Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of two global gatherings—one in Florida and one in Finland. In both instances, the Lord overwhelmed me with His goodness as I saw people from every tribe, tongue, and nation gathered to celebrate what God is doing and to reaffirm their commitment to reach the world with the Gospel. It was inspiring!

As I’ve traveled throughout different countries—from dusty villages to urban megacities—I’ve been awed by the beauty of the global Church. Through translators and tear-filled prayers, I’ve experienced its power. The Church is alive—and it’s worth celebrating.

One Body, Many Parts

Scripture tells us:

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12

That truth isn’t limited to your youth group or your church. It spans continents. It echoes in house churches in Southeast Asia, in underground gatherings in the Middle East, in youth camps across Africa, and in storefront churches in Latin America.

It’s easy for students to think the Church begins and ends with what they see on a Wednesday night or Sunday morning. But the Church is global. And Jesus is continuing to build His Church in every corner of the world.

What an incredible opportunity we have as youth leaders—not only to teach our students this marvelous truth, but to invite them into celebrating it.

Global Perspective Changes Local Passion

When students get a glimpse of the global Church, it often ignites something new in them. They realize the Gospel isn’t just a message for their friends; it’s the hope of the whole world. That perspective doesn’t pull them away from local mission—it fuels it.

It reframes how they pray. It expands how they serve. It humbles their assumptions. And it deepens their gratitude for the freedom and resources they may take for granted.

Whether through a mission trip, a video story from a young believer overseas, or a simple moment of prayer for persecuted Christians, even small exposures to the global Church can reshape a teenager’s faith.

This is one of the reasons I’m so excited about our Lead THE Cause event this summer. We’ll be welcoming 15 international leaders from a dozen countries who will take part in this experience with us. The 400 students and youth leaders attending will get to meet these leaders and hear their stories—bringing the global Church to life in a personal and powerful way.

Unity in the Midst of Diversity

One of the most beautiful things about the global Church is how diverse and yet united it is at the same time. Different expressions of worship. Different styles of preaching. Different rhythms of gathering. And yet—one Lord. One faith. One mission.

In a world that’s increasingly divided, the Church has a chance to be a living, breathing testimony to what unity in Christ looks like.

Let’s not keep that vision from our students.

A Challenge for You—and Your Students

This month, take time to expose your students to the global Church. Show a story from another country. Pray for a church across the world. Invite a missionary to share. Challenge your teens to give or go.

And remind them: They are part of something so much bigger than themselves. The global Church isn’t just out there somewhere. They belong to it. They’re in it. And they’re called to love it, pray for it, and celebrate it.

Because the Church of Jesus Christ—global, local, diverse, united—is worth celebrating!

The post A Worship That Transcends Borders appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

I believe that the Church needs to awaken to the potential of this next generation.

Youth today are looking for a king and a cause, and many are finding it everywhere but in Christ and in His mission to seek and save the lost. When we unleash the power of the Gospel and the potential of teenagers, amazing things happen.

The responsibility of raising up the next generation is not just for youth pastors, it’s up to all of us to join in.

Episode focus: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18

Listen for a Radical Like Jesus challenge in each episode. Take the challenge then share your stories at podcast@gregstier.org or using #radicallikejesus

Resources related to this episode:

• For more youth ministry and evangelism resources here
• Read Greg Stier’s memoir, Unlikely Fighter
• Read Greg Stier’s new book Radical Like Jesus
• More information on the ministry Greg founded, Dare 2 Share Ministries

Listen and Subscribe

Listen on Spotify

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The post Awaken to the Potential of the Next Generation appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

I’ve been a believer in Jesus for 51 years. From early on, I developed the habit of spending daily time in God’s Word and prayer. It’s a rhythm I rarely miss—not because I’m hyper-disciplined or especially godly, but because I feel a deep, daily need to reset my mind and heart toward Heaven.

A soul-shaping routine

My quiet time isn’t fancy or complex. I begin by asking God to teach me and change me through His Word. Then I read—a few chapters from the New Testament and several from the Old—slowly working my way through the entire Bible.

Along the way, I jot thoughts, prayers, and insights in the margins of my Bible with my beloved MICRON 01 pen. My family jokes about how protective I am of these pens (they write tiny and don’t bleed through the paper)—and yes, I keep a stash in our safe.

After reading, I often journal a prayer based on what convicted or encouraged me most that day. A few times a week, I also review memory verses I’ve written on 3×5 cards. I finish with a closing prayer, often using the structure of the Lord’s Prayer: Praise, Request, Admit, Yield.

Scripture isn’t optional—it’s essential

I’ve used devotionals here and there, but they’ve never replaced my time in Scripture. If anything, they’re a supplement. The daily discipline of consistently and prayerfully reading through the Bible has truly been transformative over the years.

Meditating on God’s Word every day corrects my thinking, convicts my heart, and shapes my theology. It’s the plumb line for what I believe, how I live, and the Gospel I preach.

God’s Word has been my:

• Anchor in the storm.
• Compass in confusion.
• Light in the dark.
• Feast in the famine.
• Smile in the trial.

The Word that found me under the sink

As a scared little boy raised in a violent urban neighborhood by a single, shame-ridden mom, my escape was under the kitchen sink—with a flashlight and a Bible.

I couldn’t always understand the King James language, but I knew the answers to life’s problems were in that Book.

And I still believe it today.

So let me ask you:

What’s your habit when it comes to spending time in God’s Word?

If you don’t have a daily routine, start one. Pick a time and stick with it—mornings work well for me. If you do have a routine, double down on it.

And never let a devotional book replace your time in Scripture. Supplement, yes. Replace, no.

Simple rhythms—and a warning

Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you through His Word. Write down what you learn. Let God reshape your thinking and your heart—one passage at a time.

I hope this encourages and equips you to make reading the Bible a priority in your daily life.

Oh, and one last thing—don’t touch my pens.

Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

The post The Importance of Daily Time in God’s Word and Prayer appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

So when we tell our students that our youth group is like a family, we need to clarify that there’s a difference between our biological family and our spiritual family.

For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.”   Ephesians 2:18-22

1. Affirm their belonging.

As youth leaders, don’t we long for each student to feel known and loved by God? Through Christ, we’ve been welcomed in. We belong! Not just to a church building or a group of people who happen to meet together, but to God Himself and to one another.

In a world marked by loneliness and division, this truth matters deeply. When students walk through the doors of your youth ministry, they need to know they’re secure—and so is their place in God’s family.

Practical tips:

• Greet students by name. Every week.
• Celebrate when someone returns after being gone.
• Share encouragement in front of others: “You’re a valued part of this group.”

2. Create a safe place to grow, ask questions, and be known.

We want students to know that being part of God’s family means they now belong to the strongest, most unshakeable structure of all time. They don’t have to live in fear of this structure collapsing or changing like culture today. They can be assured of the strength of the household of God because Jesus is the cornerstone. 

The foundation is built on Christ, and also on the apostles and prophets. Read their stories in the Scripture together, and your students will see that they were people who wrestled, doubted, and failed—but God still used them for His glory.

Our students don’t have to be perfect either. When youth group feels like a true spiritual family, it becomes a safe place to ask questions, explore doubts, and learn about the character of God, while still being fully loved and accepted.

Practical tips:

• Open the Bible with students and read stories of the apostles and prophets.
• Show them how God was faithful even when His people weren’t.
• Encourage honesty, and invite real conversations and questions.

3. Teach them to live like they belong.

Ephesians tells us that we’re being built together into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. That means each student is a temple of the Holy Spirit—and together, we’re a powerful witness to the world.

When we gather, the Spirit is at work. And when we scatter, we’re sent. Our family isn’t just for comfort—it’s for mission. Think Acts 1:8: The Spirit comes, and we go—to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

Practical tips:

• Help students see their role in the youth group family’s mission.
• Encourage them to share the Gospel with friends together.
• Create opportunities to serve together, and support one another as brothers and sisters in Christ—students and leaders alike.

