Some of you have turned 18 since the last election took place in the United States of America.  This is your first opportunity to participate in the democratic process as an American and vote.  I encourage you, strongly, to make sure you register and vote.

For all of us who are Christians and Americans - I hope we are clear on where our first priority and citizenship  lies.  (see Philippians 3:20 and Ephesians 2:19).

Not all issues on the table in this election carry the same weight in the Word of God.

There are zillions of opinions, polls, articles, blogs, TV personalities, “famous” people, media outlets, pumping out zillions of bits of information - so it seems.  With each election in the electronic age this has continued to increase.  How can you even begin to sift through it and know who to listen to?  What are your guiding principles?

I’ll point you in the direction of a few, select sources that have helped me think through these issues in ways that are in line with our “sound thinking” passion here at RockSolid.

A very helpful one was just made available today.  Here is John Piper’s heart on the elections:  (no where in this video does he tell you who to vote for):

Outline:

1. Womanhood
2. Race
3. Abortion
4. Prophetic perspective
5. Sovereignty of God
6. Gospel

This is a powerful adoption story…and yes, it’s even ok for the guys to cry.

[HT: Justin Taylor]

Here’s a prayer request for all our supporters and those interested in the growing ministry of the RockSolid Conference:

• Pray that the Lord would help us spread the word about RS.

• Pray that the Lord will draw the young men and women and families to apply who He intends to affect through this ministry.

You can help us spread the word by sharing this website/blog and RS Conference information with those you know.  Point them to the “Catching Up with RS Alumni” series here on the blog for testimonies from students.

The early registration deadline is December 31, 2008.

Don’t wait to have conversations or make plans, start today!

“I will tell you one thing that proves—proves to a demonstration, that Christ is still precious to his people, and it is this:—send one of Christ’s people to hear the most noted preacher of the age, whoever that may be; he preaches a very learned sermon, very fine and magnificent, but there is not a word about Christ in that sermon. Suppose that to be the case, and the Christian man will go out and say, “I did not care a farthing for that man’s discourse.” Why? “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. I heard nothing about Christ.” Send that man on the Sabbath morning to hear some hedge and ditch preacher, some one who cuts the king’s English about never so badly, but who preaches Jesus Christ—you will see the tears rolling down that man’s face, and when he comes out he will say, “I do not like that man’s bad grammar; I do not like the many mistakes he has made, but oh! it has done my heart good, for he spoke about Christ.” That, after all, is the main thing for the Christian; he wants to hear about his Lord, and if he hears him magnified he will overlook a hundred faults. In fact, you will find that Christians are all agreed, that the best sermon is that which is fullest of Christ.”

Charles Spurgeon, 1859, 26 years old.  From His sermon, “Christ Precious To Believers” from 1 Peter 2:7.

Is He precious to you?

We continue our series and effort to “catch up” with RS alumni past and present…

In light of our recent Finding/Forging Conference, and the due emphasis on such issues as Biblical manhood and womanhood, marriage, and the process leading to marriage in a way that glorifies God (dating/courtship)… I was very pleased to sit down (via email!) with Victoria Collins-Eldridge and hear her passion about motherhood and homemaking - as a form of missions in this culture!

We honor the high-calling she desires and aspires to…

We acknowledge full Christian liberty on vocational choices, yet find it refreshing to know that RockSolid is not only impacting young people who will go on to various ministry and missions callings and careers in business, education, technology, etc… but also impact future husbands and wives, fathers and mothers - who will shape a generation yet to come for the glory of God!

Meet Victoria.

Catch us up again on where you’re living, what you’re doing school wise and work wise, etc..?

I’m living in Odessa, WA with my parents and 3 siblings. Along with my online college courses through Whitefield College, I do a number of things.

I work: at a Coffee Haus on part-time and fill in basis, at my dad’s Chiropractic Center where I do secretarial and cleaning duties, for an elderly lady where I go to basically keep her company and do odd jobs that she’s not able to do anymore, for another elderly lady who needs meals made and pills set out, for various people who need babysitters/house cleaners/yard help/pet sitting/ you name it!.

I’ve been helping with the JR/SR. high youth group at the church my family now attends here in Odessa.  While I’m at home I am the chauffeur, laundress, chef, referee, and try to do as much cleaning as time allows.

From the time I first became a Christian I really wanted to do mission work.  When I was twelve I went on a short term trip with a church group from Post Falls, and then got a passion for mission work right here in America.  This summer, when a friend of mine spent a week in Panama working on a school down there with a mission team from several churches, I realized, “You know….Victoria, you are a missionary of sorts right here in Odessa.” So, that’s what I like to think of myself as!  I wear all the hats that I do not for money, not for “status”, but for Christ.  Some days I wonder if I’ll ever get it all done, but God’s been teaching me that He’ll give me grace to get through each day and whatever it holds.

When did you attend RS?

I attended RS2006 and RS2007.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on getting married, starting a family, and raising up the next generation for God.

Amen!  That’s exciting…so, how has RS helped you in your relationship with the Lord?

RS put feet to my faith. It helped me to unpack loads of thoughts, facts, truths, etc. and then truly begin to live out my faith like never before. RS helped me discover the “’Now what?’ after the ‘Now what?’”.

How has RS helped you in your preparation for what you are doing now?

RS is one of the biggest reasons I am where I am now. After my experience there I began considering God’s plan for my life and how He would have me pursue it.  I’m able to live counter cultural, and know I’m in obedience to God, even when most people call me crazy.

What challenged you the most?

The biggest thing that challenged me was realizing that God’s primary concern for giving me salvation wasn’t “ME”…but Him. You know, it’s so obvious, but I so didn’t get it. Now that I do, my relationship with God is better than ever before.

What’s your favorite RS memory?

Hmm…I guess small group time with the “Pink Bananas” (RS2007). It was a great group of girls and God placed us together for a reason.

Would you recommend RS to other 16-20 year olds? (why/why not)

I would recommend this to ANY 16-20 year old I know. This is an event that will change your life forever by showing you what it means to BE a follower of Jesus Christ.

Any fellow RS alumni you would like to give a special message too here?

Pink Bananas: (How’d we ever come up with that one??), We’ve gotta get together soon.

To everyone else : Keep on fighting, RS was only the beginning!

Thanks for the great update Victoria and the encouraging testimony.  Keep us posted on the Lord’s leading and provision in your life and how we can be praying for you!

aj