Speaking Up

Matthew 5:3 Broken - “reduced to a begging dependence” In today's culture broken things are thrown away and replaced. Pictures of broken things, ask do we fix (use again) or replace?(engineered obsolescence) God's kingdom operates on a much different principle. Only if it is broken can it be useful.  Fortune cookie example.  Example: Peter “the rock.” Convinced of his own adequacy.  Matthew 26:31-35, 26:69-75 See also Matthew 16:23  Peter hit a wall at 100mph, all the rest of the disciples were scattered Zacheriah 13:7, Peter should have been shattered.  Luke 22:31-32 “strengthen your brothers” (someone other than yourself) But then we see Peter step into roles of leadership in God's Kingdom (Acts 2, 4:13) Application: We can't do the work of God's kingdom on our own power. The people that God can use for great things, are the broken.

You tell me if this section of The Wounded Healer rings true for youth culture today. What do you think about Henri Nouwens insight? “In this context pastoral conversation is not merely a skillful use of conversational techniques to manipulate people into the kingdom of God, but I deep human encounter in which a man is willing to put his own fears and doubt, his own hope and despair, his own light and darkness at the disposal of others who want to find a way through their confusion and touch the solid core of life.” - H. Nouwen Link to the book https://www.abebooks.com/9780232521023/Wounded-Healer-Ministry-Contemporary-Society-0232521026/plp #youthministry #HenriNouwen

Matthew 5:1-11 1. We left Hebrews 11 with these lines: Hebrews 11:10–16 1. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 1. Illustration: I brought you all gifts, but you can only look at them, you cannot have them…YET. 1. Anticipation of the Kingdom and Messiah: Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” 1. 1. We are far removed and so we don't feel the desperation that Israel felt.  2. Under Roman occupation the Hebrew people wanted a deliverer 1. and many claimed to be that, but were not.   3. They ask John if he is the Messiah. Luke 3:15 2. Then there's Jesus   1. Miraculously a virgin gives birth (Matthew 1-2) 2. He has an odd cousin   3. Miracle at His baptism Matthew 3:13–17   4. ...Then Jesus disappears for 40 days.  5. When they see him again he is preaching the same message as John, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near” 6. He then calls twelve castoffs to be His disciples.  3. The anticipation builds up   1. Were the people fascinated or scared or a bit of both?  1. The religious leaders were skeptical  2. The poor were hopeful  4. Matthew 21:12–14, John 2:15–17 2. The Sermon on the Mount: “I've got some good new and some bad news” 1. This is the greatest sermon ever preached 2. Its also maybe the strangest 1. 1. For the broken, sad, weak, starving, and persecuted it is good news.  2. For those who surround themselves with their own adequacy and self righteousness, it is bad news.   2. In other words, for those dwelling in the city of man Jesus' sermon is a confrontation, and for those who live in the city of God, His words are a great comfort.  1. The Kingdom you have been anticipating...Its REAL, BUT its not going to come the way you think, and its not going to come to whom you think. 1. Remember those presents I wrapped for you? 1. Now you get to have one... 2. But to unwrap this gift you cant use your hands 1.it may be uncomfortable or even awkward, but it is worth it. 2. There is a great anticipation for this Kingdom Jesus is going to talk about, but when He starts to talk about it, He shares things we don't expect. 1. He challenges our expectations of the Kingdom life Books: “Jesus Through Middles Eastern Eyes” Kenneth Bailey https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Through-Middle-Eastern-Eyes/dp/0830825681 “Joy Comes in the Morning” David Johnson. https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Comes-Mourning-Blessings-Disguise/dp/0875097448/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1FDQ1OAV9U042&keywords=joy+comes+in+the+mourning&qid=1650867210&s=books&sprefix=joy+comes+in+the+mourning%2Cstripbooks%2C134&sr=1-5  #youthministry #biblestudy #youthgroup

Hebrews 11:7  Noah's Story: A salvation plan that points to a better salvation plan.  * Even the storybook Bible gets that Jesus is the better salvation plan. Observations: 1. Not yet seen 2. Prepared for salvation 3. Condemned the world in an act of righteousness  Genesis 6:13 Genesis 9:8-29 Is the part you don't hear about in Sunday School. Noah's story leaves us longing for a better salvation story.  If God will no longer flood the earth, what's the other plan to save humanity?  God saves humanity  through Christ who is like a vessel for salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that we are a new creation if we are IN Christ.

