Angels Recorded singing with Jason Upton

 

Angels Recorded Singing With Jason Upton … Yea, I was skeptical too … But is has had a massive impact on me this week.

I am reading a book at the moment which, in all honesty, I am struggling with. Not because I don’t believe in the Holy Spirit, or that I don’t believe in the supernatural or miracles etc but because of the authors use of scripture and other material. However, I am pressing on and Jason Upton was cited as having recorded himself singing with Angles!

I have never seen an Angel, but I have heard of people who have and I believe that the bible makes it clear that such things can, do and will happen. I then researched a little and found some interesting video clips. The first one here tells the story as one of the other musicians explains exactly what happened.

Having listened to this story, like me, I am sure your next thought is OK, lets listen to the recording of the prophetic song “Fly” by Jason Upton. Ok here you go.

 

After I saw this video I purchased the album “Remember” which has the song FLY on it and have been listen to this track. You can hear the harmonies and if only Jason is only one singing then the backing singing are awesome! There is something about this song as you listen to it … an anointing for sure.

Listen particularly at the 4 Min mark, but everywhere.

Virgin Daughters

The TV documentary last night about Virgin Daughters and their fathers was shown last night on Channel 4. To be honest I found the last half that I saw just a little strange. Not having daughters, only sons, I am not in a great position discuss the relationship between father and daughter as I have no idea how I would feel if I did. However, I believe that the same principles are true for raising our children. The bible teaches us as parents how to raise children. It does not really distinguish between the sexes. I have to assume therefore that I would apply the same principles to daughters, if I had them, as I do with my sons.

I beleive that children are best served, raised and loved in a family context, with a mother and father who have build a strong, loving and committed marriage. In that context children excel. As we teach our children what is right and wrong we must always, as a Christian, encourage them, discipline them in love and with respect. I encourage my boys to read the bible for themselves as that is where I find the principles for family life, marriage and raising kids.

I believe Christianity to be a choice that every individual makes for themselves before God. I can not force my beliefs or world view on my children, they will ultimately have to make that decision for themselves. I can of course encourage them to discover the truth for themselves and I trust, like me, they come to understand that the bible is true and that becoming a follower of Jesus is the right way. That said, I accept that there is the possibility that they will not.

Even in that eventuality the bible offers me answers. Unlike the poor girl in the documentary who was pretty much excommunicated by her mother particularly, but also her father, I believe that I would want to continue to love my child, be a part of their life regardless of the choices they make. Of course I would be disappointed, but they are still my kids and either I love them or I don’t. My love for them is not dependant on what they do, but on the fact that they are my children! No matter what, and as far as they are willing to let me, I would want to be part of their lives no matter how old they were. I must confess to not understanding the responses of the young ladies parents. It seemed to me that for “bible believing Christians” they did not understand a great deal of the bible. The whole bible is a story of a Father (God) who did all he could to restore a relationship with his children (mankind – You & Me) after they rebelled against him and did what he asked them not to. Not dissimilar to the girl on the TV Show – Sure she made some mistakes. We all do! But I believe that God is able and willing to forgive us. If he is willing to do so, then I think we should too.

With regard to the whole “purity ball” thing I was a little unsure what I thought to be honest. As a former leader in the Silver Ring Thing in the UK I have great empathy with the principles behind the idea of teaching young people about sexual purity as the bible defines it. I want to encourage young people that not having sex before marriage is not only desirable, but possible. I teach this to my sons and as a leader in a church teach these bible principles regularly. I think that our culture is pressuring young people far to much to have sex. Our schools teach them many years before it is even legal for them how to do it “safely”. They use this word “Safe” like you can become invincible to the risks of STIs, pregnancy, emotional hurt and anguish. You can’t. The governments own stats tell you that sex outside of marriage is far from safe. STIs amongst young people has been quoted as being an epidemic, at best it is out of control with most STIs rising at an alarming rate. Teenage pregnancy is a massive issue to our society and a huge drain on the financial resources of our nation. Sex is far from safe. Sure we ”might” be able to say we can be “safer” but not safe!

