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There are many ways we can help our youth. We could give them an allowance or buy them a car. But what if we did something different? What if we gave them something that would change their lives forever?
The world is a difficult place for our young people today, and there is so much pressure on them to be successful, to do well in school, and to have all the right things, like new clothes or nice cars.
But what if we taught them that they already have everything they need? What if we showed them how to be happy with what they have?
That’s why I’m going to share some of my favorite sermons with you today—sermons about being content with where you are in life, even when things seem like they’re falling apart around you.
Right here on Churchgists, you are privy to a litany of relevant information on short powerful sermons for youth, heart touching sermons for youth, faithful youth sermon, and so much more. Take the time to visit our Website for more information on similar topics.
Sermon Topic: The Power of Faithful Youth
Matthew 19:14 – “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'”
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to discuss the importance of faithful youth in our church congregation. As we look to the Word of God, we see that Jesus himself valued the innocence and faith of children. He welcomed them with open arms and encouraged them to come to him without hesitation.
1 Timothy 4:12 – “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”It is clear from this verse that being young does not disqualify us from being faithful followers of Christ. In fact, as youth, we are called to set an example for others in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Our actions and attitudes can have a powerful impact on those around us, leading them closer to God.
Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
As parents, teachers, and mentors, it is our responsibility to guide the youth in our congregation towards a life of faithfulness to God. By instilling biblical values and truths in their hearts from a young age, we are preparing them to walk in the ways of the Lord for the rest of their lives.
Psalm 119:9 – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.”One of the keys to maintaining a faithful and pure life as a youth is to constantly be in the Word of God. By meditating on his teachings and following his commands, we are able to stay on the path of righteousness and avoid the traps of sin that can lead us astray.
| Faithful in Speech | Faithful in Conduct | Faithful in Love |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” | Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” | 1 Corinthians 13:13 – “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” |
Let us strive to be faithful in every aspect of our lives, showing others the love of Christ through our words and actions. As we continue to grow in our faith, may we inspire those around us to do the same, leading them closer to the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Short Powerful Sermons for Youth
The Power of Faith
One of the key messages that we should convey to our youth is the importance of having faith in God. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus tells his disciples, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”This verse teaches us that even the smallest amount of faith can move mountains. It reminds us that with God, all things are possible. We should encourage our youth to have faith in God and trust in His plan for their lives.
The Power of Prayer
Another important message for our youth is the power of prayer. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, the apostle Paul writes, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”This verse reminds us that we should pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to God and allows us to communicate with Him. We should teach our youth the importance of prayer and encourage them to pray regularly.
The Power of Love
Lastly, we should teach our youth about the power of love. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, the apostle Paul describes love, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This passage teaches us what true love looks like and how we should strive to love one another. Love is a powerful force that can overcome any obstacle. We should encourage our youth to love one another as Christ has loved us.
As we teach our youth about the power of faith, prayer, and love, we are empowering them to live out their faith in a powerful way. May they be inspired to have unwavering faith, to pray without ceasing, and to love one another as Christ has loved us. Let us continue to guide and support our youth as they grow in their relationship with God.
Heart Touching Sermons for Youth
Topic
The Importance of FaithToday, I want to talk to you about the importance of faith, especially for the youth of our congregation. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it can be easy to lose sight of our faith. But as Christians, we must remember that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God.
One of the most powerful examples of faith in the Bible is the story of Abraham. In Genesis 22:1-14, we see how Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God’s plan even when it seemed impossible. This story teaches us that faith requires obedience and trust, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Staying Strong in the Face of TemptationAs young people, we are often faced with temptations that can lead us astray from our faith. But we must remember the words of 1 Corinthians 10:13, which reminds us that God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. With His strength, we can overcome any temptation that comes our way.One of the best ways to stay strong in the face of temptation is to surround ourselves with positive influences. Proverbs 13:20 tells us that “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” By choosing friends who share our faith and values, we can help each other stay on the right path.Living a Life of Purpose
Finally, as young Christians, we must remember that we are called to live a life of purpose. In Jeremiah 29:11, God promises, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse reminds us that God has a specific plan for each of us, and it is up to us to seek His guidance in fulfilling that purpose.Let us remember that our faith is not just a set of beliefs, but a way of life. As we navigate the challenges of youth, let us lean on God’s strength and guidance to help us stay true to our faith and live a life that honors Him.
Encouraging Sermons for Youth
Encouraging Sermons for Youth aim to uplift and motivate young individuals to persevere in their faith journey and overcome the obstacles they face. These sermons provide words of affirmation, hope, and inspiration, reminding young people of their inherent worth and potential in Christ. Encouraging sermons often focus on nurturing spiritual growth, promoting healthy relationships, and cultivating a positive mindset rooted in God’s truth. One such encouraging sermon topic could center around the biblical concept of being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). The sermon can emphasize the unconditional love of God and highlight the unique gifts, talents, and purpose that each young person possesses. By embracing their God-given identities, the sermon can encourage the youth to walk confidently in their individuality and make a positive impact in their communities. Creative Youth Sermons Youth Sermon Topics Sermon on Youth Challenges Sermon for Youth Revival Short Sermon Topics for Youth
Heart Touching Sermons For Youth
There are times when you feel like you’re just not good enough.
We have an amazing team of writers who are experts at helping youth find their way. We’ve been featured in several major publications, and our articles have been read by over 20 million people. And we’re not done yet! We have more great content coming soon, so stay tuned for more updates on our blog!
Youth is a time of great change. It’s a time when you’re trying to figure out who you are, what you want to do with your life, and how you can make a difference in the world. We know that it can be hard sometimes—you’re surrounded by people who have different values and goals than you do, and it’s easy to feel like your dreams aren’t possible or that they’re not worth pursuing.
But we believe that they ARE worth pursuing! And we want to help you get there. That’s why we’ve put together this list of heart-touching sermons for youth—sermons that will inspire you, motivate you, and keep those dreams alive!
Whether it’s giving up hope or finding yourself lost in the dark, these sermons are here for YOU.
You know what I mean—you’re trying to be a better person, and it’s just not working. You want to be more selfless, but you end up being selfish. You want to be kinder, but all you do is lash out at people. You want to be more generous, but you end up hoarding your money or food instead of giving it away.
It feels like no matter how hard you try, something always gets in the way of you being the person that God wants you to be.
But here’s the thing: that’s not true! God doesn’t expect us to be perfect—He just wants us to try our best each day (and then He’ll help us grow from there).
Let’s face it: being a teenager is hard. You’re trying to find your place in the world, and you’re constantly bombarded with information about what you should be doing and how you should act. It’s no wonder so many teens feel lost. That’s why we’re here to help!
Heart Touching Sermons For Youth Pdf
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List of Heart Touching Sermons For Youth By Popular Authors
Framing Values – Part B (3 of 8)
by James Merritt
We are continuing to make progress on our Extreme Home Makeover as you can see and the framing is coming right along. Last week we talked about framing values for your children. Today, I want to talk about framing values for your teenagers. Have you listened to teenagers talk recently? I want to be honest and tell you that I suffer from TLD – Teenage Language Deficiency. If you have listened to your teenager talk lately, you know that their favorite word now is ”like”. I counted up one time and Joshua, my son, used the word” like” – 58 times in 21 seconds.2. Teen speak is almost a foreign language. Let me give you some….
The Testimony of a Teenager
by Ken Trivette
Two mother’s of teenage daughters were talking. One mother said, ”My daughter doesn’t tell me anything. I’m a nervous wreck.” The second mother said, ”My daughter tells me everything, and I’m a nervous wreck.” 2. One mother said she was worried about her teenage daughter and son failing eyesight. She said her daughter couldn’t find anything to wear in a closet full of clothes, and her son couldn’t find anything to eat in a refrigerator full of food. As we all know, there are many more problems facing teenagers than ”failing eyesight.” Listen to a few facts and figures about teen’s. After 16 years of decline, the teen…
The Choices of Youth
by Stan Coffey
I want you to take your Bible today and turn to Daniel chapter 1. I wanted to bring a message today that I thought would be of particular significance to those who are graduating and to our young people. We’re so proud of you. We’re so thankful for you. We praise God for you and for the achievement you have made and for all that you have meant to our church. Our prayers are with you and your future in whatever you do.In Daniel chapter 1 there is a story about a teenager who made a decision that changed not only his life, but his decision changed the destiny of the world and the destiny of a people. We’re going to talk about the choice that Daniel made, the choices of youth. You know…
Building a Youth Ministry That Stays Fresh and Flourishes
by Frank Damazio
INTRODUCTION: A youth ministry grows because of supernatural activity, thus growth is accomplished through the Holy Spirit. A youth ministry growing spiritually and numerically is a by-product of a right relationship with the Lord of the church. The health and spiritual depth of a youth ministry cannot be measured by methods, models, programs, marketing strategies, or organizational structure. The real issue is the supernatural empowering of the youth ministry which occurs when it dwells in right relationship with its head, the Lord Jesus. The spiritual integrity and character of the youth ministry will ultimately…
The Decision of Youth
by Jerry Vines
Life is a series of decisions. Every day of your life you live on the basis of the decisions that you make. You make literally hundreds of decisions every day. You decide what you are going to do that day. You make a decision about how your are going to respond or react to the things that come to you. Life, everyday of our life, is a series of decisions. What I am tonight is on the basis of the decisions that I made in my past. What I am going to be tomorrow will be determined by the decisions I make today. Life is a series of decisions. Interestingly enough most of the major decisions of your life are made while you are…
Youth in America Today
by Nelson Price
Jesus Christ gave new dignity to the home when He, the Son of God, chose it as the environment into which He came when He visited earth. Marriage was the first institution established by God. Little wonder that it is a primary object of attack today. Thus, with marriage as the basis the home was the institution initially established by God. One of the most strategic roles played by any human being is that of a parent. It is a challenge to be cherished. Let’s explore some realms of family life you may never have considered. Let’s take a look at youth in America today. Let me urge you not to stop listening until this…
Message to Young People on Sowing and Reaping
by Jesse Hendley
Now friends, if you have your Bibles, I would like for you to turn with me to Galatians 6:7, and I want to speak to you today about YOUNG PEOPLE and the challenge of SIN being made to their hearts today. This is a WARNING message, along the lines that I have been preaching to youth on Youth Nights in my revival meetings. My subject is ”Sin, Sex, or the Saviour?” It is a PLAIN message, a message of WARNING TO YOUTH. In the Southern Baptist Convention last year I heard men speak very plainly against SIN that is ruining our nation, sapping the spiritual strength of our people, and leading us down to ruin. One…
Youth Faith
by Roger Thomas
Introduction: I want to talk about church camp today. I do so for a number of reasons. As with many churches, camp has always been a big part of this congregation’s ministry to young people. How many of you here today attended church camp when you were younger. My kids and grandkids all attend camp. I did too back in the Stone Age. I have been involved in camp for most of my life. I would hate to think where and what I would be today if it were not for the positive influence of church camp. Camp was what ignited my faith in Christ and love for the Bible. I know that’s true for many of you. What’s camp like? What happens….
Outsiders Education (5 of 9)
by Steve Jones
Introduction: I want you to do a little imagination exercise with me this morning. While I’m delivering this message, after the message during the song service, and after the services as people are mingling around I want you to look around at the children and teens that are here among us. Many of them will be familiar faces. They are the faces of our friends’ sons and daughters. They are the friends that our children bring home after youth group. They are OUR children…the ones who have been faithfully following us to church, in some cases for years. Now, imagine that two-thirds of them, the boys and girls, the kids who…
A Teenager Who Made a Difference
by Miles Seaborn
INTRO. An airline pilot has defined flying as ”hours and hours of absolute boredom and monotony mixed with a few moments of sheer panic.”Now when we think about raising teenagers the opposite of that definition seems to be appropriate. ”Hours and hours of sheer panic mixed with a few seconds of boredom and monotony.”But for Jeanne and I and many other parents teenagers became our favorite years of family life. One of the things I appreciate about teens is that they are too impressed with theory, they much prefer reality – real life people who face real-to-life issues. Teens! What they need are models that…
