New Week, New Verses, New Month, New Extended Passage!

Hey all! I've been out of town, and have been unable to post for the past couple days and for this I apologize! I have been in prayer for each one of you this week, and have been praying you continue to stay strong to your commitment. The word of God speaks power to our lives, and has nothing less than life changing power. Do not grow lazy! The verses for the week are:

Romans 6:23
Ephesians 2:8-9

The next extended passage is:

Colossians 3:1-17

Continue to use the weekly verse to learn how you can share your faith with your friends! The extended passage simply teaches us how to enhance our Christians lives! Dig in it!

Much love!
-Matt Allen

The 'ETC Revolution' is dedicated to the memorization of scripture and being able to use it to not only enrich our walks with Christ, but to further the Kingdom of God by sharing His love and word to EVERYONE with love, compassion, encouragement, prayer, and wisdom. ETC stands for 'Every Thought Captive,' which is taken directly from 2 Corinthians 10:5

Who Are You?

I think so many times we can change everything about who we are dependant on who we are around. Pertaining to this I find an uneasing characteristic of those who find themselves caught up in sin. Maybe you can empathize with me here. Growing up in public school, and having fallen away from God late middle school and early high school, I found myself at a dilemma. My parents saw me as one person, yet my basketball team saw me as another. With this juxtaposition of expectations, I turned into two different people. The person that my parents wanted me to be. The nice, Christian, loving kid who laughed a lot and loved people. The person who was vile, covered in sin, manipulative, judgemental, and worldly. Depending how the people around me viewed me, I turned into a different person. Sort of like some awful multiple personality disorder.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."

God views you as HOLY and BLAMELESS. It matters not what your parents view you as, your friends view you as, but only what God views you as. And as forgiven, loved, children of God, in his sight you stand blameless and holy. Strive to live as he sees you, for he sees you more than the rest combined. We are the redeemed. And we are not of those who shink back and are destroyed. But of those who BELIEVE and are SAVED. Amen, and amen.

Much love,
Matt Allen

The 'ETC Revolution' is dedicated to the memorization of scripture and being able to use it to not only enrich our walks with Christ, but to further the Kingdom of God by sharing His love and word to EVERYONE with love, compassion, encouragement, prayer, and wisdom. ETC stands for 'Every Thought Captive,' which is taken directly from 2 Corinthians 10:5

New Week, New Verses!

Friends of the ETC, and team leaders!

School is here! Most of you will start tomorrow, or have already started, and with that I am excited for all of you! Some of you are worried, others stressed, others excited. My one suggestion is this. Don't make your next few days about you. Start the year right, as Jesus would have. As a servant. Over the next couple weeks, we'll be working on verses that are extremely powerful when it comes to sharing our faith! Verses that outline God's perfect plan for his salvation, for a world needing saving. This will be the last week we spend on 2nd Corinthians 4, so knock it out and get it memorized! Also, as school finally begins to start, think of ways, places and times you could incorporate a family group and ETC session into your school! Before school in the cafeteria, at the flagpole, after band practice, before football games. Getcreative on how you may shepherd and serve his flock!

Verses for this week!

1st Peter 3:15
Romans 3:23

Also, make sure you are refreshing yourselves daily with the verses we've memorized in the past! Let the words of God encourage you to start this school year off right! Love you guys!

Much love,
Matt Allen

The 'ETC Revolution' is dedicated to the memorization of scripture and being able to use it to not only enrich our walks with Christ, but to further the Kingdom of God by sharing His love and word to EVERYONE with love, compassion, encouragement, prayer, and wisdom. ETC stands for 'Every Thought Captive,' which is taken directly from 2 Corinthians 10:5

Tightrope Walking

Often I find myself walking tightropes. Not because I consider myself of the daredevil nature, nor because I have amazing balance of my own power. You see, generally tightrope walkers don't simply walk empty handed. Often they are found carrying a rather long pole stretching out several feet side to side to help them keep their balance. They have something to HOLD onto. To RELY on. And, often, I find I must ask myself.

"What am I holding onto for balance?"

There is much we can hold. Our friends, a relationship, money, our own strength. Yet, as I walk in faith, I hear a call from God that says: "Hold me! I provide your balance! I AM your strength. I AM what keeps you from falling! Hold me!"

It's the times that I find myself holding onto anything besides God for balance that I'm on the ground. On my back. Looking at the place I once was.

2nd Corinthians 1:8b-9

"For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired for life itself. Indeed we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead."

What is the thing you hold onto for balance? Is it Christ, and his words of love? Is it a person? An object? Money? Yourself? Unfortunately, all these things fade. People go, things fade, and money flees. The word of the Lord will stand forever. Today, may you hold him, allow him to be your balance, and hold fast to your hope. For this world is fading fast, and nothing else will last. Only his love.

Much love,

Matt Allen

The 'ETC Revolution' is dedicated to the memorization of scripture and being able to use it to not only enrich our walks with Christ, but to further the Kingdom of God by sharing His love and word to EVERYONE with love, compassion, encouragement, prayer, and wisdom. ETC stands for 'Every Thought Captive,' which is taken directly from 2 Corinthians 10:5

I Will Spend.

Quick word this morning! Check out:

2nd Corinthians 12:15a

"I will most gladly spend, and be spent for your souls."

This world is so dark, and sometime I think people are dying to see a little sliver of light. Why not be that light? Spend of yourselves for every person you run into. Every person you encounter. Now go. Spend and be spent.

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

The Narrow Gate

Matthew 6:13-14

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."



We stand at a crossroads. Two paths ahead. One seems light. Easy. There seems to be a gravel road, at very least throughout it's course, and you can see down this path for miles. You can see several of your friends walking down this path, seemingly having the time of their life. The trees on this path are tall, providing a decent amount of shade. The next path though seems quite difficult. Narrow. Uncomfortable, and everyone seems to be avoiding it at all costs. The tress are low to the ground, with branches that seem to get in the path's way. In fact, to top it off, you lose sight of where the trail leads looking down it from the beginning.



What scares me most is that, "the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and THOSE WHO ENTER BY IT ARE MANY." I would also use the word "many" to describe the amount of people in this country who claim to be Christians. So, what are we missing? The worst part is this: The paths of the narrow and wide gate do not run side by side. They run away from each other at an angle, as shown to the right. This frightens me, for should I choose the wide gate, I cannot simply jump a fence and land on the path of the narrow gate. Simply put, it seems that, the longer one continues to the path to destruction, the further he travels from life. Picture the letter "V', the longer one walks up the right side, the further he gets from the left. Yet. God is a God of grace who says, "Come near to me, and I will come near to you." He allows us to travel to the narrow path, should we use discernment to do so. But we must get there.



This is what I call "the bridge". The trek back to righteousness, and while being on the bridge, in between two paths, is better than being on the path to destruction; be wary. You have not arrived to the path leading to life yet, and the devil will do anything in his power to deter you from reaching it. Unfortunately some people walk the bridge all the way to the path of life, and realize how hard it is, and run back to the easy path. Likewise, some who chose the narrow gate soon find themselves crossing the bridge to the path of destruction. Neither of these instances are God's will for his people.

I could go on and on, but you get the point. Where are you? One of the two paths? The bridge? The narrow gate is the only way to life. Choose it, and walk it till it's end. For when this life is over, I want nothing more than to hear: "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Much love,
Matt Allen


The 'ETC Revolution' is dedicated to the memorization of scripture and being able to use it to not only enrich our walks with Christ, but to further the Kingdom of God by sharing His love and word to EVERYONE with love, compassion, encouragement, prayer, and wisdom. ETC stands for 'Every Thought Captive,' which is taken directly from 2 Corinthians 10:5

New Verses!

Hey TL's!

STAY TRUE TO YOUR COMMITMENT! I love you all, and can't express this enough! For this to be a true movement, we have to be people who DO what we SAY. Amen? This statement does not seek to condemn, but to help grow! I feel so out of touch with so many of you! I miss reading E-grams, which are not meant to be a chore, but a way to keep lines of communication open! I so badly want to know your struggles, your triumphs, your victories and losses! Looking now, M,W,F,Sun, is a little more that I had initially thought, but try to touch base with me at least three times a week! Beyond that, make sure you are consistent with your memorization! People will only follow leaders, so don't forget the power behind the vision of what we do! Let's look at what we've learned!