Sorry, getting carried away. So, I have sympathy for the thoughts behind the Purity Ball concept, but I did find the way that it was portrayed in the documentary was a little “Over the Top” in some of the more prominent cases. Again, that said, having been on the receiving end of CHANNEL 4 DOCUMENTARIES I am very aware that what was shown may be miles away from the real facts of the situation. It is a fact that programme makers look to sensationalise stories to increase ratings in order sell advertising. The more people tuned in the better the advertising revenue. We the public must always be aware of that. So, if they can sensationalise it, outrage people, press peoples buttons as it were .. they will, Its what they do. Its what pays their salaries! So I urge viewers to be very careful before jumping up in outrage. Do some research for yourself before you get too far up on your high horse. I personally have had TV makers cut what I have said and the narrator voice over the complete opposite of what they cut me saying. So careful is my caution! Remember it is not about reporting its about advertising and entertainment!

MTV Awards

Normally the MTV awards would have passed me by if it were not for the huge number of phone calls from the press/media this week asking for my thoughts on the comments Russell Brand made about the Jonas brothers.

I have, over the years had many opportunities to speak to the media because of other positions I have held other than a Youth Pastor for Kings Church. Once they have you phone number they always call and I enjoy explaining a biblical Christian perspective to them and presenting the gospel wherever possible – So may these opportunities continue.

So, Russel Brand has really upset many people over his so called “comedy” which simply seems to rest on poking fun at other people and trying to make them look small, insignificant and stupid. It would seem however that the media has not liked this at all and are looking to “fight back”.

During the MTV awards 2008 he had a go at the President of America which did not go down well and also ridiculed the Jonas brothers. It was this that caused the media to contact me because of my former involvement with the Silver Ring Thing and because I am a Christian Minister to young people (as they like to call me).

BBC 5 Live contacted me and the Radio host was not best pleased with Mr Brand as he felt that if young men wanted to present and live a “clean cut” life and Image that they should be encouraged, not ridiculed. I must confess, that radio interview was not very hard to do as the presenter was in agreement with me that we should be assisting young people who choose to live a sexually pure lifestyle, not ridicule them and put pressure on them to live a different way.

What is incredible is the level of prejudice that is tolerated because of ones so called celebrity status. If, as an example, similar prejudice was focused on the colour of someones skin then there would be no tolerance at all, and rightly so. It is inconceivable therefore that when discrimination is shown to an individual, or in this case a group of people, based totally on someones personal, uneducated and extremely biased, point of view that it is remotely tolerated at all!

I am delighted with the amount of column inches and minutes of airtime that have been given to highlight this here in the UK. An independent TV company has approach the Silver Ring Thing in the UK to film another documentary simply because of the outrage that Russel Brand caused at the 2008 MTV Awards. This is not cause for celebration however, we have nothing to thank Mr Brand for as his behaviour set an example to young people that prejudice and ridicule are acceptable with no remorse. There are several hundred Silver Ring Thing wearers in the UK and thousands more who have made promises to stay sexually abstinent until they get married and they should be encouraged if that is what they believe is the right way to live, not give others fuel for opposition.

Lets be honest the UK Statistics for abortions, single mothers & STIs are far from praise worthy. The governments message of “Safe Sex” of the least 30 years clearly does not work as their own statistics and missed targets demonstrate. I am not naive enough to believe that a message of “No Sex for Everyone Before Marriage” will be welcomed by everyone. Individuals must make up their own minds based on ALL the facts and according to their own convictions and consciences. If for some a pledge of abstinence is what they believe will allow them to enjoy life without the risks associated with sex outside of marriage then why are we wrong to support them. I simply can not understand why anyone feels the need to attack them, privately or publicly, in order to justify their own so called convictions. If Mr Brand believes that his “sexual choices” are his to make, and I dont think anyone is arguing with him, then why try to justify himself by ridiculing others with a different point of view. This is just discrimination & prejudice of the highest order!

Comedy – Yea right!

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Sex Isn’t The Problem (Lust is) by Joshua Harris

This is a fantastic book which I highly recommend to any single person, young or old. In fact even as a married guy I found it useful to challenge my thoughts and things like my TV and DVD Movie choices.

