05.11.13
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Creation vs. Evolution

Creationism vs. EvolutionHebrews 11:3

No one can adequately explain the creation of the world apart from God. There is no scientist smart enough to convince and prove the existence of the world. There is no Christian who is wise and smart enough to convince the entire world by proof. Even the secular scientists will admit that what you believe about the existence of the world around us requires faith. It requires faith in evolution or a faith in creation.

 

Creation- The act of God bringing the world in ordered existence

Evolution- The theory that living organisms gradually change by themselves from one kind into another.

Now, in your school or work place, you may be taught that things evolve out of nothing, maybe that raw material exploded and it formed the world. We will continue to develop into higher life forms because of Natural Selection. This process has taken millions of years.

I want to look at what the Bible says about the creation of the world. God created everything out of nothing! Creation was finished in 6 literal 24 hour days and then God rested on the 7th day.
Day 1- Light and darkness
Day 2- Heaven
Day 3- Sea, land, and vegetation
Day 4- Sun, moon, stars
Day 5- Fish and birds
Day 6- Man and animals

After seeing this, logic tells us that there had to be an intelligent designer behind the creation of the world. In my opinion, I believe it takes more faith to believe that things just happened randomly than it does to believe that there is an intelligent designer, God, behind the creation of the world.

The point is that what you believe requires faith either way. By the way, what you believe about creation will affect everything that you believe about God and the truth of His Word.

         I.            Confidence in God’s Powerful Word

  1. His Word created the Heavens- Psalm 33:6 says, “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth.” Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” We can go back to Genesis and see that God spoke, and things happened! The phrase, God said is used 8 times for the different aspects of creation. While the idea of evolution is based on random chance, the Bible teaches that the world came about through the power of God’s spoken word.
  2. His Word created the world- Genesis 1:1-31. God created the entire world out of nothing. One moment there was darkness, and then there was light. How? God’s Word. One moment there was no vegetation, the next moment there was grass and trees. One moment there was no water, and then there was water. One moment there was no man, and then there was man. How? God’s Word. God spoke everything into existence. John 1:3 says, “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”

        II.            Confidence in the Bible’s Account

  1. Real witness- Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God.” God has no beginning and no ending. This is a difficult thing to grasp and put our minds around. In evolution, there is no witness to anything that happened. In creation, we have a witness. The creator Himself.
  2. Real Days- Exodus 20:11 says, “For in six days the LORD made Heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them is, and rested the seventh day.” Scripture is clear, I believe, that God created the world in 6 literal days. The theory of evolution tries to replace God with time. It adds billions of years onto the existence of the world. Genesis 1:5 says that the evening and the morning were the first day. In the Bible when the word, day, is qualified by a number, it always refers to a literal 24 hour day. Since this is the case, the timing of evolution just cannot be accurate.

      III.            Confidence in the Creator’s Design

  1. The creation was designed with Purpose- The principle of Intelligent Design states, “For every design, there must be a designer.” This principle basically means that things do not just appear. Everything that you see must have had a designer behind it. Look at the fanciest of cars, clothes, houses, etc. Someone designed them. Now, look at man, the mountains, the beaches, and the wonderful majestic world. Such creation demands a creator.
  2. The creation was designed for God’s glory- Psalm 19:1 says, “The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.” Colossians 1:16 says, “For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him.” Man did not evolve to work, eat, and die. That would pointless. There must be a greater purpose in life. The Bible has that purpose. You were created in the image of God to exist to bring glory to God. That is your ultimate purpose in life.

So, where does your faith lie? It requires faith to believe in evolution and to believe in creation. Which belief is your faith placed in? Place your faith in the truth that God spoke this world into existence, and that your greatest purpose is to bring Him glory! My purpose is to make His name famous. It is the reason for my existence. So, are you doing this? Are you glorifying God in every area of your life?

05.10.13
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Congrats to the Class of 2013

This past Wednesday was a sad, but also exciting youth service all in one. The reason was that it was senior night. The night was sad, because we are losing some fantastic seniors, but it was exciting, because they are moving on to the next step in their journey. We always do a senior highlight video for them. I also wrote a song and sang it as well in way of a music video (you do not want to miss this). Here are the two videos:

“We are never ever ever going to forget you” by: Josh Evans

Senior Highlight Video:

Congrats CLASS OF 2013!!!

