I believe the phrase, "I gave my heart to Jesus" has a couple of serious and humanistic problems with it. First of all, "I" never really had anything to do with my salvation. The Scriptures are clear that not one of us ever sought God (Romans 3:11). He sought us without us deserving a bit of it, even giving us the faith to believe (Ephesians 2:8-9). Secondly, what would God want with our hearts? Our hearts are sinful and warped (Proverbs 20:9). The Scriptures say that we are "dead in our transgressions" (Ephesians 2:1). Unless God gives us a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26), we are utterly hopeless. I think a phrase that would be more appropriate would be something like, "Jesus gave me life!" If you agree, start using it instead of the other one. I pray that God will use it to cause others to ask you what you mean by it. I pray He'll give them life too! "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it." John 5:21 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Everyone knows how the male of the human species attempts to attract the opposite sex. They show off, either with physical ability, smarts, or with what their wealth can buy them. The female generally goes about it a different way. Even if they are smart, or have physical ability, neither of those assets seem to attract the carnal man, so they go with what always sells; that of course being sex. Christians are not to act this way and the Scriptures are full of examples of what happens when we do. The man who chases after such skin-deep attractions will wind up with the most shallow of mates. The woman who cares little about the Commands of God will undoubtedly compromise in other areas as well. At either rate, God is not impressed and neither should we be. The Lord says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles... In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and head bands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the singed rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls. Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding." Isaiah 3:16 & 18-24 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Elation and depression seem to be the two most common states of emotion I encounter. No doubt elation (being really happy, excited or joyful) comes from realizing a dream or something wonderful, but the opposite (not realizing a dream, etc.) seems to be the more prevalent emotional state in the world today. Not to minimize genuine psychological issues like severe depression, manic depression and the like, I believe the vast majority of common depression is the result of either denying God or forgetting what He has done for us -- where we've been and what He's brought us through. Whenever we forget God or deny His hand in our lives, we wind up where the Israelites often found themselves--lost in ourselves! Is it any wonder the Lord so often says, "Remember what the Lord your God has done..." It's too bad we so rarely listen. "The Israelites said to Moses, "We will die! We are lost, we are all lost!" Numbers 17:12 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

I'm not sure where the saying "Peace on earth, goodwill towards men" comes from, but I know that in spite of the sentiment, there will never be peace on earth until Jesus comes again. There will be wars, rumors of wars, and every kind of sin. As Christians we are told that these things will happen, they will increase, and then the end will come. I've got no real problem with that. What I DO have a problem with is doing MY part to assure peace between myself and others. When people hurt us it's flat-out hard to go to them and make things right. But we must forget our pride, and instead make sure God is honored regardless of what we may have suffered at the hands of others. The Scriptures do not tell us to "accept peace when it comes to us," but to seek it and pursue it! That's hard work for sure! But in the end, isn't that what Jesus did for us? He didn't come to bring peace to earth, but to assure peace between God and those who would call on His name. Now honestly, has anyone done you so wrong that what Jesus did for you couldn't cover it? "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it." Psalm 34:14 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

"The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward." Matthew 26:59-60a There is a lot of false information flowing around about who Jesus was, why He came to earth, and just about every other thing about Him. Those who know the Bible are not surprised at this because God's Word is chock-full of similar attempts to dig-up or make-up lies about Jesus even when He was standing right there. The simple truth is that either people look at the facts about Jesus and then face their sinfulness in light of His holiness, or they seek lies about Him to protect themselves from having to face the Truth. Accepting Jesus for who He is requires an immediate death of who we are and what we want out of our lives. Many simply are not willing to go there because they love the darkness they live in. "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:19-21 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

If you live long enough you'll finally have enough birthdays you'll begin to forget how old you are! I know that sounds weird to my teenage audience, but it's true. What's weird is that as I've grown as a Christian I've become less and less excited about celebrating my birthday. Not because I'm getting older mind you, but because it seems weird to have the spotlight focused on me. The truth is that if it went by unnoticed by anyone but my close family that would be fine with me. This world and everything in it is the Lord's. Even the days that He has given me (and you) are His. For those who've just celebrated Jesus' birthday at Christmas (December 25th), you might be surprised to find that Jesus was actually born during the summer months (it's true!). The Bible doesn't even record His actual birth date. I believe that's because He was not here to have things be about Him. He was here to do the Father's work. If we're here to do the same, then birthday celebrations will probably lose their luster for us too. "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 20:28) Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

If you ask enough people who follow other religions or claim to be atheists why they don't believe in Jesus, you'll find there are just about as many reasons as there are people to ask. If you investigate enough, you'll also find that the reason (or reasons) don't really matter much to a person who is looking for a reason not to believe. The truth is that people who choose not to believe do it because of evil desires in their hearts. It's just that simple. So, answer their questions if you can (and if they have any), and live out your faith before them, but know that it is the Lord's work to break through to their hearts. All the great answers in the world won't be enough for someone who wants to be their own god. "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil." John 3:19 Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate

Once after I preached a rather convicting sermon several people met me at the door of the church and proclaimed "We loved your message!" Generally this is not a time when I feel drawn to rebuke people, but I must admit I was a little shocked. My response probably could have been a little more tactful, but in the moment all I could come up with was, "Maybe you weren't listening!" They smiled and retreated, not knowing if I was kidding or not, I suppose. My point was that hearing the Word of the Lord is not the point, but agreeing with it, conforming to it, and actually doing it! Far too often God's people claim His promises and His blessings but fail to follow through on the requirements of His Word. When this happens, just like the good Father that He is, He disciples His children. The following is just one of a series of passages where God's judgment was coming on His people for just this reason. "Listen to the wail of the shepherds; their rich pastures are destroyed! Listen to the roar of the lions; the lush thicket of the Jordan is ruined." Zechariah 11:3  Pastor Jim Kilby Your donation spreads good news! www.harvestyouth.org/donate