Introduction

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. How wonderful it is that we gather once again in this sacred space, a place where our hearts find solace and our spirits are nourished by the Word of God. Today, we are going to immerse ourselves in a passage from the Gospel of Mark, a passage that speaks directly to the heart of our church and the future of our faith.

In Mark 10:13-16, we read,

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.'

What a beautiful image of Jesus welcoming children into His presence, and what a powerful reminder that we, too, are called to receive the kingdom of God with childlike faith.

As we ponder this passage, I am reminded of a quote by Prasanth Jonathan, who once said, 'When Scripture guides, discipline shapes, and love abounds- there, we can find the heart and essence of biblical parenting.' Indeed, the character of our faith is established in our youth, and it is up to us, as the church, to empower, equip, and encourage our young people in their spiritual growth.

Today, we will focus on three main points: Empowering the Emerging Generation, Equipping the Energetic Youth, and Encouraging Enthusiasm in Evangelism. How do we do this? How do we ensure that the next generation of believers is prepared to carry the torch of faith forward? How do we foster a sense of enthusiasm for evangelism in our young people? These are the questions we will seek to answer today.

But before we do, let us bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of this new day and the opportunity to gather in Your name. We ask for Your guidance as we seek to understand Your word and apply it to our lives. We pray for our young people, that they may be empowered, equipped, and encouraged in their faith. May we, as a church, be a beacon of Your love and grace to them. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Empowering the Emerging Generation

The Gospel of Mark paints a vivid picture of Jesus welcoming children into His presence. This image serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to nurture the faith of our young people. It is our duty to empower them, to help them understand and embrace their spiritual identity.

Create an environment that fosters spiritual growth: Our churches, homes, and communities should be safe spaces where young people can ask questions, express doubts, and seek guidance. They should be places where faith is not just taught, but lived. We must model the love, grace, and compassion of Christ in our interactions with each other and with the world around us.

Providing them with opportunities to serve: Service is a fundamental aspect of our faith. It is through serving others that we emulate Christ and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from selfless giving. We must encourage our young people to get involved in church activities, community projects, and mission trips. These experiences will not only help them develop a heart for service, but will also give them a sense of purpose and belonging.

Equipping them with knowledge: We must teach them the truths of the Bible and help them understand how these truths apply to their lives. We must also equip them with the skills to study the Bible on their own, to pray, and to engage in spiritual disciplines. Knowledge is power, and when our young people are armed with the knowledge of God's Word, they are better prepared to face the challenges of life.

Providing them with spiritual mentors: These are individuals who can guide them, encourage them, and hold them accountable in their spiritual journey. Mentors can be pastors, youth leaders, or mature believers in the church. They play a crucial role in the spiritual development of our young people, providing them with a tangible example of what it means to live a life of faith.

Why?: In doing so, we are not just empowering them for the present, but we are also preparing them for the future, ensuring that the torch of faith continues to burn brightly for generations to come.

Equipping the Energetic Youth

In the landscape of our faith, the energetic youth stand as vibrant saplings, full of life and potential ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO