically to celebrate Juneteenth.

· The 10-acre parcel of land was purchased by former slaves, Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Jack Yates, and Elias Dibble for $800-$1000 in 1872. There is a debate about the $200 difference

Fact #7: During the early 20th-century Juneteenth celebrations declined.

· The representation of Jim Crow laws dampened the celebration of freedom. In addition, the Great Depression forced many black farming families away from rural areas and into urban environments to seek work— resulting in difficulty taking the day off to celebrate.

Fact #8: The celebration of Juneteenth was revived during the civil rights movement.

· The Poor People's March planned by Martin Luther King Jr. was purposely scheduled to coincide with the date. March participants took the celebrations back to their home states and soon the holiday was reborn.

Fact #9: Celebrations of Juneteenth continue today.

· Traditions include public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, singing traditional songs, and reading of works by noted African American writers. Celebrations can also take the form of rodeos, street fairs, cookouts, family reunions, park parties, historical reenactments, and Miss Juneteenth contests.

Fact #10: On June 17, 2021, it was passed that the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday.

· This holiday is the first holiday to be approved since President Ronald Reagan signed a 1983 bill that approved Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday.

03:36 Identify quitting, pursue, prevent, and intentional growth.

07:55 New season for new church in Philippi.

10:30 Ian Bounds emphasizes the necessity and impact of prayer.

13:34 Accessing God through prayer is paramount.

16:22 Unstoppable love for Jesus never stops pouring.

20:08 Importance of love in learning and practice.

23:28 Knowledge leads to holiness and holy living.

26:40 The value of being without imperfections.

30:10 Constant communication fosters healthy, strong marriages.

32:29 Goal: Intentional time with the Creator every day

01:37 Renowned Christian artist with extensive touring experience.

04:09 Orlando is centrally located in Florida.

06:57 Elval is great at engaging creatives and leaders.

11:45 Finding supportive churches to cultivate and nurture spiritual gifts.

14:41 Kicked off stages, called names, seeking approval.

17:07 Encourage diverse talents without segregating individuals.

21:42 Educate people on purpose and patience in creativity.

23:37 Creatives are diverse church leaders with artistic expressions.

28:44 Creatives need acknowledgment and shepherding by leaders.

31:09 Excellence isn't priority; simplicity brings God's move.

34:15 Leaders must leave space for creative development.

38:36 Don't treat creative work like takeout; collaborate.

40:11 Church creative enlightens non-creative with flyer process.

42:27 First ministry job, low pay, extra jobs.

6-Ways to Celebrate Veteran’s Day

1. Write a simple letter, postcard, or email.

2. Consider donating to a veteran-focused charity. 

3. How to Fly the Flag Correctly 

• Never drag a U.S. flag on the ground or let it touch the ground.
• Don't drape it over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle.
• Don't display the U.S. flag above any other flag and keep it at the center when it's surrounded by other flags.
• Don't display a tattered or torn flag. Flags that are tattered and torn should be disposed of in a respectful way, preferably by burning.
• Never use the flag as apparel, bedding, or drapery

4. Engage a veteran about their service.

Questions to ask a veteran.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What did you do in the military?
• How long did you serve?
• What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service?
• Did anyone else in your family serve?
• Why did you go into the service branch you did?
• Do not ask whether they've killed anyone, and should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don't have to say anything; just listen and give them your full attention.

5. Visit a VA Hospital

6. Don’t confuse Veteran Day with Memorial Day.

• Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are serving or have served and are still with us. Memorial Day is to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both.

1. “If you’re always the smartest person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room.” - Pastor Tyrone Barnette (Jeff’s Pastor)

2. “We teach what we know, but we reproduce who we are” - John Maxwell

3. “Your circle today will determine your direction and destiny tomorrow” - Jeff Wallace to his kids.

4. “Feel your muscle, not your pulse” - Dr. Jay Strack

5. “There are only two days in life that matter…this day and that day" - Martin Luther

6. “Let your view of God determine everything about you” - Dr. Bill Bright)

7. "Make sure your enemies could tell your story” - Sir Michael Hobbs

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1. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

2. Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby

3. The Leadership Challenge by James Kouze and Barry Posner

4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

5. Linchpin by Seth Godin

6. The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

7. The Cross of Christ by John Stott

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1. Pray for peace in Israel and for its citizens. (Psalm 122:6)
2. Pray for protection. (Psalm 121)
3. Pray for justice. (Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24) 
4. Pray for resolution that leads to reconciliation (Matthew 5:9) 
5. Pray for the enemy (Matthew 5:43-48)

Notes on Day of Atonement:

Yom Kippur, the most important day inn the religious calendar of Israel, falling on the tenth day of Tishri (the Hebrew month corresponding to mid-September through mid-October). On that day, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies of the tabernacle (or temple) to atone for the sins of all Israel. The basic idea of atonement is a "covering" of sin; the purpose is to accomplish reconciliation between man and God. In the NT the Day of Atonement was referred to as the "fast" (Acts 27:9). To the rabbis it was the "Day" or the "Great Day." 

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1. Approach today like you're going to be successful tomorrow. 
2. Get organized. 
3. Go on the hunt for a great idea. 
4. Attempt something where the odds of failure are greater than success. 
5. Assess and analyze but don't compare. 
6. Set physical and spiritual goals. 
7. Take an inventory of your circle. 
8. Change someone's world. 
9. Ask God for a miracle. 
10. Routinely and strategically escape the digital chaos. 
11. Commit to be salt and light and not a perpetuator of divisive rhetoric. 

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• self preservation never changed the world - so don't make survival your goal 
• there is a great need for friendship 
• vision attracts reality 

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• Christ First — He saved you and called you.
• Family Second — If you can’t serve your family effectively, you won’t serve the Lord’s church that way.
• Church/Ministry Third — God has chosen you to serve His people in the local church.

2. Make your meetings count.

• Have an agenda.
• Receive prayer request.
• Allow time for team members to share some “God-moments.”
• Be timely, when you care about their time, they will care about yours.

3. Lead your ministry as a team, not a hierarchy.

• Surround yourself with wise people, not “yes” people.
• Go with the pace of your team, not faster or slower, keep the same pace.

4. Approach your ministry context as a life-long learner, not a boss or know it all.

• Have a system of communication that allows you to know about the needs of your students, parents, and volunteers.

5. Expose your leaders and your students to ministries and organizations that are doing things better than you.

6. Make serving and sharing your faith a priority. We never stop living out Matt 28.

7. As a ministry team, read through some good books that will help you grow in what you do. Leaders are readers. You can’t confront culture if you don’t study it.

8. As a leader, keep yourself surrounded by other leaders who are further along then you. Don’t always be the smartest in the room.

9. Be committed for the long haul, or until God alone moves you. Longevity is cool.

10. Be Patient, sometimes you will not be able to build it fast.

11. Be Content, but not lazy.

• Don’t seek success in ministry through the numbers or notoriety; just seek to please Jesus.

12. PRAY

• Ministry involves warfare against a real enemy. Use prayer as a way to involve the ultimate warrior in the fight to win this generation to Jesus.

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Biblical Philosophy

•  The Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-40 CSB)
• The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20 CSB)

Ministry Philosophy

• Vision & Mission Statement…as well as the Core Values
  • Should answer the questions, “Who we are. What we believe. Why do we exist?”
  • Should be concise, clear, and easily repeatable.

II. PILLARS of an Effective Student Ministry

Equipping (Eph. 4:12) – Critical Question: How are we equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, so we can build up the body of Christ?

• Ministry Team(s)
  • Adult Volunteers
  • Student Leaders
•  Parents Engagement and Involvement
  • You should be the best resource for your parents.
  • 5 Cs (By Dr. Allen Jackson – Former Youth Ministry Professor at NOTBS)
    • Communicate everything.
    • Calendar with families in mind
    • Counsel by mostly listening.
    • Connect families with resources.
    • Call parents to become disciple-makers. (Deut. 6 says so)

Programming

• Shape your programs, events, gathers, and activities around your vision, mission, and core values.
• If it doesn’t fit those statements and values, then you shouldn’t do it. That’s called FOCUS.
• The tension in programming – Attractiveness vs. Authenticity
• It’s not “either” or, it’s “both” “and”
• Strategic Planning
  • Short-Term (3 months out)
  • Long-Term (6-12 months out)
  • Future Outlook (2-3 years)
  • Use the calendar to your advantage.
    • Seasons
    • Holidays
    • Established Events (Community-wide, School, City-wide)
• Budgeting
  • ·Your budget should reflect your strategic plan, not a wish list.
  • Start conversations on your budget 4-6 months prior to the church’s new calendar year.
  • Use wise financial people to help craft the budget.

III. PROCESS OF DISCIPLESHIP within an effective student ministry

• There must be a scope and sequence of students growing into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
• Peter Drucker said, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.”
• Your process of Discipleship should influence your programs and activities.
• Student Ministry cannot be a holding pattern; there must be movement.

IV. PARTNERSHIPS necessary for an effective student ministry

• Internal
  • Senior Pastor
  • Other Ministry Leaders
  • Parents
• External
  • Other student ministries in your city
  • Local Non-Profits & para-church organizations that can serve your ministry.
  • Local Non-Profits & para-church organizations that that can be served by your ministry

V. PERSONAL GROWTH as the leader of an effective student ministry

Personal Devotional Life

• Conferences/Seminars/Events
• Mentorship with an elder in student ministry
• Fellowship with other youth ministers
• Reading/Subscribing to great ministry books and resources.

Galatians 5:15-26

What Paul teaches on Freedom: 

1. Walk by the Spirit. 
   1. Our flesh tells us the opposite of the Spirit.
   2. You're either walking by the Spirit or the flesh. You can't be a part time spirit walkers and part time flesh walkers. We have to walk by the Spirit 24/7. 
2. Be led by the Spirit. 
   1. Submit and subscribe to the wisdom and discernment of the Spirit. 
3. Leverage the fruit of the Spirit.
   1. Understand an upward relationship with God. 
   2. Understand the outward responsibility with have with others.
   3. Understand the inward requirement of ourselves. 
4. Live by the Spirit.
   1. Die to self.
   2. Devote ourselves. 

Your private faithfulness will impact your public fruitfulness.

Three questions to assess if you're walking with the Spirit:

1. How is your intimacy with God?
2. Where is your identity placed?
3. What is your real intent as a leader?

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Leviticus 2:14 - We are no longer slaves, so we need to rid ourselves of the slave mindset

Three Lies Slaves Believe: 

• I'll never have enough 
  • Exodus 16 
  • Be brave. Face the storm. Trust that God is going to give you what you need. 
• I'll never be enough
  • Numbers 13
  • Performance is not love. God doesn't meet us in the illusion, He meets us in reality. 
• I'll never do enough
  • Exodus 32
  • God doesn't ask us to do anything besides abide in Him (John 15) 

We are set free into something. We're set free into sonship. 

Sonship is all about proximity to the Father.

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God's mission for us is to not throw out the wish dream of friendship, it's to find that kind of friendship in Him. 

Two Truths on Prayer: 

• prayer is not a performance, it's a place to be honest 
• a wandering mind in prayer is actually a gift

From the very beginning, God took the day off to spend time with us. He pursues us. 

In the gospels, the One who has the answers to every single question, wasn't concerned about giving the answers, He was concerned about relationships. 

We see in the friendship of Jesus: 

1. He pursues
2. He loves you at your best and at your worst 
3. He knows you and He lets you know Him (John 10) 
   1. Matthew 7 - Have we ever let Christ know us?
   2. Mark 9 - He asks questions not because He doesn't know the answer, but so that He can woo your heart out of hiding. 
4. He gives His life for His friends 
   1. You are fully forgiven for ALL of it. You cannot outsin the cross.
   2. He earned life on your behalf. 
   3. Hebrews 4 - we can approach our friendship with God confidently

Nothing goes to waste with Jesus our friend. 

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•  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
• “So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Leadership Truth:

“The ultimate goal is not that we would do good things for others. It’s not even to start churches or share our faith. The ultimate aim of our lives is to bring glory to God” (Life on Mission, p. 27)

5 Ways to Execute the Vision:

1. TRUST GOD and the PROCESS

     a. God is the creator and articulate of the vision.

2. Settle the level of your OWN CONVICTIONS first

     a. The Vision - If you don’t support it, you won’t be able to execute it!

3. DISCUSS/DEBATE PRIVATELY, but HONOR and SUPPORT PUBLICALLY

     a. When honor is practice, it becomes a part of the culture.

4. Assume the BEST even when you are tempted to think the WORSE

     a. We’re all on the same team and we all want the same thing.

5. Commit to being a KEEPER OF UNITY (It’s BIBLICAL)

     a. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16

Biblical Truth:

“As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)

The Role of the Leader: How to get others to connect to the vision? It’s all about TRUST!

1. Practical trust in GOD (He knows more that we do)

2. Principal trust in AUTHORITY (It’s how we maintain unity and eliminate division)

3. Personal trust in the LEADER (God called the leader, so we trust God’s discussion)

Take-A-Way: What does this mean for you…the leader?

1. Be a CRITICAL THINKER, not just a TASK-DRIVEN DOER (Move from listening & thinking to doing, creating, and innovating)

2. Be PROACTIVE, not just REACTIVE (It’s the difference between being an intentional leader vs a reactionary leader)

3. Be CLEAR, not just CLEVER (Just because it sounds good to you, doesn’t mean it make sense to others)

5 Traits of a Visionary Leader (Which we teach students at SLU 101)

1. They talk with GOD OFTEN.
2. They have an UNSHAKABLE FAITH
3. They SEE IT FIRST
4. They have a strong DRIVE, FOCUS, and STAMINA to FINISH
5. They are willing to TAKE RISK OTHER WON’T

3 Truths about Vision

“Vision is the beacon which guides us through change and keeps us headed in the right direction when all else is up for grabs.” – Peter Drucker

1.  Vision answers the questions every organization must answer:
   1. The question of who you are: YOUR IDENTITY
   2. The question of what you do: YOUR MISSION
   3. The question of how you do it: YOUR STRATEGY
   4. The question of why you do it: YOUR MOTIVATION
2. Vision precedes breakthrough:
   1. Vision draws the people towards the FUTURE
   2. Vision attracts key leaders and influencers to join in the MISSION.
   3. Vision UNITES the people together
   4. Vision creates the MOMENTUM needed to make change
3. Vision inspires the best in people. A clear and compelling vision will:
   1. Challenge people to be part of something BIGGER than themselves.
   2.  Move people to give SACRAFICALLY.
   3. Help the leader remain ALIGNED, FOCUSED, and in position to make good decisions.
   4. Require leaders to continue in both SPIRITUAL and LEADERSHIP growth.

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• Learning gives us the tools to know ourselves better and then use that to lead others well. 
• The hard parts of learning pushes us to deepen our devotion with the Lord. 
• Learning in this capacity is unique because you have to prove your ideas and be specific about what you mean by certain words and statements. 
• Being a lifelong learner doesn't mean you have to be exceptionally intelligent, you have to be diligent. You can't run from hard things.

What are applicable things that we can learn from this process: 

• "It's better to read 3 pages of Aristotle than 300 pages about Aristotle" - be a primary source leader 
• As leaders, we should be scholars in our field, not leaning on our opinions.
• Serious thinkers don't get distracted.
• We should never be satisfied being the smartest person in the room. We want to surround ourselves with people who we can learn from.  

Congratulations Jeff Wallace Ph.D.!!

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Luke 23:32-38 "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." 

• know not what they do - these people did not understand that this very event was for them.
• forgive - comes from the same word as grace. It's basically grace in action.
• present tense - what if every time someone mocked Jesus, He said these words. What a message of hope. 

Good Friday makes Resurrection Sunday possible. 

Friday is still good

Friday is good because I once hid in the garden, and He came looking

It’s so good because I was the crazy one building a boat for a world without rain, then He sent the flood

Friday is good because I was fatherless and nationless, and God said look up

Friday is so good because I was infertile couldn’t have a baby, then I gave birth to a nation

Friday gives me hope because I was once cast in a dry well to die, but God had already sent a caravan to pick me up

It is miraculous because I was a prostitute that committed high treason to help God’s people, and found out that my past doesn’t predetermine my future

It is good because I was thrown in the pit, but God already decided I wasn’t the lions next meal

Friday is good because God met me in self-exile, then used me to set His people free

It is so good because I once murdered a man to have his wife, and God didn’t allow my worst day to be the final word

It is really good because I once sat in a desert abandoned but not alone, I knew my God was with me

It is good because I was a timid girl from an exiled people, and God decided to make me a queen

Friday is good because even though I stared in the face of trouble day after day, I could still rejoice in the God of my salvation

Friday is good because “He himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains… He was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds” (Isaiah 53:4a-5).

Friday is good…and is still good, because you can’t have resurrection Sunday without Good Friday.

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The story builds and even includes Lazarus in John 12:9-11. There is a plot to destroy any evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. 

If power is your ultimate goal, it will ultimately be your downfall. A line blurred is always a line crossed. 

Hosannah - give salvation now found in Psalm 118:25 

Main Takeaway: What you worship will either destroy you or it will deliver you. 

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Lent is a 40-day period built around three traditional pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It's a time of preparation for Easter when the Resurrection Jesus is celebrated. During Lent, prayer is made by studying the Bible, serving others by giving alms, and developing self-control by fasting.

It’s a 40-day period to commemorate the 40 days Christ spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.

Why is it observed in Christianity?

Lent is a period of self-discipline that is still commemorated by Christians all over the globe as a way to prepare us for Easter, which is considered the holiest day of the year as it commemorates Jesus's resurrection.

Living out Your Lent: 6 Perspectives of understanding the pillars of Lent

Perspective 1: Deception (Alms & Prayer)

[Jesus said in Matthew 6:1-6 NIV]  

• POINT: Lent is a time to take off our masks and come as we are. Who we are is enough.

• Q1. What masks do we need to remove?  

Perspective 2: Testing (Fasting, & Testing)

[Jesus was tested in the wilderness in Luke 4:1-13 NIV] …His responses to the devil:

1. “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone’.” vs. 4.  

2. “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’.” vs. 8.

3. “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”  

• Lent is a time to test our steadfastness to trust in God in all things.  

• Q2. What are we dealing with that is testing our trust in the OMNIS God?  

Perspective 3:Persecution(Pushing through Persecution)

[READ Luke 13:31-35 NIV – Jesus’ response to some Pharisees who told him that Herod wanted to kill him]

• Lent is a time to let go of our fear of people, the sin of comparison, or any other things that plague us.

• Q3. What’s that thing(s) that makes us flee from living out God’s purpose for us? 

Perspective 4:Repentance(Repentance is Essential)

[Jesus declared in Luke 13:3 & 5 NIV, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

• Lent is a time to open the intimate and dirtiest parts of our closets and let God clean it out.

• Q4. What are some ways we need to open the closets of our hearts, minds, and souls to God? 

Perspective 5:Sacrifice(Mary’s Costly Perfume)

[In John 12:1-8, Mary took about a pint of her expense perfume and poured it on Jesus’ feet and wipe his feet with her hair.]

• Lent is a time to willingly give all we have to God.

• Q5. What might we generously give to God. If it doesn’t cost you, it’s not a sacrifice. 

Perspective 6:Demonstration(Living it out beyond the 40-days)

[Psalms 118:1-4 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say, his love endures forever. Let the house of Aaron say, his love endures forever. Let those who fear the Lord say, his love endures forever.”]

[Continue reading Psalms 118:19-29] – When there is consistent Thanksgiving, in our heart and lips, we live like citizens of heaven, not just for 40 days, but for a lifetime.

• Lent is a time to evaluate the purpose of our lives.

• Q6.What might it look like for us to proceed with righteous intent?

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Lent is a 40-day period built around three traditional pillars: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It's a time of preparation for Easter when the Resurrection Jesus is celebrated. During Lent, prayer is made by studying the Bible, serving others by giving alms, and developing self-control by fasting.

It’s a 40-day period to commemorate the 40 days Christ spent fasting in the desert and enduring temptation by Satan, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, before beginning his public ministry.

Why is it observed in Christianity?

Lent is a period of self-discipline that is still commemorated by Christians all over the globe as a way to prepare us for Easter, which is considered the holiest day of the year as it commemorates Jesus's resurrection.

Living out Your Lent: 6 Perspectives of understanding the pillars of Lent

Perspective 1: Deception (Alms & Prayer)

[Jesus said in Matthew 6:1-6 NIV]  

• POINT: Lent is a time to take off our masks and come as we are. Who we are is enough.

• Q1. What masks do we need to remove?  

Perspective 2: Testing (Fasting, & Testing)

[Jesus was tested in the wilderness in Luke 4:1-13 NIV] …His responses to the devil:

1. “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone’.” vs. 4.  

2. “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only’.” vs. 8.

3. “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”  

• Lent is a time to test our steadfastness to trust in God in all things.  

• Q2. What are we dealing with that is testing our trust in the OMNIS God?  

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Takeaways from the story:

•  The purpose of Jesus's miracles was not to make one person's life better, He worked so that there would be no doubt in anyone's mind that He is the Messiah. 
• When you're the storyteller, you don't have to be in a hurry. Jesus's response shows that He was someone who already knew the end of the story even when it was just beginning. 
• He is truly the Resurrection and the Life.
• Jesus's delay was everyone else's deliverance.
• Jesus is not so disconnected with us that He doesn't weep when we weep. He shows His compassion and humanity by sharing in the sorrow of these sisters. God can be found in our pain. 
• Jesus gets the final word, which shows us exactly how our salvation is worked out. 

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A pilgrim is one who wanders well towards the heaven country.  To live as a citizen of heaven, we have to understand the heaven country is our destination as we wander. 

The pilgrimage paradigm is healthy because...

1. it's all encompassing  
2. it guards our minds and hearts against faulty thinking  

Characteristics of Wandering: 

• endurance 
• specific tasks - know what the Lord has gifted you in these four categories: vocation, church, family, citizenship
• set your mind on the prize 

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Today the guys discuss ideas to help readers make Black History month something that should always keep. As it stays fresh in the American story, it should become something that is the overall narrative, not just one month – something woven into the fabric of America. 

So how do we keep it fresh, not old or stale? How do we honor the heart of Black History Month? 

Reflecting on the contributions of all people throughout history is a great place to continue your journey on this. 

The guys explore this through the categories of Books, Documentaries, Museums, and Historically Black Colleges. 

Books:

• Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America by Michael Emerson & Christian Smith
• Dream with Me: Race, Love, and the Struggle We Must Win by John Perkins
• Oneness Embraced by Dr. Tony Evans
• The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
• Letters to a Young Sister: Define Your Destiny by Hill Harper
• Letters to a Young Brother by Hill Harper
• Roots by Alex Haley
• I Know Why the Cage Bird Signs by Maya Angelo
• Voices of Freedom: An Oral History of the Civil Rights Movement from the 1950’s Through the 1980’s by Henry Hampton and Steve Fayer
• Malcom X Autobiography

Movies/ Documentary:

• The Great Debaters
• Freedom Riders
• Selma
• Hidden Figures, Marshall, & 42
• The Hate U Give
• Amistad

Civil Rights Museums:

• The National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel in Memphis)
• Location of Dr. King’s April 4, 1968 assassination.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Atlanta, GA)
• Fun Fact: Jeff’s oldest has a picture hanging in the museum
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (Birmingham, AL)
• Rosa Parks Museum (Montgomery, AL)
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (Washington, DC)
• Edmund Pettus Bridge (Selma, AL)

Famous HBCU’s: The lack of education was a form of oppression. Slave owners would edit Bibles. 

• Atlanta University Center (AUC)
• Spelman
• Morehouse
• Clarke Atlanta
• Howard University – DC (Thurgood Marshall)
• Hampton – Hampton, VA
• Xavier University – New Orleans
• Dillard – New Orleans
• North Carolina A&T – Greensboro, NC
• Florida A&M – Tallahassee
• North Carolina Central – Durham
• Morgan State – Baltimore
• Tuskegee – Tuskegee, AL
• Delaware State – Dover
• Jackson State – Jackson MS (Deon Sanders is HC for Football)

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Understanding the History: 

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.

Carter Woodson chose February for reasons of tradition and reform. It is commonly said that Woodson selected February to encompass the birthdays of two great Americans who played a prominent role in shaping black history, namely Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, whose birthdays are the 12th and the 14th, respectively. More importantly, he chose them for reasons of tradition. Since Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, the black community, along with other Republicans, had been celebrating the fallen President’s birthday. And since the late 1890s, black communities across the country had been celebrating Douglass’. Well aware of the pre-existing celebrations, Woodson built Negro History Week around traditional days of commemorating the black past.

A Thought to Ponder: Brent and Jeff then play a clip from Morgan Freeman sharing his thoughts on Black History Month and then the guys share their thoughts on this. 

Want to continue to conversation?   Talk to your friends about what you heard today and join us next week as Brent and Jeff continue their journey through Black History Month. 

