First Words of the Gospel

During the Christmas season, more and more people (some who have not opened a Bible in 360 days and will not open it again for another 360 days) will open to the first two chapters of the book of Luke. Luke details Christ’s birth more than the other writers. From Luke’s account of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, readers KNOW that Jesus was completely human and completely Divine, God’s Son. My constant prayer throughout the holidays is that someone who looks to the Bible for the record of Christ’s birth will come to know Him and the Salvation found in His name. As one opens up Luke’s gospel account (the good news of Jesus Christ), they are met by the words, “fear not.” Over and over again throughout this book the reader sees great lessons from the repetition of the words, “fear not.” By way of Bible study, let us consider these passages:

Luke 1:13 – Here we find the first dialogue in the New Testament concerning the Gospel, the first words of God’s plan for man’s salvation, as the angel spoke to Zacharias (the father of John the Baptizer), “Fear not.” As the heavenly being spoke to a man, the angel reassured that man with the comforting words of God, “Fear not.”

Luke 1:30 – As the angel spoke to Mary, announcing that from her womb, she, one who had not known man, would conceive and gift birth to the King of Israel, the Son of God, Immanuel, he spoke to her with the same words of comfort, “Fear not.” Before Mary could express her fears or question the angel, she heard those comforting words.

The phrase, “Fear not,” is found seven total times in Luke, twice as mentioned above spoken by angels and five times by the Savior. The context of each one is very telling. In Luke 5:10 Jesus gives these words of assurance as a call to faith to disciples who are leaving the security of their occupations to become fishers of men: men dedicated to following Christ and spreading His Word. When we leave the comfort of this life to serve Christ, He says to us, “Fear not.”

Jesus uses the same words of comfort and hope in Luke 8:50 to show His power over death. These words comforted the ruler of the synagogue whose daughter had just died (before Christ raised her from the dead) and comfort us today as we look forward with hope to the final resurrection. When we wonder if God cares for us, once again He says, “Fear not,” (Luke 12:7) even the very hairs of our head are numbered and known by our heavenly Father. When we wonder if God will provide for us, Christ says, “Fear not,” Luke 12:37. What great words of comfort to those who put their trust in God. As faithful Christians we have nothing to be afraid of in this life or on this earth.

The final “Fear not,” is found in a much different context in Luke 18:4. Jesus tells a parable of a man, a judge, “who fears not God.” He was a man whose pride consumed him and caused him to trust only in himself. When one trusts in God, he has nothing to fear. However, if a man does not fear God, he will not keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13) and should be very afraid because he stands condemned in the sight of the Almighty.

this is a reprint of an article for the San Marcos Sounder

Read more...

Family of God

As the Apostle wrote 1 Peter to those suffering, persecuted Christians, he reassured them with details concerning the family of God upon which they, as members, could lean. These Scriptures still give us comfort and strength as we look to this family of God for courage, strength, and support. In 1 Peter 2, the Bible says the family of God and individual Christians are the following:
"Newborn babes, living stones of spiritual house, priests, an elect race, of royal blood, a people for God’s own possession, a people of God, pilgrims, and a brotherhood."
This is the most glorious family on earth. We are the house or household of God (Ephesians 2:19-20; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; Hebrews 10:21; 1 Peter 4:17).
Romans 8:16-17 also describes the family structure of the New Testament church, “The
Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.” Therefore God is the Father and Jesus Christ is the Son (and the head of the church with all authority from God, Ephesians 1:22-23) and we are the brothers of Christ, joint-heirs with our Elder Brother Jesus. That which Jesus has inherited in heaven is awaiting all Christians. We can continue this family analogy,
-Born into this family John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:23
-Each is distinct and different but beneficial part (cf. 1 Corinthians 12)
-Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1-2)
-We are not (should not) be part of another family cf. John 8:44
-We have an inheritance from our Father (Colossians 1:12)

If there has ever been a boy proud of his mother on Mother’s Day, if there has ever been a mother proud of her son’s grades, if there has ever been a daughter proud of her father’s occupation, if there has ever been a brother proud of his sister’s accomplishments, if there has ever been a father proud of his newborn son who would carry on the family name, then we, realizing that we are a part of the great and glorious family of Christ, ought to take great pride in our family and our family name (2 Corinthians 10:17, 1 Peter 4:17). Certain results come from taking pride in our family name, the name Christian. First, we should take enough pride in our family to tell others about it (Mark 16:15). Furthermore, would we not tell our friends if our fathers or mothers were a Senator or the President? But our Father is God! Second, the chief characteristic, the defining attribute, the distinguishing mark of our family should be love (John 13:35). We need to treat each other as family members OUGHT to be treated, 1 Timothy 5:2, “Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brethren: the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.” Third, our pride in God’s family should affect enough allegiance within us to defend our glorious name through our mighty spiritual weapons. We should want to stand up for Jesus as we so readily sing, and we all should be willing to contend for the faith (Jude 3). Finally, we must live for this family, doing that which is our duty, giving our due diligence to God and one another.

Read more...

Christmas and Family

Our family has never celebrated Christmas as the birthday of Jesus. We are not accustomed to reading Luke 2 or decorating with nativity scenes. Even though Christmas began as a religious (and somewhat pagan) holiday, my family has never observed it as such. Married now, my wife and I still do not celebrate Christmas as any sort of religious holiday (though we pray regularly that all who do celebrate the birth of Christ would also see his sinless life, matchless teachings, saving death, triumphant resurrection, and glorious church). We do however love this time of the year. The weather is usually cold, the lights are shining brightly, and generally people are, well, jollier. We are not much into Santa, but my wife loves her Christmas tree, snowmen, snowflakes, and festive decorations. But, above all else, the one thing that makes this time of year special to me is family. So many people are able to get a day or two (or week or two) off for the holidays. This time off allows for much needed family time. As this blog develops, you might notice that I believe in families. I believe that family decay leads to moral and national decay (read “what is currently happening in the US”). Though both my mom and my wife’s parents conveniently live close to each other, they do not live close to all their children. This time of year gives us a great opportunity to spend time renewing and further developing relationships with these wonderful people who we love very much. It is very unfortunate that Christmas has become more of a capitalistic holiday than anything religious or family-oriented. My hope for this Christmas season, as I am enjoying time with my family, is that families (no matter what gifts are under the tree) will nurture and sustain relationships and rekindle proper values. It is this “back to the basics” thinking that families need to be strong, to strengthen the church, and to strengthen our nation.

Read more...

Selecting a College

A. Choosing a School
Size- The population of the city and school should be considered. Smaller universities provide a greater Student-faculty ratio and more one-on-one instruction. This provides great opportunities for relationships. However, larger universities usually offer more opportunities for research and recognition and varied class schedule. Also, larger universities are often in larger cites, but this is not always the case.
Type- There are technical schools, business colleges, junior colleges, and universities. Is it a private or public institution? All of these have benefits and drawbacks.
Location- How is the city? How are the surrounding towns? How far are you from home and family? What are you looking for in the surrounding area: stores and shopping? skiing and recreation? museums and cultre? Do some research on the city and area and visit the college and the surrounding town.
Student Body Makeup- College provides a great atmosphere to meet people of diverse backgrounds. Some consideration should be given in this area. Larger schools usually have a greater diversity in student bodies while regional schools are usually made up of peopel who live in proximity.
Academics- Will this school prepare me for my next step? Does it offer the major/field I am looking for? Does the school have recognition in academics? Will a degree from this school help me get a job? Some students want to go to the "best" academic univeristy that their scores and grades allow while others choose a school becuase of other factors. Usually, third party information is needed to determine how certain schools match-up against one another.
US News Rankings
Princeton Review Rankings
Peterson's Four Year Colleges
Cost- How much does the school cost? Is it public or private? Is it a junior college or 4-year college? How good are the financial aid options? All of this information should be available online or through the financial aid office of the school.
Programs/Sports- If a student is interested in choir, you may want to consider a college that offers choir. How important is a top-tier sports program? What are you looking for in your college experience?
Church- See point “B”

B. Choosing a Church
Is there only one congregation of Christ’s church in this community? Is it strong/sound? Are there multiple congregations of the Lord’s church? Which one should be chosen? I encourage students to make out a priority list of what they are looking for in a local congregation. Number one should be sound doctrine, adherence to Jesus Christ and His word (this should be seen in public and private teaching and in the lifestyles of members). Truth should be taught and practice. Other factors to consider: Do they have an eldership? Are there other college students? Do they seem to neglect college students (this is bad)? Do they make college students the focus of the church instead of Christ (this is also bad)? Let once again take a selfish opportunity to plug Texas State, the University church of Christ and the McCarty Student Center!

C. Choosing a Major
While you certainly do not have to choose a major before going to school (and most people change once they are in school), now is the time to consider the next step after college. These questions (at least) should be considered. Can I get a job with this major or will I have to go to Graduate School? Does this college/university have special qualifications or prerequisites in this major? Can I glorify God with this major? Generally, degrees that offer the gradaute with the opportunity to have related career are computer science (and computer related majors), engineering (and related majors), sciences like chemistry and physics (but often times you need more education),nursing, and education (teaching).
Some resources:
Idiot's Guide to Choosing a College Major
Guide to College Majors 2009
(One of these books or something similar would make a great high school graduation gift!)

D. Choosing Extracurricular Activities
There are many and varied activities to be involved in college. This is a time of godly experimentation and growth as well as a time of character development. While extracurriculars can add to your time in college and should be considered, be sure that extracurricular activities do not take away from regular Bible study opportunities and worship.

Read more...

Grow Up

Each generation seems to be less responsible and less mature than the one before it. One of the signs of this is the fact that many adults live with and depend on their parents. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “Statistics reveal that 25 percent of adult children between 30 and 34 still live at home or have returned home over a period of time (60 percent for the 22-to-24 set and about 30 percent for those from 25 to 29).”
We could postulate a number of different reasons for this phenomenon. People are getting more education, people are getting married later in life, and ultimately everyone (especially parents) is putting less and less responsibility on the shoulders of young adults. So, twenty-year-old guys sit around playing video games all day and party all night with their underwear hanging out of their pants. This is why twenty-year-old girls talk like ‘valley girls’ about meaningless things and wear too little with their underwear showing above their pants.
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things,” 1 Corinthians 13:11. This is a principle. The church needs to lead the way in this society and the world concerning the way people should act. We should not shun proper responsibility. We should not put off growing up. Maturity should be sought by each and every one of us.
Christians are commanded to grow. “But speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ,” Ephesians 4:15. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…,” 2 Peter 3:18. God wants us to grow up and be more and more like Jesus. We also are to develop more grace (thankfulness) and knowledge. This requires that we encourage one another to grow and take the steps needed ourselves in order to mature according to the purpose which God has called us to His glory.

Read more...

Preparation for College 3

Spiritual Preparation

As a student nears the point of leaving home they must be ready to display their OWN faith. At college one will encounter an onslaught of forces from the world (unfortunately some of these are even present at Christian Colleges) and the prince of this world. Ephesians 6 would call these attacks "fiery darts":

1. Atheism – the belief that God does not exist (it has an ugly cousin “agnosticism” which means we cannot know that God does exist). Atheism exists on college campuses unlike any other place in the world, be ready for it. (Hebrews 11:1)

2. Evolution – life came from non-life and eventuated to human beings (it also has an ugly cousin “theistic evolution” which means life came from God who used evolution to get us to where we are today). Evolution is the predominant ‘science’ on college campuses. (Genesis 1:1-2:1)

3. Secular Humanism – the belief that everything man needs is within himself, and therefore he does not need to rely on God. (Jeremiah 10:23)

4. Immorality – drugs, alcohol, dancing (and “clubbing”), cheating, sex, and gambling will all be made readily available on 99% of ALL college and university campuses. These things are ‘normal’ for most college students. (Ecclesiastes 12:1, 1 Timothy 4:12)



Parents and students need to be aware of each of these, have the knowledge of Scripture to weather the storms brought on by them, and have the ability to show from reason and the Scriptures that a worldly life is against God's will.

Read more...

God, the Bible, and US History 4

God in our Founding Documents:

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798 John Adams

“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” (Declaration of Independence)

".that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." (Declaration of Independence)

"If any bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he had signed it." (U.S Constitution, Art. I, Section 7, Paragraph 2)

"And Whereas it hath pleased the Great Governor of the World to incline the hearts of the legislatures we respectively represent in Congress, to approve of, and to authorize us to ratify the said Articles of Confederation and perpetual Union." Articles of Confederation

At the Constitutional Convention of 1787, James Madison proposed the plan to divide the
central government into three branches. He discovered this model of government from
the Perfect Governor, as he read Isaiah 33:22;
“For the LORD is our judge, [judicial]
the LORD is our lawgiver, [legislative]
the LORD is our king; [executive]
He will save us.”

Read more...

Preparation for College 2

Financial Preparation

1. Students should begin researching local scholarships as soon as possible.


2. FAFSA: This was a term I had never heard before my senior year of high school. This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. If a student is not going to have his/her way paid to college, they must fill this form out. It is due between January 1 and June 30 of the year preceding the Fall Semester of enrollment (so if I were to enroll for classes in September 2010, my FAFSA would be due June 30, 2010). For any student in the US to get Federal tuition assistance (Grants, Loans, or Work Programs), he/she MUST fill out a FAFSA. It cannot hurt you to fill out a FAFSA; it can only help. By filling one out, you are not obligated to take a student loan or anything of that sort. You may fill one out online or a hard copy to be mailed in. You will need parents/students bank information and tax information (they ask some really personal financial questions). It is easier to fill out once you have compiled your taxes.

Website: www.fafsa.ed.gov/



3. Parents may have to consider how much they are willing to help/support college students. From my limited experience, I have noticed that students who receive full or most support from parents are able to not have to have a job and to have more time to participate in church and volunteer functions (as well as other imaginable activities). However, these students seem less appreciative of their college education. Whereas students who support themselves through academic or non-academic scholarships (or through work and even loans) seem to have less time, but they often value their education more. Balance seems to be the best where it is possible.


4. A Student Budget
For an average college student, money is tight. There are always places to go, food to eat, and things to do; but there is not always the money to do it. Though we should become knowledgeable with handling finances before college, this is the time when young people are on their own and should be responsible for living within their means.
Budget For Dummies


5. Credit Cards

If students have and live by a good budget, then credit cards "shouldn't" be too much of a problem. BUT, credit cards create huge problems. Often, we are guilty of paying for those burgers and movies we enjoyed in college well after we begin our careers. Speaking with first hand experience, stay away from credit card debt in college. The average college student graduates with $3,000 in credit card debt in addition to over $17,000 in student loan debt. Young people need to know the dangers of credit card debt and overall poor stewardship.

Read more...

Life Lessons from a College Graduation

Tonight I was able and honored to attend the college graduation of two upstanding Christian women. I am excited about what they have planned ahead and hope and pray that they continue to serve God wherever they find themselves.

1. There is no place like college. Whether a football game, lunch in the cafeteria, sitting in class, or graduation, there is no place like college. Love it or hate it, there is no place like college. It is an atmosphere like no other. Every campus has its quirks and traditions. Though lives could certainly be complete without going to college or university, it is indeed an environment that is unlike any other.

2. Take time to celebrate accomplishments. Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” A cheerful heart is a good thing. With all the hustle and bustle today, it is nice to stop and celebrate the achievements of the people who God has graciously put in our lives. When graduates crossed the stage for Ph.D.s, Masters’ Degrees, and Bachelors degrees, that moment was the finish line they were looking forward to for 4, 6, 10, or more years.

3. It is good to be with family and friends. Celebration would only be half what it could be if we didn’t have families and friends to rejoice with us. At the graduation, the parents, then grandparents, then aunts and uncles, then friends were all asked to stand with the graduates. As the thousands of people rose to their feet, I hope the graduates noticed all the people who loved and cared for them.

