Question and Answer on Crushes, Dating, and Faith
Last night, our Student Ministries gathering was a Q&A led by Eric Martin and me. In the back of the classroom, we have a Q&A box where the students can drop questions. We have developed quite a database of good questions, and these questions have led to many of the topics we are teaching and the content covered. But sometimes, it is just helpful to stop and directly answer questions. This is what we did last night. You can watch a recording of the Q&A on YouTube.
We have received many questions about dating, crushes, and relationships with other genders. We answered a couple of these questions specifically, seeking to address the content from others. This is a challenge, as many parents have different preferences regarding the specific timing and practice. We constantly encourage the students to seek–to actually desire and embrace–the wisdom of their parents in these regards. As we answered these questions, we tried to be clear in tethering principles that would guide practice to Scripture. It is critical that I am walking in step with parents on all topics addressed, especially these. If you have any questions, concerns, or encouragement, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly.
Next, we discussed what true faith is, answering a question about what James 2:17 means when he writes, “Faith by itself,if it does not have works, is dead.”
We will be back together this Sunday evening 12/1. . In the upcoming weeks, Lord willing, we will continue onto the nextverses of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Our next passage is Matthew 5:27-28, a critical passage for these students. “You have heard it say, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Pray for wisdom for me and the discussion leaders on how to appropriately bring these startling words of Jesus to bear on our own lives and the lives of these students.
Baptism and Grillout
Baptism Sunday is December 15th. It will be such a sweet time; a number of older Student Ministries students and recent graduates will be sharing their testimonies (many of how God saved them at Student Ministries) and being baptized. You will not want to miss the service!
After the morning service is over, we need your help at trying something new for the grillout seating. This is a task ideal for strong young men or ladies. After the morning service is over, Jackson & Bob will be directing a small army of young men to stack & move chairs, set up tables and reset up chairs in an orderly and quick fashion so all of our GBC church family can sit and eat together in the worship center at tables. There are also opportunities to serve with setup before the service at 8am. We also need some individuals or families to be willing to stay late and tear things down. Please go to https://gbcaz.churchcenter.
Because of the grillout and Christmas, we will not have an evening service 12/15 or the weeks afterward. Similarly, Student Ministries Sunday evening meetings will also take a break during that time.
Christmas Party
Mark your calendars for our Friday 12/13 Christmas party from 6-9 pm at Josh Peña’s house. Expect an email very soon with more details.
Serving you and your students is such a blessing and joy for Kiki and me and all of the other servants who are there diligently each week. Thank you for this privilege of coming alongside you in the evangelism and discipleship of your junior high and high school students. If there is any way we can do that better, we want to know.
Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla