When In Rome

This BLOG is going bye bye...

2009-05-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Please check out the new blog...
www.studio78wheatonbible.blogspot.com

See you later!

Scott Murray

"To Date...or Not to Date...is there a Question?"

2009-05-11T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here is the message from last Wednesday. Check it out, tell me what you think!

To Date or Not To Date
(This is a copy of my notes that I used for last week’s message on dating.)

When I was growing up…my idea of dating consisted of holding someone’s hand during couple skate at the roller rink.
• If there was a girl that I liked, I asked her if she wanted to “Go Out” with me.
• This basically meant, that we were boyfriend or girlfriend, but we never went out…I couldn’t Drive!

2 reasons to date:
1. To Break up
2. To get married
• If you are dating to “Break Up”, then do not invest your body, your time, do not change your plans for this person. Also, do not invest your emotions on this person. The truth is…one of you will break the other person’s heart! You do not want to the type of person that is known for breaking hearts!
• If you dating to “Get Married”…(which looking around the room I can see that none of you are, maybe the Wheaton College staff!)…then ALSO, do not invest your body (save that for marriage), but DO invest your time, your future planning…but remember; this person may break up with you!

There isn’t much in the Bible about dating.
• All those marriages were arranged by mom and dad…
• DO you trust your parents to find you someone to marry?

Here is something pretty interesting…
35% of teenagers claimed “parents” to be the biggest influence on their dating practices.
Here are the contenders:
Friends = 28%
Media = 4%
Siblings = 4%
Religious leader/Faith community = 3%
Boyfriend or girlfriend = 2%
Other family member = 2%

What does God say about this whole thing?
1 Thes. 4:1-8
Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.
Song of Solomon 2:7

“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, By the gazelles or by the hinds of the field, That you do not arouse or awaken my love Until she pleases.”

Eph. 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Here is something that you NEED to hear and KNOW…
-GOD HAS FORGIVEN YOU
-GOD CAN MAKE YOU WHOLE AGAIN
-If you have messed up: He wants to put you back together
-Before you mess up: He wants to show you so much love and security, so you don’t have to look anywhere else for your identity.

In your core groups TONIGHT, you will get a chance to write down a question or two about this subject:
• Be serious
• We will answer as many as we can next week with our expert panels and we split up the guys and the girls for the message part of the night.

This Wed. Guest Speaker: Jeremy Kingsley!!!!!

2009-03-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

OK GUYS...you are in for something awesome this week at Studio 78! We have a guest speaker. His name is Jeremy Kingsley. He is a professional speaker, and one of my great friends! Here is a couple of things you must do before Wednesday at 6:30.
1. You have to come
2. Invite someone that to hear him...it doesn't matter if they know God or not!
3. Get ready for an awesome night.
4. Invite anyone...even your PARENTS!!!

He is speaking at Moody Bible Institute that morning, then joining us as we play games, worship God and get into the Bible!

Here is a Bio of Jeremy!
Jeremy Kingsley is a Bible teacher and a leader for a new generation. Every year he challenges large audiences of people in the US and internationally at universities, music festivals, special events and conferences “Don’t read the Bible to finish, read
it to change,” “Humility and service is the path to true greatness.” Jeremy Kingsley
is a third generation minister. He is passionate about knowing Christ and making Him known. A talented and creative communicator, he has become one of the most sought after speakers in the country.

Jeremy’s early years were spent in the frigid winters of Wisconsin and his teen
years in the politically charged environment of Washington, DC. In both places Jeremy learned many personal lessons about character, integrity, and persecution (that comes when Christians refuse to compromise Jesus’ standards).

After playing three years on the varsity basketball team in high school and scoring over 1000 points, Jeremy was named the Conference Most Valuable Player his senior year. Colleges pursued him, but so did a higher calling. With an
all-consuming desire to “know Jesus,” Jeremy made a difficult decision to give
up the opportunity to play college basketball in order to attend Columbia International University in South Carolina and enter full-time vocational ministry. There he earned two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Bible and Biblical Teaching and a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Since then God has opened the door for Jeremy to minister and speak to hundreds of thousands of people all over the world. Jeremy invites listeners to be servants,
to lead from a humble position, and to live authentic Christian lives. He also teaches homiletics, evangelism training, leadership development, and is a consultant for churches, para-church organizations, and corporations (interested in effective team leadership).