How to Live a G-Rated Life in an X-Rated World
by Brad Whitt
INTRO: I want you to take your bibles now this morning and be finding your place at Psalm 119 if you will. I’m really excited to have Chad Hall and our Ignite Student Ministry with us this morning. They’ve been together since Friday afternoon for a Disciple Now weekend. They’ve worshipped together and learned together and eaten together. They’ve stayed up late and gotten up early. They’ve shared with each other what the Lord is doing and wants to do in their lives. They’ve driven their leaders half crazy, and all of this fun and fellowship has been geared around the theme of “a passion for purity.” I hope and I pray that you have a passion for purity. James defines purity as…
Finding the Family Altar (3 of 5)
by Ron Cox
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! I would like to deal with a subject that is all but forgotten by many in our country today. So neglected in fact that it is often not even thought of by many especially in the church! The evangelicals! The Bible believing, bible teaching people that are saved and on their way to heaven.Questions: How many believe the bible is the only source of truth…that it is God’s…
Respect Authority
by David Cawston
A basic law for any society to survive is that there must authority and respect for authority. Authority is really earned. It is given by position.It’s power is earned through fear and trust. Fear or respect is the beginning of authority. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”(NKJ) 2. Trust is the objective of authority. That is why the writer of Proverbs writes this progression in Proverbs 3:1-6 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy…
Honoring Father and Mother
by Adrian Rogers
Be finding the book of Exodus please. Chapter twenty. That brings us to that wonderful passage that we know as the Ten Commandments. Exodus chapter twenty. We’re talking on this subject, ”Treasuring Family Values.” Somebody has said that a cynic is somebody who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. We live in a cynical age and there are those, many of them who do not know family values and certainly they do not treasure family values. I think you’d have to agree with me that there has been an all-out assault on the home and Satan has masterminded it because the home is the basic unit of society. As we said before…
Honor Thy Parents
by Stan Coffey
Praise God. Amen. Praise the Lord. What a great time we’ve had in the Lord today. I thank Him for the way He has blessed our church with so much talent and with such willing people – the orchestra, the choir and all the praise team. Everyone did such a good job making this a special Mother’s Day. You know, in our church we want to reach everybody with the gospel – the young, the old, rich, poor, saved, lost. That’s why we do different kinds of music so don’t miss a Sunday because on the Sunday you miss we’re going to be doing your kind. It won’t be the same every week. It’s going to be different. Just be patient with…
Dads, Moms, and Kids (5 of 9)
by Ernest Easley
We are learning these days from Exodus 20: God’s Guidelines for Building a Godly Home! More important than building a business, building a career, building a nest egg is building Godly Homes! You may become the President of the largest company in this city and have great power and influence, but if you’ve not pointed your children to Jesus Christ, you’ve not succeeded. But on the other hand, you may never become a big success in the world’s eyes, you may never accumulate a mass fortune, but if you’ve pointed your children to Jesus Christ and built a godly home, you are successful! I would rather fail as a…
Making Peace with Your Parents (5 of 10)
by Eric McQuitty
”A society that destroys the family destroys itself” (Joy Davidman). Introduction: What shall we do with imperfect parents? Honor them! One of the bitterest pills grown children have to swallow is the realization is that their parents are not perfect. When you were born, your mom and dad were the center of your universe–the source of your security, the object of your love. But as you grew, that idyllic scenario cracked as you found the fault lines in their lives. Maybe you first suspected your parents’ imperfection by things they said. Did they ever tell you that if you played with matches, you’d wet the bed? Or that if you…
Heart Touching Sermons For Youth Pdf
Sermons for Youth is one of the most important things in our life, it helps us to connect with God and his words. It’s a way we get to see what he has planned for us, and how we can be a better person for him.
Encouraging Sermons For Youth
10 MINUTE SERMON TOPIC:
Burden for the Lost
KEY OBJECTIVES:
This lesson introduces students to what it means to develop a genuine burden for those who don’t know Christ.
SCRIPTURE:
Romans 9:1-5
MAIN POINTS
- Discovering a burden for the lost.
- Seeing people as God sees them encourages students to find something in common with others that will lessen the burden on the lost.
- What stops you from sharing the gospel?
- I’m scared of rejection, I don’t know enough, and I haven’t thought about the consequences—these are common reasons that stop students from sharing the gospel.
- So Now What?
- Pray for the lost.
- Ask God for a burden.
- Show that you care.
SAMPLE ILLUSTRATION
Your church is full of people who know Christ because someone saw them as God did. Someone reached out, took a risk, and shared the story of Christ with them. Have a person share a short testimony of their faith and talk about who it was that reached out to them and saw them from God’s perspective. This would be a great encouragement/challenge to have a student share in this way. Keep in mind, you may have to plan ahead to do this. If you can’t schedule someone to share, consider sharing your own story, or even searching on the internet for a short video testimony (there are tons!).
Faithful Youth Sermon
Scriptures: Acts 9:10-31
Introduction
Two boys collected a bucket of nuts underneath a great tree inside a cemetery on the outskirts of town. When the bucket was full, they sat down out of sight to divide the spoils.
“One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me,” said one boy, as the other watched intently. Their bucket was so full that some of the nuts had spilled out and rolled toward the fence.
It was dusk, and another boy came riding along the road on his bicycle. As he passed, he thought he heard voices from inside the cemetery. He slowed down to investigate. Sure enough, he heard, “One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.”
The boy with the bike knew just what was happening, and his face went ghostly white. “Oh my,” he shuddered. “It’s Satan and the Lord dividing souls at the cemetery!”
He jumped back on his bike and rode off, desperately looking for a friend. Just around the bend he met an old, scowling man who hobbled along with a cane.
“Come with me, quick!” said the boy. “You won’t believe what I heard! Satan and the Lord are down at the cemetery dividing up the souls!”
The man said, “Beat it, kid, can’t you see it’s hard for me to walk?” When the boy insisted, though, the man hobbled to the cemetery. When they arrived at the fence, they heard, “One for you, one for me. One for you, one for me.”
Ready to have a little fun, the old man whispered, “Boy, you’ve been tellin’ the truth. Let’s go inside, and see if we can see the Devil himself!”
The child was horrified, but the old man was already taking his first step toward the gate. Then they heard, “Okay, that’s the last of them. That’s all. Now let’s go get those two nuts by the fence, and we’ll be done.” They say the old guy made it back to town five minutes ahead of the boy! More than likely, he was looking for a friend.
Most people are constantly looking for friends. Some people are desperately looking for friendship. At times we all stand frozen with fear by the cemetery fence, so to speak, when life shakes us to the core. At times the legs don’t support, and a healthy heart nearly breaks. At times we can barely muster a prayer, and when it comes out, it’s a plea for a friend.
More than likely, you already know the story of Saul’s conversion very well. Whenever we come to a well-known passage of scripture like we have in Acts 9, we might even know the story too well.
Today, try to picture’s Paul’s experience from the vantage point of loneliness. In a matter of three days, Saul became lonelier than he’d ever been. He was probably begging God for a friend.
Saul must have been physically spent when he neared Damascus. He’d traveled some 120 dusty miles to stop the church from growing there. Then, just as the city came into view, just when he was nearing a hot shower and a good meal, Saul had lost his eyesight with one blinding light. All was dark, and all remained dark. With one deafening statement from heaven, he discovered that everything he believed to be true was false. Jesus wasn’t the enemy. Jesus was Lord!
In the darkness, Saul must have expected the very judgment of God. Would he even be allowed to live? In the three dark days that passed, loneliness, grief, and despair became Saul’s roommates.
In the depth of Paul’s loneliness, God was about to reveal the power of a faithful friend. Saul was about to meet, in fact, two of the best friends he’d ever have.
First, the Lord commanded Ananias to go to Saul. Though frightened, Ananias obeyed and became the first friend Saul found in his new family of faith.
Second, Barnabas became Saul’s advocate and friend in Jerusalem. If not for Barnabas, Saul might not have even met the frightened apostles.
Saul never got over the friends he found in Ananias and Barnabas. By becoming those faithful friends, they were about to change the world. It’s impossible to understate the power of a faithful friend, and it’s critically important that we be that friend to people in our lives.
By looking at these irreplaceable friends, we learn five characteristics of a faithful friend.
I. Be there
Have you already been thinking about the best friends you’ve had? If the faces of your favorite people have already come to mind, you’re remembering people who found a way to be with you. Many of them were with you in the routine of life. Maybe you attended class together. Perhaps you grew up in the same home. Maybe it’s a favorite tennis partner or afishing buddy. If you live long enough, the best friends of your life are also those who found a way to be with you during tough times. How many stories would we have today if we told of friends who drove hundreds of miles to be with you, who jumped on an airplane to stand by your side, or those who canceled appointments to join you? The details differ, but one thing is certain about faithful friends; they don’t stop with a phone call, letter, or email. They find a way to be there.
Imagine if you were in real need and you called on your best friend. He or she says, “I can’t help you. They’re showing a rerun of my favorite television show tonight.”
You’d know the truth. That person is not a friend. A friend will be with you, even if he or she must go to great trouble or expense to do so. A faithful friend simply ignores his or her own needs in order to help a friend.
