Foundations for Teens

Why did Jesus say He is the only way to God? Did He really do the things the Bible claims? Why should we trust the Bible? These are only a few of the questions Foundations for Teens addresses in an engaging and thought-provoking way. This series of thirty-seven videos asks the hard questions and considers well-reasoned answers.

What’s the big deal about Jesus? Was He God or just a good guy? What makes His claims any different from those of countless other teachers? These are hard questions that deserve our attention and study. Through forty-three videos covering more than fifty-six hours, high school students will look at the claims of Christ and the impact that accepting or rejecting them has on their lives and the world.

Note to parents: the real-life stories in several of these videos contain mature themes. Please consider viewing these videos with your high school students so that you can discuss them as a family.

• Why Jesus? Culture is blurring the lines between different faiths. It is increasingly difficult for students to grasp how their faith in Jesus Christ is unique. In these sessions, David Nasser addresses the tough questions that students have about Jesus and points them back to the Scriptural truths about our Savior.
• Apologetics: Why does God allow suffering and tragedy? Does science disprove Christianity? Is Jesus really the only way? Why are Christians so hypocritical? Christians throughout the ages have wrestled with questions like these. Chances are, so do you. Having faith isn’t always easy. You may not always have the “winning” answer that makes you popular. Sometimes believing the Bible might make you feel like everyone’s against you. But it’s critical that you don’t run from these types of questions. In this video, students share real-life stories about their own struggles in coming to terms with what Scripture teaches about God, sin, creation, and Jesus.
• Prayer: Prayer is a frequent theme in Scripture, but students often struggle with questions about the purpose, practice, and power of prayer. Is this invisible God just a magic genie in heaven who gives me what I want? Does God really want to hear from me, and if so, how does He talk back? If God already knows everything, what’s the point of praying? Why doesn’t God always answer my prayers? This video explores these tough questions as Francis Chan unpacks what the Bible has to say about prayer, helping teens understand how they should pray, what they are called to pray for, and why God invites them to communicate with Him.
• Amazing Grace: Don’t you have to do something to earn God’s love? Or does grace mean I can do anything I want? Many people have a hard time fully embracing the unique and unparalleled message of the gospel in Jesus Christ. It’s hard to believe that because of God’s love and grace toward us, we can have eternal life and all sorts of blessings today through no effort or merit of our own. That seems too amazing to be true. In this video, Francis Chan provides powerful teaching from Scripture and helps teens understand God’s amazing gift of grace, the relationship between grace and works, why grace doesn’t mean you should keep sinning, and how grace should impact your purpose in life.
• Courage: Many students fear what people would think if they stood up for Truth. It is tempting for students to blend in with the crowd and keep silent. The risk of being rejected or alone for speaking up seems far too great. In this video, Francis Chan opens up the Scriptures and shows students how their faith in Christ can give them the ability to live lives defined by courage.
• Identity: Our world values being unique, so much so that we end up looking the same as we try to be different. But we aren’t a number. We aren’t our clothes, our relationships, or our accomplishments. In Christ we are much more. In this video, Eric Mason compares the message the world constantly tells teens about their identity with the truths found in Scripture. The world tells us it’s all about how you look, what you have, what you do, and whom you are connected to. But Scripture teaches that while those things can be important, they do not constitute who you are. As followers of Jesus Christ, our identity is found in Him. Students will look at identity as it relates to image, choices, relationships, and accomplishments.
• Surrender: Surrender typically implies weakness, loss, and defeat. Can you actually gain something by giving up? Jesus said that the only way to truly live is to fully surrender your life to Him. In this video, Francis Chan examines Scripture to show students that it is only through surrendering to God that they can become who God wants them to be.
• Doctrine: What are the essential beliefs of Christianity? And how should a healthy understanding of doctrinal issues—like The Trinity, the Church, sin, and salvation—impact the way we live and act toward God and others? We will all face times when our faith will be challenged either by other people or by difficult circumstances. That’s why it’s critical that we have a foundational knowledge of the core beliefs of Christianity and a willing heart to obey God. In this video, Francis Chan provides powerful teaching from Scripture to help teens understand the core of our Christian faith including the Bible, the Trinity, Creation, sin, salvation, worship, and the church.
• What Jesus Said About Who He Is: Jesus never claimed to be a revolutionary leader or even a great teacher. He claimed to be God—a radical statement that deserves to be examined. How do you know if it’s true? Where can you find evidence to help you better understand His claim?
• What Jesus Said About Resurrection: “The resurrection of Jesus Christ, if it happened, has to be certainly the central event of history in so many ways.”—Paul L. Maier, Ph.D. Although Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life,” a sense of skepticism continues to stir among many. What evidence is there that would suggest any truth in what Jesus said? Why would you have reason to believe?
• What Jesus Said About Following Him: Along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus called His disciples to “take up your cross and follow Me.” After almost 2,000 years, there is still hesitancy among many to accept that same invitation to become a follower of Jesus. What kind of commitment was Jesus asking for? And how is Jesus different from other religious leaders?
• What Jesus Said About Suffering: From the darkness of the agony of the cross even Jesus asked why. And in a world filled with suffering, many are echoing his words. Why would a good God allow you to suffer and seem to abandon you in the midst of your pain? Examine the words of Jesus that reveal his response to human anguish. Consider whether you have reason to embrace what Jesus said about suffering.
• What Jesus Said About God: In many curious statements in the Gospels, Jesus claimed to know God in a special way, as His words and actions often revealed not only an image of God, but also a pathway to finding God. Discuss and examine the reasons for belief and unbelief in God and even explore Jesus’ claims to be equal with God. Gain insights to help you weigh the words of Jesus. Discover for yourself whether you have reason to believe what Jesus said about God.
• What Jesus Said About Life: The world is filled with products and services that promise extraordinary results—offers that seem too good to be true. How then do you weigh Jesus’ promise to give you life that begins now and lasts forever? Take a journey of discovery to explore Jesus’ claims about life. Discover for yourself whether you have reason to believe Jesus’ promise of abundant life.
• What Jesus Said About Life After Death: How do you know if Jesus’ claim about eternal life is true or if it’s simply wishful thinking? Examine Jesus’ claims about eternal life and gain insights to help you weigh the words of Jesus and answer your deepest questions about eternity. Discover for yourself whether you have reason to believe what Jesus said about life after death.
• What Jesus Said About the Bible: Gain insights into the reliability of the Bible based on Jesus’ use of the Jewish Scriptures that reveal a story entirely focused on Him. Jesus often quoted the Jewish Scriptures and created curiosity, broke traditions, and answered questions in a way that penetrated hearts, stirred thoughts, and even angered the religious leaders of His time. Not only did His statements about the Bible challenge thinking, but His words continue to raise questions in the minds of many today. Gain insights to help you weigh the words of Jesus as you take a closer look at the way in which Jesus interpreted the Old Testament to reveal a story focused entirely on Him and discover for yourself whether you have reason to believe what Jesus said about the Bible.
• Jesus: Man, Messiah, or More? Jesus has always been controversial. Ever since He walked the shores of Galilee and the streets of Jerusalem, the questions have remained the same: Was He merely Jesus the man, the rabbi-teacher? Could He have been Jesus the Messiah of Israel? Or, most controversial of all, was He Jesus the Son of God? Watch as scholars present their evidence and decide for yourself if the Bible gives an authentic account of who Jesus really was.
• The Miracles of Jesus: Was Jesus really the miracle worker that the Bible claims? Today many people believe in the historical figure of Jesus as a great teacher, a wise man, and a good moral leader. But was Jesus who He said He was—God in human form? Did He actually perform the miracles recorded in the Bible? Investigate the historical evidence for the miracles of Jesus in this study.
• Jesus and the Gospel—Answer to Tough Questions: Many questions are being asked today about beliefs that have been held by followers of Jesus for centuries. Did Jesus really say and do what the Bible reports? Are the gospel accounts contained in the Bible really true or were they exaggerations and misrepresentations of the facts? Take a deeper look into these questions, hear from scholars who have studied the recent archaeological discoveries that some say disprove what Christians believe, and find out for yourself if Jesus really is who the Bible claims.
• The Bible: Why Does It Endure? Gain a deeper understanding of what is revealed in these ancient manuscripts, what Jesus’ life and words say about the Bible, and what history reveals about the accuracy of the biblical text. Discover for yourself whether you have reason to believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God.
• Life on Mission: In order to impact the next generation for Christ, we need to intentionally teach our youth the gospel and develop them for the purpose of fulfilling God’s mission in the world. This mission goes far beyond the classroom; it’s a radical call of obedience and faith—every day of our lives. Followers of Jesus are called to be a sent people, joining God in His mission to take the light of the gospel to the darkness of the world.
