Tag Archives: Sanctification

Sep 12 2008

Framework #16 – MACRO Theology – Doctrine of Salvation

Free files for youth pastors:

09-salvation (ppt)

09-salvation (handout)

09-salvation (mp3)

I stood there almost lifeless from the aftershock of what I had just heard.  I was recently at an FCA gathering of students at a local high school and heard the speaker say, “Everyone bow your heads, close your eyes, and repeat this prayer after me.  Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner.  I know that You say if I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart, then I will be saved.  I do.  Thank you for saving me.  Amen.”  Then the speaker asked everyone who said the prayer to tell the youth leaders in the group that they just committed their life to Christ.  WHAT?!  No one knew what this guy was going to pray.  I even heard youth pastors repeating the prayer!  Is this real salvation?  Is this all God expects?  Is it just this easy?  I’m still shocked! Continue reading →

Dec 6 2007

Christocentrism #4 – Genesis and Colossians – Jesus Christ is the Center of our Sanctification

Free files for fellow youth pastors:
He was one of the coolest guys I ever knew. This dude totally had it all together. He was a great athlete, all of the girls swarmed him, his intelligence was stellar, and he just had that laid back attitude that everyone enjoyed. During the prime of his life, this close friend of mine was in a tragic car accident. From the accident, he no longer had the physical agility to play sports, he no longer had the attractive look, his intelligence was severely altered, and his personality had changed drastically. He was still the same person God had created him to be but very distorted. Continue reading →
Nov 28 2007

Christocentrism #3 – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – Jesus Christ is the Center of the Gospel

Free files for fellow youth pastors…
It was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life! After putting the gas nozzle into my tank, I stepped inside the gas station to use their always-lustrous bathroom and then to buy a drink. I came back out to my car, got in, started it up, and drove away. I heard a loud “POP” and realized something had just hit my car. I looked back and saw that I had driven off with the nozzle still in my tank. The nozzle had been ripped from the gas pump. When I went back into the store to confess my stupidity, all the attendant could muster from her mouth was, “Whaaaat were you thinking?” The problem was that I wasn’t thinking at all. I was performing the same fill-up routine I had done for the last 12 years of my driving life.

I’m afraid that we as Christians often fall into a routine when it comes to the gospel. Continue reading →

Nov 15 2007

Christocentrism #2 – 1 Cor. 3:10-15 – Jesus Christ is our Motivation

Free files for fellow youth pastors…

When I went to Africa on a mission trip, it wasn’t the differences of Africans from Americans that shocked me.  It was their similarities.  Just like American teenagers, the Ugandan senior high boys seemed “too cool” to get involved, the senior high girls sat around giggling about the guys, and all the junior highers were enjoying the games shamelessly.  I had to keep reminding myself, “Chip, your not in Kansas (USA) anymore!”  Watching how teenage guys are prone to video games, wrestling, and grunting while teenage girls naturally love giggling, discussions, and frequent bathroom trips together…I’m convinced that both genders operate off different motivations.  Teenage guys are motivated by action while teenage girls are motivated by affection.    Continue reading →