Don’t Let Anyone Look Down On You…

Don’t Let Anyone Look Down on You…

1 Timothy 4:12-16  Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.  ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.  ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.  ¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

This topic is relevant  for at least two reasons.

• First, I have heard it used in both AHG and Trail Life meetings to describe the contributions of their youth as they grow to become men and women of God.
• Second, just last week in our youth rally, 1 Timothy 4:12 was a call for greater service and involvement in our youth and young adults by our own youth and young adults!  Yes, this year all our speakers were from among our own youth.  Let me say, as one who attended Every speech and much of the song service (some of which was also led by our youth), they did an excellent job in preparation, dealing with their individual parables, and in sharing their thoughts.  Below are some quotes from the notes I took.

Zach Miller, commenting on 1 Timothy 4:12, “It’s really time that WE start stepping up.”

Seth Conder, on the differing gifts given to Christians, “Equality (of gifts) is not a part of the Kingdom of God… What are we doing with the gifts God gave us?”

Luke Allegood, on leaving the 99 in search of the one lost sheep, “God pursues the lost… If you’re lost, God will carry you home.”

Damian Kershner, on being salt and light to the world, “There are so many ways to share the life of Christ—art, speaking, writing.… As Christians, we are called to preserve (like salt) the world.”  …“One reason why people hate Christians is because we are fake.  We are not letting our light shine.”

Ryan Bier, “It’s exciting to see the Kingdom at work in young people.”

I’ll share more quotes in a future article.

— Joey

Welcome Trail Life & American Heritage Girls!

Sunday, we celebrate two of our ministries—American Heritage Girls and Trail Life.  Welcome!

Both organizations are alternatives to traditional scouting that feature a distinctively Christian worldview.  You can read more about them on their national websites traillifeusa.com and americanheritagegirls.org (hot linked if you are viewing this digitally).

This congregation chartered, oversees, and supports both troops. We will hear a little more about their local work in our service and afterward Michael Kamplain with present them with an award.