There has been a lot of talk in the media about the youth turning to God. To Jesus Christ. Below is a headline from last weekend in a local paper:

PDX Crusade, a three-show event held Aug. 2-3, drew more than 45,000 people to the Moda Center for free musical worship, prayer and biblical teaching. Organized by Brett Meador, senior pastor of West Linn’s Athey Creek Church, event organizers say PDX Crusade aimed to bring hope back to the city of Portland.

Our country has a history of “revivals” or “great awakenings.” I’m wondering if that is taking place right now. I understand entire football teams have turned to Christ and have been telling their fellow students about seeking him and turning back to God.

It seems there is a hunger for for authentic faith. It happened in our country earlier as well.

The First Great Awakening took place and helped unite the colonies prior to the Revolutionary War. It also resulted in founding the Universities of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Columbia, Brown, Rutgers, and Dartmouth.

The Second Great Awakening took place in the early 1800s which sparked the beginning of the end of slavery in our country. It affected the students at Yale, where a third of the students experienced conversion, with many entering the ministry. The movement fueled movements to reform prisons, care for the handicapped and mentally ill, found hospitals, care for immigrants and work to end slavery.

This morning I read of Josiah, a young king in Judea, who at age sixteen, turned to the God of David. (See 2 Chronicles 34 and 2 Kings 22). When he read the scriptures, he was moved to turn to God and tell the people about Him. For a time, the people repented and worshipped God. It seems when the youth turn to God, they affect others’ attention to God.

Are we in a Third Great Awakening in our country? I pray that it might be true. In the Psalms, it says: “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.” 

It sounds like we each must tell the next generation for them to know. What are you doing to teach the next generation?

I like what different passages promise how if we seek God, we can find him: “If you seek him, you will find him” (1 Chronicles 28:9).” I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord“(Jeremiah 24:7). In the New Testament, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world” (James 4:8).

I am hopeful that there will be a change in this upcoming generation who will lead our churches, our communities, and our nation.

What are you doing to tell the next generation? We can begin by praying for our youth. And then tell them, just as King Josiah of long ago.

“Lord, I realize I am sometimes lazy in only seeking my comfort and worship of You. Give me opportunity and strength to tell the next generation–children, grandchildren, great grandchildren–about You and how believing in You brings life and hope–and eternal life with You. If only we believe, repent, and accept You into our lives. May that be so. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”

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Below is a group from West Coast Baptist Choir. Their youth and enthusiasm gives me hope and I pray for you as well. Listen to these college age kids, “I Speak Jesus.”  It’s inspiring!