“If the Kingdom of God is to come in power, we must begin with children and teach them from the cradle.”
This quote is attributed to the Father of the Reformation, German monk and theologian, Martin Luther. He highlights the importance of teaching truths about Christ early in life which, he says, will result in Christ's Kingdom advancing on the earth. Why might that be? Informing and inspiring a ‘baptized imagination’ (Rev. 21:5) is a journey best begun early in life.
While Luther’s comment is directed toward children, the principle applies that the earlier the journey begins, the better. Youth and young adults fall into that category. After 30 years of serving this demographic, I can confidently say that all of them need to see the Gospel lived out in the daily grind of life. This is the primary pedagogical task of those who’ve journeyed further down life’s path with Jesus. Young people need to witness more mature believers who sincerely care about them walking out their daily lives with Christ.
Thankfully, our city is full of those kind of individuals-- servants who are actively investing in young people, living their lives as billboards to the reality that Jesus is real. They are proof He’s changing the world-- one life at a time! For Columbus is helping facilitate gatherings of youth pastors around Greater Columbus to strengthen relational ties, share ideas and resources, and explore ways to collaborate in the great task of reaching and discipling today’s youth. When
their God-given imaginations are informed and inspired by the Scriptures and the Spirit, their lives will discernibly demonstrate the Gospel, and Christ’s Kingdom will advance one life at a time.