Who are these “angels” and where are they? They are “ministering spirits” whom God sends to serve you as one of “those who will inherit salvation.” And they’re right there beside and around you. That’s comforting to know when you’re facing some bully. Or wavering over a hard choice. You feel all alone, but remember—you’re not! God doesn’t say a lot about angels, but he does let you know that these powerful spiritual beings are with you. Whatever the situation, you’re really not alone.
Life is pretty tough at times, isn’t it? There’s pressure on every side to conform to what the world around you wants rather than to what God wants. There’s pressure to wear the right thing, buy the right stuff, act the right way, go to the right places. Life is not easy. This verse says Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are.” Yeah. Sure. But he didn’t live in this century. How could he know what it’s like? Because Jesus was a true human being as well as God. He felt every pressure you feel. He knew disappointment and heartbreak. That’s why you can bring everything to him. He does know what you’re going through. And he cares.
Most teens want to grow up fast. If you’re 13, you want to be 16. If you’re 15, you want to be 18. Well, if you really want to grow up faster, this verse tells you how! It says that a person becomes mature by using the Bible’s teachings to see the difference between good and evil. Here’s how it works. Instead of taking your friend’s word on whether something is right or wrong, good or bad, you follow God’s direction. In other words, you learn to take responsibility for your decisions. And you make your decisions using God’s Word as your guide. Show that kind of maturity, and you are truly grown up.
The prophet Jeremiah announced that one day God would replace the law with a “new covenant” (Jeremiah 31:31–34). The law told people what good was, but the law couldn’t make anyone good! A change from within was needed, not some command saying, “Do this!”
When Jesus died on the cross, the promised “new covenant” became a reality. God began to work in believers in a new way:
• God writes his laws on your heart (Hebrews 8:10). Believers are changed from the inside to become more and more like Jesus.
• God becomes yours and you become his (Hebrews 8:10–11). The Holy Spirit comes to live in you, bonding you to God forever.
• God forgives you completely (Hebrews 8:12). Your sins are forgotten, and you can look ahead to a new, better life.
Some choices can have tragic results. You drink and drive, and a friend is injured. You have sex with your boyfriend, and you get pregnant or you get a disease. And your conscience constantly reminds you of your guilt and tells you you’re useless. Well, it’s true that bad choices often have tragic results. But you don’t have to live with a guilty conscience. Hebrews 9:14 says that the blood of Christ cleanses. You see, you can’t go back and undo your past mistakes. But you can be forgiven for them. Your guilt is gone, and God is with you to make your future bright.
“he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God”
Some might have the impression that today Jesus is sort of sitting around waiting until it’s time to return. Well, Jesus hasn’t retired yet.
The New Testament says 19 times that Jesus, having returned to heaven, sits at God the Father’s right hand. When something is repeated 19 times, it’s important! But why? It’s important because the Lord wants us to know that Jesus is God the Father’s “right hand man”—he has authority and influence. And the Lord wants us to know that Jesus is there for us. Because Jesus is at the Father’s right hand,
• He’s there to answer our prayers for mercy and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14–16).
• He’s there to speak up in our defense when we sin (1 John 2:1).
• He’s there to pray for us (Romans 8:34).
• He’s there to ensure that we have the Holy Spirit to strengthen us (Acts 2:33, 34).
Hebrews 9:24 sums it up: Jesus “entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s [the Father’s] presence.”
No, Jesus hasn’t retired. He’s there for us, guaranteeing forgiveness when we fail, providing the strength we need to overcome temptation, always ready to help when we call on him.
Living a Christian life isn’t easy. It can be really hard. That’s when you need the support of Christian friends. But how do you get that support? First of all, make sure you get together regularly. Maybe at church. Maybe at an after-school club. Or maybe on your own with two or three Christian friends. What can you do when you get together? Talk about what’s happening in your lives. Encourage each other. And “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). It’s a lot easier to stand firm in your Christian commitment if you know other teens are standing beside you.
You break your leg a week before the big ski trip. Your mom gets sick just before you graduate. Hebrews 12 says to look at some of the painful things that happen to you as “God’s discipline.” No, not “God’s punishment.” Discipline means training, helping you grow up, preparing you to be strong. Some people fight any kind of discipline. Like crying babies, they want what they want, and they want it now. What a terrible way to live! Since you are not a baby anymore, sometimes God lets hard things happen to you. When they do, see them as God’s discipline—and as a sign of his love for you.
In 7 months I am having a baby. I’m 16. My parents and I do not believe in abortion, but I’m not sure what will be best for us and the baby. I’m scared and don’t know what to do.
Jenna
Dear Jenna,
You have already made some good choices in dealing with this difficult situation. You have told your parents which means you don’t have to try to deal with this by yourself. Furthermore, you are respecting this child’s life. I commend you on both of these decisions. Of course there are other important decisions that must be made as well. It’s understandable that you have fears and things you’re uncertain about.
There are pro-life counseling centers especially for pregnant teens that offer support and information which can be helpful to you and your family. I hope you will ask God to give you wisdom as you consider what to do. And remember to focus on the fact that God loves you and your unborn child too. He has promised never to leave you, never to forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You can count on God every minute of every day. He will even use this painful experience for good in your life (Romans 8:28), which right now might seem hard to believe.
Jordan
Hebrews
Churches.
There are lots of different types of Christian churches. This book is a reminder that what’s so special about “Christian” is Jesus Christ himself.