Living as a Christian: top 25 questions for teens

Christianity rests on history: Jesus lived, died and rose again with many witnesses. Creation, conscience and Scripture also point to God. Doubts are normal, so bring them honestly to God and to trusted Christians.

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”Romans 1:20 (KJV)

Try this: Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 about the eyewitnesses of the resurrection.

Pass it on: Talk through one doubt with a friend and look for answers together.

Many faithful people, like Thomas, wrestled with doubt, and Jesus came to them. Faith is the Holy Spirit's gift, and He strengthens it through God's Word and the Lord's Supper. So keep hearing the Word, ask honest questions, and stay close to church.

“And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”Mark 9:24 (KJV)

Try this: Write down your biggest question and ask your pastor about it.

Pass it on: Encourage a friend that it's OK to ask questions.

Decide ahead of time what you will and won't do. Choose friends who build you up. Remember your identity is in Christ, not in being accepted.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

Try this: Plan an exit phrase you can use when pressured.

Pass it on: Be the friend who makes it easy for others to say no.

Social media isn't evil, but it can feed comparison, anxiety and wasted time. Use it on purpose, and protect your heart and your time. Ask whether what you post honors God.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Try this: Try a one-day social media fast this week.

Pass it on: Post something encouraging instead of something for likes.

The Bible calls us to purity, respect and wisdom in relationships. Date with marriage in mind, seek someone who shares your faith, and keep boundaries. Include parents and mentors.

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV)

Try this: Write down three non-negotiables for someone you'd date.

Pass it on: Share your standards with a trusted friend for accountability.

God designed sex as a good gift for marriage, a covenant of lifelong love. Waiting protects your heart and honors God and your future spouse. If you've fallen, Christ forgives and restores.

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (KJV)

Try this: Set clear physical boundaries before a situation arises.

Pass it on: Encourage a friend who is trying to stay pure.

Anxiety is real and common, and it's not a sign of weak faith. Pray, tell a trusted adult, and get help if it's overwhelming. God cares for you and invites you to cast your cares on Him.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

Try this: Write down a worry and pray over it, then talk to an adult.

Pass it on: Check in on a friend who seems stressed.

God's will is mostly revealed in Scripture: love God, love others, live holy. Within that, you have freedom to choose. Seek wise counsel, pray and use your gifts.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”Romans 12:2 (KJV)

Try this: List your gifts and ask how they could serve others.

Pass it on: Help a friend think through a decision using Scripture.

Christians differ on some teachings, like baptism and communion, and that's led to different denominations. All Christian churches confess Jesus as Lord and Savior. Learn what your church teaches and why.

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”Ephesians 4:4-6 (KJV)

Try this: Ask your pastor what makes your church distinct.

Pass it on: Take the Denomination Identifier quiz with a friend and discuss.

Yes, Christians still struggle with sin. We are saints and sinners at the same time. We confess, receive forgiveness and keep fighting sin by God's grace.

“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”Romans 7:19 (KJV)

Try this: Make confession part of your nightly prayer.

Pass it on: Be honest with a friend about your struggles.

Start small: a chapter of a Gospel each day. Listen for Law (where it shows your sin) and Gospel (where it shows Christ for you). Use a reading plan or the Small Catechism alongside.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”Joshua 1:8 (KJV)

Try this: Start the Gospel of Mark this week, one chapter a day.

Pass it on: Invite a friend to read along with you.

Your body is a gift from God and a temple of the Holy Spirit. Care for it, but don't make it an idol. Your worth isn't in your looks.

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”Psalm 139:14 (KJV)

Try this: Thank God for one thing about your body today.

Pass it on: Encourage someone who struggles with body image.

Forgiveness isn't pretending it didn't hurt. It's releasing the debt because Christ forgave you. It may take time, and you can still set healthy boundaries.

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”Colossians 3:13 (KJV)

Try this: Pray for the person who hurt you.

Pass it on: Talk to a trusted adult about how to forgive.

God can handle your honest feelings. The Psalms are full of complaints brought to God. Keep talking to Him; don't walk away.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?”Psalm 13:1-2 (KJV)

Try this: Write your own psalm telling God how you feel.

Pass it on: Share a psalm with a friend going through a hard time.

Honor them even when you disagree. Speak respectfully, help at home and listen to their wisdom. They aren't perfect, but God placed them over you.

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”Exodus 20:12 (KJV)

Try this: Thank your parents for one specific thing.

Pass it on: Encourage a friend to show respect at home.

Scripture warns against drunkenness and anything that controls you. Many substances are illegal for teens and harmful. Choose freedom in Christ.

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”Ephesians 5:18 (KJV)

Try this: Decide now how you'll respond if offered something.

Pass it on: Stand by a friend who says no.

Start with friendship and listening. Share what Jesus has done for you, simply and honestly. Invite friends to church or youth group.

“But sanctify 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:”1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)

Try this: Write out your faith story in three sentences.

Pass it on: Share it with one friend this month.

After learning the Small Catechism, young people publicly confess the faith into which they were baptized and are welcomed to the Lord's Supper. (Practices differ between churches.) It's a milestone, not a graduation from church.

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”2 Timothy 3:14-15 (KJV)

Try this: Ask your pastor about confirmation or membership classes.

Pass it on: Encourage a younger student starting confirmation.

Feelings come and go, but God's promises don't. Go back to His Word, prayer and worship. Sometimes God feels far when we're tired, hurting or avoiding something.

“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”James 4:8 (KJV)

Try this: Spend 10 quiet minutes with God without your phone.

Pass it on: Tell a friend when you're struggling.

Your first purpose is to know and love God and to love others. God gives each person gifts to serve. You don't need to have it all figured out now.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)

Try this: Volunteer somewhere once this month.

Pass it on: Invite a friend to volunteer with you.

Christians believe God made the universe, and science studies how it works. Many great scientists were Christians. Christians differ on how to read Genesis, but all confess God as Creator.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”Psalm 19:1 (KJV)

Try this: Look up a Christian scientist from history.

Pass it on: Discuss faith and science respectfully with a friend.

Look for friends who encourage your faith and character. Be that kind of friend too. You can be kind to everyone while choosing close friends carefully.

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

Try this: List your closest friends and ask: do they help me follow Jesus?

Pass it on: Invite a friend to youth group.

Honor your parents and live your faith with love. Find a church family to support you. Pray for your family; God can work in them.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”Acts 16:31 (KJV)

Try this: Pray for each family member by name.

Pass it on: Show Christ's love through serving at home.

Worship includes how you work, study, rest and treat people. Sing, pray and give thanks in daily life. Doing your best at school can honor God.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”Colossians 3:17 (KJV)

Try this: Dedicate your homework to God today.

Pass it on: Share a worship song with a friend.

Those who trust Christ go to be with Him at death and will be raised bodily when He returns. That hope gives courage. Christians differ on some end-times details but agree Jesus will return.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”John 14:2-3 (KJV)

Try this: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

Pass it on: Comfort a grieving friend with this hope.