Is Youthfulness A Hindrance To Spirituality?

21 Oct Is Youthfulness A Hindrance To Spirituality?

Posted at 12:37h in English Service by Pastor Vincent 0 Comments

Preacher Huijun - 10 December 2015

Jesus Calms The Storm

Watch
Listen

"A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?" - (Mark 4:35-41) Often, we find ourselves asking God the same question - God, don't you care if I am upset, if I have enough money, if others bully me, if my loved ones leave me? If you do care, why are you not helping me? " Like the disciples, after seeing the miracles Jesus had performed, it is easy for us to forget that God still loves us and He is in control when storms attack (unrest/ unexpected turbulence) us in life. When the storm becomes so overwhelming yet God does not release us from the circumstances, we may feel that God really does not care and He is harsh to us! Indeed, God does not remove us from our discomfort, inconvenience, and problems at times. But the greater truth is, like this story, Jesus is in the same boat as us! He is omnipotent and most importantly, He cares! Satan is always giving us a lopsided perspective about God and ourselves in storms, so that we will be seeing things from Satan's side instead of looking to Jesus and trusting in His unfailing love and sovereignty, Satan wants to weaken our faith so that we will no longer desire God in our lives. Storm in inevitable, for Satan exists. But the greater truth is, God is with us even during the storms, and it is by trusting in the whole character of Jesus (instead of the byproducts of storms - our feelings and analysis) that we can be soar above the storm. Lets muster our faith and pray to God to have mercy in us during the storm, and trust not our fear and feelings which only make us dwell on the problems, not Jesus.

From Series: "All English Service"

Download Video View Notes

Powered by Series Engine

Young people are often seen to be full of zeal, quick to adapt, and the people to make an impact in this generation. Yet, what are the real challenges and realities young people faced in their faith? How is the World shaping their mind now? Find out this week about how young godly men and women need to guard their hearts and minds and be rightly equipped for this Era.

Verses to read:
<2 Ti 1:5,7; 2:22> <Titus 2:6> <Job 32:4-5,9>
<1 Sam 17:24,26-40,45-47> <1 Ti 4:12>

Introduction:

Few Questions to ponder thru:

Have you ever thought through the realties and challenges faced by young people?
Have you look at how the World is shaping a world of young people today? (E.g. HongKong)
Can the general characteristics of young people stand up against the World?

1. What is it about being youthful?

1) Strong desire for experiences.

Possible Downside:

Could draw you into the wrong grounds ⟹ Must learn to flee
Bought over easily by what is emotionally appealing ⟹ Must learn the truth to make critical judgment
Shape us to be esp incongruent ⟹ Must be brought to sincere faith

* Bottom line is: “Gain experience while knowing the truth, so that you will not be drawn into experientialism”.

2) Youthful nature can incline us into rashness or impulsiveness.

⟹ Be self-controlled (But not timidity)

⟹ At appropriate times, need to be incisive and courageous.

3) Difficult to understand shades of grey

<Rn 14:1> Accept him whose faith is weak… disputable matters.

<Rn 15:1> …Bear with the failings of the weak.

* When imperfection exists, we must learn to test the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.

2. Be a young and godly person, like David

1) Filled with Godly Anger

* Cares about the glory of God and Israel (the Church)

* Ask: What arouse a godly anger in you?

A corrupted, truncated Gospel
Hypocrisy in the Church

2) Youthfulness, coupled with great courage

* Ask: Do you succumb to the pressure of life when following the Lord?

3) Develops own unique way of battling

4) Accept all kinds of challenges and trials that God has specially designed for you

Reflection:

1. What is the most difficult thing to overcome for you as a young person?

2. Personally, what is the most edifying thing u have done as a young person?

Print page

Pastor Vincent Choo

[email protected]

Vincent serves as the President of The Blessed Run Church. He is also the Senior Pastor of The Life Church and Missions (Singapore) and is an ardent missionary to the Chinese World. He currently lives in Singapore with his wife, Qiufen, and has three kids, Mary, David, and Caleb.