YOUTH FOCUS

Youth power is one of the greatest assets of this world, if we can use it in the right direction. By knowing this great source of power nation's political parties, cults, and hate groups, manufacturers of cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, etc., are always trying to target this group to achieve their goals. In order to create a faithful generation for their philosophies, organizations and product manufacturers always target the Youth. The churches need to realize the great challenge at hand today; that is to make use of the Youth Power and use it in the right direction. The churches need to be willing to accommodate our youths without compromising the Biblical Doctrines. We need to be receptive to the needs of our Youth, even if, we have to compromise some of our old traditions. Most common problem we see in the churches today is that they do not want to compromise on anything. Because of that the generation gap is widening day by day. Unless we are able to close this gap without compromising the doctrines, we are on the wrong track. Most of the churches are creating second and third class members. Because of this the spiritual depth is slipping away and the generation gap is widening in the churches. What we need today is to give opportunities for our Youths so that they can be drawn closer to God.

If you want to be effective for God, you should have a direct relationship with God. Biblical story of Abraham and Lot is a prime example. In Genesis 12: 1 we read "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:". If you read the later chapters of Genesis we can see that Lot Abraham's cousin also went with him. When Abraham was asking God for His guidance, Lot was making decision based on the appearance and wealth of the land. God had called out Abraham to take him to a land chosen by God Himself. Lot chose a land by himself and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is very clear. In order for the churches to be effective with full of power and spirit we need to have people who have first hand experience with God and knowledge of God. Second hand experience and knowledge are very dangerous and it will weaken the very power of the church.

Biblical Doctrines has to stay unchanged because it is the unchanging Word of God. Bible says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever." At the same time we should be willing to change our traditions and man made practices in accordance with the need of the time. Most of the traditions and practices in the churches today do not come from the Bible, rather, it came from our backgrounds we were brought-up. When that background changes we should be willing to change. When I make this argument I know that there is no compromise in the doctrines. Whether you lived in the 1st century or live in the 20th century it does not matter, the doctrine of Salvation, Seperation, Holiness, etc. is the same. Whether the Children of Israel were in Egypt, in the Wilderness or in the Land of Caanan God expected complete obedience from them. The same principle applies today. Our situations should not be an excuse for any of us to get away from God. When you are in a difficult situation you should get closer to God so that you can receive more grace from God to face the difficult situations. Our God is a God, who is able to help us in our troubles and guide us in the right path to take us to our final destination.

Following are some of the steps we can take in our churches to accomodate and encourage our youths.

1. When we make spiritual and personal decisions in the church consider the younger generation and their needs as one of the top priority for that decision.

2. Declare a Youth Sunday once every 2 or 3 months and train and allow the youths to get invovled more in the worship by leading the music, taking part in prayer, exortation and preaching the word of God.

3. Organize special programs and activities for the youths in the churches so that we can keep them occupied in christian atmosphere. Make it as a regular activity of the church.

4. During Summer vacation time organize more activites for the youths in the churches. These activities can be spiritual, educational and recreational in nature.

It is high time for the churches to face the reality and take up the challange. Let us work toward bringing our young generation closer to God. Churches take this as a challenge and Mission in the coming days.

May God help us to do great things for Him.

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The church forms the body of Christ. The body serves as beautiful picture of the life of the church. An individual's body has many parts serving various functions. This consists of people serving Christ in many ways according to the different gifts Christ has given. The church emphasizes the gifts which come together to serve one purpose. The emphasis is not the uniformity of these gifts but rather the diversity which Christ brings together and uses for His purpose. In Romans 12: 6-8 states these various gifts. "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving , let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the need of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." I would like to expound on the gift of encouragement.

WHO NEEDS ENCOURAGEMENT ?

What does it mean to encourage? It is uplift, brighten and console someone who may be distressed emotionally, physically or spiritually. Everyone needs encouragement. In Romans 1:11-12 Apostle Paul states "I long to see you that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong that is that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." Discouragement is a problem for many Christians. They may be distressed about their health, family, work and even spiritual service. In spiritual service, they compare themselves to others who are talented in music, teaching , praying , and other gifts, but they fail to realize the ministry of encouragement is for everyone. For example, a pastor was under a dark cloud of gloom when a woman came and said "God Bless You Pastor, If you could only know how you have made me feel good hundreds of time." That word of encouragement broke through the dark cloud of despair and brought rays of sunlight of joy and he felt refreshed to go on. Even If You Have Nothing Else To Give You Can Always Give Encouragement.

HOW TO ENCOURAGE WHEN SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT?

In Revelation 2: 1-7, we read about the church of Ephesus. Ephesus church had many good qualities v.2 "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. v.3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. v.4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." There is proper way this should be done. For example, An 8 yr old had come to bat three times. He strikes out twice but hits the ball once. After the game, a famous ball player approaches him and says "Danny, I like the way you hit that single and hustled to first; you will be a great ball player some day." Danny is receptive and eager to improve. The the ball player states the problem and his suggestion to change his approach to hit the ball. The advice is heeded because it combines commendation with correction. Likewise, Jesus said that about the Ephesus church. That is how God motivates us. He reminds us of what we can become.

God's Commendation Gives Us Encouragement:

God's Correction Gives Us Hope.

WHY WE NEED TO ENCOURAGE?

We need to encourage because the need is great. 2 Timothy 4:16-17, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength ........" Apostle Paul understood the need to be encouraged, he encountered many situations that a word of hope would have dispelled some of his anxious thoughts. At his execution only Luke and the Lord was with him to maintain a clear witness. A positive word at the right time has its value more than of gold or any other riches. For example, Mother Bickerdyke was helping during war time. She was giving special attention to a man considered worthless by his comrades. She was asked "Why do you waste your time on trash like that? She replied " because when there is any creature around here so miserable that there is nobody to care for him, he still has 2 friends in this army; one is God, other is me. When we face struggles, we should encourage one another to continue on.

All Around Are Needs To Meet: Be God's Heart, Hands and Feet.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ENCOURAGE?

When we encourage we see added strength and unity. For example, geese fly together in a "V" formation. It is because when each bird flaps its wings, it creates an updraft for the bird behind it. They can go 70% farther in a group than if they flew alone. Christians are the same; they are propelled by the thrust of others who share the same goals. Geese also honk; they are encouragers. Those in the rear sound off to exhort those up in the front to stay on course and maintain their speed. Likewise, Christians move ahead easily if there is someone behind us encouraging us to stay on track and to keep going.

We Can Go Alot Farther Together Than We Can Alone.

There are three types of people you will meet.

1) draining- Jesus spent most of his time with these. They are always in want and constantly seeks attention.

2) neutral- casual contacts. They do not influence you in any way.

3) replenishing- people who give something back. Jesus had this relationship with Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Their love and presence uplifted the Lord.They were encouragers.

Ask yourself which one are you?
A smile, a word, a touch.
And each is easily given.
To rescue somone from despair
or smooth the way to heaven.

HOW TO GO A-BOUT B-EING C-HRISTIAN

Find out the Names, Places, Furniture, Measurements etc. hidden Across and/or Down from the Bible.

Make a copy of this page or on a while paper draw the columns and write down the entries as follows with reference from the Bible.

Example: 19-23:(down) EVE - Biblical Name (Genesis 3:20) All winners name will be published in the next issue of YOUTH FOCUS. TWO winners, one from the Children/Youths and one from the Adults will be selected from winners at the end of this series through random drawing. Special cash awards will be presented to them.

When you write to us, please include your Name, Address, Phone number and Age(Children/Youth only). Children/Youth must include their parents name. Please write to us at the following address: