Wednesday, February 18, 2009

The Younger Generation


What do you think about the next generation of young people coming up? A lot of people believe they will be more difficult to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ than any previous generation. I disagree. Yes, wickedness abounds… but where sin abounds, grace much more abounds” (Romans 5:20) and God has promised to pour out His spirit on our sons and daughters in the last days just prior to the Second Coming (Acts 2:17-18). In light of this, I believe the next generation is being positioned to be swept into God’s kingdom.

Here are a few of my observations of the coming generation:
  • They have been under challenged
  • Their world view is grey, with few absolutes
  • They are searching for a cause.

When you put these together I see a generation that is ready to know Christ.

MISSION DRIVEN CHRISTIANITY - DO SOMETHING!

If you (as a parent) or we at PCC plan to reach the next generation for Christ, don’t ask them to believe your creeds - instead invite them to do what you do. Beliefs are a dime a dozen. This generation has seen every form of spiritual beliefs you could imagine (and many you couldn’t imagine), not to mention the maze of denominational belief-systems.

They’re extremely turned off by people who don’t live what they claim to believe. The next generation doesn’t want to hear about what you believe. They want to see your beliefs in action. And if you’re daring enough to live like Jesus, you’ll have a shot at reaching them.

If your version of Christianity is limited to what you’re against, you're not likely reach many young people. If, on the other hand, your faith is so alive that you must feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and love the outcasts—all in the name of Christ, you will attract interest.

As strange as it sounds, if you truly live a mission-driven Spirit-filled life, the next generation might join you and do what you do. Then one day they will come to believe what you believe.

“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do” James 2:18

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