In a world where the media and just about every person around us is trying to pry our faith from us, the idea of teenagers willingly wanting to be followers of Christ seems a bit unlikely. When adults think of teenagers, they usually think of trouble-makers or individuals who do without thinking. Those things are true of many teens: with the exception of true Christian teens. For them, or really, for us, it's a constant struggle to try to balance the fun of being a teenager with staying in line with God's wishes for us and our lives. For the most part, teens delight in doing just about everything the bible condemns: drugs, alcohol (getting drunk), having sex before marriage, dressing provocatively, cursing, etc. Not a lot of teenagers value a relationship with Jesus, and being a Christian teen means having a lot of unpopular opinions, values and views. Adolescence is the season of life when children break away from their parents and their guidance, wanting to be totally independent. When we give our lives to Jesus, we are called to be 100% dependent on Him which doesn't seem appealing to the teenage mind. However, the biggest thing that pulls teens away from pursuing a relationship with Jesus is their fear of not fitting in or seeming weird. There's always that stereotypical "religious kid" portrayed in movies and/or TV series. In today's world, you're considered less intelligent and in some cases even less of a "good" person if you believe in God and the values of the Bible. It's scary to stand out of the crowd, especially as a teenage... But the Bible says we are a city on a hill! We're called to stand out! (Read more here ➻) High school is a very judgmental place, but unrighteous judgment should never overpower our willingness to live out God's commands. No matter who you are, God is calling you to spread His love story. As I was finishing up my eighth grade year, I became more fearful than excited about starting high school. I remember expressing my worries about having to deal with peer pressure and those around me, but as I began actually going through my freshman year, I realized that as long as I clung to Jesus more than the world, everything would be okay. It shouldn't matter what people think of you if you're doing everything in your power to be more like the One who saved you. Others' sins shouldn't disturb your life... it creates a habit of judgement, something that many Christians, including myself, struggle with. Adolescence is a time where teenagers try to find themselves....become the person they want to be or feel they are. But that's not how God designed life. The Bible tells us who we are. We find who God wants us to become through talking with Him. "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you..." |
| |
Learn more about Jesus Christ ➳
Follow Jesus ➳
Read last post ➳
Leave a prayer request ➳
Shop my Etsy➳
2 Comments
Before reading, I'd really appreciate it if you could fill out this form letting me know how you've liked my blog posts so far! Thanks, and happy reading!
After reading my post 2 weeks back, you may be wondering how exactly you can evangelize and bring people to know Christ. Since I've started to spread the Gospel, I've picked up a few tips and found a few ways that seem to work pretty well. Today I'll be giving you 7 simple ways to spread the Good News & Love of Christ!
However, it's first very important to understand why it's essential to our spiritual lives to tell others about Jesus' sacrifice for mankind.
However, it's first very important to understand why it's essential to our spiritual lives to tell others about Jesus' sacrifice for mankind.
Ezekiel 3:18-21 says,
"When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person and they do not turn from their wickedness or from their evil ways, they will die for their sin; but you will have saved yourself. 'Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the righteous person not to sin and they do not sin, they will surely live because they took warning, and you will have saved yourself.'"
This part of chapter 3 of Ezekiel describes his duty to inform others about the dangers of sin. Although he was alive before Jesus was born, we should take this scripture into the context of the new covenant and take on the prophet Ezekiel's watchman task. After all, we are called to love, and we should want to look out for the eternity of those we love.
God rewards & blesses those who live for Him, however we shouldn't be spreading the Word to gain, but because we could possibly be able to better the life of someone around us! Shouldn't we want EVERYONE to experience the Joy, Peace, Love and Presence of God?
God rewards & blesses those who live for Him, however we shouldn't be spreading the Word to gain, but because we could possibly be able to better the life of someone around us! Shouldn't we want EVERYONE to experience the Joy, Peace, Love and Presence of God?
Part of spreading the Gospel is the warning of death that Ezekiel 3:18-21 mentions, however it's not all of it. Most of the Gospel message is about Love! Because of that, there are so many different ways to bring attention to Christ's sacrifice.
1. Just go for it!
This may seem obvious, but it's actually one of the hardest ones to do. Just opening up about Jesus can be really hard... you may feel uncomfortable or vulnerable, but we shouldn't! It's natural to feel uneasy when talking about things so personal, but that's the thing, being a Christian shouldn't be. It should be open and loud!