Jeremy has written multiple articles and two books, One Step Closer to a life worth living and Be Last: Descending to Greatness, and has recorded three live speaking events: Amazing Jesus, Reputation, and The Encounter. In 2004 Jeremy founded Onelife Ministries, a non-profit, faith-based ministry. Its mission is to invite people
to know and love Jesus Christ, to strengthen them in their faith, and to offer
biblical insight for long-term spiritual growth and ministry through Biblically
centered, inspiring, relevant teaching and resources.

You can also check him out at: www.jeremykingsley.com

See you this Wednesday!

Scott Murray
Wheaton Bible Church

2009-03-20T08:35:00.000-07:00

OK Junior High...You have until THIS WEDNESDAY to get us your application for Full Service...Do not let this experience go on without you!
You can get more information here http://wbcwarehouse.com.snapshotweb.org/WBCJuniorHighMinistry/Events/tabid/85/Default.aspx

See you then,
Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church

2009-03-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Hey...We have a great event for you and your parent(s)! You have to come to this all day event on Saturday, April 18th. The price is $10 a person and it is from 9-3:00 PM, and lunch is included! It is at the church...in the East Worship Hall.

Why not come...ask your mom or dad...and make it the best day of the year. Let's face it, we all want to get closer to our parents and we all want them to understand us more! Take a chance and sign up on the warehouse website. www.wbcwarehouse.com See you this week!!!

Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church

FACEBOOK ANYONE?

2009-02-23T09:47:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone! I am writing to tell you that I am excited that we have created a new group on FACEBOOK! Yes...that's right! I don't know if you have a facebook site, and if you do not, then maybe it is because your parents do not want you to. THAT IS TOTALLY FINE WITH ME...but if you do have one, you need to join our group. It is called Studio78. If you become a member you will hear of the more recent, up to date news and information about the ministry. So...see you on Facebook...and by the way, if you and I are not friends yet.......FRIEND ME!

Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
smurray@wheatonbible.org

Parents...if you would like to talk about issues with FACEBOOK, then please do not hesitate to give me a call or email.

Thanks!

GO, GO, GO Joseph!

2009-02-13T20:19:00.001-08:00

My daughter, Amelia and I went on a date tonight to see Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with about 50 of you from church and I have to say...IT WAS AWESOME! Good Job guys!

New Series This Sunday!

2009-02-13T11:34:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we will be starting our new series in Romans. Chapter 9-11...I can't wait to see all of you there. Bring your Bible and an open heart to what God may want to say to you this week.

Almost Camp Time

2009-02-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

Meet Jeff Durbin, our really awesome camp speaker.

You guys ready for camp?!

Game time!

Ready for worship.

Studio Spotlight!

2009-01-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Everyone walked the red carpet to enter the show.

There was awesome singing...

Talented musicians...

More talent...

Taylor singing Taylor...

Scott's little sweethearts!

A group of crazies!

The awesome MC's.
Some serious talent...

This was awesome and they were the winners of the Studio Spotlight.

Everyone did a great job!

January 7th: Dodgeball Night & More...

2008-12-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! This week at Studio 78, we will be diving right back into Romans 5...I AM FREE...and we will be playing some awesome Dodgeball! I know, some of you do not like dodgeball...and some of you LOVE IT! Well, we have the GYM and for those of you that do not want to play, there will be an alternative activity for you. See you on Wednesday the 7th for an amazing night! Bring your friends.

See you then.
Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
smurray@wheatonbible.org

WOW...it is really cold!

2008-12-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

Ok...ok...it is really cold today! There was ice on the INSIDE of my car today! What is that?
The week at Studio 78 we are going to have an awesome time. We will be continuing the warball blitz game and we WILL LET EVERYONE PLAY...(losers round)
Also we will be signing some Christmas songs and hearing a message that will challenge everyone. Bring your friends so they can hear the gospel presented. Goodbye for now...CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE ALL OF YOU!
THIS WEEK WE ARE GONNA HAVE AN ICE CREAM SUNDAY PARTY! YEAH!!!!!!!!
Don't forget to mark your calendars for Winter Camp...February 6-8th!

Scott Murray
Jr High Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church

CHRISTMAS PARTY PICTURES!

2008-12-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys! Last night was AWESOME! I can't believe that we went through 138 people in a White Elephant Gift Exchange! And I can't believe that we had that much food! Thank you for all of your generosity and excitement. Don't forget...we need to finish the Warball Blitz game that we started...and we can also play the "Losers Round" as well. See you all on Sunday!

