Introduction

Dear beloved, as we gather in the house of the Lord today, we come with hearts open, ready to receive the divine wisdom that the Lord has in store for us. We come with an eagerness to learn, to grow, and to be transformed by His Word. We are here to engage with the divine truth and to understand the depth of God's love for us.

In the words of the esteemed Christian theologian, J.I. Packer, "We are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it." Indeed, dear friends, we are here not to just exist, but to truly live in God's world, to understand His ways, and to follow the path He has laid out for us.

Today, we turn our attention to the Gospel of Matthew 9:35-38. The Word of God reads: "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"

In this passage, we see Jesus, our Lord and Savior, not only teaching and healing but also showing deep compassion for the people. He acknowledges the need for more workers in the kingdom of God and encourages His disciples to pray for the same.

As we delve into the message today, we will be focusing on three main points: Harnessing the Potential of Youth, Heeding God's Call for Ministry, and Harvesting the Spiritual Fruits. Each point will guide us to a deeper understanding of our role and responsibility as followers of Christ in this world.

Let us bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we thank You for this day, for Your love and grace that sustains us. We thank You for Your Word that guides us and gives us wisdom. As we listen to Your Word today, open our hearts and minds, dear Lord, that we may understand Your will and purpose for our lives. Help us to be not just hearers of Your Word, but doers as well. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let us turn our hearts and minds to the Word of God as we seek to understand His message for us today.

Harnessing the Potential of Youth

We see Jesus recognizing the need for more workers in the field of God's kingdom. This recognition is not just a mere observation but a call to action. It's a call that resonates with us today, especially when we consider the young people in our midst. The youth, with their energy, creativity, and potential, are indeed a plentiful harvest waiting to be harnessed for the kingdom of God.

Young people have a unique capacity for enthusiasm and passion. When they believe in something, they throw their whole selves into it. They are not yet jaded by the world, not yet worn down by years of struggle and compromise. This energy, this passion, can be a powerful force for good in the world. When directed towards the service of God's kingdom, it can bring about transformative change.

But how do we direct this energy? How do we guide these young people towards a life of service to God's kingdom? The answer lies in mentorship and discipleship. Just as Jesus guided his disciples, teaching them and showing them the way, so too must we guide our young people. We must show them the way of love, of compassion, of service. We must teach them the values of the kingdom of God.

Mentorship and discipleship are not easy tasks. They require patience, understanding, and love. But the rewards are immeasurable. To see a young person grow in their faith, to see them become a force for good in the world, is a joy and a blessing.

But mentorship and discipleship are not enough. We must also provide opportunities for young people to serve. We must give them the chance to put their faith into action. This could be through volunteering at a local charity, participating in a mission trip, or leading a Bible study group. Whatever the form, the important thing is that young people are given the chance to serve.

Service is a powerful teacher. It allows young people to see the needs of the world, to feel compassion for those who are suffering, and to do something about it. It allows them to see that they can make a difference, that they can be a force for good in the world. It allows them to see that the kingdom of God is not just a distant dream, but a reality that they can help bring about.

But service is also about growing in faith. When young people serve, they are not just helping others, they are also helping themselves. They are learning to trust in God, to rely on Him, and to see His hand at work in the world.

Heeding God's Call for Ministry

We are now drawn to the reality of God's call for ministry ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO