Community and Rest

Yesterday, students enjoyed a day of rest.  After church on Sunday, the entire project spent a day of resting.  Yesterday, students chose to go to the pool, play sport games, nap, watch the World Cup Soccer game, and simply relax. In the morning before church, students split into groups with their campuses.  In the Northwestern group, Northwestern students talked about their plan for ministry in the fall.  Everyone shared where they are desiring to spend time next year in order to build relationships and tell others of the Gospel. We then spent time praying for the Lord to continue working in our hearts and give us strength to tell of His glory to other students.  We prayed that the Holy Spirit would be softening the hearts of students at Northwestern to hear and full-heartedly accept Truth.

After our campus times, everyone went to church.  There are three different churches that those from our project attend.  We attend Garden City Baptist, Garden City Chapel, and Pine Drive Gospel.  Students are divided into their teams and regularly attend one of the above churches.  We have continued to build relationships with people from the churches, and thoroughly enjoy being part of a congregation during the summer.

Whose Line is it Anyways?

Thursday evening, everyone from our project got together to enjoy our weekly social.  This week our social was "Whose Line is it Anyways?"

Almost all students from our project participicated in playing the game.  Students were divided in groups of four people, encompassing both guys and girls. One the games that was played from the hit TV show was The Alphabet, where contestants act a scene with each sentence starting with successive letters of the alphabet. Another game that was played was Scene With a Prop where contestants are given a prop and must act out a scene including the prop.  Many different games were played throughout the evening.  The night turned out to be very humurous watching students playing the different games. After the game, students enjoyed watching the movie, Heavyweights.

Cleanup

Yesterday, Joe Johnson gave a talk on mercy ministries.  He stressed the importance of loving and serving others around us. As a follower of Christ, we are called to give to the needy.  Yet, so often in our lives, we neglect that aspect.  He gave three reasons why we do mercy ministries.  First, it is commanded. Second, Jesus modeled it for us. Lastly, it gives God glory.  Joe explained that if we realize that we were children of wrath, we would be in awe of the fullness of forgiveness that Christ has for us.  We have absolutely everything because of Jesus Christ! True knowledge of this should transform every aspect of our lives, including giving and serving those who are needy.

In regards to this, John Piper states, "We do not love people so that we can be adopted, we love people because we have been adopted."

After the talk, we went back to Project.  There, we served the motel owner, Greg, by cleaning the entire outside area.  He recently had a heart attack and has been unable to do much upkeep with the motel.  All the students worked in the heat of the day in order to serve Greg.  We pray this is incredibly encouraging to Him, and that we would be able to speak truth to Him. We long to be witnesses of Christ in both word and deed.

Evangelism is speaking

Romans 10:14 says, “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” Yesterday, Lucas Cecka gave the Evangelism Training message. His main point was that loving people means speaking the gospel to them.

“If we don’t open our mouths and share the gospel, we are not loving them – no matter what we are doing with our hands.”

He walked through the steps of how the gospel saves.

1. Someone must be sent.
2. They must preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
3. People must hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
4. Hearers must believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.
5. Believers must call on the name of Jesus in repentance.

Lucas then asked the question: “So why don’t we share the gospel with people we encounter?”

Four fears:

1. Rejection.
2. Failure.
3. Loss of relationship.
4. Lack of knowledge.

In the end, all of these fears are selfish. We put our comfort, our reputation, our friendships, and our pride above what matters for eternity. Ultimately, unbelief is at the core.

“This Christianity things – this Project – is not a game. Eternity is at stake here."

Vision and Vigilance

Last evening, Zach Simmons, our North Project Student Director, gave our Theme Training talk.  He talked about our need for discipleship and community throughout the entirety of our lives. North and South Projects met again last night for the combined meetings. Zach's goal, in his own words, was that, "Thirty years from now you would be vigilant in you're relationship with Christ."  He talked about the necessity of growing in Christ and enjoying Him more. He encouraged us to use discipleship as a means to knowing Christ more.

