Brandon Martel

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper t, is a sacred practice that is observed by many Christian churches around the world. It involves the sharing of bread and wine or grape juice as a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. While some churches celebrate Communion monthly or on special occasions, other churches like All Nations Church choose to observe this practice every week. In this devotional, we will explore the reasons why our church chooses to do Communion each week.
First and foremost, Communion is a way to remember Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In Luke 22:19-20, Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” By taking Communion every week, we’re keeping Jesus’ teachings and sacrifice fresh in our minds. It’s a way to reflect on the significance of his death and resurrection.

Another reason why some churches do Communion every week is to promote unity within the church community. In 1 Corinthians 10:17, Paul said, “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” By sharing the same bread and cup, we’re reminded that we’re all part of the same body of Christ, despite our differences. It’s a way to come together and recognize our shared identity as followers of Jesus.

Lastly, Communion is a chance to recommit ourselves to God and to each other. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-28, Paul said, “Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” By taking Communion every week, we have the opportunity to reflect on our own lives and recommit ourselves to living out God’s teachings. It’s also a chance to ask for forgiveness and reconcile with others in the church community.

So, there you have it! Communion is a powerful and meaningful practice that can serve as a weekly reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, a way to promote unity within the church community, and a way to recommit ourselves to God and to each other. While some churches may choose to celebrate Communion less frequently, may we all continue to partake in Communion with reverence and gratitude for the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Easter was a few weeks ago and as the Children’s Ministry Director it is very important to choose the best way to teach the Easter message. There are a lot of different ages in my classroom and Jesus’ death is a heavy but important topic. I (and the Church) want to be teaching truth in a way that kids can understand but also does not diminish the truth.

Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection matters. It matters as much to a sinner of 50 or a sinner of 5. We are all humans who put things ahead of God, we all sin and fall short of His glory, we all make decisions that grieve His heart. But the good news of the Gospel and of Jesus’ sacrifice means that we can be reconciled to God. Those who believe, accept, and trust in Jesus are saved. That is the very basis of our faith.

Now how do we teach this to children, how do we tell them the truth of the evils in the world and the hope that exists because of Christ? The first thing to think about is that Children can see the sin and brokenness of this world, although we shelter them from many terrible things and prevent them (as much as is possible) from learning of certain things too young, sin is very prevalent in this world and kids are not immune to sinning or to feeling its consequences. This makes them knowing the hope and future that Jesus promises all the more important.

Seeing the sin in the world does not mean that we need to tell small children about everything that is wrong in the world. We can still protect them and not explain evil that they do not need to know about in details. “People being very mean to each other and hurting each other out of selfishness” is a suitable replacement for sins that they don’t need to know about in detail. But we need to be careful to not edit the world and the Bible to in a way that changes the story and runs the risk of lying to them. Jesus was tortured and suffered, that is a fact and to change that fact sets the story on a foundation of lies. It might go over easier right now, but when the kids get older and learn the true facts there will be problems.

Children are capable and always learning, they will decipher the world around them whether we like it or not. We need to be the teachers of truth in their lives. This applies to parents, guardians, and teachers, but it also applies to any of those in the church who interact with children. When you are asked a question, answer honestly, do not be afraid of the truth. Children are smart, they are building their faith and understanding of the world, the things they learn at young ages build the foundations for their beliefs for the rest of their lives.

A child who is upset over the pain that Jesus went through will not benefit from the answer “Oh Jesus didn’t suffer too bad, it was just a little boo-boo.” it might make them less upset now, but it does not help them come to terms with the magnitude of the sacrifice that Jesus made. A better answer would be “Jesus was hurt very badly and it is sad, but He rose again and He is in heaven waiting for us and giving us hope for life with Him.” Truth is important to God and should be important to all of those who deliver His message.

Do not be afraid of the truth and do not underestimate children’s abilities to understand the truth. Ages 5 and 50 both deserve the hope, healing, and new life that comes from the Cross.

I will leave you with a verse that I consider often when planning and teaching in Kids Ministry and some resources about practical ways to talk about the cross. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

How to explain the resurrection to a child

Talking about the Cross with Young Children

https://foundationworldview.com/blog/teaching-kids-about-the-resurrection

10 Resources to Teach Kids About the Resurrection

As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has entrusted to us. This includes not only our time and talents but also our finances. Budgeting is an essential tool for managing our money wisely, and it is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s provision and sovereignty over our lives.

The Bible has much to say about money and how we use it. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus warns us that we cannot serve both God and money. He also teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). This means that we should prioritize our relationship with God above all else and trust that He will provide for our needs.

Budgeting is a practical way to put this principle into action. By creating a budget, we can track our income and expenses and ensure that we are living within our means. This allows us to avoid debt, save for the future, and give generously to others.

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” This verse reminds us that budgeting requires diligence and planning. It is not always easy or fun, but the rewards of financial freedom and peace of mind are worth the effort.

Here are some of the essential steps to making a budget that works for you:

1. Track your income: Start by tracking your income for a month. This includes any wages, salaries, tips, or other income you receive during that time.
2. List your expenses: Make a list of all your monthly expenses. This can include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation, entertainment, and any other bills you have.
3. Categorize your expenses: Once you have listed your expenses, categorize them into fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are those that stay the same every month, such as rent or mortgage payments, while variable expenses are those that can fluctuate, such as groceries or entertainment.
4. Set financial goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your budget. This may include paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a home, or building an emergency fund.
5. Allocate your income: Allocate your income to your different expenses and financial goals. Be sure to prioritize your expenses and allocate enough money for your fixed expenses before allocating money for your variable expenses.
6. Adjust as necessary: Once you have created your budget, review it regularly to ensure that you are staying on track. Adjust your budget as necessary if you encounter unexpected expenses or if your income changes.
7. Stick to your budget: The most important step is to stick to your budget. Avoid unnecessary expenses and be disciplined in your spending habits. Remember that your budget is a tool to help you achieve your financial goals and honour God with your resources.

For a great tool to make a budget, visit: https://www.iwasbrokenowimnot.com/tools-budgeting

In conclusion, budgeting is not just a practical tool for managing our finances; it is also a spiritual discipline that honors God and reflects our faith in Him. By creating a budget and using it wisely, we can steward our resources well and fulfill our calling to be good stewards of all that God has given us.

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“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” -1 John 4:9-10

Easter is a time of great joy and celebration for Christians around the world. It marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who conquered death and gave us new life through his sacrifice on the cross.

As we reflect on the Easter story, we are reminded of the incredible love that God has for us. Despite our sin and rebellion, He sent His only Son to die on our behalf, so that we might be reconciled to Him and have eternal life.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has given us the hope of new beginnings and the promise of a future filled with grace and mercy. We are no longer bound by our past mistakes or failures, but are given a fresh start and a new identity in Christ.

This Easter, let us take time to reflect on the amazing sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Let us remember that because of His death and resurrection, we have been forgiven and set free from the bondage of sin.

Let us also take heart in the fact that just as Jesus conquered death, we too can overcome the trials and challenges of life through Him. As we place our trust in Jesus, we can have confidence that He will guide us, protect us, and lead us into all truth.

May this Easter be a time of great celebration and renewal, as we remember the incredible love that God has for us and the hope that we have in Christ. Let us live each day with the assurance that we are loved, forgiven, and redeemed by the One who died for us and rose again.

It seems like every generation has a new set of weird attributes, things that the previous generations just don’t understand. Teen rebellion seems to repeat with each generation. They play loud, defiant music. They sneak out at night, itching to get their parents off their back. They rush to reach the promised land of a driver’s license.
It’s not always easy to understand generation Z, those being born from 1997 to 2012 but hopefully this post can give you a start to understanding the generation that started eating tide pods for fun, and doing comical dances from some app named Tik Tok.
1. Gen Z have grown up with technology
While every other generation has lived without the type of advanced technology we see today, Generation Z grew up with this type of tech and our significantly more comfortable with it. This has translated to more time in front of screens, but also the desire to use technology to effect the world.
Adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours per day. The impacts of this are clear, high screen times make them feel more isolated, insecure, and self-critical. Teens are self-aware about their problems, and most agree that they spend too much time on social media, but that doesn’t always help them put their phones down. High screen time tends to replace reading books, socializing with friends, and sleep.
On the more positive other hand, they can reach many people for good through social media platforms. They often use social media to enact what they believe is a positive change.
It is important for parents to understand the technology that their children are using and to become familiar with it themselves. This can help you better understand your children’s interests and preferences and can also provide opportunities for shared experiences. This doesn’t mean doing the same weird social media trends they do, but don’t be afraid to text them, or try to play video games with them.
2. They are aware of the importance of mental health
With the increasing loneliness from the use of screens, gen z not only experiences higher rates of diagnosed mental illness but are also in tune with the importance of having good mental health. The other contributing factor according to research is the social issues that cause significant stress with this generation including the pandemic, mass shootings, climate change and racial tensions.
The good news is that they are much more likely to seek professional help for these problems. This has reduced the mental health stigma in this generation, and increased the knowledge of how to treat them. As parents, be willing to learn about mental health illnesses and seek to give Gen Z a safe and non-judgmental place to talk about what they’re experiencing.3. Gen Z doesn’t value their jobs as much as previous generations
While millennials found significant meaning in their work generation Z has moved past that. Instead, they tend to view work as very practical and highly value financial security in their lives. Since Gen Zers live in a post-2008 recession economy with expanding inflation, high rent, and massive student loans, they value a secure job over a meaningful one. They do not remember or know the world before 9/11, and they are constantly in touch with global issues, wars, famines, and humanitarian crises from moment to moment. All of these factors and more lead them to highly prize safety. In fact, stability is one of their highest priorities in life. Nearly everything is filtered through the question, “Is it safe?”
How should Christians respond to Gen Z?
It’s easy to judge Gen Z for their weird habits, lack of meaning in their jobs, and being stuck to a screen, yet they have a massive amount of untapped potential.
Limiting screen time, instilling a love of reading, and giving them opportunities for experiences in the real world will help produce resilience. Teaching them about God’s purpose for their life is absolutely essential. Instruct them about courage and model it in your own life. Encourage them with their ideas for making positive change.
Ultimately, they desperately need the gospel—just like every other generation.

The Bible serves as God’s word for us to better connect with Him. Sometimes though, we don’t know where to start, or how to exactly study. This post will give tangible tips and strategies to better study what we’re reading.

Our first step is deciding what exactly we should be reading. If you’re brand new to reading the Bible, there are certainly no right answers, but there are certainly wrong answers (looking at you Revelations and Song of Solomon). The Bible is telling one BIG story, but it’s also comprised of smaller stories in 66 total Bible books by over 40 human authors. Think of the Bible like a river–all flowing in one direction. You don’t want to drop in completely midstream where the water is flowing fast and you have no idea what’s going on, but there are also a lot of easy places where the water slows and it’s a great time to hop in! Some great options include the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John), Romans, Psalms and Genesis! Another idea is using a Bible reading plan found at bible.com.

So now that we have where we’re gonna be reading, we gotta figure out how to study it. That is where we introduce a nice acronym called SOIAP. This acronym walks us through how to study a passage in that way.

Number 1 is S, which stands for Scripture. This is where you read the package. Now, I would actually recommend saying it aloud, it helps to truly process each word, but you could even use an audio bible to have it read to you too, it all depends on how you learn. Another cool thing that I’ve found is that writing an important verse or two helps me focus on each word individually and on the passage as a whole. It also helps me soak it in and meditate on it. And for those who have short attention spans […squirrel!] this really helps hone our focus on the task of studying Scripture instead of looking at the cobwebs in our bedrooms.

Next we have O, which represents observation. This is where you examine the text and write down what you notice. This means asking yourself questions like – what do you see in the verses that you’re reading? Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? Who is it written by? What seems interesting or unusual? These observations may start with the obvious (i.e., Jesus spent time with his disciples), but will gradually become deeper. This is also where you may write down questions that you have about the passage that you’re reading.

Number 3 is I for interpretation.Interpretation is super important, because Interpretation helps us get “unstuck” when we read a hard part of Scripture. Interpretation is asking: what does this Bible passage mean, particularly to the first audience? Although we can understand some of that by simply reading the passage, the correct interpretation won’t always come naturally. There are historical, cultural, and language barriers to us understanding what Bible passages meant to the first audience. We are not experts in Jewish or Roman or Greek history or culture. We are also not experts in the Bible’s original languages: Hebrew and Greek. Because of our lack of knowledge that we have as readers, we need to spend time on interpretation to figure out what the words we read in the Bible actually mean. How do we interpret? First we can look at the immediate Bible passage context. The verses or chapters before or after may give us more understanding. The Bible book as a whole will, too. But there are times where we will simply not know enough to understand and interpret properly. Bible dictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, and commentaries are key to interpreting correctly. This does not mean “an article that you saw on Facebook,” but a studied, learned scholar of the languages and history. We also need to interpret the Bible passages based on the type of literature that particular passage is from. The Bible is made up of poetry, letter, narratives, and more. Just like you don’t interpret Shakespeare’s poetry the same way you interpret a text from your friend, you aren’t going to interpret Psalms the same way you interpret Galatians. This Bible Project video gives some excellent information about types of literature in the Bible.

The A stands for Application- this is when God’s Word becomes personal. We try here to apply God’s Word to our life in a practical way. What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my own personal life? What changes do I need to make? Is there an action that I need to take? If it’s an action, try to make it SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. This allows us to actually pull what’s going to help us change our lives for the better, or just be encouraged through our situation.

Finally, we have P for prayer. This is where we have the opportunity to pray about what we’ve learned from the passage and what God has put on our hearts. This could be praying for help to do what we’ve committed to apply to our lives, or thanking God for bringing something to our attention.

As you study the Bible further, you will learn your best way to study. Our prayer is that you would seek Christ and learn more about Him, studying the Word of God.

Over the past number of weeks, we have been in the Light & Love series, studying the book of John. It has given us insight into moderation, being judgemental, persecution, among many other things. With all of those wonderful topics, it is also understand the context that this book was written. Why is historical context important when studying God’s Word? It will reveal why the text was written. It will enrich what you take away from the passage, and help you understand the full meaning. It will help you grasp why the words were significant to their original audience. It will increase the likelihood of you interpreting the Bible correctly.
The book of John is one of the four gospels in the New Testament of the Bible. It is a testament to the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ, as recounted out by its author, John son of Zebedee. John was one of the apostles, and is said to have written the Gospel of John, 1-3 John and revelations.
The gospel of John was written later than the rest of the gospels, while was living in Epheseus, likely between 80-90 A.D. This book is unique among the four gospels in its focus on the person and teachings of Jesus, and its emphasis on the idea of Jesus as the divine Son of God. John’s gospel is structured differently from the other gospels, with a more philosophical and theological tone. Unlike the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, John does not follow a strict chronological order, but instead focuses on specific events and teachings that highlight the significance of Jesus and his message. The audience for this book is not narrow in any sense, being written for those who are not believers, or who are new to Christianity from both Judaism or other religions.
One of the key themes of John is the idea of Jesus as the light of the world, a theme that is introduced in the opening chapter and woven throughout the rest of the book. In this gospel, Jesus is portrayed as a teacher who uses miracles and parables to reveal God’s truth to the people. John also emphasizes the idea of faith, and how belief in Jesus can bring salvation and new life to believers.
Another important aspect of John is the depiction of Jesus’ miracles, which serve as signs that demonstrate his power and authority. In John, these miracles are not just performed for their own sake, but are meant to reveal the deeper spiritual truths about Jesus and his role as the Messiah.
Throughout the book, John also provides several intimate, personal moments with Jesus, such as his conversations with Nicodemus and the woman at the well, which serve to illustrate his compassion and wisdom. These moments also provide insight into the nature of Jesus’ relationship with his followers and his teachings on topics such as love, obedience, and the importance of belief.
The book of John concludes with the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the aftermath of these events as the apostles and other followers spread the news of Jesus’ message throughout the world.
In conclusion, the book of John is a powerful and thought-provoking account of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Through its emphasis on the person and message of Jesus, this gospel offers a unique perspective on the foundations of Christianity and the role of faith in the lives of believers.

It actually happened. You knew it would but now it’s finally real. Your daughter or son have decided they want to start dating. Admittedly, I don’t have any kids, but it wasn’t so long ago that my parents were navigating this issue with me. It was never easy, and I struggled with wanting to be honest with my parents but also gaining some independence for myself. As a parent, you want your teen to be equipped with the right tools to navigate through the ups and downs of relationships. From a Christian perspective, relationships leading to marriage are viewed as a sacred bond between two people who share their lives with each other in a loving, caring, and respectful manner. However, with the rise of technology and social media, the definition of relationships has changed, and many teens are struggling to find their way. As a parent, it’s important to have an open and honest conversation with your teen about relationships and the values that are important in a healthy relationship. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Be honest with yourself and them
As much as you may want to ignore it, your teen is going through changes that will change the ways they see the opposite gender. The culture around them will bombard them with messages about sex and dating, from the movies they watch, to the games they play to the conversations they have with their friends. If you google the word “Dating”, you would get 790,000,000 hits. Instead of deciding to stick your head in the sand, recognize what they’re going through and seek to build a culture of honesty with them.

2. Start with the basics
Before diving into more complex topics, start with the basics. Talk to your teen about what love is and how it is demonstrated in relationships. Explain how love should be unconditional, forgiving, and selfless. Discuss the role of trust, honesty, and communication in a relationship, and emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and respecting each other’s individuality. The Bible gives us one of the best ways to describe relationship health in 1 Corinthians 13.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

But it’s important to remember to not just talk about it, but to model it as well. Teens will pick up on how you treat your spouse, friends, and other family and often that will teach them more than what you say

3. Emphasize the importance of self-respect
It’s essential that your teen understands the importance of self-respect in relationships. Teach them to value themselves and to expect the same from others. Explain that a healthy relationship is built on mutual respect and trust, and that it’s okay to walk away from a relationship that does not align with their values and beliefs.

4. Discuss the role of faith in relationships
From a Christian perspective, faith plays a significant role in relationships. Discuss with your teen how faith can bring people together, provide comfort and support, and help them to make decisions that align with their values and beliefs. Explain that having a shared faith can provide a foundation for a strong, healthy relationship and can help them to navigate through difficult times.

5. Talk about the dangers of premarital sex
In a society that often promotes casual sex, it’s important to discuss the dangers of premarital sex with your teen. Explain that sex is a sacred act that should be reserved for marriage, and that engaging in premarital sex can lead to emotional and physical consequences. As much as this might be the most awkward part of any conversation, it’s one of the most important parts, as teenagers will have questions, concerns and be hearing a lot from other friends.

6. Be a good listener
Finally, it’s important to be a good listener when talking to your teen about relationships. Be open to their thoughts and opinions, and don’t judge or dismiss their feelings. Encourage them to ask questions and to express their concerns, and offer support and guidance as needed.

In conclusion, talking to your teen about relationships can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By emphasizing the importance of self-respect, faith, and healthy relationships, you can help your teen make wise decisions and form meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.