The kingdom of God is a spiritual (metaphysical) kingdom. Not that we ignore this world (which will be renewed) but that we know there is MORE to this world than the physical (or material). The materialistic worldview taught to students is not true, or inspiring, so we see hopelessness in many young people - but encouragingly, we see a great desire to find meaning. Lesson 3 Enoch We continue to look at these people who are examples of faith. They are examples of what it means to live as “Kingdom People.” Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch Enoch did not experience death “He was approved, since he had please God” See Hebrews 11:4 approved As Abel was an example of sacrifice, Enoch is an example of everlasting life. We are building a Kingdom picture See also 1 Corinthians 15:20–26, 44-58; John 12:25 etc. Application: Song Graves into Gardens - Reflect on how eternity in heaven helps us live purpose filled in this life.

Lesson 2 ABEL Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. 1. By faith Abel offered to God a “better sacrifice” than Cain. 2. What was it that made Abel's sacrifice “better?” 1. Blood, flesh, innocent (firstlings) 3. Gen 4:4 1. Able understood something about the promise of God and his sacrifice reflected that. 1. Heb. 10:5-6 “A body you have prepared for me” (Heb. 10:19-20,22) God created the world with His words, Abel's sacrifice still speaks even after he is dead, 1. How to we model our life after the life, sacrifice of Christ so that our lives speak? Romans 12:1 see “acceptable sacrifice” 1. John 12:25, APPLICATION: What can we sacrifice?

The kingdom of God is a spiritual (metaphysical) kingdom. Not that we ignore this world (which will be renewed) but that we know there is MORE to this world than the physical (or material). The materialistic worldview taught to students is not true, or inspiring, so we see hopelessness in many young people - but encouragingly, we see a great desire to find meaning. Here is a rough outline for this lesson. Hebrews 11:1-3 Beginnings - Creation story - There is more to this world than what is seen. Two Cities: Two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by the love of self, even to the contempt of God; and the heavenly by the love of God, even to the contempt of self. 1. City of Man: Material, self 2. City of God: Heavenly, community 1. Christianity acknowledges the supernatural, spiritual realm. 2. This world doesn't explain itself 3. The Kingdom of God is “more real” than this world we see. 1. C.S. Lewis The Great Divorce We understand all this by faith - “faith seeking understanding," or “I believe so that I may understand." In other words, belief comes before knowledge. APPLICATION: Help students see that they are not an accident, but a part of a way cooler story. Go outside, look at the stars and listen to “Doxology.”

I am sure many youth pastor are like me and have already had several conversations about the current events. I share a few thoughts and hope they can help.  We start with Philippians 2:5-11, its doesn't talk about war but about attitude and Jesus. We also read Isaiah 1:18 and Matthew 24:4-13. Check out the video on Youtube if you want to subscribe to the channel.  You can reach out to me through my website. If you are a youth pastor join our Discord, the link is on my site. https://petekoenen.com/

The problem of pain ultimately brings us to the Cross of Jesus. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus speak powerfully into the problem of pain and the lengths to which God is willing to go in order to address this problem. Relevant passages in this video: Hebrews 12:2, Lk 24:3–8, Lk 24:25–27, Matthew 7:7-8, Revelation 3:16–22, 1 Corinthians 15:50–58, Romans 3:23, Psalm 14:1-3, Hebrews 4:14-16. Check out my website for more https://petekoenen.com/  I Highly recommend the book "The Healing Path" by Dan Allender. As of the posting of this podcast I do not have the timeline up on my website but it will be available shortly. 

Are we willing to see Jesus for who he is? Matthew 20 is about blind people and people who see, but they are not who you expect. From the beginning of Chapter 20 no one understands Jesus. People don't see Jesus for who he is. The parable about God's kingdom is misunderstood. The prediction about the death of the messiah goes in one ear and out the other. The request from James and John misplaced. Luke 18:34 tells us "the disciples understood none of these things..." In other words: they were blind What then is so special about Bartimaeus?  He is blind man who hears that Jesus was on His way and he could see Jesus for who He was even before his sight was restored  Mark 10:46–52 (Luke 18:35-43 Matthew 20) What is it then that allows Bartimaeus to see Jesus when everyone else was blind?  Even when he doesn't look like we want? When life is not what we would expect?  -Beggar - outcast from society, living on the fringes, not welcome in -Blind - thought to be under a curse.  John. 9:2-3 (this statement is loaded with theological weight, but tuck it away for now).  -Unnamed - Mark and Luke tell us one of the blind men is Bartimaeus (Matthew does not) either his parents or society did not see fit to name this person. His name is “Son of Timaeus”  Bartimaeus is desperate and he see's Jesus for who He is (even though he is blind)   Job 42:1-5 1 John 3:2 seeing Jesus is transformational  there is a reason the invitation to become a disciple is “come and see” John 1:39, 45 Paul: Phil 3:10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory If you hear this message, if you can see what Jesus is up to then you will be unique in this world, where everyone is seeking happiness but no one finds it apart from Jesus  Matthew 5:3 Back to Bartimaeus  What was it that allows him to see Jesus? He was a desperate person, he was desperate to see Jesus Not as a philosopher, a holy man, a religious figure, but at the Messiah of God the deliverer  What is it that you want? I want to see 

Pain is universal to the human experience. The Bible speaks so profoundly into the issue of pain and suffering. Oftentimes we shy away from this topic but we shouldn't. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Of course, I quite agree that the Christian religion is, in the long run, a thing of unspeakable comfort. But it does not begin in comfort; it begins in dismay I have been describing, and it is no use at all trying to go on to that comfort without first going through that dismay. ”What scripture tells us, and what Jesus shows us, is that we have to go through pain. But pain doesn't end there, it has a noble purpose in our lives, and if we let it, it will point us to the glory of God. And in that glory we will take rest, we will be comforted, and we will find joy. See John 17 1-3, compare Job 1:8-9 to Job 2:3, Job 4:7-8,17; 8:1-6; 9; 11:14-20; 13:15-17; 41:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (contrast with 2 Corinthians 11:22–28), 1 John 3:1-2, Luke 24:26 , Philippians 3:8-11, Hebrews 5:8. 

This podcast is taken from two videos I did on my youtube channel. The first is on denominations and why I don't have a problem with denomination. In fact I think denominations show that Christianity has a history of balancing orthodoxy and individual freedom when it comes to interpreting scripture. In the second part of the podcast I share a bit of my love for the classics and why I think a classical approach to philosophy and theology is important in youth ministry.

For our lesson we talked about this answer briefly. We then emphasised these things: “So that” “accept is with faith” and “practice it in our lives.” Connection this with James 1:22. Then we really focused on the importance of hearing the word of God (Romans 10: 17). Particularly in our church expressions we hear a bit of the word and a lot of someone else telling us what the word says. And the irony of this podcast is not lost on me, because now I am going to talk about these things and not just read the word to you. Particularly in our busy lives we do not carve out time for reading the bible. I am convicted by my lack of time in this. But I am trying to mitigate that by hearing the word of God. I have a bible app that reads scripture for me. I am not a fan of dramatized versions but it is hard to just find a plain reading of the bible. That's what I would like. But this app helps. Because I get to hear the word while I go to and from the day to day things in my life. I wish I had a better solution for you. I don't. All I have is my confession that this is as much a problem for me as it is for most people out there. I explain in this episode an activity we did to illustrate the importance of hearing God's word. 

I have been a Christian for over 20 years now and and I have been teaching the Bible for most of that time, yet when it comes to the subject of prayer I feel like so much of an amateur. I'll share my thoughts and experience with you and hope that it is helpful. Know that I am a journeyman along with so many of you when it comes to the topic of prayer.   Q:40 What should we pray?  A: The whole word of God directs us in what we should pray.    We can go to God with what is honestly in our hearts. Every person can go to God from where they are right now (Jeremiah 33:3, Psalm 32:1)    But what should we pray? Sin makes this hard to know. Our hearts are sinful (Jerimiah 17), our desires are confused (perverted), but the Lord knows our heart and provides his Word as a guide for us (Psalm 119).God's word as a guide for our prayer. Examples we used: Isaiah 53:6, Romans 8:16-17, James 1:5, 1 John 1:9. Two prayers that I have memorized are: Luke 18:13, 41. How to memorize prayer - rule of threes Read the whole section three times  Read one line three times while looking at it Say the line three times without looking at it.  Add the next line and repeat steps 2,3 

