The Sword and the Trowel: October 2009

1. Authentic Faith
This checkpoint focuses on a correct understanding of faith. Faith is confidence that God is who He says He is and that He will do all He has promised to do.
Principle: God can be trusted; He will do all He has promised to do.
Critical Question: Are your students trusting God with the critical areas of their life?
Key Passage: Proverbs 3:5-6

2. Spiritual Disciplines
The focus of this checkpoint is a student's devotional life. The apostle Paul assures us that transformation begins with a renewed mind. As students begin to renew their minds to the truths of Scripture, their attitudes and behavior will change.
Principle: If we could see as God sees, we would do as God says.
Critical Question: Are your students developing a consistent devotional and prayer life?
Key Passage: Romans 12:2

3. Moral Boundaries
Purity paves the way to intimacy. One of the most important things a student can do is establish limits. Students need to learn how to protect their body and emotions by honoring God's plan for sex and morality.
Principle: Purity paves the way to intimacy.
Critical Question: Are your students establishing and maintaining moral boundaries?
Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

4. Healthy Friendships
The people our students associate with the most will determine the direction and quality of their lives. This principle focuses on helping our teenagers build healthy friendships while avoiding unhealthy ones.
Principle: Our friends determine the direction and quality of our lives.
Critical Question: Are your students establishing healthy friendships and avoiding unhealthy ones?
Key Passage: Proverbs 13:20

5. Wise Choices
In light of past experience and future dreams, students need to ask themselves "What is the wise thing to do?" Good decision making is more than simply choosing between right and wrong. This principle focuses on the necessity of wisdom in decision making.
Principle: Walk wisely.
Critical Question: Are your students making wise decisions?
Key Passage: Ephesians 5:15-17

6. Ultimate Authority
Freedom and authority are often viewed as opposing concepts. But the Scriptures teach that freedom is found under authority. This principle focuses on the need for students to stay under the authorities that God has placed over them.
Principle: Maximum freedom is found under God's authority.
Critical Question: Are your students submitting to the authorities God has placed over them?
Key Passage: Romans 13:1-2

7. Others First
Selfishness comes natural. Selflessness must be learned. The hallmark of a believer is his or her willingness to put the needs of others ahead of their own. This principle addresses our student's propensity toward selfishness and self-centeredness. Principle: Others First
Critical Question: Are your students putting the needs of others ahead of their own?
Key Passage: Philippians 2:3-11

Tuesday

Men At The Cross

Maybe most powerful tool in the life of a student is the example that is set before them by those in authority over them. Much of their values and practices will come from what is modeled for them. The event publicized here, Men At The Cross, is a great way for dads and male leaders to be an example to students.
Also, this is an event that young men can go to as well! Dad's bring your sons! Male youth leaders, bring some guys. Single moms, inquire about men that are going and consider sending your son with them. Wives encourage your husbands!
These types of events are powerful for those that attend, and an example for those who won't or just can't. Even if this event falls on the worst weekend ever and men and young men are unable to attend, It's still an encouragement to other believers that God's people are being equipped and empowered!

The Sword and the Trowel

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Tuesday

Men At The Cross