Discerning Our Input

I came across a beneficial article that reinforces everything we have been learning on Wednesday nights recently concerning our responsibility to "think about these things" (Phil. 4:8) that we are allowing our minds to focus on. I would encourage you to read it and be a good steward of your time this week. Remember we must be a "discerning listener and viewer." Click here for the article.

Music and Christianity

As we continue studying through Philippians 4:8 I wanted to make you aware of a great podcast to listen to that continues the discussion on music and the role it should play in the life of a Christian. It comes from "Showtime's" breakout session last summer at Snowbird. Check it out here

New Podcast Address

Please note that our podcast site has changed to www.mtnstudents.mypodcast.com. If you are looking for an older sermon they will hopefullly be back up soon. We are having to re-upload all the sermons one by one because the mypodcast.com site crashed. Hope everyone is having a good week...looking forward to MainEvent and seven:ten tomorrow night!

My Response to "Queens for Christ"

Recently I was encouraged to invite the girls in our youth group to a church sponsored beauty pageant entitled "Queens for Christ: Celebrating the Beauty of Christ." The purpose of the event I am told is to celebrate Christ's beauty and the sisterhood of Christian women. You can read my response below. Summary: We aren't going. 

Monica, 

I don't mean to be critical and please understand my heart and attitude is one of concern and not divisiveness. I believe the purposes that you stated for this event and the event itself could not be any more opposite. The title of the event is "Queens for Christ: Celebrating the Beauty of Christ" and you said quote "Racheal's idea is to bring girls together to represent the beauty of Christianity and the sisterhood amongst Christian young women." By saying those things and then using them in the context of a "beauty pageant" you automatically divide the sisterhood and limit it to those who meet worldly criteria of "first impression, personality and appearance." The beauty of Christ is that through Him we gain acceptance regardless of these things and we are invited to enjoy fellowship with other men and women as brothers and sisters because of our unity in Christ, not the similarities we share in looks. I for one will not be recommending such an event to my youth group. I counsel girls regularly who have been discouraged and at times defeated by the notion that "first impression, personality and appearance" are things to be pursued in our culture. How can I recommend such an event when I have girls struggling with eating disorders as they are deceived by the world's lie that such things give worth to someone. Instead I will continue to encourage my girls to pursue "good deeds and godliness" as the fruits of their salvation. I am disappointed to learn of such an event in our community. I would ask that you please reexamine the purpose and title of such a pageant. I believe the current communication fails to proclaim the beauty of Christ and fellowship available to women as sisters in Christ. 

Sincerely,

Adam Vinson

Recommended Blogs

Sometimes it is tough for us to stay up to date with our "blogging" with all the duties we have at the church right now. We have tried to be intentional about giving you other good blogs to read to enhance your spiritual growth. Read these blogs with discernment and allow God's instruction to others to encourage you greatly in your own walk with Christ.

Winter Retreat 2009

Hey just wanted to encourage those who were unable to attend Winter Retreat 2009 to check out all the teaching sessions at the mtnstudents podcast (www.mtnstudents.mypodcast.com). Of course if you went you are encouraged to check them out too just as a refresher. God did so many great things and we have much to be thankful for. Keep pressing on and strive for the Godly brother/sister relationships that God desires for us to have with each other. 

Don't Worry About It

I always enjoy watching the children of our church after our services. On Wednesday nights you can find Morris Whitworth, Maggie McCloud and Georgiana Barrow playing in the Main Event room. The thing that stands out to me most about these kids is the complete lack of worry in their life. Think about it. I seriously doubt that the three of them ever wonder how they are going to eat tomorrow. Nor do they have to worry if they are going to have warm clothing to put on. Why? Because they have caring parents who know their needs and are faithful to provide for them on a daily basis. I often wish I could revert back to the "days of being a kid" when I didn't have to worry about the economy, gas prices, wars overseas, etc. And yet God reminded me this week that He is inviting me to enjoy that type of "worry free" life as His child. Matthew 6 teaches us that we have a Heavenly Father who KNOWS OUR NEEDS! He takes care of the lesser things in His creation (birds and flowers) which virtually guarantees us that He will take care of us who are His children. What a joy and comfort in the times of uncertainty. Be encouraged this week. Take the time to sit and watch a child and reflect on the "worry free" life of a child and be reminded that God desires that same type of life for you as His child.