Too often, we communicate a version of Christianity without trials, persecution, or problems. Teenagers are told that following Christ is the most important decision in their lives. And in faith, they trust Christ. Instead of being told “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12), many assume that everything in their world will be fixed. Except that doesn’t happen. And so many of our students question the love of Jesus and His plan for their lives. Why? Because what loving God would allow His children to face trials and persecution?
Does this cycle sound familiar? If so, it’s because it plays out in the lives of teenagers every day. The challenge, therefore, is to redefine the cost of following Christ in a world that is opposed to Him and His followers.
God’s love for His people can’t be viewed through what happens to us, but instead of what happened to Him. The measurement of God’s love for us starts on the cross, not in the trying circumstances we find ourselves in.
Relentless uses four key phrases to help your students boldly face the world: Praise, Personal-Evangelism, Prayer, and Persecution.