Last year while I had the joy of staying with and helping a young family, I was able to attend church with them one Sunday. Listening to this sermon I felt as though I had sat down at a table covered with a feast of spiritual food. It was so practical, and so Biblical and had plenty of things to "digest." I was able to jot some notes down while having little boys sitting on my lap from time to time, drawing on my notes. :)
The points are straightforward, and are something I find very helpful for me at this time in my life. May the Lord use them to help you too!
This message was given by Josh Johnson, based on Jeremiah 1:4-10:
“Fear keeps us from doing so much.”
God has prepared good works for us…
"There is no reason you shouldn’t give yourself for His
Kingdom.”
1.) God wants to use you, stop
making excuses. It makes the power of God look weak when we do.
2.) Know the words and promises
of the Bible. Saturate yourself in this book.
3.) Pray for God’s leading and
direction.
4.) Seek guidance and wisdom
from others (adults) (i.e. How do you
think I should be radical? etc.)
5.) Take a step of faith and do
something where you’re at right now.
Something you can only do by His strength.
6.) Fight against chronological
snobbery.
He will work in you…
For parents:
You have a valuable influence on your
children…
How to help students become radical for Jesus Christ:
1.) Set an example for the
youth… Look at how you spend your time… What do we celebrate? (it shows what we
value)
2.) Commit to encouraging and
supporting and praying with
them. Grab a student in the hallway and ask if you can pray with them or for
them.
3.) Offer wisdom and insight
from the Bible and your own experiences.
4.) Fight against
cynicism. It’s really easy to be
skeptical.
5.) Be willing to let students
take steps of faith.
6.) Trust in the promises of
God. They’re for you and your child.
For all: It’s Christ and His work on the cross that gives us
the ability and motivation to be radical.
