Teen Answers
Teen Answers to teen questions. How does the Bible apply to my life as a Teen? How do I know the right choice to make?
This is a difficult culture for you as a Christian teen, and you deserve answers to the questions you have from a Biblical perspective.
Look at the questions some other teens are asking. Feel free write your own teen answers to them, and ask questions of your own. This page is for you!
Teen Answers
The following is a question I received recently from a person from Chicago. My heart truly went out to her, as I know that this is a situation that is relevant to all believers today. Satan is truly relentless in his pursuit of us. What are we to do? How can we remain faithful to the Lord. Here is her question:
Question:
I've been struggling with becoming a full on Christian. I know that God is real. I know that Jesus came down to earth, and then died for our sins, but every time I try to get more involved with God, something distracts me(text message, phone call, music that isn't Christian, etc.) I've been getting involved with the wrong people or wrong crowd, too. I've been cussing and saying things like "Oh my god!" And I know that that is wrong, but it just comes out. Can you tell me what to do? I am so confused and tired of Satan controlling me when I know that God is the one that should be in control.
Thank you for any help you can get me.
Answer:
Dear Reader:
Thank you so much for sharing with us. First of all, I want to say that what you are experiencing, unfortunately, is what I would call the normal Christian life. Satan is relentless in his pursuit of true believers, and the battle you are facing is one you will face al of the days of your life. However, before that discourages you, let me say, there is help!
You have already faced the greatest hurdle, because you recognize the problem. The truth is, we cannot live the Christian life by ourselves. Without God's help, we would utterly fail. But, the battle you face is actually the Lord's battle; with Him you can be victorious. Here are some things that I have found helpful through the years, and hopefully, you will find helpful as well.
Read the Word of God every single day! There is no such thing as the excuse, "I don't have time!" The truth is, we do not have time not to read God's Word. We are in a battle, and we cannot face that battle without our sword: our Bible!
Second, pray every single day. Find at least one time when you can spend 15 minutes with the Lord--all by yourself. If time allows, you will find that time so precious that you will even increase it to 30 minutes or more! In your prayer time, be sure to take some time to just glory in the Lord--think of the amazing God you serve! Take some time, too, to tell the Lord about your frustrations, and ask forgiveness for you sins. Then, ask Him to help you have victory over those same battles! That is a key--we cannot do it ourselves, but with Christ we are invincible!
This is not a magic talisman--it is just a reality of life. We, as believers, need to walk in this world equipped to face Satan and his emissaries, for they are certainly active in thwarting us. We live in a world surrounded by a spiritual host we cannot see. The good news is that Satan's angels are not the only ones there; the angels of God are camped all around us, so use them!
We in the 21st century, are generally an apathetic group. It is time that God's people rise up from their sleep and live this Christian life to the honor and glory of God.
Thank you again for writing. Be assured that I am praying for you!
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
The following is actually an essay sent into my essay contest from a reader in Massachusetts. However, this seems more appropriate to this page. I hope you will take the time to read this; Christ changes hearts and lives, as is wonderfully shown by this amazing testimony.
Testimony!:
Who Am I?
I am child of God. I am a folower of Jesus. I'm a beliver. Most importantly I am Christian.
It hasn't always been that way for me. I was born in a Catholic family and never really believed. I just went because its what my family wanted. I was baptised made my First Communion and Confirmation but not for the right reasons. When I given the choice in highscool to continue going or not I stopped. When things started going down hill for me I blamed Jesus. I thought that it was all his fault. I was so angry with Him and wanted nothing to do with Him.
That was until I met my upstairs neighbors, Ally amd Kaite. They were both Christians who believed strongly in the Lord and it was their goal to get me to believe and change me. I ignored a lot of what they said at first. What can I say I was stubborn. But after while I started listening and thinking maybe it wasn't God's fault.
I then made the decision to attend their church with them one Sunday morning. Let me just say that was the best decision I've ever made in my life. I accepted the Lord into my heart and life and vowed to change my ways. My Christian walk hasn't been an easy one but with God by side it has been an amazing one.