We can search the Bible to find supportive reasoning for the vitality of discipleship in our lives. Philippians 3:17-18 Paul writes to the church of Philippi, "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." Paul urgently tells the church to imitate him so they may not walk as enemies of Christ.  Paul is in no way desiring that they idolize him, but he understands the importance of seeking older counsel.  When we imitate lives that reflect Christ, we can come to know Christ in a deeper understanding.

Hebrews 3:12-13 talks about exhorting one another daily so that we may not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. This leads us to conclude that honest and true community is essential in the Christian's life.  In addition, imitating others above us is beneficial to our growth.  Zach finalized the talk by discussing the importance of discipleship rather than evangelism.  Yes, our goal is evangelism and the world being reached with the truth, but we need to be making disciples.  By discipling others we can equip them to walk in a manner worthy of Christ and reach others with the gospel.  The ending in reality is two fold.  As we long for Christ we can seek out discipleship for ourselves and disciple others in the gospel.

Decade Bowling

Thursday evening, we held our annual Decade Bowling Social.  The night proved to be an exhilarating night of dressing up, bowling, and coming back to project for ice cream cones. Everyone dressed up according to their teams. Team Dougie dressed up as the 90's, Team Strike Force as the 80's, and Team Fun, Fun, Fun as the 70's.  Most students planned a trip to the local Goodwill store during the days leading up to the event.  Students had an enjoyable time dressing up as outlandish as possible.  Once at the bowling alley, a guys room was paired with a girls room and they competed against one another.  When the bowling was over, students came back to the project where the team leader girls scooped fudge icream out for everyone.

Everyone enjoyed a night of silly dressing and fun bowling.  Here are some pictures from the evening:

CCP Send-Off and Fourth of July

This past weekend, we said goodbye to the India team.  Thursday morning, students woke up early before sun-rise to pray for

those going to India.  On the beach, we spent time praying for the Lord to work in the hearts of Indian students.  We prayed they would be receptive to the Gospel, and that He would graciously protect our team as they travel across the world to further His glory.  Saturday evening, we officially sent the India team off with a short time of prayer in the evening.  We continued to pray that they would be united as a team and that they would find joy in ministering in India.

After a day of rest on Sunday, students got back to work yesterday.  In the evening, Matt Reagan gave a talk on Missions.  He talked about the necessity of declaring His name and making disciples throughout all nations.  He said that we should be praying about where the Lord has us in regards to mission.  Not everyone is called to be a missionary oversees, but as a believer, we should make it our mission for the nations to be reached.  This can be done through praying, sending, or going.  Matt pushed us to see the necessity of missions and encouraged us to truly pray and see how we can play a part in it.

After the talk, most students enjoyed the Fourth of July here in Garden City.  The beaches were crowded with tourists enjoying the fireworks.  The North Project joined the South project joined together to shoot fireworks, and enjoy a patriotic sing-along.  Everyone was able to appreciate  a night of fun and laughter celebrating Independence Day.

Theology Time

Last night, Justin Richardson led optional theology. He started the evening by making our purpose clear. “The point of this whole time is not vain discussions about theology. The aim is love."

The group started with about 10 or 15 people and dwindled down as the night progressed. Here are the questions asked with a brief summary of the responses. There are quite a few, so feel free to pick and choose what to read.

Dalen Miller: How are the festivals and the new moons and the Sabboth a shadow of the things to come?

The Old Testament law was very strict on these things. All of them are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. For example, the Sabboth is a day of rest, which is a shadow of the ultimate rest, which is found in Jesus.

Lucy Liu: How did Jesus, as one human, die as the sins for everyone?

Perfection is a key factor in how Jesus can cover our sins. In the Old Testament law, there were specific sacrifices for specific sins. In the New Testament, the only sacrifice is the death of one perfect human.

Rom. 5:12-18 talks about this.

Lucy Liu: Why didn’t he go to hell, if he’s taking our punishment?

