#all-in

Summary

Tonight Pastor Daniel spoke passionately to our high school students about the importance of consecration, which means setting oneself apart for God. Drawing from Joshua 3, he emphasized that true Christian living goes beyond just attending church or following rituals. It's about placing Jesus at the center of our lives, surrendering our own desires, and giving God veto power over our decisions. Pastor Daniel encouraged the students to seek a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, urging them to prioritize their faith and trust in God's plans. He challenged them to consecrate themselves fully, believing that amazing things will follow when we put God first. This message was a powerful reminder for all of us about the transformative potential of genuine devotion and obedience to God.

• Dinner Table Discussion Guide

  Here are five dinner table discussion guides you can use throughout this week to get your teens talking through what they’re learning. If your student wasn’t in attendance, allow the Holy Spirit to fill in the blanks when the discussion guide below asks questions from the sermon.

  Discussion Guide 1: Understanding Consecration

  • Question: What does it mean to consecrate ourselves to God?

  • Activity: Read Joshua 3:5 together and discuss how the Israelites possibly prepared themselves for God's wonders. (Another word for consecrate is “purify”)

  • Reflection: Share one area of your life where you can put God first and set yourself apart for Him.

  Discussion Guide 2: Recognizing Potential and Challenges

  • Question: What potential did Pastor Daniel see in the youth group, and what challenges did he acknowledge?

  • Activity: Each family member shares a talent or gift they have and how they can use it for God's glory.

  • Reflection: Discuss ways to overcome challenges like distractions and sin that can hinder our potential.

  Discussion Guide 3: Selfishness vs. True Devotion

  • Question: How did Pastor Daniel describe sin and its impact on our relationship with God?

  • Activity: Identify examples of selfish behavior in daily life and brainstorm how to replace them with acts of devotion.

  • Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you put yourself before God and how you can change that moving forward.

  Discussion Guide 4: Practical Steps to Consecration

  • Question: What practical steps can we take to consecrate ourselves daily?

  • Activity: Create a family plan for daily devotions, prayer time, or Bible study.

  • Reflection: Discuss how giving God veto power over our decisions can positively impact our lives.

  Discussion Guide 5: Preparing for an Amazing Summer

  • Question: What did Pastor Daniel mean by an amazing summer beginning with consecration?

  • Activity: Set family goals for the summer that focus on spiritual growth and serving others.

  • Reflection: Each family member shares one thing they are looking forward to and how they can prepare spiritually for it.

• Sermon Outline

  Introduction:

  • Opening scripture: Joshua 3

  • Mention of the Florida heat and the anticipation of summer

  • Importance of prayer and positive expectations for the summer

  Main Theme: Consecration

  • Definition of consecration: Setting oneself apart for God

  • Key scripture: Joshua 3:5

  • Contrast between sin (selfishness) and true devotion to God

  Recognizing Potential and Challenges:

  • Potential seen in the youth

  • Acknowledgement of lost potential due to sin and distractions

  • Importance of being genuine in faith and not just performing religious rituals

  Understanding Sin and Selfishness:

  • Sin as putting oneself before Jesus

  • Importance of seeking God first

  • Worship and true devotion

  Call to Consecration:

  • Consecration beyond religious activities

  • Consecration as full devotion and dethroning oneself

  • Story of Joshua leading Israel and the call to consecrate

  Practical Steps to Consecration:

  • Daily decisions to put God first

  • Surrendering all aspects of life to God

  • Allowing God to lead and perform amazing things through obedience

  Conclusion:

  • Encouragement to consecrate ourselves for an amazing summer

  • Personal stories and testimonies

  • Call to action: Choose to consecrate and seek God's will in all decisions

  Closing Prayer:

  Prayer for dedication and consecration

  Blessings for the students and their families