There was a time where I almost completely turned away from God. It was the summer after I graduated high school and worked at a Christian Camp as a waitress. I started hanging out with an old friend to catch up on the old times. I was stressed because I wasn't going to college and needed a job and I felt so much pressure. I started drinking and smoking cigarettes. As I made that choice my faith started to crumple around me. I started praying and reading my Bible less and started acting out more. I fought with my parents all the time and did reckless things. My friends, Ally and Kaite, were so disappointed in me but never left my side.
I made the decision to move out after my 18th birthday. Can you say big mistake? I had started doing drugs on my 18th birthday and I wanted to live that life style. I loved how it made me feel. Carefree and like I could take on the world. It felt like I had no problems at all and like nothing mattered. I continued going to church but really just to see my friends. I did not attend youth programs or volunteer as much either. I stopped reading my Bible and prayed only when I felt like it. I had turned my back on God.
Four months after I started and continued to do drugs on a daily basis I started feeling confused and depressed. It was after I had heard a sermon at church. My pastor was preaching about how some Christians act like one person in church and a different one outside of church. How they weren't really Christians and how we should be the same person inside and out of church. That message hit me hard and me realize that was me. I was a hypocrite and hated who I became. At the same time I didn't want to give up my ways but I wanted God to be a part of my life. I ended up in a huge fight with my one of my friends and they said I was no friend to any just a pothead. I broke down and decided to quit coming to church all together. Though my Youth Pastors had to talked to my friend and I about the fight and told me that they'd help me quit and support me no matter I just felt so angry and lost.
That night the song Undo by Rush Of Fools came on the radio and I broke down and cried and prayed. I prayed for forgiveness, change and healing. I made the choice to quit and starting living a Christian life again. I moved back home and soon I will be taking classes to get my CNA license. Its been almost a month since I quit and wow has my life changed.
The biggest thing I've learned from all this is that God never leaves your side no matter what you do or who you become and through him all things are possible. God never left my side and even though I turned from him he still forgave me. That is one of the greatest things about God. He never judges you but always forgives you. God is my saviour, my king, my bestfriend, and my everything. Who am I now? I'm a different person but I am still a Christian and a believer and a follower.
Answer:
Thank you for sharing your testimony with us. God does, indeed, change us. To Him be all the honor, all the glory, and all the praise!
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
Here is a question from a reader from Virginia.
Question:
Well I been on and off about this issue. I'm trying to figure out if I should loose my virginity now or wait. Like I know God wants us to wait until we are married but I don't wanna really get married!!! I don't get the point of it! you shouldn't need a piece of paper basically telling you that your gotta be with this person forever I don't like that at all.plus you need a ring just to prove?.that makes no sense!!!but I don't get why married couples say like "I'm so glad we waited until our wedding night" and that you should wait.... what makes it so much better if you just wait for just one night to loose it?
Answer:
Dear Reader
I have been pondering my reply to you ever since I first read your e-mail. You brought up some very good questions, which deserve some well thought-out answers. I do not want to be trite nor simplistic in my answer. First I would like to address questions we have about the commands of God in general, and then I would like to deal with the subject of your questions.
In general, there are two questions that I would like to answer.
1. How does the world view the commandments of God?
2. How should Christians view the commandments of God?
The world, in our day, has lost the concept of a standard of right and wrong—especially a standard that is given to us by God. We live in an “I’m OK; you’re OK” world. What seems right to me is right for me, and what seems right to you is right for you. In other words, we are each the master of our own destiny, and as such can make our own determinations of what is right or wrong. Consequently, morals worldwide have disintegrated drastically. We may think this is just part of the new revelation to man who has finally evolved to this heightened state of being. However, as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Already in the book of Genesis we see man submitting to his lusts, especially in the area of sexual sins, or sexual impurity. So, it is no surprise that the world largely ignores the Laws of God as prudish. Even if there is a God, which most question, He has no right to interfere with our happiness.
Unfortunately, this attitude has spread to the Church at large. However, no matter how you or I, or any one else may feel about it, God has given us very specific commandments, especially in the area of morality. This law is summarized in the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20, and laid out more specifically in the book of Deuteronomy. As Christians we understand that the sexual relationship is a gift given by God to married couples.
In considering this, let’s think a moment about Eve, in the Garden of Eden. How did Satan approach Eve? He asked Eve a question, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
Eve answered by embellishing God’s commandment. “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’”
Then the serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
What just happened in that conversation? First, the serpent contradicted God, and then rationalized God’s reasoning by saying, God knows that you will become one of us, because you will know good and evil. Was the serpent right? No!
Satan, who comes to us in the same way, began with a lie, and then rationalized the commandment of God. What happened to Eve? Did she die? Yes! Did she actually become like God? No! For the remainder of her days on this earth, she must have regretted the choice she made. She and Adam, who once knew the joy and peace of communion with God, were thrust out of the Garden. Life was never the same again.
Why has God given the commandments He has, regarding sexuality? God has ordained the family unit, with the father as the head, the mother at his side in submission to him, and the children in subjection to them both. As such, they are a picture of Christ and His bride, the Church.
Our Creator God knows us better than we could ever know ourselves. Because of our sin nature, we chaff at His commandments. Because we love, God, however, and desire to please Him, we seek to live in obedience to those commandments.
Just as Adam and Eve enjoyed a time of peace and communion with God, we, as God’s children, have the same opportunity to fellowship with Him, though not in perfection like Adam and Eve. When we live in obedience to God we enjoy times of wonderful peace and joy, such as the world does not know, nor can offer. That peace and joy, however, is destroyed when we disobey God. Until we come back to God in repentance, seeking His forgiveness, that sweet fellowship and communion is gone.
The real issue here, then, is not whether you will loose your virginity. The real issue is whether you will obey the Lord. The Bible is not silent on the subject; God’s Laws are clearly given.
I caution you to think very carefully about what it means to be a Christian. As long as we believe in God, are we a Christian? No! The Bible tells us that the devils believe also, and tremble.
What, then, makes one a true believer? A true believer is one who first recognizes his or her true state before a holy and righteous God: a sinner, separated forever from God, because God cannot even look upon sin. Secondly, they understand that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as well as being the God-man, because He never sinned, is the only One who can pay the debt of our sin. The true believer comes before Christ in repentance, accepting the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior. When that happens, not only is the person saved, but the Holy Spirit enters the heart of the new believer, changing them forever. Now, instead of living life for their own pleasure, they, because of their love for Christ, seek to live their life in obedience to Him.
There are some who teach that a person can be a Christian even if they do not choose to obey God. They call such a person a carnal Christian, however the Bible does not teach such a thing. When one accepts Christ, he accepts Him as both his Lord and His Savior. The consequent joy and peace are unknown by the world.
I know this was a rather long answer, but I hope it helps you to understand what the Bible teaches on this subject. I pray that you will choose to be obedient to Christ. The joy that awaits us in heaven, not to speak of the joy and peace we have while still on this earth far outweigh any preconceived benefit we think we might receive by living as those of this world.
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
Here is a question from Laurie (name has been changed.)
Question:
Hi , I am a newly active christian, and I have a boyfriend I decided to break up with him because I know that it is not good because I am too young to have a relationship with him... and I think God wants me to prioritize first my study and my family,, my problem is my ex boyfriend want to wait for me .. and still be with him after my college .. is it okey to give him my promise even if I dont know if he is the one that God wants to be with me...????????
Answer:
Dear Laurie,
You show a great deal of maturity in your comments, and are exactly right in your priorities. Unfortunately we begin dating at such a young age in our culture, before we really are ready to seriously think of who we will marry, that we fall into many difficult situations. In trying to determine a resolution regarding your ex boyfriend, I would challenge you to consider the implications of such an extended promise. We do not really know the future, and should be very careful about making promises that we might later regret. Spend a lot of time praying about your relationship. Remaining friends is a good idea, but I would hesitate to seal that relationship with a promise that binds you. Above all, pray for strength and wisdom from God; your relationship to Him is the most important; you cannot love God too much! He will show you His will as He opens and closes doors. Consider these words from Psalm 100, verses 2 through 4,
Thanks for writing,
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
Here is a question from David (name has been changed.)
Question:
Hello, I am 17 and about to turn 1 actually. As a senior in high school things are already tough being a Jesus Follower. I live in a very small town where everyone knows everyone and everything about them. I am very Pro-life as should all Jesus followers should be, kids at school really hate that. I am picked on all the time not only for my beliefs but also because they say I am different. How could I take a stand against the bullying or should I take a stand? The Bible after all does say that if your enemy asks you for your coat you should give them your shirt. If they hit you on one side of the face to turn and offer them the other. I am not sure what to in this situation.
Answer:
Dear David,
You are facing one of the most difficult situations we are called to face as Christians, which is made even more difficult by your age. As a teen, it is extremely difficult to face the ridicule of one's peers. Rather than express my own thoughts, let's look at the words of Jesus, from the passage from which you quoted from Matthew 5:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also . . . . .
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you
45. That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven. (King James Version)
Is this easy to do? Absolutely not! Go to Christ and plead with Him for help to face the ridicule of your peers, remembering that it is not you they hate, but rather, it is the Lord Jesus Christ they hate. Also, keep praying that God would save your peers.
I have noticed that it is often those who are closest to coming to Christ who will despise us the most. I know that may be hard to believe, but it is something I have seen on more than one occasion.
Last of all, take some time to praise God that you have been allowed to suffer for Him. I believe that what you are experiencing is going to be on the increase for all Christians, as we come closer and closer to the end of time.
David, I am going to be praying for you, and I am asking that others who read these words pray for you as well. You have a valiant testimony before the Lord, and it is obvious that He is equipping you now to faithfully serve Him all the days of your life.
May God bless you and give you peace and joy even in the middle of this difficult time.
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
Here is a question from Mary (name has been changed.)
Question:
Hi...I've just been confused about this one thing in particular. Me and this boy like each other a lot...we're both real Christians who try to live our lives after Him. We both agree on the important things in life..and everything seems like it could be perfect...although, it seems as if God is saying "not yet, not right now"...neither of us are sure though, it could be a flat out no or yes...but it seems like wait. So my question is, why would God let us both like each other, yet possibly say no? That doesn't make any sense to me. I guess I'm trying to justify why His answer is just wait. Wouldn't it seem kind of pointless for it to be no?...in my eyes, it's like dangling a treat in front of a dog, but then not giving it to him.
Answer:
Dear Mary,
You are delving into one of the greatest difficulties in the Christian life. No one likes to be told to wait. I, of all people, am probably one of the most impetuous persons alive, and have had to deal with this all of my life.
The fact that God lets you like each other is a great blessing. As both of you are Christians, I would suggest you spend some time together studying God's Word. Read about couples, and what God says regarding marriage.
The Bible does not hold a very popular stance in our day of "If you love him, it's OK." Perhaps God is preparing the two of you for some great things, and this is just the first step--the first test of your faithfulness to God even above your love and faithfulness to each other.
I do know that God's Word is true and changeless, and is the only path that leads to a life of peace and joy, so I encourage you to tread carefully, and cry out to the Lord for grace to be faithful to Him, above all.
Here is a Bible passage that I often cling to in times of great difficulty and temptation,
33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36, King James Version
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
Question:
im having trouble caring about any thing anymore...i almost like getting in trouble...im only 13...in foster care(:it sucks:)i feel like noone cares 'bout me...i DONT knw wat 2 do!
Answer:
I was really saddened to get your comments. I must admit that I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through, and therefore do not want to give you simple platitudes.
What I do know is that whether no one else in the whole world cares about you, Jesus does. It certainly does not seem like it though, does it? I am sure you think a loving God would not put you through a life like you have. God, however, is preparing you for the future. In what way, you may ask? I do not know, but I know it is true.
You did not say whether you are a Christian or not. I would encourage you to go to Christ. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Ask your foster parents to allow you to go to church; find a nearby church that teaches the truths of the Bible. There, God will not only teach you His Word, but give you some lasting, true, friends.
