Concerned for the youth

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I'm concerned for the youth (who isn't), and I'm wondering what we should be doing to overturn the wreckage that the dying movement of postmodernism has caused in their lives. When a student goes into a college classroom, s/he expects that because the person teaching is a professor, he has the final answer, and yet so often he's the last person to have the answer. He teaches that there are no absolutes, and whatever you want to do is the truth. Kind of a refurbished sixties, and those who teach it, well...I guess they still believe in that sort of thing. This is even being taught in self-proclaimed "Christian" schools.

And now we have false doctrines blowing in from every direction, and kids turn to the occult, drugs, sex and other dead-end streets in order to find whatever they're looking for.

What can people who serve in a youth support role do to change this trend?

 

[Singing Bush]

This is gonna come off sounding very condescending and derogatory, but I don't know any diplomatic ways of stating it. No offense intended though.

I think one way those who serve in a youth support role can change that trend is by not making so many, to the youth at least, gross and inaccurate generalizations. When someone comes to them spouting off about the traps and temptations of the occult, drugs, and sex in such a way most will immediately turn off their ears. The reality of it all is much more subtle and complex, to them again at least maybe not to adults, and if you don't treat it as such you'll never get them to respect you and certainly never get them to listen to you.

 

[DanMan]

I'm stumped for you, assuming you're outta school. I'm sorry. But pray about it. I'm sure God isn't burdening your heart for nothing. I also have the same feelings for people my age at high school. And God's been leading to them for the past 2 months. And I'm finally taking those baby steps of faith. And I know that prayer is powerful. And Christian teens need all the prayer they can get. I believe God wants to make an awsome change in everyone's life. He is an active God. A powerful God. But the only formula for revival is God. So pray, pray, pray, pray, pray. If there is going to be any change at my school, it's definitely not going to be of my doing. I'm only a freshman lol. But like David and Golliath, any victory for teens is going to be God's. He is who will make a change i people's hearts. I bet I'm just repeating something that you already know, but I'm just letting stuff out. Cause I need prayer. All of us christians need prayer to shine out in such a dark world.

I do not know where God is leading you with this. But stay faithful. God is a miracle worker. And he wants to work a miracle in your life.

 

[Future Preacher]

Well, I agree with you. But these are the last days, so all we can do is keep winning souls to Christ. We cant expect to stop all the evil. Youth like me that are christians try our best (well, not all, but a lot of us do) to win other teens to Christ. So all we can do is pray and testify of the love of Christ. God bless!

 

[Christian Dude]

I think even us "On-Fire" Christian teens are very concerned about the youth also.

It's not easy for us especially because of our peers. But we stand strong and continue
to spread the Good News about Christ and try our best to show them that without
Christ, nothing is possible. Unfortunately they don't give us the light of day sometimes...
but with patience and perserverance we press forward.

Soon a generation will rise up and will be so devoted to God that no one will be able to stop them.
And the good news? I'm a part of that generation. Through Christ, all things are possible!

In Christ's Love,
Brian

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

This is gonna come off sounding very condescending and derogatory, but I don't know any diplomatic ways of stating it. No offense intended though.

I think one way those who serve in a youth support role can change that trend is by not making so many, to the youth at least, gross and inaccurate generalizations. When someone comes to them spouting off about the traps and temptations of the occult, drugs, and sex in such a way most will immediately turn off their ears. The reality of it all is much more subtle and complex, to them again at least maybe not to adults, and if you don't treat it as such you'll never get them to respect you and certainly never get them to listen to you.

I really appreciate your input. Maybe some youth tire of hearing about it, and that gives the impression of generalizations. But truly, numbers are hard to argue with. Or maybe you're saying that these issues are really symptoms of a bigger problem. Relationship issues, disappointments, breakdowns in communication, feelings of isolation...things that are common problems. So, maybe by dealing with what these people are actually facing, we can do a better job of serving. Is that what you're referring to? Please feel free to comment.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

I think even us "On-Fire" Christian teens are very concerned about the youth also.

