PLUG - Peer Level Unlimited Grace

What does it mean?  How does it look?  How can one truly put it into practice?  These are some of the questions I had when I heard the theme our Student Council had chosen for the year. 

What does it mean?  The theme is based on Ephesians 4:32, "Instead be kind to each another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."  I believe one of the toughest things to do, especially as a Christian, is to look beyond the short comings of our brothers and sisters in the Lord.  The comment I have heard in these situations has been, "They should know better!  I would never do that."  We have also heard the phrase, "love the sinner, hate the sin."  Easier said then done.  As relationships go, it is a two way street.  Ephesians reinforces the fact that one side of the street is kindness, forgiveness, and being tenderhearted.  The other side of the street is repentance, reconciliation and humility.  When both of these are in action....GRACE abounds.

How does it look?  Simply stated, BEAUTIFUL in the eyes of our Lord.

How can one truly put it into practice?  I would suggest placing yourself on the repentance, reconciliation and humble side of the street with someone that truly cares for you and will meet you half way on the other side.  Once you both have experienced God's design for this relationship, you can now multiply it with those around you as you pattern the correct relationship within PLUG.  This will be the spark to a wild fire our Peer Level Unlimited Grace. 

Our Independence Day - When Was Yours?

In the movie "Independence Day" with Will Smith, the actor playing the President of the United States declares their last fight against the invaders will produce a new independence day for the world.  Do you remember that scene?  One of the more moving moments in the movie and one of significance to Christians.

We just celebrated our country's Independence Day on Monday.  This is a time to come together, cook out, enjoy fireworks and remember what it took to gain our independence.  A few words that come to mind are dedication, sacrifice, perseverance, determination, love and commitment.  If you have ever met a person in the armed forces, you know that these inspirational words ring more true to them than to the average Joe.  The Marine Corps have a motto that is known around the world, "Semper fidelis:  always faithful."  Always faithful to their country, their job, their brothers & sisters in arms and to the commitment of freedom.

The untouched picture displays a cross on our American Flag reminding us that this is one nation under God.  Remaining faithful (Semper fidelis) to this call has and will continue to be a fight for all of those who call themselves Christian.

In the same way, Christ fought for our independence and freedom from sin through the ultimate sacrafice on the cross.  Remember the line, "today we celebrate our independence day!"  As we celebrate, remember your independence day with Christ and continue to fight the good fight...

"WE WILL NOT GO QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT!"
"WE WILL NOT VANISH WITHOUT A FIGHT!"

God bless America!

Click here to hear the speech.

School Spirit

I am sure you have heard this line before at different athletic events, "We have spirit, yes we do.  We have spirit, how about you!?!"  The crowd is then encouraged to respond, "We have spirit, yes we do.  We have spirti, how about you."  One of the more engaging sideline chants and one that I would propose needs some consideration.

What comes to mind if you were asked this very question beyond the field of play?  Does it invoke a response of care, compassion, stewardship and accountability to "your" school?  Does it prompt prayer, support and involvement?  Can the question move us to positively participate in all that we can at school?

Or is the idea of school spirit really just cliche, too much work or simply dead?

Philippians 2:2 tells us, "then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."  The Lord's joy is made complete through working harmoniously together; having the same love is loving God and others; and being one in spirit and purpose is growing the body of Christ through the community of believers and the efforts of drawing in others to join this community.  Really sounds like the blue print for school spirit...

As we look toward the 2011-12 school year, let's look into our hearts to see if we truly have school spirit.  May we as administrators, faculty and staff build the enthusiasum of school spirit while helping students, parents and friends catch it in a big way.

Looking to Think Radically

Northwest Christian School staff and faculty are reading through David Platt's book Radical - Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream this summer.  Our effort in reading this book is to understand, think and act differently as we lead in our calling to raise up difference makers for Christ and His kingdom.

In James 1:22-25 we are told not to be merely people who listen to God's word; but to also be a people that does what it says. We must give each other this charge!

David Platt asks the all important question to his readers, "Do you believe this Book?"  The book he is referring to is the word of God, the Bible.  Seems to be a rather easy question  for those looking to become fully developed followers of Jesus Christ.  I am sure a resounding YES came charging into your heart and mind.  Here is the challenge for all of us on that path..."Do we really?"

A great resource that is helping the administrative staff unpack this book is the media area at The Church at Brook Hills.  Here you are able to join us in watching David teach through his book the principles of thinking radically.   The Church at Book Hills * Media  The first video "What the Gospel Demands" we hear three more questions that will instantly challenge your heart.

#1 - Do we believe what this Book says about the church?
#2 - Do we believe what this Book says about the lost?
#3 - Do we believe what this Book says about the poor?


The administrative team took a few moments to give testimony to many different times and individuals in NCS history that demonstrated radical actions for Christ and His Kingdom.  Amidst this reflection, an excitement grew for what the 2011-12 school year will bring as we join together in reacting radically to God's word.