Week 1

Romans 8:6

2nd Corinthians 10:5

God taught me that as I replace earthly thoughts with his thoughts, he fills me with his life and peace! And as I truly take these thoughts captive, my life becomes obedient to Christ. You have thought 50,000 thoughts today alone. How many brought you closer to Christ?

Week 2

1 Peter 5:9-10

Galatians 2:20

God continued to teach me that the only true way for me to live abundant life is for myself to become as less as possible that HE may become more. Furthermore, when the storms come; and they will, I'm not alone. Not only am not alone, but after I have suffered he will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish me. Amen, and amen.

Week 3

Colossians 3:14

Mark 12:30-31

This world is all about love. We don't simply seek to change our thoughts that God may fill us with more peace, but that through his thoughts, our actions would become as his. Our love as his love. Put on love. Love God with everything. Love others as yourself. Love God, love people. The reason we are here.

Week 4

Isaiah 50:10

Matt 7:13-14

I know it seems I often throw double verses at you guys, but some verses have to be taken in with the verses surrounding them! Let these verses speak to you. God is the God of faith. When we can not see him. When we don't know where he is. Or when we know he is sleeping under the storm. Yet, hope is not what we can see. Next, as school comes, it will be easier to choose the wider gate leading to destruction. It is always easier to choose this road. Choose your road, and go for a walk. Love you guys so much, and miss hearing from you! Send some E-Grams!

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Get In The Word!

So here's the deal. Summer, our favorite time of the year, is nearing it's close. To me, that means that I HAVE to be in my word daily. Multiple times daily. Because as summer ends, schedules begin. School begins. Sports begin. Class and homework. Among all these things it seems quite easy to lose track of the word. We get caught in the things around us, the things we can see. Don't! Form the habits now, so that staying in the word is easier when schedules hit. I'm about to hit of the busier times of my life, and if I don't form those now, I'm in trouble. 

1st Peter 1:23-25

"since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, THROUGH THE LIVING ABIDING WORD OF GOD; for "All flesh is like grass and all it's glory like the flowers of the grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the WORD of the Lord remains forever." (ESV)

The time you spend in your word every day is some of the most important times of your day. Don't miss it! You have been made everlasting by the word of God. Know it. Read it. Study it. Get in it! Have a passion to breathe his word that you may encourage others! Know scripture for every and any circumstance! Use your time wisely, and know his book. Amen, and amen.

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Above.

Slow down. Seriously. I'm a big believer that satan knows how to hide in our day planner. So often we plan things we have to go and DO. Which is great, and long as we understand that the FIRST thing we must do, is spend some time with our Father.

You see, my mom is a maniac. Literally, she has been working 14-15 hours a day for the past week. And says she will next week. It would be so easy for her head to pop off the pillow, and start her day; but she knows her priorities. God first.

So often we are so distracted by the things we can see. The things we can feel, can touch. Yet, 2nd Corinthians 4, which we are going through together, tells us that anything we can see is temporary. 1st Peter tells us "the grass withers, and flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." So I simply ask this morning:

What on earth are we doing? Truly. Think about your day. If you are not pointed, and cognizant of the things going on, how easy is it to forget about God? Don't do it.

Colossians 3:1-3

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Matthew 6:19-21

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This, my dear friends, is the point of the ETC. Taking thoughts captive, and as you get ready to start school, and your life gets busier, THAT WILL BE MORE CHALLENGING. Don't count your losses and jump ship. Hold fast to your hope. Learn how to take your useless thoughts of the day, and replace them with effective thoughts to your Father, and quoting the scripture you're working on for the day. Whatever you do, think on things ABOVE. They are all that count.

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Goals.

Philippians 3:12-14

"Not that I have already attained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Jesus Christ has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining for what lies ahead, I press on towards the GOAL for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

This verse struck me this morning. Possibly because I have been upset that I haven't been able to post nearly as frequently as I would like. I haven't been in my word as much as I would like, (Though this feat is difficult to accomplish. I'd spend all day in my word if I could!) and I have felt I've been busier than I like. The fact is, it doesn't matter. FORGETTING what is behind, we strain towards what is ahead. Simply said. Your past is just that, and all we can do is strain every moment in the future to seek Christ with as much passion as he deserves.

Set a goal of faith. To read your word every day before school. To be a light. To shine to a depraved generation all around you. To start another ETC Group with some friends from school who you know say they are Christians, but maybe don't live like it. Here's the trick. You can not TRY to obtain your goal. You will either do it, or you won't. You will either succeed, or you will fail. Decide you will do something, and then act upon it. Consistently. Just over guilt of not being as active in posting this past week, God is calling me to make a goal to post at least five times a week. So! Please keep stopping by and reading what God has put on my heart, for I am your servant.

Much love!

-Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Follow Me. New Verses and updates!

NEW VERSES!

I hope the verses of this past week have been as beneficial to your faith as they have been mine. What a relief to know that we have the opportunity to die to ourselves, and let Christ shine through. This may hurt us a bit, but after we have suffered, he will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. Amen, and amen. The verse for this next week take the focus off of ourselves, and place it on the people around us. Check them out:

Colossians 3:14

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."(ESV)

Mark 12:30-31

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbors as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."(ESV)

There is no hope for Christianity without love for God, and love for people. Love is one of the few unseen things worthy of placing our eyes on.

I've missed E-Grams from quite a few of you all this week, and miss hearing from you! I would love to hear what God is doing, or even how you are getting discouraged! Don't miss the vision of what we want God to do in our lives, or allow yourself to become 'to busy' to reject it! Stay in your word! Stay committed to the memorization! Let his word mold your heart! BE A LEADER!

FOLLOW ME!

I wanted to also relay some things God has put on my heart this evening! It's been too long since I've posted, but am excited to lay this out:

1 Corinthians 11:1

"Be imatators of me, as I am of Christ."

Bold Paul. Bold indeed. I can't tell you how many times I have heard pastors say: "Follow Christ. Never follow any man too closely, for all men fall." How firm Paul is in his faith! How sure he is of his relationship with his Father. How intimate. How intertwined. Oneness. I started wondering...

"What would my life have to look like for me to make such a statement?"

1st Peter 4:1

"Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin."

2nd Peter 1:5-7,10

"For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and with self-control steadfastness, and with steadfastness godliness, and with godliness brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. Therefore brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall."

That my friends is what we must look like. What holds you from complete oneness with him, allowing you to state:

Follow me. I am of Christ so deeply, I will not fall. Follow me.

Much love,

Matt Allen

The 'ETC Revolution' is dedicated to the memorization of scripture and being able to use it to not only enrich our walks with Christ, but to further the Kingdom of God by sharing His love and word to EVERYONE with love, compassion, encouragement, prayer, and wisdom. ETC stands for 'Every Thought Captive,' which is taken directly from 2 Corinthians 10:5

A massive, massive difference.

This will be quick, extremely short, and with more to follow in the morning. BUT. I want to say this, because I know there is at least one who will read these words and need to read them:

THERE IS A MASSIVE, MASSIVE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACKNOWLEDGING OUR IMMORAL DEPRAVATION, AND ATTEMPTING TO STOP IT, AND PASSIONATELY PURSUING CHRIST TO CHANGE THAT DEPRAVATION.

You believe there is one God? Good. Even the demons believe that-and shudder. 

What does this mean for you right now?

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Never Leaving.

Let's not kid ourselves. We don't live the Christian live we need to. None is perfect, no not one. I think often our excuse is that we don't know where God is. Quote, unquote. We have so many excuses not to follow Christ, but at the end of the day, they are just that. An excuse.

I don't know where God is!

Following him is just too hard!

I don't know how to follow him!

Shut up. Really. Sorry to sound abrasive, but let's be honest. We know exactly where God is, and we know it's worth the cost, and we know exactly how to follow him. It's all in his word. Let's check it out.

Romans 8:38-39

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

NOTHING can separate us. 

2nd Corinthians 4:8

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed"

1st Peter 5:9-10

"Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that  the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

Romans 8:18

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

2nd Corinthians 4:16-18

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

God is right where he's always been, and today, he leaves you no excuse NOT to worship him. Our doubts, our suffering, our problems are not big enough. Worship him, in spirit, and in truth.

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Trust and Obey, For There's No Other Way

...to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

 The chorus of one of my favorite childhood hymns resonates pretty deep lately. So many times, especially at the point of my life, it would be so easy to think: "What's next God?" or, "Where do I go from here?" Several verses have spoken quite profoundly to me in such regards. As humans with free will, striving to live for God's, we can have so many questions!

What classes should I take?

Who should be my best friend?

How should I live my life?

What college should I go to?

Why is my life the way it is, and not the way I want it to be?

Where do I go?

Why? Why? Why?

Anxiety.

Fear.

Depression. 

Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. After dwelling on the implications of Romans 8:6, which we memorized last week, I truly feel that if my mind could be set on the things of God 24 hours a day, seven days a week, stress would be impossible. 

The more I seek Christ vs. seeking the world, I find a simple, profound truth. Seek him first, and he will provide. I may not have all the things the world deems necessary. Yet, because my life is hidden in him, his peace that surpasses all understanding supersedes any anxiety I would otherwise feel. Seeking him above all else in my day to day life, and trusting upon his providance, rather than man's is the most beneficial action I could take. For this world is nothing about what man can provide me. What do I want? Where am I going? Anywhere that he leads as I continue to sek his kingdom first. 

2nd Corinthians 1:9-10

"Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."

Isaiah 50:10

"Who among you fears the Lord, and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord, and rely on his God."

Proverbs 3:5-6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Matthew 6:33-34

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Trust him. Everything else is fading. Nothing else matter. Believe it.

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

New Week, New Verses

Hey ETC Friends! As you know, we memorize two verses a week, and one extended passage a month! 

Our verses for the week of the 3rd to the 9th will be:

1st Peter 5:10 (and 9 if you get some extra time!)

Galatians 2:20

We will continue to memorize:

2nd Corinthians 4

until the end of August!

Much love,

Matt Allen

Plugged In?

Our two verses for the week are:

Romans 8:6

2nd Corinthians 10:5

Our passage we are memorizing until the end of August is:

2nd Corinthians 4

This morning something interesting happened that hit me pretty profoundly. I walked over to my work area, and prepared for my morning writing session after my quiet time and sat down at my Macbook. Something was odd though. I had left my computer plugged in all night, yet as my fingers started to grace the keyboard, immediately I was notified that my battery had drained to 20% of it's power. Quite perplexed, I searched the root of the issue. Following the power adaptor to the source, I was quick to realize that the adaptor was not actually plugged into the wall. See, I had thought it was, but, nope. No chance. It was then that it hit me. How many times does that mimic our faith? How many times do we think we have it figured out, that we're completely plugged in, only to assess the situation and find our battery at 20%? See, Christianity truly is cliche after cliche, almost forming a check-list. Not that our faith is built off of legalism, but simply that if we continue to do certain things, our faith is able to sustain abundance. So what are these things that, should we stay plugged into, change our life?

Accountability

Hebrews 10:24-25

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching." (ESV)

Prayer

1st Thessalonians 5:17

"Pray without ceasing" (ESV)

Daily Scripture Reading

2nd Timothy 3:16

"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (ESV)

Hebrews 4:12

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (ESV)

Faith

Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those that seek him." (ESV)

Works

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (ESV)

Love

1 Peter 4:8

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."

Mark 12:30-31

"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself..." (ESV)

I am, by no means, claiming this list is extensive. It simply goes to show that the word of God makes it very obviously how to live a spirit-filled abundant life! Simply following through with what he calls us to is the thing that so drastically changes our world! So...

1. Go figure it out! What from this list does your life need more of?

2. GO APPLY IT!

Much love!

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Shine Out.

Morning friends! God call us not to timidity, but to SHINE! We live in hope, only because it has been imparted to us through God's mercy and love. Let us continually strive to allow this hope, this peace, this love that we have been given to be seen in our lives. For we truly are a vapor. Here for a second. A millisecond in light of an eternity with Christ; so let us not think of ourselves, live for ourselves, breathe for ourselves. Our life must only be an outpouring of love to those we encounter, as his life was for us. So shine my friends. Shine, shine, shine.

