Dear Parents
his Sabbath we’re asking a question that sounds simple: Do you want to be in the kingdom of God?
Most of us would immediately say yes. But Jesus pushes the question further. In Matthew 21:28-32, He tells the story of two sons. One says no but eventually changes his mind and goes. The other says all the right things but never follows through.
We’ll talk about why Jesus says tax collectors and prostitutes were entering God’s kingdom ahead of the religious leaders, and what that means for students who have grown up surrounded by Christianity. Knowing the right answers, attending church, and identifying as a Christian are not the same thing as actually following Jesus.
We’ll ultimately land on Jesus’ words in Mark 12:28-34 and this question: Am I living like Jesus is King right now?
Most of us would immediately say yes. But Jesus pushes the question further. In Matthew 21:28-32, He tells the story of two sons. One says no but eventually changes his mind and goes. The other says all the right things but never follows through.
We’ll talk about why Jesus says tax collectors and prostitutes were entering God’s kingdom ahead of the religious leaders, and what that means for students who have grown up surrounded by Christianity. Knowing the right answers, attending church, and identifying as a Christian are not the same thing as actually following Jesus.
We’ll ultimately land on Jesus’ words in Mark 12:28-34 and this question: Am I living like Jesus is King right now?
Connection Points
Here are a few questions you could talk about with your student before Sabbath:
• Why do you think it can sometimes be harder for someone who grew up in church to recognize how much they need Jesus?
• What might it look like to say “yes” to Jesus with your words but “no” with your life?
• Do you think your actions show that you believe in Jesus? Why or why not?
• What is one thing Jesus has already asked you to do that needs to move from something you believe to something you actually do?
My hope is that our students don’t simply grow up knowing about the kingdom of God. I want them to experience what it means to live with Jesus as King today, loving God with all of themselves and loving the people around them.
• Why do you think it can sometimes be harder for someone who grew up in church to recognize how much they need Jesus?
• What might it look like to say “yes” to Jesus with your words but “no” with your life?
• Do you think your actions show that you believe in Jesus? Why or why not?
• What is one thing Jesus has already asked you to do that needs to move from something you believe to something you actually do?
My hope is that our students don’t simply grow up knowing about the kingdom of God. I want them to experience what it means to live with Jesus as King today, loving God with all of themselves and loving the people around them.
Announcements
Lake Vespers - August 28 at Branched Oak Lake. Our first high school vespers of the school year is an awesome and amazing event. It's also for you. This vespers is for the whole family. We will be located at the beach by the Marina (also by Las Palomas Mexican Grill) and starting the fun at 4:30pm. We will play until around 6pm when we'll serve supper (PTSO is organizing food, but if you want to reach out to know what you can bring you can text Mic at 417-631-8580), and then worship at 7pm. All our Vespers are meant for all high school students. You don't need to go to a certain school to be included and we want everyone to come out. Bring a ball, your swimsuit, and prepare to have fun, sing, worship, and be in nature as the Sabbath begins.
Refocus - Our weekly youth group starts THIS WEEK! Wednesday from 6:30pm-8pm in the CVC youth room. This is a time to rest, have fun, get to know people and your faith more. We do this through fun, worship, service, and more. Oh, and there's dinner provided.
MAN CAMP - Man Camp is our yearly event where young men, and old camp at Woodland Acres to learn the ancient ways of being a man of God. We do this through hard situations, grit, fun, and stories. This year the theme is Legacy. For more information or to sign up click HERE. September 25-27 $35 for students, $40 for adults (price goes up by $5 after Sept 14, but sign up by Sept 1 for a guaranteed shirt).
Day with Jesus - This is an event designed primarily for the young women of CVC. This is run by Pastor Nicole and some amazing volunteers. It will be the evening of September 25 and during Sabbath School/church on September 26. More details to follow, but if you are interested in helping to plan it reach out to Mic at 417-631-8580)
Bible Study Small Group - Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512
Refocus - Our weekly youth group starts THIS WEEK! Wednesday from 6:30pm-8pm in the CVC youth room. This is a time to rest, have fun, get to know people and your faith more. We do this through fun, worship, service, and more. Oh, and there's dinner provided.
MAN CAMP - Man Camp is our yearly event where young men, and old camp at Woodland Acres to learn the ancient ways of being a man of God. We do this through hard situations, grit, fun, and stories. This year the theme is Legacy. For more information or to sign up click HERE. September 25-27 $35 for students, $40 for adults (price goes up by $5 after Sept 14, but sign up by Sept 1 for a guaranteed shirt).
Day with Jesus - This is an event designed primarily for the young women of CVC. This is run by Pastor Nicole and some amazing volunteers. It will be the evening of September 25 and during Sabbath School/church on September 26. More details to follow, but if you are interested in helping to plan it reach out to Mic at 417-631-8580)
Bible Study Small Group - Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512