nxt ministries

church for thenxt generation.

[nxtministries]

Live #Q&A next week with @maddiemeistrell and @trentmeistrell bring a friend it's gonna be a fun night for sure! #thenxt #nxtlevel

[nxtministries]

"Face lift"

Tonight was a really great night at the NXT! Right now we are in the series "We Are Bold" and here's a quick look at what we talked about.

2 Cor. 4:1-6 - Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.[2] Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.[3] And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.[4] The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.[5] For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.[6] For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

2 Cor. 5:20-21 - We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 28:1 - The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

We're great at knowing the name of Jesus, but where do we actually find Jesus? Paul says that we represent Jesus, and if that's true, then we need a face lift.

There are two strategies that the church thinks works to identify who Jesus is:

1) "I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus."

Have you ever looked at only someone's hand and been able to identify them? You can't. Hands aren't very identifiable.

2) WWJD. (What Would Jesus Do?)

We aren't God, we aren't going to do exactly what God would do.

So then, how do we be the face of Christ? Like 2 Corinthians 5:20 said, we are ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is an official representative, so we're already the face of Christ - we represent him. God is making his appeal through us.. (2 Cor. 5:20) Appeal stimulates emotion.

When you have a relationship with Jesus, it attracts others to him. You are a beacon of Christ's love. If we're not living a lifestyle where we're turned towards Him, the glory will go to you not God and that's a really easy place for the enemy to come in. You have to be bold enough to live a turned lifestyle - even in darkness. The only way to do that is if Jesus is your only hope.

Jesus didn't just go to the grave, he conquered the grave. Put your trust in Him! Don't use grace as your excuse to sin. God isn't just winking (like the WWJD guy up there) at our sin as we do it. He laid it all on his son and his son died for it and rose again. Everything we would've had to suffer for our sin, He suffered for us. To have God's power, you have to turn to him.

See you guys next week! ☺

[nxtministries]

Baptized these incredible #nxticans... it's a new day! (at Family Life Church | Karcher Campus )

[nxtministries]

See you at check in Monday morning! #Relentless2014

[nxtministries]

We are so close to an incredible week! It's not too late to register... go to thenxt.com to register today! #Relentless2014

[nxtministries]

It's not too late to register! Last night was incredible! Go to www.thenxt.com for more info!

[nxtministries]

We are officially 5 days out! It's not too late! Tonight @nxtministries we are going to have 5 people sharing... It's gonna be epic! See you tonight... #LetJesusBeJesus #Relentless2014

[nxtministries]

Register today! Don't wait - we already have more registered then we ever have before! It's going to be a year that you don't want to miss! #Relentless2014 www.thenxt.com @c4est might be there as well! #camp #summercamp #thenxt

[nxtministries]

If you haven't registered then you should get to that right now? WWW.THENXT.COM - #Relentless2014 is going to the #nxtlevel!

[nxtministries]

Who is ready for round 2! Last week we talked about how Jesus is full of Grace BUT is also a leader. Tonight we are going to talk about how Jesus is a leader BUT he is also a Teacher... Meaning He expects you to learn! Tonight is going to be awesome! #THENXT #nxtministries #FLCLive #spreadtheword

[nxtministries]

New Series starts this Wednesday! Gonna be a good one! Come ready to have a good time! #LetJesusBeJesus

[nxtministries]

See ya at God and Country! Also we are starting a new series next week.... it's going to take us all the way to camp! #uhmin #stumin

[nxtministries]

Dating For Excellence

Pastor Maddie preached tonight and did amazing of course! ☺ We all learned that it's important to have vision for our lives - more specifically our dating lives - and what that looks like.

Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.

If you don't have a vision for your life, you're going to mess things up.

What is vision exactly? Vision can be defined as seeing yourself in the future, and bringing it close. You should have a vision for your dating life! 

Psalms 139:16 - Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

God has a plan for your life. He's a good God and He loves you.

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

There are two attitudes that people can have in life in regards to vision. The first attitude is a mediocre one. Mediocre is defined as of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad. A mediocre attitude shows no vision for your life. The second attitude you can have is an attitude of excellence. This shows vision for your life.

Why do we date? Is it just to have fun? Look at the word. We date to get to know the other person, to see if we are compatible for marriage.

Now, there are 12 things that Ladies and Fellas need before they start dating! Here we go..

12 things Ladies need before they start dating:

1) Identity formed by the word of God.

God thinks that we are beautiful and marvelous! If you don't look to the word of God for who you are, you'll settle for 2nd best.

Psalms 139:14 - I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

2) Relationship with Jesus Christ.

How will you know if you're in a relationship with the wrong person if you don't have the Holy Spirit to help you?

3) Vision for your life.

Know where you're going so you know who will fit.

4) Actively pursuing your dreams and goals.

Don't sit around and wait!

5) Standard and conviction on sexual purity.

If you don't set them now, it will be hard to set them in the moment. 

Song of Songs 2:7 - Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

6) Character

Be a woman of your word; be someone who lives their private life as if it were public.

7) Organization

If you can't organize your life now, how can you expect to organize 2 people's lives? Also, have a budget!

8) Unshakable trust in God

Trust God and stop worrying if a man is going to walk into your life. If you don't trust God now, it will get harder when you start dating because you will rely on a man for what only God can provide. (and that's not fair to the man!)

9) Pastoral Accountability

You need someone who can tell you the truth.

Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

10) Real friends who will tell you the truth even if it hurts.

11) Confidence partnered with humility

No man wants a girl who wallows in self-pity. Be confident, and have humility. Be someone who doesn't necessarily need a man, but does want a man.

12) Love yourself

How can you love someone else if you don't love yourself?

Now....

12 things Fellas need before they start dating:

1) Passion for Godliness

1 Timothy 4:8 -  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

2) Work Ethic

3) Job!

Girls don't want someone who isn't going to be able to provide for them!

4) Pastoral accountability

Don't do what you wan't just because you want to.

5) Character

Are you a man of your word and are you a reliable source? Girls like guys who can be a leader, they don't want to have to drag you along.

6) Standards and convictions on sexual purity

Don't do anything you wouldn't be comfortable doing in front of her father.

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

7) Relationship with Jesus Christ

Do you let the Word of God shape your life?

8) Confidence partnered with humility

It's way unattractive if a guy is really insecure. 

Romans 8:37 - No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

9) Servant's Heart

Learn to serve your heart out with no hidden motives. Jesus didn't come to be served, he came to serve and we model our lives after him.

Matthew 20:26 - Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

10) Walk in your God-given authority

You're meant to be the head of the household, so learn how!

11) Learn to respect your mom and your sisters

How you treat your mom and sisters is how you'll treat your girlfriend.

12) Actively pursuing your dreams and goals.

Work hard, get an education, serve, travel, and never apologize for  pursuing your dreams.

I know this was a long one, but it's all so essential when it comes to dating! Don't take 2nd best!

I hope everyone is having an awesome week!

[nxtministries]

Tonight our goal was to answer one important question: Can a boy and a girl be friends without it getting weird? Pastor Trent talked to us about how to relate with the opposite sex and ultimately how we can answer this question.

It's fairly easy to relate with the opposite sex, as long as you're not that sweaty-palms and shaky-voice kind of person. Even if you are, there are a few helpful steps when it comes to relating with that one girl or guy.

1) Talk to the opposite sex.

This one is pretty easy. Just start with a simple "Hello, my name is _____, how are you?" If you're a guy, you could compliment the girl on something. They love when you notice the little things, like her earrings. You could also compliment her on her accomplishments.

If you're a girl, compliment a guy on his achievements and the things he likes to do/spends time doing, or ask him about work. Complementing his outfit probably won't be something a guy appreciates very much!

Another thing to remember is that most girls like face-to-face conversations. So if you're trying to have a conversation with a girl, ask lots of open-ended questions so that she can talk! Guy's usually can just hang out and bond without really saying anything, so girls if a guy isn't really saying much don't be upset, sometimes there isn't much that they really know to say.

2) Sit with them in public.

This forces you to have to talk to them. (Refer to Step 1.) Have confidence because if you look scared to sit by someone it's just going to be awkward for the both of you.

3) Hang out with people the same gender as you.

If you only hang out with people of the opposite sex it looks off. So hang out with your cool, same-gender homies.

4) STOP faking it.

The opposite sex can tell when you have your "cool" face on. "Be yourself, be honest, be humble." If you're only trying to impress the other person, your relationship will just be awkward and you will never actually know each other.

Now to really answer our question: Can a boy and a girl be friends without it getting weird?

The answer: Yes and No. Yes if you and the other person are honest and know how far is too far. No if both parties are fools. (Fools are people who lack judgement or sense. You don't want to be that person.)

According to the Bible we are to treat young ladies like sisters and young men like brothers, with all purity. (1 Timothy 5:1-2) Would you text your sister at 12am? Would you say inappropriate things to your brother? This scripture is a really good guideline for what we should and shouldn't do when it comes to interacting with the opposite sex.

Finally, there are three ways we can get close to someone.

