It’s always interesting talking with the youngsters who attend the youth club at HWEC on a Friday night. It’s an insight into what the world is teaching our young people, some of which can be subtle yet insidious.

On one end of the spectrum, there are those who find it hard to believe we are saved from our sin by the grace of God, through faith in Christ alone. To them, being right with God is being good, praying and going to church. Whilst there is nothing wrong with those activities, in fact they are very good activities to carry out, they cannot put us right with God. Every Friday, it seems that we’re repeating the same discussion – albeit with different young people. Just when you think a young person finally understands what the bible says about salvation, a new one comes along and you have to start from the beginning again.

At the other end of the spectrum are those who believe Jesus is all loving, without judging. Of course, the bible says that whilst God loves all people, he is also holy and cannot bear the presence of sin. They find it hard to believe that Jesus Christ, who was sent to be the saviour of all who trust in him, will eventually return one day to judge everyone and send sinners to hell if they are unwilling to let go of their sin.

Yet, it’s not that hard to believe these young people have trouble grasping the truth of the bible, as I had these misconceptions once. By the grace of God, the Spirit opened my eyes to the truth, and the truth has set me free. I just pray these young people will see the truth, and know the truth.