It's not easy for us especially because of our peers. But we stand strong and continue
to spread the Good News about Christ and try our best to show them that without
Christ, nothing is possible. Unfortunately they don't give us the light of day sometimes...
but with patience and perserverance we press forward.

Soon a generation will rise up and will be so devoted to God that no one will be able to stop them.
And the good news? I'm a part of that generation. Through Christ, all things are possible!

In Christ's Love,
Brian

Amen, bro!

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Dan Man, Future Preacher, you make some very good points. It's encouraging to see the youth who have such a powerful impact on their peers. I have a friend I'm still working with after over a quarter of a century, and I'm just now beginning to see the fruit of my labors. Just goes to show, you're making an impact now that will effect what happens in this country many years later. Many Kudos to all of you young people who are serving as a bright light for Christ.

In His love,
Whitehorse

 

[Singing Bush]

]I really appreciate your input. Maybe some youth tire of hearing about it, and that gives the impression of generalizations. But truly, numbers are hard to argue with.

Well I’m not one hundred percent sure what you mean by “numbers” though if you are referring to statistics concerning premarital sex, divorce, and drug use I cannot disagree that things, in that sense, are getting worse compared to what they were a good time ago. At the same time, some of those statements cannot necessarily be substantiated. What statistics, reports, or studies have shown that the rise of post-modernism in a certain percentage of the population is the source of increases in such and such social ill? That wasn’t exactly my point though.

Part of my point was that irregardless of a generalization’s accuracy or not they tend to be, at best, only partially so. There will always be exceptions and not at the very least acknowledging that will come off as sounding smug and semi-pretentious. Much like most of what I write. Along those lines, when people come to teens making such generalizations about the world they live in, they tend to see it as preaching and few like to be preached to. As hinted at before, I also think some of the things in the statement above may not be all too accurate anyway. While there are surely many college professors with an overtly liberal, post-modernist bent, many many more do not. It also makes the students sound as if they’re ignorant stooges incapable of independent thought and that they instead simply take in whatever is fed to them by their educational authorities. Likewise, while there are some teens who seriously engage in the occult, they are a very small portion of the overall teen population and generally not a very highly regarded segment at that.

Even if all these generalizations were completely true, I do not personally believe going to teens making such statements is going to be effective. When someone turns to drug abuse they do it for numerous reasons, personal and otherwise. When they then hear it’s all because of this horrible postmodern culture they live in, it sounds not only like you don’t know what you’re talking about but also that you don’t care. Likewise, most teens don’t turn to sex in search solely of physical gratification, but for a variety of reasons and so hearing you connect it to something as foreign sounding as moral relativism will simply make them roll their eyes. This is also connected w/ my statement below though...

]Or maybe you're saying that these issues are really symptoms of a bigger problem. Relationship issues, disappointments, breakdowns in communication, feelings of isolation...things that are common problems. So, maybe by dealing with what these people are actually facing, we can do a better job of serving. Is that what you're referring to?

Well that wasn’t exactly what I was getting at originally, but yes and no. While the great big problem behind all of this in an absolute sense is of course the lack of Christ in their life or that particular aspect of it, most people, and teens especially, do not enjoy hearing that the source of their problems is something so broad and all-encompassing as that. It makes them feel like there is nothing distinctive to their predicament, that you do not see them as individuals and their problems as unique, and that in fact they themselves are just another nameless number in the overall statistic of whatever issue being discussed. First deal with their problems specifically and then, after you’ve taken care of that, shown your love for them, and gotten their attention; then they’ll be willing to listen to your philosophical, theoretical explanation for it all. And then maybe they’ll abandon any consumerism and post-modern relativism that has taken control of certain aspects of their lives.

]Please feel free to comment.

Heh, don’t mind if I do. Take it for whatever it’s worth, but those are my views on the subject at least. Not sure if they specifically answered your questions, but hopefully they did.

 

[Singing Bush]

Just curious, do you have any particular involvement with youth or is this just a particular concern that came up recently?

 

[Pilgrim1951]

Singing Bush, I found your response to Whitehorse's concern for the youth thread quite refreshing. I agree with your thoughts regarding dealing with individual problems and getting their attention. We have spawned cynicism and suspicion with our "cheap gospel" in this country. By "cheap gospel" I mean talk, talk, talk about Jesus; on bumperstickers, and billboards and cable TV. We pepper our conversations with our own Christian catch phrases, which mean nothing to the unsaved. I feel that what the world is saying to us is "Stop telling me about Jesus - show Him to me." They are right. That is what we should be doing first and foremost. It seems anymore, because of the cynicism, that sometimes it takes weeks, or even occasionally months of getting to know a person, (and letting them get to know us) and gaining their trust before we can even begin to start talking about the Lord. This is not because Our Lord is any less than He has ever been. He is still Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The "gospel" in this country has become overexposed, so to speak, to the point where people no longer listen. And can you blame them, when they see the way we respond to them, and to each other? I expect a lot of people will find a lot to be angry at in this post, but my main point it this - I think you are an exceptional young person, Singing Bush, to have the understanding of these prevalent problems in the youth in this country ( and it isn't just the youth!). Just keep drawing near to God and caring about the lost. You seem to have wisdom. Let it grow in Jesus. We know as Christians that He is the only truth there is, but the world still thinks there are a lot of truths out there. Somehow, with God's help we can draw them to Jesus. It is my opinion that people are more lost than they have ever been, because the enemy has caused chaos and confusion to the point where no one out there knows where to turn. Rebellion, hate, fear, a world in pain because of it's separation from God. That is what we are ultimately talking about, is pain. Only One offers the balm for this pain. Jesus. We know Him. We need to desire for them to know Him too. We need not only the mind of God, and the knowledge of His written Word, but we need to have the heart of God and have His Holy Word written on our hearts. His tender mercies edure forever. We cannot be in this type of relationship with Jesus and not repent. Close proximity with our Lord, brings us to our knees, makes us fall on our faces before Him in repentance. Be encouraged, Singing Bush.

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 21

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Singing Bush, I think I see what you're saying. In other words, make sure the motive isn't just to join a cause and squeeze it in whenever the schedule permits. These are real people with very individual circumstances, not a common crowd with an issue. I agree one hundred percent, and that's my perspective as well. I strongly believe that relationship is crucial for having a lasting impact, but it isn't about the impact in itself. It's about loving that person, and wanting the effect to be there because of the love that carries the concern. Not just joining a cause to do something because I feel I should, or because it makes me feel better, or that. I truly believe God's love is practical. And reliable.

I've worked with kids from preschool up through high school. Right now I'm preparing materials, so I've not been doing as much one-on-one, but I'm starting to do more of it again. I really miss it.

 

[All4one]

I'm concerned for the youth (who isn't), and I'm wondering what we should be doing to overturn the wreckage that the dying movement of postmodernism has caused in their lives. When a student goes into a college classroom, s/he expects that because the person teaching is a professor, he has the final answer, and yet so often he's the last person to have the answer. He teaches that there are no absolutes, and whatever you want to do is the truth. Kind of a refurbished sixties, and those who teach it, well...I guess they still believe in that sort of thing. This is even being taught in self-proclaimed "Christian" schools.

And now we have false doctrines blowing in from every direction, and kids turn to the occult, drugs, sex and other dead-end streets in order to find whatever they're looking for.

What can people who serve in a youth support role do to change this trend?

Whitehorse I have been glancing at many of your posts and I appreciate you very much... as a youth myself I will give my 2 cents. What your needs today is example. Where I go to church my leaders are very charismatic and on fire for God... always willing to help, and always willing to teach the truth. Their passion has passed the torch onto my passion. I have visited many churches in my growing times in which I see youth leaders that get a group into church on sunday mourning, open up a youth teaching magazine, throw out a topic, and just sit back and let the youth have at it. At yet another place I witnessed a VERY small youth in which they read a few scriptures and youth time was done... cookies and coke was to follow. At yet another one, a youth revival, the pastor made a comment that blew me away. "We decided to use all the elements to draw the youth in... music, lights, smoke, food, and games." WOW! Somewhere in between the music and lights you think GOD would have appeared.. Needless to say that revival was so dead! God crushed my spirit at that revival and I wanted SOOOOO bad to take the alter and deliver a message from God. God "draws all men unto Him". I cried for nearly thirty mintues! Sobbed even when the revival was over and people walked past me. I did not give my message because my youth pastor said the Lord had told him that these people could not handle it!

Recently God moved my heart to get an evangelism team together and go out to our county where we did good deeds, side walk ministry, handed out tracts, and shared our faith enthusiastically! I give all credit of this even to God over anyone but second of all the leaders who set us on fire.

I am even in the process of getting this event printed in a magazine called the "Descipleship Journal." Most of all I would say from experience to follow God openly and have an open heaven. Invite people to know what makes you so different and let God do the rest. Live totaly enslaved to Him and they will come. When they come close they will be caught aflame as well.

The newspaper article will be called " Youth Aflame, Adults to Blame."

In Christs Love,
All4one

 

[All4one]

I'm concerned for the youth (who isn't), and I'm wondering what we should be doing to overturn the wreckage that the dying movement of postmodernism has caused in their lives. When a student goes into a college classroom, s/he expects that because the person teaching is a professor, he has the final answer, and yet so often he's the last person to have the answer. He teaches that there are no absolutes, and whatever you want to do is the truth. Kind of a refurbished sixties, and those who teach it, well...I guess they still believe in that sort of thing. This is even being taught in self-proclaimed "Christian" schools.

And now we have false doctrines blowing in from every direction, and kids turn to the occult, drugs, sex and other dead-end streets in order to find whatever they're looking for.

What can people who serve in a youth support role do to change this trend?

Whitehorse I have been glancing at many of your posts and I appreciate you very much... as a youth myself I will give my 2 cents. What your needs today is example. Where I go to church my leaders are very charismatic and on fire for God... always willing to help, and always willing to teach the truth. Their passion has passed the torch onto my passion. I have visited many churches in my growing times in which I see youth leaders that get a group into church on sunday mourning, open up a youth teaching magazine, throw out a topic, and just sit back and let the youth have at it. At yet another place I witnessed a VERY small youth in which they read a few scriptures and youth time was done... cookies and coke was to follow. At yet another one, a youth revival, the pastor made a comment that blew me away. "We decided to use all the elements to draw the youth in... music, lights, smoke, food, and games." WOW! Somewhere in between the music and lights you think GOD would have appeared.. Needless to say that revival was so dead! God crushed my spirit at that revival and I wanted SOOOOO bad to take the alter and deliver a message from God. God "draws all men unto Him". I cried for nearly thirty mintues! Sobbed even when the revival was over and people walked past me. I did not give my message because my youth pastor said the Lord had told him that these people could not handle it!

Recently God moved my heart to get an evangelism team together and go out to our county where we did good deeds, side walk ministry, handed out tracts, and shared our faith enthusiastically! I give all credit of this even to God over anyone but second of all the leaders who set us on fire.

I am even in the process of getting this event printed in a magazine called the "Descipleship Journal." Most of all I would say from experience to follow God openly and have an open heaven. Invite people to know what makes you so different and let God do the rest. Live totaly enslaved to Him and they will come. When they come close they will be caught aflame as well.

The newspaper article will be called " Youth Aflame, Adults to Blame."

In Christs Love,
All4one

 

[All4one]

Sorry I did not mean to post twice.

Don't doubt it, shout it;
Don't guess it, test it;
Don't blame it, claim it!

 

[Singing Bush]

Singing Bush, I found your response to Whitehorse's concern for the youth thread quite refreshing.

Well dang, you certainly know how to give someone a fat head.

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

All4one, I love you, bro. What a godly witness.

 

[All4one]

I like your Sig. BUSH FOR PRES....

 

[TheOriginalWhitehorse]

Well, thank you!