He is not defeated by death; he was able to overcome death.

Ben Shepherd: How does the death of Christ cover people in the Old Testament? How were they saved, as they didn’t believe in Jesus?

People in the Old Testament believed in God and trusted in his plan. God had a method for allowing people to believe in him.

Heb. 11:13-16 and 39-40 talk about people in the Old Testament being justified by faith.

People are not made perfect in the Old Testament. They are given yearly times with a priest and momentary sacrifices to atone for their sins. And throughout the Old Testament, we can see that all this is temporary.

The key was belief in God. How was that belief flushed out? Through their works – but ultimately, through faith.

Lisa Fitton: Is it possible that God exists outside of time and that the gospel did exist for them?

His death on the cross does extend to them in some way. For us, the basis for our salvation is based on belief in Jesus, so it’s not exactly the same.

Leah Miller: What does that mean to delight yourself in the Lord and you will get the desire of your heart?

The verse is not talking about how we will get things like a new car if we just delight in Christ. It’s talking about how when we delight in him, our desires change – improve – to be the desires God wants them to be. And he gives us those desires.

Anaite Castaneda: If everyone is created for a relationship Christ, why doesn’t everyone have that?

Romans 9 could be a good place to go. While all human beings are created with hearts for knowing God, for some reason, God has chosen to harden some hearts. An example of this is Pharaoh.

AnnaLiese Durling: If, for people in the Old Testament, salvation was about belief in God, can people now be saved by just believing in God (and not the gospel)?

Rom. 1:18 talks about how people who don’t know Jesus are without excuse. It’s only through Jesus by which we can be saved. And all who God created to be saved will be saved.

Emma DeJong: In Jeremiah God tells Jeremiah not to pray for people. What’s that about?

God poured out his wrath in a different way then than he does now, as it has all been taken by Jesus. Also, Jeremiah’s motives in his prayers were more concerned for the people, rather than for God’s glory.

AnnaLiese Durling: Did the Trinity exist before Christ?

In Gen. 1:2, we can see that in the very beginning of all creation, the Spirit was hovering over the face of the waters. The trinity always existed. The Son and the Spirit came into a manifestation of their role with the cross.

AnnaLiese Durling: I have a friend who’s very moral. How do I talk about morality with him?

Christianity is not about becoming a better person. It’s about saying, ‘I’m OK.’ James Lovallo offered that advice to remember that Christianity is not about works; it’s about Christ. That’s what he needs to hear the most.

Rachel Carlson: What does it mean to pray in faith?

God will always answer your prayers. There are three answers he gives: yes, no and maybe.

Rest in what God has done, and pray about that. Expect God to do big things. Also, pray what people prayed in the Bible.

AnnaLiese Durling: In Scripture memorization, how do you choose what to memorize?

It depends on where you are in the moment and where you are in Scripture memory. One of the purposes of memorizing Scripture is to know more about who God is.

At this point, the night became much more of an informal conversation. After a while Justin prayed for everyone in closure.

Read the Bible when you don't feel like it

Now that the staff is gone, the team leaders are giving the messages. Justin Richardson led Bible study training yesterday morning. He discussed why we need to read the Bible and how our thoughts and emotions are involved.

“It is God’s will for us to read His Word,” Justin said.

But what about when we go through spiritual dry periods? Many people don’t read their Bible unless they want to because they don’t want to be legalistic. Justin addressed this, saying it is a misconception that obedience is primarily a result of emotion.

Emotions play a large role in the Christian life, but they are not a prerequisite for obedience. If somebody doesn’t want to read their Bible, not reading would probably be their worst decision.

Justin also addressed the misconception that we are less pleasing to God when we are emotionally dry.

“Christian hedonism … is at the same time thrilling and crushing,” he said.

We get glimpses of joy in Christ, but it can be crushing when we don’t. However, we find that joy when we read the Bible – when we learn more about Christ. Justin said that “the Bible is a source for our emotions.” He reminded everyone that the basis for God’s pleasure in us is not because of us, but because of what Christ has done for us on the cross.

He continued to explain why we should read the Bible.

“God has revealed himself through people, through relationships, through creation – but primarily, he has given us His Word.”

Proverbs 2:1-5: My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heard to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Goodbye and Hello

This past week, we said goodbye to the staff team.  The staff team left Wednesday morning to raise support for the next month.  Project is now completely student-led. I am encouraged to have already seen student leaders stepping up.  It is exciting to see how the Lord will continue to work in the hearts of students. Please pray for staff as they continue to raise support and the students as they seek to know Christ more.

On Wednesday, Bethel senior, Joe Johnson led evangelism training.  He talked about the reality of hell and how, as believers, we should be living in light of eternity.  This life is short and fleeting, and we have only one hope in Christ.  He encouraged us to tell others of the truth that is in Christ. He alone saves us from eternal wrath.  After the training, students wrote letters to loved ones who may not be believers.

Last night,  the India Team prepared the Project's social.  Students went to Broadway at the Beach, and had a scavenger hunt.   The teams were split up with one guys' room and one girls' room. They were told to do certain things, such as take a picture with a random child, and take a picture laying down in the fountain center.  Everyone had a blast doing outrageous things.  After the social, everyone came back to project to find out the winning team and enjoyed viewing all the pictures that were taken.

Time to say goodbye

The time has come for the project staff to return to their lives in Minnesota, Michigan and South Dakota, leaving Project to be completely student-run for the second month. Today and tomorrow all of the staff are packing and either driving or flying out.

Last night was the farewell party. To start things out, Jon Saunders, Megan Cogan and Elliot Stokes downed a box of ice cream – not faster than the team leaders, of course.

Then, the students from each campus prayed for their staff, and it’s comforting to know that they are going to continue praying for us at Project.

If you want to pray for any of the 14 staff members from South Project, many of them will be raising support, so prayers would definitely be appreciated for that. Also, pray that the gospel would be greater and sweeter for them as they return, and that it would spread to their families, friends and students.

Here’s a list of South Project’s staff:

Jon and Vanessa Saunders – Michigan State University

Chip and Megan Cogan – Michigan State University

Matt and Lisa Reagan – University of Minnesota

Nick and Katie Stomwell – University of Minnesota

Lydia Schlicht – University of Minnesota

Mike Polley – University of Minnesota

Luke Christie-Perkins – South Dakota State University

Paul and Sam Poteat – St. Thomas

Elliot Stokes – St. Thomas

Gracious Sanctification

Last evening, both projects met to hear a talk on "sanctification".  Matt Reagan talked to us about God's faithfulness to sanctify us. Matt Reagan described sanctification as, "the killing of sin".  The more we see Christ as beautiful and as truly satisfying, the more our lives begin to reflect Him.  Isaiah 55:1-3 talks about turning to God who truly satisfies.  So often, we are prone to seek out satisfaction in things of this world. However, the Bible is clear that nothing apart from Christ satisfies our longings.  When we begin to rest in what was accomplished at the cross on our behalf, we taste true joy and life in Christ.

One might ask themself, "Now what?" We know, that Christ has forgiven our sins, shouldn't we now do something for Him in return? The startling answer is, in fact, "no". If we think that our obedience pays God back, we are wrong.  The same way you have received him, you now walk in Him.  The process of sanctification in our lives comes by hearing His truth, which is, the gospel of Christ Jesus.

John Piper puts it this way, "The cross is the blazing center of the glory of God." The more we see what has been done for us on the cross, the more our actions and lives reflect our belief in Christ.  We must get ourselves off of ourselves and onto Jesus Christ, and then overflow into loving others and counting them more significant than ourselves.

India Arrives

This weekend, the CCP India team arrived to our south project in Garden City! We are delighted for them to be here.  They have already begun to share a passion with us for reaching the unreached people groups with the gospel of Christ.

