Who Did He Say He Is?

Tonight we are going to be looking at who Christ said he was himself. It is important to look at Christ view of himself so we know how we should look at him, did Jesus ever claim that he was the 'Messiah'? Did anyone else ever claim that Christ was the 'Messiah'? If Christ did or did not make these claims what does that mean for us today? These are the kind of things we will be looking at tonight in the High School version of Amplfied Youth Group.

Jr. Highers, have you ever been knocked down by someone (not literally) so that they could get something they wanted? Have you ever trampled on or used someone to get what you wanted? Why do we do that? Well if you come tonight that is exactly what you will find out, talk about it at home, a time when you really wanted something so bad, you would do whatever it took to get it, come ready to share that story! Cant wait to see everyone.

Love and Sacrifice

What is "love" and what does it mean to "sacrifice"? What is Sacrifice? Yesterday I ate macaroni and cheese for lunch instead of the sandwich I wanted because that is what Lindsey wanted, is that sacrifice? I also hear about the countless soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan for our freedom in the United States, is that sacrifice? Tonight we are going to be talking about love sacrifice and Resurrection, which is a word, you might look at. Come tonight for more, and find out about the love Sacrifice and Resurrection of Christ.

Broken Arms And Broken Rules

I remember one day when I was in elementary, maybe 2nd or 3rd grade, we were loaded on the bus getting ready to pull out to start the route which would take us home. We always passed all the other buses waiting to pull out and we would see all of our friends on the other buses getting ready to go their separate ways and we would wave and make faces at them and all kinds of crazy stuff. There was one day that I remember particularly well we were doing just those things only one of my friends was waving at me with his middle finger stuck up...so i waved back. Apparently there is something wrong with waving at your friends on another bus with your middle finger up, I had no idea, the bus driver did, the principal did, and worst of all my grandmother did, but I didn't. So I got in trouble. First trip to the principals office and when he asked me if i knew what i did, I knew I did something on the bus I wasn't supposed to cause the bus driver yelled at me, but beyond that, I was just scared and confused. Well the story could go on, my family still laughs at me about it, it was an innocent wave, but big trouble, and none-the-less a rule was broken.

Jesus Broke Rules. Some rules are just not good rules, and Jesus Broke them, he asked the question "Which is lawful on the Sabbath (day of rest): to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to destroy it?" Immediately afterwards he broke a rule. So if Jesus can break rules....cant we? talk about the with your family, what rules are okay to break, and not to break, and we will discuss this further tonight at group. Cant wait to see you all!

The HOLIdays Series "Who is Jesus?"

Dead Man Walking

Have any miracles happened in your life? Take a moment and think about that, when and what was the last miraculous thing that has happened to you? I encourage you parents to share this with your students, and students, share this with your parents, and we will talk about it tonight. There are two very different aspects to our God, first He is our very personal, very close intimate savior, who lives within us, who guides us, directs us, and gives purpose to our lives, but on the other hand, God is huge, and able to do things outside the realm of our thinking. This is what we are going to be talking about tonight, the difference between the way God works, and the way we think He should work because of our limited perspective, and God shows us this through His miracles. Suppose your dog Betsy was sick, and you knew if you didn't get her to a vet now she was going to die, so you call the vet, and explain frantically that Betsy is dying and needs your help, the vet calmly responds, i have an opening a week from today, we can squeeze her in then..."you don't understand" you reply, "Betsy is going to be dead in hours if she doesn't see you now", the vet replies "well just bring her in, in a week and we will get her taken care of." you hang up, hours later, Betsy dies, hopeless now, Betsy is gone. A week goes by, and in spite you take Betsy's dead body to the vet and set it on the table, "she's dead because you wouldn't listen." You walk out, head to the car, and moments later Betsy is jumping on your side ready to go home and play, and you have no idea what has just happened, and don't know what to tell the vet, but an embarrassed, confused, "thanks."
Jesus works much in this manner, out of the box, out of the world. He is able to work even death to the glory of his father, tonight we will read a story similar to Betsy's' and explore what the purpose of such a miracle is, its going to be good. Hope to see you there.

Student Speaker

On Ocassion we like to mix it up and allow the students to teach one another and lead discussion (with a little help of course) and tonight is one of those nights. Ryan Pruitt is a student who has been faithfully attending our group meetings and is definately a student of the gospel. He and I will be working through his lesson and he will talk to the students about what he learned in his study and discussion with me. Its a great time for everyone the students really get involved and ask alot of questions when one of thier fellow students lead the discussion and it can get pretty heated sometimes (in a good way, the students fighting out what thier faith really is). So pray for Ryan today and tonight as he prepares and teaches his lesson and leads discussion with the students.

