Redefined- Night 3

We ended 2011 at Relevant with a bang! Concluding our Redefined series last night, Ryan wrapped up the year with the idea that the size of your story depends on the size of your God. 

He retold the story of an angel appearing to Mary to inform her that she would have a child- not just any child, but the Son of Man. Now many of us have heard this story multiple times before, but how many of us have really looked at Mary's response? Instead of protesting, or asking God if there were any other way to handle this situation, she simply said, "I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." -Luke 1:38. 

Mary knew she was just one small piece of a giant puzzle. She didn't let her own wants get in the way of the God's huge plan for her. 

What if instead of questioning God in the times we are uncomfortable or unhappy with a situation, we simply trusted that God was working out our place in the grand scheme of our lives?  

Merry Christmas! We'll see you in 2012!

Redefined- Night 2

With Christmas approaching our minds are pretty much constantly racing. We're rushing from school to holiday parties to work. For so many of us, this time of year has become nothing but a blur of presents, food, and get togethers. The true significance of Christmas is often lost because we've heard the story so many times it just feels like an empty holiday tradition.

But tonight Ryan reminded us that Jesus came to redefine our lives. He told students that so much of the time our minds and hearts are consumed with trivial wants; things that will never fully satisfy or fulfill us. Until we're seeking Jesus above all else, our pursuits are worthless. 

Ryan left students with this idea: Let your life be consumed by one thing...just make sure it is the right thing.  

In the car or at dinner this week, talk with your teen about the sorts of things that consume their life. Worries about their appearance? Their cellphone? Friends' opinions? What would it look like to let go of that stress and be consumed with Jesus? Consumed with strengthening that relationship? Consumed with pursuing God at all costs? 

Let us know your thoughts. Email us at ryan@onechurch.tv or caitlin@onechurch.tv

Redefined...at Christmas time.

The title rhymed- we couldn't pass it up!

Remix was back and better than ever last night. After a short hiatus for Thanksgiving break, we were pumped to see such a turn out for our first night of our Redefined series. Here's a quick recap of what Ryan talked about.

At Christmas, we tell the story about shepherds, angels, and a manger but so often the significance of the story is lost because it seems like just one more holiday tradition. Or we've heard it so many times that we do not hear it anymore. But when Jesus showed up on the very first Christmas, he redefined everything for every single one of us.

Last night we dove into the story of King Herod who felt threatened by Jesus. As Ryan unpacked Herod's story, he explained that following Jesus will cost you something, not following Jesus will cost you everything. This week, take a few minutes to discuss this idea with your teen. What sorts of things will following Christ cost them? Friendships, activities?


Email us & give us some feedback- ryan@onechurch.tv or caitlin@onechurch.tv