Alex on #Sincerity (Pt. 1)

"It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere."

"We all end up in the same place after death."

"All religions are valid and equal."

"There are many ways to God."


Have you heard those statements before? It seems like everyone is pushing for the belief that sincerity is key. Meaning, if you are sincere (or, earnest and passionate) about your beliefs, you're cool. You're set. Your beliefs are true and good. But... is this right?

Let's take beliefs about religion, for example. I mean, I've got beliefs, you've got beliefs, he's got beliefs, she's got beliefs. That well-spoken smart guy in your science class says that he's an atheist, that science proves that God doesn't exist. That girl who sits at your lunch table is a Buddhist. Your neighbors are Muslims. Are all of these people believing truth?

Take this fact: Christianity is the only religion is which a loving, creator God sent his one and only son to earth to die for our sins through no merit of our own. We have done nothing and will do nothing to earn or deserve God's son dying for us. He simply came and died because of his love for us. In most other religions, the ultimate goal (heaven, happiness, nirvana, etc.) comes through our hard work - not from a loving, all-giving, compassionate God who wants a personal relationship with us. See, Christianity is all about a personal relationship with this amazing God. No other religion can claim such a fantastic opportunity.



(see Part Two)

Alex on #PrepforVarsity

Hi guys! I'm Alex, and I'm a new writer for the #VarsityOne blog. I'll be summarizing the messages and sharing about what they mean to me each week.

Today, though, I just wanted to let you all know about how much work goes into Varsity each week. It's a ton! The adult leaders on staff at Brookwood meet on Thursdays to talk about what worked and what didn't work at Varsity. Our volunteer adult leaders also meet fairly often to discuss their work at Varsity. Our student leaders (#VarsityOne) meet once a month as well. In addition, some adults and students arrive at the South Campus at 3:30 to prepare for all the activities. The greeting and check-in groups have recently been formed -- they're reminded by fellow students during the week about when their group is volunteering. Then they arrive at the South Campus at 6 p.m. to start welcoming students, signing students in and stamping hands. We have adult leaders at the front desk and in the cafe; many students also work in the cafe. Students work the lights and sound under the direction of an adult. Students lead the breakout groups. Adults and students stay at Varsity pretty late, too, talking, eating dinner, playing basketball, playing the Wii... Students and adults set out and stack up the chairs each week. Then everything gets cleaned up! Whew!

This is a big thank you to all of the adults and students who make Varsity possible, including all of the behind the scenes stuff. These people and their hard work make it possible for us to worship God, hang out with our friends and meet new people each Wednesday.

Thanks!
Alex / Message Writer

Justin on #Music

Hey everyone. I'm one of the new writers for the #VarsityOne blog, and I'm writing about music. Music is something we all have in common -- you can sing along to it, dance, jump up and down and even mosh to it (for those certain people out there like me). I'm a musician myself, and when I first started playing drums I wasn't that close to God. I joined the church band, and after a while I realized that songs by bands and artists like Steve Fee, Hillsong, Jeremy Camp, Skillet, Disciple, Chasen and many others can really move you. The feeling that you get deep down inside feels like one that'll shoot up out of you and make you want to raise your hands and praise the God we love.

Praising God through music is something that many churches all over the world do. We do it in a more contemporary way, but it really doesn't matter whether you praise God by singing hymns or singing and jumping around to Hillsong and Steve Fee. The point is, you are praising God and showing one way that you love Him. I enjoy playing at Varsity on Wednesday nights because I feel close to God. There are many other ways to praise Him, but this is one of the ways that I show my love for God.

-- Justin / Mainstream Music Writer