I would encourage you, and all teens, to realize that these years, though they seem long, will soon be over. Then, as an adult, the rest is up to you!
I have been, and will continue, to pray for you, that God will touch your life and your very soul in such a way that you will turn to Him.
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
Question:
Hi. This may sound dumb, but I have been raised in church most of my life. Only recently have I really began to dig in. I am really confused about relationships. I met this guy (he is 19 and that is 2 years older than me). When he turned 18 he met this girl and they dated, got married (less than 2 months) and divorced. The whole thing lasted less than 6 months. I am really confused about what to do. I really like him and I'm having a hard time praying about it and listening for God's answer.
Any advice?
Answer:
I don't know about you, but red flags fall all over the place when I read this submission. No question is dumb, and I am really glad this person sent this in, because it is so relevant to every teen today.
In college, I had a professor who challenged us by saying, "Do not date anyone you would not want to marry. Every date is a potential spouse." We thought he was crazy--what about just dating for fun? Through the years I have learned the soundness of his advice. How quickly we can become entangled in a relationship that we cannot seem to get out of.
I am so happy this person is praying about the situation and seeking God's advice. My advice would be to go very slowly with this. This guy may be a wonderful Christian, but having married and divorced in less than a year leaves me with questions. We are filled with a world that has gone crazy over love. Now, I am not knocking love; I love my husband dearly, but the key word here is commitment. Are you going to marry until the love seems to have disappeared? Or, are you committed enough to stick it out.
Every marriage will go through troubling times, but in the end, that is what causes your love to blossom and grow.
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:5-6, New King James Version)
God Bless You,
Linda
Teen Answers
Question:
I am a mother of two teenage boys. The oldest loves church, but my youngest doesn't like church. He feels we make him go to church and that he should have a choice in the matter. When I was his age, I didn't tell my parents I didn't want to go to church, it was unheard of.
Perhaps I am too rigid and or demanding. I just want to expose him to all the church he could get while living with us. At present he is 15 years old, he doesn't like church anymore and I keep telling me other parents doesn't make their children go to church and they let them decide when to go or not to go. He thinks I am not flexible.
Please help!
This is a question, or should I say, plea for help, that I received over a year ago. I would like to hear from some teens. How would you answer this Mom? Here are some thoughts to get you started.
Answer:
Here is something I tried with my son who is now 16. He does not complain about going to church, but for some reason, even though the church is quite large, he has never developed any good, close relationships with the other boys in the church. He is now attending a Christian Teen group that meets in a friend's house. This has been a really positive force in his life. I would not be afraid to check around for other good, Christian teen groups in which he could be involved. We have remained in our own church because we are so appreciative of the faithful preaching ministry, and he is really enjoying the Sunday School class he is now in, which is being taught by our pastor.
God Bless You,
Linda
Answer from a Teen in Australia:
I am replying to the question from the mother of 2 teen aged boys. I am 15 and Find I don't really get that much out of church though I don't have a choice. The youth group I go to though is really great and that is what has kept me really close to God.
(Thank you so much for your input,
Linda)
Teen Answers
Question:
Hello Linda! I am a CHRISTian teen who has been on a plan to grow in my faith this year. I love your articles and they really give me some questions to get me thinking. As I enter High School I find peer pressure becoming more of a problem, especially when it is from someone you really care about. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to avoid these pressures and stay true to myself without losing the ones you love.
Answer:
In a way, you almost answered your own question. The most important thing you said was, "Stay true to myself," and may I expand that to, "Stay true to Christ." The peer pressures you face in high school will be the same ones you face all of your life. Remember, that if you stay true to Christ, you will have enemies, and unfortunately, they may be the very people who had been your best friends. Christ said, "It is not you that they hate; it is me." (Roughly paraphrased). As a Christian, you have one purpose to fulfill in this life, and that is to walk faithfully with God. He will lead you in the way you should go, and He will replace lost friends with those who share your faith.
God Bless You,
Linda
Thank you for you great response to this Teen Answers site. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Linda
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