Category Archives: Youth Sermons

Youth Sermons: Complete messages, outlines, or suggestions for youth talks to help you deliver high impact messages that change lives and help your youth to grow spiritually.

Devotional, Youth Sermons

Superbowl Christians – Spiritual Lessons for Youth from the Game of Football

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It’s going to be Superbowl Sunday this weekend and we’re sure your youth are excited to be watching the game. Why not make it an opportunity to share something about how the game relates to their spiritual lives? Even if you don’t watch football, the lesson is applicable to most sports. Have a great weekend!

An Illustration

While you might not think of your Christian life as a football game, the Bible does use sports to teach about spiritual truths. In Biblical times they might not have had American football games or superbowls but they did have athletic competitions.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

In Hebrews 12:1-2 we read, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

“Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5

The sports may be different, but you’ll find some things in common with American football if you read the verses carefully. You’ll find running, a prize, winning and losing, competition, training, goals, fighting or struggle, opposition, spectators, obstacles and hindrances, focus and rules. Even so, there tons of lessons we can learn from football.

Take It to the Next Level

COMPETITION is part of the Game

By nature, sports are a competition. But to compete you must be in the game. Just as a coach chooses players to be in the football game, God has chosen us. Our competitor is focused on our defeat (1 Peter 5:8). But we also compete against ourselves. And it is sad to say, but just like in real life football games, most of the people in the stadium sit in the stands. Then there are those who are on the team, but sit in the bench. Most of us would prefer rest on the bench (or pew) and observe the game – both with encouragement and more often with criticism about how others are playing on the field. But God doesn’t call us to be spectators, but participants. Our field is the world (Mat. 13:38), and our goal is to win it for Jesus Christ. Sure, some will have a special call to play a bigger role, but everyone is called onto the field to play. Even if you may not have a key role a particular play, you must still be ready at a moment’s notice to dash onto the field and play your part when the coach calls your number to be on the field. You must clearly know your position, train, and practice your plays to be best prepared for that moment when you might be called upon to make a difference in the game (1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 4:1-5).

There are RULES to the Game

The football field is laid out in ten yard increments, has boundaries, and there are rules to the game. The boundaries are there to keep us in the game. The 10 yard markers are there not as the object, but as a point of reference as we move toward the goal. If they weren’t there, we wouldn’t know if we were heading in the right direction or running to the wrong goal. God’s laws and the 10 commandments function in much the same way. They keep us in the game and give us points of reference for gaining or losing of ground. Violating the rules results in penalties and may even take us out of the game for a while. There are turnovers and fumbles as well. Yet when we compete according to the rules, and are victorious in our efforts, we will receive a prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Our TIME on the field is limited

The clock is counting down. The game of football is played in four quarters with a set time limit. The wise player, especially the quarterback, will keep his eye on the clock and make the most of his time. The same is true for us as Christians, but unlike the game on the football field, we can’t see the clock. We don’t know how much time is left. This makes it even more important for us to value our time and make the most of it. The Bible commands us to redeem the time, to make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16) rather than waste it. In fact, if you think about the world today there is not much time left on the clock. In fact, it’s already the fourth quarter, down to the two minute warning, and now it’s up to us to play our part win another one for the coach. Things may seem dire. But in life, just like in football, nothing is impossible, everything can happen. You should not slack or give up until the referee blows his whistle and declares the Victor.

TRAINING is essential for Victory

In football there is an in season and an off season. During the off season the team works on the fundamentals to get ready for the big games during football season. They train for the big games ahead. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 2 Timothy 4:8 “Be ready in season and in the off season” 2 Timothy 4:2. “There is a season and a time to EVERY purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. There are times in our Christian walk when we experience seasons of rest. They’re not for us to be idle, but to prepare ourselves spiritually, to grow, to draw closer to God.

GEAR up for the Game

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul gives the team the pre-game pep talk and reminds us to check our football gear. He’s talking about gearing up for battle, but football players also gear up for the game. If he’d been thinking about football he might have phrased it this way, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the uniform, so that you can take your stand against the opposing team… Therefore put on all of your gear so that when the game day comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the shoulder pads of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the shoes of readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the face mask of faith, with which you can conquer all the opponents’ plays. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, your playbook, which is the word of God. Let’s all commit the game to God as we kneel for a locker room prayer, that we might prove victorious in this game.”

