The church plays way to much defense when it comes to dealing with teenagers.
We rant and rave about the drugs, depression, social media and violence that are ravaging our youth. And, yes, these are critical issues that must be faced head on and dealt with.
But, as the church we often forsake “playing offense” when it comes to #YouthMinistry.
It’s not just about taking vapes out of their hands or Smartphones out of their rooms.
It’s about calling them to something bigger, something better, something Biblical.
We must help our teenagers grasp the glorious reality of the Gospel, that salvation is more than a ticket to heaven, it’s a train ride through life that reveals their true identity, belonging and purpose in Christ.
We must inspire them to be used by God to be change agents on their campuses and ambassadors of Christ in their communities.
We must treat the teenagers in our churches, not as youth rooms full of apathetic narcissists waiting to be entertained, but as a missionary force waiting to be unleashed.
Thoreau once said, “For every thousand hacking at the leaves of evil, one strikes at the root.”
Only the Gospel can strike at the root of evil.
It’s time to strike!
It’s time to play offense!
It’s time to energize the Church to mobilize youth to Gospelize their world.
“Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)
God, we pray for obsession with, affection for, and addiction to Your Word in our lives.
#praytheword
https://t.co/NkNVbRaEM6
This is maybe the best video I’ve seen from Inky! Self is the TOUGHEST opponent any of us will ever face! The mirror test is a hard game to win.
Self mastery can unlock levels of success in life that you could never even dream of!
David was anointed to be king as a teen but not appointed until age 30. In between he endured years of trials. Saul was anointed & appointed right away. God used trials to prepare David to lead well. But Saul train wrecked. Embrace hard times. They prepare you for your calling!
I’m praying that the lies and cheating will be exposed and @realDonaldTrump will be fairly re elected. Please join me supporting the sanctity of life and religious freedom and the most faith supportive administration in US history.
Pastors and church leaders, we must not allow the media and socialist politicians to intimidate our congregations by politicizing the virus. Open your doors, gather the people and preach the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus. This will be pleasing to God
I can’t wrap my mind around His love and thoughts towards me. The more I grapple with it the more I am awe that He would love me. #preciousthoughts#HisLove… https://t.co/BmLW49NrlA
Happy 19th Anniversary misclifton! You are more than I could have dreamed for! Thank you for saying “YES” to me. I love you. @ Springfield, Missouri https://t.co/RuYyMfRVoF
"God is the Father who loves you beyond your wildest imaginations. He wants to know you. All you have to do is acknowledge Him today. What will you do?"
- @eddielyons#HighStreetChurch
Springfield Police Officer, husband, father, and Christ follower Mark Priebe was struck down today while on duty and pinned against a barricade. The reasoning for this heinous act is unknown. Mark and his family need… https://t.co/pBjdC1YuH9
I am astounded by what happened in Minneapolis relating to the death of George Floyd, a black man who died being held down by a white police officer using his knee to pin him down that was placed on his neck, as the man declared he couldn’t breathe. This is ungodly and inhumane.
That wasn’t @SpeakerPelosi ‘s speech to tear up. It belonged to the people of the US as an official document mandated under US Constn., Art. II, Sec. 3, Cl. 1; National Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 20); & Employment Act of 1946 (60 Stat. 23). #SOTU