This week's Bible Study

We are in for a real treat this week. This Friday, we will have a bible study led by our very own Wilson Ng! Come on out and hear what Wilson wants to share with us about!

Also, it's June! Wow, the year seems to have gone by so fast. Here's what's happening in the next few weeks:

June 3 - Bible Discussion led by Wilson
June 10 - Holy Spirit Weekend
June 17 - EG Grad Night

Summer is almost here! We'll keep you posted about upcoming summer events!

Reubs

HM2011: STAND - Day 3

We're back home from Abbotsford, and Historymaker is over. Personally, I am glad that I went this year. I have been inspired by the speakers and worship leaders, and I do feel that my life is a little bit different now that I am back into the weekly routines. Many memories were made this weekend, and I cherish them all along with the people who went to Historymaker. Anyway, on to the recap!

Worship on Sunday introduced me to the band Downhere. I actually haven't heard of them before, but I gotta say that I'm fond of their songs. One of their songs, A Better Way, was quite touching to me. The lyrics talk about how there is no better way to say "I love you", than what Jesus did on the cross. I was reminded that God's love is perfect, and there is nothing greater than His love.

I felt a bit of Historymaker nostalgia when David Nasser came up to speak during the fourth general session Sunday morning. It's funny, because each time I hear David Nasser speak, it's like his sermons are successively getting more serious and assertive. The past few sessions this weekend had us following the examples of people in the bible, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. But David reminded us that our fundamental model of Christian living is Jesus. When we look at the ministry of Jesus, we see that not only was He the greatest preacher, but He was also a servant. In fact, the two go hand in hand. If you look at the example of when Jesus feeds the five thousand men (John 6), He served the people when they needed food. The next day, when Jesus leaves, all the people who were fed went to find Him again. In verse 26 of the chapter, Jesus knew that the people came not because of His miracles, but because they were given bread and had their fill. It is through this that Jesus tells the people, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)

Sometimes we see a need, but are too quick to go into preacher mode, rather than actually helping them. Sure it's easy to open up a bible and say what God says, but what good is it when our actions do nothing to back them up? We can tell the orphan that he has been adopted into God's family and is an heir to God's inheritance, but it is meaningless to him no one finds him a home. Service and compassion are the mound that we make our stance on in order to preach to the world.

The last session featured speaker Matt Tapley, someone I've never heard speak before. In some ways this is good. For one, I don't know what to expect. As well, instead of getting excited for the person speaking, I get to be completely excited about God, who is the real speaker. Matt's talk was about the story of Jonathan and his armor-bearer, and how God used them to bring an entire army of Philistines into panic and confusion (1 Samuel 14:1-23). As Christians, we are in a fight. This isn't a fight of flesh and blood, but of a spiritual nature. As such, we cannot just sit by a wait for the enemy to come to our doorstep. We've got to go on the offensive and bring the fight to the enemy's door! That's exactly what Jonathan and his armor-bearer did. They crossed many cliffs and climbed on their hands a feet in order to bring the fight to the Philistines. Because of their faith in God's saving power, God sent a panic to the entire army, and caused them to fight each other! We need the faith that Jonathan has. Faith that causes us to take action when nothing is happening. Faith that God will bring victory. Faith that is not dead, but with action.

I found the last two sessions very challenging. Very often I find myself sitting around doing nothing, when God has a plan for my life, and wants me to change the world around me. It is inspiring to hear the stories not only of those in the bible, but in the world today as well. Throughout the weekend we have heard stories of students starting up prayer groups, wells being built in countries with now clean water, and children being given the necessities of life through sponsorship. There are so many things to do, but the workers are few. Maybe it's time to stop sitting around, and stand up.

Reubs

HM2011: STAND - Day 2

What a long day today has been. There so much to cover about the second day of Historymaker, that it's a bit overwhelming to remember everything. We started the day off with the second session. Group 1 Crew returned for another rocking set, but not before we were introduced to an all-girl rock band from Alberta named Holle. Jonathan Lambert returned to lead a powerful worship set. What struck me as amazing was that there was only TWO songs for worship, but it was as powerful a worship experience as one can get. The second song, Show Me Your Glory, was one of those songs that I feel compelled to sing out, because it talks about our longing for God's presence and majesty to be revealed in our lives. I believe that it is in His presence, that we find His plans and purposes for us, just like Moses did.

