Ancient Words For Today - 64
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:4-10
What a wonderful scripture! It assures us of salvation by God's grace (unmerited favor) through faith in Christ along with God's promise of a blessed future for those who have put their trust in Him. God loves us, has made us spiritually alive through Christ, and promised that we will one day join Him in Heaven where, through the ages to come, God will show us the exceeding riches of His grace and kindness. This scripture also reveals that we were created by God with a special purpose. He has planned good works for each of us to perform and has ordained that we should accomplish them!
Many children and young adults question whether there is any purpose for their life. In fact, many mature adults have the same question. For decades, school teachers have been barraging students with the theory that man evolved from the apes, and earlier in the evolutionary chain from the primordial ooze itself, and that there is no God or creator. With this teaching agenda being so prevalent it is no wonder that so many of today's youth feel there is no purpose for their life and have no hope for any future after death. Understandably they can become anxious or depressed, turning to drugs as a means to cope or manifesting their discontent and hopelessness in anger, rebellious and violent acts, ignoring God's commandments and living as though there is no God.
What a tremendous difference the light of Christ can make by brightening the dark and hopeless lives of these young people. It is very important that we take advantage of every opportunity to share the gospel with them and tell them that God is real, He loves them, that there is a purpose for their life and they can have a bright future and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Perhaps one of the good works that God has ordained for your life is to reach out in this way to the young persons God has placed in your life. Perhaps this may mean sharing your faith with your very own children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, or the children of friends, neighbors or people in groups that you attend. Perhaps God will use you to make a difference in their lives by turning them towards God and His truth.
Dear Heavenly Father, please give us a heart for young people who have not heard the good news. Give us opportunities to share our faith with them and prepare us to answer their questions through Your Word of Truth. Please draw them to you that they might find salvation, the purpose for their life and the blessed hope for their future. Amen.