Over the years I have been in pastoral ministry, I have developed a letter I share each year with our graduating seniors. The goal is to fit on one page central truths we pray they will take with them wherever life leads. Here is a summary of what I will be preaching about tomorrow at The Red Brick Church.
Dear Graduate:
Congratulations on your accomplishment!
Since I was a youth pastor, I have tried to think about what I pray our high school graduates will most remember. I deeply pray that wherever you go, you will always remember these things.
Never forget:
- Jesus Christ is the only solution. He paid the penalty for His people. Believe in Him. Receive the gift of eternal life from Him and your sins are forgiven. The alternative is unthinkable (John 3:36). The Gospel (or the Good News About Jesus) is not something just for isolated parts of life, but it should shape how we live in every way. (Read more about the Gospel here).
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Many people think they are Christians when they are not (Matthew 7:21-23). Be sure you know the proper basis for being sure of salvation. The worst words that will ever be heard in human history will be when a group of people stand before Christ thinking they are Christians and find out that they are not. Keep the end in mind. (See how a person can be sure of his salvation).
- There is a need to grow as a Christian. Otherwise, it will be very hard to make good decisions in life. You need a church home. Don’t think you can simply put church on hold for the next few years. During that time, you will make decisions that affect the rest of your life. Do that amid being involved in a good church and growing as a believer
- The Christian life is the blessed or “happy” life. Everything doesn’t always fit together as neatly as you would like in the short run. But Psalm 1 is absolutely true. The person who walks with God is the one who will be blessed. Pursue the joy of Christian life. God promises that you won’t be disappointed (Hebrews 11:6). (See Right and Best and God’s glory and our joy).
- And the way of the sinner is hard. Please don’t be deceived. Don’t buy the lie that you can make wrong choices and not reap the consequences (Galatians 6:7-8). As believers you must make God honoring decisions or you will face the consequences of wrong choices. Choose to sin, choose to suffer (1 Corinthians 10:11).
- The people of the Red Brick Church love you.
In Him,
Pastor Chris Brauns