Studio 78 Christmas Party!

2008-12-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Don't forget to bring a white elephant gift and a snack to share this week! We are going to have an awesome time together. This would also be a great opportunity to bring some friends with you. See you on Wednesday! Here is a Schedule of what we will be doing and when we are not meeting in the next couple months!
December 10th: Christmas party 6:30-8:30
December 14th: Regular Jr High AM 9:45
December 17th: Studio 78 6:30-8:30
December 21st: Regular Jr High AM 9:45
December 24th: Wheaton Bible Church Christmas Eve Service 6 & 8 PM
December 28th: No Jr High AM
December 31st: No Studio 78
January 4th: Regular Jr High AM 9:45
January 7th: DODGE BALL IN THE GYM
Other dates to remember...
February 6-8th: RESOLVE/Winter Camp

See you all this Wednesday!

I am free...And I love it!

2008-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
This last Sunday we had an awesome time looking into Romans 4. At the end of the message we challenged all of the students to stand up and say... "I am free, not because of me...but because God forgave me!" We had about 40 of you stand up and make your public declaration of how God has changed your life. Here is my challenge to all of you. Because of the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus...make it an effort to stand up for Him everyday of your lives. When you wake up in the morning...the first thing to do is to say to yourself... "Today is a new day, and thank you God for making me righteous in your eyes...now, let me live like it!" God loves it when you give back to Him all that you can. He is not asking for any kind of payment...He just desires that we live like "free" people. What are we free from? The power and condemnation of sin. Romans 8:1 says "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." If you know Jesus as your personal savior...you can claim this!

See you this Wednesday! We are gonna have a blast! It is our Christmas party...so, bring a White Elephant gift and a snack to share with your friends (you don't have to get that fancy).

I can't wait to see all of you!

Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church
Mix-master of Studio 78!

I AM FREE DEVOTIONAL...

2008-11-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hey Junior High students and parents! Wheaton Bible Church is committed to seeing the home as the primary place for spiritual growth. We want to everything we can to make that happen. Below you will find this weeks devotional. Take the whole week to check it out and let us know how it is working for you and your 7th or 8th grader.

Have a great Thanksgiving and we will see you on Sunday the 29th! I am thankful that I have such a wonderful ministry and church to belong to. Thank you for being a huge part of the Junior High ministry of Wheaton Bible Church...

Scott Murray

Junior High Pastor

I AM FREE

Week One: Chapter Three

I AM FREE! When you hear this statement, the first thing you should ask yourself is…”From what?” Our new theme is called “I Am Free!” So, what are we free from? In chapter 1 & 2 we dug deep and looked at how our sin hurts God and our relationship with Him. Chapter 3-5 deals how we are to then live our lives as forgiven (FREE) people. We are free from the penalty of sin. When we become followers of Christ we enter into a relationship that is not held down by the power of sin. This is because of what Jesus did on the cross!

Let’s Dig In…

Read Chapter 3 as a family. After you read it take some time to think openly about what Paul is trying to communicate to his audience.

Helpful Hint> the readers of this letter were, Jewish and Gentile (aka not Jewish) Christians…

1. This freedom that Paul is talking about is something pretty awesome. What exactly are free from?

Helpful Hint> the condemnation of sin…

-The penalty of our sin was paid for on the cross (Rom. 8:1)

2. When we sin, it hurts God. Much like how it hurts a parent when a child lies to him/her. Just because Jesus died on the cross for our sins (John 3:16), it doesn’t mean that it does not hurt God anymore. It hurts our relationship that we have with God (much like between a parent and child). Do you think God wants us to pay him back for what He did for us on the cross…or was it really free?

Helpful Hint> it really was a free gift…

-We cannot pay God back for something that we cannot do for ourselves…

-When God removed our sin, He did it with the sacrifice of His Son.

-The only way we can ever return the favor is to live a life that reflects that gift in how we live.

-Satan loves it when forgiven, free people live like unforgiven, enslaved people to the everyday sins that we all commit.

-Pay Him back with a changed life…but we do not have any debt to pay back because it was a gift!

3. The truth is we have all messed up in our lives when it comes to living that “free” life. From verse 10 to verse 19 we see a list of sins that is quoted from the Old Testament. This list tends to strike us as harsh and unfair. We can usually spot one or two to which we can claim exemption. After all, we think, we don’t kill or openly practice deceit. But as scripture often requires us to do, a second look is helpful.

