Youth Conference - 2014: Session - 5 : Q & A Session
This is live broadcast of the Bangalore Youth Conference at Christian Fellowship Church, Bangalore from 5nd Oct to 6th October 2014.
Summary
The speaker addresses difficult topics raised by the youth, focusing heavily on sexual sin and relationships. He advises that if one has sinned sexually, they must confess it to God and apologize to the person involved. For future relationships, the speaker recommends praying about a potential partner, but ultimately advises seeking counsel from church elders before making any decisions. The overarching theme is grounding one's understanding of truth in God's Word.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How do I handle sexual sin and its aftermath with a friend?Confess sexual sin entirely to God and develop a true hatred for it, and if possible, confess and apologize to the person involved and avoid each other to prevent falling again.
Is it okay to pray for a believer to be a life partner?It is acceptable to pray about someone you find attractive and spiritual, provided you are of an eligible age for marriage and submit the desire entirely to God's will.
Making God's word your only definition of truthAfter experiencing a bad relationship or sin, you must make Scripture your foundation of truth, trusting God's instantaneous cleansing upon repentance.
Navigating friendships and the tug-of-war with the worldInteractions with non-Christian friends are a spiritual tug-of-war between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light, requiring you to guard your devotion to Jesus.
Obey your leaders and submit to themBelievers should be accountable to spiritual elders who watch over their souls and will give an account to God for them.Hebrews 13:17
Can I hide information or lie to unbelieving parents to attend church?While lying is generally contrary to God's will, hiding information from unbelieving parents to protect oneself from persecution and continue attending church can sometimes be done with a clear conscience.
How do we know God has forgiven us after we repent?God instantly cleanses confessed sin because the penalty was fully paid on Calvary, and He remembers our sins no more.
Can God use past failures and their consequences for good?God can take the physical and spiritual consequences of past mistakes and work them together for good to conform you to the image of Jesus.Romans 8:28
Forgetting the past and pressing on like the Apostle PaulInstead of being paralyzed by past failures, believers must forget what lies behind and reach forward to what Christ laid hold of them for.
The promise of complete forgiveness in the New CovenantUnder the New Covenant established through Jesus, God promises to write His law on our hearts and remember our iniquities and sins no more.
How to remember and retain what we hear from God's wordCombat distractions and a poor memory by actively capturing wandering thoughts and making a daily choice to soak in God's mercy and loving-kindness.
How to achieve true unity in the body of ChristBelievers maintain unity by adopting the mind of Christ, putting aside selfishness and conceit, and looking out for the interests of others with humility.
The difference between judging a person and discerning a spiritWhile judging assigns guilt and looks down on others, spiritual discernment allows you to recognize opposing spiritual influences with compassion and prayer.Matthew 7:1–5
How to overcome spiritual pride when serving in the churchWhen proud thoughts arise after performing service or ministry, acknowledge the struggle, battle the pride continuously, and keep allowing God to use you.
