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Check the Oklahoma District Youth archives.
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September 11th 2012 - "Back to School: Do the Math"
By: Rev. Justin Reinking / Oklahoma Youth President
As you read this article, most of the students across Oklahoma are back in school. They've probably learned their locker combination, met a few new friends, and had a pop quiz in American History class. All this talk of school brings a favorite subject to mind - Math. Take a few moments to step into the classroom of Christian Mathematics 101.
Math can be summed up into four basic areas: subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division. They are the basic mathematical processes used to solve a problem. Subtraction involves removing digits. Addition generally increases the value of a number. Multiplication quickens the pace of the addition. Division breaks apart the number into smaller integers. Well, enough math definitions, now for the spiritual application. After all, this is Christian Mathematics 101!
Being a Christian involves two major components. The first is Jesus Christ. The second is the believer or follower. This is where the math comes in to play.
When the believer uses subtraction in his life, the outcome is not very favorable. For example, a believer's life minus Jesus Christ equals a lost soul. It is impossible for mankind to have a relationship with its creator if He is subtracted or removed. The lesson to learn here is to not remove Christ from daily living.
Addition is a happier aspect to consider in Christian living. When a believer adds more of Christ to his life, the blessings and benefits begin to stack up! Imagine what adding Jesus to a tough day at school can do for a struggling student. Consider the positive difference the Savior can make when He is added daily.
Multiplication is even more exciting than addition. When a believer takes his life and multiples it with the power of God. nothing is impossible! Jesus told His followers in John 10:10, "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Jesus wants to multiply the life of a believer. All it takes is a willingness to allow Him to make it happen.
Finally, division is often one of the toughest struggles a Christian has to deal with. The fact is, a true believer's heart cannot be divided between two masters. Jesus spoke about it in Matthew 6:24. He said, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Separating the time, energy and emotions betweens two worlds is impossible for a committed follower of Christ. Christians cannot divide their lives, between living for God for a few days and the enemy of their soul on the others.
In conclusion, the power of math is constantly at work in a devoted Christian's life. The key is to remember which to use. :: continue »
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July 15th 2012 - "Vintage"
By: Rev. Justin Reinking / Oklahoma Youth President
The word vintage can be used in many different ways. For some it is user to describe something that is classic. For many it is a word used for a product that has proven to last over time. Others only think it should be used for something old, useless, and outdated. However one chooses to use the word vintage, it seems that one thing is common. Most agree that it is used as a adjective for an item of the past.
Often times people believe that things of the past do not matter to the present. The thought that an idea or belief from years gone by can still matter today is often laughed at in today's society. This thought process is exactly what the Oklahoma District Youth Department wanted to address in this year's Vintage Youth Camps.
The purpose of this year's camp was to remind this generation of teens that the timeless truthsof the Bible and the early church are still valuable today. Junior High students were taught valuable life lessons from the classic Bible stories Can and Able, Esther, and Joseph. Senior High and Hyphen students were instructed about the importance of the authority of the Word, our purpose for Worship, and the power of the working of the Spirit in our lives and church services. Each day was filled with a variety of interactive sessions, devotions, dramas and educational messages that reinforced these main ideas.
Our evening services saw many students receive the Holy Ghost for hte first time and many renewed. Rev. Andrew Romine on Indianapolis, Indiana was the evening evangelists for the four nights of Junior Camp. Rev. Jeffrey Goodman of Auburn Hills, Michigan was the Senior & Hyphen Camp evangelist. Each night our evangelists were able to connect the Word of God with the hearts and lives of the students of Oklahoma.
The lives of over 425 campers will never be the same because of this year's youth camp season. :: continue »
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June 1st 2012 - "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Go-Mission"
By: Rev. Justin Reinking / Oklahoma Youth President
Jesus’ famous message to His close followers recorded in Matthew 28:19 is often referred to as The Great Commission. It is the commission of reaching the lost world with the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ through His death, burial and resurrection. It was more than just a kind suggestion or simple favor He was asking them to accomplish. He instructed, dispatched and commanded them to move to action. He was enlisting them in to be missionaries, preachers, and evangelists. They were assigned to be His authorized agents to advance the kingdom of God. They were more than just fishermen, tax collectors, or a doctor. After Pentecost, they were empowered from on high to preach the message with boldness.
From this side of the timeline of history one can see that they turned their world upside down. The communication of the good news of Christ filled the world as it was then. It infiltrated towns, cities, governments, and countries. All without the use of modern roads, railways, airports, cell phones, Internet, or mass communication. The task must have seemed monumental, but the burden to spread the love of Christ was obviously greater than any hindrance. Even the threat of death could not deter the efforts of the early ministers!
Imagine what today’s body of believers could accomplish if it could feel the burden of The Great Commission once again. Not everyone is asked to go overseas, to go plant a church, or answer the call to ministry. However, we are all called to be a part of The Great Commission. Oklahomans from the rural and urban areas can be involved in ministry here and abroad through the ministry of Sheaves for Christ. The theme for the 2012 SFC fundraising campaign is “GO.” Oklahoma needs to GO and fulfill The Great GO-mission!
The Great GO-mission for each Oklahoma congregation and youth group is simple. Assist the Oklahoma Youth Department by giving financially to support the amazing programs that this offering supports. It is all about missions and ministry. It helps a young man or woman “GO” to a UPCI Bible College through SFC Scholarships. It assists missionaries as they “GO” through the jungles in the far-reaching areas of the world to spread the message of Jesus Christ with trustworthy vehicles in tough terrain. It gives a hurting child somewhere to “GO” like Tupelo Children’s Mansion when their world has crashed in on them. The funds from SFC put the GO in The Great GO-mission! Let’s “GO” Oklahoma!
Please be sure to visit www.sheavesforchrist.com for additional information, resources, and materials for this year’s efforts. :: continue »
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March 30th 2012 - "The Marriage and Family Math Problem"
By: Rev. Justin Reinking / Oklahoma Youth President
Mathematics, marriage are family are three areas of life that affect most individuals nearly every day. However, generally you don't think of them being grouped together. The only time math entered the equation of my family growing up was when I had trouble with homework and asked Mom or Dad for help. I guess numbers are incorporated in marriage too. It seems that many conversations involve money, and how the household budget is going to work. This article isn't going to help you with Algebra 101 or your family's finances, but I hope to display how powerful a healthy marriage and family can impact its teens and children. The marriage and family math problem is this: A healthy marriage + a healthy family = a healthy child or teenager. Stronger marriages build stronger homes, which build stronger children. If one of these elements is weaker it impacts the entire equation.
One way to strengthen your marriage and home is to learn. Learn from others, spiritual leaders in your life, and people who have successful marriages and families. Ask them for advice, seek counsel in difficult circumstances, and trust them to guide you. Be willing to learn lessons from your mistakes as a parent or spouse and recognize how to improve the situation. You may be thinking that all of this can be too overwhelming. However, it is vitally important to keep working on your marriage and family. The impact of your work and efforts are not usually immediate, but history will show they will reverberate thru the lives of your children.
Another way to build a strong marriage and family is to attend seminars, retreats, and read about it! The Family Ministries Retreat is a great opportunity for the families of the Oklahoma District to refine and sharpen home and marriage. We are excited to announce that the retreat will be moving back to the Fin & Feather Resort in Gore, Oklahoma near Lake Tenkiller. Mark calendar for Friday, April 27th and Saturday, April 28th. The cost is $149 per couple. It will be well worth the expense to help solve the marriage and family math problem. :: continue »
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