Listen...Carefully (Romans 2:12-16)

What a blessing it is to live in the country, society and culture we do. We are blessed with so many freedoms, so many rights, and access to information and products that have never before been so easily accessible. I was listening to a song on K-105 (I love country) and in it the singer mentioned that he was on a business video conference with another company... in CHINA. We all take for granted the ease of access we have to just about everything, or at least I am convinced that I do, and you know what else we take for granted? Access to the laws and precepts of heavenly father, he has given us a book that tells us quite clearly how he wants us to live our lives and things we should and should not do, we are blessed, tonight we are looking at Romans 2:12-16 and are going to be talking about the responsibility that comes with have the Bible and readily available access to it, and what that means for those who don't have access, or have never heard the laws and precepts of the Bible. Paul makes the answer clear in his writing and we will uncover the answer to and be asking many more questions tonight.

Back To Romans

Do you remember what the major event was in 2004? I Guess that's questionable isn't it, there was the Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction courtesy of Janet Jackson, "The Passion of the Christ" was released, Randy Johnson Pitched a perfect game for the Diamond Backs, George Bush won the Presidential election, but arguably the most globally significant event that took place was the earthquake and tsunami that hit the coast of India, do you remember that?

The earthquake was a magnitude 9.2 the largest ever recorded, the entire world shook .4 inches, almost a half an inch isn't that crazy? Followed by the devastating tsunami that killed nearly 230,000 people, all in a matter of hours. It took the entire world and $7billion dollars to recover from that event.

I was watching videos of the tsunami and there were people who acted several ways, some just stood on the beach and watch the awe and miracle of nature happen, as the tide went out, and then they saw the huge wave coming from miles away but just stood there, in awe and shock until it was too late to move, because they couldn't out run it. Others mostly natives saw what was going on and ran, like crazy, to get somewhere safe, they had seen a tsunami before and understood the power and danger that it carried and wanted to do nothing but find safety. And still another group of people sat in their homes or walked on their streets, shopped, talked, completely unaware of the danger that was heading their way, they never saw it coming. The impartial tsunami took everyone and everything in its path regardless of age, race, religion, social standing, or political power, it took everything and everyone.

My stomach turns thinking about that cold situation, and I grow really uneasy thinking about what if were there, what if it were me? I'm not special, I would have died just like the rest, the judgement of the tsunami, was so impartial.

Tonight at youth group we are going to be talking about the impartiality of the judgement of God, in Romans 2: 6-11. We will talk about how Gods judgement is for everyone, and regardless of how much good we do, we can never do enough. If we say we follow the law, then we are judged by the law which we cannot stand under, if we are not under the law, we are still going to be judged by the law which we could not stand under even if we wanted to. This brings us to a very grim situation doesn't it? Having to do something perfectly that we don't have the capability of doing yet never the less we fall victim to the impartiality of Gods judgement, and no matter who we are or where we are from we have all fallen victim to the reign of sin. Although we have to work our way towards it, we know that lurking in the light not too far ahead, is one with the power to stop the storm, calm the waters, and though he cant curb the judgement of God, he died so that we may be perfect in front of Him.

The Parable of The Hidden Treasure

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Matthew 13:44

How much is the Kingdom of Heaven worth? Tonight we answered that question as we talked through what exactly a parable is (A story that reveals something formerly unknown about Heaven or God) and what the truth behind the parable of the hidden treasure is. The students were able to talk through first of all who the parable was referring to, is it speaking of the price Jesus had to pay for us by being crucified? or is it speaking to the superlative value of Heaven and the fact that it is worth far more than we could ever sacrifice. So the question is what is it that we have that we can or need to sacrifice? Maybe its our time, Josh said that he needed to sacrifice some of his time to be in prayer. The other students also made the practical applications to their own lives as to what it is that they have that they would be willing to sacrifice for the Kingdom of Heaven. So what is the Kingdom of Heaven worth to you? Is it worth everything? It is worth anything? Let your life be a living sacrifice demonstrating to all what the Kingdom of Heaven is worth sacrificing, because after all, no matter how you look at it, its a good deal!

CDYC Sr. High Days 1 and 2

We hit the ground running! I dont think any of us were prepared for the packed schedule that we would be facing the first couple days of Sr. High CDYC! We had a very packed bus ride on the way to IWU and we watched the tempature rise 1 degree every 9 minutes on the way down, and just so you know how hott it was, when we got to IWU the bus tempature was 91 degrees! The kids took it well though, our kids sat in the back of the bus and played "Apples To Apples" the entire way while the students from fellowship filled the front of the bus.

Once we arrived, we unpacked all of our items and took them to our dorms and then sat down and ate our supper which was a piece of home, 5 dollar Little Ceasers pizzas. We didnt have much time though because the girls had to be at a basketball game immediately after supper, and then we had to be at our opening session, man was it busy.

Day 2 was much of the same if not more busy, the girls finished playing basketball they lost unfortunately and we then spent from 1 to 6 out in the hot sun watching Ivan play soccer, his team finished 3rd! Go Ivan!

After Ivan finished his games we all went to the dinning commons together to have supper together (you would not believe the unity with this group) and they had pork chops, and all kinds of good stuff! After supper we had session which was really awesome, the band was rocking and the speaker is a very serious get to the point kind of guy (which our kids enjoy) and got them thinking alot. After session we had our group meeting and we talked about what would happen if we changed our lives from God being a part of lives, to our lives being a part of God, what a conversation. The kids are soaking in so much, and they are loving being here. Thanks for all your prayers, and continue to pray hard for our students, they are getting it! God is working! Let us continue to pettition God on thier behalves. Well it has been very busy and we are very tired, so bon voyage! (is that how ya spell that?) Later!

Cole, Lindsey, Amber and the Students!

P.S. The internet connection is not that great in our new location so i am not able to upload photo's this time, but i will when we get back, Check back often!

Jr. High CDYC Day 3

Today was a day defined by Sports. We were busy from the time we left lunch until we sat down to eat supper. We were running back and forth from volleyball to soccer. Our students really improved in thier volleyball skills and had a great time playing, they showed great sportsmanship to one another as well as to the opposing teams. They were a great example to all who were watching! Also today Michaela and Hannah Carteau played on a free agent team in the tournament bracket of girls soccer. This is the most competitive bracket for girls soccer here at CDYC and none of the girls had ever met some of thier teamates so you know how well a team like that usually plays, well to cut to the chase a big congratulations to both of the girls because they both received 1st place medals because THEY WON! We are so proud of them for that, but also for the volleyball team and the way they played.
As for our sessions today they continue to build to this climax and we are getting close, today it was a great challenge on loving. Tonight we talked in our small groups about why it is important to love one another, and why it is important to love mom and dad, and why it is important to love brothers and sisters. I believe the girls, and Josh were really challenged to look at how they treat thier siblings and the impact they may and are having on them. You should be proud of your children, but continue to ask them the tough questions and remind them of the challenges they recieved here to love each other, and everyone.
Well we are on our way home tommorrow after lunch so we will be home about 1:00-1:30 so you can pick up your tired, and inspired children then! We cant wait to see you and your kids cant either. Here are the pictures for today!
Au Revior (Thats Goodbye in french!)
Cole, Lindsey, Amber, Josh, Michaela, Hannah, Hannah, Sammie, Carly, Catherine and Shelby.

Jr. High CDYC Day 2

HAPPY FATHERS DAY! From all the students to all the fathers. They Wanted me to make sure and relay the message! The students also wanted us to tell you that they are really having a good time and the food is great! Well we have come to the end of the second day and today the students each learned that thier Father in heaven is CRAZY in love with them. They were challenged and probed to find out if there may be something in thier lives that stops them from excepting this love, it was a a very good lesson and discussion.

Today our girls basketball team which consisted of Hannah Cook, Hannah Carteau, Catherine Graham, and Michaela Cook, played two games, they won one and lost one, not too bad. They had a great time doing and that is really all that matters! There are pictures of their games below, be sure and check them out.
Also today Catherine performed on her violin in front of the judges (and all of us) and done and amazing job! Go Catherine!

It has been a really fun couple of days, and the students are starting to show signs of fatigue (and so are we) so we all agreed that tonight would be an early night so rest easy parents because we are going to be too! Our bedtime is 10:45 tonight and that was actually a mutual decision between us and the students, you have raised them well! There is so much going on here im not sure what all to tell you.

The students are having a really good time in the session with the band that is leading the worship and the very funny and captivating speaker. You can see pictures of the speaker below and a video of the band and your students SHOUTING in worship check those out also.(Technical Difficulties with the videos though, Stay tuned for those!)

Continue to pray for the students while they are here that God will:
1. Keep them safe as they play their sports tommorrow (Soccer and Volleyball)
2. Would work in thier lives in some significant way that they can take back with them and continue to build on.
3. That the students would be able to continue with decisions they have already made while they have been here.
4. For safe travels as we head for home on Tuesday morning.
Adios for now!
Cole Lindsey and Amber. (And of course the students, lol)
P.S. IF ANYONE IS READING THIS LEAVE A COMMENT SO I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE. IT WOULD BE ENCOURAGING TO THE KIDS AS WELL.

