http://benbartosik.com Sr. High's Thursday Night Talks. Fri, 14 May 2010 16:59:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 English hourly 1 Contains the weekly teaching of Springvale Sr. High\'s Thursday Night Talks. Sr. High\'s Thursday Night Talks. benbartosik http://springvalestudents.org/srhighsite/podcasts/logo.jpghttp://benbartosik.com Springvale, Stouffville, Ben, Bartosik, Church, Love, Truth, Culture no Ben Bartosik ben@springvale.org http://benbartosik.com/?p=352 http://benbartosik.com/?p=352#comments Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:52:50 +0000 benbartosik http://benbartosik.com/?p=352 http://benbartosik.com/?feed=rss2&p=352 0 What’s on your heart? First off, I realize I have yet to add any audio or commentary from the last two Thursday Night Talks. I’m going to put the first, from Thursday April 15th, up here. It was a talk on the fourth commandment, Keeping the Sabbath Holy. So I apologize to anyone who’s been waiting by their computers. I really am trying to stay in the habit of frequent writing, it’s just so easy for it to get lost amidst the myriad of details, ideas, and other time consuming events. I’ve been thinking lately about trying to rebalance my life. In the middle of this series on the ten commandments I had a bit of a realization that my life lacks balance and peace. This mind-opening thought came to me as I was working away on what I was going to say about the fourth command, Keep the Sabbath Holy. It’s always an adventure when the stuff you’re working on actually hits home. For those that don’t know me, I have a hard time letting go of work. This is especially difficult in a job that transcends hours and shifts and any particular environment. It’s not easy for me to disconnect myself from the constant flood of demands and ideas and opportunities that go with this calling. These dominate my heart and my mind when I’m at the church, at home, out with people, lying awake in my bed each night, and just about any other time between. Most of the time, I’m not especially bothered by this, it’s kind of what gives me my edge and keeps me focused. However, I have noticed the way in which my life, or any life really, needs balance and peace in order to keep from crashing. So I’ve been trying to take this Sabbath thing seriously and actually find time to rest and refresh. Part of this has meant unplugging myself so-to-speak on my days off. I’ve actually been resisting the temptation to even turn my laptop on to keep from even starting to do any work. I’m trying to get outside and walk more. I’m attempting to eat healthier (or even at all some days). And I’m trying to make sure that I make meaningful connections to the people in my life by giving them my attention and focus while I’m with them (so hard to do in our cellphone/laptop culture). In this process I’ve also been trying to refocus my calling into ministry. While on a walk through Uxbridge the other day, I found myself walking by the high school in an attempt to answer the question I was asking God, why do I do what I do? It’s so easy for the calling of God to get mixed up in the stale, everyday routine. I lose focus. I won’t share all the details of how God used this walk to grab my attention and reawaken my passion and vision. I will say that he reminded me why I’m in this and affirmed me in a much needed way. I once again pleaded that God would let me see the world, see the students through his eyes and that he would give me his heart for them. And let me tell you, it’s a truly amazing thing to behold. David writes in Psalm 37, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act… Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.” In Ezekiel God promises that a time is coming when he will “give [us] a new heart and a new Spirit.”(Ez. 36:26) As we draw closer to God, seeking him and putting our complete trust in him, our hearts are remade into something new. Our spirit becomes one with his and we see the world through his eyes, with his heart, with his love. Can you imagine a world where the followers of Christ actually loved like God? Unconditionally, selflessly, joyfully. That is an exciting thought! It’s too easy for this to get lost in our daily lives. There’s so much to get burdened by. So much to take our attention and overwhelm our thoughts. So much to disconnect the beat of our heart from God’s. This [...] Finally an update! This is sort of a combination of several thoughts blended into one (semi) coherent entry. It's a bit of some thoughts on the fourth commandment (Sabbath), some personal realizations, and a reflection on an encounter with the [...] benbartosik Thursday Night Talks, Sabbath, http://benbartosik.com/?p=346 http://benbartosik.com/?p=346#comments Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:39:56 +0000 benbartosik http://benbartosik.com/?p=346 http://benbartosik.com/?feed=rss2&p=346 1 There’s often overlooked wisdom in the things we’ve already heard. Last Thursday Night at Sr. High we began our discussion on the Ten Commandments. Arguably one of the most popular sections of the bible, I felt that this would be an interesting series. Many of our students grew up in the church, hearing this list of rules many times. Others, though not coming from a faith background, still knew of these commandments. My guess, however, is that despite their knowledge, most people don’t really understand these commandments as anything more than some Old Testament rules that are often quoted and usually ignored at one’s convenience. So my task in all of this is to try and present these in such a way as to provide both a new look approach and an appreciation for their intended purpose. The audio is available if you’re interested… Ten Simple Rule For Living At Peace With Your Creator, Each Other, and Yourself (Part One – God and Us) I wanted to begin this entire thing with a preface. The same preface that God gave to the Israelites before he spoke the commandments. He started with a reminder. “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Ex. 20:2) This is a significant way to start because it sets a foundation upon which God will then lay his entire system of law.  This system that dominates the way of life for thousands of years throughout the Old Testament. It all rests upon this reminder that God is the God who brought them out of slavery. It is a reminder of who He is, of his love, of the covenant, of relationship. Before God even gives a command, he wants to emphasize the truth that He is not some distant, unknowable, disconnected god. He is their God, he has proven himself to them already, and he has established a relationship with them. You may not see it yet but this is of infinite importance. Rules given within the context of relationship allow us to trust. Sometimes these rules may not always make sense; but when we have a relationship with the rule-giver and we know them to be good and loving, then we can trust that their purpose is good and loving and with our best interests at mind. These aren’t the tyrannical rules of some distant God, these are an answer to a lost and disconnected people trying to figure out how to live in their new-found freedom. The first night (last Thursday) I discussed the first three commands: One. No other gods. Two. No idols. Three. Do not take the LORD’s name in vain. The point that I was drawing out was that these first three commands all have to do with God’s relationship with us and how we should respond to him. Ultimately God is setting up the relationship of the created to their creator which is designed to be one of worship and love. When we meet with God or reflect on what he’s been doing in our lives, it should bring us to our knees in worship (Psalm 29). Jesus summarizes it all into 2 words, “Love God“. We were created for this. It is better and good for us to be in this relationship with God. Outside of that life is unnatural, lonely,  frustrating and unsatisfactory. The problem is that we as humans are prone to wander. We have tendencies to worship the creation rather than the creator. God is saying here that He will NOT compete for our attention. He deserves all of it. And he should have all of it. So our obedience needs to be disciplined in our smashing of any idols who take our attention away from God. Israel’s return to God was always carried out in the physical act of smashing the idols. What are your idols? Thanks, *Check out the audio for a fuller sense of what I talked about. The following is my commentary on the first part of our series on the Ten Commandments that we are discussing in Sr. High. The Audio is available. Benbartosik Ten Commandments sr. high springvale thursday night talks http://benbartosik.com/?p=340 http://benbartosik.com/?p=340#comments Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:07:39 +0000 benbartosik http://benbartosik.com/?p=340 http://benbartosik.com/?feed=rss2&p=340 0 I know. I suck at blogging. Too be fair though, I was going pretty good for a while. But then the nice weather hit over March Break and things just sort of mellowed out and I really just dropped the ball on all forms of productivity. So this is kind of a kill all post in which I will discuss a couple different things and hopefully cover everything I didn’t write about over the last couple of weeks. Here. We. Go! I am going to put the audio of the last story night from Sr. High up. That was March 25th. We closed off our story month and got to hear from 6 more students about what God has been teaching them in their lives lately. So definitely check that out. After that I found myself stuck between themes. We had just finished Stories but I wasn’t quite ready to begin my new theme for April so we went with a sort of Easter reflection night instead. It was nice, minus myself having a sore throat and being almost unable to speak for the whole 5 minutes I was on stage. But we just sort of sang and reflected on the whole Easter thing. I tried to pose the challenge that in order to connect with Easter on a personal level, you need to be able to find yourself within the story. And that happens when you can find Jesus’ story within your own. So coming off of this whole story thing that we’ve been doing, students have been experiencing the transformative power of Christ in their lives; that’s what personally connecting with the Easter story is all about. The same power that conquered the grave lives in you. It’s a power that changes lives. And it’s been seen a lot around here lately. I guess we’re just opening our eyes finally… So that’s what’s behind me. Now what about what lies ahead? It took me a long time to figure out April. I sat and thought and prayed and turned ideas over and over in my head trying to decide where to go and what to talk about. Finally, while sitting in church a couple of Sundays ago, the answer came to me. And I’m really excited about it. We’re going right back to the basics this month. Hitting up one of the most popular bible stories and well known things about our faith. God’s Top Ten List. The 1956, Charlton Heston classic. The Ten Commandments. I decided to go with a nice, simple, and easy to remember title for this theme: Ten Simple Rules For Living At Peace With Your Creator, Each Other, and Yourself. (starting this Thursday) After a couple of silent weeks, this is my fill in the gap attempt at summarizing a bit of what's behind and opening up what's to come for our Thursday Night Talks. Thanks. stories sr. high springvale thursday night talks http://benbartosik.com/?p=331 http://benbartosik.com/?p=331#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:12:09 +0000 benbartosik http://benbartosik.com/?p=331 