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• Know Your Position: You need to know your theological position and have a healthy view of Scripture. Our view of theology cannot waiver based on what is the current hot topic in culture.
  • When you start with doctrine, you are not discounting people’s feelings.  We must be redemptive in our tone.
• Compassion Does Not Mean We Compromise Our Convictions: Jesus’s compassion for people was motivation to solve the very need He saw in people’s lives.
  • We have compassion with the hope of conversion, but we recognize this is God’s business.
  • We have to learn to disagree well with fellow Christians who hold different views.  Not everyone shares the same believe systems as we do. That does not mean we walk away from God’s truth.
• Don’t Chase Conflict and Don’t Avoid Difficult Conversations: As you engage, don’t look for points to argue.
  • Our willingness to avoid tough conversations communicates something about our faith  that is not truth.   The Bible is applicable to all areas of life.
• Let the Word You Teach Also Be the Word You Practice: Theology that is not applied is worthless.  Theology is God’s ideas put into word form.
  • Remember the Goal is Not to Win an Argument:   a great example in Scripture is the conversation with Jesus and the lawyer that leads up to the Good Samaritan parable (see Luke 10).
• Let Your Vision for Your Christian Life Focus on Being a Witness and Being Salt and Light
• When You Engage with Others, You Should Be Reinforcing God’s Views of Personhood
  • People have infinite value to God
  • There are real world paradigms God has created to help us understand our humanity.

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• What this Conversation is Not
• Backstory and State of Current Culture
• View from a Macro Level
• Personal Perspective and Truth: Jeff’s Letters to White People and Black People

How Should We ALL Respond

1. PRAYER
   • Now, I’m sure, when I start there, most of my African American friends will say (and I understand & agree) … “We always respond to moments like this and talk about prayer. But we need more action.” Hey…I get it, but in the words of John Wesley, “Prayer is when action takes place.”
2. We Need Dreamers
   • So, after we pray, the truth of the matter is we need some leaders to step up and be leaders that believe in change.
   • We need Leaders/Dreamers who won’t just criticize the system or blindly defend the system…but leaders/dreamers who will imagine a better system and a better future.
3. We Need a Whole-Life Theology/Biblical Worldview
   • If we are going to live as citizens of heaven, then our biblical worldview should dictate and determine our response to all ethical/moral issues, as well as social/racial injustice.
   • We should have the same passion/compassion for the tragic deaths of George Floyd & Tyre Nichols, as we do with the overturning of Roe v Wade
   • All manners of evil should be punished, and people should be held accountable because they all have 1-preferred master (Satan).
4. We Need the Church to be Louder
   1. We need more applied theology, implied theology!
   2. When you think about the Apostle Paul, he dealt with and concerned himself with different social and secondary issues.
   3. He responded to social problems in Corinth.
   4. He was concerned that the afflictions, sufferings, and persecutions would be used by the tempter to shake the Thessalonians from their faith and to cause a loss of faith among them.
   5. He expressed disappointment in seeing the church in Galatia moving away from the Christian gospel .

Make sure you tune in next week as we pick back up and conclude our 3-part series on  “To Pronoun or Not to Pronoun” – That is the Question.

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In Part One of this series, we answered “what does the Bible say when dealing with the question of Sexual Ethics?” Today we will discuss with how the Bible should inform our attitude and posture regarding this topic of sexuality.

• As Christians, we need to take the posture of Team Abraham, not take the posture of Team Brimstone (see Genesis 18-19).   
  • We are called to be salt and light. We are also called to lead by grace (see Matthew 5:13-16). 
  • As we experience freedom in Christ, we want others to experience that freedom as well. 
     
• We should approach this issue with a posture of a heavy heart. Sin fractures the human soul.  We need to be careful to not fall into sin when talking about sin. 
  • We should not take pride that we do not have feelings for the same sex. We should not be arrogant.  We should love the Lord our God, and we should love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12). 
     
• We need to avoid the posture of bumper stickers theology. Don’t use lightly such statements that put down peoples’ deepest darkest struggles. 
  • Guard your witness at all costs as it is how we can point people effectively to Jesus. 
  • Our church goers need to be honest about their sin. Can someone in our church be honest about their sexual struggles regarding to LGBTQ+ without feeling like they will be out of the group?
     