CDYC Jr. High Day 1

Well here we are. We all 12 made it safely to CDYC 2009 and have completed our first day! The day was filled with all sorts of fun and events, from the inflatable games to dodgeball to the first experience with the cafeteria everything was new to most and a good time.
We started out with the morning session and they introduced the the "Unleashed" theme based off of Hebrews 12:2. We got a run down of the rules and off we went, lunch was great the kids have everything from spaghetti, to Josh's drink concauction which consisted of diet Mountain dew, Mountain dew, Sprite, Tropicana Melon, Lemonade, and anything else citrusy. But don't worry they all finsihed thier meals off with a healthy (okay, heaping) dose of ice cream, and josh even found a way to work that into his drinks (he was pretty entertaining to all today).
We are looking forward to another good day tommorrow and we will have more pictures and information for you then. Enjoy the Pictures!
God Bless.Cole, Lindsey and Amber. And of Course the Kids.

AIRSOFT WARS.

Alright guys its here.

Tuesday nights at 6:00 at the Gillioms House we will be have "Battle Grounds" or our airsoft league and extreme fellowship time. This is a time to come and bring as many as you can. The more that the come the more fun we will have. Get your teams together and if you dont have a team come on anyhow and we will make sure everyone gets on one. This is going to be a great time so dont miss out. Dont forget to bring your gear. No one will play with out all the proper protection. See you there!

Cole.

Bowling And Putt-Putt

Here are some pictures of our bowling and putt-putt trip! It was a great time, and it was nice to get to know those who spent time with us for the first time! Hope you all enjoyed it and got to know one another a little better! Lets not forget we do these types of events so that we can share the good news of Christ with our friends. Always be thinking about the people around who are not blessed with living life with Christ and do everything you can to see that they develop a relationship with him. It was a good time, thanks to everyone for coming and hanging out with us!

Cole.

Prayer Requests From Wednesday 2.18.09

Hey Guys,
Here are the prayer requests from last Wed. Lets be sure and lift our brothers and sisters in Christ up to the lord. Those of you in morning Sunday school should remember this verse.

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name, ask and it will be given and your joy shall be made complete."
John 16:24

Pray in Christ's name for these things so our joy may be made complete!
____________________________________________________________________

Jordan and Ivan Driving safely to Michigan and back

Zach and Josh, Prayer for School

Damon, Pray for balance in his life and schedule

Sarah, Got her wisdom teeth pulled friday!

Amber, pray for balance between school and her other time.

Komets Game March 27th 2009 7:30pm

This month for our outreach event we will be going to a Fort Wayne Komets game. Cost will be $8 and we will be taking the bus. Be sure to invite your friends, this is a great time to bring them along and introduce them to the group as well as introduce them to a Biblical way of life! Save the Date!

Cole.

CDYC!

C.D.Y.C. Is quickly approaching and it is time to start thinking about it! Start saving so you can join us for a fun filled week of spiritual renewel. Here are some of the general details about C.D.Y.C. 2009. Keep your eyes and ears open for more information on registration deadlines and when your money is due!

Putt-Putt and Bowling

Today (Friday February 20th, 2009) We will be going to play putt-putt, at the dome on Engle Road, and then heading to the bowling alley, to do some bowling. $5 for putt-putt, $10 for bowling, and we will be back around 10:30. Meet at the bus in the church parking lot at 5:45. Hope to see you all there!

Event Registration/Permission Slip

Hey Guys,

Here is the permission slip you need to attend all of the amplified events. You cant print it out and bring it with you if you loose the others.

Cole.

Night Hawk Is Back!

For Those of you who are interested, The night hawk trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCG4ghygv2A

A big thanks to all the students who helped out with the valentines dinner! You all did a great Job and helped raise alot of money! You're all great!

The Studs (Zach and Ivan)
The Ladies (Andrea, Sarah, Ashley)

The Students

FMC'S Quiz Team (Zach, Catherine, Josh)

Beating the Clock

Continue to think about the breavity of your lives. Always be thinking of the moment you are in, enjoy it savor it and think about how you can use it to glorify God. Continue to watch your actions and check your hearts to make sure that you truly are "believing" in Christ, not because you say so but because your actions do. If you die tommorrow, where will you wind up? There are only two options, take a very serious and close look at your life, I am here to talk if you ever need me.

Cole.

Hey Guys!

Welcome to the amplified blog page. We are going to use this blog page to keep you updated on whats going on with youth group as well as to share prayer requests and all sorts of other good stuff. Keep checking back to see whats going on and how you can be praying for and helping out your fellow youths!

Cant wait to see all of you tonight as we continue to talk about "time" tonight we will be disscussing "beating the clock" hope to see you there!
God Bless all of you.
Cole.