1Peter 3:15 (NASB has the verse broken down well) “But” points to the context of the passage 13-14 “But sanctify Christ as lord in your heart” Apologetics begins in the heart where Christ has lordship. If this is not a spiritual discipline I am not sure what is. “Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give and account for the hope that is in you” Always being ready - preparation this is why you bring apologetics into youth ministry. Equipping. To make a defense - (ἀπολογία apŏlŏgia) argument, explanation, plea, answer. Courtroom setting - think Socrates Ideas on trial - we may not be in a courtroom giving answers for why we are Christians, but ideas are on trial in our culture. “Gentleness and respect” We have set apologetics in the context of cancel-culture and social media. A very antagonistic environment where it is easy to mute conversation. Apologetics is often set in the context of argument and from a “modern” approach this makes sense. But this can make apologetics seem like its goal is aggressive, or antagonistic when it is anything but that. Everyone regardless of beliefs is struggling to make sense of this world and we as Christians are in a position to bring hope. As an apologist my goal is to bring hope to a world that is hopeless, not get into and win arguments. Apologetics is a spiritual discipline in that the goal is transformation. Not only for ourselves but for our communities. Bringing people hope by pointing them to Jesus is the way that transformation takes place. Thanks for checking out this podcast! 

Q: 39 With what attitude should we pray? Youth Ministry Lessons from the New City Catechism  A: With love, perseverance and gratefulness. Love because we understand that God is a loving father (Matthew 7:9). Perseverance because we don't always get what we want or understand what we actually need (Psalm 37:4).Gratefulness, not only because God does answer prayer, but because we can pray to God in the first place. Prayer is a gift to an anxious world. Read Philippians 4:4-9.

What is Prayer? Prayer is pouring out our heart to God. In this episode we go beyond the idea that prayer is simply talking to God, or conversation with God, though that can be true. If God already knows what we will ask (Matthew 6:7-8) why do we pray?  What we discover is that prayer is a gift from God that allows us to move beyond needing certain things, or results in life. Prayer connects us to God in a unique and even mysterious way. See also Psalm 62, and Luke 11:9-10.

How does the Holy Spirit help us? "The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God's Word." What I do want to do is look at the gifts of the spirit and the fruit of the spirit. We often talk about these things separately, but this is a really great way to see how the holy spirit helps believers. We will read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Galatians 5:22-23. The Holy Spirit convicts us ['the world"] of our sin (John 16:8, Romans 8), comforts us (Acts 9:31, John 14:16,26), guides us (Matthew 4:1,John 14:13, Romans 8, Galatians 5:25), gives us spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12 (Galatians 5:22-23), and the desire to obey God (Psalm 37:4, Galatians 5:16-17); and he enables us to pray (Romans 8:26, 1 Corinthians 14-15), and to understand God's Word (John 16:13).  I hope that helps. 

In this episode we discuss the 36th question from the New City Catechism: What do we believe about the Holy Spirit? The answer from the catechism is, "that he is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son." We take a look at John 14:16–20 as well as John 16:7. You may also be interested to look at Genesis 1:2,26; Isaiah 11:1-2; Matthew 3:16-17; 1Peter 1:2 as well as the full context of John 14 and 16. 

Question: Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else? Answer: No, everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ. This is an important question in the New Testament because the Law of God is given in the OT and the Hebrew people who were coming to faith in Jesus came with a high regard for the Law of God. However some took this too far and believed that there was something in the law that led to salvation. Despite versed like 1 Samuel 15:22; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6–8 Example Luke Luke 18:9–17 Question: Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God's Word? Answer: Yes, so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ The good that we do in the world is not motivated by a selfish desire for salvation - but motivated by love and gratitude for the salvation that has been given.

