See... And Hear.

On this past Sunday, Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene's morning services were led by our children and teenagers.

We are blessed to be in an environment where the act of worship, the art of worship, and the heart of worship are not novelties in the lives of the young people who attend our church. Though much of the adult population never sees it, our children and youth regularly experience authentic worship and community. Every Sunday, as the adults are in the main sanctuary, the next generation is in different areas of our campus. For our teenagers, their experience of God is not relegated to just a couple of hours on a Sunday. They meet corporately on Friday nights, and they hold the advantage of being encouraged and held accountable daily through the use of social media. Our children are learning to worship, and they are leading in worship. But, most importantly, they are in love with the living God.

The power of God was present as our teenagers encouraged us through a spoken word presentation. They exhorted us to appropriate the power of God, to rest in His promises, and to trust Him even as we experience difficulties along our Christian journey. My prayer is that we who are older will be wise enough, and humble enough, to take note and learn from this next generation of believers.

Will we, publicly, fearlessly, speak of the power of God to heal and deliver?

Will we engage in authentic, exuberant, extravagant worship and praise of our King?

Will we rest in God’s promises, unshaken by the storms that may rage around us?

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-4)

All Scripture references are from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.