Empowered to Share: A Call to Action
Summary
In a passionate sermon, the speaker, Mike, calls the church to action, emphasizing the urgency of sharing the gospel message with a world in desperate need. He begins by sharing his own journey of faith, recounting how he came to know the Lord as a youth missionary in Pennsylvania. Mike expresses a deep concern for the current generation of students, who are facing unprecedented challenges and a spiritual battle that threatens to leave them feeling unloved and hopeless. He stresses the importance of endurance and the power of prayer, urging the congregation to engage with their communities and to be consistent in reading God's word.
Mike shares inspiring stories of young people like Isaac Jenkins and Abby, who have taken bold steps to share their faith in their schools. Isaac started a Bible club in his senior year, leading to three students seeking to know Jesus, while Abby overcame her fear of public speaking to preach to 200 of her peers, resulting in over 40 students deciding to follow Jesus. These stories serve as a testament to the impact that even the youngest among us can have when empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The speaker also reflects on his own past, questioning why Christians in his high school did not share the gospel with him during his time of need. This personal reflection leads to a powerful message of redemption, as Mike feels called by God to challenge the current generation to be bold in their faith. He emphasizes that the church is not just a building but the people who follow the Lord, and despite the challenges posed by the news, media, and demonic forces, the church can come alive again.
Mike introduces the concept of campus missionaries, who are students that share Jesus in various ways, such as starting Bible clubs or organizing outreach events. He highlights the upcoming training event where students will learn how to share the gospel using the "alive and five" method. The goal is not to promote Youth Alive or the speakers themselves, but to showcase how God can use a generation of students to impact their cultures and communities.
The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for teenagers who are missionaries in the mission field of American schools, and a reminder of the spiritual war believers are engaged in. Mike shares a personal experience of visiting the Flight 93 Memorial, drawing parallels between the sacrifice made by the passengers and the sacrifice required of believers to spread the gospel. He also discusses the importance of finding strength and encouragement in Jesus and His Word, rather than seeking escape through distractions.
Key Takeaways:
- The urgency of the gospel message cannot be overstated, as there are countless individuals who are spiritually dying without the hope of Jesus Christ. The church must rise up, like John the Baptist before Christ's first coming, to proclaim the good news before His second coming. This proclamation must extend beyond the walls of the church and into our schools, workplaces, and communities, where the light of Christ is desperately needed. [01:40:01]
- Endurance in faith is not just a personal matter but has global implications. The lives of billions hinge on the church's willingness to persevere in sharing the gospel. Prayer and immersion in God's word are essential for sustaining this endurance, as they anchor us in the love and promises of God, empowering us to continue the mission despite opposition or fatigue. [01:33:50]
- The next generation holds immense potential for kingdom impact. Stories of young individuals like Isaac and Abby demonstrate that age is not a barrier to being used by God. The church must invest in equipping and empowering these young campus missionaries to lead revivals and awakenings, just as Josiah did in his youth. This investment will shape the future of the church and the world. [01:18:39]
- Personal testimonies are powerful catalysts for change. Mike's reflection on his own past and the missed opportunities for evangelism in his youth serve as a poignant reminder that our actions today can alter someone's eternity. The church must be proactive in sharing the love of Christ, especially with those who are struggling and searching for meaning. [01:27:03]
- The spiritual battle we face is not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. Recognizing this, believers must engage in spiritual warfare through prayer and the truth of God's Word. Like the heroes of Flight 93, we are called to make sacrifices for the greater good, knowing that our efforts can save lives and change destinies. [01:36:36]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:4-14 (NLT)
> "Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come."
2. Judges 2:8-10 (NLT)
> "Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110. They buried him in the land he had been allocated, at Timnath-serah in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Mount Gaash. After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel."
3. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
> "Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the signs of the end times mentioned in Matthew 24:4-14?
2. According to Judges 2:8-10, what happened to the generation after Joshua's death?
3. How does 1 Timothy 4:12 encourage young believers to conduct themselves?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize endurance in Matthew 24:13, and how does it relate to the overall message of the passage? [01:33:50]
2. What might have contributed to the new generation in Judges 2:10 not acknowledging the Lord, and how can this be prevented in today's context? [01:14:32]
3. How can young believers today set an example in their faith and conduct, as instructed in 1 Timothy 4:12? [01:19:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Matthew 24:4-14, how can you personally prepare for the challenges and deceptions of the end times? What steps can you take to ensure you endure in your faith? [01:33:50]
2. Considering the generational shift described in Judges 2:8-10, what practical steps can you take to ensure that the next generation in your community knows and acknowledges the Lord? [01:14:32]
3. How can you support and encourage the young people in your church to be bold in their faith, similar to Isaac and Abby's stories shared in the sermon? [01:22:37]
4. Mike shared his concern about the current generation of students feeling unloved and hopeless. How can you actively engage with and support the youth in your community to help them experience the love of Christ? [01:07:49]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer and immersion in God's word for endurance. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize prayer and Bible reading? [01:34:30]
6. Mike mentioned the concept of campus missionaries. How can you encourage and equip the young people in your life to take on this role in their schools or communities? [01:20:52]
7. Reflect on a time when you missed an opportunity to share the gospel. How can you be more proactive in sharing your faith moving forward, and what steps will you take to ensure you don't miss future opportunities? [01:27:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Proclaiming Hope Beyond Church Walls
The urgency of the gospel message is paramount, as many wander without the hope of Christ. Believers are called to be like John the Baptist, preparing the way for the Lord's return by sharing the good news in every sphere of life. The church must extend its reach to schools, workplaces, and communities, shining Christ's light in the darkest places. [01:40:01]
Isaiah 52:7 - "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'"
Reflection: Who in your immediate circle needs to hear the gospel, and how can you take a step this week to share it with them?
Day 2: Sustaining Faith Through Global Impact
Endurance in faith is crucial, not only for personal growth but also for its ripple effect on the world. Billions of lives could be transformed by the church's commitment to sharing the gospel. Prayer and the Word are the anchors that sustain believers, enabling them to face opposition and continue God's mission. [01:33:50]
Hebrews 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Reflection: What are some ways you can strengthen your spiritual endurance to better serve the global mission of the church?
Day 3: Empowering the Next Generation
The potential for kingdom impact within the younger generation is immense. Like Josiah, young believers can lead spiritual awakenings, regardless of age. The church's investment in equipping and empowering these young missionaries will shape the future of the church and the world. [01:18:39]
1 Timothy 4:12 - "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
Reflection: How can you support or mentor a young person in your community to grow in their faith and share it with others?
Day 4: The Power of Personal Testimony
Personal stories of faith can be a catalyst for change in others' lives. Reflecting on missed opportunities for evangelism can inspire proactive sharing of Christ's love, especially with those in need. Each interaction holds the potential to alter someone's eternity. [01:27:03]
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: Can you think of a time when you could have shared your faith but didn't? How can you prepare yourself for the next opportunity?
Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
The spiritual battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Believers are called to engage in this warfare through prayer and the truth of God's Word, making sacrifices for the greater good, much like the heroes of Flight 93. [01:36:36]
Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual challenges in your life?
Quotes
"We're at war, and I don't just mean a physical war—a spiritual war. There is an enemy out there trying to steal, kill, and destroy not just you, but a generation, and we need to learn to fight again." [01:37:17] (Download)
"Allow the truth of God's word to not just enter our brains but enter our hearts as well, to persevere in these times." [01:37:59] (Download)
"There is nothing that can overcome the power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ, and I truly believe we can see a generation changed." [01:08:24] (Download)
"It's by God's grace that I'm here. There's nothing you can do about the past; that's your story. But you can do something about the future, challenge a generation to be bold for the gospel message of Jesus Christ." [01:28:09] (Download)
"I'm concerned about the church today, that she's growing tired, lost her fight, and become a valley of dry bones. But she can come alive again, and that's what we're here to share." [01:29:54] (Download)
"We have a generation of students that don't feel loved, that don't feel like there's any hope, that they have no value, that they have no worth. We need to get to the root of the problem which is a spiritual problem." [01:16:25] (Download)
"This generation of students need to know the love and experience of Jesus Christ because when they do, they know that they do have a hope, they know that they do have a future, that they don't have to be confused about their identity." [01:16:53] (Download)
"Seek the face of God and his love, seek the face of his strength and his confidence, put on your armor daily and let the Holy Spirit move through each one of you to bring change and transformation in this community." [01:41:22] (Download)
"Don't lose your fight, don't lose that passion, that desire, that hunger that you had for the Lord, that hunger to see communities change, to see schools change, your workplace change." [01:41:22] (Download)
"Prayer is one of the things that helps us endure; prayer is what, through the power of the Holy Spirit, gives us the anointing we need to persevere." [01:34:30] (Download)
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