We strive for the GOAL

It is not enough to simply be in the game. It is not enough to simply overcome the enemy. Out goal is to score one for the team. And another one. And another one. Touchdown after Touchdown. In life, the goal may seem at the far end of the field. It can be difficult to keep moving forward. It may seem that every time you run a play you get knocked down. Sometimes you may even get sacked. The solution is not to focus on where you have come from, but where you are going. “Press on toward the Goal.” Philippians 3:14 And while touchdowns are great, as Christians our goal is to do more than simply score, but to be the player the Head Coach has chosen us to be. We must be always moving forward, never fumbling the ball, and always gaining new ground. If we do stumble and fumble, we are to recover the ball quickly and press onward. If we step out of bounds, or get the wind knocked out of us, we must get back in the game and focus on the Coach. And even if you are tackled for a loss, When you are focused on Him, and run the plays He calls, you’ll find yourself moving toward the goal.

We don’t play alone, but play as part of a TEAM

Football is a team sport. You don’t win it alone. When the team is working in harmony under the direction of the coach things will happen. There’s are star players, but the star players cannot function without the core team. They need blockers, the need linemen to open up opportunities in the defences. There is an offensive team, a kickoff team, a team of receivers, and a defensive team and each are critical to a win for the team. There is no individual victory, only the victory of the team. Only when all players, from the starting quarterback, the receivers, the linemen and the person playing his part in even the smallest position work together, does the team run a successful play. Likewise, every believer has a unique role and a part to play in the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 12:4-6; 12-20)

The Victors receive a PRIZE.

It’s not Super Bowl rings, but the crown of eternal life Christ that we seek. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Make it Practical

Are you in the game?
No one in the crowd ever gains a yard on the field. No one in the crowd ever adds a single point to the scoreboard. The game is played and won by the players on the field, and not by anyone else. Are you in the game or a spectator? Just being a Christian isn’t enough. You are called to be on the playing field, not in the stands or on the sidelines. Are you on the field playing the game and gaining ground for Jesus Christ or are you merely watching the game? The clock is ticking away, and time is running out. Get in the game before you lose your chance forever!

Scripture References

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
– Hebrews 12:1-2

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:12-14

“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”
– 2 Timothy 2:5

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
– 1 Peter 5:8

“The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one.”
– Matthew 13:38

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
– 1 Peter 3:15

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
– 2 Timothy 4:1-5

“Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
– Ephesians 5:16

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
– Ephesians 6:10-18

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:14

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
– 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Youth Sermons

Money for Preaching

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After the church service, a young boy told the Youth Pastor: “When I graduate and get a job, I’m going to give you some money.” “Well, thank you,” the youth pastor replied, “but why?” “Because my dad says you’re one of the poorest preachers we’ve ever had.”

Parents Ministry, Youth Sermons

Samuel – A Youth Living the Christian Life

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Focal Passage: I Samuel 2:18-21; 26 A brief sermon outline prepared by Ken Sapp Introduction

Friar Michael Hayduk, pastor of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic church in Cleveland Ohio visited the churches preschool and day-care center one day. A new group of little ones had started at the center, and one boy, about 3 years old looked at the priest in his robe and clerical collar and asked “Why do you dress funny?” Friar Hayduk told him he was a priest and this was the uniform priests wear. Then the little boy pointed to Hayduk’s clerical collar insert and asked… “Does that hurt… do you have a Boo-boo there?” Friar Hayduk took the plastic collar insert out and showed it to the little 3 year old boy. The name of the manufacturer is embossed on the reverse side. The boy felt the letters and the priest asked him, “Do you know what those words say?” “Yes I do!” said the boy, who was not old enough to read. “It says, ‘Kills ticks and fleas up to six months!’”

Tie-in to sermon

Today we are looking at the story of Samuel. He’s one of the youth mentioned in the Bible for whom we have some extensive background. At a very young age he’s placed in the role and uniform of a devout follower of God. But even though he may have wore the uniform (a linen ephod) and had a religious environment for his home.. it was some time before the boy fit the uniform, before he took on the character of a devout follower of God. Its one thing to wear a uniform… but its another thing to embody the characteristics so that the uniform is no longer needed to show others your identity.

