READ | SERMON NOTES
Panelists: Elizabeth Yeo (Children’s Ministry), Gwen Koh (Youth Ministry), Evelyn Sia (BeTween Ministry)
Moderator: Song Tao (Chairperson of Youth Ministry)
SUMMARY l We are to tell the next generation of God’s wondrous deeds and all that God has done. A spiritual principle at work in discipleship is that we pass it on to the next generation. Wesley is a church of generations and our hope is that many more generations will be discipled in and through this church.
Unexpected takeaways: Through their service, an unexpected takeaway for the panelists was that they could learn a lot from anyone. God can use anyone, even little children to make an impact. Little children can have a heart for God and to serve, they may even say powerful and meaningful words. God really does miracles and can, in His own way, use anyone’s willingness, interest, talents and diverse gifts for His glory.
Hope for the next generation: The hope for the next generation is for them to grow in Christlike love, not only for God, but also for the people around them. After receiving this love, they might hopefully become more proactive in giving back and showing love for one another. Another hope is for the youths to be less self-conscious of what others think. Worship is between God and us, and other people’s thoughts about us should not affect how we worship. The youths would hopefully grow to become more comfortable in cell group discussions. This fosters a better understanding of each other and closer ties. Finally, the hope is that the children and youths will grow in faith, learn to depend on and develop their own personal relationship with God.
What we can do to better support the youth: It is helpful when older adults interact in a way that makes younger people feel welcome and at home. We can allow space for younger people to ask questions and be heard. We are living in a challenging world, and asking questions is not showing disrespect but an effort to better understand how certain things work. It would also be very helpful if older adults can continue to journey with the young adults after they transition out of youth ministry. There is a need for older role models and mentors, especially female mentors, to continue to inspire our youths as they transition through the challenging stages in life.
Reflections by moderator: Psalm 78:4 reminds us to tell the next generation of the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. The Psalmist recounted God’s faithfulness and provision throughout the generations from Jacob to Joseph and to King David. This, was despite Israel’s generational sin and forgetfulness. The pattern showed how easy was it for God’s people to forget what God had done. At one point, generations later, God rejected Israel and the Ark of the Covenant was captured. The Psalmist made it clear that the consequence of forgetting God’s faithfulness was that the next generation would sin against God, and that God would be grieved and vexed.
The Psalmist proclaimed God’s faithfulness, so that the next generation would put their trust in God and keep His commandments. They would not be like the past generations that were stubborn, rebellious and unfaithful. This was the heartbeat of the Psalmist. May it also be the heartbeat that we carry for our children and the generations therafter; that they will come to know God for themselves and put their trust in Him.
The Psalmist exhorts us to utter our hidden things, things from of old that we have experienced and know to be true. When we journey with the next generation (with authenticity, vulnerability and curiosity), we find that God’s faith, mercy and provision is astounding. When we seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt 6:33)
May we never forget God’s faithfulness and become a rebellious generation. We need to encourage one another today — so that none of us are hardened by sin’s deceitfulness and have an unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.
(Notes from the 9.30am Service by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
No reflection questions for this weekend services.