Ben Johnson shared from God's word after worship. If you were at the last Unite event we had at VCPC, Ben had pretty much the same message then. It is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylon. Ben used them as an example for us to follow, because they were standing up, and standing out. They chose to eat only vegetables and water, and became stronger and smarter than all the rest who indulged themselves in the pleasures of food. They also refused to bow down to the statue of the king, and were willing to go into the furnace because they knew who their God was. Matthew 5:11-16 was the verse that Ben used, because it tells us to be the salt and light of the world. Verse 12 has a promise for us, for when we are mocked and persecuted for standing for Jesus, we are blessed because we have a great reward in heaven.

The third session started with a short worship set by Jonathan Lambert. The band did one song from Fee called Rise and Sing. It was extraordinary, because during the bridge of the song, they brought in to finish the song, of all things a MARCHING BAND, with brass, woodwinds, and the works. I was astonished and blown away. This year's Historymaker is pulling out all the stops to bring God all the glory.

This was then followed by worship led by Leeland. Leeland songs have wonderful lyrics, some that inspire imagery through poetic expression, and some so simpleand genuine, speaking the truth at its core. I remember Leeland came to Historymaker, maybe 2 or 3 years ago, and I didn't like them at first because the lead singer had such a high voice, it seemed like he was screaming everything. But this year, it was quite radical. The lead singer spent several moments in the worship time to speak to everyone, about how God is strong through our weaknesses. When we show our weakness, God will show His strength. You know if a worship leader is authentic when he can preach what he sings about.

Phil Dooley returned to the stage to talk to us about breakthroughs. A breakthrough is breaking from the things that control you. Fear. Doubt. Pride. There was one character in the bible that stood up to do something when no one else was willing to breakthrough. His name was David. While all the other soldiers were being taunted by Goliath, David stood up and did something about it. And he was not afraid, because he knew who his God was.

It's hard to believe that we're all going home tomorrow. It's kinda sad that we are leaving, but isn't that what the whole point of Historymaker is? We are to take what we have learned here and bring it back to our homes, our schools, and our workplaces in order to change this world for the better, and for the furtherance of God's kingdom. There is no greater purpose than to live out for God, and to stand up for Jesus!

See you at the next update!

Reubs

HM2011: STAND - Day 1

Howzit bro?

Welcome to the first blog post of this Historymaker weekend! Since there aren't that many people from our church coming out this year, I thought that I would use the Young Adults blog to kind of give you guys back home a taste of what Historymaker is like. I will be updating each night talking about the sessions, speakers, and just about anything interesting that happens over the course of that day.

Our first session started with a bang! Remember the explosion on stage at last year's HM:Fearless? Well, multiply that by fifteen and add a couple of fireworks aimed at the stage, and you've got this year's opening. Group 1 Crew started the night off with some pretty good beats. The sound system had the bass turned up really high; you could feel each beat vibrating in your body.

After that, Jonathan Lambert led a great set of worship. Several songs I didn't know, but for the ones I did know, I didn't hesitate to sing. They ended the night with, what else, but Stand by Hillsong United. Fitting for this year's theme.

But the highlight of the night was the speaker. I'm always happy to hear speakers that I have heard spoken in the past, and tonight, Phil Dooley was no exception. He's come a long way from Hillsong. He is now planting a church in Cape Town, South Africa. It's great and inspiring to hear the great things God is leading His servants to do.

The talk was about choices. Our lives are guided by the choices we make. And those choices bring us to certain consequences. Ultimately, we have three choices to make. (1) We have to choose to listen to what God says. (2) We have to choose to believe in what God says. (3) We have to choose to live what God says. Phil shared a passage from Jeremiah 1:4-8, in which God spoke to Jeremiah about his purpose as a prophet of God. In the passage, God said that He knew Jeremiah before he was formed in the womb. God already had a plan for Jeremiah before he was even conceived! Jeremiah may not have believed in himself, but God believed in him. God believes in all of us. In Romans 5:8, it says that even though we are sinners, God was still willing to send Jesus to die for us. That is how much He believes in you! You are worth dying for!