• Decisions: How does a Christian teenager decide how to live? In this Bible study, Eric Mason encourages students to make every decision out of a worldview shaped by God’s Word and centered around our Savior, Jesus. Eric calls teens to abandon the idea that choices made in youth are temporary and meaningless, and instead to make decisions now that will impact both their lives and God’s Kingdom for eternity.
• Awaken: It’s so easy to get lulled into a sleepy faith, seeing our relationship with God as just what we do on Sundays or at youth group. We’re tempted to live for ourselves, pursuing the fleeting pleasures of sin instead of pursuing a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. But the time for sleeping is over—no more snooze button, no more pulling the covers over your head. It’s time to wake up to the reality of the life we’ve been called to live in Christ.
• Eternity: The world tells teens that they should have it all, and have it now. Too often temporary passions are elevated over those things of lasting significance. But what happens when teens are given a clear vision of the future, one that rightly places God at the center, clearly defines heaven and hell, and rightly sees Christ—not them—sitting on an eternal throne? What if all of life was lived through the lens of eternity? Would students not see the greater beauty and joy of loving God and loving others, compared to the empty pursuit of personal pleasure? Through four sessions Francis Chan unpacks what Scripture says about eternity, debunking misconceptions about heaven and hell. He will inspire students to lay aside what is fleeting and passionately pursue God and His mission in light of eternity.
• Am I Happy? Where are you searching for happiness? Students have more access to entertainment, education, social networking and material “stuff” than ever before, yet they often feel confused and empty. In these four powerful sessions of this youth Bible study, students share the trials and struggles they face in their search for happiness. Sean McDowell offers Biblical insight into the fleeting nature of happiness and the true meaning of joy.
• Choose: What’s the most spiritual thing you will do today? Prayer?  Reading the Bible?  Serving? How we decide to express our faith is up to us. The power of choice is one of the most important elements of our spiritual journey. Students are constantly faced with life-changing decisions in their relationships and faith. In these four sessions of this youth Bible study, Marcus Goodloe introduces Biblical principles to help students make wise choices amidst a chaotic culture.
• Conflict: Why is everyone against me? Friends gossip and betray. Parents are all about rules and lecturing. Teachers and coaches single out favorites. When life is unfair, even God seems to be a part of the conflict. Students can start to feel like everyone is out to get them. In these four powerful sessions of this youth Bible study, students candidly share real-life stories about the conflict they experience in their lives. Doug Fields offers Biblical insight into the most common areas of conflict and teaches students how to reach peace and forgiveness in the relationships that mean the most to them.
• Dug Down Deep: What are you building your life on? There is only a short window in a student’s life to lay a foundation that will last a lifetime. What we know about God shapes the way we think and live. If we get it wrong then our whole life will be wrong. In these four thought-provoking sessions of this youth Bible study, students share the honest doubts and struggles they have about their own faith. Joshua Harris uses Scripture to challenge students to root their faith in the life and words of Jesus.
• Friends: Who are the most influential people in a student’s life? Parents, teachers and pastors would like to think they are the most influential in a student’s life, but students spend more time interacting with their friends than with anyone else.  Friends influence every part of students’ lives – how they act, what they wear, what they say, and most importantly what they believe. In these four power-packed youth Bible study sessions, Sean McDowell offers Biblical insight into the most common issues students are facing in their friendships.
• I Am: Getting to Know God: How can I have a relationship with a God who is invisible? How can God love me when I’ve done so much wrong? How do I know God is speaking to me? How can a God of love allow bad things to happen? Teens are struggling with very difficult questions and doubts. In these four youth Bible study sessions, David Nasser will offer hope and encouragement to students from Scripture on their winding journey of faith.
• Reckless Abandon: Do you feel like life is full of rules, boundaries and limitations? Many think that Christianity only adds to the restrictions on how we live. But life in Christ is not supposed to hold you back. The gospel propels us forward in ways you never imagined. In these four youth Bible study sessions, J.D. Greear uses Scripture to show that being a Christian is not about learning to obey rules. Being a follower of Christ means immersing ourselves deeply in the gospel, because that’s when all the things God wants to see in us are produced.
• Revolution: The world says to live for today. Jesus declares we can live forever. The world insists we look out for ourselves. Jesus answers with encouragement to love others. The world stresses a lonely life. Jesus points to a life full of purpose. As we follow Christ, we experience a transformation that changes everything. Like a camera on a family vacation, Revolution captures those real-life moments when teenagers are angry, guilty, worried, or full of doubts. Revolution also presents practical and Biblical responses to each of those issues. With a heart of love and arms wide open, Doug Fields shares Biblical truth and Gods love on each episode of Revolution.
