An Example Of Excitement

 "I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem." Psalm 122:1-2) 

Years ago the church was the main social center of the community. I remember a church that I served in 1979, back in the 1930s they had a men's Sunday School class that averaged 500 in attendance, and the ladies' class was not far behind. And I am sure that the children's classes were very numerous back then.

But today, the church takes a back seat to, sports, music events, social events, television, video games, etc. Our enemy Satan is using a lot of various activities to pull young people away from the Church.

This may be an old fashioned statement, but I believe that the responsibility of having young people attend Bible school, and church services, are placed upon the shoulders of the parents. Some may think that the statement that Joshua made to the nation of Israel, is too hash, and forceful. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15c) I believe that Parents must set the pace for the family to place Sunday Bible School and worship as a priority.

But I also feel that the Psalmist used a word in our text that is essential, regarding our Sunday Church experience. It's the word "glad." "I was GLAD when they said to me, let us go in the house of the Lord." 

Are we as parents excited about going to Church? Do we feel it is important for us? Yes there are problems at Church, just as there are problems in every family. But if love reigns where you go to church, than problems can be worked out, and the experience of worship, Bible Study, and fellowship will be cherished. Not only by us, but by those young people who are looking to us for an example. GP

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The Teenage Christian Challenge

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24) 

Chris Hudson, who is a trainer & coach, specializing in helping adults connect with teenagers, shares how teenagers are looked at today: "...they are lazy kids who just want to sleep in, play computers games, surf the net, and hang out with their friends." 

I remember when I was a teenager, my father was determined to teach me the "work ethic." And work I did. But my father, and my grandfather, also encouraged me to see the importance of having Jesus Christ as my Savior, and that serving Him, was a very important endeavor. I believe that is why I have spend 41 years in pastoral ministry.

I believe that when you challenge teenagers to make a difference in the lives of others, they will do it. Yes, they are in a period of immaturity.
They can easily become like a river, and take the paths of least resistance. Just like we adults do at times.

But if we as parents, grandparents, and Christian leaders, can challenge them with the purpose of the Gospel, and help them to see how urgent, and necessary it is in the lives of the people around them, they will enthusiastically get involved.

Is it wrong to be prodded? No, as long as the prodding is seasoned with love, and a strong sense of purpose! There is no greater purpose, then to share the Gospel with lost people in this world. When our young people catch this purposeful flame in their hearts, watch out, because lives are going to be affected! GP

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