4. Give them a picture of the unshakable family.

Many students come from broken homes or unstable friendships. They need to know that God’s household is different. It’s not built on trends or performance. It’s built on Christ. And it’s not going anywhere.

This is the family that holds fast in storms. The one that gives grace, tells the truth, and stands together. Let’s help students not only see that kind of family but actually become it.

Practical tips:

• Talk often about the difference between earthly families and God’s eternal family.
• Share stories of students or leaders who’ve experienced stability in God’s family despite difficult home lives.
• Use team-building activities and shared commitments to reinforce unity and trust in your group.

What a gift for our students to have a youth group full of brothers and sisters in Christ who share a passion to preach the Gospel to other teenagers. With students and leaders on mission and secure in the family of Christ, they can be empowered by the Spirit to go and live out the Cause of Christ:

‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you.’ Matthew 28:19-20

The post More Than a Metaphor: Helping Students Understand God’s Family appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

This may come as a surprise to some, but about 20 years ago, I wrote a book on spiritual warfare for teenagers. It was called Battle Zone (now out of print). I wrote it because, at the time, there was virtually nothing on the bookshelves specifically aimed at helping teenagers understand the spiritual battles they face every day.

Through writing that book, researching the topic, and leading Dare 2 Share events that taught about spiritual warfare, I’ve distilled the topic into four key insights. These aren’t just theories—they’re hard-earned truths every believer needs to grasp to stand firm in their faith.

1. Take it seriously.

Angels and demons are real. Although we can’t see them, they’re constantly at work in the invisible spiritual realm. I’m reminded of a scene from an old movie called The Spiderwick Chronicles, in which a young boy discovers a fantastical world of hidden creatures—only visible by looking through a magic lens. We don’t have a magic lens, but we do have Scripture, and it talks repeatedly about spiritual beings.

If you take the Bible seriously, you must take spiritual warfare seriously. Peter warns us plainly in 1 Peter 5:8: 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

This isn’t symbolic fluff. It’s a clear and urgent call to be spiritually awake and vigilant.

2. Don’t go looking for it.

Some Christians make the mistake of going on “demon hunts,” thinking it’s their job to confront evil forces head-on. But Jude 1:8–9 warns against this very thing:

In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority, and heap abuse on celestial beings. Even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’

If you’re walking with God, living out the Gospel, and advancing His Kingdom, you don’t need to go looking for demons—they’ll come to you. But when they do, your posture shouldn’t be one of bravado. It should be one of humility and dependence on God.

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

3. Live a 10-20 life.

The ultimate spiritual battle plan is found in Ephesians 6:10–20. This passage isn’t just theological theory—it’s a daily strategy. Verse 10 starts it off: 

Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 

Then Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God, recognize who our true enemies are (not people, but spiritual forces), and stand our ground.

Every piece of armor—truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer—equips us for spiritual resistance. We must be ready to quote Scripture (verse17), pray for each other constantly (verse18), and proclaim the Gospel boldly (verses19–20). This is what it means to live a “10-20 life”—anchored in Ephesians 6:10-20.

4. Never arm-wrestle a demon.

Spiritual warfare is not a power encounter—it’s a truth encounter. You can’t outmuscle a demon. They’re smarter, older, and stronger than you. But they’re no match for the truth of God’s Word or the power of the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He didn’t argue or wrestle. He simply quoted Scripture. And when demons manifested in others, Jesus cast them out with the truth of God’s Word. We don’t need to command or shout at demons. We need to trust in God and Scripture. As Michael the archangel modeled, we can simply say, “The Lord rebuke you.”

If you encounter someone possessed by a demon, preach the Gospel to them. If they believe, the Holy Spirit—the “someone stronger” from Luke 11:21–22—takes residence and drives the demon out.

When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, He takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. Luke 11:21-22

I pray these four insights help you “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) with wisdom, confidence, and courage. Spiritual warfare is real—but so is our victory in Christ. Let’s be alert, equipped, and fearless in the fight.

The post Battle Zone Revisited appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

Jesus Valued the Old Testament—So Should We

Jesus quoted the Old Testament more than 75 times and referred to it over 300 times in His teaching. This collection of 39 books formed the foundation for His Jewish faith and was the source of His clarity on His messianic role. That’s why He talked about them so consistently–and why we should too. God’s inspired, breathed-out, powerful Word gives us light and direction for living a life that glorifies Him now and prepares us for a glorified eternity later in His presence.

The Gospel Was God’s Plan from the Start

Focusing on the Gospel through the Old Testament is easier to do than you might think—because that’s exactly how God designed it! Let me give you an example. This summer, our church is preaching through the book of Nehemiah. In chapter one of this account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, we see that a deep burden settles on Nehemiah’s heart—a burden for a city he’s never seen and a people he’s never met. He’s the cupbearer to one of the most powerful kings in the world, living a life of comfort, luxury, and influence. So why would he care about broken-down walls in a distant land?!

Nehemiah and Jesus: A Surprising Connection

The story of Jesus isn’t so different. John 1 tells us:

 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1-3 NIV84

It continues in verse 14 with:

 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

We see that Jesus—the Word—who created everything and dwelt in complete fullness on His throne, chose to take on a burden for a people who were walking as His enemies. There was nothing they had that He needed. There was nothing they did that would make them worthy of His attention or affection. And yet, He came to live among them. He willingly died for them and us, and rose again, holding our victory in His hand. Why in the world would Jesus carry such a burden for broken people like us?

God’s Glory Is Always the Goal

Both Nehemiah’s and Jesus’s burdens carried the same weighty purpose: that God would be glorified. Nehemiah was burdened because the city of God’s presence and people was in a shameful state—one that invited dishonor and mockery toward God. Jesus’s burden was for the image-bearers of God who were trapped in the shame and death of sin. His desire to restore each one back to the fullness of life in Him, bringing everlasting glory to God. See the similarities between the two?

The more we search the Scripture with a Gospel focus, the more clearly we’ll see the Gospel woven throughout. From the very beginning, God gave His Word so that people could know Him and be restored to the relationship with Him they were created for. The Old Testament is teeming with relevance—it reveals our sin, God’s righteousness, and our deep need for a Savior. The New Testament isn’t a replacement, but rather a continuation of the same story. In it, we see the Savior that the entire Old Testament pointed to: Jesus, who  came into the world to bring us back to the presence of God.

A Practical Starting Point: Jonah

Don’t fear the Old Testament—Gospelize it! And as you do, you’ll discover it’s already been Gospelized. A great and easy way to start is with our free digital curriculum Beyond the Whale: Why Jonah’s Story Matters Today. This six-week study for students goes deeper than the big-fish moment, exploring how Jonah’s life connects to the Gospel and helps teens see the relevance of his story in their own lives today.

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Have you ever wondered how the apostle Paul could’ve endured the horrific troubles and trials he relentlessly faced over the course of his ministry? Take a look at the long list of atrocities he suffered:

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 2 Corinthians 11:23-29

What fueled Paul’s endurance?

What gave Paul the grit to fight through such painful troubles and trials with such a God-honoring perspective and unshakable faith? I believe the answer to this question is in the next chapter.

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third Heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.
2 Corinthians 12:2-4

Fourteen years before the writing of these words, God gave Paul a vision of Heaven that would forever mark him. He saw things that no man had ever seen. He heard things that no man had ever heard. He got a vision of the heavenlies that readied him for the challenges he would face on Earth.

This vision of Heaven most likely happened before any of the trials listed in 2 Corinthians 11. This “rapturing” to Heaven happened years before his first missionary journey. And what he saw in Heaven changed everything.

A vision that transforms earthly trials

You see, when you catch a vision of Heaven, you’re ready to go through hell.

Although you and I most likely will never get caught up to the third Heaven like Paul did, the Bible lays out a clear vision of what Heaven will be like. And it’s this true, scriptural vision of Heaven that will give us the faith and fortitude to face whatever may come.

