We're kicking off a series focusing on what the gospel or "good news" is according to Jesus and his earliest followers as well as how we can share it with the world around us. In this message, Tim talks about how the gospel is centered on what Jesus did for humanity, is doing in our lives, and will do for anyone who believes it.

David has been an incredible youth leader for many years at Encounter Youth. As he is stepping down from the youth leader team to other areas of serving the church, he shares his heart for students to walk in freedom from sin and shame. If you feel stuck on the sidelines, this message will encourage to take action and let go of shame.

As we kick off the new school year, Tim invites us to consider what is ultimate success. All of us are moving towards certain goals whether we take time to think about them or not. Is your ultimate goal truly going to satisfy you?

In this message, Tim shares from Acts 2 and tells the story of a prayer gathering he started with several friends that eventually became a house church. Our heart at Encounter Youth is to allow the Holy Spirit to create an authentic community for young people. That said, we also believe our students can create communities wherever they go, whether that be in school or work or recreation!

So... what does it actually look like to build a life around prayer? What are some of the challenges and what are the most amazing parts? We asked several Youth Pastors to share as honestly as possible and were deeply inspired by their wisdom and stories! Shout out to Dustin Metzler from New Providence Church, Nate Lacy from Wesley Church, Josh Rotz from Solid Rock, Josiah Reimold from Calvary Monument, and Tim Ornelas from Encounter!

What does Jesus have to say about prayer? In Luke 18, He gives one of His most famous stories on prayer "so that they would pray and never give up." This call to radical persistence is in almost every New Testament teaching on prayer. Luke, the youth pastor at ACTS Covenant, shared a powerful word on this topic to kick of our day! We hope you are encouraged!

Have you ever wondered about the last chapter of Mark's Gospel? We decided to finish our series where Mark did: right in the middle of a resurrection story! Through this lens, Tim shared about faith through the lens of being willing to trust God and obey His word even before we're certain or have seen all of the proof. Hope you are encouraged!

"Pick up your cross." "Deny yourself." "Whoever saves their life will lose it." <-- That's what Jesus begins to tell his disciples that being a part of His Kingdom demands. But what does that actual mean for us, on a daily level? Not long after Jesus talks about denying ourselves, he starts to reframe what greatness is and teaches his disciples to seek the path of a servant. Serving others is what dying to ourself actually looks like!

In Mark 6, we find three fascinating stories that give us a glimpse of why Jesus' authority is such good news. We can see how Jesus relieves anxiety by showing his disciples His confidence in their purpose, ability to miraculously provide, and how even a physical storm has to be be still in His presence. If you've wrestled with anxious thoughts, we pray that God would bring you a deep sense of peace as you meditate on Jesus!

Over the first 8 chapters of Mark, one word starts to stick out to careful readers: authority or in Greek, "exousia". Through Jesus teaching, power of evil spirits, ability to forgive sins, and more, Mark proves that He is the Ultimate Authority. Tim ends by asking, "What does this mean for me?"