The team arrived on Saturday evening.  They were greeted by friends that were on project.  There is much excitement at both projects with the arrival of the team. Students are full of anticipation to hear of other college students that are eager to spend their summer spreading the gospel to the unreached.

Last night, both projects got together, and the India team gave a presentation.  They introduced the college students that are on the team, and gave testimonies on how the Lord led them to desire to go overseas.  Their testimonies were powerful for us to hear.  It is amazing to see Christ working in lives of college students, giving them vision and passion for reaching the nations.

The team's leader, Jack Thompson, gave a short talk on missions. He talked about God's heart for reaching all nations with His good news.  The Lord does not need us to fulfill His will, but graciously uses us to expand His kingdom on earth. Matthew 28:19 says,"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations and promises to come back once every tribe and tongue knows His name.

According to joshuaproject.net, there are 2,549 total people groups in India.  Out of those 2549, 2238 are still unreached! That is approximately 88% of the people groups of India that are still unreached.  This is a sobering reality to believers.  Jack encouraged us to be active in reaching the nations. We can do this by praying, giving, or going.  As believers, we can play a part in God's plan for all to know His name!

Jack shared his passion for the lost world with us.  We are all blessed to hear how the Lord is raising up laboreres to give their time, lives, and money away for people to know Christ.

A week at Project

It’s been a busy week since the last blog post.

Tuesday

We had a typical work day, with team time at 6 p.m. Each team (Goof Troop, Vector, and The Czech Republic) meets once a week to hang out and get to know each other better.

At 8 p.m., everyone returned to their rooms for D-groups – where each group of four or five students learn to love one another more through conversations, studying scripture, and praying.

Wednesday

Wednesday mornings student leaders and staff meet at Garden City Baptist Church for Leaders Training. Paul Poteat talked about the deep brokenness of everyone there, as well as everyone not there. He said that we need to remember that there are things deeper in the hearts of students than the things they do.

Then, the guys and girls from each team meets for their D-group. This is a refreshing time for room leaders and their team leader to catch up and offer one another encouragement and advice.

At 1:30 p.m. the whole project meets for Evangelism Training, followed by evangelism on the beach. This week, Jon Saunders talked about our fear of evangelism, and how our hearts show what we believe about the Father. He gave some practical reasons why we should not be scared of beach evangelism, but he also shared the real reason: God is a good god, and that he wants to give us good things.

So, we all went out in pairs and talked to people on the beach, asking them questions and sharing the gospel. Afterward, teams met to share stories about how it went, and then to pray about those specific people.

Wednesday night, many people went out on group dates (where a guys’ room asks a girls’ room on a date). At 8 p.m., Team Czech Republic provided s’mores for the week’s encouragement. Overall, it was a relaxing evening.

Thursday

Again, Thursday is a work day. But Thursday nights, we have our project social. Last night was the social of all socials.

It was a low country boil, which has become an annual event. People had the option of dressing as a hick, a prep, or a barnyard animal. After admiring one another’s costume, everyone

enjoyed a feast of shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage – all piled on tables. Forks were unnecessary.

The night also included sing along with Paul. This was when Jordan Zurek’s inner Taylor Swift came out, as well as when Ben Shepherd’s Irish identity was confirmed.

Bobbing for limes was also a hit, but fun fact: Limes are cheaper than apples, but they sink. The night was finished with about three or four hours of dancing, even through down-pouring rain.

Friday

Like every Friday, we met at 9 a.m. for Bible Study Training. Elliot Stokes talked about how we need the Bible. “Your relationship with God is one vast need … that’s how it’s supposed to be.”

Then, some people relaxed and some went off to work.

Saturday

Mostly, we worked.

Sunday

To start our day, Mike Polley talked about money and possessions at Life Training. He exposed our selfishness when it comes to these things, and how we are prideful about how much or how little we have. Hearing the gospel was very freeing.

At 11 a.m., everyone went to church, and then afterward rested in a variety of ways. Later that night was an optional women’s time, and the CCP group gave a presentation about India, explaining what they will be doing there and how we can pray for them.

Monday

This is the day the Lord has made! Pray that we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Sadie Hawkins

Last night on project, we enjoyed our weekly social.  The social was a fun mix of comical swim routines and group dates.

After work, everyone came back to a delicious meal.  After eating the meal and waiting for the storm to pass, the boys from project performed routines in the pool.  The goal of their routine was to win a girls room.  The girls had an option to accept them or swap them for a different boys' room.  The boys permormed hilarious and outrageous routines, vying for the of approval from the girls.

After the routines were finished, and the group dates were established, the students spent the evening on the group date of which was previously planned by the girls' room.  This time was spent from fun treasure hunts to mini-golfing to beach games.  Everyone loved having a night of funny swim routines and amusable group dates.

Leading and Evangelizing

Yesterday, disciples enjoyed a morning of rest.  As they spent the morning relaxing, the leaders went to leaders training.  Andrew Knight gave a talk on becoming a godly leader. One point he made was that as leaders, we too should always fight to make sure someone is leading us.  As someone pours into us and points us to Christ, we can pour into others and lead them to Christ. During the afternoon, Reid Jilek gave a talk on evangelism to everyone.  We watched a clip in which an atheist made the point, "How much do you have to hate someone to not share your faith?" He said that if you knew for sure that heaven and hell were real, why would you not be urgently telling others of truth? This stuck out to many of us because we often shy away from sharing our faith. However, the reality is startling, that unless people know Christ, they will be forever eternally sepertaed from Him.  This comment gave students much to think about.

After evangelism training, students went out on the beach to share their faith.  This was a wonderful time for students to practice sharing what they believe with others.  Many students desire to continue praying with those that they had shared their faith with.  Even though people may not immediately accepted Jesus Christ as the way to God, it can be seeds that are planted.

Grace Abounds

At theme training last night, Matt Reagan gave a talk on grace.  The Lord significantly used him to articulate the gospel clearly to all of the students in the room. He began with discussing Acts 17:25."Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." He had us consider whether or not we truly believe this in our everyday lives. The good news is that as believers, we simply receive from Him.  We cannot do anything to add to this, It is finished! He is continually giving to us, and we receive what He has accomplished on the cross for us.

The gospel is clear in the Bible that though we are sinful, Christ came and died on the cross so that we may experience forever the grace of God.  Christ promises to be our advocate forevermore, pleading for us before God.

Matt discussed some barriers in our lives that prevent us from knowing Christ's love for us. We are continually distracted by personal performance and performance from God.  Although we have heard the truth of the cross, we seem to always seek ways to gain approval from both God and man.  Throughout our lives our sinful nature seeks to find ways to turn the gospel into laws.Romans 4:4-5 says, "Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." No longer do we have to work for God's approval! We can repent of sin in our hearts, and turn to Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith. It is completely FINISHED because of Christ!

After the talk, there was a time of worship and prayer. The room was filled with people worshipping the Lord, praying to Him, and crying over the wonderful news that was so clearly heard.  Back on project, many students were having conversations with others rejoicing over what the Lord is doing in their heart.  Last night depicted so clearly that the gospel truly is the power for salvation. Please pray for the students whose hearts were open to this for the first time last night. Pray that they would continue to be rooted in Christ, bearing fruit.  We are delighted and in awe of God for bringing people to understanding of Christ last night.

'It is the most important thing. Period.'

At Theme Training last night, Matt Reagan proclaimed, explained, and rejoiced about the gospel. He described it as “our whole life,” “the thing that is the center of all history” and “the clearest picture of who Jesus is.”

For most of his message, Matt talked about how good the Good News is.

Hebrews 10:14: For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

But how can we hear this and so often feel nothing? How can there be such numbness to the gospel in our hearts?

Matt brought up three sedatives that put us to sleep when it comes to the gospel.

One is a shallow understanding of sin. This blog post could never fully describe the weight that was felt in the fellowship hall of Garden City Baptist last night. With full conviction, holding nothing back, Matt preached about sin that was in every heart in the room.

“You must get to a place in your life when you say, ‘how could he possibly love me?’”

We must know we are broken to understand the gospel.

Another sedative is the distraction of personal performance. This one hit home for many people (probably everyone). He talked about how we perform for people, and we perform for God. He stressed how there is nothing we can do for God.

Romans 4:4-5: Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness…

There is nothing that we do. Matt quoted something he has read: “the law requires 100 percent doing; the gospel requires 100 percent not doing.”

Luke 18:9-14 is a perfect passage for what we have a right to say before the Lord. “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” We can’t pay God back with obedience or gratitude, and there is nothing we can do to improve him or improve ourselves.

But, this is such good news!

1 Cor. 3: 21-23: So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

All work has been done. It is finished. Now, we can rejoice that all is our’s because we are Christ’s.

The third and final sedative is the forgotten reality of eternity. We are now free to say that God’s wrath has been taken away from me forever, and I will never see it.

Matt said, “The rest of your life should be a celebration.”

A Day of Rest

After a busy week, this past Sunday turned out to be an ideal day for students to rest and relax. After a morning of worship, most disciples spent an enjoyable day relaxing with friends.

Yesterday morning, Stephen Discher gave a talk regarding technology.  He discussed both the benefits of technology and the trappings we often fall into.  He explained that technology in and of itself, is not bad.  In fact, Christ has created all things good. (1 Timothy 4:4)  However, our sinful hearts turn good things into idols.  Therefore, as believers in Christ. we want to be aware of technology as an idol so we can effectively use technology to spread the gospel of Christ.  We want to be faithful ministers of all that the Lord has blessed us with, including technology.

After Steve's talk, everyone split up for campus time. During campus time, students were able to form relationships with other students from their campuses.  After campus time, everyone went to their designated church in garden city.  Sunday morning proved to be an enjoyable time for students to worship Christ.

During the afternoon, everyone spent time relaxing.  Some people went to the beach, some played pool ball, and others went on group dates.  This time was a time for them to re-cooperate before, again, another busy week ahead.  At night, there was an optional worship time where they were able to worship and praise Christ though song. Praise the Lord that he created us to need and enjoy time of rest!

Working to rest

For a lot of students on project, today has reflected this morning’s message at Life Training. At 8:45 before church, Mike Polley talked about working to rest, saying that Christ has given us rest in the gospel.

“Stay in the rest that we’ve been given,” he said.

At this point at Project, weariness has started to set in for many people. Full-time jobs and nightly project activities, for some, make schedules much busier than what is normal.

Mike reminded us how we have already received ultimate rest, and how we have the opportunity to give it to others.

“Only Christians can share eternal rest,” he said.

He also went into some helpful tips about working and resting, explaining how there is a rest in remembering that God sanctifies us.

So today, in a very practical sense, people have been resting. Many have visited the beach in the 95-degree weather, and the local coffee shop has had people in and out of it all day.

Here are the tips Mike gave everyone to think about when it comes to work and rest:

1. Know yourself.

When it comes to a work ethic, are you on the lazy end or the over-working, anxious side?

2. Get good sleep.

3. Be efficient in the use of time.

Be devoted to work when you work and be devoted to sleep when you sleep. This will result in better work and better rest.

4. Be thankful.

“When you’re thankful, you’re awake to the gift you’ve been given?”

5. Take a day off.

This doesn’t mean sleeping all day. It’s a day for whatever is refreshing. This may be going for a run, taking a nap, or reading a book. It depends on the person.

6. Pace yourself.

You don’t always need to go 100 percent. It’s OK to run at a slower pace that can last.

7. Make a weekly schedule.

Schedule a time to rest, and make sure to make it a priority.