I Timothy 4:12 (NIV) reads: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” So young people stop your warring, un-ball your fist, brighten your countenance, “remember your Creator,” and live for Jesus Christ. For God has called you to be “Productive,” and not destructive!”
Happy Sunday Saints and Mother’s Day!
Mother's Day is a celebration of the profound love, sacrifice, and nurturing role mothers play in shaping families and society. It is a time for heartfelt appreciation, fostering family bonds, and honoring maternal figures, including grandmothers and mentors. The day is filled with joy through intentional acts of gratitude, relaxation, and reconnection. So on this Mother’s Day, I say to all mothers, especially to all born-again Christian Mothers and guardians of our children and youth: I thank you for your loving service. I salute you in the name of Jesus Christ, and Happy Mother’s Day!
However, as we celebrate Mother's Day, we must acknowledge that our families across America and around the world are under attack, and the devil never takes a day off to observe our celebrations. Just as mothers work tirelessly to protect their children, the Church cannot rest on its spiritual duty. Let us, as One Body in Christ, resist evil by arming our youth with the Word of God, and standing firm with them in faith, to walk out their Christian journey according to God’s divine Will and Plan.
For decades, American mothers have increasingly navigated solo-parenting, with roughly one-third of U.S. children, and an even higher percentage in many cities and certain ethnic groups, living in single-parent households. This shift, driven by lower marriage rates and higher non-marital births, means roughly 15-million children live with their mothers. The immense role mothers play in guiding youth, requires not only community action against teenage chaos, but even more so the Christian Church to help youth to focus on God and His Word to counter negative societal influences.
The ideal of having two parents (male and female) in the home raising a child is becoming increasing uncommon. A powerful and nurturing home environment is created when children are raised by two loving, God-fearing parents, providing them with a "secure fortress" and safe refuge that fosters healthy, long-term development. Studies indicate a strong correlation between single-parent households, particularly father-absent homes, and increased youth involvement in violence. Some Research suggests, that approximately 70-percent to 72-percent of adolescent murderers and long-term prison inmates come from fatherless homes. Furthermore, 85-percent of youths in prison reportedly grew up without fathers.
Experts also report, fatherless children are more likely to exhibit behavioral disorders, engage in school violence, drop out of high school, become homeless, or experience poverty. While father absence is a strong predictor of violence, researchers often note that this, along with other factors like economic instability and low parent education, drives these outcomes. But I’m here to tell you Saints, and more specifically every teenager, regardless of whether you come from a two-parent led home or single-parent (mother) led home, as the late honorable Jessie L. Jackson Sr. made famous the saying: “You are somebody!”
Not only are you somebody, you are the child of Almighty God, and there is no obstacle in life too hard to overcome with Jesus Christ reigning and ruling in your life. Psalm 27:10 says, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Meaning, that even if the closest human bonds fail or abandon you, God’s care is steadfast, unconditional, and protective. It emphasizes divine adoption over earthly rejection, promising that God becomes a perfect, loving parent to those who are forsaken, abandoned, or feeling orphaned.
As such, from the beginning of this Sermon, I challenge children and teenagers to commit to live for Jesus from their youth. For it’s possible for you to live in faith, purity, and serve Jesus Christ all the days of your life. And God, expects you to! The big fat-lie the enemy Satan has perpetrated (and sad to say with success) throughout the ages of Society is this: “Youth for pleasure, middle age for business, and old age for religion.” While on the other hand, the Holy Bible Commands youth, middle age, and old age are for God the Creator alone!
The former adage, represents a “sensual-sequential” approach to life adopted by most of Society. Where different stages of life are dedicated to specific SELFISH pursuits; enjoying oneself when young, building wealth or career in the middle age, and finally turning to focused spirituality only when physical vitality wanes and declines.
This is a false philosophy; a dangerous temptation by Satan to waste energetic years on selfishness and postpone serving God until one has little to nothing left physically to give, in pursuing fulfillment of God’s divine Will and Purposes through the Great Commission. (Mark16:15-18)
Whereas the second adage is based on Ecclesiastes 12:1, the call to "Remember your Creator" across youth, middle age, and old age means committing to God throughout all life stages; utilizing energetic youth for service, applying middle-age godly-wisdom, and relying on God before physical decline. It emphasizes honoring God before life’s difficulties make faith harder to materialize, and work for our good and for others as a tribe winning souls, both young and old, to Jesus Christ.
Beloved Church family, after 26-years of ordained Ministry, I can honestly say that my passion for shepherding God’s people has only grown. Throughout my time in pastoral ministry, I have held, and always will hold, a special place in my heart for children and young people membered to this Ministry, as well as the many hundreds of youth I have encountered through Outreach Ministry in the streets of Gaithersburg, Germantown, and Silver Spring, Maryland.