1) Time

2) Words

3) Actions

These three things can be used to harm people or to help people. You could lead someone on with your words, or by giving them gifts, or by spending excess amounts of time with them, and in the end someone will end up getting hurt. But when you think about ministry and pastoring people, the way people are cared for is through time, words, and actions. Whether we like it or not these three things will have an impact - good or bad - on our relationships with people. You can choose.

I hope everyone has a great rest of their week! 

[nxtministries]

SUMMER KICKOFF this Wednesday at West Park!

Come for some Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, SpikeBall, Disc Golf, and Free Food! Bring your friends!

[nxtministries]

Mission Submission

Hey everyone! It was a great night at the Nxt! Here's a quick overview of what Pastor Trent talked about.

Tonight was all about submission. We started out in Genesis 16 with the story of Sarai and Abram. (Genesis 16:1-9) Sarai wasn't able to give Abram any children, so she decided to use her slave, Hagar, as her way to have children. When Hagar became pregnant, she didn't wan't to submit to the authority of Sarai and decided to leave. Something happened in Hagar's heart and mind that caused her not to submit.

A relationship doesn't work without submission. 

Think about who you submit to in your life. In our generation we choose who we submit to based on shallow reasoning, like similar interests. We may submit to that one "cool" kid at our school because he likes to do things that are seen as popular. Be careful who you submit to. Submission isn't about you or the other person, it's about purpose. For example, you don't submit to your spouse just because you like them, you submit to them for the purpose of marriage.

We think we have the right to pick and choose who we submit to, when we don't. The ultimate authority is God's word.

Submission can do two things for you: It can position you for your promise, and it can reveal your pride. In Genesis 16, if Hagar wasn't a slave girl, she never would've been able to have the promise that was given to her. When she didn't want to submit, she left. and that revealed her pride.

Remember the three levels of authority we need to submit to: Parents, Government, and Leaders.

If you struggle trusting people, you struggle trusting God. We're taught to think that we should trust someone before we submit to someone, when really it's the opposite. We should be submitting to authority regardless of if we trust them yet or not, because that's what the Bible says and the Bible is our ultimate authority. 

Submission may seem like a kind of complicated thing to think about, but Jesus would never ask you to do something that he hasn't already done himself. Jesus is the ultimate example of submission. He had to submit to people who didn't even know him. Because of Jesus' submission, we are free. We want to be like Jesus so bad.. We want to heal people, help people, and love people, so why don't we submit to people like he did too? 

"God uses people in your life to propel you forward. If you can't submit you won't make it, and you will be a casualty to this life." 

If you can't submit, you will cycle through life and you will cycle through circumstances. Submission will get you to the next level every single time.

Submission isn't something that comes natural. Hagar was running from submission and an angel had to stop her.(Genesis 16:7) If God had to send an angel to help Hagar with that, can we figure that submission is something that Jesus wants us to do? 

Submission is the key that sets us free, and once we understand that, we can begin to move into next levels of relationship with Jesus that we never could before!

See you next Wednesday!

[nxtministries]

Friendships!

Tonight we kicked off the second night of "Relate" with Andrew preaching a great sermon on friendships! Missed it? I got you covered.

Many people struggle with making friends, especially as you get older and further into (and out of) school. It's really important to have friends in life because without them you have nobody to turn to in the rough seasons of your life. "God uses friendships and relationships to get you somewhere you could never get on your own."

It's crazy to think that Jesus had friends. In John 1:35-40 we see Jesus walking with 2 of his disciples and talking with them. Just like He had people who he spent time with we should have real friends who we spend time with too. We aren't meant to live life alone.

We also see in Mark 9:2-8 that Jesus is walking with Peter, James, and John on a mountain. If you read those verses, Jesus was transformed before them and they got to experience that. They all had the opportunity to have that moment with Jesus where they heard the Father's voice.

Who do you have that you can share the highlights of your life with?

Do you have close friends in your life who you can share the good and bad moments of your life with? If you get a promotion are they going to celebrate with you? What good is having tons of acquaintances when none of them are close enough with you to help you through a hard season or party with you in a great season. Real friends are there to lift you up when you're doing really well and get down into the pit with you when you're going through a rough season of life.

Just as you need to have friends who are going to be there for you, realize that you should be a friend to others as well. When someone close to you is doing well, celebrate with them. When they're hurt, don't pull back. Draw closer and help them in the season they're in.

Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

Ultimately, there are going to be times in life when you feel like you need a friend and you might feel alone. When you go through those times remember that Jesus is always there and will never leave you in the dark. Life isn't meant to be lived alone, and there's always someone who wants to be there for you.

Have an amazing rest of your week!