In this next post of the series what youth need: to know God is in control. It is important that students know that God is in control in their struggles. God is still working in their lives despite their struggles.
An important concept that students need to know that God is in control of their situations. God is the Lord over their lives despite what is going on. God still works in our lives in our struggles. 1 Chronicles 29:11 says, "Yours O Lord is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in the heaven and earth is yours. Yours of Lord is the kingdom; you are exalted as Lord over all." Acknowledging that God is control shows that we see and adore his greatness. God is over all our situations.
When students see that God's glory that are able to see that he is still moving in their lives. They are able to adore him in his glory and power. We have to remind students to trust in God's power and working in our lives.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Saturday, September 10, 2016
What Youth Need: To Know Struggles Help them Grow
In this next post of this series on what youth need I will discuss how circumstances or situations help students desperately depend on God. Hard struggles help students know that they need God for everything in life. Struggles also remind students who God really is in their life.
Jesus expands on this topic when he discusses bearing fruit and remaining in the him in John Chapter 15. He emphasizes daily abiding in him and remaining in his Word. In John 15:5 Jesus says, "I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in him, you will bear much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." If students pray throughout their day and remain in Jesus Christ then we will bring them through the struggle that they face. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing in life. Jesus is the only one that can help us grow spiritually and help us through struggle we face.
In this next section, I want to focus on the results of abiding in Jesus Christ. First, Jesus says if we surrender and abide in him then it will be done for us. Second, Jesus emphasizes that abiding in Jesus Christ shows that we are his disciples. Thirdly, Jesus says that abiding in him will give us the ability to love people better. Lastly, abiding in Jesus leads to joy in him and as a product of that Jesus is overjoyed because of our maturity in him.
Abiding in Jesus Christ in struggles shows our true love for non-Christians. It shows our ability to love another despite the circumstances. Jesus says when we do this, then we show that we are his friends.
Lastly, this fruit that they will bear by abiding in Jesus Christ in whatever we face in life will last throughout all of our life. Jesus says in verse 16. you did not choose me but I choose you to bear fruit that will last. God uses these struggles to abide in him that allow us to mature in him later into adulthood. We do not mature into discipleship as baby Christians but we have to be patient with God's working in our lives. Abiding and surrendering to Jesus Christ takes time.
I hope this post encourages you to depend and abide in Christ in whatever situation you may face. God is in control and he is still working. Jesus wants us to abide in him this week and he will conform us to his image.
Jesus expands on this topic when he discusses bearing fruit and remaining in the him in John Chapter 15. He emphasizes daily abiding in him and remaining in his Word. In John 15:5 Jesus says, "I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in him, you will bear much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." If students pray throughout their day and remain in Jesus Christ then we will bring them through the struggle that they face. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing in life. Jesus is the only one that can help us grow spiritually and help us through struggle we face.
In this next section, I want to focus on the results of abiding in Jesus Christ. First, Jesus says if we surrender and abide in him then it will be done for us. Second, Jesus emphasizes that abiding in Jesus Christ shows that we are his disciples. Thirdly, Jesus says that abiding in him will give us the ability to love people better. Lastly, abiding in Jesus leads to joy in him and as a product of that Jesus is overjoyed because of our maturity in him.
Abiding in Jesus Christ in struggles shows our true love for non-Christians. It shows our ability to love another despite the circumstances. Jesus says when we do this, then we show that we are his friends.
Lastly, this fruit that they will bear by abiding in Jesus Christ in whatever we face in life will last throughout all of our life. Jesus says in verse 16. you did not choose me but I choose you to bear fruit that will last. God uses these struggles to abide in him that allow us to mature in him later into adulthood. We do not mature into discipleship as baby Christians but we have to be patient with God's working in our lives. Abiding and surrendering to Jesus Christ takes time.
I hope this post encourages you to depend and abide in Christ in whatever situation you may face. God is in control and he is still working. Jesus wants us to abide in him this week and he will conform us to his image.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
What Youth Need: To Know Struggles Help Them Grow
In the next part of the series what youth need I will discuss how their struggles help them closer to God. God can use students struggles to help them grow closer to God. Students struggles will help them see how much they need to depend on God and conform them to his image.
An important topic to cover with students is to remind them that God uses their struggles to conform them to his image. Romans 8:28-29, says that God works all things in order to conform his to image. God can use any struggle or circumstance to draw us closer to him. Students need to know that God is still working amidst these struggles. In these struggles, God reminds of he is still with us. His presence is always with us, reminding us that he is still with us.
Also God also calls us to surrender these situations to him. Romans 12:1-2. describes how we need to surrender our bodies as living sacrifices on the altar. Once we surrender the hard situation to God, then he will conform us to his image. This is a slow and steady process in which God moves us closer to him. If we abide and surrender our lives to him, then our faith will grow in him.
Lastly, struggles also help us depend on Jesus Christ. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing." God shows us how much we need him in hard circumstances and situations.
An important topic to cover with students is to remind them that God uses their struggles to conform them to his image. Romans 8:28-29, says that God works all things in order to conform his to image. God can use any struggle or circumstance to draw us closer to him. Students need to know that God is still working amidst these struggles. In these struggles, God reminds of he is still with us. His presence is always with us, reminding us that he is still with us.
Also God also calls us to surrender these situations to him. Romans 12:1-2. describes how we need to surrender our bodies as living sacrifices on the altar. Once we surrender the hard situation to God, then he will conform us to his image. This is a slow and steady process in which God moves us closer to him. If we abide and surrender our lives to him, then our faith will grow in him.
Lastly, struggles also help us depend on Jesus Christ. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing." God shows us how much we need him in hard circumstances and situations.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
What Youth Need: To Be Able To Trust God
Another important concept that youth need to know and understand is trusting God in all situations. This comes through living life in various situations they face and relying on God's strength in those times. In these times, they need to acknowledge God's presence in these situations.
Trusting in God at all times is an acknowledgement and a look to godly wisdom in our life. Looking to godly wisdom is trusting in God's way not our own. We are to look to God in all good or bad situations.
Solomon describes this type of godly wisdom in Proverbs. Proverbs 3:4-5, says "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him, And will make your paths straight." In these verses, we are to trust God at all times and acknowledge that he is working. Also, verse five is a reminder that God's ways are bigger than our ways. That is a concept that is really hard for us to grasp sometimes.
In verse six, the main concept that is shown here is that when we acknowledge his presence in our life then he will lead us when he wants us to go. It is not saying things will be perfect but it will be a process where God leads us in certain frustrating situations. Also, we have to remember that God is in control of things in our life. God is still working even though we may not see it at the time. Lastly, that God has a plan of us: Jeremiah 29:11.
Youth need to know that trials will help them trust God and rely on him more. Trials and frustrating situations will mature their faith. Lastly, trials and hard situations will help youth to desperately depend on God through these times.
In conclusion, learning to trust God is one of the most important concept for students to know. It is important for students to realize how God puts us through situations to help us trust him more. Lastly, learning to trust God is important as youth mature from high school to college and into adulthood.
Trusting in God at all times is an acknowledgement and a look to godly wisdom in our life. Looking to godly wisdom is trusting in God's way not our own. We are to look to God in all good or bad situations.
Solomon describes this type of godly wisdom in Proverbs. Proverbs 3:4-5, says "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him, And will make your paths straight." In these verses, we are to trust God at all times and acknowledge that he is working. Also, verse five is a reminder that God's ways are bigger than our ways. That is a concept that is really hard for us to grasp sometimes.
In verse six, the main concept that is shown here is that when we acknowledge his presence in our life then he will lead us when he wants us to go. It is not saying things will be perfect but it will be a process where God leads us in certain frustrating situations. Also, we have to remember that God is in control of things in our life. God is still working even though we may not see it at the time. Lastly, that God has a plan of us: Jeremiah 29:11.
Youth need to know that trials will help them trust God and rely on him more. Trials and frustrating situations will mature their faith. Lastly, trials and hard situations will help youth to desperately depend on God through these times.
In conclusion, learning to trust God is one of the most important concept for students to know. It is important for students to realize how God puts us through situations to help us trust him more. Lastly, learning to trust God is important as youth mature from high school to college and into adulthood.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
What Youth Need: To Have a Strong Grasp of Prayer
In this next part of my series what Youth need I will be discussing how they need to depend on God through prayer. In this post and the one shortly following I will discuss how students should pray in their daily lives. The main aspect of prayer I will discuss today is abiding and desperately depending on God through prayer.
Youth need to be taught how to daily abide and surrender to Jesus Christ. John 15:5 says, "I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."Jesus calls us to desperately depend on him in all for all of our fears, circumstances, and problems. Jesus also says when we abide him, we prove to Jesus we truly are his disciples. Abiding in Jesus shows our love for one another.
In another aspect of abiding, students need to be taught that abiding is a continual process throughout the day. In 2 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul calls us to "pray without ceasing." This praying without ceasing is merely surrendering to God what is on our hearts throughout the day. God brings to our hearts what he wants to surrender to him and he transforms the situation. Romans 8:28-29 talks about how God causes all things to work together in order to conform us to his image. In this abiding process, God conforms whatever we are going through to make us like his Son, Jesus Christ.
Lastly, abiding can be described like a marriage relationship. When you love someone and desire to be with them, you talk to them throughout the day. In a marriage you are aware of their concerns, problems, and what they are going through. In our relationship with Jesus Christ, we should be walking closely enough that Jesus is aware of everything going on in our life. Jesus is with us throughout the day through the Holy Spirit and our significant other is with us.
Youth need to be taught how to daily abide and surrender to Jesus Christ. John 15:5 says, "I am the vine, you are the branches, he who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."Jesus calls us to desperately depend on him in all for all of our fears, circumstances, and problems. Jesus also says when we abide him, we prove to Jesus we truly are his disciples. Abiding in Jesus shows our love for one another.
In another aspect of abiding, students need to be taught that abiding is a continual process throughout the day. In 2 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul calls us to "pray without ceasing." This praying without ceasing is merely surrendering to God what is on our hearts throughout the day. God brings to our hearts what he wants to surrender to him and he transforms the situation. Romans 8:28-29 talks about how God causes all things to work together in order to conform us to his image. In this abiding process, God conforms whatever we are going through to make us like his Son, Jesus Christ.
Lastly, abiding can be described like a marriage relationship. When you love someone and desire to be with them, you talk to them throughout the day. In a marriage you are aware of their concerns, problems, and what they are going through. In our relationship with Jesus Christ, we should be walking closely enough that Jesus is aware of everything going on in our life. Jesus is with us throughout the day through the Holy Spirit and our significant other is with us.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
What Youth Need:Strong Biblical Teaching
In this second post in a series of posts I will be detailing the second thing that youth need. I think the second God has been revealing to me that youth need is strong Bible teaching.
First, strong biblical teaching in Student Ministry will give youth a strong foundation of which to grow. It will give youth the desire to know Christ more and rely on him. A strong foundation will give youth the ability to rely on God in the hard times. A biblical foundation will also help youth set their minds on Christ so they do not fall into lust. Ultimately, this strong foundation will arm youth with a sense of purpose in their life.
Second, strong biblical teaching in Student Ministry will give Youth the ability mature into adulthood. Youth will be faced with many challenges as they go from High School to College and onto the next stages of their life. It is important in Student Ministry that we give them solid biblical principles that they can apply throughout their life. Colleges will be teaching principles that are against the teachings of the Bible. In our Student Ministry, we have have to be able to give Youth the ability to discern truth from non-truth in life.
Third, strong biblical teaching in the Student Ministry will help Youth be able to share the Gospel. Solid biblical teaching in the Student Ministry will give Youth the tool necessary to share the Word of God to their friends in High School and as they embark on the next step of their life in College. In College, Youth will face people of many different religions and belief systems and they will have to know what words to say in specific circumstances. The Student Ministry needs to give Youth what they need to be a bold witness as they go out into the culture that is against Christianity. Youth will need to know how to speak to these specific types of people about a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, solid biblical teaching will give the youth a strong foundation, help them mature into adulthood, and share the gospel. Through these processes, Youth will be equipped to serve the kingdom of God and impact the world.
