Deeper ~ Closer ~ Farther
Deeper ~ We strive to develop a deeper relationship with God through worship, study and prayer.
Just as the disciples developed a deeper relationship with God even after Christ’s death through helping and healing others, I long for that in these teens. I envision a group of teens who constantly seek out God and through that search find new ways to dig deeper in their relationship with God. I hope for a group who can see not only the importance of deepening that relationship between themselves and God, but long for it.
“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:27
Closer ~ We strive to develop a closer relationship with each other and those we do not know, through Christ. Ultimately showing our love for all!
Our relationship with each other in general is vital to our understanding of God’s love and on the same token, God’s love is vital to the healthy development of our relationships with others. It excites me to think about a group of teens who understand the importance of relationships, and make the connection between being a Christ follower and living a lifestyle of love as Jesus did.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5
Farther ~ We strive to take our Faith farther in preparation for a time when we are no longer in the comfort of the youth group by means of bringing His message to those who do not know Christ.
Using open hearts and minds to reach out to those we might not have before, we can more easily understand God’s love for everyone. Taking our faith farther will sometimes display itself in us as we develop “over-the-top” ideas to reach out beyond our group so we might show Christ to others.
“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 seek him.” Hebrews 11:6