1 Peter 2:9

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Ephesians 5:8

"for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light."

Philippians 2:14-15

"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,"

Matthew 5:16

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Go and shine. We don't have any excuse good enough not to. 

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Everyone Should Believe!

2nd Corinthians 4:2

"But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning, or to tamper with God's word. But by the open statement of the truth, we would commend ourselves to EVERYONE'S conscious, in the sight of God."

Paul says that simply by putting forward the truth, in the way we live our lives, that EVERYONE should believe in the gospel. In verse three, he does indeed mention that our gospel is, at times, veiled. Yet, what can we do today, to present the gospel to those around us with our actions? Faith is all about movement! About stepping out. Actions speak louder than words. So go. Go!

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Encouragement

Friends! 

It seems I have forgotten to set my alarm in time to wake up, have my quiet time, and publish a post before I must leave to help run a VBS! There is time at the VBS for me to have my quiet time, but no computer for a post. SO with that, I simply wanted to leave some encouragement! Yesterday I spent a good amount of the day letting 2nd Corinthians 4:1-3 run through my head. And no lie, it's a tough set of verses! Don't get so discouraged that you quit! EVER! With the time we are allotting for extended passages, a little quicker than one verse every other day will suffice! You can do it! And don't forget, the purpose of the ETC Revolution is not to create hundreds a Christians with immense head knowledge! It's allowing the scriptures we put in our mind to develop our thoughts! Let your mind truly dwell on the scriptures you are all studying! I found it truly hard to even desire to sin yesterday when I was reciting "But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways..." Let your thoughts of Christ rule above all of this glorious day which HE has graciously given us! 

P.S.-TL's! Don't forget about Wednesday E-Grams! Thanks so much for all of them on Monday!

-Much Love!

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Doing good, Suffering, Renewal

I've been in 1 Peter for a long time. Which to me has been a journey. 1 Peter is a book anyone could read through in half an hour, but to truly delve into it's truths I've been in it every morning for over a week and a half. Check this progression of verses out!

1 Peter 2:15

"For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people." (ESV)

1 Peter 3:13

"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?" (ESV)

1 Peter 4:16

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name." (ESV)

1 Peter 5:9-10

"Resist him (the devil), firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." (ESV)

Fantastic. Peter literally just taught me how to live my life. Do good. It's the will of God. Keep doing good, and be so zealous for good that it seems as if no one could harm you. Yet, if you do suffer, glorify him! Here, to me, it's important to mention that even through suffering, Christ imparts his peace onto us! Check out Paul and Silas, or Philippians chapter 4! Lastly, endure suffering, for Christ suffered for you. After Christ has ridden the storm with you, he will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish, but AFTER the storm. So expect and pray for days marked bad by the world, but marked alive through Christ. For when the fire has past, you will find yourself restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established. In that, we revel. 

Much love,

Matt Allen 

The verses for the week are:

2nd Corinthians 10:5

Romans 8:6

The extended passage we are working on is:

2nd Corinthians 4

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

LAUNCH!!

Morning all!

The day is here, the time is come! For those of you who aren't aware, the true purpose behind this blog is to incorporate it into a scripture memorization ministry in which participants commit to memorizing 2 verses a week, and one extended passage a month! After two weeks of personal commitment, participants that would like to be a team leader are encouraged to go build their own family groups whom they lead and shepherd through the memorization as well! The verses for the weeks are:

2nd Corinthians 10:5

Romans 8:6

And we'll be working on:

2nd Corinthians 4

Until the end of August! Team leaders, don't forget to send Kaity and I an E-Gram on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays simply stating which scriptures you have spent time memorizing, any prayer requests, and what God is teaching you in your quiet times! If you would like to be a TL, and aren't one yet, email mattallen.etcrevolution@yahoo.com, with a brief bio, and why you would like to be a TL! Read up! Pray up! Hide God's word deep in your heart, and watch what he does! Be ready to give a reason, to demolish arguments, and change your thought life! Get pumped!

Much love!

-Matt Allen

Rejoice!

