A year is about to end and a new year will soon begin. This process, the changing of years, calls us to reflect and look forward. As time turns, what’s worth reflecting on? The prophet Samuel marked the passing of time with a stone and said, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1Sam7:12). The Young Disciples Conference (YDC) is this process of reflection and looking forward in fellowship with other young believers. We want to think about what God has done and what he calls us to do.

The theme of this year’s YDC is “Restoration.” At the conference we’ll be thinking about how living as disciples of Jesus is a process of perpetual restoration. “Restoration” can seem like a self-wrought thing–changing the little things about ourselves to become who we want to be. But restoration, as we’ll learn, is a constant process of living in and through the Gospel. God wants to make us whole in every way. Restoration won’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term process, and often a painful process. God brings about his restoration when we come to the cross again and again as we are, when we hold onto his grace. We’ll begin by looking at this in David (Psalm 51). Then, we’ll look at the life of Joseph in two parts (Genesis). Then finally, we’ll look at Jesus’ own message to anyone who chooses to follow him (John 12). If you want to take time to reflect, pray, come to God honestly in fellowship with other young disciples, then please come and join us. Read the rest of this entry »