All That We Need is in Him

 

Sunday, May 7^th marked a highlight in our lives when our thirteen-year-old grandson, Nate, became a member of the church along with 11 other young people. Nate and his classmates had spent several weeks studying and discussing the tenets of Christianity and learning how to navigate through the Bible. They were ready to confirm their commitment to Christ and to the church that Sunday.

Each one of the twelve “disciples,” as the pastor referred to them with a smile, had a role in the worship service. Nate and three others helped with the call to worship at the beginning of the service, as his mom, dad, brother, Al and I joined the congregation.

Nate’s mom, Shanda, commented later about something she noticed while he was speaking into the mike: “My, his voice has changed!” Not only was his voice deeper, but he also spoke with confidence and clarity.

The scripture reading, prayers before the offering, and the Lord’s prayer were all delegated to the students. Prior to the service, each of them had selected a verse from the Bible that held special meaning to him or her, scripture that would serve as a guidepost or anchor in years to come.  Many of them came to the podium to read their verses, as well as to share statements of faith.

Nate read his verse from Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

As he faces the transition into high school next year and uncertainty about the future, especially relating to his mom’s health issues, these words will provide strength, encouragement and hope! We were thankful to witness Nate’s declaration of faith and commitment to the Lord.

When it was time for the sermon, the senior pastor came down from the podium to stand before the rows of students and addressed them directly. He encouraged them to think of themselves as “ambassadors” for Christ, reminding them that in Christ they had all the resources, all that they would need to do the job.

 “Jesus has everything you need,” he said emphatically.

 As they knelt before the altar, our senior pastor and his associate placed their hands on each head and prayed for them one by one, that they would receive help from the Holy Spirit to fulfill their calling.

For their first act of service to the church, the young people helped served communion. It was a special moment for both Al and me when Nate and another young man brought the communion elements to us.

The entire congregation offered support as we listened to the twelve new members and then voiced our own reaffirmation of faith. As a church family, we promised to love them, encourage them to grow in their faith and to pray “that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.” Afterwards, the pastor expressed his joy and welcomed them into the church. 

As we departed from the sanctuary, the young people stood in two parallel lines, receiving words of praise and congratulations, handshakes and hugs from all of the folks who passed between the lines. I congratulated them, filled with joy at their willingness to express a commitment to follow Christ.

 There must have been great rejoicing in heaven that day!

Dear Lord, may each one of the young people who made their commitment to you during the service and all who have decided to follow You be strengthened to fulfill their calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

 

“Living for Jesus a life that is true,

 striving to please Him in all that I do,

Yielding allegiance gladhearted and free,

this is the pathway of blessing for me.

Oh Jesus, Lord and Savior,

I give myself to Thee;

For Thou in Thy atonement,

Didst give Thyself for me.

I own no other master;

My heart shall be Thy throne.

My life I give, henceforth to live,

O Christ, for Thee alone.” (“Living for Jesus” Thomas O. Chisholm, 1917)

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV