Embracing God's Call: Impacting Generations Through Faith
Summary
God is always pursuing us, longing to meet us right where we are, no matter how far we feel from Him. The invitation is to slow down, open our hearts, and allow Him to catch us, transforming us from the inside out. Our identity as a church family—being “Granted”—is not about perfection, but about a shared commitment to grow forward in Christ. Jesus is both Savior and Lord; while it’s a gift to know Him as Savior, we are called to move beyond spiritual complacency and let Him be Lord over every area of our lives. This means stretching ourselves in generosity—our time, talent, testimony, and treasure—so that we can make an eternal impact, not just for ourselves, but for the next generation.
The journey of faith is not always convenient or easy, but God promises to guide us along the best pathway, advising and watching over us. Our commitment to Him, especially when it feels intimidating or costly, is always worth it. The fruit of this commitment is seen in the lives of our youth: at Engage Camp, 102 students made significant spiritual decisions, from first-time commitments to Christ, to daily prayer, Bible reading, and even sensing a call to ministry. These stories remind us that God is at work in every generation, and that our investment in the next generation has eternal significance.
We each have a platform—whether at home, work, or in our community—and God wants to use us to influence others, especially the youth. Scripture calls us not to hide the truth from the next generation, but to tell them of God’s mighty deeds and power. Our responsibility is not just to hope our children adopt our faith, but to help them discover their own relationship with Jesus. This requires the whole church locking arms—parents, leaders, teachers, and every member—committed to sharing the truth and love of Christ.
No matter your age or background, God can do infinitely more through you than you could ever ask or imagine. The call is to stop making excuses about what you can’t offer, and instead ask, “What can I offer?” The next generation needs to see authentic faith, boldness, and commitment modeled. As we pour into them, we find that God also grows and stretches us. Let’s not hold back, but step forward in faith, generosity, and love, trusting that God will use us to impact all generations for His glory.
Key Takeaways
- Letting Jesus Be Lord, Not Just Savior
It’s easy to settle for knowing Jesus as Savior, enjoying the security of salvation, but true growth happens when we allow Him to be Lord over every area of our lives. This means moving beyond convenience and comfort, and letting Him challenge our priorities, generosity, and daily choices. When Jesus is Lord, our faith becomes active, sacrificial, and transformative, both for us and those around us. [32:16]
- Generosity as a Pathway to Eternal Impact
Our time, talents, testimony, and treasure are not just resources for our own benefit, but tools God uses to shape eternity. Committing these to God, even when it’s inconvenient or intimidating, allows Him to work through us in ways we can’t imagine. The impact of our generosity is seen in changed lives, especially among the next generation, and in the legacy of faith we leave behind. [36:36]
- God’s Best Pathway Is Not Always the Easiest
God promises to guide us along the best pathway, not necessarily the most comfortable or convenient one. The challenges and hard seasons we face are often the very things God uses to grow and stretch us, preparing us for greater impact. Asking God, “What are you trying to teach me?” in these moments opens us to transformation and deeper trust in His wisdom. [41:15]
- The Church’s Responsibility to the Next Generation
Scripture commands us not to hide the truth from our children, but to actively share God’s deeds and power with them. Investing in the next generation is not just a ministry leader’s job—it’s the responsibility and privilege of the whole church. When we commit to this, we help young people develop their own faith, not just inherit ours, and we fulfill our calling to reach all generations. [44:34]
- God Can Do More Through You Than You Imagine
No matter your age, background, or perceived limitations, God is able to accomplish infinitely more through you than you could ever ask, think, or dream. The prerequisite is not perfection or a title, but a willingness to be used by Him. When you stop making excuses and step forward in faith, God multiplies your impact for His glory and the good of others. [47:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:40] - Opening Prayer and Invitation
[32:16] - Savior vs. Lord: Moving Beyond Complacency
[36:36] - Generosity and Eternal Impact
[38:46] - Engage Camp: Student Decisions and Testimonies
[41:15] - Understanding the Next Generation
[42:22] - Celebrating Leaders, Parents, and Community
[44:34] - Biblical Mandate: Passing Faith to the Next Generation
[47:11] - God’s Power to Do More Through Us
[50:06] - Personal Story: Faith Becoming Their Own
[52:17] - Student Testimonies: Ava and Lily
[54:04] - Leader Testimony: Ashley’s Story
[58:10] - Mutual Growth: How Students Impact Leaders
[01:00:43] - Invitation to Begin a Relationship with Jesus
[01:04:14] - Responding to Jesus: Next Steps
[01:04:41] - Final Challenge and Prayer
[01:06:14] - Celebration and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
> I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 78:1-4 (ESV)
> Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
> I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,
> things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us.
> We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
> Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
> to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 32:8, what does God promise to do for us as we follow Him?
2. In Psalm 78:1-4, what specific responsibility does the passage give to God’s people regarding the next generation?
3. The sermon shared that 102 students made significant spiritual decisions at Engage Camp. What were some of the specific commitments these students made? ([38:46])
4. Ephesians 3:20-21 talks about God doing “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” How does the sermon connect this promise to our role in the church and with the next generation? ([47:11])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon draws a distinction between knowing Jesus as Savior and letting Him be Lord over every area of our lives. Why is it important to move beyond spiritual complacency and allow Jesus to be Lord? ([32:16])
2. Psalm 78:1-4 says, “We will not hide them from their children.” What might it look like for a church or family to “hide” or “share” the truth with the next generation in practical terms? ([44:34])
3. The pastor mentioned that God’s “best pathway” is not always the easiest or most convenient. How might facing challenges or discomfort actually help us grow in faith and impact others? ([41:15])
4. Ephesians 3:20-21 says God can do more through us than we imagine. What are some reasons people might doubt that God can use them, and how does the sermon address those doubts? ([47:11])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to let Jesus be Lord, not just Savior. Is there an area of your life where you tend to keep control instead of letting Jesus lead? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him this week? ([32:16])
2. Generosity was described as giving our time, talent, testimony, and treasure. Which of these is hardest for you to offer to God right now, and why? What is one small step you could take to stretch yourself in that area? ([36:36])
3. The pastor shared stories of students making commitments to daily prayer, Bible reading, and serving. Is there a spiritual practice or step you feel God is inviting you to start or renew? What’s holding you back? ([38:46])
4. Psalm 78:1-4 calls us to actively share God’s deeds with the next generation. Who is one young person (child, teen, or young adult) in your life you could encourage in faith this week? What’s a practical way you could do that? ([44:34])
5. The sermon said, “Stop making excuses about what you can’t offer, and instead ask, ‘What can I offer?’” What is one excuse you’ve made in the past about serving or investing in others? How could you reframe that into an opportunity? ([47:11])
6. The pastor emphasized that the whole church—not just parents or leaders—has a role in reaching the next generation. What is one way you could get involved or support the next generation in our church or community? ([44:34])
7. The journey of faith isn’t always easy, but God promises to guide and watch over us. Think of a recent challenge or “hard season” in your life. How might God be using it to grow you or prepare you to help someone else? ([41:15])
---
Devotional
Day 1: Letting Jesus Be Both Savior and Lord
It is easy to become complacent in your faith when you see Jesus only as your Savior, content with the assurance of eternal life but hesitant to step out in deeper commitment. Yet, when you allow Jesus to be Lord over every area of your life, you open yourself up to being challenged, stretched, and grown in ways that lead to greater generosity, service, and transformation. This means surrendering your time, talents, testimony, and treasure, not just when it’s convenient, but as a daily act of devotion, trusting that He is worthy of your full commitment. [32:16]
Luke 6:46 (ESV)
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”
Reflection: In what area of your life have you been content to let Jesus be your Savior but not your Lord? What is one concrete step you can take today to surrender that area to Him?
Day 2: Trusting God to Guide You on the Best Pathway
God promises not just to be present, but to actively guide, advise, and watch over you as you walk with Him—even when the path is challenging or unclear. The best pathway for your life may not always be the easiest or most convenient, but it is the one where God’s presence and wisdom are most fully experienced. When you slow down, listen, and trust His leading, you can face intimidating or stretching seasons with confidence, knowing He is with you every step of the way. [36:36]
Psalm 32:8 (ESV)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to slow down and ask God what He is trying to teach you right now? How can you make space today to listen for His guidance?
Day 3: Passing Faith to the Next Generation
God calls His people to intentionally share the stories of His faithfulness and truth with the next generation, refusing to hide or withhold the wonders He has done. This is not just a task for parents or ministry leaders, but a responsibility and privilege for the whole church to invest in children and students, helping them build their own relationship with Jesus. By telling of God’s mighty deeds and living out your faith, you help ensure that the next generation knows, loves, and follows Him. [44:34]
Psalm 78:1-4 (ESV)
“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth! I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”
Reflection: Who is one young person in your life you can encourage or share a story of God’s faithfulness with this week?
Day 4: God Can Do More Than You Imagine Through You
No matter your age, background, or perceived limitations, God is able to accomplish infinitely more through you than you could ever ask, think, or imagine. It is not about your own strength or qualifications, but about God’s power at work within you as you commit to Him. When you say “yes” to being used by God, you become part of His plan to impact all generations, and He receives the glory for what only He can do. [47:11]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Reflection: What is one area where you have doubted your ability to make a difference? How can you invite God to work through you in that area today?
Day 5: Your Commitment Has Eternal Impact
Every act of generosity, every moment invested, and every story shared can have an eternal impact—not just in your own life, but in the lives of others and the next generation. You don’t need a title or special qualifications; your willingness to commit your time, talent, testimony, and treasure to the Lord is what God uses to change lives. Ask God to show you where He wants you to step in, and remember that your faithfulness today can echo into eternity. [58:10]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
“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.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your time, talent, testimony, or treasure this week to invest in someone else’s faith journey?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 20, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?