05.10.13
by

[Parent Edition] Get Connected- Grove Weekly Newsletter

Get Connected newsletter promoGood Friday morning Parents,

I hope that you are doing well today. It is Friday so I am sure that you are doing well. Friday’s are usually fun days. Pray if you would for my wife. She has battled a sickness all day yesterday so I was on toddler duty with Lynlee all day. She is feeling better this morning, but hopefully it is gone. Also, pray for me this weekend. I will be speaking at a DNOW youth event in Ramseur, NC. I will be speaking a few times, and I surely covet your prayers.

This past Wednesday night was a special service! I love senior night at the Grove, and I sure hope that each senior felt loved and appreciated. We are losing a great class of seniors, and they surely will be missed. Travis brought a challenging word from the Bible, and I also appreciated Elizabeth giving a brief testimony of her experience. Great service!

Information Corner:

May 15- Last WOL Night @ the Grove

May 22- No Grove- Baccalaureate service in main auditorium at 7:00 pm

May 29- Summer Sizzlers begin- new schedule is 6:30-8:00 pm

Quiet Time Booklets: I have attached the quiet time booklet to this email for you to have family devotions with your kids. I do believe this is important to the growth of your child. I understand that this can be awkward, but maybe start with talking about devotions with your kids, encourage them to do them themselves, and work up to doing them together. We will not be giving out Quiet Time booklets during the summer, but will be providing other resources to help you keep your teenager accountable for their personal walk with God.

Our Featured Resource: I have not shared many resources with you as of late, but I saw this recently, and I wanted to share it with our parents. First off, I saw a statistic that 50% of teenagers in America now own an Iphone. That is just an Iphone, not including the many other smart phones that students have. I saw a blog post from Jonathan McKee on tips for parents to guard their students’ from some bad things on their phones. You can go here to view the post. I encourage you to check this resource as a help to you.

Our Upcoming Events: 

  • May 28 – Cook out at Pastor Josh’s & Mrs. Abby’s for rising 7th-8th graders – This event will be a free cookout for all families of these grades. We will have soccer, volleyball, and corn hole going for the families. Bring your own lawn chair. Please R.S.V.P. to Pastor Josh by Sunday, May 26th.
  • June 1 – Alpine Bible Camp Golf Tournament – This will be held at Lexington Country Club. All proceeds will go to benefit the students attending Alpine Bible Camp this summer. Please go here for more information.
  • June 3 – Chick Fil A Camp – This is to benefit those going to Alpine Bible camp. Please come out to Chick Fil A on Peter’s Creek Parkway from 5-8 pm to support the students. Do not forget to tell the cashier that you are with Union Grove.
  • June 5 – Church Wide Fellowship Meal – This is to benefit the students going to Alpine Bible Camp this summer. The meal will be served in the cafeteria from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
  • July 8-13 – Alpine Bible Camp – On July 8-13, we will be changing the location of youth camp. For years, we have attended Word of Life Camp in Hudson, FL, and we are going to change that up and attend Alpine camp in West Virginia. It is closer and less expensive so hopefully many of your students can attend. Let me encourage you to make this a priority for your student. I understand that we are busy, but this can be a life changing and extremely fun event for your student, and they will come back different from when they went. The cost is $260.00 per student, and leaders can go for $100.00. Activities include white water rafting, paintball, rope climbing, rock climbing, and much more. Hope your student makes plans to attend. R.S.V.P. via facebook here! We will have a meeting with all those attending and their parents on Sunday night, April 14th.
  • July 25-27 – Love our City – We are working on the logistics of this event, but the event will begin Thursday morning, July 25th and conclude Saturday evening, July 27th. We are ironing out the cost of the event (estimated- $60), but it is going to be extremely fun and missional. We will be going to Carowinds, Trampoline Park, and serving in the community for this event. We also will be playing Capture the Flag as well.
  • August 2 – Leadership Seminar – This will be held at the fellowship hall that evening. Dinner will be served. All Grove leaders for the next year need to be in attendance as we discuss ideas and vision for the upcoming year.
  • August 21 – Word of Life Kick Off @ The Grove – This is always an exciting night as we kick off the Grove for another year.
  • October 19 – Liberty Football Game and Scaremare – We will be going to Liberty University for their football homecoming game and then going to their Scaremare. We will get the cost to you soon. We will be leaving the church at 12:00 noon and returning at midnight.