http://benbartosik.com/?feed=rss2&p=331 0 “But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.” (Is. 2:11) This past Thursday was something truly beautiful. We’re continuing on with this whole story thing, which every day I am becoming more convinced is a well orchestrated message from God to us. I had mentioned that ever since Sno-Camp I have been engaging in conversations with various students and listening to what God has been teaching them recently. And I’ve found something really cooL; there is a theme. God is speaking something very significant to us. Every story, every conversation, every testimony seems to hold this message at its core: Living two separate lives cannot work. Or, more importantly, God does not want to share you with anything or anyone else. He desires all of your worship, all of your devotion, all of your attention. All of your heart. Interestingly enough, I began this past Thursday in a rabbit trail sort of study on the jealousy of God. In my reading through Joel this week I got stuck on the phrase “Then the LORD became jealous for his land…” (Joel 2:18) I then did a comparison and found it used in Ezekiel as well, “…I will be jealous for my holy name.” (Ez. 39:25) I was confused and I wasn’t even sure why. I had heard it used many times, “I the LORD your God am a jealous God.” (Ex. 20:5) and it had never phased me before. But this time, for whatever reason, it stuck out. And now I think I understand. It’s because it’s so perfect for what God is doing in the lives of the students right now. He is declaring his jealousy; that he will not compete with any other thing. You have to choose. I finally got this picture of God’s jealousy figured out in my mind. God here is depicted as a loving and good husband whose bride has ran away and offered herself and her attention to other men. Rather than staying and being satisfied and fulfilled with her husband, she has strayed and is looking for love in places where no love will be found. And God’s jealousy burns within him at the sight of his bride going to other places to have her needs met. His jealousy is rooted in his love. God wants us for Himself because it is better and right. He alone will meet our needs. He will satisfy completely and fully. His love is the only one that lasts. So why do we trade that for so much less? He then tells his people “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else.” (Joel 2:26,27) So Thursday Night, and last week as well, we heard stories of students who are learning this very thing. That there is none else. God alone will satisfy. For he is good and his love endures. Forever, unfailing, uncompromising, nonjudgemental, perfect, selfless love. It’s what we were created for. We also had a guest band, the Perry Dawe Band, come and lead us in worship that night as well and it was a really powerful evening. The stories and the worship and the prayer all amounted to God’s Spirit doing what God’s Spirit does; convicting, guiding, bearing witness to Christ, empowering, and giving us a glimpse of God’s glory. The audio is available, I also left in a few comments from Perry so there is the beginning and end of the band’s set in there as well because I found it pretty inspiring. Please give it a listen, the stories are really amazing and James Brooks gives a solid wrap up at the very end. Thanks, This is a follow up to our second night in the Once Upon A Time Series looking at the Power of Real Life Stories. Audio of the night is available. Speakers are Jared Henriques, Tim Batty, Evan Robert, Bianca Turco, and James Brooks with the [...] SpringvaleYouth Stories sr. high springvale thursday night talks http://benbartosik.com/?p=312 http://benbartosik.com/?p=312#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:23:40 +0000 benbartosik http://benbartosik.com/?p=312 http://benbartosik.com/?feed=rss2&p=312 0 I love stories. This month in Sr. High I’m trying something different. I’m handing the microphone over. I’m handing it over to the students and leaders who have a story to tell. Since Sno-Camp I’ve been engaging in really great conversations with students about their faith and the journey that God is currently taking them on. It’s been really inspiring and encouraging for me. I’ve been blown away by the things God is teaching them and their desire to live an authentic faith. There’s this spirit of commitment that I noticed coming off of Sno-Camp. A desire to stay committed to their faith and not fall back into old traps and distractions. True commitment means living your faith each day rather than just sticking it on a shelf and pulling it out when it suits you. Faith can’t be ignored or it becomes empty and meaningless. Real faith is something that engages you in your everyday life. And that’s why I love stories. Stories are real. They’re everyday. They’re relatable. And they’re powerful. Many of my favourite passages in the bible are ones in which Jesus is interacting with ordinary people and the way in which their lives are shaped by these encounters. In Mark 5, Jesus heals a demon possessed man who then goes on to tell his story to the people in his village “how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.” (v. 20) In John 4 Jesus sits down at a well and strikes up a conversation with a woman. This encounter is so life changing that she goes home to tell others of her story and “many [...] from that town believed because of [her] testimony.” (v.39) Peter, arguably the most passionate of all the disciples, comes to meet Jesus as a result of his brother Andrew coming to tell him that he has “found the Messiah” and bringing Peter to Jesus. (John 1:41-42) Yup, ordinary people, encountering Jesus, and sharing their stories. There’s something so powerful about it. I find that the most profound way to read and understand the