• Revolution 2: Say goodbye to life as we know it. A revolution is underway. Guilt and worry no longer need to gnaw at your soul. Anger won’t sabotage your love. Doubts can drive you into deeper faith. Jesus calls us to a new kind of life, a powerful, purposeful life that impacts our world. Join the revolution!
• Acts of God: If God is good, why does He allow so much pain? This is a question not often talked about in church, but Acts of God addresses it head on and doesn’t offer trite answers.
• Not a Fan: Are you a fan or a follower? You’ll be challenged to not answer too fast. Many Christians have found a deeper relationship with Jesus after realizing that far too often, they have been living as fans.
• Gods at War: Everyone has idols – often they’re easy to miss. We can make idols out of our children, our marriage, money, work, food – it’s a long list. Learn to worship God and Him alone.
• Prayer & The Silence of God: In our deepest time of need, we often turn to God in prayer to plead with Him for help. But what happens when those prayers go unanswered? Special guest Philip Yancey joins Haddon Robinson and Alice Mathews for a special roundtable discussion. They’ll wrestle with the question the rest of us are thinking, but are afraid to ask: Is God listening?
• Control: God has a lot to say about the topic of authority. He made humanity to submit to His authority. But He also gifted us with the authority to rule our world. Sin corrupted that structure, and ever since, humans and authority don’t get along. Those who have authority lord it over those who don’t. And those who don’t have authority hate those who do. This 4-part series gets it all out into the open. We’ll look at Biblical teaching on the nature of authority—where did it come from and why should we pay attention? We’ll dig into the messy way that authority muscles into our lives: God, parents, teachers, the government, and in our own roles as leaders. Not all authority is good—and we’ll paint a picture of what it looks like to resist authority in a godly way. In the end we’ll see that authority under God is a good thing. We find our most fulfilling life when we live in obedience to God, because He said so.
• Jesus Changes Everything: Do you ever feel trapped? You get stuck in the same habits, depression sets in, and you wonder about your purpose. Life might seem pointless or hopeless at best. The lie that says nothing will ever change pulls you deeper. But Jesus offers a way out. He reaches down to give life—a new path to follow. He has the power to free us from habits, redeem our relationships, and give us a new identity. It all begins by deciding to follow Him, because a life surrendered to Jesus is a life transformed. Will you allow Him to change your life?
• Shaken: Who are you when life is steady? Who are you when storms come? Most of us have been on the receiving end of rejection, a broken dream, or heartbreak. And while this is not an easy space to go through, when we are grounded in the truth, we can endure the tough times. In this powerful series, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow passionately shares glimpses of his journey staying grounded in the face of disappointment, criticism, and intense media scrutiny. Though traveling hard roads is not easy, it’s always worth it!
• Better Than One: Growing up, we started friendships with a game of tag or hide-and-go-seek. But in high school, things get complicated. Cliques can feel like the real-life version of getting picked last for dodgeball—the cool kids pick each other, and the rest slump in the corner, forgotten. Even worse, social media rules the hallways. Our popularity depends on the amount of “likes” our latest picture earned, the number of retweets we get, and how many people viewed our Snapchat story. People crowd around us online and at school, but many of us still feel lonely. Depressed, even. Some of us feel so excluded that we don’t see the need for friends at all. It’s time for a reality check: we need friends. Not just hang-out friends, but good friends who love, encourage, and challenge us. In this study, we’ll look at true Biblical friendship. We’ll see how God created us to need people and be challenged to choose godly friends. We’ll also watch real-life stories of other teens who struggle with the realities of friendship. The result? We’ll be empowered to build solid friendships, to show kindness to nonbelievers, and to be a good friend.
• Adulting: After strenuous studies, you walk across the stage, gripping your diploma—you’ve arrived. Adult at last. But all of a sudden, instead of a diploma you hold a paycheck in one hand and a stack of bills in the other. You find yourself swimming in the treacherous seas of adulthood surrounded by 401ks, insurance, bosses, potential spouses, and everything in between. How can you begin to navigate your 20s and 30s, and still honor God in the process? Let’s look at the art of “adulting” for Christ, how to discern God’s will for your life right now, and specify how you can best glorify Him through your career, relationships, and commitments.
• Parents vs. Teens: What if you had the perfect relationship with your parents? The myth of a perfect family can lead to disappointment, frustration and anger. There is no perfect family. But many of us struggle with expectations and authority from our parents. Let’s look at practical and Biblical instruction to help repair and build healthy relationship with our parents.