February 8th

Open with video clip – The heroes of the faith

(Video clip of our heroes of faith, pictures and clips of who they were as children, and who they became as adults.)

I really enjoy this short clip, It not only gives me joy to see how they started as children, but also to see who they became as men or women of God.

It is the same today working with the youth. We see them as they are today, now, with hopes of who they will become tomorrow. Perhaps the next Billy Graham, or C.S. Lewis. It could be that your son or daughter will be overflowing with the joy of Christ, so much that they can’t help but tell the world…..It could be, again It could be, but that all depends on you and on me. It depends on our faithfulness to God, and our faithfulness in our walks in being fruit bearers.

Genesis Chapter1 – 4, From in the beginning, God makes man in His image, sets him up to rule over the earth, gives him a place to tend (garden), gives him food to eat (fruit from any tree except one), gives him a helper mate/ wife, keeps him safe from the knowledge of evil. God warned him if he ate from the tree of life man would surely die (spiritual death, a relational death, separation from God). We see evidence of a relationship, we see God doing all these things, and man responding. Later as we all know how the story goes, man sin’s against God, and disobeys, eating the forbidden fruit, causing spiritual, relational, and eventually physical death. But even in this event God provides a covering for their sin, as God introduces death, to cover their nakedness. God does this to show what will eventually be Christ, as the propitiation for our sins. Adam and Eve confess their sin, God covers them, and they have a restored relationship.

Throughout this quick condensed version, we see a repetitive theme “relationship”.

Just as God seeks a relationship with us, we work in ministry on the same basis. Relationally.

This morning I would like to unpack not only the philosophy of our youth ministry, but also how it relates to us, and what our responsibility is as a body, to help raise generation next into a generation who has a passion, and who are on fire for the Lord. To create disiples.

Now to begin we need to keep in mind what is our end result. Our end result in this case is to make disciple makers. So please keep that in mind as we unpack these different aspects.

So then, what is the purpose of Youth Ministry?

The purpose of Youth Ministry is first and foremost to glorify God. (1 Corinthians 10:31) we see this multi-purposed statement. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” In whatever we do, in youth ministry, we do for His Glory.

Glorifying God through youth ministry is done through a process. And the process is by developing or igniting a passion or a fire in the youth for the Lord through a growing, lasting, lifelong, relationship. We do this by building up their very foundations in Christ. It is also through a partnership, by having the parents involved, in an active, applicable, and daily way. And along the way having the end result in mind, to source the youth back into the body of the Church, as disciples, and then recycle this process.

Christ stood in Galilee, on the mountain top, before the eleven disciples, and commanded them just as we are today, to Go.. Throughout all nations and make disciples in all nations. What He didn’t say was to go and make converts, but disciples, (life changers.) (Matthew 28:19)

An inner city street preacher sums up well what it means to be a disciple, when he tells it to a crowded city street corner in Chicago. He says, “It’s to be out here preaching Christ on the frontlines, where most engagements are right on he pavement. It means to take the Bible, create disciples, who make disciples, disciple cycles. It’s to know Him well; it’s like show and tell, but more than just a show, its manifesting Emmanuelle. The importance is to make God’s truth relevant, and ignite these folks. Discipleship is a call, but we make disciples, this is not a suggestion, create disciples. The teaching is a process it’s not overnight, it’s not a stage and lights, it’s life on life. Christ walked with the twelve, ate with the twelve, talked with the twelve, chased the twelve, invested in them well, He made the twelve, who made many more, who made plenty more, and now it’s on you and me if there’s anymore. This is what we’ve been commissioned, it’s the reason why were here, so they can hear the truth, and if your hearing me you’ll do the same”

To make this process applicable, and successful, keeping in sight our purpose:

We must IGNITE a passion in the youth for the lord.

(1 Corinthians 15:1-4) Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

You see, the gospel, Christ is the power source, the conduit, He is our generator, and the ignition switch that ignites a passion and the affection we have for Him. It is through the Gospel, our relationship with Christ that we can experience this passion.

But how can we ignite a passion in the lives of the youth, unless we first have this passion for Christ, or are in fact affected by the Gospel.

You see a person who has a previous knowledge or know how of doctrine and theology alone, and has no affections has never engaged or experienced a true life changing relationship in Christ.

There is nothing more apparent than this then when our faith takes root within us only as deep as our affections attract it. There are millions of people who hear the word of God, who hear of these supernatural, life changing, salvation truths about Christ’s saving redemption for themselves, and their lives and yet it has no affect upon them. Resulting in making no change in behaviors, and lifestyles they live.

The only reason is they are not affected by what they hear. Even when they hear about the power, the holiness, and the wisdom of God, and Christ and the great things in which he has done for them and his gracious invitation to them and yet they remain exactly as they are in dead in the water.

Nobody is changed solely by doctrine through hearing the word, or by the preaching or teaching of another, unless the Holy Spirit has stirred in their hearts, through conviction (John 16:8), which then enables their affections to be moved by these things.”

No one seeks salvation, no one cries for wisdom, no one wrestles with God, or kneels in prayer, or even flees from sin when his or her hearts remain unaffected.

So the question is not how do I become affected but why am I not? The answer to this question will lead to true affection.

It is in the Gospel where we have been bought by the blood, where we find redemption, new life, love, forgiveness, and acceptance. It is the result of these things that gives us the affection that changes the way we live. It is here that we are 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” It is here where we have been transformed.

We must BUILD a solid foundation upon Christ.

(Isaiah 28:16) So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.)

(Picture of clinging to the cross in the background.)

We see that when we trust in Christ, who is our solid rock, we will never find or be disappointed. As the hymn goes “On solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” In Christ we will find true and lasting fulfillment, and complete sustenance.

Christ is OUR sure foundation.

When we build upon this foundation of Christ, we build upon consistent Truth. Truth that is steady, and never changing. (Hebrews 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Truth that teaches to say NO to ungodliness, and worldly passions. (Titus 2:11-12) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. The youth will compare this truth to their daily lives and influences from the world, from philosophies, religions, and ideals that are continually changing, these influences that are never steady or consistent, that are very much like sinking sands.

A song written not to long ago, 1995, by the group Big Tent Revival, wrote called Two sets of Jones’. It’s a song based off of (Matthew 7:24 -27) about what you have built your foundation upon. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. As the song plays out it reveals two sets of couples in different life scenarios, one couple has built their foundation upon Christ, and the other upon an unstable foundation in which they had laid in and on their own strength. The song continues, as the foundations are tested through life’s trials and hardships. The climax of the song, or most powerful part is delivered in the chorus. “And the rain came down, and it blew the four walls down, and the clouds rolled away, and one set of Jones’ was standing that day.” And it was only the foundation that is built upon Christ.

What I love about this song is the beautiful reminder of who we have built our foundation upon, Christ. And no matter how strong the winds may get, or how hard the rain falls, no matter what trials, or struggles that we may encounter, because of the cornerstone, our firm foundation, Christ, we, the faithful will remain.

We must PARTNER with parents. (Proverbs 22:6) Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

The Hebrews taught that nothing was more important than the rearing of a child in godliness. Discipline was an integral part of that training (cf. Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15, 17). No reward in life was more satisfying than to have a "wise son", and no sorrow was greater than to have reared a "foolish son" (Prov. 10:1; cf. 15:20).

"Dedicate, therefore in the first instance, your child to God; and equip, teach, and discipline them as God's children, whom He has entrusted into your care"

We want to raise children with a standard of Godliness, and in doing so were to study the nature and disposition of the children and train them according to it.

The involvement of parents is a greater need now then ever. We are living in a culture that has pushed out the role of parents in teenage lives. Recent studies by group publishing shows that today’s kids are getting older younger. They have labeled this KAGOY. Which means that the culture is lying on harder and putting more expectations on kids at a younger age. We are seeing today’s young children dressing, acting and dealing with issues that they shouldn’t have to think about until later in life. And we are seeing High School students become more and more completely independent.

Now just because culture is placing this into affect does not mean that the culture is correct, or that we should stand on the side of the road and waving goodbye. We can’t let culture play the trump card, and we can’t give up either. This means that we are more than ever to be MORE involved in their lives, especially at older ages when it is more of a crucial turning point in their lives, when they will be using all their collected training, and practicalities, and begin to apply them alone for the first time.

Instead of letting your child become another statistic, you can use the information to your advantage. Because knowing, or having insight on what our culture is demanding is like having one up on your kids, giving you the advantage, especially in the area pertaining to talking with your kids.

(Psalms 1:8-9) Deals with having your children listen to their father’s instruction, and to not forsake their mothers teaching. But it is in verse 9, which should catch your attention, especially in the area of being diligent in talking with your children, and being fully involved in their lives?

Verse 9: “For the instruction and teaching that you give them will be a garland to grace their heads and chains to adorn their necks.”

You are equipping them, helping them grow, and furthering them to be in the world, and not of the world.

This is why there is such importance in partnering in youth ministry. Because the youth pastors, leaders, workers, teachers, or whoever is investing in your children only get to do so for a couple hours a week. But you as a parent get to be involved every day!

Sometimes it only takes an open ear, or a few questions, sometimes it’s just time with your children.

So in looking back, have you thought through the importance of igniting, and building with your kids? Whether the gospel has transformed them, given them a passion. Or, are they have a foundation in Christ? Or are they struggling with knowing truth, or struggling being able to stand firm in Christ, as the influences are bombarding them.

What are some areas in your kids’ life that you need to be more involved in?

As the parent, what are ways that you are leading and encouraging your child to become more like Christ?

If we think to ourselves that because our children go to church, and is from a Christian home that they will be fine. Then we are fooling ourselves. Even if that were true, we don’t want to raise just good kids, we want godly kids.

There are countless times where I have come across stories of kids coming out of Christian homes, pastors homes, good homes, and kids end up further down the spiral. Stories like Marlin Manson, who came from a Baptist Pastors home, Trent Reznor (from Nine Inch Nails) from a Christian home. Stories where a son of a Presbyterian pastor was beaten to death because the decisions that he made, hanging with the wrong crowd, and earning an extensive gambling debt. For Marilyn Manson, and Trent Reznor, there is still hope for redemption, but the son of the Presbyterian pastor, is lost, as he was beaten to death. These are all stories that might have been prevented, if the right questions were asked, if they were modeled a Christ like image from their parents, if they had an open ear, or shared with their kids their passion for Christ, or even built a better foundation. Ultimately the decision is up to the individual person, but we can be there every step to guide them.

We must RECYCLE the youth back into the church.

John addresses such a large group of people, all on and at different level.

(1 John 2:12-14) I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

There are such distinct demographics in the church body, with specific gifts, needs, functions, and talents, it is important for the youth to be funneled back into the local body. Where they can continue to serve, and use their gifts for God’s Glory.

This is where our responsibility falls, as a church body in whole. We are to not only be sharpening one another (Proverbs 27:17), but also helping raise the generation next into a generation who has a passion, and who are on fire for the Lord.

Through recycling the youth back into the body we interact with the youth, we are rubbing shoulders, some of us work along side of the youth, we eat, and we breathe, we cry, laugh, support, and live with the youth. If we want to ignite a passion in them, we are to be demonstrating the passions that we have, the walk we hold, the faith we manifest, and all the youth want is someone to be there sharing in, each step of the way.

A study shows that the youth want someone who’s learning, someone who’s alive and growing with you. That is how you learn you are on a spiritual journey with someone. It doesn’t work if the people investing in them are at the end of the journey (Or think they are at the end of the journey.) tugging on a rope trying to get them to come along. They want to know that someone is right there with them. They want to see that you are imperfect, and human just like them.

I personally have never seen someone step into youth ministry, and come out unchanged.

