Brook Hills College – Blog

  1. What’s Your Response to Kisses from Katie?

    October 20, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    Video Promo of Kisses from Katie

    “You are to love the Lord with all your heart, and you’re to love your neighbor as yourself. And my self does’t want to be starving, so I don’t want other people in the world to be starving,” states Katie Davis, a 22 year-old Tennessee native who now lives in Uganda where she has adopted 13 daughters and founded Amazima Ministries.

    After hearing Katie Davis share at our worship gatherings this past Sunday, comments after the service ranged from “I need to drop everything here and move to Uganda” to “I could never do something as radical as that.”

    Caring for the poor is not an option but a requirement according to Scripture. But how this is done looks different for each person. For Katie, it involved foregoing college in order to move to Uganda, to adopt children, and to start a child sponsorship program, a feeding program, and vocational projects for Masese women. Her call from God required her to be radical there.

    Is this God’s call for you?

    Maybe. But His call might be for you to be radical here.

    So how do you know?

    First of all, calling is not based on subjective feelings. My heart was burdened by the great need that Katie shared about, but feelings of compassion alone are not a reason to move to another continent. Feelings change, and God’s call on your life is not based on how you feel today.

    Are you consistently studying the Word and praying? Most of what God desires for you to do with your life is already explicit in Scripture. Are you being obedient right here, right now? If you’re not living missionally here, then what makes you think that you would live missionally somewhere else? How are you being radical where God has you right now? How are you caring for the poor, the widows, the orphans, the oppressed, and the immigrants around you? How are you making disciples of the people that God has already placed in your path? Are you living to the glory of God right now?

    If you are questioning whether or not God is calling you to live and to minister in another zip code, country, or continent, here are some questions that can help guide you.

    • Have believers and leaders in the context of a local church affirmed your calling and recognized spiritual gifts that are in place in your life?
    • Have you discussed this possible calling with your parents? If so, what is their response? God instruct us to honor our parents, and their counsel should not be taken lightly.
    • How diligent have you been in praying about whether or not this is what God is leading you to? Have you fasted and prayed specifically regarding this issue?
    • Are you consistently studying Scripture (and not just flipping to random passages but systematically studying it)? What has God been communicating through His Word? Your service for God should overflow from your relationship with God and your time with Him.
    • Are you being obedient to Scripture in the place where God currently has you?

    Calling is not something determined by the believer alone. Accountability and instruction is essential for every believer, and if you sense that God is calling you into some sort of ministry, such mentoring in the context of your local faith family is even more crucial. While another person cannot tell you what God specifically wants you to do with your life, believers can speak into what they discern regarding how the Holy Spirit has gifted you for service.

    At the end of the worship gathering, Pastor David asked Katie if she thought that what she was doing was radical. Her response? “No. It’s abnormal, but it’s not radical.” Her abnormal might not be your calling, but how are you being obedient to the instructions of Scripture where God has you? How are you being faithful right now?

    If you missed hearing Katie Davis share at our worship gatherings this past Sunday, you can listen to the podcast by visiting this site.

    Category: Church, College Life, MissionTags: , , , , , | Comments (1)

  2. Dodging the Rhino

    October 13, 2011 by B. Taylor

    The devastating effects of deceptive sin are a common theme in gospel conversations/counseling opportunities with people each day. Disciple-making is often times dirty and difficult. People’s lives are broken and in need of a Savior. That Savior is infinitely more precious than any momentary sinful pleasure this world has to offer, but the ability to see that truth is continually threatened by our great enemies (Satan, this world, our flesh).

    With that said, Kris Lundgaard’s book, “The Enemy Within: Straight Talk about the Power and Defeat of Sin” is an excellent read in dealing with the sin in our own lives, as well as sin in the lives we seek to lead toward Christ.  This book seeks to bring John Owen’s 17th century work into the 21st century.

    Side note: If you’ve ever tried to read Owens, you are no doubt saying, “Amen!”

    After several conversations today dealing with the effects of sin in the lives of people, I was reminded  how Lundgaard addresses what he calls the “Rhino” of indwelling sin in the believer’s life. The “Rhino” analogy of sin originally comes from a quote by G.K. Chesterton…

    If a rhinoceros were to enter this restaurant now, there is no denying he would have great power here. But I should be the first to rise and assure him that he had no authority whatever.

    In his book, Lundgaard speaks of the “Rhino” each believer deals with daily…

    Indwelling sin is a usurper to the throne who, like the rhino, can at times force himself on us. Even though we rise and tell him he has no authority, he can push us around the restaurant.

