We started a series called Jesus Loves You, based on the book by Craig Gross and Jason Harper (and also the most important truth from the Bible!). Often times, that quote can be taken for granted, misunderstood, and underestimated. For some, it could be that they have heard it so often. For others, it could be that they have never seen that modeled. And for some others, they have actually seen the opposite of that from those that claim to follow Christ.
Whatever the case may be, the statement is still true. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what you have done, and where you are going. The simple truth is that Jesus loves YOU. (more…)
2009 was an amazing year to launch our C9 Groups for Jr. High and High School. Tons of students attended and got connected to Adrenaline through our C9 Groups. In collaboration with the launch of Chico First Assembly’s small groups for adults, we will be starting a brand new C9 for high school seniors, college students and young adults. This c:nine will meet on Sunday nights beginning February 21 at 6PM. (more…)
There is something strangely fascinating and creepy about a jack in the box. I don’t know who invented the thing, but it’s sheer brilliance in its ability to capture and frighten at the same time. Anticipation builds as the crank is turned and the music plays. We know what’s going to happen, yet we continue to turn the crank, knowing we’re about to jump out of our skin. The interesting thing about it is that Jack was never intended to live inside the box. It’s purpose is not fulfilled until Jack comes out of the box. What Jack was intended for is fully realized when he pops out of his cage. (more…)
Job was a man that was the epitome of a follower of God. He did everything above and beyond in his devotion to his God. Because of that, God totally blessed him with wealth, possessions, fame, prestige, etc. He literally had it all together. But then he was struck by a cheap shot.
In a single day, he lost everything God had ever given him. His possessions, wealth, and even family except his wife. He didn’t do anything wrong. He was more godly than anyone else mentioned in the Bible. he offered sacrifices to God for himself and every member of his family DAILY just in case they MIGHT HAVE SINNED. (more…)
As we are now fully into 2010 (pronounced twenty-ten), I want to take a moment and thank everyone who made 2009 an AMAZING year for Adrenaline.
To our adult leaders, you are incredible! Much of our C9 Groups could not be done without you pouring your hearts into these students! All of the time you take away from family and personal sacrifice for these students means to much! Thank you!
To our student leaders, you work so hard every week to make Adrenaline one pretty awesome place. Adrenaline wouldn’t be what it is without some great student leaders. Thank you!
To our students, we wouldn’t even be in existence if it weren’t for you. This last year has been an amazing year with all of you. Seeing God work in you has been our greatest joy this year.
To Chico First Assembly, thank you for letting us be an oasis for students in Chico. Without a vision to reach young people, none of what has happened would have been possible. Thank you for believing in us and in these students.
Looking ahead to twenty-ten,
Pastor Tony Mazon
P.S. What was your favorite moments of 2009? Leave it in the comments!
We had an awesome time at our annual “An Adrenaline Christmas” service last night! Lots of laughs, fun, and goodies to be had. Some of the highlights are below. (more…)
Lie To Me* is Fox’s brand new hit drama, now in it’s second season. The show is centered around Dr. Cal Lightman, a world-reknown face-reading expert. His expertise is reading “microexpressions,” the near instantaneous, involuntary expressions or gestures shown by a human when they are trying to conceal an emotion. They are the slight changes in the face that reflect in a split instant, what people are truly feeling inside. Microexpressions are the same whether you are in America, Africa, Germany, or Iraq. It is a universal truth test. The entire premise of the show is built around the idea that absolute truth is most accurately revealed from the inside out. (more…)
God has been doing some amazing things in our youth ministry since the first of the year. In January, we began talking about friendships and how they can influence our lives. Many students talked about how that was the best stuff they have ever heard on friendships and the importance of those you let in your inner circle.
That avenue continued as we talked about launching small groups to be the friendliest place in the city. In a recent survey of things most looked for in a youth ministry, over 70% said that the number one thing they want is a friendly atmosphere where they can be themselves. We have worked very hard to create that environment at Adrenaline. (more…)
My incredible soon-to-be fiance wrote this, and I thought it was worth sharing.
Human beings have such an ugly tendency to be selfish. It’s not news. We all know that selfishness winds an invisible thread throughout the essence of every person. The holiday season broadcasts the selfish weakness of God’s creation with a resonance of a boom microphone with messages like, “What do you want for Christmas?” And “you deserve_________”.
I believe what was once intended to help celebrate the glory of God’s most definitive act of mercy has become a tool to skew our line between need and want, desire and necessity. Commercialism has taken the name of Christmas, the representation of the purpose of Christmas, and fluffed up the most significant moment in human history. Somewhere lost in the glitter of our tinsel, garland, little lights, massive inflatable snow globes and amazing food, lays the message of God’s love for His creation. The message is hidden, but it’s a message of giving. It seems as though we’ve become caught up in giving with the purpose of receiving something in return. In reality, God gave the first Christmas gift: a life. He only longed for relationship from us. Not a watch, expensive perfume or cashmere, etc. rather; He desired us. He so longed for communion with us that He gave.
How often do we give, just for the sake of giving? It doesn’t have to be monetary; it doesn’t have to be expensive. But, how about just a note letting someone know we care? Or baking an extra 12 cookies for someone? Giving doesn’t have to be expensive. Giving just has to be sincere.
My prayer this year is that with all of the economic turmoil, that we would re-focus the purpose of giving. That my own giving would be consistent and that I would remember the faces of people who have nothing. I pray that God will burn the image of a person on each of our hearts, so that we can offer up a prayer and perhaps, a meal or warm blanket. I pray we won’t lose our purpose in the frenzy of commercialism. I pray that Christians will begin to act instead of gossip, pray instead of scowl and hug instead of turn away.
Christmas can [still] change the world. This year, Give Presence.
- Taken from Advent Conspiracy
I preached this at our church Sunday night. It isn’t original material, and some of it I have talked about in previous posts. Anyways, enjoy, and comment if you like.
*Note: I preached this to several older church members. So I was careful.