This is the great thing about a catechism; it has us examining questions we might assume we have answered. In this lesson we talk about faith. Faith is a subject familiar in the Christian community, but do we always fully understand what faith is? That's what we get to explore in this video. We will look at Hebrews 11 as a guide. I would also encourage you to read Galatians 2:15-21 I also made a video talking about different kinds of faith. https://youtu.be/Gam2J-NHnE8 Here is the new city catechism website with commentaries by Johnathan Edwards and John Yates. The Edwards commentary also hints at the fact that faith is hard to define.

The Bible is a story and filled with heroes and Bartimaeus is one of mine. He is blind. He is a beggar. He is an outcast. Probably thought to be under a curse (see John 9:2-3 ). He is unnamed: Mark calls him “Batrimaeus,” in Luke the name is implied (by translator section heading), but Matthew leaves him unnamed. So what is special about Bartimaeus? Nothing really- - except he is a blind man who hears that Jesus was near, and saw Jesus for who he was (prior to being healed).

Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ? No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith. I have a struggle with this because of how people in my life have represented the idea of election. God chooses some people and others he disregards. AND those who he has chosen, well it's me and anyone who agrees with my view. And these are people I love, brothers and sisters of mine in the faith, we just go at it differently. I think there is a mystery here and I try to live in the tension of not knowing everything. Electing choice to save some, and to allow others to remain in their sin. We cannot understand perfectly God's electing work, nor is it our place to know. It is not our place to know who is saved and who is not. So it is difficult, not because of how the bible teaches it, but because of how people have represented it. The Bible challenges our thinking and it teaches things that are difficult for us to understand. But we, in our youth ministry, don't shy away from those challenges. So I invite you into that process with me Matthew 22:3 Luke 14:15–24 Ephesians 1:5-12 Romans 11:11

Romans 8:18-22 We see that sin affects all of creation. The Gospel is personal - We see this in other Catechism questions and other videos. Is Jesus Fully God and Fully Man? The Gospel is also public - not just for the individual but for all of creation so it is corporate. We are not just concerned with ourselves we are concerned for our neighbors. Christ doesn't only redeem us and make us new, but he is making all things new. Revelation 21:5 “Behold” “Look” “Don't miss this” God is doing something (and we often miss it). God is transforming people, society, and the cosmos. We see a pattern in the Bible of creation, fall, redemption. We see this in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. When he comes his body, is the same (scars, they recognize him, he eats fish), and yet also glorified (he teleports, goes through walls, is not recognized). Col 1:19-20 - 19 For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. Thank you for being a part of this community.

Does Christ's death mean all our sins can be forgiven? Yes, because Christ's death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sin, God will remember our sins no more. This is the 25th Question in the New City Catechism. We heave been teaching through these questions in our youth ministry. 2 Corinthians 5:17- 21 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Romans 10:9

In this lesson we explore the question, Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die? This is the 24th question in the New City Catechism and it will take us into Colossians 1:21-22. I would also suggest Hebrews 12:2; Genesis 3

Is Jesus fully God and fully man? We are asking this as we study the 21st question in the New City Catechism. The catechism is asking, “What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God?” And as we answer this question we will learn about the uniqueness of the person Jesus in history. There is truly no one like him and I am stoked we get to talk about it. Memory verse “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.” Isaiah 9:6 Notice that the child is born but the son is given. The Son has always existed

Who is the Redeemer? The only redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 2:4-5 There is one God and there is one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. This is going to contradict the pluralistic ideas of today. Pluralism is the idea that many truth is found in many answers/ways rather than one. And example of religious pluralism is that there are many ways to God. Or there are many ideas about God that (even though they contradict) are equal and valid when it comes to truth about God. So here is what we have to say about the good news of Jesus Christ. Salvation comes through faith in him ,he has payed the penalty for us and made communion with God possible once again. According to scripture this is the only way. We also take a look at Matthew 18:21-30.

Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished? Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God's favor? These two questions help us to see that the Gospel has two parts: The Cross and the Empty tomb. Death and New Life. We have to embrace, and declare, and live out both parts of this gospel so that the life of God will be present with us and our community and ultimately this world. I chose to combine these two questions because teaching through this once a week I felt like leaving you with question 18 may just bum you out. So parents, leaders, if you are teaching through this, combining these two questions is something to consider. Memory verses for these questions: Question 18 - Ephesians 5:5–6 Question 19 - Isaiah 53:10–11 Also look up Romans 6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and pretty much the rest of the Bible.

