Pastor’s Youth Day Message

September 24. 2006

  

 

“What is God's Will

for my Life?”

 

 

 

 

The Youth Ministry in the Body of Christ, the Church in the present dispensation is the future ministry of the next generation. Hence, the ministering expectations for the forthcoming years are thoroughly invested in what is being learned through the teachings and spiritual exercises received by today’s youth. In past times, tradition mainly dominated the operation of the church. This was good in some ways yet bad in other ways. With the common access of modern visuals (television, computers, videos, ipods, etc.) in recent times, there has arisen an even greater challenge to focus young minds on the eternal unseen spiritual things of God.  There was a day in the past when it was common for the teachings of the bible to come strictly from verbal communications with limited visuals aids. At that time, those who attended church had some general knowledge of the Bible and what salvation through Jesus Christ was said to mean. 

But today there has arisen a generation of youth that are certainly reflective of society’s inner focus on themselves, as the most important thing in life. In this sense, many who are attending church are not actually learning too much concerning the greatest things, which are about eternal or everlasting life. In fact, because of today’s priority of focusing on the things of this present life and world issues; too many of those that go to church have never really heard about the gospel’s teachings that talk about the eternal things of God. Unfortunately, vast portions of today’s Christian society overwhelmingly believe that '”you shouldn't push such out of touch and times information on the youth and that everyone should decide for themselves what is important in their lives. Well, that is completely the opposite of what the Bible teaches.

Today’s ministries are teaching their youth that they should depend on themselves instead of totally depending on God; with the "Survivor" or "Weakest Link" mentality.  Their primary message is: only the smartest or best will succeed as a part of this world and this is the most important thing that they should be thinking about. While natural and physical preparation in this world are certainly important and do have their place; true spiritual wisdom is even more important and must be taught from the Scriptures. Spiritual ministering must be brought to the forefront, as the essence of life must be Eternal Life over the present temporary life. In today’s complications of this complex world, there are many dangers to mankind’s existence and it must be pointed out that we can not depend on any of the material things or persons in life for our safety but in God and His Eternal Plan, Will and Purpose only. Today’s youth generation’s faith will only be as strong as their understanding of what they can actually depend upon for their continued living. May God grant ministries, according to His Will, the teaching of Spiritual wisdom, purity, faith, kindness and the love of God to today’s youth.

The most important things that you, as young people need to understand is: “What is God’s Will for your lives? In this view, it is very important that the teaching of today’s youth must focus beyond the physical things around them, which consist of messages on topics that are spiritual and eternal in their lives. Different stages of our lives require different answers to the complex problems that we are going through. Young people live in a time wherein the things that they know severly influence and impact their lives each moment. The answers to these questions will give you a new view of life and they are not boring messages but the Word of God that is fresh and new from the beginning of times and ages. At this moment you are a gathering of youth wherein we hope to impress upon you the importance of God being the most  important thing in your minds, as He is the only One that you can really count on to never fail you. Starting very soon, the Grace Gospel Ministry will engage you in the detailed study of Who God really is as well as What are His plans for your lives.

The following are some principled statements from God's Word that will help you to focus on what God's will is for you:

1.      God does have great plans for your life!

We were created by God in His image for a purpose, just as God had set apart from his birth, the apostle Paul for a specific purpose. Galatians 1:15-16 says, “and when God was well pleased -- having separated me from the womb of my mother and having called (me) through His grace -- to reveal His Son in me that I might proclaim Him good news among the nations …….. “ This verse in particular tells us about God’s predestinated (foreordained) choice of Paul’s eternal calling as one (chosen) before he was ever born. Romans 12:2 says that God's will is "good, pleasing and perfect" so He also has a specific plan for your life.

2.    God's Will, first and foremost, is your understanding that you have an Eternal relationship with Him through your position in the Body of Christ.

I Timothy 2:3-4 says, " who (does) will all men (who are) saved and (willed to have) come unto a perfect knowledge of the truth”. This describes certain ones in the Body of Christ, having been determined to manifestly come in into a perfect knowledge of the truth.    

3.    God wants you to live in Christ's

Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I myself no longer live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. This means that you should be must be committed to following God's Will daily in your lives, whatever the cost.  

4.    The study of God’s Word will help you to know His Will.

II Timothy 2:15 says, "study to present yourself to God, an unashamed worker, cutting Straight the Word of Truth. Philippians 3:10 says, “to know Him and the power of His rising again and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” In testifying to this, Psalm 119:105 says, “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." These verses all stress the important benefits that are derived from God’s Word

5.    God has given you wisdom to pray according to His Will and to believe and trust in His Decree.

Philippians 4:6 says,” for nothing be anxious but in everything by prayer and by supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” This verse tells us that we can pray about everything but we should always ask God to give us the wisdom to trust in His will.

6.    God has given you the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Romans 8:26 says “the Spirit helps (us in) our weaknesses; for we do not know what we should pray for, even as it is necessary, but the Spirit Himself does make intercession for us with unutterable groanings." Also the first phrase of John 16:13 says, “...when He, the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all truth..."

7.    You should listen to the advice of godly men and women that God has placed in your lives.

Hebrews 13:17 says, “Be obedient to those leading you and be submissive,   for these watch on behalf of your souls (benefits), as those about to give account; that with joy they may do this and not sighing, for this (would be) unprofitable for you.” Also, Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice" and Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel but with many advisors they succeed.” Many times, God works through the advice of a parent, pastor, youth minister, Sunday school teacher or other mature person, which is just what you may need to hear to help you understand what God wants you to do.

8.    The Scriptures teach that there is a peace that comes when you are walking in the knowledge of God’s Word.

Philippians 4:7 says, “……………and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:9 says, “and what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, practice these things and the God of peace will be with you.” Isaiah 32:17 says, "……………..The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Guidance should be sought through prayer that is prayed in the knowledge of God’s Word. You will have a greater peace in knowing that God’s Will has been decreed for your life. 

9.    You should trust God in faith that He has accomplished His will in your lives.

Philippians 1:6 says, "Being confident of this, that the One who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Also Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."  

10.           God has given to each of you gifts and abilities to use in His service.

Romans 12:6 says, “and having gifts differing according to the grace, which was given to us, whether, prophecy according to the proportion of the faith….”  Ephesians 4:7 says, “but grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” God always equips you to do what He has called you to do. If you aren't gifted in a certain area, God most probably has not called you to minister in that area. Remember that God's ultimate purpose for all is that He will be glorified (I Corinthians 10:31).

The Grace Gospel Church Ministry will be soon announcing events of exercises for the Youth Ministry that are linked to you finding and understanding all the information that are your blessings to be learned from the study of God’s word. Most important is that all your questions are addressed! Many of you may even now desire to do God's Will but struggle because you don't know what God's Will is for and in your lives. We will give you an opportunity to tell us what topics you would like to know about in the messages intended for the youth. We hope to personally engage you in talking about those things that you feel are important to you and get to talk about them yet guide you into things that maybe you have not thought about that much. You are a very important part of this congregation and not just an afterthought. Mostly we desire for your focusing to center around and your thinking to be about: “what is God's will for your life?”