    He goes on to say…

    The more you discover the power of indwelling sin, the less you will suffer its effects. Because the better you know this rhino, the more you will hate it; and to the length that you abhor it – and no farther – you will grasp for grace against it.

    Finally, he offers a very stern warning…

    But if you don’t find yourself dodging the rhino’s horn day and night in a struggle against sin, it may be that you’ve made peace with the rhino. You are willingly, happily under its power and rule. In that case, you should doubt that you are born of God. NO one who is born of God can live at peace with sin (1 John 3:9). I appeal to you, for the sake of your soul: Run to Christ! Only he can slay the rhino in your heart.

    Praying tonight that each of you are running toward the Rhino Slayer!

    Category: College Life, Gospel Comments (0)

  3. Secret Church Simulcast at Samford University

    October 4, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    Shhhh…..Tell everyone! The college ministry at Brook Hills will be hosting a simulcast of Secret Church at Samford University in Reid Chapel on Friday, November 4th!

    College students in Birmingham, if you didn’t get tickets to the live event at Brook Hills, you can join us for the simulcast with a few of your friends.

    Suggested $2 donation at the door to help cover the expense of the study guide.

    Seating will be first come first serve. Doors will open at 5:30pm, and Secret Church begins at 6pm.

    This semester, David Platt will be teaching on “Marriage, Family, Sex, and the Gospel.” Be ready for six hours of instruction on what the Bible says about issues that are ultimately foundational for the display of the glory of God in our lives, in the church, and in the world such as…

    -Marriage
    -Singleness
    -Sex
    -Divorce
    -Homosexuality
    -Pornography
    -Adoption
    -Abortion
    -Manhood
    -Womanhood

    Join our Facebook event page in order to receive updates about this event and to spread the word!

    For more information about Secret Church, visit this site.

    Category: Church, College Life, GospelTags: , , , , , , | Comments (0)

  4. Passion 2012 Conference

    September 26, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

     

    When: January 2-5, 2012

    Where: Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA

    What: Passion exists as a movement to glorify God by uniting college students in worship and in prayer for spiritual awakening. As a college ministry here at Brook Hills, we desire for our small group leaders to come with the people in their small groups so this can be a time of worshipping and growing together.

    Speakers this year include Louie Giglio, Francis Chan, Beth Moore, and John Piper. Worship will be led by Chris Tomlin, Lecrae, David Crowder Band, Hillsong United, Kristian Stanfill, Charlie Hall, and Christy Nockels.

    For more information and to register with Brook Hills, visit this website. We ask that only members of Brook Hills register through our website.

    If you register with us by THIS Wednesday (September 28th), the registration fee is $179, but the conference fee jumps up to $199 after that.

    To learn more about Passion, visit the Passion Conference website.

    Category: Church, College Life, MissionTags: , , , , | Comments (0)

  5. Become a Member of Brook Hills

    September 19, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person wasn’t as committed as you were? You were totally in it, but while they liked you, they weren’t ready for commitment.

    Are you this way about the church – you like the church but have a laissez-faire attitude about aligning yourself and committing to a local faith family?

    The church is not merely a building to go to or an event to attend once a week. It is a local gathering of God’s people united by the gospel. At Brook Hills, we challenge our college students to stop hopping from church to church and to unite with one church for God’s glory and for the student’s good.

     

    As you begin to gather to worship with The Church at Brook Hills each Sunday, the best way to explore membership is through IMPACT: New Members Workshop, which is a four-week course offered multiple times a year that seeks to develop the faith family as leaders to impact the nations for God’s glory.

    College students who desire to maintain their membership with their home church can enter into a dual membership where you are united with The Church at Brook Hills while in college.

    The next workshop begins Sunday, October 2nd, and there will be an additional class taking place in November. Registration for IMPACT is available at www.brookhills.org/impact

    For additional resources about why church membership is important, check out the Covenant Community sermon series by David Platt.

    Category: Church, College LifeTags: , | Comments (0)

  6. Freshman 15

    August 23, 2011 by B. Taylor

    Here is Jeff Brewer‘s excellent list of 15 ways incoming freshman (really all college students for that matter) can seek to glorify God as a university student…

    1. There is no greater way you can spend your time, energy, and effort than pursuing Christ with all your heart. Education matters. That’s why you’re going to college. But pursuing Christ matters more. Remember, you can make only one thing your central aim in life. Make it the right thing. Ask God for much grace to keep him at the center.

    2. Join a church. Find one that preaches the Word, loves worshiping God as a body, and seeks to make Christ known. Once you find it, join it and start building relationships.

    3. Make a plan for your first semester about how you are going to be in the Word. If you use a Bible reading plan, put it in your schedule now. If you don’t currently have a plan for reading the Word, make one before you leave.

    4. As now so then. Don’t spend your college career talking about how you will follow Christ in the future. Follow him now the way you want to follow him then.

    5. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to get to know a wide variety of people from different backgrounds who have all been sovereignly put in the same dorm. Ask people to tell you their story.  Sit, listen, and ask follow-up questions. Tell them you like to pray for people you’ve met and ask how you can pray for them.

    6. Seek to radically love others as Christ did. Avoid gossips and gossiping. It’s gross. Loving like Christ isn’t.

    7. Remember, following passionately after Christ is not going to be the norm (yes, sadly even at Christian colleges this can be true). Look to God’s Word for the standard of what an authentic follower of Christ looks like and seek others who seek him in the same way.

    8. Look for opportunities to serve. Serve broadly, serve lovingly, serve faithfully, and serve diligently. Look for where there is a need and dive in.

    9. Remember that others are going through the same changes and new experiences. Look for opportunities to speak truth about the gospel to people who want a fresh start in college. Show them the hope in the gospel and forgiveness available to them.

    10. Attend every opportunity for biblical teaching that you can. Go to a campus ministry’s weekly meeting and invite someone from your dorm to go with you.

    11. Work hard. Remember the privilege that you are afforded and respond appropriately. Fight against laziness by remembering you are seeking to please Christ, not your professor (or mom or dad).

    12. When you find someone you are interested in dating, make sure that their one aim in life is the same as yours (see #1 above.)

    13. Take advantage of the variety of classes and opportunities that will be available to you only in college. Look for at least one class to take for the sheer love of learning about a subject you have never studied before (or may never have the time to study again).

    14. Make a prayer list and pray for the people on it. Start with your roommate and the guys down the hall who don’t give a rip about Christ.

    15. Pursue God joyfully. Is there anything greater than knowing Christ? Make the joy of pursuing Christ a hallmark of your life.

    That is a pretty solid list. Any you think were left off?

    Let us know what you think…

    HT: Gospel Coalition Blog

    Category: College Life Comments (0)

  7. Am I really a Christian?

    July 6, 2011 by B. Taylor

    I think one of the more critical issues facing college ministers, especially in the South, is the sheer number of “Christian” students who have prayed a prayer, signed a commitment card, been dunked… but still are in a love affair with the world, are cold to the commands of Christ and indifferent to Christ’s Bride, the Church. I bet I have counseled with over 100 college students in my short tenure as College Minister at Brook Hills who were wrestling with the question, “Am I really a Christ-follower?”

    Enter Mike McKinley and 9Marks.

    Mckinley recently published a book through 9Marks that helps the reader think through the question of salvation.

    Mckinley says…

    So, in Am I Really a Christian?, I look at five things that the Bible says will always accompany true conversion. If you have these things, you have more firm evidence of God’s regenerating work in your life. If these things are absent, you have reason to be concerned.

    Belief in true doctrine. You’re not a Christian just because you like Jesus.

    Hatred for sin in your life. You’re not a Christian if you enjoy sin.

    Perseverance over time. You’re not a Christian if you don’t persist in the faith.

    Love for other people. You’re not a Christian if you don’t have care and concern for other people.

    Freedom from love of the world. You’re not a Christian if the things of the world are more valuable to you than God is.

    If you know someone for whom this kind of thing would be useful, you can check out a website and some videos at amireallyachristian.com.

     

    Category: College Life, Gospel Comments (1)

  8. Don’t Waste Your Life

    July 5, 2011 by B. Taylor

    Don’t Waste Your Life from Andrew Laparra on Vimeo.

    Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

    (Luke 17:33 ESV)

    Category: College Life Comments (0)

  9. Summer Break…to the Glory of God

    May 12, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    Maybe you’re flippin’ burgers, babysitting some kiddos, or planning to lay out on the beach. You might not be going out of the country on a mission trip or interning at a church, but how will you use this summer for the glory of God?

    Personally, I struggle with breaks because of the lack of routine. It’s so easy to sleep late and put off having time with God only to realize that night that you still haven’t studied the Word that day. At the end of this summer,   do you want to be closer to God than you are now? If so, then this will require that you be diligent in consistently spending time with Him in prayer and in studying the Word.

    What if you’re staying at home with the fam this summer? One of the freshman girls in my small group was bummed that she wasn’t going on a global mission trip this summer, but she began praying about how God wanted to use her at home to make disciples. She asked her mom to do a Bible study with her each week, and she began asking her friends if they wanted to start a small group while they’re all home for the summer. She’ll be taking this group of girls through the gospel, how to share the gospel, and how to study the Word this summer.

    What if you’re babysitting? Another college student in our ministry is going home for the summer, and her family recently adopted a little girl from China. Convicted that she should make disciples in her own family, she has determined to disciple her new sister by reading The Jesus Storybook Bible to her and by intentionally praying with her sister and talking to her about Jesus.

    If you’re working, how will you disciple those around you?

    You could also adopt a coffee shop or frequent a particular restaurant where you make friends with the staff and build relationships for the purpose of sharing the gospel and showing Christ’s love to others.  The point is that summer break is not a break from making disciples or from growing in your relationship with God.

    Maybe you’re a reader…or maybe not. But the summer is also a great time to be learning from others who are older and wiser in the faith. Here’s a few recommended reads as well as some blogs and podcasts:

    • Radical Together by David Platt
    • The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
    • Knowing God by J. I. Packer
    • Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
    • Keep up with the weekly sermons at The Church at Brook Hills
    • Sermons and blog at The Gospel Coalition

    How will you use this summer for the glory of God?

    Category: College LifeTags: , | Comments (0)

  10. Final Exams to the Glory of God

    May 4, 2011 by B. Taylor

    One of my recurring nightmares, even 10 years past college life, is me going to take a final exam for a college course, knowing that I was ill-prepared and wrestling with the reality that I was going to fail.  A bit strange, I know. But I really do have this nightmare every once in a while that causes me to wake up in a panic.  I think this is a recurring nightmare to this day because my freshman year at Auburn University I really lived out that horrid scenario.  Spring semester of my freshman year, I chose to do everything but the one thing I was suppose to do – go to class and study, which ended with a not-so-flattering GPA!

    Finals week is here for some, and right around the corner for others.  So, what that means is several things: the sale of 5hr energy drinks will skyrocket over the next few weeks, many college students will forgo basic hygiene, and all will be confronted with how well they stayed on top of their studies throughout the semester.

    “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” -1 Corinthians 10:31

    1 Corinthians 10:31 says we should do all things, which includes final exams, to the glory of God. So for the Christ follower it is necessary to give time to consider how can we do this.  One of the most important realities in the life of the Christian is that there is no distinction between the secular and the sacred. You can’t segment out your “school life” from your “christian life.”  God has not intended you to live this way.  This leads us to an ever so important question of how can you take finals to the glory of God?

    I beleive there are several ways to glorify God in your final exams…

    1. Do your best. Half-hearted anything is not pleasing to God.

    Work is an expression of love for God. Don’t look at studying and taking exams as drudgery that you have to endure for the sake of pleasing your parents, professor, or peers. See it as an opportunity to glorify God. As one person has said, “Work must be good work before it can call itself God’s work.” In other words, if you desire to live a life to the glory of God (i.e., 1 Cor. 10:31), then it requires you to do the best work (even your exams) according to your God-given abilities.

    2. Keep God on the throne, not your GPA.

    I love Driscoll’s definition of idolatry: “Idols tend to be good things that we turn into God things that then become bad things.” A good GPA is beneficial in your life. It can be a good, God-honoring thing. However, when you turn it into a God thing, it will destroy your life.  When GPAs are on the throne, you start doing really bad things to worship your god; cheat. live life imbalanced, stop taking showers, etc. Remember, Jesus is the supremely satisfying Treasure of your life…not a certain grade point average.

    3. Don’t cheat. Your integrity is more important than a grade you didn’t earn.

    Doesn’t everyone cheat? Is it only cheating if you get caught? Seriously, final exam week brings about enormous temptations to cheat, especially if you have slacked off throughout the semester.  For the follower of Christ, it doesn’t matter who is doing what or if you can get away with something and never get caught. God is more concerned with your sanctity than He is your success…so you should be as well.  Don’t whine and complain. Just simply do the very best you possibly can do, acknowledging it is all by His grace. Then just leave the rest to God.

    4. Grow in responsibility. Don’t make the same mistake next semester.

    College life is about growth. The hope is that you are growing into a God-honoring, responsible adult who is more committed to Christ and His great Kingdom rather than self and your small kingdom.  Therefore, this finals week might hit you upside the head with the reality that this semester you were more concerned about the trivial things (Xbox, sorority, lady friends, etc) which drowned out your commitment to the important things (studying, going to class, reading, etc).  If this is the case, learn from it. Confess your sin to God, ask a brother/sister to help you by encouraging you and keeping you accountable in some key areas…and don’t make the same mistake next semester.  The bad news is you might make a bad grade. The good news is your life is not defined by your grade, but by the finished work of Christ! Rejoice in that and allow that to compel you to greater work next semester.

    Praying for each of you and asking God to sustain and satisfy you during this finals week!

    Category: College LifeTags: , , , | Comments (0)