Philemon

Well I am proud to say that church this weekend was very successful! We got through the children ministry take over without any complaints (yet) and we finished a whole book in the Bible. Ya the book is less than a page, but packed with richness. We read about Paul and his vouch, better yet endorsement of runaway slave Onesimus. As we see the heart of Paul for the new convert Onesimus we can also see how Jesus has been our advocate to the father on our behalf. This runaway had sure punishment and most likely death coming his way for running away and putting his owner out of a laborer and money, but the heart of a minister Paul had a cooler head. He saw in Onesimus a change and even better a eternal value that prior would have been put passed a slave. I could go forever but to wrap it up Paul saw Onesimus as God would see him, with love a genuine desire to see him flourish and be fruitful for the kingdom. Praise God he doesn't write us off as soon as we mess up.

Way, Truth and Life

As you can see we took a week break from the Sermon on The Mount to talk about Jesus' words of the heart. As the disciples were greatly troubled over Peter denying Jesus, Jesus leaving them and one of the 12 betraying Jesus, it's obvious that there hearts would be stirred and in great confusion. However Jesus gives to us the perfect remedy for this problem which is to keep the focus on Him. He says to believe in Him as they believe in God. Let your hearts be at peace because Jesus is going to a construction site for them. He was going to prepare homes for all those who had put faith in Jesus. As the circumstances of life hit us like a storm our hearts often waiver from Jesus, but we are encouraged in the fact that Jesus always has a plan and our peace rests in Him not us or our friends. God gives a calm spirit to us who have faith in Him. Praise the Lord that at the sound of His voice the storms of life become character not just trouble. Not to mention the only way to this peace is through Him who provided the way, is the way and in all matters in consideration He is truth!  

Gone-Camping?

If your a guy and like getting dirty then this is for you. On April 17-18 we will be going to BlueJay, which is a campsite right here in San Juan. Not only will we be getting dirty and carving bears out of a piece of log, we will be connected with God in his creation. The cost of this trip will be $15 and all you need to bring is a sleeping bag and tooth brush. On the bottom right of this page you will find a link to the release form, and if you would please fill it out for your student. Any questions can be directed to me and my email is also on the bottom right of this page. Sign-ups will be available at church and via email. Hope to see all you there!

Spirit-Filled

As we move on with our small group series we come to, what it means to have a "spirit filled life." I know what your thinking its all about doing the right thing at the right time to demonstrate that God is within you. If you look for opportunity to share Him with everyone then you are truly living a spirit filled life. Well, let this quick illustration guide you in a bit of a different direction. Watching baseball is one of my favorite things to do. I love the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, or whatever they are called now. When I watch them play I am amazed at how good Torii Hunter is in the outfield. Now I could go to my local sporting goods store and buy the same glove, hat, cleats and bubble gum as Torii. I could also go to Angels stadium and stand in the same place as Torii in center field with my hands in the same position ready to patrol the outfield. However, when that ball gets hit I am not going to catch up to the balls he can. You see I could do anything and everything that Torii does but I will never be him. I will never have his speed, intuition and athletic ability, so I might as well stop trying. But with God we are not left hopeless, because he does not demand us to be Him. He offers His spirit to come inside us and do the work for us. God has a desire to make Himself known through our lives. We simply have to submit to God and our lives will be full of fruit and works of righteousness that he foreordained for us! (Ephesians 2:10) Not only that but that same spirit seals for us for eternity. (Ephesians 1:13-14) God just wants us to obey His Word and love people. He can do great things with an obedient child. When we give Him our life he will confound the wisdom of this world. Glory to God for using us in His work!

New Site

As you can see we have returned online with our own web page, well blog,  whatever you want to call it. I hope this helps connect you with Youth Ministry here at CVC. Enjoy and send me an email if you have any questions, comments or concerns.