(They may need some counseling afterwards…) No, but they have changed, they have been transformed. The ones investing have demonstrated a working faith, a Christ likeness, the youth receiving the investment have seen a model, a person putting on Christ, and seeing a person struggle with their condition, as they manifest their position, This is tangible to them, It is real, its relational.

But sadly, we are absent from the lives of young people. We become so busy, we have no down time, we move from activity to activity, with few real relationships, and little introspection. As T.S. Eliot said, “Were distracted from our distractions by our distractions.” We have become “dis-spirited.” Or we set up a false sense of who we are, instead of resting in Christ, and being who Christ enables us to be.

So how do we become affective to raise the generation next into a generation who has a passion, and who are on fire for the Lord. How are we abled to ignite, build, partner and recycle?

We need to be fruit bearers, and the only way we can do that is to die to ourselves, and live in Christ. We source in Christ, He is our source, remember He is the igniter. This is a daily application. To lay ourselves at the alter, where Christ paid for our sins, and die to ourselves. (Galatians 2:20) "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

So that we can truly live, in the new life we live by faith daily.

When we source in Christ, and not in our flesh, not only are we on a solid foundation, but we then can manifest the love of Christ, and agape love, a supernatural love. That is an unconditional love. And with this love we can make an impact for Christ, and become affective to raise the generation next.

It’s a relational thing, so with this unconditional, supernatural love, as we recycle the youth into the local body, we can do our part by doing 5 things.

We can WELCOME the youth. (Romans 15:7) Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

Paul addresses the believers in Rome to welcome or receive other believers into fellowship.

In Jesus Christ we all have been welcomed into a community of Saints, and just as Christ accepted us, we need to be accepting of the youth.

We can show the youth GENUINE LOVE. (Romans 12:10) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.

The love that is referred to here is the phileo, or brotherly love. A love that gives preference to is a love where you try to out-do one another, the relationship here is marked by doing the opposite of competitiveness.

We show them genuine love by seeking to help the youth find God’s place for them, not through competition, by through encouragement.

We can help INSTRUCT the youth. (Romans 15:14) For everything that was written long ago was written to instruct us, so that we might have hope through the endurance and encouragement that the Scriptures give us.

Here we see that we can do great encouragement through helpful instruction, warning, and criticism or rebuke. This is an echo of Paul’s command to “Speak truth in love.” We often times see it used in family situations, but we as a church body are a family. If speaking truth in love means to speak out even in rebuke when it is necessary for a brothers good, then so be it. That’s why love can be tough love. Today in our culture we hesitate to say something or rebuke those we are closest to, we avoid the confrontation, but we need to remember if it is out of love, and for the good of the person, then tough love it is.

We can PROVOKE the youth. (Hebrews 10:24) And let us continue to consider how to motivate one another to love and good deeds.

The idea or thought here is that the community, or church body needs to fix their eyes, draw attention to, or concentrate on what needs to be done.

Our life is an active life, we are not called to sit on the couch all day, or stay inside our bubbles, but to be active. We are to live out our faith not to just believe it. And with that when we come together, and we Worship, fellowship, and rub shoulders with each other (youth included), we need to be ministering encouragement of an active faith. To take a step out and live a life of faith, a life of Jesus.

We can BEAR the youths burdens. (Galatians 6:2) Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Bearing the burdens of the youth shows two things. The first is that you care deeply about the troubles and needs of that person and second that you care enough to provide a shoulder or a place for them to have prayer, and encouragement.

This supernatural love of Christ s seen by the depth of the involvement in the lives of one another, and is seen by sharing in one another’s lives, and experiences.

By sourcing in Christ, by living a life according to who you are in Christ, you can have an affective hand in Youth Ministry.

Are you living to Glorify the Lord, living to be affective in raising generation next into a generation who has a passion, and who are on fire for the Lord.

What’s your part in igniting, building, partnering, and recycling? Are you bearing the fruit of Love? Are you taking part in expanding the kingdom, and raising others to be and do the same?