CrossFire United Youth Ministries

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” 2 Timothy 2:22

God offers great advice for fleeing impure temptations: Run! But he also provides Christlike alternatives that offer more joy, as well as eternal rewards. A great way to avoid facing temptations in the first place is to hang out with other people striving for purity. When you’re surrounded by Christians who provide support and accountability, it’s easier to keep your commitment to stay pure.

“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Jesus doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life. Instead, he came to earth to experience pain firsthand and then conquer it. He knows what each of us is going through and promises that everything, even the struggles, will work out for good. Because Jesus overcame sin and death, we have the hope of new life in heaven, our pain-free eternal home.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

David was an unlikely choice to be king. Of Jesse’s sons, David was the youngest and shortest. But God looked deeper and knew who he’d help David become. In his wisdom, God does the same thing for each of us.

“Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of [the believers]. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:3-4

On Pentecost, known as the church’s birthday, the early Christians were literally set aflame for God. Thanks to the Holy Spirit’s power and presence, more than 3,000 people were added to the church that day. The same Holy Spirit can work miracles in hearts and lives even now.