The church so often thinks that because they are in ministry that they have the right to dominate people...
It's been 12 years since I've been in the church.
Young people want Jesus, not dead religion that celebrates their denominational leaders more than the One who sent them.
I get your point loud and clear.
I was totally ignorant of what Scripture was saying. Failed at reading the Bible, presupposing to read it like a novel from front to back and disappointed.
Thought Church would be the Answer. Utterly disappointed. More so of a Fasion show, whispers of Gossip, Entertainment performances, People soliciting their Businesses of everything from their selling of Building contracts to Avon products, The yawns and making plans of where to go eat...UGH
Thought Sunday "school", might be more Helpful. One verse highlighted, spoken, and back to the business of Fashion, Picnic planning, church sponsored with their facility sport teams, more solicitation of businesses, also Disappointing.
I elected to Learn How to Learn, and applied that knowledge to the Scriptures.
It was a lengthy process, but yet makes the simplicity regarding the knowledge in Scriptures clear.
That was years Ago. As as far as Young people, Agree, they Are Thirsty FOR the Truth.
I had an advantage with my own children. They all had a popularity in their schools.
It was a simple lesson they took to heart;
• There is Never a Valid reason to Lie.
• Be a friend to Everyone;
Their friends were of every Flavor...
Race, weight, gender, wealth, click association, studdering, deafness, good grades, poor grades, no barriers.
• These kids absolutely are self- divided in Schools...But regularly They were invited to gatherings at our home. We would plan an activity...A vollyball tournament, a picnic, a slip-n-Slide water fun, water balloons, pumpkin carving, etc. teaming up the ones who knew eactother least...and Bible Study.
• The two highlights to mention-
1) Is kids at school hearing about our get-together's and asking my kids for an Invite, and getting one.
2) Was kids calling or dropping by, ASKING for More Bible Study. If they dropped by, we had a Study right then. If they called, the response was, Were home, Come here.
It was amazing to watch the kids with a little guidance, share and teach eachother, (regardless of they having been conditioned to hate what they do Not KNOW) their own talents and skills, in all kinds of things.
No doubt, my kids did get some blow-back ...
In some kids challenging them...as to Why would they Invite...a different race, the fat kid, the deaf kid, the punk Reputation kid, the unpopular kid, etc.
To which...their reply was: Why Not?
And BTW, you are invited too, because It matters not, which category, others have put YOU in.
Just saying, it is possible to have a direction that leads to good results.
Surely the Lord is to credit for what was accomplished at my home. At times what should have been overwhelming with often over a 100+ Diverse kids all at the same place.
There was a Rule. Didn't have a Trumpet to sound, but can Whistle very loud, and immediately, all would Become Completely silent...and pay attention ... To Any Instruction or Situation.
From ... Time to Eat... TO we have a disagreement brewing, that needs settling Right Now, and all observing HOW the disputing parties coming into agreement...
HOW- was teaching the two parties HOW to Judge "themselves" between "themselves", without the Observers input of Opinions/taking Sides... and always ended in the Two parties...shaking hands, hugging, and ON with the activities.
This is just a Brief of the Bigger picture. But, have to say, I was fortunate and Blessed to be a small part of these kids lives, that many of their own parents never experienced.
I am not on Facebook, but my kids are, and tell me the diverse relationships from their schools Days, have continued on through facebook friendships, as they can see who is friends with who. God is Good. He has the Way and His WAY always is successful.
Glory to God,
Taken
