Only one couple at Life Answers has kids above middle school, so we don't sit around thinking about teenage things. But our kids aren't getting any younger, and the teenage years are coming.

EDGE (above) and Tha Porch two good influences on today's youth

George Barna's Group recently published an interesting study about teenagers goals and expectations entitled Teenagers Want Successful Careers and Global Travel, Expect to Delay Marriage & Parenting. They uncovered some interesting findings, some of which include:

• Finishing a college degree was their top-rated future priority.
• Having a connection with God and international travel emerged as second-level priorities.
• Marriage and church involvement were on the third tier of aspirations.
• One-quarter of teenagers (26%) said they expect to be "famous or well known" by the time they reach age 25.
• High school students were also less likely than middle-schoolers to believe they would have a great-paying job, be married, have kids, be serving the poor, or experience fame by the age of 25.

	Ladies Night Wednesday, May 19, at 6:00pm @ the Galieti Home Topic: Taming Your Tongue
Ladies Brunch Saturday, May 22, 10:30 am Michelle Lyons' Home mark your calendars now!

Last Sunday's ABF Recap: Sin
rg

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name."
He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven."
Luke 10:17-18

Sin is mentioned over 700 times in the scriptures. The term makes it first appearance in Genesis 4 during the story of Cain and Abel. We spoke of how seriously God takes sin, that sin comes not from God, that the purpose of Jesus' coming was to save us from our sins.

The theological definition of "sin" is "an action or thought that separates us from God." Romans 6:23 says for the wages of sin is death.

The image that the Bible paints for sin is that of missing the mark. Judges 20:16 says, Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred chosen men who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss. They didn't miss, they didn't "sin." The OT word for this is "chata" while the NT word is "humartia," both of which paint this picture of missing the mark.

But before we think of our sins like missing the bulls eye just a little to the right or left, Tony pointed out that our sins are like us drawing our bow from Myrtle Beach and aiming at a target in France. We'd land a little short. That's how far off God's mark we are.

Funny thing about sin is that it often doesn't show up with flashing lights and blaring sirens. It usually creeps up in our minds. James tells us each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

We then ventured into the origin of sin, talking about the origin of Satan in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. This led into quite the deep, philosophical tangent regarding angels and their nature. We wondered how could/why would God create Lucifer? And, as is usual with these types of conversations on Sunday mornings at Life Answers, the topic of "free will" was contemplated. It was great!

No doubt we'll pick up where we left off to one extent or another. See you Sunday!

Around The BendThis is the "How to Have a Better Marriage" portion of Life Answers ABF. May's guests will be Dave & Darlene Hess. The ATB series has been a wonderful time of gleaning from the knowledge of those who have been where we're going as married couples. Be sure to be a part of this great morning.

Our Next Observation Verse: Hebrews 4:12-14 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Print it out and mark it up by following the Reading the Word for Maximum Impact technique from late 2009

Have a great end to your week. Send an encouraging e-mail to a friend.

RG