I Corinthians 15:9-10b “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God (I am what I am).”
I love what Paul is saying here: “I am not worthy, but by God’s grace I am what I am.” Young people, do you know who you are? Why are you a Christian? Why are you a Baptist? Why are there so many versions of the Bible? Does the Bible contain errors? What makes your church different from other churches? Why is Jesus so important? How many ways are there to Heaven? At some point, you will be confronted about the Christianity that you claim to have. Many young people are afraid to talk about their beliefs because they are afraid that someone will ask them a hard question (maybe like one of the above questions). I Peter 3:15 tells us “But sanctify (which means to set apart) the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” We are supposed to be ready always! The truth is that if you are going to win anyone to Christ then you will have to accept the fact that people ask questions. It is in our nature to doubt and to wonder. The reason we set ourselves apart for God to use is two-fold: because we love Him, and because we want to lead others to Him!
God has given each of us a purpose after salvation! II Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” The devil wants to destroy us! I Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” People are watching us! Those who do not add to their faith will eventually forget their faith! II Peter 1:5-10 That is exactly what is happening today! Young people are going to church and singing “Jesus loves Me”, “God is so Good”, and “The B-I-B-L-E”, but they have no idea why they believe in those things! Young person, God wants you to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)” The only way to rightly divide the Word of Truth is to be in it and studying it! It will help you know WHO YOU ARE! Don’t be afraid to ask your parents and youth pastor for help! Any godly leader would love to help you with your questions about the Bible! –
James Young
Church Planter | Jasper, IN
