1. Youth Ministry

2. Exodus 32:1-10  God used the situation to test Israel.  Israel was trying to worship Jehovah.  God had addressed this issue.  Israel took the wrong cue (turned the wrong way).  God was clearly not pleased.

3. An opportunity for us to make the same mistake: Youth Ministries  “What do you do for your young people?”  Most religious organizations have “Youth Groups.”  Youth pages on their websites.  Tons of activities.  Youth minister(s) who plan and organize activities.  Some might argue we don’t do enough for the kids.

4. What’s wrong with this?  It de-emphasizes what kids really need.

5. It de-emphasizes what kids really need. Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

6. It de-emphasizes what kids really need. Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 1 Peter 2:1-2 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

7. What’s wrong with this?  It de-emphasizes what kids really need.  It involves churches in unauthorized activities.

8. It involves churches in unauthorized activities.  2 Samuel 7:1-7  Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Cf. Matthew 7:21-23  Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

9. What’s wrong with this?  It de-emphasizes what kids really need.  It involves churches in unauthorized activities.  Is disengages parents from the process.

10. Parents are disengaged.  Who are “youth ministers?”  Young guys fresh out of school in skinny jeans and a good haircut who haven’t figured it out yet.  Proverbs 4:1-4, 22:6, Titus 2:4-5, Ephesians 6:4

11. What’s wrong with this?  It de-emphasizes what kids really need.  It involves churches in unauthorized activities.  Is disengages parents from the process.  Doesn’t help kids remain faithful.

12. Doesn’t help kids remain faithful.  Youth ministry is based on a dim view of kids.  It draws them with carnal rather than spiritual  “What you draw them with, you convert them to.”  John 6:26, 44-45, 53-58, 66

13. What’s wrong with this?  It de-emphasizes what kids really need.  It involves churches in unauthorized activities.  Is disengages parents from the process.  Doesn’t help kids remain faithful.

14. Obey the gospel today!  Believe – John 3:16  Confess – Romans 10:10  Repent – 2 Peter 3:9  Be Baptized – 1 Peter 3:21  Be Faithful – Matthew 7:21