...They force us to ask ourselves:

-How well do we understand God? (3:11)

-How diligently are we seeking God? (3:11)

-How much goodness would God find in our daily life? (3:12)

-In the wake of our actions and words, do we leave people helped or hurting? (3:13-15)

-What is our record of peacemaking? (3:17)

-In what sense do we fear God? (3:18)

We are all guilty…but God does not want to pack your bags and go on a guilt trip…He wants you to just STOP sinning so much. How can we stop sinning so much?

Helpful Hint> remember…it is impossible to be perfect, but as believers we need to live lives that are honoring to God, not dishonorable.

This week: Keep each other in prayer as you all try to live lives that show the freedom of God in your lives. Tell each other how God is working in your lives and encourage each other to yell once in a while…”I AM FREE!”

The Wheel! "I AM FREE!"

2008-11-19T17:41:00.000-08:00

Hey Junior High...
We had an awesome night last night. We introduced the (say it in an announcing voice) the Wheel of Destiny!

Silly String is always awesome!

Michael did an awesome job as Vanna White!

HEY...we want to hear from you! What items do you want to see on the Wheel of Desitny? Give us a comment and let us know what we should put on there. They do not just have to be food, they can be anything (within reason).
Be on the lookout for some more exciting times at Studio 78 (the Junior High Ministry of Wheaton Bible Church)

See ya,
Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor

The Wheel Of Destiny!

2008-11-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hey Junior High...Get ready for the coolest game of DESTINY that you will ever play! This is going to be an awesome night! We will be digging into Romans Chapter 3 and starting our new series called "I AM FREE!" Find out what we are free from and how awesome life is when you realize it! Last week, we played "Eat that food!" and I have to say...those sardines were disgusting...but they looked kinda yummy.

Come this week for our new series, the Wheel of Destiny, new games, and a great time worshiping and learning with your friends in the Warehouse! Make sure you get there ON TIME (6:30) because YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS ANY PART OF THE NIGHT!

Bring your friends...I guarantee you and they will have an incredible time.

Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor...

Missions Fest

2008-11-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hey Junior High...This week we will not be having our normal program in the Warehouse! We will be joining the k-6th grade in the East Worship Hall to celebrate missions together with our families. It will be an awesome time to hear from our missionaries, Rob Bugh (our sr. pastor) and our very own worship team. The times are from 6:45-8:00. Tell your families to join us for this awesome time.

See you then...
When In Rome continues this Sunday...

Wednesday Night

2008-10-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

We started our new series last night in the book of Romans!
This was the first time that the students saw the room! We made auditorium B look like the Coliseum!

Nice look guys!

Some dudes playing a little pool...

This was the guard to keep people out of the coliseum...we haven't named him yet. Got any good ideas?

Julie, Cesar, Kari...the weird thing is that they were in character all week just to get ready for the night! WOW, thanks guys!
Smile ladies...

Ann gave up shaving for 7 weeks for this role...we have the best staff!

The pizza really makes this a hit!

Hey girls!

We had an awesome time of worship!
These guys just found out that they saved a ton on their car insurance!

Sarah working the snack bar! Thanks (again!)
Remember...When In Rome...do like the Romans, DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL!

Junior High Ministry Starts Blogging!

2008-10-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Junior High Students and Parents of Wheaton Bible Church! Welcome to our very first entry into our new BLOG! We are excited that you are here. Please LEAVE US A COMMENT and let us know that you are here! In this blog we will be talking about the ministry (Studio78, Sunday AM, and the Home Study that students and parents will be going through together @ home!), bringing up more information about events, and taking what we are learning in the ministry times and with your parents to the next level. If you have a question or you need something cleared up...this is the place to do it! This way, we can get others comments and questions on the board as well. I am so excited to what God is going to do in this ministry. I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to impact your lives and the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Junior High ministry of Wheaton Bible church exists to partner with parents to help students love God, grow together, and reach the world. The world calls us to give in to what ever feels right, looks the best, or gets us the easy way out. In a world where we are told there are no absolutes, the junior high ministry here at Wheaton Bible pushes back against this perspective with the hardcore truths of God's inerrant word, the Bible. We believe that the Bible is without error, inspired by God Himself, and holds all the answers to life. Our theme passage for this ministry comes from Philippians 3:7-8, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ."

Scott Murray
Junior High Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church