Brook Hills College – Blog

  1. College Football and King Jesus

    November 8, 2011 by B. Taylor

     

    This post is to serve as a reality check for all the Alabama fans who are devastated today in light of the loss this weekend, and for the LSU fans who think the world is a better place today because of the victory. It was given the title “Game of the Century,” and according to the news reports, it lived up to every ounce of the hype.

    It was a great game. Really, really impressive teams. Star-studded defenses. Many, many first round NFL draft picks on the field. Legendary coaches. Players had biceps that were bigger than my waist. Hits were given that would have left me decapitated.

    Great game. LSU edged out the win.

    But it was just a ball game. And to remind us all that this is just a game, I point you to a journal entry from Jim Elliot regarding a “game of the century” back in the 1950′s between Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

    October 7 – I have just come from the O.U. (Oklahoma University) and Texas A&M football game, one of the best, I suppose, I shall ever see. A&M led out, and the score record read 7-0, 7-7, 14-7, 14-14, 21-14, 21-21, 28-21 until the third quarter. Then O.U failed the conversaion which put the score at 28-27 with 1:55 to go. Within one minute of the end of the game, O.U. produced a touchdown, setting the final score at 28-34. Crowd reaction was interesting to watch.

    Ah, what will it be when, not 40,000 but myriad people rivet their excited attentions upon the Son of God. No need for the cheerleaders and coaxing, no need for telling people to stand, for all shall mourn over Him, bowing in one stroke to His sway. Wonderful day! O Jesus, Master and Center and End of all, how long before that glory is Thine which has so long waited Thee. Now there is no thought of Thee among men, then there shall be thought for nothing else. now other men are praised, then none shall care for any other’s merits. Hasten, hasten, Glory of Heavens, take Thy crown, subdue Thy Kingdom, enthrall Thy creatures.

    College football makes for a great game to be enjoyed…but it’s a lousy god to exalt!

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  2. 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)

  3. Katie Davis to Speak at Brook Hills THIS Sunday

    October 11, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    This Sunday at all three worship gatherings (9am, 11am, and 6pm), Katie Davis of Amazima Ministries will be sharing with our faith family about her story and about the work that God is doing in Uganda.

    After going on a short-term mission trip to Uganda when she was eighteen, Katie returned the next summer – foregoing college and her life in the U.S. – to teach kindergarten at an orphanage. It was during this time that Katie recognized the lack of educational opportunities for children in this country as well as the astronomical number of people who are malnourished, who lack medical care, and who do not know Jesus. This led her to found Amazima Ministries, which seeks to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the people of Uganda. This ministry coordinates a child sponsorship program, a feeding program, a self-sustaining vocational program, and a school.

    Currently, Katie is the mother of 13 Ugandan girls whom she has adopted. Think about it – Katie is about the age of a college senior. Can you imagine having 13 children at that age? What led Katie to do such a thing? Love for her Savior.

    Come on Sunday to hear more about Katie’s story but, more importantly, to hear about the One who is worth such a radical life of obedience.

    If you would like to follow Katie’s blog, you can visit this site. Her story has also been recently published as a book.

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  4. Resources for Evangelism & Teaching the Gospel

    October 7, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    If you are wanting to train your small group on evangelism…

    “Threads” – This sermon series by David Platt shows how to weave the gospel in your everyday life.

    Out of the Salt Shaker and Into the World by Becky Pippert – This book looks at how believers can incorporate evangelism into their daily lives.

    “Biblical Understanding of Evangelism” – This online resource and podcast is part of the 9Marks ministry, and it identifies what is evangelism and how we can share our faith.

    The Fellowship Group Handbook by Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City is a phenomenal resource for small group leaders, and it includes portions on how to gather your small group to show the Word and to share the Word with others.

    Here is a video on how to share the gospel on vimeo that you can watch, and it is produced by the Acts 29 Network.

    If you have people whom you are discipling who are not practicing evangelism, here is an excellent blog post from The Gospel Coalition that provides information and resources on this topic.

     

    If you need resources for teaching the gospel to others…

    “IMPACT” – This sermon series by David Platt teaches each of the five components of the biblical gospel.

    “Lifeblood” – This sermon series by David Platt walks through why the gospel is important and how it affects our lives as believers.

    What is the gospel? by Greg Gilbert

    “The Cross of Christ” – This Secret Church study by David Platt digs into the theology and the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection.

    “Crucifixion, Salvation, and the Glory of God” – This Secret Church study by David Platt studies how salvation is made possible through Christ’s death and resurrection and how it is all for God’s glory.

    In our college ministry’s Small Group Leadership Development Curriculum, we have a portion on teaching the gospel to your small group and teaching your small group how to share their testimony. For these notes, visit this site and download the two pdfs at the bottom of the page.

     

    If you are specifically wanting to learn more about Islam in order to reach Muslims…

    Breaking the Islamic Code by J.D. Greear

    Bridges by The Crescent Project (This is a CD with a workbook)

    Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad by Timothy George

     

    If you have any other resources that you would like to share, please post them as a comment!

    Category: Church, Gospel, MissionTags: , , , , , | Comments (0)

  5. 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)

  6. Align – Missions Seminar

    September 22, 2011 by B. Taylor

    My friend and fellow Brook Hill-ian (I totally made up that word), Dr. Bob McNabb from Every Ethne,  is teaching at a Missions Seminar this weekend at Samford University which we wanted you to be aware of.

    He has a rock solid grasp of mission, a heart for the nations and a desire to see students mobilized to reach the unreached! So, it should be worth your time!

    Category: Mission Comments (0)

  7. 9/11 and Muslims

    September 10, 2011 by B. Taylor

    One thing should be abundantly clear in our response to 9/11…

    Muslims are not our enemies; they are our neighbors.

    On the 10 year anniversary of 9/11 we will once again be reminded that evil exists and its face is terrifying. The chills will go down our spines throughout this day of remembrance as we consider the sheer horror of September 11th, 2001. This is the day that forever seared into our minds images of planes exploding into towers, desperate people jumping out of 100+ story buildings, and skyscrapers crumbling to the ground. It was an awful day.

    However, it is essential that we remember, despite all the media hoopla, that the world’s problem is not the 1.57 billion Muslims. They in fact are each made in the image of God, created to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. Yes, they are sinners in rebellion against Almighty God. And yes, they are in desperate need of a Savior, but so is my atheist relative. For that matter, so is my friend who is “Christian” in name only and admittedly sins all the more because “Jesus obviously likes to forgive”. Why would we treat our Muslim neighbors any differently than a lost uncle or a unbelieving friend in the dorm? All are equally lost and all are equally in need of Jesus the Messiah.

    The question that we all must ask is will we shrink into ignorant hatred? Or will we rise up, out of the overflow of a new heart,  and love your neighbor as yourself?

    In closing, I’ll leave you with 2 quotes and 2 resources…

    Quotes:

    1. “You don’t beat an ideology (ie, radical Islam) with bullets, bombs and AK47s…you win through seeing changed hearts brought about by the power of the Gospel.” somewhat exact quote from a preacher I recently heard.

    2. “Our task is to go on saying to the Muslim with infinite patience, ‘Sir, consider Jesus.’ We have no other message. It is not the case that the Muslim has seen Jesus of Nazareth and has rejected him. He has never seen him, and the veil of misunderstanding and prejudice is still over his face.” Neil

    Resources…

    1. Breaking the Islam Code by JD Greear: My favorite book that helped me more than any other single resource love my Muslim neighbor and not simply argue with him about who is right/wrong.  There is also a new snazzy website that could prove to be beneficial as well.

    2.  Loving Muslims: A website that was developed to help non-Muslims accurately understand Islam and Muslims and, through that developed understanding, know better how to “love your neighbor.”

    You can watch a video from Loving Muslims that features our Pastor, David Platt, here…

     

    9/11 Feature from Loving Muslims on Vimeo.

    Category: Mission Comments (0)

  8. 2012 Short-Term Global Opportunities

    August 22, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    As you start a new semester, be praying over how God wants you to serve the world both here and there.

    Upcoming opportunities for college students involved in the Brook Hills’ college ministry include:

    January 13-22 (Middle East)

    College students and young adults are needed to invest in university students living in a large city in East Asia. Drink coffee or tea in the city, go shopping, play basketball and build relationships so the gospel can be shared with those you are working among.

    May 25-June 3 (East Asia)

    College students and young adults are needed to invest in university students living in a large city in East Asia. Drink coffee or tea in the city, go shopping, play basketball and build relationships so the gospel can be shared with those you are working among.

    For more information about short term global trips, visit Brook Hills’ global website or email Ashley at ashleyb@brookhills.org

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  9. Disciple-Making Small Groups this Fall!

    August 17, 2011 by Ashley Chesnut

    Biblical community on mission (i.e., disciple-making small groups) will continue to be the primary emphasis for college ministry at Brook Hills this fall. We believe as a church that the most effective way to see the gospel transform lives is to connect individuals to biblical community that is on mission with God.

    This semester, the college ministry staff will not be hosting a ton of events or even running a lot of programs, but we will be giving our lives to raising up more faithful disciple-makers and seeing biblical community form among students who can then serve their campus well as they grow in the grace of Christ!

    If you are connected to a small group, begin today to pray diligently that God would continue to form biblical community that is marked by great mercy for one another, your campus, this city, and the nations.

    If you are not connected to a small group, there are several ways for you to do so.

    1. Contact the college ministry staff at college@brookhills.org. One of the blessings of our work is to build relationships with college students over a cup of coffee or a meal while intentionally connecting them to an existing disciple-making small group.

    2. Come to our FREE lunch on Sunday, September 11th, after the 11am Worship Gathering. We will be casting vision for our ministry and offer an opportunity for students to connect to a college small group.

    3. Form a new group with your friends. The college ministry staff would love to come alongside you and to help you consider how to best form intentional biblical community among your friends, dorm mates, fraternity/sorority, etc. Email us at college@brookhills.org for more information on how this can be done.

    4. If you are leading a small group with your  campus ministry, consider how to align it with the local church as well. Many students at Brook Hills have done this, and the benefit is better alignment with the local church, direct oversight from elders, and connection to all of the leadership development opportunities throughout the semester. If you’re interested in this, email us at college@brookhills.org

    Our desire is to see hundreds of college students connected to a disciple-making small groups that is unified by the gospel and is compelled to join God in His mission of advancing the gospel to the ends of the earth.

     

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  10. John Piper interviews David Platt

    July 29, 2011 by B. Taylor

    Our Pastor is one of the speakers at the Desiring God National Conference this September. The theme is “Finish the Mission: For the Joy of All Peoples Bringing the Gospel to the Unreached and Unengaged“.  Posted below is an interview John Piper had with our Pastor. I hope you are encouraged by their conversation…

    link to video is HERE

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