Anyways, sometimes the best thing to do is to just go for it! There have been times that I've noticed someone has been struggling, and just decided to deliver the message in full! Even if they don't tell you they accept Jesus right then and there, you've still helped to plant the seed of faith that they might turn to and water someday!
Anyways, sometimes the best thing to do is to just go for it! There have been times that I've noticed someone has been struggling, and just decided to deliver the message in full! Even if they don't tell you they accept Jesus right then and there, you've still helped to plant the seed of faith that they might turn to and water someday!
2. Invite someone to your church
If you're part of a church that is truly feeding your spirit and that you love, invite someone to join you one weekend! If you're finding fulfillment and joy while worshipping in your church, chances are the Lord will move their spirits to find joy there as well. The positive feelings they may experience can also create good memories for them, prompting them to come back and possibly even give their heart to Jesus!
3. Give out Bible verses that you know will have an impact
Everyone has hard times, but not everyone is trusting God to get through them. A lot of people feel lost and alone in difficult times, but reassuring them that they will always have God to get them through may soften their hearts or open their hearts more to the idea of Christianity and knowing Jesus. Here are some ideas/examples for you to use:
If someone just lost a loved one: Psalm 30:5, Psalm 34:18, Matthew 5:4
If someone is struggling with depression: Isaiah 40:28-31, Jeremiah 29:11
If someone feels unloved: Isaiah 54:10, 1 John 4:8, Romans 5:8, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 100, Romans 8:38-39
If someone feels alone: Hebrews 13:5
If someone feels ugly: Psalm 139:13-14, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 3:15, Ephesians 2:10
If someone is struggling with anxiety/is stressed: Matthew 6:34, Philippians 4:16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 11:28
If someone just lost a loved one: Psalm 30:5, Psalm 34:18, Matthew 5:4
If someone is struggling with depression: Isaiah 40:28-31, Jeremiah 29:11
If someone feels unloved: Isaiah 54:10, 1 John 4:8, Romans 5:8, Psalm 86:15, Psalm 100, Romans 8:38-39
If someone feels alone: Hebrews 13:5
If someone feels ugly: Psalm 139:13-14, 1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 3:15, Ephesians 2:10
If someone is struggling with anxiety/is stressed: Matthew 6:34, Philippians 4:16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 11:28
4. Post a Bible verse on social media
Let's face it: we're all on social media these days, so why don't we use it to glorify God? We work so hard to get all these followers (which we don't really need), so shouldn't we give them something infinitely more valuable than anything in this world? Putting God's truth on social media will be able to reach a large group of people with the Gospel! Whether it's putting a picture on your Instagram story, posting a picture with a Bible verse caption, putting your favorite verses in your bio, sending off a tweet filled with Truth, or posting your favorite Christian lyrics/song, this is a great way of spreading the Gospel to many people at once!
5. Send someone a video of one of your favorite worship performances
Worship performance videos are some of the most impactful things I've ever seen. Almost every one I see brings me to tears because I can feel the Presence of God radiating through the screen. They convict you, they move you, and they fill you with the Holy Spirit. Sending someone a worship video can change their life. There are a few worship performances that moved me from the first time I saw them. Here are some of my very favorites:
| | |
| | |
6. Send someone some/one of your favorite Christian song(s)
Christian songs are so powerful. Because they're so filled with Truth, they convict, inspire and move. There are so many Christian songs that got me through tough times, but there are also songs that lift me up in joy, thanksgiving and worship. I once talked to somebody who said a Christian song just kind of told them that they needed to pursue a relationship with Jesus. You never know what that song will do for the person you send it to!
Check out some of my favorite Christian music ➳
Check out some of my favorite Christian music ➳
7. Hand out Gospel tracts
Gospel tracts are just little booklets that have the Gospel message written within. They describe everything in full and have changed the lives of millions around the world. They're pretty easy, effective, quick ways to send the message without really having to say anything, which is great for those who are just starting off evangelizing. Gospel tracts can sometimes be found at your church, but if not, there are tons of websites where you can order them in bulk like Christian Book.com , and Pocket Testament.org. You can also just search 'order Gospel tracts' on Google and hundreds of options will come up.
Although it's not a physical booklet, you can also feel free to give out the link to the 'Jesus' page here on His Will | My Faith. It contains all the same information that most Gospel tracts have, but it's just virtual.