Take time to read Revelation 21 and 22. Meditate on things to come. Imagine Heaven and all of its glories. Picture Jesus high and lifted up on His throne, with the seraphim flying around Him bellowing: “Holy! Holy! Holy is the Lord God Almighty!” (Revelation 4:8)

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

Ready to face whatever comes

I don’t know what “hell” you’re currently going through, but I do know this: When you set your mind on things above, when you fix your eyes on Jesus, when Heaven is the epicenter of your focus, you are ready to face any trial, any suffering—anything.

Trust in Jesus. Think of Heaven. Stay in the fight.

The post Heavenly Vision, Earthly Grit appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

If you feel overwhelmed trying to support students through hard times, here are some ways to offer them Christ-centered care in their darkest moments.

Relocating: teaching stability in an unstable world

A change in address can be traumatic for students, shaking their sense of stability and disrupting their relationships. Major transitions like this are opportunities to remind students that while their surroundings and connections may change, Jesus never does.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

It’s also important to help teens learn how to balance mourning what’s been lost with gratitude for what’s ahead. Reassure them that God can handle their sadness. Scriptures such as Ecclesiastes 3 remind us that every emotion has its place and time—and that grief is part of being human.

Divorce: addressing abandonment and family breakdown

Divorce often leaves students feeling confused, hurt, or abandoned. They may wonder why God allowed it or whether something is wrong with them personally. You can gently remind them that God’s heart is for reconciliation, not separation.

‘So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.’ Matthew 19:6

Help students understand that while people may fail us, God never will. When they feel isolated or jealous of the family dynamics of others, remind them that God places the lonely in families—sometimes biological, sometimes spiritual.

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:5–6

School shootings: processing fear and the desire for justice

The tragedy of a school shooting can leave students terrified, angry, or numb. The desire for justice is real—and biblical—but we must help students resist the urge to retaliate.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. Romans 12:19

As gun violence continues to affect schools, it can leave kids afraid. In those moments, you can guide them to Scripture passages like Isaiah 41, which contains verses such as:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. Isaiah 41:10

Abuse: protecting victims and promoting healing

Abuse is one of the most difficult topics to address, but one of the most vital. Victims often feel ashamed, guilty, or responsible. Some might think the abuse is a punishment for their sins. We must be clear: Abuse is never God’s will. It stems from the brokenness and sin in the abuser’s heart.

If a student shares something that makes you suspect abuse, your first responsibility is to ensure their safety. Once they are safe, you can begin walking with them through the healing process. God can heal even the deepest wounds. And often, that healing comes through trusted professionals. Encourage students to pursue counseling, therapy, and other resources, alongside prayer and Scripture.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Suicide: offering hope when students can’t see tomorrow

Someone once told me: Depression and suicidal ideation are a deficiency of imagination—you can’t imagine a better future for yourself. When a student confides that they’re struggling, one of the most powerful things you can do is help them envision what’s next.

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Proverbs 23:18

Another heartbreaking question I sometimes hear is: Did my friend lose their salvation because they died by suicide? The answer is no. While suicide is tragic and sinful, it does not remove someone from God’s grace. If salvation depends solely on grace through faith—not our works—then no sin, even suicide, can undo it.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28

Once we belong to God, we are secure in Him forever.

Your role as a guide—and a mandatory reporter

When walking students through trauma, start with prayer. Be present. Ask more questions than you give answers. Share how God has brought you through pain, and give them space to imagine a future with hope. Then, trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can.

As a youth leader, you may also be a mandatory reporter, which means if you suspect a student is being abused or neglected, or is at risk of self-harm, you are legally required to contact the appropriate authorities. (In some states, only paid employees of an organization are mandatory reporters, but volunteers should still report the information to someone—most likely to a paid leader at the church, or to local authorities if that’s not a good option. For more guidance, you can conduct an internet search to check your state’s mandatory reporting laws.)

For students in crisis, mental health resources are essential. Stay Here is a Christian organization that offers hope and practical help for those facing suicidal thoughts.

