Is Jesus Relevant for Me Today? Discipleship Training Camp 2016 Mike Bourland Walnut Creek Church, Des Moines, Iowa

What issues/struggles/problems do teens deal with today?

What issues/struggles/problems do teens deal with today? Feeling rejection from family and/or friends Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Pressure to excel in academics, sports, music Broken and blended families Not knowing/having direction or purpose in life Having no one to talk to or who understands No ambition, motivation – Nothing really matters Addiction to pornography

What issues/struggles/problems do teens deal with today? Addiction to drugs/alcohol Broken relationships with boyfriend/girlfriend Unplanned pregnancies Being bullied at school or on social media Depression and/or loneliness Addiction to video games/social media Anorexia (over obsession with appearance)

These can be summarized with two overreaching points 1) Identity – Who am I and why am I here?

These can be summarized with two overreaching points Identity – Who am I and why am I here? Security - Does anybody love me or care about me?

How does Jesus relate to these points? Hebrews 4:15–16 (NASB95) 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

How does Jesus relate to these points? John 14:6 (NASB95) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

How does Jesus relate to these points? 1) Way – path to follow

How does Jesus relate to these points? Way – path to follow Truth – nothing false, integrity

How does Jesus relate to these points? Way – path to follow Truth – nothing false, integrity Life – source of creation and eternal life

How is Jesus relevant to these two overarching points? Identity – Who am I and why am I here? Galatians 4:4–7 (NASB95) 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

How is Jesus relevant to these two overarching points? Identity – Who am I and why am I here? Galatians 4:4–7 (NASB95) 6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

How is Jesus relevant to these two overarching points? Identity – Who am I and why am I here? Ephesians 2:10 (NASB95) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

How is Jesus relevant to these two overarching points? Security – Does anybody love me? John 3:16 (NASB95) 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

How is Jesus relevant to these two overarching points? Security – Does anybody love me? Matthew 10:29–31 (NASB95) 29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

How is Jesus relevant to these two overarching points? Security – Does anybody love me? 1 John 4:10 (NASB95) 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Will you choose to make Christ relevant to your life today?