4. An individual or two can ruin someone’s night. As families anxiously waited on their loved one’s name to be called, there was a pretty good chance that name they waited on would be drowned out by an obnoxious fraternity, screaming family, or air horns. It is nice that they were there to support and celebrate, but it is too bad that their celebration was at the expense of others. As students imagined their graduation day for the years leading up to it, I doubt that they imagined their name being drowned out by air horns as they received their diplomas.

5. College is a stepping-stone not a destination. Even though it takes some people 6 or 7 years to get an undergraduate degree, college should only be the next step in life. Though graduation is a time to celebrate, if it is the greatest accomplishment of your life, your life is a failure. School is where we are educated. Education means nothing without the action to follow it. Education has never made a successful life nor for a life pleasing to God.

Read more...

Preparation for College 1

Academic Preparation

1. College Prep Classes: Physics, Calculus, English 4, Chemistry, Algebra
(These are just some of the classes that students should take before going to college in order to be better prepared for the work load.) You might also consider elective classes in business or psychology if your school offers them. In many places today it is possible to take dual credit classes, earning credit for both high school and college. These college hours will come in handy in college!


2. Standardized Tests
ACT (learn more at www.act.org/ and http://www.testpreview.com/ )
SAT (http://www.sattest.com/)
*Most colleges accept both
The ACT is more content based (usually what is taught in public schools) whereas the SAT is more problem solving/critical thinking (or the application of knowledge). You choose which schools receive your scores, and some schools award scholarships based on these scores. If you take these tests early, you have the opportunity to take them again.


3. Student Interests:
We will discuss more about choosing a school later, but now is a good time to mention that students should be considering schools which match their interests. Most schools, colleges, and universities (if not all) have valuable information on their websites. However, these sites will only give you positive information. So there are some third party assessors of schools (e.g. Princeton Review and US News). Another good way to get information is by visiting the college campus and talking with professors or by visiting a college fair where multiple schools are on display for comparison.


4. Volunteer Works:
Colleges and scholarship committees love applicants who volunteer with local or national organizations. Even giving a little time makes a student more desirable. Talk to parents, counselors, those in healthcare, and small business owners about local opportunities. Some national organizations probably have area chapters. Check these out:


Red Cross
Scouts
Boy and Girls Club
CASA


Test help guides for high-school juniors and seniors:
SAT Study Guide by The College Board

Cracking the SAT by Princeton Review

Extensive but Expensive Kaplan ACT Test Prep

McGraw-Hill's ACT Test Prep

Read more...

God, the Bible, and US History Part 3

Our examination of America's Christian founding continues with words from George Washington, our first president. By all accounts, Washington was a pios man believing in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. If these words from our first president were read aloud in the public school classroom, there would be a great outcry. Notice these words:



One excerpt from Washington's Prayer Journal:



"Almighty and eternal Lord God, the great creator of heaven & earth, and the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; look down from heaven, in pity and compassion upon me thy servant, who humbly prostrate myself before thee, sensible of thy mercy and my own misery; there is an infinite distance between thy glorious majesty and me, thy poor creature, the work of thy hand, between thy infinite power, and my weakness, thy wisdom, and my folly, thy eternal Being, and my mortal frame, but, O Lord, I have set myself at a greater distance from thee by my sin..."



View his other prayers here: http://www.constitution.org/primarysources/george.html



Excerpts from George Washington's First Inaugural Address:

"Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge.

"No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted can not be compared with the means by which most governments have been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage.

"…since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

"Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend."


Great web resource: http://gba.wavethemes.net/

Great dvd click here: The Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Hertiage

Great book click here: The Silencing Of God - The Dismantling Of America's Christian Heritage

Also Check out http://www.wvbs.org/

Read more...

God, the Bible, and US History Part 2

In the continuing battle against the Christian history of America by the media, politicians, teachers, and other groups, Christians need to be armed with the facts about our country's founding. Whether in elementary to college, our young people need to know these things. Though I am not sure that any of America's founding fathers were New Testament Christians, their belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ was evident from their words. Over and over again they sought the providence of God in the American experiment. In Part 2 we will see even more quotes from and about our founding fathers.