Although it's not a physical booklet, you can also feel free to give out the link to the 'Jesus' page here on His Will | My Faith. It contains all the same information that most Gospel tracts have, but it's just virtual.
God's great calling to spread His Truth and message of Love can sometimes seem overwhelming in this hateful and judgemental world, however, it's my prayer that these 7 simple ways to answer God's call will help you to bring others to Christ and make the world a better place!
Let me know in the comments: which one of these 7 strategies will you consider doing first?
Let me know in the comments: which one of these 7 strategies will you consider doing first?
Learn more about Jesus Christ ➳
Follow Jesus ➳
Read last post ➳
Leave a prayer request ➳
Shop my Etsy➳
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 36% of Americans have diagnosed Social Anxiety Disorder, however the fear itself of being judged by others is quite possibly even too common to measure. Almost everyone deals with peer pressure from those around them, and sometimes it pushes us to become someone we're not. However, God's Word has a different approach to outside judgement and pressure... it teaches how to overcome it!
As Christians, we are called to be the salt and light of the earth. (Matthew 5:13-16) What beautiful imagery Jesus gives us in this passage!
Now, obviously Jesus wasn't saying that we are literally salt or light, but that that's what we should imagine ourselves as being. In this world, everyone seems to be following the same trends, trying as best as they can to fit in, and to be like everyone else: its so...bland. God calls us to be different. He commands us not to "be conformed to pattern of this world" (Romans 12:2), but to be set apart (Deuteronomy 14:2). We are called to be the salt in this "bland" world!
In 1 John 1:5, we learn that "God is light; [and that] in Him there is no darkness at all." When Adam and Eve sinned against God in the very beginning of time (Genesis 3), sin, also known as (metaphorical) darkness, fell on the world. When we accept Jesus, He is without sin, and that's where the phrase "to see the light" comes from. Remember that by accepting Jesus we also receive God into our hearts. He is light, therefore we become light as well, as Jesus explains in verse 14.
We need to understand that as soon as we accept Christ and become children of God, we become the salt and light of the earth: we become even more special than we already were because we now have the chance to fulfil God's plan for our lives! However, we cannot only be Christians behind closed doors!
Now, obviously Jesus wasn't saying that we are literally salt or light, but that that's what we should imagine ourselves as being. In this world, everyone seems to be following the same trends, trying as best as they can to fit in, and to be like everyone else: its so...bland. God calls us to be different. He commands us not to "be conformed to pattern of this world" (Romans 12:2), but to be set apart (Deuteronomy 14:2). We are called to be the salt in this "bland" world!
In 1 John 1:5, we learn that "God is light; [and that] in Him there is no darkness at all." When Adam and Eve sinned against God in the very beginning of time (Genesis 3), sin, also known as (metaphorical) darkness, fell on the world. When we accept Jesus, He is without sin, and that's where the phrase "to see the light" comes from. Remember that by accepting Jesus we also receive God into our hearts. He is light, therefore we become light as well, as Jesus explains in verse 14.
We need to understand that as soon as we accept Christ and become children of God, we become the salt and light of the earth: we become even more special than we already were because we now have the chance to fulfil God's plan for our lives! However, we cannot only be Christians behind closed doors!
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet."
(Matthew 5:13)
What Jesus is referring to here is that if we are the "salt of the earth," if we are in fact Christians, why should we hide it and lose our passion for Him? If we lose our zeal for loving Christ, our faith is essentially dead. What is our faith worth if we don't live it out... if we don't stand out of the crowd because we know how much God values us?
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket"
(Matthew 5:14-15a)
He's saying just about the same thing here, but take note of the fact that He said it twice. This is a very, very important part of Christian life! We are the light! Don't hide the beautiful light that God handcrafted you to be! Be loud about your faith and spread it to all the world!
"but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:15b-16)
I know how you may be feeling... you want to spread the message to the world and you want people to know about your faith, but you're still a little scared of what they'll think or how they will react. I totally get it. (Click here for 7 ways to spread the Gospel!) I struggle with this every day, but there is so much scripture that will help you (or really, us ☺) through it!
