What Questions Do We Need to Answer to Help Keep Our Youth in the Faith?

In this episode of #STRask, hosts Greg Kokel and Tim discuss the critical questions young people must answer to remain faithful in their Christian beliefs amid cultural and intellectual challenges. They identify a shift in youth concerns—from recent debates around LGBTQ+ issues to deeper, more foundational theological questions about the goodness and love of God, the authority of Scripture, and the moral implications of a God who permits evil. The hosts emphasize that the cross of Christ is central to answering these questions, as it objectively demonstrates God’s love, justice, and goodness, providing a foundation for trusting God even when Scripture or culture seems contradictory. They argue that youth must first be convinced of God’s goodness before they can engage with difficult biblical passages or moral dilemmas. Key questions include whether God is good, whether He truly loves us, what biblical love actually means, whether culture can be wrong, and most crucially, whether God is worth suffering for. The episode concludes with a powerful call to cultivate deep personal relationships with Jesus, highlighting historical figures like Richard Wurmbrand and Corrie ten Boom as examples of those who endured persecution because they believed God was worth it. Ultimately, the episode stresses that apologetics is not just about defending beliefs but about fostering a transformative relationship with Christ.