First, strong biblical teaching in Student Ministry will give youth a strong foundation of which to grow. It will give youth the desire to know Christ more and rely on him. A strong foundation will give youth the ability to rely on God in the hard times. A biblical foundation will also help youth set their minds on Christ so they do not fall into lust. Ultimately, this strong foundation will arm youth with a sense of purpose in their life.
Second, strong biblical teaching in Student Ministry will give Youth the ability mature into adulthood. Youth will be faced with many challenges as they go from High School to College and onto the next stages of their life. It is important in Student Ministry that we give them solid biblical principles that they can apply throughout their life. Colleges will be teaching principles that are against the teachings of the Bible. In our Student Ministry, we have have to be able to give Youth the ability to discern truth from non-truth in life.
Third, strong biblical teaching in the Student Ministry will help Youth be able to share the Gospel. Solid biblical teaching in the Student Ministry will give Youth the tool necessary to share the Word of God to their friends in High School and as they embark on the next step of their life in College. In College, Youth will face people of many different religions and belief systems and they will have to know what words to say in specific circumstances. The Student Ministry needs to give Youth what they need to be a bold witness as they go out into the culture that is against Christianity. Youth will need to know how to speak to these specific types of people about a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, solid biblical teaching will give the youth a strong foundation, help them mature into adulthood, and share the gospel. Through these processes, Youth will be equipped to serve the kingdom of God and impact the world.
Sunday, July 24, 2016
What Youth Need The Most: 1 on 1 Discipleship
This post is a series of posts on Youth Ministry Discipleship tools to use in your ministry. They make up the necessary components of what is essential for students to grow in their walk with God. The qualities that I am going to discuss show how students need these components to mature in their faith into adulthood.
One on one discipleship between youth and an adult leader or staff person can give youth accountability in their walk with God. The adult leader can keep the youth honest about the struggles that they are facing whether it is in school, personally, or mentally. The adult leader acts as a safe zone for the youth to talk about their struggles to the leader. The youth are able to open about these struggles and how they are affecting them. Lastly, the youth are able to see certain battle strategies to employ when facing certain struggles.
One on one discipleship between youth and an adult leader/staff person also produces stability in student's lives. It gives them a stable influence in their life that they can take them from their different stages in life through adulthood. This stability in a student's life can help them apply certain truths in their life as students go from high school to college.
Lastly, One on one disciple from between youth and an adult leader/staff person will lead students to a desire to grow in their walk with Jesus Christ. Through consistent interaction with a mentor students are reminded of truths in the Bible and grow in their knowledge of God. Also, the when students see how God is with them in their struggles they will desire to know God more. When the adult leader/staff person walk with the students in their struggles they will see a clear picture of Jesus and will want to become more dependent on Jesus Christ. Lastly, the adult leader's life that is modeled before the students will give the students can example of how abide in Christ daily and desperately dependent on Jesus for everything.
One on one discipleship between youth and an adult leader or staff person can give youth accountability in their walk with God. The adult leader can keep the youth honest about the struggles that they are facing whether it is in school, personally, or mentally. The adult leader acts as a safe zone for the youth to talk about their struggles to the leader. The youth are able to open about these struggles and how they are affecting them. Lastly, the youth are able to see certain battle strategies to employ when facing certain struggles.
One on one discipleship between youth and an adult leader/staff person also produces stability in student's lives. It gives them a stable influence in their life that they can take them from their different stages in life through adulthood. This stability in a student's life can help them apply certain truths in their life as students go from high school to college.
Lastly, One on one disciple from between youth and an adult leader/staff person will lead students to a desire to grow in their walk with Jesus Christ. Through consistent interaction with a mentor students are reminded of truths in the Bible and grow in their knowledge of God. Also, the when students see how God is with them in their struggles they will desire to know God more. When the adult leader/staff person walk with the students in their struggles they will see a clear picture of Jesus and will want to become more dependent on Jesus Christ. Lastly, the adult leader's life that is modeled before the students will give the students can example of how abide in Christ daily and desperately dependent on Jesus for everything.
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