Kindling the Flames of this Generation

January 2024.

Many started the new year off with resolutions. Going to the gym? Check. Drinking water? Check. Reading my Bible? Check. Waking up earlier? Check. No more sodas? Check. The list of resolutions are honestly endless. However, for 55,000 young adults, the year started off by gathering inside the Mercedes Benz stadium. A place typically used for hosting artists such as Taylor Swift or Beyonce. The home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Yet, this week... This week was different. This week it was filled with an army.

Yes, you read that right. An army of 55,000. Now, I've been thinking long and hard about this number 55,000. As you can see, it is a roaring sea of people. Yet, I wanted to know more. I am not one to believe in coincidence-

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God,[a] for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11

I believe fully that if we pay attention to the details around us, we would see the work of God in every simple, yet extraordinary moment. And so, I stopped. I paused to sit on that number. I asked the question... "What does it mean biblically?" Well, it actually doesn't seem to be mentioned. BUT... the number 55 snatches our attention.

There are only two books of the Bible that have more than 55 books. They include: Psalms + Isaiah

Psalm 55 is a heartfelt outcry to God from David. As you read Psalm 55, you can sense the distress that David is in at this time. David shares his desire to escape it all. To fly away. To hide away. To just get out of this situation. Yet, the end of this chapter, we see David casting his cares upon God and placing his trust in Him.

As I read Psalm 55, I couldn't help but think of the mental health crisis that has become its own plague on this generation. Much like David, there are those among us that have cried out to God wanting an escape from it all. Can you imagine?

What if, like David, they cast those cares upon God?

What if, like David, they put their trust in God?

55,000 young adults.

55,000 young adults stood boldly this week in a stadium declaring just that.

Songs such as "Firm Foundation," "He Who Is To Come." and "I"ve Witnessed It" were among those anthems. Why? Because Like David, this is a generation in pursuit of the heart of God. They know Who their future is in. They know Who their hope is in.

They believe for it, hope in it, and are passionately living to tell it.

Isaiah 55 is an invitation.

As it begins with the words, "All who are thirsty, come to the waters."

That however is not where it ends.

But let's stop for a moment, because I think it is important to note here that 55,000 young adults were thirsty for the Word of God. They walked for miles up and down the streets of Atlanta this week, climbed what seemed like 50 flights of stairs a session, braved the cold as they waited in lines that can only be comparable to herds of cattle. Yet, they did all of that, so they could hear the gospel.

Many may be under the impression that they received a fluffy, feel-good sermon... but no. These young adults were taught the undeniable, TRUE Word of God. Truth that challenged them, convicted them, grew them, changed them, and set them out on mission to take the gospel back to college campuses, work spaces, dorm rooms, homes, to families, and to friends. This generation doesn't want fluff, they want TRUTH.

They are thirsty for it and boy did they come to the waters in efforts to receive it.

Interestingly enough, the same David that wrote Psalm 55, is also mentioned in Isaiah 55.

Still believe in coincidence?

Yes, God promises Isaiah the same faithful love He promised David.

Don't believe me? Read Isaiah 55:3.

It is then followed by these verses:

"See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,

    a ruler and commander of the peoples.

 Surely you will summon nations you know not,

    and nations you do not know will come running to you,

because of the Lord your God,

    the Holy One of Israel,

    for he has endowed you with splendor.”

Isaiah 55:4+5

The 55,000 young adults not only thirsted for God. They became witnesses of His goodness. With a goal of raising $1 million to have an entire Bible translated for a people group in Peru that has never held a Bible written in their own language before. Not only did these "broke college students" meet that goal, but they doubled it plus some.

Now, I would say all of these connections are absolutely amazing because they are...

But what if I told you there is more?

In most modern Bibles, the 55th book of the Bible is none other than 2 Timothy. This is a book written by Paul to young Timothy and honestly, this is the real purpose in this blog today. You see, Titus 2 tells us:

2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Paul discipled, challenged, encouraged, and taught Timothy what it looked like to follow God wholeheartedly. How so? By setting an example much like Titus instructs us to do. But let's look at Paul's words to Timothy.

1. Paul expressed his gratitude for Timothy. (2 Tim. 1:3-5)

2. Reminded Timothy to fan the flame. (2 Tim. 1:6)

3. Reminded Timothy of the Spirit of God within us: gives us power, self-discipline, & love. (2 Tim. 1:7)

4. Encouraged him to not be ashamed. (2 Tim. 1:8)

5. Reminds him of his calling + purpose. (2 Tim. 1:9)

6. Shares the realness, rawness, and genuine sufferings of his own journey to encourage perseverance + hope. (2 Tim. 1:11-13)

7. Encouraged him to accept help from the Holy Spirit + to guard what had been given to him. (2 Tim. 1:14)

8. Makes Timothy aware of abandonment, isolation, and loneliness that may (will) come while instilling the importance of friends in ministry. (2 Tim. 1:15-18)

9. Places emphasis on remaining STRONG in the grace of Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 2:1)

10. Encourages suffering, [like a good soldier of Christ] 2 Tim. 2:3)

11. Tells Timothy not to get tangled up in affairs, but please his commanding officer (Jesus). (2 Tim. 2:4)

12. Directs Timothy to follow the rules + be fair. (2 Tim. 2:5+6)

13. Again, he shares about the reality of sufferings that he has faced, but makes sure Timothy is aware that JESUS is WORTH it ALL. (2 Tim. 2:8-13)

The instructions, advice, discipling of young Timothy continues on throughout the book of 2 Timothy. However, as it speaks to the young adult (Timothy), it also reveals the appropriate format for discipleship by the older adult (Paul).

Paul sees something in Timothy.

He sees a young man that can and will carry the flame.

He sees a young man that can and will share the gospel.

He sees a young man that can and will preach, teach, and minister to the lost.

He sees a young man that will keep his head up in all situations.

He sees a young man that will endure hardships.

He sees a young man that will do the work of an evangelist.

He sees a young man that will carry out the duties of the ministry.

It is because Paul sees this in Timothy that he pours into Timothy. He not only preaches at Timothy, but walks with him. Holds relationship with him. Models it for him.

55,000 young adults are ON FIRE for the gospel right now.

Passion 2024 lit a flame that needs kindling so that it will not burn out and fall by the wayside. Church, it is our job. It is our responsibility to be the Pauls to their Timothys.

To see in them what others may over look due to their age.

We didn't talk about 1 Timothy, but in that letter, Paul tells Timothy to not let anyone look down on him because of his youth. Yet, many church members look down on our youth and our young adults simply because of their age, their preferences, and their culture.

But let me tell you, this week, I witnessed young adults and leaders that SEE them for who God says they are AND lives were CHANGED. Futures were redirected.

I believe with my entire being that this generation will shift the trajectory of the world back to the Creator, the Author, the Almighty, the King of Kings, the Great I Am.

I encourage you to not derail the Jesus train these students boarded this week. Instead, let us find a student or two, or maybe even three and begin to disciple them.

Let's start here:

Instead of asking your young adults, how was Passion?

Ask:

What truths in God's Word spoke to you at Passion?

Y'all raised $2.5 million in just 2.5 days?! Can you explain what the money helps with? Who is Leo? He did what? For who?

Is this a project our church can be a part of?

Are there any projects you would want our church to serve + be a part of?

How can the church make it happen or assist you in that?

I know you're leaving for college soon, but how can your local church help you while you are away? Do you mind if I send you daily scriptures or check in on you spiritually from time to time?

Do you have an accountability partner? If not, we'd love to help you find one.

Do you have a mentor? Would you be interested in us finding you a mentor?

How can I pray for you?

Instead of making derogatory comments about this generation, instead:

PREACH the TRUTH in LOVE.

SET the EXAMPLE.

EXPRESS your GRATITUDE.

REMIND them to FAN the FLAMES.

REMIND them of their PURPOSE + CALLING.

Make sure they know HE is WORTH IT.

BE REAL.

SEE who God SEES.

SHOW them that you BELIEVE in THEM.

The young are not the future of the Church. They are the Church, just as you are the Church. We are meant to walk in this together. Let us do as such. Let us work together.

Think of what God will do through us if we are only obedient in His requests of us.

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good."

Titus 2:7