Allen Marsh

I wanted to take a few moments to encourage and challenge you in your relationship with Jesus. As your pastor of student ministries, I have one goal for you. I want to see lives changed by the gospel. Your lives, your friends lives,….everyone’s life. The truth is, I want you guys and your friends at school to know and experience Jesus as He really is. This is something that has been on my heart for a long time. Life change happens when we put ourselves in a position to be used by God. So here a question for you: How have you put yourself in a position to be used by God this week? Have you allowed God’s word to change you?

I challenge each of you to spend time in the Gospels this week (That’s Matthew, Mark, Luke and John!). Study how Jesus lived and interacted with people. Jesus loved sinners! And here’s the crazy thing----They loved Him! As followers of Christ, we are to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1). We should seek to live our lives like Christ and following His example, no matter our age, teenager or not. I truly believe life change happens in the context of relationships. I’ll say it again: Life change happens in the context of relationships. Jesus built relationships with people that were “outcast, sinners, had no hope, ect.” He gave them hope and eternal life and a reason to live (He offers the same to you and me today!).

I challenge each of you to develop relationships with people that you know do not have a relationship with Jesus. Become their friend. Follow Jesus’ example. This goes well beyond inviting them to church, which is certainly a great thing. But there’s an element of sharing life together in befriending someone. This can only happen if you develop a real love for people. Ask God to allow you to see other people as He sees them. Jesus loved people (and still does!). Ask God to help you love others as He does.

I challenge you to invest into at least one person. Pray for them. Walk with them. Live out your faith in front of them so that they might come to know Jesus. Invite them to church and let them experience God’s love here. I pray you’ll take these words seriously. I know that not one of us can do this on our own. We will need Jesus’ help. Fortunately, He is here to give it! I also know that unless God has changed your heart, then you won’t share in my strong enthusiasm and passion for seeing lives changed. I pray you will allow God to work in you and live more passionately for Him!

If you have any questions about anything or your own relationship with Jesus, come and chat with me!