I. Devout family – Born to Hannah and Elkanah

A. Father: Elkanah (I Samuel 1:1-8)

  1. Levite
    • PK (Priest Kid) a member of those chosen to be priests.
    • Attended religious feasts/ presented a yearly sacrifice.
    • During the time of Elkanah in the nation of Israel there was a general neglect & corruption of religion.
    • Eli the High Priests’ sons were typical of the neglect and Corruption of the religion of the day (2:1-17)
    • The father is the priest of the home… I Peter 2:9 describes us all as a royal priesthood. In Biblical times the head of the family carried out the priestly duties in the home.
  2. Leader in the Home
    • Elkanah took Hannah and his other wife, Peninnah, with him for the sacrifice showing himself the spiritual leader.
    • Who’s the driving force in your home when it comes to Spiritual matters? Who’s the spiritual pacesetter, the spiritual Leader?
  3. Loving husband
    • Encouraged wife to focus on blessings instead of afflictions
    • Sought to share in Hannah’s troubles.
    • “loved her more than 10 sons”

B. Mother: Hannah (I Samuel 1: 9 – 20)

  1. Fervent in prayer
    • seen as the solution to her problems
  2. Faith
    • Faith that her prayers for a son would be answered
  3. Faithful to Commitment
    • Dedicating her son to God by taking care of him until the time she left him. Hannah visited him yearly at the temple (Heartbroken) She brought him a linen ephod

C. Spiritual Mentor: Eli

  1. Leader – ministered under Eli and apparently to Eli – 2:18, 3:1
  2. Lenient father – Eli wasn’t the best mentor… as a matter of fact Samuels first message from God was a rebuke against Eli for his raising of his own sons and failing to restrain them.
  3. Lesson – Eli guided Samuel to obey God’s voice – While he was a leader in authority over Samuel, and although he wasn’t a perfect leader, he did teach Samuel an essential lesson – to Listen to and obey God’s Voice.

II. Divided family.

A. Triple parent home.

  1. Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife bore several children, but Hannah was barren until the time of Samuel. Because of this, Penninah taunted Hannah and provoked her. Even so, Hannah did not respond in like manner.
  2. Samuel was probably a victim of similar taunts by his older stepbrothers and stepsisters
  3. It wasn’t a perfect home, but God was honored there! God’s grace is sufficient to fill in the gaps

Transition

After church one Sunday morning a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, “Mom, I’ve decided I’m going to be a minister when I grow up.” That’s ok with us,” the mother said, “but what made you decide to be a minister?” “Well,” the boy said, “I’ll have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell then to sit still and listen.”

Tie In to Sermon

Samuel also made a decision to become one who speaks the “Word of God.” His parents started the process, but somewhere along the line, Samuel quit living off the faith of his parents and started living in his own faith in God.

III. Development into a man of God (I Samuel 1:21-28)

A. Dedication to God before his birth – Parents Choice

  1. He was taken to the temple at a young age
  2. After weaned from his mother’s breast (age 3)
  3. or from childish things (age 8-11)

B. Devotion to God – Samuel’s Choice

  1. Samuel worshipped God (1:28)
  2. Raised in a religious environment – the temple – parent’s choice
  3. Nazarite – Mother’s choice – did not cut hair, did not drink alcohol – avoided certain things to set themselves apart for God’s service
  4. Peer pressure from Eli’s sons to conform to their sinfulness. Even in the church there may be some negative pressure

C. Disciplined life – Samuel’s Choice

  1. Discipline of Samuel as opposed to Eli’s undisciplined sons (3:1-11)
  2. One night Samuel heard God and thought Eli was calling him. He ran to Eli, showing his ready obedience.
  3. He served God, but he did not yet know God or God’s call.
    • 1:28 Samuel worshipped God – his choice
    • 2:18 ministered in temple
    • 2:26 As he ministered to the Lord he grew before the Lord. Grew in strength, stature, understanding, and in favor with God and men. (The same was spoken of Christ in Luke 2:52)
    • 3:1 ministered
    • 3:7 “He did not know God”
    • 3:7 “Word of God was not yet revealed to him”
    • 3:19 God was with him
    • 3:21 God Revealed himself to Samuel through his Word
  4. Eli helped him recognize God’s call but it was his choice of Obedience that made him a man of God. Every youth must come to a point where he stops living off the faith of his parents and begins living in obedience as a result of his own faith in God!
  5. As a servant of God, Samuel listened and, as a result, God was able to ultimately speak through him as well.
    • God knew Samuel as an individual
    • Samuel was given the privacy to discover his identity with God… without someone telling him how to do it.
    • Eli encouraged Samuel

