Benediction

On Sunday mornings we meet in a gymnasium for church. We sing hymns and listen to scripture readings. We greet each other. People share concerns and we pray. Our pastor gives a sermon, a lesson from the Bible. We sing a closing him and then pastor gives a benediction, quoting from the Bible.

Here is a benediction recorded in Hebrews. Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21

It is a blessing to meet with believers. We are on a journey of faith together. During the week some of us meet for Bible study and prayer. We are helping each other become more like the person God created us to be.

Over the past two weeks I have been making my way through a book that focuses on the younger generation. The book is titled What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God. Gen Z includes young men and women born from 1997 to 2012. 

The environment that I grew up in is very different from the environment they are experiencing. Gen Z has questions about God, and the book focuses on communicating well. This is an area where I can learn and do better.

Points that I have picked up are: listen well, ask questions and turn to the Bible together. The author often suggests approaching questions with the lens of Gen Z. Tanita Maddox gives examples of reading the encounters that Jesus had with various people. How did he respond?

Maddox found that she received new insights as she listened, looked into scripture with a new perspective, guided by the Holy Spirit. The Bible has answers for everyone seeking God.

Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday community of writers. Kate’s prompt is: BENEDICTION Also linking with Sweet Tea and Friends.