Erlo Stegen emphasizes the dire state of the world, particularly among the youth, and the importance of recognizing God's plans for a glorious future despite current challenges. He draws on Jeremiah 29:11 to remind believers that God has thoughts of peace and hope for them, even in difficult times. Stegen encourages the congregation to align their thoughts with God's, assuring them that they are precious in His sight and that He is always in control. He highlights the need for faithfulness to God, as true hope and a bright future come from walking with Him. Ultimately, he reassures that even amidst trials, God is present and working for the good of those who love Him.

Summary of sermon by Erlo Stegen, 22 Jun 2014 The world is desperately sick. These days a psychologist who gave advice on problem young people said he couldn't carry on anymore, because he couldn't deal with the root of the young people's problem. He said the root of the problem was actually the parents. Drugs and immortality is just rampant. It's extremely rare to find a pure young person. And it's as if the government actually support it by the policies they put in place, like abortion and rampant pornography. But it's wonderful that in such a mess one finds such pearls such as these young people who got engaged today. Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. God spoke these words to his people Israel, a wonderful promise. It was a difficult time for Israel. They were in exile in Babylon. And God spoke to His prophet to give this message to his people. There were also false prophets at the time. Those that spoke the opposite. Even today there are those that speak the truth and those that speak lies. What road are you on? We have hope if we walk with God and stand steadfast for what He stands for. If God is for us who can be against us (Rom 8:31)? Then we will overcome. We cannot lose if we're on His side. Be on God's side in what you say, think and do. We don't know what God will bring across our path, but if we remain faithful to Him we will overcome. So let's not be busy with our plans but see what God's plans are for us. God says, "As far as the heavens are above the earth so are My ways than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Is 55:9). So dispose of your own thoughts and start to think His thoughts. Can you imagine that God in heaven actually think on you and me? It's because you are precious to Him and He has proven it by dying for you, so that you might be saved and delivered. In fact even before the foundations of the earth He thought on you and me. God in His greatness cares about you and me even though we are nothing. God says, "Can a nursing mother forget her child? Even if they can, yet will I not forget you" (Is 49:15). He also says, "behold you are engraved on the palm of My hand" (Is 49:16). You are more precious to Him than your small child is to you. You are on His thoughts all the time. It's amazing! Even though we slumber and sleep, He doesn't (Ps 121:4). He knows what the love of a mother for her child means, because He made that mother's heart. Remember God is in full control. Let's not be like Adam who doubted God and ate of that fruit and died. We Christians are the most privileged people on earth and we should be the happiest of all people. Remember all things work together for good to those who love God, even if we don't understand now (Rom 8:28). No matter what the difficulty we meet up with, we are in His hand. The prophet told them if you stay with God you have a glorious future. If you walk with God you need not be depressed, for there is a bright future for you. It doesn't mean we will never experience difficulty, but God will be with us in that difficulty! Think about the thoughts God has for you. Think about the bright future God has for you if you walk with Him. In fact He already planned it for you before the earth was made (Eph 1:4, 1Pet 1:18-20). Don't allow these precious things to be simply blown away with the wind. If you don't hold this dear and precious you will lose out on so much. Allow His thoughts to take over your life. And just as you are precious to Him, He should be precious to you.