I've recently been studying the book of 1 Corinthians (it's AMAZING, btw) and found God directing me straight to this topic. (I made an entire post about the verses God revealed to me on my Instagram! You can view it here!☺)
The number one thing we need to remember is that Christians live life for Jesus Christ, not humanity. We live life to Glorify the One who wrote our life story, who handcrafted us and makes us joyful when we're mourning. The one who puts us back together when we're broken. The one who heals us when we're hurting.
I've recently been studying the book of 1 Corinthians (it's AMAZING, btw) and found God directing me straight to this topic. (I made an entire post about the verses God revealed to me on my Instagram! You can view it here!☺)
The number one thing we need to remember is that Christians live life for Jesus Christ, not humanity. We live life to Glorify the One who wrote our life story, who handcrafted us and makes us joyful when we're mourning. The one who puts us back together when we're broken. The one who heals us when we're hurting.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
(Matthew 16:24)
What Jesus says here is key to living as a true Christian. Jesus says to deny yourself, so what does that really mean? It means to deny our own wills and to take on God's. Galatians 5:24 says, "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." Flesh delights in pride, it lives to please others, always seeking approval from mankind. But it was crucified with Christ: Jesus defeated it at Calvary. Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), so we must let go of our tendency to want to please man, and turn our eyes to the only One whose opinion matters: God!
"For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts."
(1 Thessalonians 2:4)
We can't be defined by people around us, no matter who they are. The only one who can define us is God. If someone is judging you for spreading Truth, they haven't received the knowledge of Christ that we all have received from the Bible. We can only judge righteously, and that means judging by what God's Word says. If someone doesn't know the Word of God, their judgement is not righteous, and shouldn't mean anything to us! God's opinion is and should be the only one that matters, especially if we're consciously making an effort to Glorify Him in all we do.
You might hear Satan's voice try to convince you to conform to those around you or to stop spreading the Gospel, but stand firm in Christ! "'If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all'" (Isaiah 7:9).
Yes, it's still hard to let others' comments and judgment roll off our shoulders, but we can count on the Lord to handle our heavy burdens and replace them with His Peace (Matthew 11:28).
Our purpose here is to be the salt, the light, and the messenger! We were made to spread the Good News of Jesus to the World. If you have seen the Light, why would you want to hide it? Share it with the world like we are called to do! You will endure because the Lord is good! God can and will change the world through you! You just need to answer His call and take up that cross.
It's so important to show the world that you follow Jesus because the immense joy, fulfillment, strength, dignity, and peace you hold will bring others to want to know Him!
You might hear Satan's voice try to convince you to conform to those around you or to stop spreading the Gospel, but stand firm in Christ! "'If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all'" (Isaiah 7:9).
Yes, it's still hard to let others' comments and judgment roll off our shoulders, but we can count on the Lord to handle our heavy burdens and replace them with His Peace (Matthew 11:28).
Our purpose here is to be the salt, the light, and the messenger! We were made to spread the Good News of Jesus to the World. If you have seen the Light, why would you want to hide it? Share it with the world like we are called to do! You will endure because the Lord is good! God can and will change the world through you! You just need to answer His call and take up that cross.
It's so important to show the world that you follow Jesus because the immense joy, fulfillment, strength, dignity, and peace you hold will bring others to want to know Him!
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)
Let me know in the comments: what things will you do to let your light shine a little brighter for Jesus?
Scripture to remember:
Hey teens! Read more on this topic here ➳
- "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16)
- "Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant." (Galatians 1:10)
- "But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not 2to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
- "I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else's conscience?" (1 Corinthians 10:29)
- "We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute." (1 Corinthians 4:10)
- "When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;" (1 Corinthians 4:12b)
- "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Colossians 3:23)
- "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" (John 5:44)
Songs of the week:
| |
| |
Learn more about Jesus Christ ➳
Follow Jesus ➳
Read last post ➳
Leave a prayer request ➳
Shop my Etsy➳
About the Author
Hi! I'm Angie! I'm a college student, worship leader, pro-life advocate, future teacher, youth ministry intern, and above all else, follower of Jesus Christ. I would love to get to know you!
Read more ➳
Read by Topic
All
Bible Study
Evangelism
Every Day Life
Feminism
Godly Womanhood
Hope
Identity
Just For Fun
Relationship With God
Sin & Redemption
Archives
July 2021
August 2020
July 2020
April 2020
March 2020
January 2019
November 2018
August 2018
March 2018
January 2018
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017