D. Divine Call – Samuel’s Choice (3:19-4:1) After hearing God, and coming to know God, He made a choice to obey God he became:

  1. Holy prophet – Your child proclaims God’s Word in life an action. Lifts up God before the nation
  2. High priest – Serves God – the youth are our leaders for tomorrow, but have a role even today and may hear God better than us at times.
  3. Honest judge – Person of integrity living a life of Godly values and wisdom.


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Teaching Illustrations, Youth Sermons

Sermon from a Salmon

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“Years ago I got a sermon from a salmon.

Here’s how it happened. While riding on a ferryboat to Galiano Island in British Columbia, I struck up a conversation with Mr. Thompson, a dignified and friendly gentleman who served as the Chief Clerk for the City of Vancouver.

I said, ‘I’ve heard that after a salmon is spawned, it will swim out into the ocean, and that after an extended time something happens inside the brain of the salmon, and it will then have the overwhelming urge to return to the place where it was spawned. The salmon will swim along the coast, find the right harbor, the right river, the right stream; and finally it will get back to the very spot where it started out. How in the world does the salmon do all that?’ I added, hoping it would taken as a joke, ‘After all, the salmon is underwater all the way, and it has no periscope.’

Mr. Thompson chuckled, thought a bit, then replied, ‘Yes, that is true, but it is even more remarkable than that. An experiment was recently carried out in which salmon eggs were removed from the stream where they had been laid and were put into another stream some distance away.’ Thompson then added with a questioning grin, ‘When the salmon grows up and swims out to the ocean and finally swims back home, which location will it swim to? Will it swim to the place where the eggs were laid–or to the place where they had been moved to?’

I paused for a moment, then I gave what I thought was the only sensible answer, ‘The salmon will swim back to the place where the eggs had been transported, of course. That’s where the salmon actually turned into a fish and got to know its environment.’

‘Wrong!’ said Mr. Thompson. ‘The salmon will swim back to the original place where the eggs were laid.’

I was dumbfounded then, and I still am, by the uncanny built- in guidance system of the salmon.

What a sermon on the guidance of God! If God provides such a marvelous guidance for a fish, there is certainly nothing fishy about believing that He can provide guidance for us. We are far more important to God than any fish. We are created in God’s own image.

God only knows how much we need His wise and loving guidance as we try to find our way through the jungle of ‘this world.’ And, thank God, He has personally promised His guidance.”

SOURCE: Donald Russell Robertson “Dear You” 1989, Word, Inc.


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Youth Sermons

Never Ending Youth Sermon

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There was a youth who was visiting the youth service one Sunday. The youth sermon seemed to go on forever, and many in the youth group were nodding off to sleep.

After the service, to be social, she walked up to a very sleepy looking teen, extended her hand in greeting, and said, “Hello, I’m Gladys Dunn.”

And the teen replied, “You’re not the only one. I’m glad it’s done too!”


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Youth Sermons

4 Reasons Youth Stop Attending Worship

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If you ask youth why they don’t attend worship, there are four common reasons given.

    1. The sermons are not seen as relevant to the lives of youth. 
      As preachers of God’s Word, we often take time to explain how God’s Word relates to employees in the workplace, to parents in the family, and to lost people outside the church, but we rarely explain to youth how the Bible relates to their situations. It is natural because the majority of our congregation is comprised of adults. But we need to remember that youth also need to hear stories and illustrations of youth in real-life examples and applications of God’s Word in the lives of other youth.
    2. Youth often feel stereotyped.
      When youth are mentioned by pastors or other worship leaders, too often it is with negative stereotypes of behavior that needs to be corrected rather than desired behavior that needs to be encouraged. In our sermons we need to balance correction and rebuke with praise, encouragement, and exhortation.
    3. Youth often feel that they are not understood or feel misunderstood.
      Youth are eager for church leaders who make an effort to step into their world and understand teen life, youth challenges, and the needs of youth. They want church leaders who are open and ask questions, giving youth opportunities to voice their views, share their ideas, and express their feelings.
    4. Worship doesn’t make a difference in the lives of the adults they know.
      Youth have a hard time dealing with the gap between what people say and what they actually do, especially when it comes to parents and other significant adults in their lives. They don’t expect perfection, but want to see living examples of lives being transformed by God’s Word and by adults in the congregation that do more than give lip service to living as a Christian.

