A Life That Points Others to Jesus

Our youth group's theme for this school year is Living Proof.

This theme comes from the story of Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead for four days when Jesus called him out of the tomb and gave him life. Afterward, Lazarus became living evidence of Jesus' identity and power. People did not merely hear what Jesus had done—they could look at Lazarus and see the proof for themselves.

"Because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing in Jesus."

John 12:11 (NASB)

Lazarus did not need to convince people that something had happened to him. His life told the story. He had been dead, but because of Jesus, he was alive.

In the same way, Christians are called to die to their old lives and be raised as new people through Jesus. Our baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ—and it marks the beginning of a new life devoted to Him.

"Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life."

Romans 6:4 (NASB)

That is what we want for our youth. Our goal is not merely to know the right answers, attend church activities, or say that we believe in Jesus. We want our lives to provide visible evidence that the gospel is true. The way we speak, serve, forgive, love, make decisions, and respond to difficulty should point people toward Christ.

We were dead in sin, but Jesus has given us new life. Now we are called to live differently.

We do not want merely to talk about the gospel. We want to become Living Proof of its power.

Knowing the Word and Living the Word

We cannot live as evidence for the truth of the gospel if we do not know what the gospel teaches. God's Word shows us who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and how His followers are called to live.

Scripture shapes our thinking, directs our choices, strengthens us during temptation, and prepares us to help others. When God's Word is planted deeply in our hearts, it becomes part of how we respond to everyday life.

"Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You."

Psalm 119:11 (NASB)

Memorizing Scripture is not simply about completing an assignment or earning a prize. It is about carrying God's truth with us. We want our students to have His Word available when they face pressure, temptation, fear, doubt, disappointment, or an opportunity to encourage someone else.

Knowing God's Word helps us live God's way—and living God's way helps the world see the difference Jesus makes.

Challenge 52

As part of this year's theme, our youth are invited to participate in Challenge 52.

The challenge is to memorize 52 carefully selected passages of Scripture in 52 weeks—one passage each week for an entire year. Each passage was chosen to help students understand the story, character, promises, and will of God.

Every student has been given a deck of 52 cards containing the passage assigned for each week. These cards provide a simple way for students to carry the verses with them, practice throughout the week, and review passages they have already memorized. Additionally, at the bottom of this page you will find a link to an online app that provides each verse and has a utility to help practice the verses that are unlocked at that time. This app will require signing up with base44 and will require an email address.

Each week, students are encouraged to:

1. Memorize the passage on that week's card.
2. Read the chapter surrounding the passage so they understand its context.
3. Review the passages they have already learned.
4. Continue repeating the process throughout all 52 weeks.

The challenge is cumulative. Students will not simply memorize a passage and immediately leave it behind. Regular review will help move these passages from short-term memory into truths they can carry with them for years to come.

The Goal Is Transformation

Challenge 52 is not about proving who has the best memory. It is about building lives upon the Word of God.

By the end of the challenge, students will have stored 52 important passages in their hearts—but the greater goal is that those passages will shape their character and conduct. We want students who know God's truth, recognize falsehood, make wise decisions, explain their faith, encourage others, and faithfully follow Jesus.

At the conclusion of the 52 weeks, we will hold a special celebration honoring those who complete Challenge 52. Finishing will require commitment, discipline, perseverance, and encouragement from families and from one another. We look forward to recognizing that accomplishment and celebrating what God has done through a year spent in His Word.