Young People's Group

PREPARING OUR HEARTS FOR YOUTH CONFERENCE 2009

by Pastor Mitch
November 29, 2009

Dealing With Problems That Stop Us From Growing In Faith

Youth Conference is just around the corner. It is always good for us to prepare our hearts as we look forward to yet another great conference (God willing). This year’s focus is centred on the spiritual freedom that we can find in the Christian faith and life. To reach this goal, it is imperative that we deal with the problems that stop us from growing in faith. In the book ofJames, the writer was dealing with problems that affected the faith of the people when they were going through times of trial. One of them was the sin of anger.

“For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” 
James 1:20

The people reacted with frustration, bitterness and anger as they went through tough times. James had to deal with this problem of wrath. When people are full of wrath, they do not display the righteousness of God. Another problem that he had to deal with was that people did not take the word of God seriously.

“For if anyone is a hearer and not a doer” 
James 1:23

They were not doers of the word. They heard the word of God being preached but they did not exercise faith to practise it. These were some of the problems that James had to deal with. Young people, maybe we too need to deal with the problems that stop us from growing in our faith.

The Implanting Of The Word Of God

In order to deal with these problems, we need to implant God’s word into our lives.

1. Laying Aside All Things That Are Wrong

“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness” 
James 1:21

Before we can plant, we need to clear away all that is wrong and sinful. This has to be a complete work. It is not dealing with just some aspects of filthiness in our lives. We are to deal with all of our sins. Our hearts can overflow with much wickedness. We need to deal with them bit by bit.

2. Receiving The Word Of God With Humility

“Receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls.” 
James 1:21

Humbly, we are to receive the word of God that is preached. The word of God needs to be implanted into our lives. When we do this, it is able to deliver our souls from all that stops us from growing in faith. This is what we seek to do at the coming Youth Conference. If you have not signed up for it, please do. Let’s be challenged to receive the word of God with meekness of faith.

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