The book looks at those difficult areas like pornography & sexual fantasy. It tackles questions like “Is is OK to masturbate? Is masturbation a sin?”,  and so much more. He brings a real focus to the causes of these things and grounds our response firmly in the grace and power of the Cross of Jesus.

I am now recommending this book to all the youth, teens and 20s I deal with as I think this book will set many free from the success/failure loop that many find themselves in. It ensures that at all times the reader is assured of the grace of God and their position before God being secure in what Jesus achieved on the cross and is not dependant on their performance in over coming lust, masturbation or any of the things discussed in the book. We want to overcome sin because of a superior satisfaction in Jesus. This book explains in a very practical way how. There is no “quick fix” or magic formula but as you read the book you will discover the heart of God for you and the power of the Cross to win!

Please read it !

 

Friend of Sinners

I look at the calling of Matthew as Jesus disciple. Matthew’s call was simple . Follow Me, but the result was stunning – Mission. Matthew threw a party an invited all his friends to meet Jesus. I challenge you to look at your response to Jesus. Jesus said he came to “Seek & Save the Lost”, he then told his disciples “As the father sent me, so I send you” Jesus wants us to actively seek those who are far from God in order that we might introduce them to Jesus!

 

Download or Listen for FREE .

 

What is your Life Worth ?

Have you ever considered what your life is worth?

Insurance companied value a single year of quality life as being worth £25,000, that is if you needed a life saving medical procedure they would only consider it if it gave you 1 year or more of quality life and it did not cost more that £25,000

Some people say that your life is PRICELESS, but what does that mean. If I value my mobile phone at £100 and no one is prepared to pay the price, then it does not make it priceless, it makes it worthless. The phone is only valuable if someone in willing to pay the price for it.

So, what is your life worth? What price would YOU put on it, and who would be willing to pay that price?

 

Download or Listen for FREE as I answer this question.

 

Is Sex Outside Marriage OK ?

Listen or Download a Talk for Free!

Is the question I am asked the most … by far !

Given the way sex is portrayed in our society, the way it is used to sell everything from Ice Cream to Cars, the way we “educate” our school kids no wonder everyone has so many questions.

We have eroded marriage, family, parenting and the most intimate of actions between two people – The act of lovemaking. Our young people are are confused, society suffers and christians are often caught in the confusion. They therefore ask the question is sex outside of marriage wrong? What does the bible actually say? How should I conduct myself as a true follower of Jesus.

In response to this I have written this paper which I hope of find helpful. You can download the full document for free right here

Is Smoking a Sin ?

What a question – “Is smoking a Sin?”

This is something that has long been debated and, in my opinion, the answer has changed as we have discovered more and more information on the effect of smoking on our health and well being.

I have written a paper that I have cleverly entitled “Is Smoking a Sin” where I examine the whole issue of Smoking and focus on some key areas:

• Addiction
• Rebellion & Deceit
• Health
• Free Choice & Pleasure

The outcome for me was interesting, not because I smoke (I don’t), but because what I discovered affects so much more than smoking. Whilst looking at the area of addiction I was convicted as to my own addiction to caffeine. Whilst looking at the issues of health and looking after the body God has given me I wondered if I do all I could to look after it. So don’t think “I don’t smoke so this does not apply to me”. Take a look!

You can download the full document for free right here

Biblical Confessions to Build Your Faith

Biblical Confessions to build Your Faith by Larry Tomczak is just an incredible way of speaking concentrated truth from God into your own life. Almost entirely made up of scripture it imparts his promises to you as a child of God.

Larry Tomczak’s paper “Biblical Confessions to Build Your Faith” is made up almost in its entirety of scripture. I encourage you to read – OUT LOUD – these amazing truths and encourage yourself in the word of God.

The paper gives scripture verses to help you in various areas and situatuions in your life:

• Who We are in Christ
• Victory
• Faith
• Boldness
• Health
• Joy
• Prosperity
• Destiny

I encourage you to read Larry’s amazing paper whichyou can download here. Read it out loud if you can, speak it out, let yourself listen to yourself speaking out the promises of God over your life. Hear yourself talking about the promises of God over your life as a Christian. You will be blessed of that I am convincedbecause we know that word of God, when spoken, will not return to him empty.

 

Isaiah 55:11 (English Standard Version)
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;   it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,  and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

 

Young Asked About Commercialism

Originally Posted on 7th April 2008

UPDATE !

I wrote to Prof David Buckingham following writing this blog … And he replied !

Dear AndyThanks for your message. The best thing you could do immediately is respond to the consultation: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/consultations/The review is primarily a review of the research evidence, but there will also be events in which views of children, parents and stakeholders (including business) are sought. I will forward your message to the DCSF official who is dealing with that side of things – it may be that your contacts will be useful there. Thanks for your interest – this is a rather daunting task! David Buckingham

 

If you are under 19 then why not complete their consultation survey here. You can complete the survey if you are over 19 (as a parent, group or community leader)

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BBC Report

This report outlines how a panel of “experts” have been brought together to advise ministers on their “children’s plan”. Whilst collecting results they also want to speak to “those most directly affected”.

The work is being led by Prof David Buckingham of the Institute of Education, London University, who is founder and director of the Centre for the Study of Children, Youth and Media.

He said there was growing concern about the influence of commercial forces on contemporary childhood.

Unbelievable

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said in the article: “As parents we all worry about new influences, and feel pressure to buy the latest toys for our children .I want to know if advertising and shopping, and other influences such as media and entertainment, marketing and promotion, commercial websites, and sponsored events are affecting our children’s lives in any way. I want to know what these things are telling young people about how to behave, what to believe, and what kind of person to become.”

My Thoughts:

I am in an interesting position as I am a full time youth worker of a local church in Horsham West Sussex, but until 2 years ago was the Sales and Marketing Director for an international software company that provides software to most major blue chip organisations to improve their marketing and customer databases.

I changed jobs 2 years ago totally out of choice, taking a significant pay cut to work full time with young people. In this capacity I work in schools, run youth activities through the week and camps away etc. Additionally I am also a volunteer advisor for “Young enterprise” the UKs leading business and enterprise education charity which aims to allow young people to learn about commerce through doing!

Dealing with commercial pressures, from both sides of the fence, as a consumer and a business person, is a constant battle. I too believe that childhood has become too commercialised, but I personally believe that the role of parenting has a huge part to play in the amount of advertising our children are exposed to, particularly on TV, as all TVs have an ON/OFF switch! A fact that seems to elude many of the parents I have regular contact with.

On one hand we blame the marketers for targeting the kids, parents complain that their kids are then coerced by advertising into purchasing various goods, products and services, but as a parent I believe that I have the ability to say “No” to the requests of our kids and we should exercise some degree of control in our own home.

I think Mr Ed Balls comments in the article reflect the demise of good parenting skills. If he is unable to say “no” to the pressure his kids put him under to buy toys how will he cope with the pressures of office! 

“I want to know what these things are telling young people about how to behave, what to believe, and what kind of person to become.” [Mr Ed Balls]

As a parent I want to be responsible for what my children become, to influence their understanding of morals, of right and wrong and how to behave … I am not going to leave that to the media or advertisers and certainly not to the government … especially if this is the attitude of the children’s secretary

I agree that this is not always easy but I believe parenting is a huge factor in the debate on child consumerism. I really look forward to the results of this study and I am sure that Mr Ball will not be surprised at the results. I am sure that we will see that advertising, shopping, and other influences such as media and entertainment, marketing and promotion, commercial websites, and sponsored events are affecting our children’s lives in EVERY way!

Conclusion

Mt plea is that as a society we encourage better parenting, teaching and training young parents how to love and discipline their kids, how to wisely give them the things they need, to be able to “treat” them, but to to give them everything they ask for or be held to ransom by them. If you are wanting help or advice on Parenting then there are some great resources here

 Other Relationship Resources:

• Marriage Preparation
• Marriage
• Recovering from Divorce and Separation
• Parenting