GCC's Sacred Cross

In our 5th week of our series - we learned that God wants an "Intimate" relationship. What does Intimate mean? The dictionary defines it as "Associated in close personal relations - as an Intimate friend."

Do you have an intimate relationship with God? Do you have a personal relationship with him?

God also has given us the church as a way to have intimate friendships with one another - to have a safe place to come to where its full of sinners who have open arms & say, "I will not judge you - I'm in the same boat as you"

Does our church do that? Are you doing that to people who come to our church? Do you have your arms open to other sinners?

God has his arms open to us!

Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go & make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit & teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Sharing your faith is so important in this world! There are so many lost people who dont know Jesus or understand what it is to accept His loving grace.

Remember the easy A-B-C steps we talked about:
A - Admit you are a sinner (Romans 3:23)
B - Believe Jesus died for your sins & rose again (Romans 5:8)
C - Commit your life to following Him (Romans 12:1-2)

Be bold! Reflect Christ! Let others see something different in you that they crave!

Hope you enjoyed the video we shared as well!!!! See ya in small group Wednesday!

Our small group has begun & I was thrilled to see 6 girls turn out for the first night. I have already heard from 3 more girls that will be attending the next gathering. We are studying the book from Dr. Jill Hubbard, "Secrets that Young Girls Keep". And dont let that frighten you - no one is going to force any secret out of you. Its just looking at what secrets people hold in - especially young ladies, & how to look at it with Godly persecptive and to not be bound to the secrets in our lives & let that control you, instead of the grace of God.

We will meet in October on October 13th & October 27th (the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month) at Crossroads at 7:00. Hope to see you there!

We talked about how Jesus said that "MANY" are on the Broad Road that leads to destruction & only a "FEW" find the narrow road that leads to life.

Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate & broad is the road that leads to destruction, & many enter through it. But small is the gate & narrow the road that leads to life & only a few find it."

Remember the example of the narrow road & how when we are on it, how our focus is more on Christ. Keep in mind though, that Broad Road is still going to call your name & tempt you to jump off that narrow path! Keep your focus on your relationship with Christ & let others on that path encourage you as well!

You know that path is there now! Which one are you on?

Are we ruining our lives with too much fun?

Check out this post from The Rebelution.

Today was the beginning of some new classses for some of you - & for others, the addition or removal of different faces. The 6th grade class has moved up & are now new members of our youth group - be sure to stop & make them feel welcome. As you may remember, it can be a scary thing moving into a different environment.

The 9th graders have now made their move up to Senior High & we're excited to see new growth come from these changes! Be encouraged about all the changes & look forward to what is in store for you!

And no matter what grade you're in, remember all of the leaders are there for each one of you - no matter what class you are in! You are loved & cared for! Let's all continue to grow with each other & more importantly, with our Lord & Savior!

Let's have a great year!!!!

Both Jr. & Sr. High classes discussed the importance of Decisions & how they effect your destination. We all make bad decisions - but what kind of decisions are you going to make going forward? Has anyone accepted the 48 hour challenge of your "Spiritual GPS"?

Remember - ask yourself before ANY decision is made - "Is this the wise thing to do?" - Watch & see how God speaks to your heart with that question & how your decisions may be different.

Proverbs 23:19 "Listen & be wise; & keep your heart on the right path

I am so stinkin' excited about the lesson this Wednesday!

I told a few people that we would have fun on Wednesday because it will be our last time together with the 8th graders but God has convicted me and I have decided to do a "180" and go a different direction.

The things he has laid on my heart to share with you guys is amazing!

Hint: Your Choice!

I know you guys were hit with a heavy message by Ryan but we just want you to think about the message that was delivered to your hearts by the Holy Spirit! Here are some questions that you can ask yourself again:

• What are you listening to - what are you watching?
• Do you find yourself singing lyrics that aren't appropriate?
• Who do you look up to in this world? Celebrities - or people who dedicate themselves to Christian living?
• Has there been a change in you since you accepted Christ?
• Are you involved in things that are the very reason that Christ died?

We are praying for you - especially those who took their situations to God & prayed for strength to be a better Christian. God hears your cries when you call out for Him! Lean on His strength to help you through!

In case you missed it - or just want to be reminded of how good this was - here is the video Bobby used with his message yesterday. I challenge you all to want to go that extra degree in your relationship with Christ.

I am really excited to be teaching the lesson this coming Sunday. I know that it will both challenge you and make you examine your walk with Christ.

One of the reasons I am so excited about this lesson is because I didn't get it until today!I had a lesson already planned and ready to go for Sunday but for some reason God spoke to me and said that it wasn't yet time for that one and instead he gave me this one.

WHO AM I?

That's the question we will be answering and it may not be what you think...

Welcome to the new blog for the youth ministries at GCC!

We've decided to combine both the Cross Roads blog and the Sacred Grounds blog into one, (Sacred Cross) so that we are unified as a youth group and accessibility is made easier.

Look for any new posts pertaining to any of the two ministries and all of the leaders from both ministries will be contributing as well. If you just want to look at things pertaining to the Cross Roads ministry simply click on the label Cross Roads. If you want anything pertaining to Sacred Grounds then click on Sacred Grounds. It's fast, easy and informative.

Enjoy!