Our Ministry has always emphasized and encouraged as a top priority Christian education that leads to a relationship with Jesus Christ, along with scholastic achievement, socio-cultural interaction, community engagement, and participation in youth sports. Every child that has grown-up in this Ministry I have had the privilege to baptize in water under the Authority of Jesus Christ. And, by the power of the Holy Ghost, I have entrusted each one them to the “lifelong” keeping of Jesus Christ from the evil that is in this world. (II Thess. 3:3) My overarching view of my pastoral role toward youth is they must be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence. This includes safeguarding them in child protection matters, mitigating digital (online) harm and armed conflict scenarios.
For those of you who have been membered to our Ministry for many years know of my disdain for the way folks use cell-phones. While technological advancement is a good thing, we need smarter guardrails to ensure innovation doesn’t come at the cost of human well-being. When cell phones became widespread in our Society in the late 1990’s and early 2000, from the pulpit, I warned against their use by born-again Christians, especially minors. At that time, I advocated for cell-phones, as well as other digital devices like computers (even though they were already widely in use for sundry purposes) be used strictly for purposes of education, business, and emergencies; that children and teenagers should have access to them with very limited uses.
Oh, and the congregation had a good laugh at me, but I took no offense. In those early days of digital use, I already had seen how Black Americans, in particular, were making idols of phones and being financially exploited. They were spending large sums on phone purchases and monthly phone bills when they could hardly afford to pay rental expenses. Most had little or no savings, life insurance, investments, or even a retirement savings plan, and few if any were able to pay tithes and give offerings unto the Lord, in accordance with Holy Scripture. (Lev. 27:30, Mal. 3:10, & Matt.23:23)
In 2007, I begged our members to find $1,000 to invest in companies like Apple and add $100 each month, and I would show them how. Had they listened and reinvested dividends in the stock, the value today would be worth as much as $400,000. But no one took my advice; and as I always say, “Procrastination is the enemy of time!” I firmly believe that digital devices; phones, laptops, and screens are the premier tools Satan is using today to move people away from God, creating an immersive virtual world that competes with True spiritual reality.
In my view, the digital world is a virtual theater of spiritual warfare designed to lure minds away from God-honoring devotion. Social media frequently hosts false information, misconceptions, and outright lies about Jesus Christ and Christianity. Misinformation spreads through various forms, including AI-generated imagery, distorted scripture, and sensationalized "facts" designed to generate engagement of youth and people of all ages. Most of our youth have not been adequately prepared to defend the faith against falsehoods, and many as lost sheep are led astray.
My Message during the early 2000s was intended to warn the generation of that age, that the lack of sobriety and watchfulness over their cell-phones would only lead to the next generation becoming enslaved to the technology. So many parents have handed out cell-phones to their children and teenagers like “candy;” as “gifts” without first fully assessing their ability to handle them in a “godly and responsible way.”
Research data shows over the last 25-years, American youth cell phone ownership and usage has grown from a “rarity” to nearly “universal,” with 95-percent of teens (ages12-17) now having access to a smartphone. Today, 53-percent of children own a smartphone by age 11. Daily usage among teens is exceptionally high, with median screen time exceeding 4-hours. I recently read an article in which a young adult admitted that between ages 12 and 17, on average, he spent 10-hours a day on digital devices.
Saints, in the 1990s through early 2000s mobile phones were rare among teenagers, used mainly for emergency communications. By 2004-2009, Mobile phone ownership among teens (12-17) grew to approximately 75-percent with the advent of Facebook and YouTube, both reaching respectively over 100-million users and viewers across all age groups. From 2010-2020’s, smartphones became standard with the explosion of apps like Instagram and Snapchat. The 1990’s Japanese photo booth culture laid the groundwork for “selfies,” which then erupted into a digital phenomenon between 2010-2013, driven by smartphone technology and front-facing cameras. This transition transformed the self-camera from a niche, edited print trend, into an instant social media-sharing obsession.
The Selfie culture has amplified tendencies toward vanity and self-admiration, with many, especially youths and young adults, using social media for validation, constructing a polished "personal brand" that fuels comparison and anxiety. While some argue it is merely an evolution of historical image-seeking, the instant, global nature of selfies has made “self-presentation” more constant and performance-driven.
By 2015, the vast majority of teens owned smartphones, and currently, according to the Pew Research Center, 97-percent of American adults own a phone, and teen access to smartphones is near saturation at 95-percent. Pew found in its survey that 51-percent of children aged 8 and younger owned a smartphone or tablet in 2024. Top smartphone apps in 2026 include staples like YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram for communication and social media, alongside essential tools like Google Maps and Microsoft Edge. Productivity is dominated by AI-driven tools, while entertainment apps like Spotify, Disney Plus, and various games, along with finance apps such as Cash App, rank high in usage, and are at the finger-tips of the world’s people. Oh, who can resist the obsession of constant checking of phones? Who can go a few hours, or even a day, without a cell phone? Can you Saints? How does your usage of cell phones compare with study of the Holy Bible?
According to youth participant surveys, the key reasons for usage of phones is to connect with others, (84-percent) entertainment, (70-percent) and passing the time (90-percent).