But what if God asked you to befriend an enemy? Well, he has. In half a dozen places in Scripture, Jesus said, ” Love your enemies.” In Luke, Jesus said, “Do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great ” (Luke 6:35).
Ananias almost certainly had a family and a set of faithful friends. He lived in Damascus, kept up with the news, and knew a terrorist named Saul was on the loose.
“Ananias,” said the Lord, “I have a new friend for you.”
Before he fully understood, Ananias simply said, “Yes, Lord.” Before he had the details of the job, before he even knew the question, Ananias gave the correct answer. There’s an entire sermon in that, but for now this simple truth will do: Ananias was willing to become a friend to an enemy, despite his fear.
There is power in a personal visit. Salespeople know that; they sell far more products in person than they do over the phone, through the Internet, or by advertising. Therefore, salespeople get there.
So do faithful friends!
II. Know the power of a gentle touch
Most every culture uses touch in greeting – a handshake, a bear hug, a kiss on the cheek, a kiss on both cheeks! A touch can show sympathy, friendship, trust – sometimes powerful trust.
What a great gift Ananias gave when he came to see Saul for the first time. Luke records it in Acts 9:17: “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul . . .”
Saul had come to Damascus to literally bind the hands of Ananias. Instead, Ananias used those very hands to gently touch Saul. They had both originally anticipated a struggle, a fist-fight, even a battle to the death. Instead, a kind touch is extended from the hunted to the hunter.
Imagine how Saul might have felt before Ananias arrived. He’d had no food or drink for three days, and he likely hadn’t had much human touch. The men he came with would have been frightened at what happened on the road, and they could get no explanation from Saul. After three days, they’d become frustrated. Why, if Saul wanted to sit in the darkness and die of starvation, they couldn’t stop him! He was blind, frightened, and depressed. How simple a solution for Paul’s problem. He needed a friend!
Think of this. Before Saul heard a word from Ananias, a stranger, before he knew the answers to his questions, Saul felt a gentle touch on his shoulder. He turned toward the voice, his blind eyes trying to take in the face of a man who would touch him so kindly.
A faithful friend knows how to hold someone when he or she is hurting, how to communicate love with touch, even restore confidence with a special grip. A faithful friend understands the power of a hug, and isn’t embarrassed to hold on to the hug a little longer than necessary. Don’t underestimate the power of a gentle touch.
And if I look like I need it one day, how about a kiss on both cheeks?
III. Speak the right words at the right time
Here’s a trivia question. What was the second name Saul had in Scripture?
“Paul?” Wrong. Paul is the third name Saul had in Scripture.
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17)
You probably spotted it. The second name Saul had was Brother Saul.
It may not seem like a big deal to us, but you can bet Saul never forgot the day a man called him Brother for the first time. Imagine sitting in darkness for three days without food, drink, or encouragement and suddenly receiving a kind word. What a gift!
A faithful friend says not simply kind words, but the right words at the right time. Ananias shared the truth with Saul in a very gentle way and baptized him. The first person whom Saul saw after he heard the truth of the Holy Spirit was a God-sent friend.
Ananias showered Saul with some of the most precious gifts you can give another human being. He was there for Saul, he touched him like a friend who cared, and he spoke kindly to him, with the right words at the right time.
Over the next several days, he taught Saul, he encouraged him, and he introduced him to more people who had that same touch, that same kindness, that same love born of the Holy Spirit. What wonderful power Saul discovered in Damascus! The first form of that power he discovered was the power of faithful friends.
IV. Don’t waver in your support
In 1967, Stu Webber was in the U.S. Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. It was brutal training for brutal times. The war with Vietnam was the backdrop for the young men trying to survive the heat, humidity, and the rigors of the camp.
Now a pastor and author, Webber writes of the day the raspy voice of the drill sergeant barked out his first, passionate speech. “We are here to save your lives,” he told the young men headed for combat. “First, we’re going to see to it that you overcome all your natural fears. … And second, we are going to show you just how much incredible stress the human mind and body can endure. And when we’re finished with you, you will be the U.S. Army’s best! America’s best. You will be confident. You will survive, even in combat. And you will accomplish your mission!”
Before he dismissed the formation, the sergeant gave Webber and his fellow recruits their first assignment. These guys were ready for anything. They had mentally prepared for a 10-mile run in full battle gear. They’d already envisioned rappelling down a sheer cliff. So what would be the tough guy’s first tough order?
“Find yourself a Ranger buddy,” he growled. “You will stick together. You will never leave each other. You will encourage each other, and, as necessary, you will carry each other.”
It was the army’s way of saying, difficult assignments require a friend. Together is better. (Stu Weber, Locking Arms, Sisters, Ore: Multnomah Books, 1995, 77-78).
During the first week of Saul’s spiritual training camp, he met Barnabas. He had no idea then that God had placed next to him the one man the church had already nicknamed “The Encourager” (Acts 4:36). What a Ranger-type buddy to have!
When Saul left Damascus, he walked back to Jerusalem, apparently learning all he could from the Christians who walked with him. The conversations must have been intense as Saul learned all he could about Jesus.He would have come to Capernaum as he returned to Jerusalem, and Saul would have seen, for the first time, the house where Jesus had lived. In Capernaum, he would have met men and women who had been healed by Jesus. He would have seen the light in their eyes as they told the stories of what had happened on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
All along the way, for more than 120 miles, Saul would have met people who had been changed by Jesus.
Imagine his excitement as he returned to Jerusalem. Finally, he would meet Peter, and John, and James. He’d sit down with Bartholomew, Andrew, and Simon the Zealot, and have dinner with Thomas. He would meet them all, these men who had walked with Jesus. He would tire them out with his questions, he would wait on their every need, he would pour over the Torah with them, looking for the marks of Jesus in the Scripture.
But when he arrived, he couldn’t find a single disciple. Every time he got close to tracking someone down, he found an empty house. Every time he was ready to hold out his hand in friendship, he grasped nothing but air. After a few days, the truth seemed obvious. The disciples were hiding from Saul. They had heard that he’d become a believer, but they didn’t believe it. They were terrified of him (Acts 9:26).
At that point, Saul needed a friend to stand with him, and he didn’t have far to look.
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. (Acts 9:27-28)
What a beautiful example Barnabas was. As it was then, it is today. A faithful friend stands with you, stands up for you, and doesn’t waver in his support. If you’ve found such a friend, you’ve found a great source of power. If you are that friend, God’s power is working through you!
A faithful friend will stay with you.
Barnabas’ friendship wasn’t just short term. When he became a friend to Saul, Barnabas made a commitment for the long haul.
After meeting the disciples, Saul took some time off. He retreated for three years of study, prayer, and reflection, spending some of that time in Tarsus, the town of his birth, some in Arabia, and some back in Damascus (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:17-18). In time, the church wondered what had happened to the passionate convert named Saul. At that point, a friend went to find Saul.
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. (Acts 11:25-26)
Barnabas stayed with Saul for a whole year. And beyond that year, Barnabas stayed with Saul for a lifetime. They started churches together, they grew missionaries together, and they even stayed together in the midst of disagreement. In short, Barnabas was the kind of friend Saul needed, for Saul needed a man to stay with him.
Paul wrote them. What a dynamic, confident, irrepressible, crucial leader.
Flashback now to the day when this same man lay crumpled in the dirt on the outskirts of Damascus. A bright light and an overwhelming Savior had just taken his eyesight, his spiritual foundation, and his emotional health.
As Saul stumbled into the city, he didn’t want food, and he didn’t want water. But he needed a friend. So God reached down to two men and asked them to help change the world. God spoke to Ananias, and to Barnabas, and asked them to be a friend to a man who desperately needed them.
And the world was changed.
God works in simple ways. Somewhere, perhaps today, a person near you needs a faithful friend. If you answer God’s call to be that friend, it might be you who changes the world.
Conclusion
Think about the way Ananias and Barnabas helped change the world. Saul – who became known as Paul – eventually would become the most important missionary in Christian history, a leader the equal of Peter and John in the early church, and the most prolific writer in the New Testament.
How many millions, becoming Christians, have been freed by the concept of salvation by grace, and not by works? How many marriages have been saved by the words of 1 Corinthians 13, “The Love Chapter?” How many anxious hearts have been calmed by the peace that passes all understanding, or the knowledge that God can work good in every situation? God has used those scriptural concepts for centuries, for millions upon millions of believers. I’ve been changed by those words, and you have, too.
