Due to impacts from the storm, our Sunday Worship Service will be at 10:15 a.m. at The Avion Event Center at 1733 E Northrop Blvd Chandler, AZ 85286. Childcare will be provided for ages 0-3. There will be no Equipping Hour, Evening Service or Student Ministries.

Final Sunday SM of 2024: Nothing Is Too Radical In Fight Against Sin

Jacob Hantla December 9, 2024

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2024-12-09. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Dear parents of student ministries, 
Last night was the final Sunday evening session of 2024 for student ministries. This year has truly been a blessing. Thank you for the privilege that you have entrusted me with of teaching your kids, serving alongside the discussion leaders, and watching God work.

In last night's lesson (watch the video / read transcript here) , I continued Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on His radical teaching about sin in Matthew 5:29-30. We explored how Jesus raises the standard of righteousness beyond external actions to the level of the heart – showing that anger is tantamount to murder and lust to adultery. When Jesus says to tear out our eye or cut off our hand if it causes us to sin, He's emphasizing that nothing is too radical in our fight against sin because our eternal destiny is at stake.

This teaching led us to understand that while Jesus uses shocking imagery about cutting off body parts, His ultimate purpose isn't mere sin avoidance – it's redemption. For Christians, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought with the precious blood of Christ. This means our hands, eyes, and every member of our bodies are no longer instruments for sin but are set apart for glorifying God. The gospel doesn't just save us from sin; it saves us to a God-glorifying purpose: to use our bodies – every part – to honor the One who purchased us at such a great price. I encouraged students to be honest with you (parents) about areas where they're struggling and to seek your help not only in fighting sin, but in discovering how to use their bodies to glorify God.

I encourage you to interact with your students over what they have learned this year and particularly any radical sin-fighting applications that they have committed to as they enter into Christmas break. Some specific questions to discuss with your students:

  • What specific temptations or environments do they need help avoiding?
  • Are there any habits or tools they've identified that need to be "cut off" to help them pursue purity?
  • How does the gospel give them hope in fighting sin?
  • What are they reading in God's Word and how is it affecting them?
  • What are they praying about, and how are they seeing God work through those prayers?
Remember that the goal isn't just external behavior modification, but heart-level change that flows from understanding Christ's work on our behalf.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me or your student's discussion group leader if there are ways we could "better serve you and come alongside you in your discipleship and evangelism of your students." We are here to support you in this vital work.

Don't forget. This Friday will be Christmas party from 6-9 at Josh Penas home. It will be ugly sweater themed; chili will be served. Jonathan Kellso will be leading us a devotional time and music followed by fun and games. 

I'm very excited for this Sunday where a number of current and former students will be giving public testimony through baptism. 

If there is any way in which I or the discussion leaders can help come along side you in your efforts to evangelize and disciple your students, please let us know. 

Finally, please keep a close watch on your email. We will be sending out details on camp signup very soon. 

Your servant for His glory,  
-Jacob Hantla