Researchers have also found that smartphone ownership before age 13 acts as a “war on kids,” causing significant mental health declines, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
The devices are linked to sleep disruption, reduced attention spans, cyberbullying, and addiction, prompting experts to suggest waiting until age 13 or later to permit youth access. Due to these detrimental effects, there is a growing movement to treat smartphone overuse similarly to tobacco or auto safety belt regulations. Yes Saints, I am a strong supporter (and always have been of government regulation of cell phones with warning labels and banning sales to anyone under 17. I believe these protections are necessary for the well-being of youth. Just as we enforce age limits on driving, and alcohol and tobacco use, we must enforce no phones while driving-laws, and implement policies that reduce screen-time distractions for youth in school and home.
Moreover, cell phones for many Christian youth, disrupt a child's relationship with God by replacing spiritual connection with constant distraction, fostering addictive behaviors, and providing easy access to content that contradicts the Word of God, faith values, and religious traditions.
Content on digital devices has diminished focus on God, created "dry" relationships, and replaced time that could be spent on “spiritual growth,” such as reading Scripture or praying, sharing the gospel with peers, as well as academic and employment pursuits.
If you doubt the adverse spiritual effects of cell phones on our youth, examine religious behavioral data for the Generation Z, (Gen Z) which commonly refers to people born between 1997 and 2012. As of 2026, Gen Z are roughly ages 14 to 29-years old. According to Sean McDowell and J. Warner Wallace, best-selling authors of the book, “So The Next Generation Will Know,” “Gen Z is “projected to very quickly become the largest demographic in the world (comprising 32-perent of the global population), and is already the single largest media audience in the nation.” And, the world’s developers and marketers of digital devices, other multi-billion-dollar conglomerates, would be hackers and scammers, and child predators influenced by Satan know this as well.
The authors reported out data showing, recent surveys and studies that show Gen Z, heavily influenced by digital content, is the “least religious of all generations in America, with the percentage of teens who identify as atheist double that of the general population.” Further the authors noted “consistent with other historical data trends in college age students leaving the Church over the past 20-years is staggering.” Citing one study at UCLA, that “52-percent of college students reported frequent Church attendance the year before they entered college, but only 29-percent continued their faith.”
Also several other studies reported by the authors found that “50 to 70-percent of young Christians walk away from the Church by the time they are in their college years. Even those who don’t leave find themselves struggling to believe Christianity is true, and 40- to 50-percent of students in youth groups struggle in their faith after graduation.” Gen Z, as digital natives, navigate a "post-Christian" world, where they are inundated with secular ideologies, alternative viewpoints, and algorithmically curated content that often challenges traditional Christian beliefs centered on Scripture. Gen Z’s teenagers are called "screen-agers" facing a digital saturation of information that fuels skepticism toward institutional faith.
However, some experts report within the general decline of Christ-centeredness among Gen Z, a small, intense revival is happening. In 2024, U.S. Bible sales rose 22-percent, driven largely by young adults seeking answers amid uncertainty. Some among Gen Z, claim to be “Spiritual, but Not Religious."
Also, more broadly, the studies report Gen Z views the Christian Church through a lens of extreme authenticity, seeking raw, community-focused experiences over polished performances, with many vetting Churches on social media (TikTok & Instagram) for "vibe" before attending. While many are skeptical or disengaged, a significant subset seeks stability in traditional, conservative, or Catholic settings, with young white men currently attending at higher rates than women.
While Gen Z shows high curiosity about Jesus (44-percent in a survey), they often reject traditional, organized religion, showing more interest in personal, digital exploration of Biblical text. Despite these niche revivals and religious behaviors, the overall trajectory shows a “significant decline” in traditional Christian affiliation among Gen Z compared to previous generations, according to research. Thus, it appears Gen Z is at best validating the traditional life-stage trajectory: prioritizing self-absorbed fun-experience in youth, professional development in middle age, and a return to spiritual foundational values in late stages of life.
The Holy Bible warns against such complacency and lukewarm appetite for God. At Matthew 24:37-39, Jesus compared the time before His return to the days of Noah, where people were consumed with daily life, ignoring impending judgment until it was too late. Christ’s Return shall be at a time of rampant violence, moral decay, and global wicked-mindedness, where people are preoccupied with daily life, and unaware of imminent judgment. Can anyone deny we now live in such days?
Also, at Luke 22:36, given the violence and corruption that would be in the world at the time of His coming, as a Commandment to His followers, Jesus said, “Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and stand before the Son of Man.” The Apostle Paul also stated, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation.” (II Cor. 6:2) Every person on earth, including our youth, must heed this clarion call to Christ, for we know not the hour nor day of the Lord’s Return. Neither is tomorrow promised to any person, young or old, for we are all one last breath away from the appointment of death, and then eternal judgment. (Heb.9:27)
Saints, with Gen Z, we are experiencing the snow-balling effect of sin; unresolved “generational compromise.” Meaning what one generation tolerates, the next embraces. Unchecked sin only increases in intensity over time! Many parents and grandparents of Gen Z abandoned the disciplines of Church assembly, prayer, and Scripture, choosing to worship at the altar of their cell phones and smartphones. Now, they are witnessing their children adopt these behaviors, amplifying them into an even more dramatic, chaotic, and spiritually detached reality. Collectively as the Church, and individually as parents, we are failing our children and teenagers; and far too often they themselves lack responsibility and accountability.
Dear Church Family, have you not seen recent reports in news media of the growing crisis within a subset of Gen Z in cities across America with what are called, “Teen-Takeovers?” Social media show chaotic scenes from, coast to coast, with large groups of teenagers swarming streets in cities late-night disrupting neighborhoods, damaging property, and prompting a growing debate among elected leaders and law enforcement over how to respond.
My God, youth violence has escalated to a point requiring emergency curfews (curfew zones for certain streets in neighborhoods) to maintain peace and safety, signaling a crisis that challenges community safety and traditional parenting roles. In various cities, active enforcement of curfew laws has fluctuated over the last 25-years, with an 11p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for minors under age 18, with frequent re-upping of stricter emergency enforcement periods due to rising crime.
However, this punitive, "tough on crime" approach is often ineffective and alienates youth, research suggests. Some researchers posit that curfew policies restrict freedom of movement, reduce trust in authority, and fail to account for legitimate late-night activities like work, school events, or safe travel.
So, not even nightly curfews put in place by Authorities, nor “Safe Spaces,” which are intended in part to give youth fun opportunities to fellowship at night in controlled public settings such as recreational centers, have been able to deter late-night Teen Takeovers, which often erupt into mass fights, looting, and assaults against law enforcement.
For example, in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, crowds of teens climbed on cars and set off alarms, while in Detroit, groups rushed into stores, with some seen stealing items. Similar unrest were recently reported in Washington, D.C., where police arrested several young people between ages 12 and 17, with 5 of them charged with assaulting a police officer.
Governmental Authorities confirm Teen Takeovers are part of a growing trend often referred to as;” large, loosely organized gatherings coordinated through “social media platforms,” (like TikTok and Snapchat) often with little warning. Where large throngs of teens swarm public areas, malls, or businesses. According to Authorities, while sometimes aimed at socializing, these events frequently turn violent, resulting in property damage, fights, and increased police intervention. Researchers report that parents of children involved in Teen Takeovers come from diverse backgrounds, including Christian households, highlighting that this trend spans various demographics. Discussions around these events frequently focus on a perceived breakdown of parental guidance, accountability, and the need for parental responsibility. (Umm go figure!)
So Saints, in the mix of these disorderly youth gatherings, we have some kids whose parents are professed Christians, and rather than their kids being transformed by the Word of God into examples of Christ’s on how to behave among their peers, they are succumbing and conforming to the evil behaviors of fellow GenZers who do not know God. (Rom.12:1-2)
Now, let me play three short video-clips for you of Teen-Takeovers. (Teen Takeovers spark chaos US. Cities, reported by Kayla Gaskins, National Correspondent, The National Desk; A Closer Look. YouTube: Teen Takeover Dispersal in Navy Yard, D.C, and Video Shows Teen Takeover in Gwinnet County, Georgia). While I want to be clear these videos do not represent the majority of young people, it highlights a deeply concerning and growing trend of violent behavior among a subset of youth in our country that is going unchecked and/or resolved by parents and communities.
Despite being captured on smartphones in suboptimal lighting in some clips, the videos provide adequate detail to understand the scenes. As a teaching tool, it would be advantageous, if Church Leaders along with their congregations, and certainly Christian parents with their children, to watch these clips and discuss the actions of the youth, and explore ways to mitigate violence.
As we watch the videos, I invite you to place yourself in the parents’ shoes: (1) If this were your child acting-out, what would you be feeling, and how would you respond? (2) What if your child had come home beaten and bloodied from an attack what would be going through your mind? (3) What if your child had snuck out of the house, participated in mob-violence and had gotten arrested, what would be your response?
Viewing the video footage, and imagining this was your child acting-out, as first reactions I assume you would feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and embarrassed to see your child running and fighting wildly in the streets. That if you saw your child return home from a hostile takeover bloodied and bruised, a look of terror would clothe your face as you administer first- aid and seek understanding of what happened. That your heartbeat and blood pressure would dramatically rise to receive a call from local police notifying you of your child’s arrest and lock-up in a police station or juvenile detention facility, where you would immediately go and seek their release into your custody.
Perhaps after things have calmed down for both the teenager and yourself, you would desire to seek introspection regarding their motive for participation in breaking curfew and committing violent acts: fighting, looting, and vandalism. As a loving parent always on your child’s side and seeking their betterment, you might say something like this to them:
"Let’s take some time to let things settle. Later, maybe we can figure out together what was going on in your head and heart that made you feel like you had to act that way."
Indeed, as we watch these disturbing video clips, we ask ourselves what does this all mean, how did our children and Society get this way, and how do we fix this epidemic? We ask ourselves, why children are displaying such hatred and violence towards one another. Umm, surely as parents, and especially Christian parents, we have taught our children that hitting, violence, and the destruction of property is not okay, and that assaulting police officers is never permitted.
Some Mental health experts suggest the violence and abhorrent behavior displayed in Teen Takeovers are due to mental health issues. They report teenage anger management issues often stem from a combination of underdeveloped brain regulation (prefrontal cortex), intense hormonal fluctuations, and high stress from academic, social, or family pressures. Underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or trauma are common drivers, along with a search for independence, feelings of powerlessness, or learned behaviors from conflict-heavy environments. However, I contend that Teenage mental health struggles are a long-standing developmental challenge, not a new Gen Z phenomenon though more often diagnosed and reported within the medical community now days than in prior generations. And, while these issues are complex, they by no means excuse violent behavior.
Saints, I am of the camp that Teen Takeovers, as well as the many other violent behaviors we see displayed among youth in our Society today represent a “spiritual/moral crises” stemming from a deeper “cry” for connection, purpose, and guidance rather than just mere rebellion. The obsession with digital devices, such as smartphones provide the mechanism for youth to be exposed to damaging content and conversation which serves as an negative influence and driver towards uncontrolled behavior. But, more commonly and deeply the problems with youth behavioral disorders and violence is caused by intense feelings of loneliness, family instability, and absent fathers. Proverbs 29:15 warns parents that “a child left to himself brings shame to his mother." (Proverbs 29:15) Highlighting that failing to provide structure, guidance, and loving discipline, leaving youth to their own undisciplined ways, results in foolish behavior that disgraces the family and shames the parent.
The violence levied on our streets by youth are poignant signs of a deeper spiritual and social void that suggest kids are crying out to be seen, heard, and covered with mentorship to help navigate sundry tribulation in their lives. There is a “hole” in the hearts of many of our youth and they have no peace within. Teens lack a True relationship with Jesus Christ and the sincere milk of the Word of God to guard against emotions exuded due to instability in the home and other stress-full pressures in life. Hebrews 4:12 states:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The lack of spiritual guidance leaves our teens vulnerable to destructive behaviors influenced by the enemy Satan who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy! (John 10:10) While mental health counseling, community programs, and better policing can aid in helping youth cope and make better choices in life, only Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and prayer has the Power to deliver the soles of GenZers from evil.
If we continue to allow digital devices and their content to dominate Gen Z, including our Christian children, should Christ tarry, children after them in their generations will walk in far greater chaos and mayhem the likes of which the world has not seen. Ever growing deeper in love with the things of the world and hatred towards God and His Word and others, will become a “world order” for the next generations: Where the first inkling for masses of youth will be to hate, mistreat, and seek domination of others because they will believe no authority or person can be trusted and worthy of good treatment.
To address the crisis of Gen Z within the Christian population, both parents and teens need radical “God Intervention.” Saints, we need the Lord’s Help! We need the “Wisdom of God” to raise youth out of sundry behavioral issues and violence, into fruitful servants of truth and righteousness through an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. For Wisdom is the principal and thing and with all our getting we must get understanding. (Prov. 4:7)
God instructs any person who lacks Wisdom to come and ask for it, and surely we need His Wisdom concerning Teen Takeovers. God Promises to give Wisdom liberally, if we ask in “faith” and without wavering. (James 1:5-6) Yes, both parents and teenagers need God’s Wisdom to successfully navigate life’s-course. For without it, we are blind, led astray by conformance to the ways of the world, find ourselves in evil and unproductive paths that lead us into deep ditches. Parents and children have to locate themselves in the Word of God and embrace by faith the Promises contained therein.
Parents of Gen Z, (especially single mothers) through the Word of God and Power of the Holy Ghost must seek God’s Wisdom concerning nurturing and admonishing their children in the Lord. Parents must first embrace God’s Promise that their child is sacred (“The Heritage of the Lord’ a godly seed that shall be harvested by God in due season. Ps.127:3 & Mal.2:7), a divine gift, not a burden, ensuring God’s interest in their safety and future. By rooting themselves in the Word of God, parents can trust God to guide, protect, and build their family.
Praise God, the financial and moral stability that a husband/father is supposed to bring to the family may be absent from the home. But, single-mothers, you have a Promise from God Almighty that if you separate yourselves from “unbelieving men,” and “filthiness of the flesh” and live in “holiness,” God will be your “Father,” and you will be His “daughters” (heirs of God), and whatsoever you ask of God, Jehovah Jireh, He will provide! (II Cor. 6:14-18, 7:1) Yea, a man may leave you, but with God you are never alone! He may discourage and abuse you, but God will encourage you and entreat you with loving kindness! He may put you down, but God will lift you up above all enemies! A man may even scandalize your name, but God has a blessing with your name on it! So, you don’t have to fear what tomorrow holds, for faith and forgiveness of all maltreatment towards you, will lead you to higher ground.
Additionally, parents must take Scriptures of the Promise of Covenant-Protection and confesses them over their children in prayers and affirmation. For example, Scriptures for protecting children and youth focus on God as a shield, refuge, guardian, and salvation. Key verses include Psalm 91:11, which promises angelic protection, and Isaiah 54:17, which declares no weapon formed against them shall prosper. Psalm 121:7-8 offers comfort, asking God to watch over their going and coming, while Isaiah 49:25 contains a Promise to contend with those who contend with your children.