Well known cry of the Revolutionary War: “We recognize no sovereign but God and no King but Jesus.”

"We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." --October 11, 1798 John Adams

"I have examined all religions, as well as my narrow sphere, my straightened means, and my busy life, would allow; and the result is that the Bible is the best Book in the world. It contains more philosophy than all the libraries I have seen." December 25, 1813 letter to Thomas Jefferson – John Adams

"A Bible and a newspaper in every house,a good school in every district -all studied and appreciated as they merit -are the principal support of virtue, morality, and civil liberty."
Benjamin Franklin

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity and freedom of worship here.” Patrick Henry

Some Other Signers of the Constitution:
“Neither...let it be overlooked, that public utility pleads most forcibly for the general distribution of the Holy Scriptures.” James McHenry

"Blasphemy against the Almighty is denying his being or providence, or uttering contumelious reproaches on our Saviour Christ. It is punished, at common law by fine and imprisonment, for Christianity is part of the laws of the land." C.C. Pinckney

Besides the Bible, “no book holds greater esteem.” Roger Sherman (only person to sign the Articles of Association, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution)

"To the character of hero and patriot, this good man added that of Christian. Although the
greatest man upon earth, he disdained not to humble himself before his God and to trust
in the mercies of Christ.” Gunning Bedford about George Washington


Great web resource: http://gba.wavethemes.net/

Great dvd click here: The Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Hertiage

Great book click here: The Silencing Of God - The Dismantling Of America's Christian Heritage

Also Check out http://www.wvbs.org/

Read more...

Important Dates

From time to time, I want to remind high schoolers and parents about the upcoming dates of which they need to be aware. These will include applying for financial aid, time lines for SAT and ACT, applying to college, and visiting campuses.

High School Seniors:
August-December: Make a list of schools that you are considering. Take the SAT and/or the ACT.

September-April: Visit as many of those schools as you can (and try to find a faithful church in the area).

November-January: Apply to the schools you choose. If you wait until later in the Spring, you can certainly get in, but earlier is always better. If possible, apply to more than one school and narrow your search in the Spring semester of your senior year. Remeber to consider Texas State and the McCarty Student Center!

January 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. January 1 is the best day to fill out the FAFSA because you will have all the financial information from the previous year (at least in theory). Filling out the FAFSA and sending it to the schools you are conisdering early will give you the greatest opportunity for recieving grants and possibly scholarships (money you don' t have to pay back).

*June 30: The absolute last day to submit the FAFSA (federal deadline). In Texas, the deadline for FAFSA depends on the College/School/Univeristy you are applying to.*


Test help guides for high-school juniors and seniors:
SAT Study Guide by The College Board

Cracking the SAT by Princeton Review

Extensive but Expensive Kaplan ACT Test Prep

McGraw-Hill's ACT Test Prep

Read more...

God, the Bible, and US History Part 1

One of the places that the faith of our young people (college, high school, and younger) is in the history classroom. Many of our founding fathers would be kicked out of public schools and would not be welcome in most universities because of their expressed faith in God. Americans need to know the principles and beliefs upon which our country was founded. Some who would like to remove God from public life are content with allowing us to keep our views while attacking God, the Bible, and true US history in the classroom. Parents and students need to be armed with the facts! Here in Part 1, lets look at some quotes from our founding fathers.

"God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is Just; that His justice cannot sleep forever." - Thomas Jefferson, 1781 (Engraved on the Jefferson Memorial)

The right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty... The Rights of the Colonists as Christians... may be best understood by reading and carefully studying the institutes of the great Law Giver... which are to be found clearly written and promulgated in the New Testament" - Samuel Adams (1772)

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Leviticus 25:10 (Scripture inscribed on the base of the Liberty Bell)

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected, in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity." - John Quincy Adams

We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." - James Madison

Great web resource: http://gba.wavethemes.net/

Great dvd click here: The Silencing of God: The Dismantling of America's Christian Hertiage

Great book click here: The Silencing Of God - The Dismantling Of America's Christian Heritage

Also Check out http://www.wvbs.org/

Read more...