If we address these four issues in our messages and in the way we live our lives as Christians, youth are sure to sit up and listen the next time we share a sermon from the pulpit.

For more Ideas on Reaching youth in worship check out Creative Sermon Ideas.


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Youth Sermons

Youth Sermons: Answering the Questions of Youth

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Sometimes it is difficult to find ideas for sermon topics that will interest your youth and have them sit up in their seats and intently listen. One of our responsibilities as youth ministers (or youth pastors) and teachers of God’s Word is to help translate the timeless truths of God into the context of today’s youth. To do this, you need to know the questions your youth are asking. One way to do this is to simply ask your youth to anonymously write down some of the questions they have about God and spiritual matters. You are sure to get lots of ideas from your youth.

Sample Questions for Youth

  • What are some of the questions you have about God as a youth?
  • What are some of the struggles that youth today have in living for God?
  • What is difficult for you in your Christian walk?
  • What is one question you would like to ask God?
  • What are some the things in the Bible that you find difficult to understand?
  • What are some of your doubts about Christianity?

 

These are just a few sample questions you might ask. Make it simple. I’d recommend you don’t ask them all at once. Just ask one new question every couple of months and you’ll have lots of Ideas for your youth sermons as well as some great ideas for youth Bible Studies.

WHY NOT add some questions of your own to the comments. If you are a youth, let us know some of YOUR questions. If you work with youth, what are some other questions you might want to ask. Please add them to the comments at the end of this post. I’d love to hear your ideas. ~Ken

Here are some of the questions my church youth were asking:

  • How can I prove God exists now? That he is real? (THIS ONE WAS THE MOST COMMON in my youth)
  • What should I do when I am discouraged because prayer is not answered the way I expect?
  • What happened to 1st century Christian’s miracles? Why don’t they happen today?
  • How do I deal with temptation?
  • What does it mean if I don’t feel God?
  • What do I do about bad habits I am unable to give up?
  • I seem to get stumbled more by Christians. Why is that?
  • What do I do if media, peers, and laziness hinder my Christian life?
  • What are the sins the Bible says can’t be forgiven?
  • Will God forgive unforgivable sins?
  • Is the tribulation scary for Christians?
  • Will I really be happy in heaven?
  • How do I know that I have really accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior?
  • How do I know that I am going to heaven for sure?
  • How do we know that if we accept Christ we will get to heaven? Don’t other religions also say the same?
  • How come even though I prayed about it I cannot draw nearer to God?
  • How do I know that “God” is the god we are talking about?
  • How come the Bible Study Guide “Experiencing God” never worked for me?
  • When will I truly know that this is a work of God?
  • Why is life unfair?
  • Why isn’t God there in my worst periods of time?
  • What do I do about distractions in life?
  • Why is being a Christian so hard?
  • We do Christians seem so obedient?
  • It’s not cool to be a Christian. What if I don’t fell like being a Christian?

 

Looking over this list, you might find some ideas for your youth sermons. But it would be even better if you ask your own youth. Why not do that this week!

With YOUth on my heart,
Ken

And, if you are looking for some other ways to bring your youth sermons to live, why not check out the latest ebook from Creative Youth Ideas – Creative Sermon Ideas!


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Youth Sermons

The Art of Preaching Youth Sermons

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“You do not know how paralyzing that staring of a blank canvas is. It says to the painter, you can’t do anything … Many painters are afraid of the blank canvas, but the blank canvas is afraid of the really passionate painter who is daring.” ~ Vincent van Gogh

The blank canvas represents so many possibilities. In fact, to many, it can be outright intimidating. Hands poised above the canvas. Pallettes of wonderful colors waiting to take on so many hues and vivid passionate colors. There is incredible power, but also great apprehension in the waiting. What will be created? Will I have the right perspective? Is it true to my vision? Did I see it right? – The depth, the fill, the background, the highlights. Will I get everything right? Will they understand? And more importantly, will it stir up their hearts and excite a response?

