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Now Not Later
Published
Opening
Ask your group:
- When you think about the next generation (your kids, students at church, etc.), what excites you? What concerns you?
- Have you ever assumed someone was “too young” or “not ready” for spiritual leadership or discipleship? Why do we tend to think that way?
- Why might it be easier to put off tough spiritual conversations with children or teens?
Overview
Scripture: Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:16–18; Judges 2:10–12
Main Idea:
The Spirit of God is not waiting for the next generation to grow up—He is moving now. We must stop treating their spiritual formation like a “someday” project and start planting seeds of faith today.
Key Insight:
God’s promise in Joel was for “all people”—including sons, daughters, young men, and women. In Acts 2, Peter confirms that this outpouring of the Spirit is already happening. The next generation isn’t sidelined from the mission of God—they’re in it now.
Why it matters:
If we don’t actively disciple the next generation, the world will. And history shows what happens when a generation grows up without being shown who God is.
Scripture Reflection
Read Joel 2:28–29 and Acts 2:16–18.
- What stands out to you about who God includes in His outpouring of the Spirit?
- Why do you think Peter quotes Joel during the birth of the early church?
Read Judges 2:10–12.
- What happened when one generation failed to pass down faith to the next?
- How do we avoid repeating that same pattern?
Discussion Questions
- What are some ways you’ve seen God move through kids or students—at church or in your own family?
- Why is it important to give them space to ask questions—even hard or awkward ones?
- What’s one barrier that keeps adults from actively discipling the next generation? How can we overcome that?
- How can we begin making space for kids and students to pray, lead, and serve?
Response and Practice
For Adults:
- Ask God to show you a specific way to invest in a child or student this week. Pray for boldness and sensitivity to His Spirit.
- Share your story of faith with a younger person. Let them see your walk with Jesus in real life—not just in church.
For Parents, Mentors, Teachers:
- Don’t wait for a perfect moment—lean into the questions kids are asking now.
- Normalize spiritual conversations in your home. Make it a rhythm, not a rarity.
For Kids and Students (if present in the group):
- God is ready to use you now, not someday. Ask Him what that might look like in your life this week.
Closing
Close in prayer for:
- A fresh outpouring of the Spirit on the next generation.
- Courage and wisdom for adults to disciple well.
- Faith, boldness, and vision for kids and students to walk with Jesus today.