• Finally, let’s have the posture where we love the sinner and hate our own sin. The hope is that when you look at your own sin, you will feel more compassion towards others (1 Timothy 1:15). 
  • The closer you get to the light of Jesus, the more you see the dirt on yourself. 
     

As you explore these handful of ideas that inform our posture, you will see that if you don’t have the right attitude, it will lead you to the wrong places, and you won’t get the right answer. 

We will see you next week for Episode 3 of this series when we will tackle how to apply theology practically when someone identifies.
 

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What does the Bible say about sexual sin and immortality? 

• See the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18-19.  They had become their identity in sin. They crossed a point of no return. The sexual immortality took over their life. They refused to accept freedom. 
• Abraham is pleading with God asking to save the good, but he couldn’t find any. God is a God who protects. The city would have hurt other cities and began to take over. This city was a danger against the world. The people who come into the city are in danger. Look at the story and do not see Gods wrath instead see God’s patience. 
• Additional scripture: 
  • Leviticus 18:22 (do not have same sex relations)
  • Leviticus 20 shows how sin in leads to death Sexual sin is a very dangerous and deadly serious sin. 
  • Old Testament and New Testament both say the same thing. See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 
  • Romans 1:18-32 it paints a picture of a downward spiral

If you are living in your sin, do you really believe in Jesus? Is Jesus really changing your life? Those in Christ can find freedom from their sin. There is a visual and inward transformation that happens when you decide to be follower of Christ. If nothing changes in your life, you need to question what decision you actually made. 

Chasing Elephants

1. The unrighteous becomes obvious to the obvious truth. 
2. The man falls in love with his own vanity. Though they knew God, but their hearts darkened. 
3. The heart that is empty, becomes full of darkness.
4. There is a new wisdom they claim. They said they were wise, but they are fools. The culture is saying they have a new wisdom
5. Exchange the Gods truth for a lie
6. They worship creation, including their own bodies
7. God gives them over to their sinful desires
8. They engage in the activity
9. They receive consequences (the appropriate penalty) 
10. Homosexually is approved and celebrated in their cultural. They applaud others who practice them. 

God does not condemn inclination but condemns practice. Your inclination is not your identity. God does not judge inclination but will judge practice in the hands or mind. 

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Practical Principles to Live Out Your Dreams: 

• Be Faithful and Be Obedient
   
• Have Vision and Communicate your Dream
  • Vision for your dream: what’s our vision? The vision needs to be simple yet compelling.
  • Every dream wants to change something … when you communicate the dream. It must be inspirational.
     
• It is all about Execution
  • Taking the concept of the dream and move it to a place where you have action steps that leads to execution.
  • Dreams that sit in the pit of your thoughts vs dreams that are played out.
  • Concept to execution
  • It’s one thing to go to bed and sleep and have a dream, it’s another to wake up and go get it. 
     
• Law of Compounding Interest. Let one victory lead to another. Surpassing the goal equals wanting to meet another goal.
  • Victory compounds momentum towards the big dream.
  • Set a goal, reach the goal, consistent momentum.
  • Be submitted to the process. Tendency to want it to happen now. The truth is change does not happen overnight. Change is a long process.
  • Don’t get bored with consistency. It is a well-worn process. 
     
• Have an Eclectic Group of Allies. 
  • Don’t surround yourself with all the same kind of people as you.
  • Don’t surround yourself with people you like, but with people you need. They all bring something different to the table.

The question to ask yourself as we close today is “do you want your dream to become a reality?"

Go, live your dream.

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• What does God want? 
• What are the desires of God? 
• What is the will of God?
• How do we pursue it?

KEY POINTS OF THE DNA OF THE DREAM

• God has a hidden will and a revealed will. God knows the past, future, etc. God has given us the freedom. The Bible is truth. 
• Until we know the whowe won’t know the what or how or why?
• What would I do for the glory of God if I knew I would not fail?

Big Ideas:

• Key Areas: Family, church, vocation, citizenship
• How do you want to see the heart of God reflected in your life?
• Natural response should be to turn to the Lord in the midst of challenges and struggles.

Brent and Jeff share their personal dreams in the categories of family, church, vocation, citizenship. 

The question to ask yourself as we close today is How do you want to see the heart of God reflected in your life? What I do, should mirror what God would want.

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