Sometimes in the midst of all of our persecution as Christians, and our light seems to fade in our own eyes, we just need some encouragement to keep us going strong and steady to the course. Not only just from our friends or family, but from our amazing God, the Lord of the entire universe, through His word!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Philippians 3:1

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

As this revolution begins, always remember that even though memorizing the scripture can be challenging to you, REJOICE! How amazing is it to know that if we just spend time in pure study in His word, we can hide His word in our hearts, and actually use the 'sword,' the Bible, that God has given us with the Armor of God!

Don't lose heart guys! Keep pressing on, and never cease to sing! Rejoice! Be glad!
Show God's love through your compassionate heart!
Never cease to give your all, everything you have, and just surrender it to Him!

Much love and God Bless!
-Matt

Prepare For ACTION!

How often do we sit, motionless, in our houses wondering where God is in our country? In our city? In our home? Whether in the middle of a storm of our life, or a desert of our spirituality, we often wonder exactly that. "Where is God?"

What are we doing? 

Contrary to seeker-churches, and a lot of feel-good theology, our faith is one of works and action! Our faith is one of suffering for Christ's sake, for he suffered for ours. Our faith is one of movement, of service, of servanthood. We are not here to see how long we can be dragged through this race, but how many we can lead to the finish line.

1 Peter 1:13

"Therefore, preparing you minds for action, and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (ESV)

James 2:18

"But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show mw you faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (ESV)

Philippians 2:12

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling." (ESV)

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (ESV)

Our faith is one of action. Anything that has been created has a PURPOSE. Ephesians 2:10 just told us ours. It doesn't work any other way. What can you DO today to increase your faith? Get out of your comfort zone. DO. ACT. GO. 

Go DO something this second that will stretch your comfort zone for God a little. Right this second. When you've done it, email your ACTION to mattallen.etcrevolution@yahoo.com stating how you allowed God to use you!

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

The ETC Revolution. Read up my friends.

As I drive home from an awesome two days of friends and Jesus in the metroplex, I want to further describe the vision God has laid on my heart for this ministry. You have to understand. This blog, as any, can stand alone. If you enjoy the thoughts God has laid on my heart, then by all means please continue to read on a daily basis!

Yet, the ETC is truly about a movement. We launch on a smaller, state wide scale with 15-20 leaders on Monday the 27th of July. Leaders commit to the memorization of two verses a week, and one extended passage a month found and promoted here on the ETC site. Each leader undergoes a 2 week training period simply commiting themselves to the memorization. Once the two week training period is over, team leaders form, lead, and shepherd family groups of peers and believers in their area whom also commit to the memorization found here on the site. Family groups hold weekly ETC Sessions for accountability, friendship, prayer, and to recite scripture.

I see these family groups being used in youth groups. On football teams. In campus ministries, and families. I see them before school starts, after practice ends, and during band practices.

WHY Every Thought Captive?

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you."

I truly believe that the average daily Christian struggle can be overcome by allowing the words of God to be implanted in our head, and then hit our heart. If we don't know what he says, we can't DO what he says. The ETC Revolution was formed around the heartbeat of the following verses:

Psalms 119:11

Proverbs 23:7

Romans 8:6

2nd Corinthians 10:5- Check them out!

The Revolution is one of thoughts. For as a man thinketh, so is he. We are seeking more team leaders, more family members, and more people to be a part! I'm so excited to see what God does as his people put his word into their hearts. He is changing lives, one family group at a time. Come play a part.

Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

Thoughts of The Revolution on the Road

God always has a plan. Always. There are no mistakes. And that to me, is increasingly encouraging. Having left with Kaity this morning at 7:30 am, almost without a plan, I was curious to see what the day held. I had very recently learned the immensity of the "metroplex", which I had once thought was a much smaller area. Wrong. The students from Super Summer I was interested in ministering to all live on opposite ends though, so I learned quickly. ETC Team Leader Brooke Allen , whom I was planning on hanging out with informed me that she wouldn't be able to hang out... As I was already driving up there! Haha, it did work out okay though, as ETC Team Leaders Matt McNeal, Kaleb Sanders and my Super Summer daughter Katelyn Cucera were both on the NE side of Dallas. We grabbed a quick lunch at Sonic at Firewheel, and then sat down at the park for a quick study in the word! It was encouraging as we shared the good, bad, and ugly of life since leaving a spiritual dreamworld several days before. God really allowed me to minister to each person as they had need. Katelyn left the mall to run errands, while the rest of us drove to Terrell, Texas where I played a worship set with Matt McNeal. I met an awesome kid named Penguin, who I know is going to do amazing things for God in the coming days. Lastly, Kaity and I drove an hour back to the Arlington area where we met up with ETC Team Leader Chase McCaskill. I've actually been with Chase since about 10:00 or so, and it's been a blast! Just a bit ago we were dissecting 2nd Corinthians 4, and something just JUMPED off the page. (I've read 2nd Corinthians 4 over and over again, and it never ceases to amaze me... 2nd Corinthians 4 is, in fact, the extended passage that ETC TL's will commit to upon our state-wide Leadership Launch, Monday the 27th!) 

2nd Corinthians 4:10

"always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested on our bodies."

How often we forsake his gift. How often we lose sight of the sacrifice. Step on the cross instead of picking ours up. Are we dying to sin, or dying IN sin? Do we know the difference? Where have we thrown our morals to? CARRY HIS DEATH, THAT HIS LIFE MAY SHINE THROUGH. 

I'm so passionate about our vision to change the world through changing thoughts. If you area set up for our TL launch, get pumped. If you want to know what all of this is about, feel free to email mattallen.etcrevolution@yahoo.com to learn how you can pair with the ETC Revolution to impact your hometown, your football team, your youth group, or your home! Praying for you!

-Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5

ETC Roadtrip?... Oh, 2 am impulses.

Hebrews 11:8

"By faith Abraham , when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, OBEYED AND WENT, even though he did not know where he was going." (NIV)

So... It's 2 am. I was supposed to be on schedule for work today, or so I thought. I wasn't. I have also been supposed to visit the Mansfield area to hang out with the guys from The Community at Lakeridge. (By the way, if you are anywhere near the Mansfield area, those guys are absolutely fantastic and I always suggest those interested to check them out.) Continuing... I thought to myself: "Hey! Let's go up to the Metroplex tomorrow and throw some worship stuff together for TCAL!" I thought this so randomly, remembering that I hadn't been scheduled today, so the trip would be easier to take before they fix the schedule. So, I called Brian Swiggart of TCAL, and found out that himself, and the Paul Mints will be out on a quick vacation.

"Still go!"-God

"What?! Why?"-Matt

"The last two things I made sure you did changed your life forever. Go."-God

"You're crazy, and it's not practical!"-Kaity

"Neither were the last two things God made sure I did, but he rewarded me so abundantly for them! LET'S GO!!!"-Matt

"Dang. I just read 1 Peter 1 this morning about preparing for action. Ahhh."-Kaity

This is the question I'm still asking myself... "Why are we going?" Kaity and I are pumped though! We don't have too much of a set plan whatsoever yet! We're really interested in ministering to some ETC Team Leaders in the metroplex area, and I'm most likely going to start looking around for work since I'm locating to the metroplex area as soon as God provides a way there! I did just look at a map though, and was previously unaware as to how dang big the metroplex is... And it does seem like the students we want to go visit aren't exactly right next to each other... By faith, we OBEY AND GO! Here we come!

In the meanwhile, Team Leaders keep getting pumped for our state-wide launch this upcoming Monday! Make sure we're in contact over the next couple days before we get started, and I'll try to plan another leadership conference call soon! Two verses a week, and one extended passage a month! Changing thoughts changes actions, changing actions changes lives, and changing lives changes the world! Here we go!

-Much love,

Matt Allen

THE 'ETC REVOLUTION' IS DEDICATED TO THE MEMORIZATION OF SCRIPTURE AND BEING ABLE TO USE IT TO NOT ONLY ENRICH OUR WALKS WITH CHRIST, BUT TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM OF GOD BY SHARING HIS LOVE AND WORD TO EVERYONE WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, ENCOURAGEMENT, PRAYER, AND WISDOM. ETC STANDS FOR 'EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE,' WHICH IS TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 10:5