Empowering the Next Generation: A Gospel-Centered Call

In today's message, I shared a heartfelt reflection on the unique calling I feel to speak to the younger generation, despite my age. This calling is not just a personal mission but a responsibility to steward the opportunity God has given me. I am deeply grateful for the role Bethlehem Baptist Church has played in raising my children and now my daughter, Tala. This church has been a nurturing ground for faith, and I hope it continues to be so for future generations.

I emphasized the importance of not allowing our church to become like the generation in Judges 2:10, which did not know the Lord. This happens when parents fail to pass on the stories of God's faithfulness. We must strive to go beyond superficial programs and instill a deep, lasting faith in our children. The alarming statistics of young people leaving the church after 18 years highlight the need for a more profound engagement with the gospel.

I also discussed the cultural phenomenon of low expectations for youth, urging a rebellion against this mindset. The example of Alex and Brett Harris, who wrote a book at 19 challenging teenagers to "do hard things," serves as an inspiration. We must expect more from our young people and encourage them to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, as Paul instructed Timothy.

The biblical perspective on youth is not one of low expectations but of potential and influence. Young people are called to be examples, not just followers. They can influence adults and should not be underestimated. The Bible is filled with examples of young people who were wise and influential, like the poor and wise youth in Ecclesiastes 4:13, who was wiser than an old and foolish king.

Finally, I called on parents and the church to be gospel-centered in their approach to youth ministry. Our children need to know the gospel deeply, experience the sweetness of forgiveness, and be prepared for the trials of life. They should be encouraged to rebel against low expectations and be equipped to do hard things for Christ. This is the vision for our youth—a vision rooted in the gospel and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The calling to speak to the younger generation is a divine stewardship, not just a personal mission. It is crucial to pass on the stories of God's faithfulness to prevent a generation from growing up without knowing the Lord. [12:11]
• 2. The alarming trend of young people leaving the church after 18 years highlights the need for a deeper engagement with the gospel. Programs alone cannot sustain faith; only the grace of God can hold onto our children. [13:36]
• 3. The cultural phenomenon of low expectations for youth must be challenged. Young people are capable of setting an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, as Paul instructed Timothy. [18:31]
• 4. The Bible presents a vision of youth as wise and influential, capable of impacting adults. Young people should not be underestimated, as they can be wise beyond their years, like the poor and wise youth in Ecclesiastes. [44:15]
• 5. A gospel-centered approach to youth ministry is essential. Our children need to know the gospel deeply, experience forgiveness, and be prepared for life's trials. They should be encouraged to rebel against low expectations and be equipped to do hard things for Christ. [54:31]
  ** [54:31]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [07:55] - A Unique Calling
• [08:37] - Stewarding the Opportunity
• [09:12] - Gratitude for the Church
• [11:33] - Avoiding a Lost Generation
• [12:39] - The Challenge of Retaining Youth
• [14:41] - Rebellion Against Low Expectations
• [16:01] - Paul's Advice to Timothy
• [18:31] - Setting an Example
• [22:21] - Youth Influencing Adults
• [24:19] - Biblical Perspective on Youth
• [30:02] - Born Again and Faith
• [33:15] - Experiencing Forgiveness
• [37:08] - Trials and Suffering
• [47:51] - Encouragement for Young People
• [49:36] - A Call to Parents and the Church

1. Judges 2:10
2. 1 Timothy 4:12
3. Ecclesiastes 4:13

1. In Judges 2:10, what was the consequence of the generation not knowing the Lord or His works? How does this relate to the pastor's concern about passing on stories of God's faithfulness? [11:33]
2. According to 1 Timothy 4:12, what are the areas in which young people are encouraged to set an example? How does this align with the pastor's call for young people to rebel against low expectations? [16:01]
3. How does the example of the poor and wise youth in Ecclesiastes 4:13 challenge the common perception of wisdom and age? [44:15]
4. What cultural phenomenon regarding youth does the pastor urge us to challenge, and how does this relate to the biblical perspective on youth? [14:41]

1. Why does the pastor emphasize the importance of parents telling their children about God's faithfulness? How might this prevent a generation from growing up without knowing the Lord? [11:53]
2. How does the pastor's reference to Alex and Brett Harris's book illustrate the potential of young people to exceed societal expectations? What does this suggest about the role of youth in the church? [14:41]
3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that young people can influence adults, and how does this reflect the biblical examples of youth being wise and influential? [22:21]
4. How does the pastor's call for a gospel-centered approach to youth ministry differ from relying solely on programs? What does this imply about the role of the church and parents in nurturing faith? [13:36]

1. Reflect on your own experience with passing on stories of God's faithfulness. How can you be more intentional in sharing these stories with the younger generation in your life? [11:53]
2. Consider the cultural expectations placed on youth today. How can you encourage the young people in your life to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity? [16:01]
3. Think about a young person you know who has shown wisdom beyond their years. How can you support and encourage them to continue growing in their faith and influence? [44:15]
4. How can you, as a parent or mentor, ensure that the gospel is at the center of your approach to youth ministry? What practical steps can you take to deepen the engagement of young people with the gospel? [13:36]
5. Reflect on a time when you underestimated the potential of a young person. How can you adjust your expectations and support them in doing hard things for Christ? [14:41]
6. How can you create an environment in your home or church that encourages young people to rebel against low expectations and pursue a life of faith and influence? [47:51]
7. Identify one specific way you can help a young person experience the sweetness of forgiveness and prepare for the trials of life. How can you walk alongside them in this journey? [54:31]