God calls us to share the “Christmas Spirit” all year long.  So why does the “Christmas Spirit” fail so quickly after the presents are opened?

Did you ever wonder why we give presents to people to celebrate Jesus’ birthday? I mean, for my birthday, I get presents. For your birthday, you get presents. So why do we receive gifts on Jesus’ birthday?

Years ago, I started having a birthday party for Jesus with my youth group. We brought in a cake with “Happy Birthday Jesus” written on it and everyone brought a gift to give Jesus.

The gifts were the best part. Everyone brought a wrapped box in for the party. We took turns placing our boxes under the tree. As we placed them, we told what we had brought for Jesus. Some might bring their love, devotion, praise, time, etc. Others might bring their bad habits (cussing, smoking, bullying, etc.) or something they need to let go of (ex-boyfriend, bitterness, feeling inadequate, etc.).

When all of the gifts were under the tree, we would pray and ask God to bless our gifts. We would thank God for His gift and we would thank Jesus for willingly coming to earth and giving up His riches and comfort for us.

After our prayer, we would all share one thing we counted as a blessing in our life. Then we played Christmas music and ate cake. Everyone had fun and seemed to carry the “Christmas Spirit” with them longer into the New Year.

Romans 4:4-5 ~ Now when  man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Faith brings us peace. We rejoice in the glory of God who brings us hope.

Romans 5:1-2 ~ Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

To understand faith, we need to hear messages filled with the Word of Christ. We need to fellowship with other Christians.

Romans 10:17 ~ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

We need to hold firmly onto our faith. Even when we we start to have doubts, we need to cling to our faith.

Romans 14:22-23 ~ So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.

As we have faith, we need to be on guard, stand firm in our faith, be courageous and love each other.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ~ Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

If we believe without proof our faith is stronger. To believe in God when we can’t see God takes faith. The same is true of air, gravity and love. We can’t see any of them but we believe they are there.

2 Corinthians 5:7 ~ We live by faith, not by sight.

We need to shield ourselves in faith to battle evil. The victory goes to the faithful believers.

Ephesians 6:16 ~ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Believe that your heart’s desires are also God’s desire’s for you. When you are full of faith and believe without seeing, your desires become pure and we are able to see the path we are meant for.

Hebrews 11:1 ~ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

We can only see God if we believe he exists. When we earnestly seek God, he will reward us.

Hebrews 11:6 ~ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seeks him.

SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:

Hebrew 11

1 Corinthians 13:11 ~ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

I’m sure you can find many adjectives to describe “youth” today. Have they changed over the years? Their hair-styles may change and their clothes may change but have they changed? What does the Bible say?

Ecclesiastes 11:9 ~ Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.

Maybe you have heard some say today’s youth are disrespectful, irresponsible, rebellious and self-centered. These adjectives fit many of today’s youth but not all. Many young people follow the desires of their heart right into selfish and irresponsible choices. Once the sinful nature is nurtured a little, it’s easy for disrespect and rebellion to sneak in and take over. What’s the Bible say?

2 Timothy 2:22-24 ~ Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Leviticus 19:3 ~ Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.

Some say they are energetic, young, immature, naive and carefree. What does the Bible say?

Psalm 22:30-31 ~ Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn-for he has done it.

So does God want us to be mild mannered, meek and perfect all the time? I believe God knows we are flawed and he loves us anyway. I believe God knows that we are never going to be perfect. I believe God wants us to do our best and be our best everyday.

John 8:3-11 ~ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Although this post is not about adultery, this Scripture sums up how God wants us to treat each other.

As adults, we need to look beyond the “flaws” of the youth around us and love them anyway. How can we do less and expect God to continue loving our “flawed” self? By our example, we can teach them to do the same.

Does the Denomination really matter that much? Is it worth all of the lost souls for us to be “right” in our Denomination. If we all believe Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that He is the only way to God, then why do we let the small differences stand between us?

Ephesians 4:11-13 ~ It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The Bible doesn’t say “Baptist will lead the way or Methodist have all the answers. There is no rating system for denominations. The Bible doesn’t separate denominations into categories or standing with God.

1 Corinthians 1:11-13 ~ My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ”. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?

God wants us to all live in Harmony with each other. He wants us to spread His message of love by demonstrating love towards each other. How can we be effective witnesses for God if we are fighting with each other over silly things like carpet colors or how we should express our praise? As long as we keep Christ as our focus, it doesn’t matter what denomination we call ourselves.

Romans 12:16 ~ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Psalm 133:1 ~ How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

Let’s begin today. Who do you know that attends a church of a different denomination? Maybe they are Nazarene, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran or Brethren? Can you be friends in Christ and stay focused on the thing you have in common; Jesus Christ? Can you put aside your differences and serve as One Body for Christ? It’s what we’ve all been called to do.

2 Timothy 2:20 ~ In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble.

We determine which we will be by what we do with the life God gave us. We can choose to be quiet about our faith, keeping a small part of the world with us. Or we can choose to cleanse ourselves from evil things and become a vessel God uses for special things.

2 Timothy 2:21 ~ If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master nd prepared to do any good work.

We don’t have to be clay pots; the choice is ours. Because so many of us lack commitment, we become content to stay clay pots. Because we can’t separate ourselves from worldly things (or we chose not to) we can’t follow the dreams God has for our lives. We get into a comfort zone that we are too lazy or scared to get out of.

We can all chose to be golden vessels just by turning away from evil ways and worldly desires. Just by turning our lives over to God (completely) we can change our clay pot existence into a golden vessel life.

It just takes a complete commitment to God. Get before God and study His word. Get your desires in line with God’s desires. Listen to the Holy Spirit’s call and let the Holy Spirit help you put the world behind you.

Life is full of choices. We don’t always like the choices but they are still our choices to make. Every choice has a consequence. We don’t always like the consequence but the choice was still ours to make.

So, are you going to settle for being a clay pot or are you aiming for a golden vessel?

MORE SCRIPTURE:

Genesis 19

Genesis 20

Mathew 11

Why is it that so many people take advantage of their families and abuse their families? Is it because we are certain family will always be there for us? Does that make it right? How do we change this pattern?

The first thing we need to do is re-educate our youth about God’s plan for family.

In today’s society, it seems “normal” to back talk your parents and disrespect them. After all, we didn’t ask to be born so our parents should take what we dish out, right? T.V., movies and even books glorify the “abuse” of our parents. With the media making our parents look like idiots, our youth begin believing they are superior. Add that to the “I deserve it” mentality and how do we re-educate? The media is hard to compete with.

Our only ammunition is truth. Our faith in the Bible is a powerful weapon against any and all world views. Our strength is God’s Word. So what does the Bible say about family?

Ephesians 5:1-2 ~ Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Proverbs 11:29 ~ He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only the wind and the fool will be servant to the wise.

Colossians 3:12-17 ~ Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentelness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one anther with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

*How do we get teens to put these things into action? First we must get them to believe this is the right way to live and to take these scriptures to heart. Because teens have a mind of their own and they are constantly being fed the world view, it may not be easy to tell them, but we can show them. If we demonstrate the “Family Rules” to the teens that come into our group, we can be a strong witness for God and that could make all the difference.

FAMILY RULES:

Ephesians 6:1-4 ~ “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3:18-21 ~ Wives, submit to your husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:23- 24 ~ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 4:2-3 ~ Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

1 Timothy 5:8 ~ If anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Peter 3:8-9 ~ Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

* Let’s take back our family values and our Godly view of the world. Let’s teach the youth that we come into contact with respect, love, compassion and gratitude. Let’s encourage the youth in our groups to share that respect, love, compassion and gratitude with their families and friends.

MORE SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE:

Proverbs 24:3-4

Matthew 10:36-39

Matthew 12:25

1 Corinthians 1:10

Ephesians 4:31-32

1 Timothy 5:1-4

Mark 16: 15-16 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

The first thing we need to do is to become more comfortable ourselves with sharing our faith. How can we do that? I, for one, am very uncomfortable talking to people I don’t know. The thought of sharing my faith with strangers is paralyzing for me.

So, how do we get comfortable with sharing our faith? We all know there isn’t a moment to waste. The pressure is on to tell everyone we know all that God can do for us. We need to feel the urgency of our message and remind ourselves that as men and women, we are destined to communicate.

If our son makes the winning touchdown, we tell everyone who can hear us about the game leading up to the winning touchdown. We don’t leave out any detail. So why not do the same with our personal Salvation Story? Don’t leave out any details and share it with everyone.

When your daughter is chosen as the lead in the dance recital you can’t wait to share the news with everyone who will listen. We don’t leave out any detail. So why not do the same with our personal Salvation Story? Don’t leave out any details and share it with everyone.

Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it’s stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

What happens if we miss an opportunity to share our faith? Every missed opportunity is a time we have robbed someone else from a possible blessing. So let’s share our story with our teens. Have you told them how you came to Christ?

Here is a fun way to get your teens thinking about ways to share their faith.

Things You Will Need:

One baseball cap and One balloon per team

1. Form as teams of five or six of your teens. Make the teams as even as possible to each other (try not to put all the older teens on one team or all of the athletic teens on a team).

2. Each team gets a balloon and a baseball cap.  Each team should choose someone to go first. That person wears the baseball cap on their head and tries to balance the balloon on the peak of the cap.

3. The teen with the cap on then needs to walk to a designated place (about 10 feet away) and back again while balancing the balloon on the peak of the cap. They must keep the balloon from falling but they may not use their hands.

4. Once the first person has done this, they pass the cap and balloon to the next person in line. They may use their hands while passing the cap and balloon.

5. The second person continues with the same task and so on until the first team to complete the task wins.

6. Challenge the teens to move as quickly as possible.

7. Read the following Scripture:

Romans 1:16-17 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of  everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteous from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

DISCUSSION:

* How is balancing a balloon similar to sharing our faith with others?

* How do we sometimes “drop” the opportunities to share our faith? (do not let them settle for just answer “by not telling others”. Try to get them to share more specific ways – EX. When we are in line at Walmart. Instead of losing our cool over the long wait, be friendly to the other customers, smile at the cashier, etc. Be Christlike when we are out in public without preaching at everyone). 2 Corinthians 6:4-8.

* Once we have passed our faith onto others, how can we support that person?

* Should we share our faith with our friends, both Christian and non-Christian? Why or why not?

MORE SCRIPTURE:

2 Timothy 1:8-9

Hebrews 12:1-3

Acts 20:35

Romans 12:13

Philippians 1:27

To get your testimony ready (while helping your teens get their ready), you need to have your Bible, paper and a pen with you. Write out your testimony.

Set aside time each day to read over your testimony. Have your teens pair off with someone they are comfortable with sharing their testimony. Now have them practice sharing their testimony with each other. Encourage them to get together with their practice partner as much as possible and practice giving their testimony. They don’t want to become mundane when telling their story they just want to be comfortable sharing it with others.

Your testimony should include the following things:

1. Your acceptance of Christ. Where were you? Who was with you?  etc.

2. The freedom from guilt. How did you feel when you accepted Chirst?

3. Your faithfulness to God. Has your faith been tested? Was God there to help you?

4. The change in your life. What is new? What is different? Bad habits that you’ve given up?

5. Your deliverance from sin. How have you been saved? What were you saved from?

6. Your assurance of eternal life. How do you know you have eternal life?

Help your teens find scripture that supports what they believe. Help them memorize scripture that supports salvation and eternal life.

Pray for and with your teens as they put together their testimony and practice becoming comfortable sharing it. We are called to tell the world and go making disciples. Don’t leave your teens hanging!