iPhone, iPad and Android versions now available!!!

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Everyone can have a better relationship with God, and most desire just that. However, the biggest obstacle to pursuing God daily, is the daily part. A perfect companion to Pursue God, the book, the Digital Pursue Journal empowers readers with the motivation and resources to have a thriving personal relationship with God. It is what readers use to implement the PURSUE devotional approach, helping them stay on track with the Bible reading plan, prayer card and journal pages. ThePursue Journal will help youth and young adults develop a thriving devotional life where they are inspired to PURSUE God daily.

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There is a radical movement that has been birthed out of Portland Oregon of youth and adults alike Pursuing God! Using the Pursue Journal, they are daily spending time in the Bible and prayer seeing their lives dramatically changed. The Pursue journal is used by Generation Unleashed, the youth ministry to 12-24 year olds at City Bible Church along with 1000′s throughout the world.

The PURSUE Journal is designed to be a tool to help you PURSUE God in your daily devotions. It is meant to become you and your Bibles best friend. The PURSUE Journal gives you a 6 step approach to your daily devotions: Read the Passage, Underline verses that stand out to you, write a Response to what you read, Stand in prayer, make Unshakable declarations over your life and set Eternal goals for today.

As you consistently use your PURSUE Journal you will find there’s a consistent pattern, guide and accountability that will help you develop a deeper relationship with Jesus as you PURSUE Him daily.

Click here for ANDROID version

Everyone can have a better relationship with God, and most desire just that. However, the biggest obstacle to pursuing God daily, is the daily part. A perfect companion to Pursue God, the book, the Pursue Journal empowers readers with the motivation and resources to have a thriving personal relationship with God. It is what readers use to implement the PURSUE devotional approach, helping them stay on track with the Bible reading plan, prayer card and journal pages. ThePursue Journal will help youth and young adults develop a thriving devotional life where they are inspired to PURSUE God daily.

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There is a radical movement that has been birthed out of Portland Oregon of youth and adults alike Pursuing God! Using the Pursue Journal, they are daily spending time in the Bible and prayer seeing their lives dramatically changed. The Pursue journal is used by Generation Unleashed, the youth ministry to 12-24 year olds at City Bible Church along with 1000′s throughout the world.

The PURSUE Journal is designed to be a tool to help you PURSUE God in your daily devotions. It is meant to become you and your Bibles best friend. The PURSUE Journal gives you a 6 step approach to your daily devotions: Read the Passage, Underline verses that stand out to you, write a Response to what you read, Stand in prayer, make Unshakable declarations over your life and set Eternal goals for today.

As you consistently use your PURSUE Journal you will find there’s a consistent pattern, guide and accountability that will help you develop a deeper relationship with Jesus as you PURSUE Him daily.

In this message Pastor Poncho shares with the young adults of Generation Unleashed on the importance of not carrying weights you were not intended to carry. This message will challenge you to lighten up, let God have full control of your destiny. Life is to short to live stressed out all the time.

This message was recorded on the kick-off night of the GU Young Adults service. Every Friday night at the CBC Pearl campus 100′s of 18-24yr olds gather for worship, word and fellowship.

In this message Pastor Poncho talks about how radical the Apostle Johns perspective of Jesus really was. “In the beginning was the Word”, this is a powerful thought that should remind us that our Jesus is not just another person, He is God. This message will challenge you to have a a bigger perspective of God and an expectation for His Word to impact your life.

It’s official! The GU Young Adults service will be kicking of Friday, September 9th at 7:30pm. The Young Adults from all four campuses will be coming together every Friday for a gathering of 18-24 year olds.

The night will kick off with the cafe open at 7:30 pm. Come hang out and meet some old friends from other campuses and meet some new people as well. If you are new to City Bible church this will be a great place for you to get to know the young adults of CBC. If you need more info you can call 503-255-2224 or if you need directions click here

Pearl Campus Directions

Hey wonderful parents!  Summer is finally here and the sun is out to prove it!  We wanted to take a moment and let you know about some of the exciting things that are happening in Generation Unleashed.

Generation Unleashed Camp:

That’s right Camp is only 2 weeks away!  This years GU summer camp is going to be amazing. Once again we will be at one of the best camp facilities in the USA, Young Life’s Washington Family Ranch. This year’s theme is “Generate”, which means to be the cause of something. We are going to have a great time of worship, word and prayer along with a lot of games and fun. The dates are Aug 19th-23rd and the cost is $325.00.

A Few things you need to know about Camp:

Registration: Go to Generationunleashed.com

1. 1. You need to register online for the City Bible Church Registration (This is done online and let’s us know that your kids are planning on attending camp this year)
2. 2. You need to print, fill out and turn in the young life release form (This is required from young life for insurance, medical, and safety reasons)
3. 3. You need to print out the packing list (This is so you know what to pack… you will not need a Christmas sweater unless that’s how you role…)

Financial Assistance:

If you need help getting you kids to camp this year there are a few things we need you to do.

1. Register online (there is a $20 registration fee) and let us know that you might need help (there is a spot on the online form that you can fill out if you need financial assistance)
2. Talk to your campus youth pastor (Pastor Dylan-Rocky Butte/Pastor Andrew-Mill Plain/Pastor Matt-217)

When and Where:

Drop off:

1. Rocky Butte is where
2. 9:00-10:30am on Friday morning the 19^th is when

Pick up:

1. Rocky Butte is where
2. 5:00-6:00pm on Tuesday night the 23^rd is when

Wednesday nights:

God is doing some great thing in the youth on Wednesday nights.  We have been on a series about the Holy Spirit where we have been focusing on how God wants to be involved in our lives every day, and how out of that relationship we have the power to live life like Jesus.

We have also for the past 4 weeks had our GU Summer Internship going strong.  We have been spending time doing devotion, evangelism, and outreach as well as being part of the leadership for Wednesday nights.  It has been very fruitful and a lot of fun!

Please let us know if you have any questions concerning GU Summer Camp, you can reach the GU offices at 503-382-1720.

Blessings,

Pastor Poncho Lowder

Lead GU Pastor

Today more than ever we need to set the example to the generation of young people around us of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ! The Bible says that (1 Peter 2:9) you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

You are called, chosen and set apart for a purpose! In John 10:27 Jesus says “My sheep recognize my voice, and I know them, and they follow me”. Humility proceeds greatness. As you humbly follow Jesus and listen to His voice you will find the doors open for you to have great impact on the people around you.

You are called to be a Follower of Jesus Christ

Eph 5:1-2 Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.  NLT

Being a follower of Jesus is a choice…

Salvation is just the starting point of Christianity. As a believer you have a choice to continue to pursue God, following after him in all you do. John says it this way (Jn 12:26)  ” …if you’re going to serve Christ, you must choose to follow HIM”. Many people today choose to accept salvation in Jesus, but they don’t choose to follow Him. What about you?

• Being a follower of Jesus will cost you something

Luke 14:26-27  (Jesus said) “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters-yes, more than his own life-otherwise he cannot be my disciple. 27 And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me.  TLB

• Being a follower of Jesus will bring true fulfillment

Matt 10:37-39 “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  NIV

The act of following Jesus becomes the foundation to being a true leader. Many people never make it to the place where they are fulfilled being a Christian because they don’t move beyond a salvation experience. They never step up as leaders because the act of following Jesus is the foundation to being a true leader.

If you make the decision to truly follow Jesus, to “live like Him and share His love” you will find that people will follow you also. Paul often told people “Follow me as I follow Christ”. Following Jesus is a must if you want to live a fulfilling life as a Christian. Take a moment today and evaluate your life and ask “Who am I really Following?”

Pastor Poncho Pastor & Lora are the Generation Unleashed Lead Youth Pastors of City Bible Church. They have a creative ability to connect young people with the timeless Word of God in a relevant way. With a desire to build the local Church he has given himself to preaching and teaching the Gospel, believing for this generation to be reached and developed into passionate followers of Christ. His messages of purpose, passion and prayer have compelled thousands of young people to know God. Along with serving in several areas of his local Church, preaching locally and internationally, Pastor Poncho also oversees the Generation Unleashed Conference and teaches at Portland Bible College where he received his bachelor degree in Theology. Pastor Poncho and Lora have two beautiful children, Hailey and Ezra. Be sure to follow him on Twitter via (@PastorPoncho) and Facebook (PonchoLowder).

Follow Pastor Poncho on Twitter

Every leader needs to be Passionate. Passion is a belief that is so real and valuable that it drives you to action. Leaders bring action to the desires of their heart, this is often what separates them from the rest. As a leader you should have a continual passion to move forward in life.

Many people stop moving forward due to complacency. They talk about how they want to move forward in life, but they never do what is necessary to move beyond where they are at! Taking a step backwards and then one forward is moving, but not necessarily moving forward. To move forward implies progressing towards a given target. Paul tells you to press on towards the goal, calling, the destiny you have in Jesus!

• Phil 3:12-16 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do:  forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same  standard to which we have attained.  NASU
• Matt 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” NIV

10 Forward Momentum Factors

I want to give you what I believe are 10 major forward momentum factors in the life of a leader. God is calling you to live your life in such a way that you are constantly moving forward, pressing towards the things he has called us to do. Watching and guarding these ten areas will help you in that pursuit.

1.   Having the right “Primary Focus”.

What is your primary focus in life? Money, fame, relationship, cars, clothing, image…  If your eyes get on the things of this world you will struggle moving towards what God has for you. Fix your eyes on Jesus, make it your focus to live like Jesus and share His love.

• Heb 12:1-2   Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2.   Being consistent in your “Devotions”.

If you want to move forward with Jesus you need to seek Him first. It’s important that you dont confuse “moving forward in life” with “moving forward in Christ”. Many times they are the same, but often they are not.

• Matt 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV
• Heb 11:6  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV

3.  Having a strong “Work Ethic”.

If you were not faithful in the natural, why would God promote you in his house? Many leaders never move on because charisma will not cover what bad work ethic exposes!

• Phil 2:19-23  I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. NIV

4.  Maintaining a “Positive Attitude”.

• Phil 3:14-16   I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; 16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.  NASU

5.  Having the ability to “Submit to Godly authority” in your life.

Learning to submit regardless of your perception of the leaders God has placed over you can be hard. Many people are selective as to which of their leaders they submit to. Often you are refined under a bad leader more than a good leader! In scripture we see God continually using bad leaders to refine good young leaders.

• Heb 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. NIV
• Rom 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. NIV

6.  Maintaining “Healthy Relationships” in every area of life.

• Matt 5:23-24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. NIV
• 1 Peter 3:7  Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. NIV

7.  Keeping “Purity a Priority”

• 1 Tim 4:11-12 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. NIV

8.  Being wise with your “Finances”.

Don’t allow your life to be limited by making foolish purchases in an attempt to keep up with the Jones… People who focus on the Jones never are able to keep up with what Jesus has for them. Overspending is one of the greatest challenges a young leader faces. Learn to be discipline in what you spend your money on.

• 2 Cor 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. NIV
• Matt 25:26-27 “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.  NIV

9.  Watching your “Health”.

Your health should not be the lowest item on your priority list. Make an effort to stay in good shape.

• Luke 10:27 He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” NIV

10.  Developing your “Gifting and Abilities”.

Get passionate about what God has called you to do. Don’t wait for the heavens to open up and people to come beg you to do something. Begin to develop your gifts and abilities in practical ways today. God will honor your discipline and effort.

• 1 Tim 4:14  Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. NIV

Let me close with one last thought… God will help you in your leadership journey!

The Bible continually illustrates that there is a “God factor” in the life of leaders that enables them to do what He calls them to do, regardless of their natural ability.  “The God Factor” refers to the fact that all things are possible through Christ. You can do any thing that God has called you to do with His help. The God factor points to His ability, not your weakness, it is the cause of you doing impossible things that are beyond your ability to do. The Bible tells you that as you align with Gods Word and His calling you will release the God Factor in your life and you will experience exponential forward momentum. Remember as you pursue all that God has called you to do that He is right there with you, giving you all the grace you need.