Matt Messner

Last night was the first time in forever that I was nervous before youth group. Ironically, I didn't really have much to do with it. A student that I am mentoring told me a while ago that he wanted to get into speaking. He had never preached before but I felt comfortable enough to let him do it on a Wednesday night. He did a great job. God totally used him. I can honestly say that at his age I would have wet my pants if I had to stand in front of my peers and preach. We had 105 students last night and they were so supportive of him. I was very proud of them. 

Matt spoke on the Gospel from Romans 1. It was a fairly deep message for a high schooler. Matt reminded us of Paul's undying commitment to the Gospel and how to live that out. 

The most exciting part for me was afterwards when a few girls game up to me and said that when Matt preached he looked just like me. The girls said his hand motions were identical. I took it as a great compliment. 

I believe God will use Matt greatly. I am very eager to hear what his future holds.

 

Middle Schoolers

I have had the opportunity to day a two day retreat with the middle schoolers here at our school. I am a rare person in that I would at times choose middle schoolers over high schoolers. No I don't use drugs  and am not crazy but I really do love that age. Many times I want to hug them. Many times I would like to use torture devices on them. They don't make any sense. But there is some order to their chaotic world. They are at an age where they are so confused, so scared, but can still laugh. All that to say I want to share 3 questions that these kids asked me.

Question #1- "Why didn't God stop sin from coming into the world?" 

Answer- God would be most glorified by this plan. Was sin a surprise to God? Heck no. What an insult. God knew what was going to happen but he wanted in the ages to come to share his grace with his created beings (Ephesians 2:7)

Question #2- "Why do bad things happen to good people?" 

Answer- We suck. There are no good people. Have you watched that show Two and a Half Men? It is impossible to deny total depravity after watching 5 minutes of that show.

Question #3- "Why does God give us parents, if he knows they are the type of parents that will divorce and leave?"

Answer- This is so heartbreaking to me. I can't answer that question. I think divorce is repulsive. The majority of my friends have been screwed by this man centered decision. It affects them forever. My own mother probably asks this question. I just want to tell whoever this kid is that this is not God who did this. God is madly in love with this kid. 

God has given me the greatest job ever. I don't make a lot of money but I can honestly say I feel like I am cheating the church at times because I have so much fun and blessing from this.