rebelling against low expectations

ArchiveJune 2009

Are You Easily Edified?

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I don’t know about you, but I sometimes find myself suffering from a sense of over-familiarity with God and the gospel. Reading my Bible doesn’t excite me. Listening to sermons becomes routine. Even worship feels common and mundane. At times like these I crave something new and compelling to jolt me out of my spiritual rut. I figure that if I only had a better devotional book, a more...

Jesus Wants the Rose

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A powerful reminder that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. NOTE: Some readers have expressed concern with the fact that Matt Chandler says something about the church being an “enemy of conversion.” Outside the context of the complete message it could come across as if the Chandler (and subsequently, Alex and I) are promoting an anti-church perspective. That is absolutely...

The Preciousness of Time

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Our last post focused on the distinction between busyness and fruitfulness — drawing on the writings of C.J. Mahaney. Today we’d like to expand on the topic of time-management — this time drawing on the writings of Jonathan Edwards. In an essay written in 1734, Edwards lays out four reasons to value our time, identifies three ways we can waste our time, shares four reasons for improving our...

Are You Doing Too Much?

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Our recent post on a study linking teenage depression to bedtimes drew a healthy discussion in the comment section. One reader named Micaela asked a question about “busyness” — and we thought it was important enough to share with you. Micaela wrote: “I have question. The purpose of the rebelution is to encourage young people to “do hard things” and to “rebel against the low...

The Abortion Debate is Changing

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Though overshadowed by the recent murder of abortionist, Dr. George Tiller, the abortion debate does show signs of shifting in a pro-life direction. For the first time since Gallup began tracking the issue, a majority of Americans consider themselves “pro-life” — a reversal of 2006 numbers. Other studies indicate that our generation is the most pro-life generation since Roe vs. Wade —...

Don’t Let Them Despise You

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We posted about this message over a year ago when it was delivered and still highly recommend it to every rebelutionary. Seriously. If you haven’t listened to it yet you are missing out. To our knowledge, there is no better message on 1 Timothy 4:12. Anyway, I stumble across this video excerpt the other day and felt it was worth sharing as a stand-alone piece — especially if accompanied by...

Study Links Teen Depression to Bedtimes

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We have never wanted to post anything on our blog that teens would be tempted to hide from their parents. Unfortunately, we are breaking that rule today. A new study featured by USA Today links teen depression to bedtimes — yet another reason why your parents are right when they tell you to get off Facebook and go to bed. Study links teen depression to bedtimes USATODAY.com – Gregg Toppo...

When Bigger Isn’t Better

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Amy Carmichael began her mission work at seventeen among the poor neighborhood girls. Christina DeMari moved to the Philippines at nineteen, where she worked for several years to spread the gospel to the most remote parts of the land. These women, and countless others like them, are so inspiring. Yet when I read about them, I become discontent with my own life. I’m a senior in high school...

ESPN The Mag: Do Hard Things

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ESPN The Magazine’s latest cover story is about 17-year-old Zac Sunderland — a Christian and a rebelutionary. The title of the article? Do Hard Things. The title was inspired by a shirt Zac wears as he makes his way around the world — and the phrase that has come to serve as a motto for his great adventure. ESPN journalist, Chris Jones, explains the inspiration in this excerpt: Zac has a...

What Impresses You?

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There is a part of me that is dazzled by talent. At times certain artists, certain writers, certain athletes, or certain craftsmen can just take my breath away. This little girl had that affect on me, though I must admit to being heavily influenced by the cuteness factor. Still, it is impossible to deny that Emily Bear is impressive. What impresses you? That was one of the questions my brother...

rebelling against low expectations

The Rebelution is a teenage rebellion against low expectations—a worldwide campaign to reject apathy, embrace responsibility, and do hard things. Learn More →