Christian Saenz

My cousin, Christian Saenz, is a rad dude. Right now he is a Jr. Pro surfer and rides for Hurley, among other brands. He recently graduated high school and is probably one of the most down-to-earth guys I know. He takes his faith seriously and seeks to honor God in all he does. He is known for his hard work and training both in surfing and his life in general. Even with all of the temptations that the surf industry brings (drugs, sex, partying), he has managed to, by God's grace, abstain from them. He often talks about how he wants to be a good example as a Christian to others and to his younger siblings. He spoke to our youth group on being SET APART in the world. Currently, Christian is up for the OC Male Rising Star Surfer and you can vote for him HERE! Check out his video below and an awesome article the OC Register did on him.

oc register video from chrisiansaenz on Vimeo.

It's All About Jesus!

I borrowed this image and the series title from Mars Hill Church, but found it an appropriate truth to proclaim and prayer to renew my mind. In addition, I am preaching through the book of John on Sundays in our youth group. The truth is, in Orange County, we make it ALL ABOUT US! It is clearly NOT, for one day "Every knee will bow on heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tounge will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!" (Philippians 2:10-11).

Tomorrow, I will preach on John 1:6-9:

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

A couple of things stand out to me:

1. John the Baptist had a specific MISSION and MESSAGE: He was sent by God to testify concerning the light (Jesus) so that all men might be saved.
2. John understands that he was NOT the light...it was not about him!
3. He is pointing people to the light, because it's ALL ABOUT JESUS!

We should take a lesson from John and carry out the same MISSION and MESSAGE. It's clearly not about us, but ALL ABOUT JESUS! Pray that the true light that gives light to every man would shine brightly in Orange County so that God may receive all the glory!

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