God also Promises to give youth “peace” all of their days; to act as their personal teacher in imparting wisdom and knowledge directly to believing children in Him. (Is.54:13) Also, take hold of Acts 2:39 for child-salvation, and put God in remembrance that your child shall be saved, filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost, evidenced with speaking in other tongues, as they are confessed believers in Jesus Christ. Upon receipt of the Holy Ghost they will receive Power to live out the Christian life in holiness and honor to God. Expect the Promise of the indwelling Spirit to give your child a knowing to know the Truth and stand against the whiles of the devil on social media, and everywhere they travel, with the Word of God as a shield and buckler!
Additionally, and very important, the parent must acknowledge and repent (without shame or condemnation) of their own shortcomings in raising the teen, from the womb till present, in nurturing “with diligence” the child in whole-hearted love and service to God alone. At Deuteronomy 6:4-15, God instructed Moses to Command the fathers and mothers and children of Israel to love and devote themselves to God as follows:
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
10 And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
For Israel, Deuteronomy Chapter 6 served as a foundational call by God to “exclusive allegiance,” where Moses mandated that Israel (beginning with father and mother) love and serve God entirely to cultivate a distinctively “godly worldview.” This instruction prioritized God over Egyptian practices and surrounding nations, establishing a “community” focused on covenant faithfulness through daily, generational internalization of His commands.
More specifically, Moses instructed that God expected “exclusive devotion” to Himself. Moses declared God is “One,” demanding complete, undivided allegiance of heart, soul, and strength (Deut. 6:4-5), rather than the polytheism of surrounding nations. Moses’ instructions taught generational transmission with the command to teach children “diligently” meant instilling a “God-centered worldview;” constantly walking, sitting, lying down, and rising ensuring unique identity rather than accommodation. Moses’ instruction taught total cultural integration as his command of writing commandments on doorposts and binding them as signs intended for a total immersion of life in God’s Word, making it the filter for all daily thoughts and actions. And finally, Moses’ instruction contrasted with the former life of Israel, as the decree served as a deliberate pivot away from the idolatry of Egypt and the surrounding Canaanite nations, demanding a new, unique, and faithful way of life.
The Commandment to love God wholly was reiterated by Jesus Christ in Matthew 22 and other places. The first and greatest Commandment, “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, with all your soul and with all your might.” When Jesus entered our hearts, the Holy Ghost shed abroad within our inner-beings God’s love. (Rom 5:5) Parent(s) failure to love God as Scripture demands, and with diligence, teach their children the same Words (to action) down through the ages has left each generation with living with an ever accelerating compromise and conformance with “secular world views:” Embracing falsehoods about evolution, and other man-made theories and philosophies and religions that deny the existence of God, Jesus Christ, and the Truth of the Holy Bible. The world view leaves people with the ignorant understanding that all knowledge is derived from science, reasoning, and personal experience rather than Scripture; the digital age like none other has fed these lies to our children and adults.
Finally, Christian parents must not fear using Bible-correction for teenagers. They must through the Spirit of God balance firm discipline with love, grace, and patience to guide their teen toward Wisdom rather than anger. Parents, have a sit-down at the kitchen table, or go for a walk in the park with your child and sit on a bench. Place your hand on their shoulder, and in a mid-level but sincere voice, teach them to live-life according to Proverbs 3:1-12, which offers youth the keys of a “wise-heart” and productive life in God in Christ Jesus. King Solomon wrote:
My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
In raising and training teens, parents must also study and apply other Principals in Scripture (See Prov. 29:17, 19:18, 22:6, Eph. 6:4, Col. 3:21 & Heb.12:11), as well as administer consistent natural corrective-consequences (limiting/ monitoring online access, building stronger academic achievement as reading/math scores of Gen Z are lower compared to their predecessors, with 84-percent of black high-school youth scores below proficient, far below their white peers), and getting them involved in constructive activities, and avoiding provocation.
Now, speaking directly to Gen Z Christian teenagers and young adults; you must ask God in faith for Wisdom to guide your life. Right now, resist the temptation to pick up your smartphone or tablet and steal away and talk with God, remembering He is your Creator and Heavenly Father that is to be reverently feared and obeyed all the days of your life. (Eccl.12:1, &13) Commit to “flip the script,” by spending more time studying and meditating on God’s Word than you do on smartphones and other devices.
Willingly and lovingly submit yourself to God and receive the “Big-Picture for your life! Remember that God is the only Person in the universe who knows what is best for your life. God has given to every child this Commandment, to “obey” your parents in the Lord, because it’s right, and to honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with Promise.” When you obey and honor your parents, God Promises that it will be “well with you,” and He will gift to you a long-satisfied life full of prosperity and health. (Eph.6:1-3)
Furthermore, obeying and honoring your parents, as service to God, is demonstrated by following “house rules” promptly, using a respectful tone of voice, helping with tasks without being asked, along with giving your best efforts in school. Resist peer pressure, and on your own volition go to Church regularly and praise and worship God. (These things make your parent(s) proud!) Honoring parents also includes speaking positively to them, seeking their advice, and appreciating their sacrifices, even when disagreeing. While obedience applies while living at home, honoring them is a “lifelong” act of respect. Remember that honoring your parents in all stages of life is a reflection of honoring God, and brings on your life, both spiritual and material blessings.
