Offering Hope: Embracing Creation and Reaching Generation Z
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather in the spirit of hope and awe, reflecting on the vastness of our universe and the intricate design that points to a divine Creator. This week has been challenging for many, including myself, but it has also been a time of deep reflection and learning. I attended two conferences, one of which focused on stewardship and the unique challenges faced by Generation Z. This generation, aged 18-27, is in dire need of hope, something the church is uniquely positioned to offer.
We began our worship with the hymn "Be Thou My Vision," setting the tone for a message centered on the awe and wonder of God's creation. We explored the vastness of our solar system, using videos and a hands-on activity to illustrate the immense distances between planets. This sense of awe should remind us of the fine-tuning of the universe, a concept that physicists struggle to explain without acknowledging a divine Creator. The constants that govern our universe, like the speed of light and the force of gravity, are so precisely calibrated that the probability of them occurring by chance is virtually zero.
This brings us to the heart of today's message: the need for hope and the role of the church in providing it. Generation Z faces numerous challenges, from economic instability to environmental degradation, and they are searching for meaning and community. Many have never been to church and are curious about spirituality. This presents a unique opportunity for us to reach out, both digitally and in person, to offer the hope and love of Jesus Christ.
We also discussed the importance of expanding our digital ministry to reach the 48% of Americans who seek spiritual resources online. This is a vast mission field that we cannot ignore. Additionally, we need to support our growing family ministry by volunteering to teach Sunday school, ensuring that the next generation experiences the hope and joy of Jesus.
As we move forward, let us embrace the awe and wonder of God's creation and use it as a catalyst to bring hope to those around us. Let us be intentional in our outreach, both online and in our local community, to share the love of Christ with a world in desperate need of it.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Vastness of Creation Inspires Awe and Wonder: Reflecting on the immense distances in our solar system and the fine-tuning of the universe should fill us with awe. This sense of wonder can deepen our faith and remind us of the divine Creator who orchestrated it all. The precise constants that govern our universe point to a God who designed everything with purpose and care. [20:33]
2. Generation Z's Need for Hope: Generation Z faces unique challenges, including economic instability, environmental concerns, and a lack of community. They are searching for meaning and are more spiritually curious than previous generations. The church has a unique opportunity to offer them hope and community, something they desperately need. [34:14]
3. Expanding Digital Ministry: With 48% of Americans seeking spiritual resources online, the digital world is a vast mission field. The church must be intentional in expanding its digital ministry to reach those who are searching for hope and meaning online. This includes creating engaging content and fostering online communities. [32:33]
4. The Importance of Family Ministry: Our church is experiencing growth in its family ministry, with more young families and children participating. To support this growth, we need volunteers to teach Sunday school and help nurture the faith of the next generation. This is a vital part of our mission to bring the hope and joy of Jesus to young people. [42:35]
5. Living Out Our Faith in Action: The awe and wonder we experience from understanding God's creation should inspire us to live out our faith in tangible ways. This includes volunteering, participating in mission projects, and sharing the love of Christ with those around us. Our faith should be active and visible, demonstrating the hope we have in Jesus. [29:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[05:55] - Personal Updates and Challenges
[07:08] - Opening Hymn: Be Thou My Vision
[15:11] - Hands-On Solar System Activity
[17:20] - Video on Planetary Distances
[20:02] - Reflecting on the Vastness of Space
[22:26] - Prayer and Scripture Reading
[23:01] - Fine-Tuning of the Universe
[24:35] - Theories on the Universe's Origin
[26:10] - Probability of Our Existence
[28:13] - Divine Creator Explanation
[29:55] - Applying Awe and Wonder to Our Lives
[30:26] - Conference Insights and Church Growth
[32:33] - Digital Ministry Opportunities
[34:14] - Generation Z's Challenges and Needs
[39:09] - Reaching Out to the Next Generation
[42:35] - Family Ministry and Volunteer Needs
[50:46] - The Lord's Prayer and Community Prayer
[52:18] - Upcoming Classes and Opportunities
[56:00] - Closing and Final Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV): "Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."
2. Romans 15:13 (NIV): "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."
3. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV): "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the constants in the universe that point to a divine Creator, as discussed in the sermon? [23:32]
2. How did the pastor illustrate the vastness of our solar system during the sermon? [17:20]
3. What are some of the unique challenges faced by Generation Z, according to the sermon? [34:14]
4. How is the church encouraged to expand its digital ministry, and why is this important? [32:33]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does reflecting on the vastness and fine-tuning of the universe deepen our faith and sense of awe towards God? [20:33]
2. In what ways can the church offer hope to Generation Z, considering their unique challenges and needs? [34:14]
3. What are the potential benefits and challenges of expanding the church's digital ministry to reach those seeking spiritual resources online? [32:33]
4. How can the awe and wonder of God's creation inspire us to live out our faith in tangible ways? [29:55]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 25:4-5, how can you seek God's guidance in your daily life to bring hope to others?
2. Romans 15:13 speaks of overflowing with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. How can you cultivate this hope in your interactions with Generation Z?
3. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us to be prepared to share the reason for our hope. How can you engage in meaningful conversations about faith with those who are spiritually curious? [40:48]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of digital ministry. What steps can you take to support or participate in your church's online outreach efforts? [32:33]
5. Considering the need for volunteers in family ministry, how can you contribute to nurturing the faith of the next generation, even if you feel unqualified? [42:35]
6. How can the awe and wonder of God's creation motivate you to volunteer or participate in mission projects within your community? [29:55]
7. Think of a specific person in your life who might be struggling with hope. What practical steps can you take this week to share the love and hope of Jesus with them? [34:14]
Devotional
Day 1: The Vastness of Creation Inspires Awe and Wonder
Reflecting on the immense distances in our solar system and the fine-tuning of the universe should fill us with awe. This sense of wonder can deepen our faith and remind us of the divine Creator who orchestrated it all. The precise constants that govern our universe point to a God who designed everything with purpose and care. The speed of light, the force of gravity, and other constants are so finely tuned that the probability of them occurring by chance is virtually zero. This intricate design points to a Creator who is both powerful and intentional. [20:33]
Isaiah 40:26 (ESV): "Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is missing."
Reflection: When you look at the night sky, what thoughts and feelings arise in you? How can you use these moments of awe to deepen your relationship with God?
Day 2: Generation Z's Need for Hope
Generation Z faces unique challenges, including economic instability, environmental concerns, and a lack of community. They are searching for meaning and are more spiritually curious than previous generations. The church has a unique opportunity to offer them hope and community, something they desperately need. Many in this age group have never been to church and are curious about spirituality. This presents a unique opportunity for us to reach out, both digitally and in person, to offer the hope and love of Jesus Christ. [34:14]
Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Reflection: Think of a young person in your life who might be struggling. How can you offer them a sense of hope and community this week?
Day 3: Expanding Digital Ministry
With 48% of Americans seeking spiritual resources online, the digital world is a vast mission field. The church must be intentional in expanding its digital ministry to reach those who are searching for hope and meaning online. This includes creating engaging content and fostering online communities. By doing so, we can meet people where they are and offer them the hope and love of Jesus Christ in a format that is accessible and relevant to them. [32:33]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you use your social media or online presence to share the love of Christ with others today?
Day 4: The Importance of Family Ministry
Our church is experiencing growth in its family ministry, with more young families and children participating. To support this growth, we need volunteers to teach Sunday school and help nurture the faith of the next generation. This is a vital part of our mission to bring the hope and joy of Jesus to young people. By investing in family ministry, we are planting seeds of faith that will grow and flourish in the years to come. [42:35]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Consider volunteering for a family ministry activity. How can you contribute to nurturing the faith of the next generation?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith in Action
The awe and wonder we experience from understanding God's creation should inspire us to live out our faith in tangible ways. This includes volunteering, participating in mission projects, and sharing the love of Christ with those around us. Our faith should be active and visible, demonstrating the hope we have in Jesus. By living out our faith in action, we can be a beacon of hope and love in a world that desperately needs it. [29:55]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to live out your faith and share the love of Christ with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If we are breathing, there is hope. This has been a crazy week for you and I ask your grace for me this morning. I'm not entirely sure where I am. I've been at two conferences and then Friday night, I got a text from my husband that he has COVID. So I have not gone home yet because I am negative and I don't want to become positive." [05:55] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So when you look at these three possibilities for explaining how the universe is just so finely tuned that it is perfect for us, none of them seem very compelling. Which then brings us to people of faith who said, well yeah, we read the Bible, we've got an explanation. There is a divine creator. God planned all of this. God made it happen because God wanted us to exist. God wanted to make us." [28:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If we are living with a sense of awe and wonder and hope, we need to expand our digital ministry to reach the 48% of people who are going online trying to find hope and awe and wonder. We need to intentionally start expanding our ministry to young people who are skeptical and cynical and they think there is no one who cares about them." [39:09] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is calling us to bring the good news to a generation that is not seeing it in the world today. So let's put our awe and wonder to work and share it with the next generation. Amen." [43:06] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Children of God, today is the day of salvation. May you go from this place carried by your grace and peace of the triune God who holds you, surrounds you and keeps you as we learn to love God, neighbor, self and all creation in our sorrow and in our rejoicing. Go forth now to love and serve. Amen." [57:28] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "One of the things he finished his talk with was that what Gen Z needs is hope. And he said this is the biggest thing that the church can offer young people today, is hope. And so as we start worship today and we open our hearts and prepare ourselves to receive God's message today, I want us to think about the ways that God has brought us hope. And start letting the Holy Spirit inspire us to see how we can bring this hope into the world." [07:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So what I want us to think about today is this sense of awe and wonder, because I think so often we run through our days and we're caught up in all the stuff going on here on Earth. And I think sometimes we lose that sense of mystery and that sense of wonder. And I just encourage us to hold on to that today." [20:33] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is a whole world, there is a whole universe of people and interactions and relationships and seeking and searching going on in the digital world and is God calling us to do more? At the stewardship retreat at Pine Lake Bible Camp here in Wisconsin on Friday and Saturday, a young man, and the young man was my son, I roped him into doing it but my son Eric got up and he spoke for an hour about Generation Z." [33:39] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One of the most interesting things I learned is that almost all of Gen Z has never been to church. Their parents didn't go to church. This is not a generation that grew up in church and then left church. They have never been in church. They don't know any of our songs. They don't know any of our hymns. They don't know the Lord's Prayer. They don't know the Apostles' Creed. They don't know anything about God except what they hear on the news." [39:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So when we think about the glory and the majesty of the planets, I want to challenge us to start thinking about the people who feel left out, marginalized, who don't feel hope. How can we come together as a congregation? How can each one of us start reaching out and having these conversations about why we love Jesus and why Jesus loves them?" [41:20] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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