I am trying to keep you as informed as possible! I hope that this newsletter helps you. Remember to contact your students outside of Wednesday night’s every single week. This is extremely important in seeing life change in the lives of the students. It is through relationships. I pray for you regularly, and love serving with you. If you ever need anything, let me know. We are always here to assist you guys in ministering and in life in general.

In His Service,

Josh Evans

Student Pastor, Union Grove Baptist Church

Web: ugbconline.com Blog: joshhevans.com

W: 336-764-2103 C: 336-953-6427 F: 336-764-8657

Email: jevans@ugbconline.com

Connect with Josh:

05.07.13
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Book Review: “Altar Ego” by Craig Groeschel

altar ego bookI am a huge Groeschel fan. I have read most of his books, and have enjoyed each one of them. His books are inspiring, challenging, and encouraging. Altar Ego is no exception. Altar Ego is a book about becoming who God says you are. The book is all about who we are in Christ and living with that new identity. The book is divided into three parts.

The first part is entitled, “Sacrificing your False Self for Your Sacred Identity in Christ.” Pastor Craig challenges the reader to go beyond who you think you are. He inspires the reader to understand that God is greater than your past. God is greater than even what you think about yourself. You must be willing to let go of who you think you are into becoming who God intends for you to be.

The second part is entitled, “Sacrificing Cultural Relativity for Eternal Values.” This section totally challenged me! Craig is motivational, but not to the point of the “feel good” theology that does not deal with sin. He challenges the reader to live with patience, integrity, honor, and gratitude. The section that stuck out to me the most was the section challenging the reader to live with integrity. Integrity is who you are while your reputation is what others think you are. You can have a good reputation, but terrible integrity. This section is challenging and allows you to look deep into who you are in hopes that you are living out the identity that God desires for you.

The third and final part is entitled, “Sacrificing Self-Justification for Passionate Obedience.” This section is about being bold for God.Be bold in your behavior, your prayer life, your conversation, and your obedience. Pastor Craig uses personal transparent illustrations that grasps your attention, and speaks directly to you. You will end this section with a motivation to leave and be bold in all areas of your life for God.

I highly recommend this book. Pastor Craig is the best story-teller out there in my opinion. He uses illustrations of himself (humorous and serious) to drive his point home. Then, he hits you between the eye. Throughout this book, I was having to stop and examine myself to change into the person God desires for me to be.

craig-groeschelAbout Craig: Craig is the Senior Pastor for LifeChurch.tv and provides leadership and guidance for the church as a whole. Following a vision God gave Craig for a different kind of church, he and a handful of people launched LifeChurch.tv in 1996.

 

05.06.13
by

5 Dangerous Lies Leaders Believe

5 DANGEROUS LIES LEADERS BELIEVEHere are a few lies that I was thinking of today about our student ministry that I DO NOT want to believe. You can apply these to any ministry that you are currently involved in:

  1. If we had our own space/room, we could do more effective youth ministry- Look, cool youth rooms are awesome. I get that, but should a room dictate how effective or ineffective our youth ministry is. We have met in a gym for years. Each week, we set up a full stage, full sound system, 100 chairs, and about 20 tables. Then, after youth group, we tear the entire thing down. It is transitional. It is part of where we are at. We can complain or contribute in the setting that God has placed us in. 
  2. We shouldn’t expect too much, because they are teens- Look, teens can change the world. Look at the recent revivals. Most of them (if not all) have been started by students. Teens can change the world so we should expect that, right? Look, I get it, they have a lot working against them, but so much more working FOR them. Expect much from them. Believe in every single student.
  3. Youth Ministry is all about fun- Fun is so important, but it is not the most important thing about youth ministry. Your purpose and vision should be the most important. Then, make that fun :)
  4. That is good enough- I hate the phrase, “good enough.” I have even been guilty at times for using this phrase. Let’s not have a “well, that is good enough” approach to the work that we are in. Students deserve more. Jesus Christ deserves more. Have a ministry that strives for excellence.
  5. I am to old to influence students- Some of our most effective leaders are a bit older. Do not think that you have to be this young, goatee wearing, guitar playing trendy leader to influence students. Be yourself, because students crave authenticity more than you trying to be cool.

