8.12.15 Rock Update

Well I hope everyone is back into the school groove.  It doesn't take long to miss summer does it?  Hopefully it has been a smooth transition and everyone is experiencing some normality in their life.

Tonight

I am very excited about tonight and our time together at The Rock.  It's about 2:00 pm right now on Wednesday and I've been wrestling around with some things, issues.  Our heart the last several weeks has been to offer some help to our students in how to read and understand the Bible.  We are convinced that one of the greatest things we can do for our students is help them in this regard.  We desire strongly for them to understand the Bible, read the Bible, and be able to do this themselves.  This takes work and instruction.  

Tonight we will take it a step further by getting real with distractions, time management, and heart issues.  I doubt there is one student in our group who doesn't want to read Scripture.  The issue comes from making it a priority.  So how can we help?  We can help by addressing these things and maybe prompting some conversation about this.  Of course every student must choose to put these things into practice but we do want to do our part.

I did want to make some helps and things available to you.  These link and videos below range from easy to advanced.  In other words some videos are easier to follow than others.  Some are meant to challenge and others are meant to teach us as we engage the Word.

We realize getting in the Word is tough, right up there with taking time to pray.  Funny how these are two of the most powerful things we could; be equipped and communicate with our Creator.  So let's get serious about our time in the Word!  Let's put in the work and be discipled.  Let's make this a priority and accept the responsibility of becoming more like Christ!

• The Bible Project - This is a new videos series meant to teach through the Bible.  We will be showing this video tonight as they explain the purpose but I would strongly encourage everyone to give this a try.  Don't allow this to become your time in the Word but allow it to prepare and teach you as you read the Word.
• Do I need the Bible? - Many Christians do not read Scripture.  They simply do not put the time into it.  Consider this video as we are reminded that we cannot separate the two.
• Is the Bible even important? - great video from the perspective of a people who go from not having the Bible to having their own copy!
• Youth Ministry in the Bible? - Strictly for fun!
• Look at the Book - a great, in-depth look at Scripture led by John Piper.
• Matthias Media - a great website and company that is serious about Scripture and the teaching of what God has declared.  Sometimes we are not sure what books are actually good or what products are out there.  Matthias Media is a sure bet for resources for students.
• The Rock Devotion - A huge reason student do not have a quiet time or devotion is because they don't have one to do.  Sometimes we need help in our reading of the Bible so we're here to help.  We write devotions each week.  They aren't perfect but they are available!

So tonight is a good night of dealing with an issue that is huge. Students need our help, accountability and our example in being serious with the Word of God.  So let's help them!  You do remember how long it got them to brush their teeth, eat their veggies, make their bed and flush the toilet don't you?  This whole parenting thing isn't easy and it really never ends....or so I hear!

Students, if you're reading, flush the toilet!
Have a great weeks end and weekend!