Youth Sermon: Breaking Barriers

Smashing Walls and Fixing Broken Friendships

Today, we're gonna talk about smashing walls and fixing broken friendships. When we do this, we find a peace and unity that's out of this world.

So, as bridge builders, we gotta do something. In Ephesians, Paul talks about the beef between Jews and Gentiles and how Jesus fixed it all on the cross. Reconciliation means swapping an old way of life for a new one. We have the tools and the plans, but most importantly, we have the gift of reconciliation through Christ.

Reconciliation means swapping an old way of life for a new one.

Object Lesson and Corrie Ten Boom's Story

Here's an object lesson. Imagine you have a broke car. You can't fix it with just glue or tape. You need the right tools and instructions. That's like us. We can't fix our broken relationships without Jesus, our ultimate tool and instruction manual.

Now, let me tell you about Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of a concentration camp. She met her prison guard after a talk on forgiveness. He asked for forgiveness, and as she reached out her hand, she felt a warm healing sensation. Only through Christ can such a powerful exchange happen.

Unity in Christ and the Role of Reconciliation

Just like Jews and Gentiles became one in Christ, we can smash walls and build bridges in our relationships. Through Christ, we can fix any broken relationship. The question is, are you asking for Christ's help or trying to do it on your own?

Jesus broke down the wall between Jews and Gentiles, creating unity. In the body of Christ, we are one but also unique. Diversity is cool, but division is not. Reconciliation is the heartbeat of the Kingdom.

Following Jesus and Building Bridges

A.W. Tozier said that when we tune ourselves to Christ, we become closer to each other. Jesus is our role model, and He has given us the plans to follow. We gotta take action and chase forgiveness and healing. Let's start building bridges and closing gaps today. It starts with us.

So, here's your challenge for the week. Think about a relationship in your life that needs some fixing. Pray about it and ask God to help you take the first step towards reconciliation. Remember, you've got the ultimate tool and instruction manual in Jesus.

Prayer and Conclusion

Let's pray together. God, help us to be more like you. Use us to bring people together and give us hope that entire nations can be united through you. Amen.

Remember, guys, nothing is impossible with God. He can help us fix any broken relationship. Let's be bridge builders and start smashing walls today!

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. What barriers do you see in your relationships?

2. How can you apply the concept of reconciliation in your life?

3. How can you be a bridge builder in your community?

4. What does unity in diversity look like to you?

5. How can you rely on Christ to help you reconcile broken relationships?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Wall Breakers
• Group Activity: Bridge Building
• Youth Challenge: Barrier Breaker