Week 1: Faith Lesson

What are the benefits of knowing God loves you, and why is it important that you have a relationship with Him? It’s an incredible feeling when you really understand that the God who created and designed the entire universe also created you. He knows you better than anyone else and loves you more than you could ever imagine. When you really get that Jesus is the Son of God and that he died on the cross so that you could have eternal life, it’s life-changing. There are so many reasons why you should take the time to get to know God. Some have to do with your life on Earth, and some have to do with where you spend eternity.

Benefit #1:

Your life on earth will have more love, joy, excitement, and peace.

Think about it. Wouldn’t you love your life to be characterized by love, joy, excitement, and peace? God doesn’t guarantee that if you believe in Him, you’ll have a problem-free life – just a life filled with more love, joy, peace, and excitement!

When you believe in Jesus, He sends the Holy Spirit to guide you. God actually puts part of Himself in you to help you through life. Paul, the guy who hated Christians until he had an amazing conversation with Jesus that changed him into a Christ follower, says in Galatians 5:22-23, that when you let the Holy Spirit control your life you will have more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (These 9 attributes are called the Fruit of the Spirit). God created you and knows what is best for you, and the more you let Him guide you, the more your life will be characterized by these attributes.

Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Jesus is saying that if you follow Him and His teachings, the cares of everyday life will not overwhelm you.

Stress can have severe effects on your health, such as depression, heart problems, difficulty sleeping, stomach issues, and others. One of the greatest ways you can reduce stress in your life comes from having a close relationship with God.

When you really believe God loves you and that He has a plan for your life, you will feel more peace when dealing with life.

Paul said, “I have learned to be content with whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:11-12) Now that’s a lifestyle you should strive for – contentment in ALL situations. Some people think that when you follow Jesus, you will live a boring life. Not true! Ever since I decided to let God lead me, my life has been so much more exciting. When you have the Father of All guiding your days, you know some amazing things will happen!

Benefit #2: After you die, you’ll spend eternity with God in heaven. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God promises that when you believe in Jesus and you chose to follow Him, you will go to heaven when you die. Heaven is a real place where all Christ followers will spend eternity. It’s an exciting place, unlike anything you can imagine! In Revelation 21:,4 John tells us, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Can you imagine living where there are no tears, pain, death, or mourning? God did an amazing job when He created the world with so many interesting things in it. Just imagine how awesome heaven will be! John 14:2 reads: “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” How cool is it that Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for all who believe in Him! Some of you reading this might not really understand what it means to believe in Jesus. Don’t be afraid to talk to your parents, pastor, or youth group leader about what it means to “be saved.” Let them walk you through this and then pray and ask God to help you understand. One of the best ways to learn more about God is to read your Bible!