Do not believe the lies!

05.03.13
by

Get Connected- Weekly Grove Newsletter [Parent Edition]

Get Connected newsletter promoGood Friday morning Parents,

I hope that you are doing well today. It is Friday so I am sure that you are doing well. Friday’s are usually fun days. I want to say this past Wednesday was a great service (from my perspective). I know that I filled in at a small group, and it seemed to go well. We saw the Holy Spirit move in several of our students’ lives. Please continue to pray for us as we minister to your students.

Information Corner:

May 8- Senior Night @ The Grove- Travis Hartman is teaching

May 15- Last WOL Night @ the Grove

May 22- No Grove- Baccalaureate service in main auditorium.

May 29- Summer Sizzlers begin- new schedule is 6:30-8:00 pm

Summer Plans: Parents, the summer can be a crazy time, and I want to encourage you to keep your student attending faithfully. The summer is a bit more laid back so encourage your students to come dressed to get wet. Also, we start at 6:30 and conclude at 8:00 pm.

Our Upcoming Events: 

  • May 28 – Cook out at Pastor Josh’s & Mrs. Abby’s for rising 7th-8th graders – This event will be a free cookout for all families of these grades. We will have soccer, volleyball, and corn hole going for the families. Bring your own lawn chair. Please R.S.V.P. to Pastor Josh by Sunday, May 26th.
  • June 1 – Alpine Bible Camp Golf Tournament – This will be held at Lexington Country Club. All proceeds will go to benefit the students attending Alpine Bible Camp this summer. Please go here for more information.
  • June 3 – Chick Fil A Camp – This is to benefit those going to Alpine Bible camp. Please come out to Chick Fil A on Peter’s Creek Parkway from 5-8 pm to support the students. Do not forget to tell the cashier that you are with Union Grove.
  • June 5 – Church Wide Fellowship Meal – This is to benefit the students going to Alpine Bible Camp this summer. The meal will be served in the cafeteria from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
  • July 8-13 – Alpine Bible Camp – On July 8-13, we will be changing the location of youth camp. For years, we have attended Word of Life Camp in Hudson, FL, and we are going to change that up and attend Alpine camp in West Virginia. It is closer and less expensive so hopefully many of your students can attend. Let me encourage you to make this a priority for your student. I understand that we are busy, but this can be a life changing and extremely fun event for your student, and they will come back different than when they went. The cost is $260.00 per student, and leaders can go for $100.00. Activities include white water rafting, paintball, rope climbing, rock climbing, and much more. Hope your student makes plans to attend. R.S.V.P. via facebook here! We will have a meeting with all those attending and their parents on Sunday night, April 14th.
  • July 25-27 – Love our City – We are working on the logistics of this event, but the event will begin Thursday morning, July 25th and conclude Saturday evening, July 27th. We are ironing out the cost of the event (estimated- $60), but it is going to be extremely fun and missional. We will be going to Carowinds, Trampoline Park, and serving in the community for this event. We also will be playing Capture the Flag as well.
  • October 19 – Liberty Football Game and Scaremare – We will be going to Liberty University for their football homecoming game and then going to their Scaremare. We will get the cost to you soon. We will be leaving the church at 12:00 noon and returning at midnight.

I am trying to keep you as informed as possible! I hope that this newsletter helps you. Remember to contact your students outside of Wednesday night’s every single week. This is extremely important in seeing life change in the lives of the students. It is through relationships. I pray for you regularly, and love serving with you. If you ever need anything, let me know. We are always here to assist you guys in ministering and in life in general.

In His Service,

Josh Evans

Student Pastor, Union Grove Baptist Church

Web: ugbconline.com Blog: joshhevans.com

W: 336-764-2103 C: 336-953-6427 F: 336-764-8657

Connect with Josh:

05.03.13
by

Poll: Do you do Family Devotions with your Kids/Teens

I want to poll all parents to find out if they do family devotions with their kids. If you do family devotions, would you mind sharing below in the comment section to let us know what curriculum, devotional book, or series you go through with your kids?