free resources for youth pastors:

KTL 02 – Why Jesus is the Center (mp3)

            When it comes to teaching teens how to preach and teach the Word, they have to first understand the whole goal of the Word.  So many people feel like they can’t possibly remember every sermon they hear from week to week at church.  Others think that sermons are just different topics of self-help every week from their pastor as a counselor.  So, we must first of all focus students onto the focus of the Word: the glory of Christ.

            Before we get into all that, it is helpful to walk students through the many different purposes of preaching that exist today.  You’ll be surprised to go through these:  Best Life:  live your life for God and He will make your life better, healthier, wealthier.  Morality:  the Bible is written to give us tips and outlines for how to live as better people.  Fire and Brimstone:  many preachers preach the fear of hell, Satan, and sin every Sunday.  Fame: popularity and money drive many to preach merely in a way others love to hear.  Liberals: the Bible isn’t fully true, but it is just a book of literature to teach us about faith.  Educator: focusing on the lexical definition of every Word from the original language.  Watered down:  everything just comes down to God’s love for all humanity.  False Gospel:  The Bible isn’t ultimately about Jesus Christ, but its about anything else.   Continue reading →