Now dear teens, let’s go much higher in spiritual thought and action. God Almighty, your Creator, sees the gaping holes in your hearts and minds that stem from broken families, peer rejection, isolation, and depression. God hears your cries for someone to care, nurture, and guide; and that can be trusted to never mistreat nor abandon you. Please know young people that never will you find lasting peace, joy, and success through “digital habitation,” nor any other kind of man-made technology the world develops. Neither can lasting happiness be found in obsessions of outward appearance, premarital sex, pornography, drunkenness, loud parties, and substance abuse.
Teenagers, like people of all ages, are born into sin and shaped in iniquity from our mother’s womb due to Adam’s transgression in the Garden of Eden. (Rom.6:17-19) But God sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ into the world so that through belief in Him, we might have eternal life. (John 3:16) Jesus alone is uniquely Anointed of God to heal every broken heart and make us inwardly brand new. No person nor thing in the universe can accomplish this for us; to give us Peace within from the troubles of the world. Jesus Christ is recorded at Luke 4:18-19 saying:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
By this, Jesus Proclaimed, that He was empowered by the Holy Ghost to bring a holistic Message of hope, liberation, and transformation to those who are materially, spiritually, or socially disadvantaged and damaged. This Mission includes financial aid, healing, freedom from oppression, and restoration of spiritual sight and Truth. The Truth is, we all our “crying” out from our hearts to Jesus for comfort, deliverance, and healing of our wounds, to set us free from anger and rage and bitter disappointments. Jesus is knocking at the door of your hearts teenagers, to hear His Voice, and open the door and let Him in. He and God the Father, and the Holy Ghost Promise to come and make their home in your hearts, if you open your heart and receive Him as Savior and Lord. (I John 4:15)
Jesus desires a close and abiding relationship with teenagers, such as yourself. Notice, in the word “relationship” is the root word “relation,” meaning Jesus knows and can relate to your every struggle with more compassion and understanding than family, friends, or any other human being can give. Jesus was tempted in every way as humans are, experiencing the full-range of physical, emotional, or spiritual temptations from Satan, yet without sin. (Heb. 4:13) With Jesus in your life, along with the Power of the Holy Ghost, there is no temptation that you cannot overcome because God will make away for you to bear and escape it. (I Cor.10:13)
In prayer, come to Jesus and freely share your heart and mind to Him; come and reason with Jesus and He will make your sins, no matter how seemingly dark and depraved, as white as snow. (Is.1:18) Cast all your cares and burdens (stress, frustration, anxiety, and depression), once and for all times, on Jesus for He cares and continually watches over your life. (I Pet. 5:7) Kneel down before the Lord and ask and seek after the Holy Ghost; to be fire-baptized, evidenced with speaking in other tongues, according to Acts 2:38-39.
Finally teens, Jesus Christ invites you to take of His Nature and learn and follow Him as you walk this Christian journey. (Matt.11:29). A very great part of Jesus’ Nature is, He is full of Grace and Truth. According to John 1:14, 17, Jesus Christ, the Word, was manifested in earth and the disciples beheld Him; the only begotten of the Father "full of grace and truth." Jesus, who dwells in your born-again heart, embodies a perfect balance of unconditional love (Grace) and divine reality/justice (Truth). And, you are to live in His Grace and Truth and share it with all people.
“Grace” is God’s unmerited favor, forgiving and empowering transformation. While “Truth” is the reality of God’s Holy Standard. Jesus provides both to redeem, not to condemn. More specifically, Grace is the substitutionary atonement of our Savior, where Jesus paid the debt for human sin, offering love and acceptance despite our failure to meet God's Holy Standard. It is the Power that teaches individuals to turn away from ungodliness and receive His Righteousness. While Truth is the unwavering Standard of God’s Righteousness, integrity, and divine-reality. Truth is not just facts, but that which challenges, convicts, and changes us to align our thoughts, behavior, and actions to God’s Standard given to us in the Holy Bible.
Teens, there is no greater joy Heaven enjoys than to see born-again Christians, such as yourselves walking in Truth, the Word of God. (III John 1:4) Jesus said to the disciples if they continued in His Words they would know the truth, and the truth would make them free indeed. (John 8:31-32) Praise God, The Truth says you are to live your life according to every Word of God. (Luke 4:4) The Truth says in Psalm 1:1-3 you are blessed when you (1) walk in the council of the godly and shun the council of the ungodly, avoiding advice, worldviews, and mindsets that disregard God; (2) refuse to stand in the path of sinners and make wise-choices not to participate in or adopt the habits and lifestyles of those who actively do wrong; (3) avoid sitting in the seat of the scornful, walking away from those who seek to mock God, the Bible and righteous living, doing evil to others and blaspheming goodness instead. For your delight is in the Word of God all your days, to meditate in day and night. The Truth says, you must forgive your biological father if absent, and all others who have wronged you, as Jesus has forgiven your sins.
Teen believers in Christ, God has made you a child of the Light of Christ to serve as an example of love, forgiveness, purity and True Holiness before all people. (Matt.5:14-16 & Eph. 5:8) So let the world, especially your peers see what it is like to have Jesus Christ as Lord of your life; living in His Grace and Truth.
In every communication medium, whether in person or on digital devices, “Stand” as a living witness of Jesus Christ and preach the Gospel to your peers regardless of persecution; exposing and dispelling falsehoods about Christ and Christianity with the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. Encourage fellow teenage believers who are struggling with Christian beliefs, to draw nearer to God, and develop a personal relationship with Jesus, rather than a cursory/passive knowledge of Him and grow in His Grace and Truth. Jesus, the Messiah is truly worthy of all worship, and not digital technology.
Gen Z Christians be comfortable and confident in not following after the crowd by focusing on your unique calling for "such a time as this" (Esther 4:14), choosing to "live for an audience of One-God," rather than chasing teen-popularity. This requires finding security in Christ’s Love to silence the need for people-pleasing, shifting from being a "crowd follower," to a "world-changer." Screen your mental-thoughts and speech wisely, as the Apostle Paul admonished at Philippians 4:8, to communicate to peers only words that are true, honest, lovely, of a good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
For some period of time and season teenagers, you may not have many like-minded peer-Christians around you having the same calling and passion for a life with Christ. But know you are the “Apple of God’s Eye,” and like many other Bible characters you have been dedicated to the Lord, are in His divine-keeping and shall accomplish great things in the earth for His glory. Study the lives of these Bible Characters in their youth, and ask the Lord to use you mightily in the days of your youth too!
- Samuel: At birth, was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, he served under Eli the priest from a very young age and heard God’s voice as a child. (1Sam.1-3)
- Joseph: The son of Jacob, remained righteous and trusted in God while sold into slavery as a young man and later while serving in Egypt. (Gen. 37)
- David: As a shepherd boy, he trusted in God to face Goliath and was anointed to lead Israel early in life. (1 Sam.16)
- Timothy: Known for his faith from early childhood, taught by his mother and grandmother, he became an early partner in ministry with Paul. (2 Tim.1:5)
- Esther: As a young woman, she courageously risked her life to save her people, the Jewish people, living in the Persian Empire. (Ester 4)
- Miriam: While still a child, she protected her baby brother Moses and acted with wisdom in an effort to save his life on the Nile River. (Exod. 2)
- Josiah: Became king at age eight and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, seeking God early in his reign. (2 Chron. 34:1-3)
- Jeremiah: God consecrated him as a prophet to the nations before birth. Despite his youth and protests, God declared that He knew and set him apart, transforming a reluctant young man into a courageous voice with authority over kingdoms. (Jer. 1:5-7)
Finally teenagers, add to your study the young apprentices of faith Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image in Babylon. As a result, they were thrown into a "fiery furnace" heated seven-times hotter than normal but remained unharmed, walking inside with a divine fourth person, demonstrating steadfast faith, and later were promoted in the King’s government to positions of leadership. (Dan. Capt. 3)
In closing, perhaps the best way to sum up Christian teenagers choosing to abstain from Teen Takeovers (chaotic, disruptive, or harmful social trends), is to live for Christ, by choosing and deciding to replace the trend with the Truth; choosing Purpose over Peer Pressure. Opting to transition from “Taking-over” to “Taking-up their cross,” a shift from chasing fleeting, chaotic significance to establishing an enduring, Heavenly identity and earthly Christian legacy.
For God, the Creator of all has called for human beings to fear Him and keep His commandments; to love God and others even as Jesus Christ has loved us. Living for Jesus is a shift from seeking influence through chaotic, self-focused, or destructive social behavior, to living a life of quiet conviction, love, and authenticity. Teen Christians must rise above the noise, rather than engaging in “Takeovers” that cause disruption, as Christian teens are called to live purposeful and productive lives focused on service to God and others, not to popular culture. They are called to demonstrate authentic faith over Hype! The conscious choice must be for godly youth to stop letting social media or peer pressure dictate actions, and instead let faith in Jesus Christ shape character and performance.
Teens must set the example for generations of “Rebel-like” Lifestyle, refusing to rebel against God, by rebelling against social expectations. They must take part in a takeover to serve a higher Purpose! Choosing to be set apart not necessarily isolated, but purposeful in how they act, speak, and use their time to influence others to do the same.
So we close with a short prayer for our Christian teens, called screen-agers, that they be protected, purposed, and experience exceeding spiritual growth in God in Christ Jesus, and be given the strength to stand against negative influences while cultivating wisdom, sound mental health, and a passion for God that results in commitment to service and fruitfulness in Christ all the days of their lives. The Blood of Jesus Christ which established the everlasting Covenant covers the Gen Z Christian sheep, and will make them perfect in every good work and well pleasing in the sight of God. (Heb.13:20-21) Amen, for the preaching of the Word of the Living God.
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