Metro Youth Network

Hi, its Monday and this is Joshua bowyer from Rockford temple corps.
Today’s schedule was very relaxed first I woke up at 9:10 and did my dirty laundry, then there was an awesome breakfast of bacon and eggs and I ate it all. Later in the day we had knee drills were we sang and looked up bible verses, after that we had lunch and that was good too. The next thing we did was a Salvationism class with Debbie Olson. A cool thing about it was that she had come to Rockford temple three weeks in a row and taught Rockford the same things she taught at Salvationism class so I knew most of the stuff she was going to say but she had some new things in store for us and all of us survivors really enjoyed it. When Salvationism class was over we had cell groups over Acts chapter 23 and 24 and I learned some cool stuff. If you want to know what I read that was cool you’ll just have to look it up.

When cell groups was over we left for a game I’ve never heard of in my life, it’s called Whirlyball and it was amazingly fun, it’s a cross between bumper cars and lacrosse and basketball, who ever made it up I give them props. Then after the fun ended we headed off to CFOT and here I am now. That’s pretty much what we did today, four days after today. I’m going to be happy to head home and also miss BOS and the friends that I’ve made here but the good thing is, is that I’ll see them a CBLI.
Peace out.

Monday, July 19th
Read: Acts 24

(Underline where you see God moving. Discuss the impact He had on this situation.)

We’ve all been in trouble at some point or another. Usually we’re in trouble because we really have done something wrong. It’s not very often that we find ourselves in trouble for doing good. In school the class troublemaker is widely known for disobeying the teacher, bothering and interfering with classmates and breaking well known school rules. It turns out, too, that the troublemaker is the person who gets blamed whenever trouble arises, even when they weren’t involved! Causing trouble doesn’t start a revolution (when the outcome is negative) but being a troublemaker for the Lord is indeed infectious and revolutionary!

Paul was a troublemaker. At least that’s what Tertullus the lawyer claimed in verse 5. The officials hated him and the Jews had it in for him. He got under their skin. They said he was a ringleader and a crowd stirrer—he had an awesome reputation. We should want to be troublemakers who stir people to action for the Lord! Paul admitted to his accusers his belief of the scriptures and prophets and his hope that God would raise “both the righteous and the ungodly.” Paul believed that his actions in this life had an impact on the life to come and so he “always (tried) to maintain a clear conscience before God and everyone else” (v.16). Paul had a clear conscience about what he did because he knew the kind of ‘trouble’ he stirred wherever he went was Godly and Spirit-led.

When Paul made his defense, he didn’t sound like a rioter and he didn’t sound like the kind of guy who would be hated all over the world. Why was Paul’s life so offensive? Because he did everything in the name of Jesus. He believed in radical Christianity, Christianity 24-7, everywhere and in every way. His message was love and he lived that message until it hurt. Paul stirred up trouble by preaching truth, teaching people to love God and man, worshiping wholeheartedly, hoping in God and giving to the poor! He had good news and he was going to share it no matter who it offended. His convictions were strong and he didn’t back down.

We must take one more lesson from Paul before we go out being troublemakers for the Lord. We must have our defenses in order. Paul was ready to face his accusers with the truth; no lies and no excuses. He told the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth—and we know he did because his whole life was a testament to it. Paul always stood up for truth and often got in trouble because of it.

Today there is great potential for getting in trouble for doing good and staying on the side of truth. Being a voice and standing up for the rights of the poor, the aborted, the hungry, the abused and the prostituted can very well get us into trouble in society today. This is the kind of trouble we need to see more of. We need more trouble that aims to revolutionize situations and lives for the better.

Jesus tells us to put him first and spread the gospel. Let’s do it! There are more ways than one to spread the gospel. Spread the gospel of love, peace, justice, mercy, hope, and righteousness. And the next time you get in trouble, make sure it’s for a good cause.

Process:

1. Here is the recipe for becoming a revolutionary troublemaker: love like crazy, live, give, preach, teach, worship, believe, be bold, be good, have faith and walk the talk. Live like Jesus, for Jesus.

2. You can do it! How can radical love make you a troublemaker today? Have you been living out wholeheartedly the full Gospel of God?

3. In what ways can you live out radical Christianity (“Christianity 24-7, everywhere and in every way”) in your everyday life?

CHALLENGE:

Go through and look at the chapter again and answer the following questions.

What is this chapter about?

Who are the main characters?

When does this event or teaching take place?

Where does this happen?

Why is this being done or said?

Monday, July 19th
Read: Acts 23

Paul got arrested, beaten, and even had an attempt on his life. He had to face his accusers and give reason for his words and actions. In this chapter of Acts, Paul’s words incited argument between the Sadducees and Pharisees and prompted the Jews to plan an ambush that would take his life. Through it all, the Lord stood near Paul and reminded him to “Take courage.”

God knew that Paul’s troubles would not end there. He told Paul to take courage because his mission wasn’t over. God’s next mission field for Paul was Rome. Within this story we find Paul slyly escaping an argument and sending his accusers in a fight with one another. We may find ourselves easily thrust into arguments and fights, but this is not the way of a true revolutionary. Sometimes, we’re not even sure how arguments begin.

The Lord has a track record of sending the enemy into confusion and thwarting his plans. The story in 2 Chronicles 20:20-23 illustrates this principle well. King Jehoshaphat led his army into battle with praise and worship of the Lord at the forefront. As they began to honor God in this way, their enemies were confused and began to fight one another! God’s people were spared.
Jesus—the greatest example of a revolutionary—never got caught up with people such as the Pharisees and their deceptive arguments. He was slow to speak and quick to listen to the Holy Spirit who always gave the right response. After talking with Jesus, sometimes his adversaries went away confused and up in arms with each other. God thwarts the plans of the wicked and accomplishes much through the obedience of the righteous.

God provided for and protected Paul every step of his journey. In order to escape the planned ambush, God used Paul’s nephew (who heard of the plan) to provide a commander of the Roman army to escort him safely there. God may not use the most obvious methods, but He always looks out for us and always puts us where we need to be. God thwarted the enemy in this circumstance so that His will could be done through Paul’s mission to Rome. The Lord trusted Paul with this work and mission because of his proven faithfulness and obedience.

Process:

1. Do you get caught up in worthless arguments? What can you do to ensure you’re only involved in discussions that edify others, bring glory to God and extend the work of His Kingdom?

2. Has God entrusted you with a specific mission? If not, how can you work towards faithfulness and obedience to Him today so that He can trust you with a larger task? How can you be sure that you are fulfilling God’s mission for your life?