Revolutionary Leaders

A Message with a Purpose

I have been involved in youth ministry since I was a teenager back in the 80's. Thank God many things have changed since then. I never did look good with a "Joe Dirt" mullet and cutoff denim shorts. Not only has the style of dress changed, but also the music, the activities, sports, and even the way we communicate the gospel. However, through all the years and all the changes, some things will never change concerning student ministries; namely our message and our purpose.

Our Message
1. God created each and every one of us and He offers us abundant life here on earth and eternal life in heaven when this life is over. Romans 6:23 says that "the gift of God is eternal life." We don't deserve this gift nor can we earn it. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace that you been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gft of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."

So does everyone get this gift?

2. Unfortunately, not everyone accepts this gift and misses out on the abundant and eternal life. Why? Because sin separates us from God and His free gift. Romans 3:23 says, "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin is like a door or barrier that keeps us out of the party and we're unable to recieve our gift. It get's worse. There is nothing that we can do about our past mistakes - our sins. In fact, Romans 6:23 also says that "the wages (price) of our sin is death (not just physical death but spiritual eternal death in hell)."

So if we don't deserve this gift, we can't earn it, and our sin stops us from getting to it, what do we do? There has to be another way. There is - God's way.

3. God is loving and just. Those are two very important things that we must understand about God. He created us and He loves us all deeply. He loves you not just because of who you are, but because of who HE is. It is His nature to love you. 1 John 4:8 tells us that "God is love." In fact, He can't NOT love you. However, He doesn't always like the things we do or don't do. God is just. Simply put, He must punish sin. Exodus 34:7 says, "He will not let the guilty go unpunished.

Sounds like a paradox doesn't it? Well God solved this problem through the person and work of Jesus Christ, His son.

4. Jesus came into this world fully God and fully man. Although tempted in every way, He lived a perfect sinless life. After some years of healing the sick, feeding the hungry, giving the gift of eternal life, and raising the dead, He died a painful and gruesome death on cross for our sins. Three days later He rose from the dead and later ascended into heaven where he promised He would prepare a place for us to enjoy that gift of eternal life. He did all of this to open the door to that party where God is waiting to give us that free gift of eternal life. This is how it's possible for our sins to be forgiven. This is how abundant life and eternal can be ours (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 5:12).

So what is it that you and I have to do then?

5. This gift is recieved by faith. Faith is not just believing that Jesus existed, died and rose again. We believe that George Washington was real and did some great things, but that doesn't give us anything but knowledge of history. Faith is putting your complete trust in Jesus - who He is (the Son of God) and what he did on the cross (paying for your sin) - as the only way to recieve this gift of eternal life. Jesus said in John 14:6; "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Our Purpose
1. REACH OUT in loving fellowship to students in the New Castle (PA) area.
Acts 2:42 "They devoted themselves to the aspotle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...(44) All the believers were together and had everthing in common...(46)Everyday they continued to meet together in the temple courts (church). They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincer hearts, (47) praising God and enjoying the favor of ALL the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

2. Provide students with the opportunity to RESPOND to God's love and glory through heartfelt worship.
Ephesians 5:19 "Speak to one another with songs, hymns and spiritual songs. SIng and music in your heart to the Lord."
Romans 12:1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

3. REFASHION this generation to a lifestye of moral Godly living through Biblical discipleship.
Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations...and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

4. REESTABLISH the ministry effectiveness and destiny of students within the local church.
Romans 12:6a "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Check out 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; Ephesians 4:11-13)

5. Our mission is to RETAKE our homes, schools and communities with the message of hope found in Jesus Christ.
Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation."
Acts 1:8 "But you will recieve power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."