Fingers on the keyboard. Pen poised above paper. You know how it feels. That sermon slot in the program says to you, “You can’t do anything.” But God says, “You can do all things through me.” Relax, set it aside for a moment. Let’s remember why we are here. We are here to deliver His message, we are the brush in the Master’s hands. Yield to him. Like a brush on a palette of paints, your life will take on the colors and hues of the experiences of life. More importantly, you will take on the colors and hues of God’s passions as well.

All artists desire to create greatest masterpieces. But rather than dabs of paint touched to a piece of canvas, the masterpieces we yearn for are changed hearts touched by God.


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Youth Sermons

Something Great

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Abraham Lincoln was riding home from church in his carriage one Sunday when his secretary asked how he liked the sermon. “Not very much,” said the president. His response surprised the secretary because the preacher was popular and most people considered him a very gifted speaker. When asked what the problem was, Lincoln replied, “He did not ask me to do anything great.”


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This 100 Page e-Book Includes All The Help You Need To Prepare Powerful, Life-Changing Youth Sermons That Will Turn Your Preaching Around And Make Your Youth Sit Up And Listen! Includes 7 Complete Sermons.
–> I want More Youth Sermon Ideas…

Youth Sermons

Faithfulness to God

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BASIC SERMON OUTLINE and FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Numbers 28:1-30:16

Summary: God, through Moses, repeats the instructions for the offerings and the vow to insure faithfulness upon entering Canaan.

28:1-29:40 Faithfulness in Worship

A. vs. 1-8: daily offerings
– God’s reminder to Israelites to remain faithful through the giving of burnt offerings in the morning and in the evening along with a grain offering and drink offering which pleases God.

B. vs. 9-10: Sabbath offerings
– two lambs sacrificed along with a grain and drink offering

C. vs. 11-15: monthly offerings
– extra burnt offering (two bulls, one ram and seven lambs) along with daily offerings on the first day of the month

D. 28:16-29:40: Offerings for Feast days

1) Festival of Passover
– presentation of offerings to be offered on each of seven days of festival with assembly of people oncfirst and seventh days (prohibition against eating leavening)
2) vs. 20-31: Festival of First Fruits – assemblying of Israelites on first day of festival to celebrate the new harvest
3) 29:1 -6: Festival of Trumpets – trumpet called shofar sounded to signal the beginning of new year called Rosh Hoshana with special times of recommitment
4) vs. 7-11: Day of Atonement – assembling of people in humility with special sin offerings for the nation Israel (fasting requirement)
5) vs. 12-40 Festival of Tabernacles – a seven-day festival in commemoration of God’s provision in the wilderness with daily offerings involving 189 animals

30:1-16 – Faithfulness in our Word
– absolute faithfulness to promises made to Lord except for special cases involving young daughters. betrothed women, wives

Points to Emphasize for Youth
1. Worship is very important to God and must be conducted according to His standards.
2. Because of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice on our behalf, we are free to offer back to Him our lives, our service, our compassion for others, our prayers.
3. Our promises to God should never be entered into lightly as he considers them binding.

Practical Applications for Youth:
1. Do I take time to worship God through total attentiveness and openness?
2. Do I sense how very serious God considers sin and do I spend time in confession and restoring fellowship?
3. Like the feast days of the Jews, are Christmas and Easter times of reflection on God’s love for me?
4. Is my word dependable?

Parting Thought for Youth

Walter Knight’s Master Book of Illustrations included some resolutions for any time it our life: “I will like Paul forget those things which are behind and press forward, like David lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence comethy my help; like Enoch to walk in daily fellowship with my heavenly Father, . . like Job, be patient under all cicumstances; like Caleb and Joshua refuse to be discouraged because of superior numbers, like Andrew, strive to lead my brother into a closer walk with Christ… Realizing that I cannot hope to acheive these objectives on my own strength. I will rely upon Christ, for I can do all things through Christ which strenqtheneth Me'”


Get "Creative Sermon Ideas" eBook

Get Help on Your Youth Sermons

Creative Sermon Ideas
This 100 Page e-Book Includes All The Help You Need To Prepare Powerful, Life-Changing Youth Sermons That Will Turn Your Preaching Around And Make Your Youth Sit Up And Listen! Includes 7 Complete Sermons.
–> I want More Youth Sermon Ideas…