What is idolatry? Idolatry is idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator. This is the 17th question in the New City Catechism and it teaches us a lot about our culture today. What we learn is that worship is transformational and idolatry also has a transformational effect on us as people. Memory verse for this question is Romans 1:21 and 25, but I would suggest memorizing more. You can re-read all of Romans 1:18-32. Remember that this was written in the first century as Paul reflects on the idolatry of the ancient world.

In this episode we look into two scriptures that I have been reflecting on for the New Year. Revelation 21:1-5 and John 12:1-7 and 12:23-26 I know this year has been hard particularly for students. The Bible does not sugarcoat life pretending that things are okay. The Bible does tell us that God is the one who makes all things new and that new life is promised to those who follow Jesus. This is not only a hope for eternity but it is hope for each new day. How do we access this new life? We must die to the old life. The world tries to manufacture newness and regeneration but fails. God has made newness possible in His Son.

When Advent comes around each year we hear the story of Jesus' birth and that's great, don't get me wrong. But in this video we look at how John's Gospel tells the story of Jesus coming to earth and why that is just as important. In a world that is lost and confused, chaotic and dark we have Jesus conquering darkness with his word, light, and life. We conare John 1 with Genesis 1 and see that the light of Jesus brings life and allows us to walk in darkness without being overwhelmed by it. See also: John 8:12,11:25, 12:46, Isaiah 9:2

Sin is not always easy to talk about but the New City Catechism gives us a great definition to start with. What is sin? Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in his creation, not being or doing what he requires in his law. 1 John 3:4-7 CSB 4 Everyone who commits sin practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. 5 You know that he was revealed so that he might take away sins, and there is no sin in him. 6 Everyone who remains in him does not sin; everyone who sins has not seen him or known him. 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. This is a topic we are covering in our youth group and this video is here to help anyone better understand sin and God's response to sin. This is not affiliated with the New City Catechism in any way. But it is a great resource and you can find out more on their website. http://newcitycatechism.com/new-city-catechism/#16

Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose? That may know the holy nature of God, and the sinful nature of our hearts; and thus our need for a savior. This is the 15th question in the New City Catechism and we are going to look at the three parts to this answer. 1: That we may know the holy nature of God. 2: The sinful nature of our hearts. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.'28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matt 5-27-28 "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." Romans 3:20 3: And thus our need for a savior. "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God," Ephesians 2:8 Suggested prayer from Psalm 51 1"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." You can read the rest of the prayer here https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2051&version=NIV "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved." Romans 10:9-10

This is question 14 in the New City Catechism and is part of a series of questions that deal with the LAW, SIN and REDEMPTION. I am excited that you have joined me today.  Now this is a bit of a mouthful even for the kids version, and I see why this would follow question 13. But I like this question phrased in the positive sense.  “Did God create us to keep the law? Yes.  Now we see that our purpose is to live in communion and obedience to God. This is the reason we were created (Love God and love others - NCC 7)  Law Before Sin: Notice that the law comes before sin Genesis 2:15-17So the law is not God's response to sin, the law was always meant to frame our relationship of love and obedience to God. This is in harmony with God's character (the Son obeys the father). I hope this is a fresh perspective on the law and why Adam and Eve's disobedience has just a dramatic effect on our human nature and all of creation. 

For anyone involved in youth ministry. Whether you are a leader or a parent of a student (or a student yourself) this book is a must read. I am not getting paid to tell you this, I want to share with you all any resource that helps us to disciple young people. Andrew Root's book “The End of Youth Ministry?” points out that identity is tied to story. It is not a matter of just finding your thing or filling the family calendar with a host of things to choose. Because identity is tied to narrative, youth ministry has an opportunity to invite young people into the greatest story ever. The research for this book comes from the Theology of Joy and The Good Life Project at Yale Divinity School. Root then crafts his book into a parable featuring the compilation of his youth ministry experience. This is a very unique and informative book. It is philosophical and does not offer a step by step plan for reforming youth ministry. Rather Root leaves that task with parents and leaders to work out of their own context. Not just another thing: youth ministry is for helping young people live into a deeper narrative of a God who is incarnate crucified and resurrected (quote from Youth and Culture Podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXISgDwQR4w&t=17s) You can find the book at https://www.amazon.com/End-Youth-Ministry-Parents-Theology/dp/1540961397 This is not an affiliate link. Thanks for listening and being a part of this community.