2008-2009 McCarty Student Center Year in Review

As you all know, our efforts and activities are focused in three areas: Spiritual, Service, and Social. Many of our events and meetings combine these different aspects of our ministry. Weekly we get together for Bible Studies on Monday nights during both semesters, and everyone is invited. This past fall we studied cultural questions from a Biblical view focusing on issues like sex, drugs, rock and roll, abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, and others. In the spring semester we focused our study on distinct Bible doctrines such as the church, faith, baptism, and worship. On Thursday nights during the school year, we meet together for devotionals. Usually we sing for 30 minutes outside on campus before having a short Bible lesson from one of our guys. We close out the evening with a group prayer. Though these studies and devos are primarily of the Spiritual nature, we also make them a great time of social interaction and fellowship. Of our other spiritual activities, we have retreats and a mission trip. This past year, our Fall Retreat in October and our Spring Retreat in February were both held at the H.E.B. foundation camp. The retreat weekends are some of the best times of the year. We have speakers come in for the weekend and split our time between serious Bible study and serious fun. Our final and main Spiritual activity of the year is our Spring Break mission trip. For the past two years, we have been blessed with the opportunity to go to Jamaica to do an evangelistic campaign. In the spring of 2010, our students will be part of an evangelistic campaign in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica. It is already an exciting time as we prepare ourselves for such an event.
The 2009 mission trip to Jack’s River, Jamaica, was quite a great event. Our mission team consisted of Trent Kennedy (campus minister), Joe O’Banon (elder of the University Church of Christ), Cliff Caskey (President of the McCarty Board of Directors), one former student, and eight current Texas State students. We had 98 individual studies (many with whom we had follow-up studies). Of these 98 individuals, 11 were baptized into Christ. Though many college students spent there Spring Break on vacation, our group was truly laboring in God’s vineyard!
Through the semester, we also try to have student-led service projects. This past year we had three main service projects. One was yard work for a 90 year-old former preacher who lives in San Marcos. Another was for a widow from the University Church of Christ who had fallen in her yard a number of times. Our students spent half a day digging rocks, boulders, and other hazards out of her country yard. Also, it has become a recent tradition for McCarty to send care packages to soldiers over seas. Last year we sent care packages to one of our student’s cousin and to one of our student’s brother-in-law.
Finally, our ministry consists of social gatherings. We have back to school parties, game and/or movie nights, holiday parties and the like. Though the focus of our ministry is not on entertainment, we do enjoy using our facilities to have good, clean, Christian fun.
If there is anyone you know who is a Texas State student or college-age in the San Marcos area, please put them in touch with us, so we can work together to get to heaven. Trent Kennedy

Read more...

About this Blog

As a campus minister, I see the affects of the gospel in the lives of young people. Adversely, I see the affects of the lack of the gospel in the live of many, many young people, including Christians. My aim with this blog is to 1.) prepare high school juniors and seniors to be faithful Christians in college 2.) help college students remain faithful and grow stronger while in college 3.) assist Christian parents with strengthening the faith of their loved ones 4.) give younger students (jr. high and high school freshmen & sophomores) some ideas and encouragement about building a faith that will last a lifetime. I became a campus minister because of the challenge and opportunity of teaching a vital age group (18-25 ….and sometimes beyond…) the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope this blog will help students and parents prepare spiritually (first and foremost) and scholastically for college. The energy of college students and college-aged young people is tremendous and needs to be a place where the church grows and thrives, but right now, most young people are growing further and further from Christ. I plan to use these pages to talk about worldliness, atheism, evolution, denominationalism, the emerging church, and other philosophies that seek to destroy faith. Along the way, I also hope to discuss bible study methods, FASFA, SAT and ACT, high school classes, choosing a college, and choosing a church. I do not claim to be an expert, but I hope this blog will give us a forum for an open exchange of information to help Christians in this critical time in the lives of family members.

Read more...