Final thoughts

Students need more than just advice. They also need adults who are present, compassionate, and rooted in biblical truth. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to show up, listen well, and point them to Jesus—the one who walks with us through every valley—and remind them that God is with them in their story. As they heal, encourage them to share their testimony and the Gospel as a way of reminding themselves and others of the hope we have in Jesus.

The post Walking Students Through Life’s Hardest Moments appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

Hear from Dr. Ralph “Yankee” Arnold, who had a profound impact on Greg’s life when he was young by leading his family to Christ. Yankee shares wild stories from his upbringing, the secret to his 65 year marriage, and how God used him to reach thousands with the Gospel when he could barely speak. We can all learn a lot from his example of how to live radical like Jesus. 

Episode focus: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

Listen for a Radical Like Jesus challenge in each episode. Take the challenge then share your stories at podcast@gregstier.org or using #radicallikejesus

Resources related to this episode:

• Read Greg Stier’s book Radical Like Jesus
• To find Yankee on YouTube, visit @YankeeArnoldMinistries

Listen and Subscribe

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The post Making Revival Normal with Dr. Ralph “Yankee” Arnold appeared first on Dare 2 Share.

After spending three-and-a-half years with Jesus—learning from Him, watching Him, and being shaped by Him—the disciples reached their “graduation moment.” Jesus had risen from the dead, and before He returned to the Father, He met with them and gave them three life-altering gifts.

These gifts weren’t just for the disciples in that room—they’re for anyone who puts their faith in Christ.

We find them in John 20:19–22:

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.’ And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’

Here are the three graduation gifts Jesus gave—and still gives today.

1. The gift of peace: calm for anxious hearts

The very first words out of Jesus’s mouth to His frightened disciples were, “Peace be with you.” He knew their hearts were anxious and fearful—afraid of the Jewish leaders, uncertain about the future, and shaken by the events of the last few days.

Sound familiar?

Maybe you’ve just graduated from high school or college, and your own future feels foggy and overwhelming. Questions like “What will I do next?” or “How will I support myself?” might be swirling in your mind.

But hear Jesus whisper to your soul:

‘Peace be with you.’

He bought that peace for you with His blood on the cross.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

His resurrection is the receipt that your debt has been paid in full. You no longer have to live with the crushing burden of sin, guilt, or fear.

Take a deep breath. Jesus has solved the biggest challenge in human history: our separation from God. And because you are His, you can move forward with a soul anchored in peace.

2. The gift of purpose: a mission for your life

‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’ John 20:21

Jesus didn’t save you to just sit on the sidelines—He sent you into the world with purpose.

You’ve been commissioned to go and make disciples—just as Peter, James, John, D.L. Moody, and Billy Graham were.

‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ Matthew 28:19

Whether you’re heading into medicine, law, trades, education, the arts, or full-time ministry, you carry the mission of Christ with you. You don’t need a pulpit to preach. You can live and speak the Gospel wherever God plants you.

In a world full of drifting souls and aimless ambition, God has given you a compass, a rudder, and a sail.

So sail on. Make a difference. And make disciples as you go.

3. The gift of presence: never walking alone

And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ John 20:22

Let’s be honest—this moment was a little strange. Jesus breathes on the disciples and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit.

But that awkward breath pointed to something revolutionary: The day was coming when the Spirit of God wouldn’t just be with believers—He would live in them.

That day came at Pentecost. And now, for all who put their faith in Jesus, the same Spirit lives within us.

When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13–14

You never walk alone. Not in your job search. Not in your relationships. Not into the unknown.

You are empowered and indwelled by the Holy Spirit Himself.

So walk with confidence—not arrogance, but holy, humble swagger—because the living God lives in you.

Graduate, you’ve been gifted

Jesus has given you more than a diploma—He’s given you peace to calm your fears, purpose to guide your steps, and presence to go with you always.

These aren’t just sentimental send-offs. They’re real, life-shaping gifts that can carry you into your next chapter and beyond.

So go. Live boldly. Walk closely. Lead others. And never forget who walks with you.

Congratulations—and welcome to the mission.

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