bible; as a collection of stories of real people experiencing God and trying to figure out how to now live their lives as a result of that experience. It’s life-changing, it’s difficult, but it’s real and it’s honest. When you read it this way you begin to hear the human voices in the stories. You hear everyday people like you and I just trying to understand how to make their faith authentic and a part of their life. They’re scared and they’re exited, they’re struggling with their own failures, and they’re trying and learn how to just let go and trust God. I really love stories. So this month, I’m just praying that God would use the stories of the students and leaders just like those stories in the bible to encourage, challenge, and relate to others who are just trying to figure it all out. It’s so exciting to hear the way in which the students are encountering God and seeking to understand how their faith fits in to their lives. It’s so much more than just a belief system or a set of rules. Faith is life. Faith is real. Faith is your story. Last night we heard some of those stories. Amy Hoover, Ivanna Turco, and Caleb Crowe each shared the things God has been teaching them lately. God is at work and it is just so cooL! Thanks, * Audio Available This is the follow up to a Thursday Night Talk from March 4th 2010. It was a series of stories from three people; Amy Hoover, Ivanna Turco, and Caleb Crowe. At the end I do a brief wrap-up. Click to read my commentary and hear the audio. benbartosik stories sr. high springvale thursday night talks http://benbartosik.com/?p=255 http://benbartosik.com/?p=255#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 17:35:17 +0000 benbartosik http://springvalestudents.org/benbartosik/?p=255 http://benbartosik.com/?feed=rss2&p=255 0 The Sex talk. Where to begin… I actually had so much material going into this topic that I wasn’t even really sure where to start or where to end up. My desk was literally covered in papers and books and scattered notes with a wide variety of thoughts and scripture stats that I was having a very difficult time putting it into a concise, linear talk. I had left off last week with this idea of disconnect. Human relationships have become disconnected. Sex, marriage, love, and dating have all become disconnected from one another. We’ve become disconnected from God and from each other. We find human sexuality today right in the middle of this disconnect. I began with a couple problems. The first is that this topic is controversial. Which is why churches rarely talk about it. Everyone is going to be representing their own expectations and opinions. I had to be aware of that. The second problem is that this topic is personal. There are both current struggles and past backgrounds represented. It’s not just a theoretical abstract; we’re talking about personal stories. I had to be sensitive to that aspect as well. But the biggest problem, the reason this topic matters, is the problem with sex itself. Something just isn’t right. Sex has become the ultimate achievement in dating or ‘hooking up’. Becomes a bit of a conquest or a goal. Virginity is mocked while sexual freedom and experimentation is considered open-minded and outwardly praised. Our world encourages sex. Turn on the TV, go to a movie, listen to the radio, open a magazine, even drive down the street and you will notice something. Sex is everywhere. Our society sells it and profits off of it. And in the process we’ve become so desensitized or disgusted with it that it’s purpose and beauty have been lost and perverted. This dirty little secret is out there and we have to be willing to address it and seek to understand God’s purpose and beauty. You can’t really discuss this topic of sex without considering how we were made, who we were created to be. Or, more importantly, who created us. God created our sexuality. And like everything he made, he had a good and perfect purpose behind it. It was made to be so much more than what our current culture makes it out to be. Humanity was created specially. Sometimes we forget that. The creation account in Genesis describes God as putting his very image into us. This is something he only does with humans. It doesn’t talk about trees or dogs or monkeys or amoebas or dolphins or lizards having that image of God. Just us. This is a special blessing that he gives only to us. God breathed his very image into us when he created us and all of us, every single human being, carry this within our very being. This is ultimately what it means to be human. God saw such beauty and purpose in us that he finishes by describing us as “very good.” And this is of vital importance to the topic of sex. How we view each other, humanity, is central to how we view sex. We’ve traded God’s purpose in human sexuality for something else; something cheaper and less. Something that focuses on temporary satisfaction and pleasure. Something that depreciates the value of humanity into sexual objects for our selfish purposes. The bible calls this lust. The world, on the other hand, refers to this as sexual freedom. They say that what, or who, you do with your sexuality is (more or less) your own business and that you are encouraged to embrace that part of you. It actually says that we are most free when we embrace and act upon our every desire and indulge our fantasies. The world says that this is who we were born to be. But the bible stands in direct opposition to that. And it actually says the opposite. It refers to this “sexual freedom” as slavery. Giving in to our every lust and desire isn’t free, it’s slavery. Lust provides momentary [...] This was a Thursday Night Talk given on February 11th at Sr. High. The topic is sex and the audio of the talk is also available. Click to read more. benbartosik Sex, bible, God, dating, springvale