In this episode we ask the question: "Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly?" The answer: "Since the fall, no human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly." This is question 13 from The New City Catechism, and the Bible passage for this question is Romans 3:9-20. I would also suggest reading all of chapter 3. At one point in this lesson I talk about Jesus in the past tense even though I believe very much that Jesus is alive. This video is not in any way affiliated with the organization that created The New City Catechism but I do think it is a great resource. You can find more information on their website http://newcitycatechism.com/

What is the Law of God stated in the Ten Commandments? Are the ten commandments actually important? These are the questions we will be asking as we explore question number 8 in the new city catechism. Compare Exodus 20 with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:34-40 (which we covered in our last video). A few reasons the Ten Commandments are important. They display God's character: God is love, God doesn't lie or steal, etc. They teach us how to live our lives as children of God. There is liberation in the law as we live in obedience and love of God. A note on this thought - I am not saying the law saves us. I am saying that God's law frees us from the confusion we see in our godless world today. Not an easy thing to communicate, so I did my best. As Always, thanks for taking a look at this video and being a part of this community!

In this podcast we ask the question, what does the law of God require? This is the seventh question in The New City catechism (see also: Heidelberg Catechism Q 4). We are using these questions in our youth ministry as we explore spiritual formation.  We look at Matthew 22:34-40 and Genesis 2:15-17 to helps us better understand the purpose of the law in the life of the Christian believer. Note that I use the words from Matthew 22:37 so I omit the word ‘strength' that is in the catechism and also in Luke 10:27.  Also note that I originally recorded this for video.

Audio for this podcast comes from a video that I made on this question. Thanks for understanding even though I refer to it as a video throughout this episode.  In this podcast we explore the connection between God's redemption and our response of love and obedience. Much of our culture shies away from the idea of obedience, laws, and commandments in favor of self fulfillment. The irony is that when we chase after our own self fulfilment, we don't find it. When we abandon our selfish pursuits we find the fulfilment we long for. Bible verses for this question can include Deuteronomy 11:1-14, Psalm 19:7-14, 1 John 4:19. An activity you can do with this lesson is to draw and color a person who is a super fan of a sports team or artist. Ask yourself or your students why that person looks the way they do? Now do the same activity, only your person needs to be someone who is glorifying God. What do they look like? How is glorifying God different from being a fan of a sports team or artist? My hope is to help my students grow in their faith and spiritual formation. These are the most important things in life, and they give meaning to all our other life pursuits. Thanks for being here and being a part of this community!

What can we learn from the stump of a tree? In this video we talk about how God created all things and give a few quick examples of why you might believe that. The New City Catechism question five asks, “what else did God create?” And answers the question with “God created all things and all of his creation was very good.” In future videos we will discuss the goodness of God's creation and some of the challenges we have in understanding this view. If you would like to explore this topic more on The New City Catechism website here is the website http://newcitycatechism.com/new-city-catechism/#5 Thanks for checking out this video and engaging in this question with me.

In this podcast we discuss what Christians mean when they talk about the “glory” of God and how we “glorify” God. Audio is from the a video on this subject. These seem like churchy words, and they kinda are. But that doesn't mean we can find meaning to this language as we explore scripture. We look into Ezekiel 1:22-28 and Ezekiel's encounter with God's glory. What we learn is that experiencing God's glory is one thing, and trying to describe it is another. The best thing I can say is that when the people of God do the works of God in love and harmony with each other and their community, we catch a glimpse of that glory. Where have you seen God's glory?

How and Why Did God Create Us? God created us male and female in his image to glorify him. This is the fourth question in the New City Catechism and we are going to answer this question over two videos.How we answer this question of origin will direct how we sort through a whole host of other questions relating to our biology, our identity and our sense of self. Because of how important this question is, we want to give ample time to discuss the answer in our youth ministry. This comes from Genesis 1:27 “God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” (NET) This is the memory for this question if you would like to memorize it. But you can also explore a more full picture of creation by reading Genesis 1 and 2. Particularly for students it is important to know that the Bible helps us to navigate questions that pertain to biology and gender. The Biblical worldview sees the whole person (biology included) as sacred. Understanding our identity as being children of God, created in his image, helps us to navigate some very challenging questions. Here is the website for The New City Catechism. http://newcitycatechism.com/new-city-catechism/#4

In this episode I am helping our students understand the Christian belief in a triune God. Exploring the doctrine of the Trinity is essential to grow in our faith and in our relationship with God. It is also not an easy idea to navigate. But thankfully we have the Word of God to guide us and some amazing people who have thought long and hard on these topics. Bible Verses to Explore: Genesis 1:1 The word used for God here is (אֱלֹהִים, 'elohim) and is plural. But the word created indicates a singularity. We do something similar when we refer to a bunch of bananas. There is one and many at the same time. Similarly we have the God being talked about in both singular and plural ways. In Genesis 1:26 God refers to himself in a way that is more than one. At the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17 We see the Spirit of God descending and anointing the Son, We have God the father speaking with authority from the heavens, and we have the Son being baptized in obedience. The Trinity is seen in the resurrection of Jesus. If we compare several verses we realize that all three members of the Trinity are credited with the resurrection: The Father (Acts 2:32,33), the Son ( John 2:18,19; John 10:18), The Spirit (Romans 8:11). Blue Letter Bible has a more comprehensive list here https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_1350.cfm In the memory verse for this question also see the Trinity. 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Two people who I found to speak on the Trinity with a great deal of clarity are, Ravi Zacharias and Nabeel Qureshi. If you search either of these teachers and their teaching on the Trinity I think you will find it very helpful. We find this question also in the Westminster Shorter Catechism question 6. If you would like to do a web search for that, or check it out here http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/wsc/wsc_006.html

Asking meaningful questions of life is so important for young people today. I am so thankful that I get to work alongside some amazing students and families and be a part of helping students explore their faith. In this video we look at the question, what is God? This is the second video we have done inspired by The New City Catechism and this is the second question of that catechism. You can learn more at The New City Catechism Website at http://newcitycatechism.com (this video is not affiliated or sponsored by The New City Catechism). Memory verse for this question: Psalm 86: 8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9 All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10 For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God...15But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (ESV). You can also explore this question further by reading the Westminster Shorter Catechism question 4. I am not familiar with Faith Presbyterian Church but I found their catechism page to be helpful if you want to check it out. http://faithparispca.org/Confessions/WestminsterSC.aspx?QuestionID=235&pageid=0&confession=true&q=Question%204%20-%20What%20is%20God

In this podcast we explore the topic of hope and how this leads us to find our identity in God alone. This is the first question of the New City Catechism which is a good resource for students exploring the Christian faith. If you are a student in our youth ministry this will help us in our group discussions. If you are just looking for good resources related to the Christian faith and youth ministry I am glad you found this podcast. I origonally made this as a video for my YouTube channel Pete Koenen - Speaking Up https://youtu.be/A22zAay8dAc You can find the New City Catechism on their website. http://newcitycatechism.com/ This is not affiliated with NCC in any way, just me, trying to teach through some really cool topics and sharing what I have learned. I use the kids version of the catechism! You may also want to read a more expansive version of this question in the Heidelberg Catechism.  Verse used in this lesson: Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (NIV) Ephesians 2:10 “ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (ESV) Deuteronomy 7:6 “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” (NIV) Thank you for being a part of this community, and as always feel free to check out the other videos I have made related to youth ministry.

The original video for this podcast was made for my youtube channel. In this episode we take a look at The New City Catechism and why it can be a good fit for a youth ministry. A catechism is a learning process that emphasizes the memorization of a series of questions and answers. I think you will find a lot of great questions within The New City Catechism as well as the much older catechisms that come to us through history. The New City Catechism is a return to some of the older ways of learning but with apps and resources that make it fit for today's world. You can learn more about the New City Catechism on their website. http://newcitycatechism.com/ This is not a sponsored podcast. Check out my channel Pete Koenen - Speaking Up if you are interested. Thank you for being a part of the community as I continue to make more content related to youth ministry. You are awesome!