Acts 2:17 ‘In
the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and
daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men
will dream dreams.’
Currently, some of our young people
are going through the process of Confirmation. Our Youth Leader is doing a
wonderful job with them and I’m attending the classes, more as an observer and
adviser. As always, when I enter into a church teaching situation, I end up learning
more about what I believe. Our young students bring vitality to the faith that
we share, and I receive new insights into what they believe and what’s
important to them.
Last night, they composed a new
statement of faith based upon what Presbyterians call the ‘Great Ends of the
Church.’ Through their minds and with their ideas, I experienced a new
understanding of what Church is all about and what it will become to future
generations. Instead of being anxious and worried, I was both moved and
impressed by what they wrote together. At their Confirmation service, which
will take place on the Day of Pentecost, our congregation will use their
Statement of Faith in our morning liturgy. Here is what they have brilliantly written:
At
Erin Presbyterian Church, we will seek to be God’s people by:
·
Declaring
that Jesus Christ is the Savior for all people.
·
Caring
for and providing a strong community of faith for all of God’s children.
·
Taking
care of godly praise.
·
Keeping
the message of God alive.
·
Encouraging
the fair treatment of all people everywhere.
·
Showing
the world God’s grace.
I
think that the future of the Church is in very good hands, don’t you?
Questions for personal reflection
As a teenager,
what were my views and vision of the Church? How have I fulfilled that vision
in my life?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift
of our young people and for the vitality that they bring to our churches. May
their thoughts and ideas be aligned to Your future vision of the life,
ministry, and mission of the Church to come. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian
Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask a
question concerning today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is one of John’s latest Holy Week drawings. It’s called “Eye of God”
depicting Christ crucified. If you would like to view a larger version, please
click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8489798601_5bcd371d9b_h.jpg
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