Choice number three was to live out what God's purpose is for us. It's one thing to say that we are Christian, but when you live it out, it shows. Phil demonstrated this by putting on a Canucks jersey! The final bible passage of the night was Galatians 2:20. We should die to ourselves, so that Christ can live through us! When we put God on, like that Canucks Jersey, it covers our entire being. But most of all, it shows the world God's glory.

I'm kinda rushing this, cause we were a little late tonight. We actually got out of the arena at 11:30pm. Tomorrow is a busy day, so I'll post up as much as I can tomorrow night.

Historymaker is off to a good start so far. Looking forward to great things this weekend!

Friday... Friday...

Reubs

Games Night Tonight!

Ready for some Family Business?? Tonight is a games night! Bring your friends out for some fellowship time, and feel free to bring any games you want to play!

Monthly Update for May 2011

First off, let me apologize for not updating the blog regularly last month. April was a hard month for me personally, and several things in my life demanded my attention. Though I do not wish to share anything, know that both Jack and myself are committed to you guys. We recognize our responsibilities as your young adult leaders and will strive to serve this role by the grace of God.

That being said, here's what's happening this month for the young adults:
May 6 - Discussion led by Jack
May 13 - Special Speaker (or) Games Night ... TBA
May 20 - Historymaker 2011 - STAND
May 27 - Chuck Norris Event!

This week, Jack will be sharing something that has been on his heart for a while. I've known Jack for a while, and I know that he's a passionate guy. Come out as we hang out, fellowship, and spend some time talking about the issues that matter to us.

Also, if you do not know already, Historymaker is coming in just two weeks! Historymaker is the annual youth and young adult conference held in BC during the May long weekend. Featuring worship bands, inspirational speakers, and informative workshops, this is a weekend you don't want to miss. Any questions at all, ask Jack, myself, or Ps. Tim.

Stay tuned for more information on our other events this month!

Reubs

God VS Science

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the problem Science has with God. He asked one of his new Christian students to stand:

Professor: You are a Christian, aren’t you, son?

Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, you believe in God?

Student: Absolutely, sir.

Professor: Is God good?

Student: Sure.

Professor: My brother died of cancer, even though he prayed to God to heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn’t. How is God good, then? Hmm?

(Student was silent)

Professor: You can’t answer, can you? Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Is Satan good?

Student: No.

Professor: Where does Satan come from?

Student: From.. God.

Professor: That’s right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?

Student: Yes.

Professor: Evil is everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything. Correct?

Student: Yes.

Professor: So who created evil?

(Student didn’t answer)

Professor: Is there sickness? Immortality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don’t they?

Student: Yes, sir.

Professor: So, who created them?

(Student had no answer)

Professor: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son.. have you ever seen God?

Student: No, sir.

Professor: Tell us if you have ever heard your God.

Student: No, sir.

Professor: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God, for that matter?

Student: No, sir. I’m afraid I haven’t.

Professor: Yet you still believe in Him?

Student: Yes.

Professor: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, Science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?

Student: Nothing. I only have my Faith.

Professor: Yes, Faith. And that is the problem Science has.

Student: Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?

Professor: Yes.

Student: And is there such a thing as Cold?

Professor: Yes.

Student: No, sir, there isn’t.

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events)

Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don’t have anything called cold. We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of Heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.

(There was a pen-drop silence in the Lecture Theatre)

Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?

Professor: Yes. What is night if there isn’t darkness?

Student: You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light… But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and it’s called Darkness, isn’t it? In reality, darkness isn’t. If it is, You would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn’t you?

Professor: So what is the point you are making, young man?

Student: Sir, my point is, your Philosophical Premise is flawed.

Professor: Flawed? Can you explain how?

Student: Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality. You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, Science can’t even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?

Professor: If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes of course, I do.

Student: Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going)

Student: Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?

(The class was in uproar)

Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor’s brain?

(The class broke out into laughter)

Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor’s brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? .. No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established Rules of Empirical, Stable and Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that you have no brain, sir. With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the student, his face unfathomable)

Professor: I guess you’ll have to take them on Faith, son.

Student: That is it, sir.. exactly! The link between man and God is Faith. That is all that keeps things alive and moving!

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That student was Albert Einstein.