About Baptist Youth Sermons

Baptist youth sermons are designed to inspire and lead young people to genuinely desire a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Youth sermons differ from adult sermons in that the young require more hands-on examples of the Lord's work in people's lives in order to grow and strengthen their faith. Baptist youth sermons were once prevalent only in Southern states, but in recent years have spread nationwide.

Significance

Baptist youth sermons are written and delivered with the many temptations faced by young people today in mind. Our world is deluged by the media, and many of the messages it conveys aren't appropriate or conducive to the Baptist belief of spending eternity in Heaven.
Teens and young folks are faced with every day temptations like drugs, alcohol, premarital sex, promiscuity, inappropriate dress, lying, cheating and stealing. Not only does the media display such character traits as being common ones, they glamorize them as well.
Baptist youth sermons help put such temptations into perspective for impressionable youth.

History

The Baptist denomination is under the general umbrella of Christianity. The denomination has been prevalent in the United States for approximately 360 years. Baptists believe that one must truly conform to the teachings and preachings in the Bible in order to live on a righteous path toward spending eternity in Heaven. The first Baptists in this country resided in Rhode Island, and included noted Baptist preacher Roger Williams.

Function

The function of Baptist youth sermons also serves a second major purpose in improving the lives of youth. Since young people enjoy time spent with their friends, they are always encouraged to bring friends to hear these sermons. The aim here is that non-Christian children and teens may feel the pull of Jesus Christ on their heartstrings and long to be saved as well. "Being saved" indicates a professing of belief in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that faith in Him alone is enough merit to gain entry into Heaven. The commitment to such salvation is symbolized by a baptism. In the Baptist church, baptism takes place by immersion in water. Baptist churches have what is called a "baptistry." It is a pool that is filled with water in the event of baptisms. Baptisms may also take place outside in lakes, rivers or the ocean.

Features

Baptist youth sermons typically feature a few major points, including belief in Jesus Christ, belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God and belief that He died and rose again on what we celebrate as Easter Sunday.
In addition, Baptist youth sermons preach the value of repentance. Despite one's previous actions--regardless of their severity--true repentance, including turning away from the act of sinning and making restitution if possible for wrongs committed, will assure salvation.

Features

Baptist youth sermons almost always include an altar call. An altar call is the call by the preacher to come forward at the end of the sermon to renounce one's sins and profess a new-found belief in Jesus Christ. These altar calls are typically followed by a meeting to talk with the newly professed Christians about following a Bible study and planning for a baptism.
Baptist youth sermons encourage youth to become friendly with other like-minded young people. Knowing how easily even saved young people can be led astray, they are urged to join Baptist youth organizations and Sunday School classes. Both of these outlets afford young people the opportunity to take part in activities within and outside the church with other Christians and responsible Christian adult advisers.

Benefits

Baptist youth sermons have been responsible for turning many young people away from vices like drugs, alcohol, violence and other perils that they face on a regular basis. They have been an integral part of growing not only their own church population, but an entire community of Christian believers. Baptist youth sermons have played an important role in young people growing up to be responsible adults.

Resources

• Baptist History
• American Baptist Churches