Dear Parents
Last week we had a blast looking at the coming of Jesus and the prophecies centered around his birth. This week we will fast forward about 30 years and look at the prophecy in Daniel 9 that foretold, to the year, when Jesus would start His earthly ministry and be cut off from God on the cross. This is a fascinating and faith strengthening passage.
Our teens struggle with knowing what is true, and what they should believe. I’ve found they desperately want to be saved and obtain eternal life, but there are so many voices, opinions, and religions bombarding them they often feel stuck. The Bible isn’t always the most interesting book to read, for example Ezra 7 is a letter from king Artaxerxes and in it he talks about how many pounds of wine, wheat, and salt Ezra was to bring back to Jerusalem. Not the most riveting of information, and yet it is in this letter that the king issues a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem which starts the countdown to Jesus being sacrificed on the cross. And because of historical records we know this decree was sent in 457 BC.
The Bible isn’t the most interesting book, but that’s because it’s a true historical book, that when studied makes it clear that Jesus is the way the truth and the life, and the only way to the Father is through Him. My hope this week (and all weeks) is that the lesson will help our students fall more and more in love with the one true God.
Our teens struggle with knowing what is true, and what they should believe. I’ve found they desperately want to be saved and obtain eternal life, but there are so many voices, opinions, and religions bombarding them they often feel stuck. The Bible isn’t always the most interesting book to read, for example Ezra 7 is a letter from king Artaxerxes and in it he talks about how many pounds of wine, wheat, and salt Ezra was to bring back to Jerusalem. Not the most riveting of information, and yet it is in this letter that the king issues a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem which starts the countdown to Jesus being sacrificed on the cross. And because of historical records we know this decree was sent in 457 BC.
The Bible isn’t the most interesting book, but that’s because it’s a true historical book, that when studied makes it clear that Jesus is the way the truth and the life, and the only way to the Father is through Him. My hope this week (and all weeks) is that the lesson will help our students fall more and more in love with the one true God.
Connection Points
This week, I encourage you to spend a few minutes talking with your teenager about our lesson. Consider building your conversation around 2 Timothy 1:11-12 and these questions:
• What is something you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt to be true?
• What is something easy to believe about Christianity?
• What is something hard to believe about Christianity?
• What is something we can do as a family to grow closer to Jesus?
Have a great time exploring these topics. Thanks for your prayers and support!
• What is something you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt to be true?
• What is something easy to believe about Christianity?
• What is something hard to believe about Christianity?
• What is something we can do as a family to grow closer to Jesus?
Have a great time exploring these topics. Thanks for your prayers and support!
Announcements
Christmas Vespers! - Each year our youth group adopts a family or two for Christmas and we pour out love in the way of giving gifts. We also eat good food, worship, play games, and build relationships. This year we will have our vespers on December 12 - 6:30-7:30pm. Followed by our White Elephant Gift Exchange.
White Elephant Gift Exchange - Directly following vespers we will partake in a fun CVC Youth Tradition of a gift exchange. Students are instructed to not buy anything, instead to wrap something UNIQUE or INTERESTING already in their home. One thing I have sadly have to highlight each year: NO TRASH.
Refocus - This week will be our Last Refocus of the year. It is also finals week for high schoolers so we're going to have a super chill study night. Students can bring their books, worksheets and study supplies and hang out in a great place with amazing people and wonderful food. Renata will be making Sushi for everyone. 6:30-8pm
Greater Summit Colorado Youth Rally - January 16-19 is an unforgettable weekend designed to help students grow closer to Jesus through powerful talks, uplifting worship, and fun activities with friends! Join the Rocky Mountain and Kansas-Nebraska Conferences for an event that offers a unique chance to connect with God and others in a lively, faith-filled setting. Registration is just $75 for the full weekend (there may be a charge for gas, we are working that out). Register by clicking HERE and then tell pastor Mic, space is limited.
Bible Study Small Group - No Bible study this week due to Vespers
Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512
White Elephant Gift Exchange - Directly following vespers we will partake in a fun CVC Youth Tradition of a gift exchange. Students are instructed to not buy anything, instead to wrap something UNIQUE or INTERESTING already in their home. One thing I have sadly have to highlight each year: NO TRASH.
Refocus - This week will be our Last Refocus of the year. It is also finals week for high schoolers so we're going to have a super chill study night. Students can bring their books, worksheets and study supplies and hang out in a great place with amazing people and wonderful food. Renata will be making Sushi for everyone. 6:30-8pm
Greater Summit Colorado Youth Rally - January 16-19 is an unforgettable weekend designed to help students grow closer to Jesus through powerful talks, uplifting worship, and fun activities with friends! Join the Rocky Mountain and Kansas-Nebraska Conferences for an event that offers a unique chance to connect with God and others in a lively, faith-filled setting. Registration is just $75 for the full weekend (there may be a charge for gas, we are working that out). Register by clicking HERE and then tell pastor Mic, space is limited.
Bible Study Small Group - No Bible study this week due to Vespers
Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512