MTV has largely been about sex since its beginning, and Miley's performance was almost a brilliant parody. It was a beautiful young woman, very scantily-clad, parading in front of millions, and it was... well, repulsive.
MTV, you're doing the near impossible. You're making sexuality seem boring.
Excellent article by Brant over at Air1.
Robbie MacKenzie knocks it out of the park.
Miley Cyrus = disgusting.
Dale Jenkins and a myriad of other preachers and teachers are doing a series called The Minister and Money this month, with #11 of 11 being published this morning by Matthew Hiatt.
How did I miss this?
Usually, I don't use exclamation points, but this actually warrants one. Because I'm really excited to launch my new set of resource pages here on the site.
Starting today I'm offering over 30 free downloadable text files of sermons, classes, and devotionals. The sermons are full-length and full-text, because that's how I write out my sermons. These sermon lengths can range from 20-40 minutes. Classes are your standard 40-minute classes, mostly for teens, although the content will be applicable across age groups. These are a mix of full-text and bullet points with scriptures, illustrations, and sometimes even games. The devotionals are short, 5-minute thoughts that I do usually twice a month here where I work on Wednesday nights. They're full-text as well.
I'm not charging for any of this content, because 1) I believe the Gospel is free and these resources try to teach that Gospel, so they should also be free, and 2) with the exception of personal stories and illustrations, I claim no original content here. In fact, most of these illustrations and lessons you've probably heard before. When I take an idea from someone else's writings, thoughts, or words, I cite it. So I claim no original thoughts here, just some good content that I felt I did not need to keep to myself.
Most files are in plain text (.txt) format for your connivence. This makes incredibly small files that are easy to download and open and lets you put your own formatting on them if you wish. The text files will open in any text editor, internet browser, or word processor, making them very universal.
I only have two prerequisites to using the material and content provided: 1) DO NOT use this stuff without further study of your own. This material is meant to help you in your ministry, not replace your study. 2) If anyone wishes to use this content in a publication, either printed or otherwise, I request to be contacted for it's use.
Take a look at those resource pages and let me know what you think. More resources will be added every week, so keep checking back. Eventually I'll have a library of resources at your fingertips.
May God bless you and the use of these materials in your ministry and study.
Our group is a week behind on starting the Hashtag Youth Video series, but nevertheless, we will begin our 13-week journey through this excellent video series this evening.
My question to you is: Why aren't you using it?
It's free. Can't argue with free.
Content is Christ-centered. Everything said in each of the videos is specifically designed to excite teenagers about Jesus Christ and His message.
It's high-quality. Videos were shot in high-definition. Daniel Howell has done an excellent job making these video look like something you would pay hundreds of dollars for.
Teens from around the world are participating. Did you know that over twelve thousand people watched the video series from 2012?
The speakers are top-notch. We had some incredible speakers last year, but this year that's been elevated another notch.
It's free. Did I mention it's FREE?
The Hashtag Video Series is supported by the excellent Hashtag Media, and they sell all sorts of class content, retreat and summer camp themes, and many other things.
Check out the Vimeo page to view and download videos. The videos on Vimeo are available in standard and high definition.
The video series also has its own website at Hashtag13.com.
Use this excellent video resource today, get your kids thinking and identifying with Christ, and support this valuable work in God's Kingdom.