Teen People of the Bible
Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure

How often have you read the Bible and thought, What does this book have to say to me? I know I thought that as a teen growing up in church. I didn't quite realize was that many of the characters were teens just like I was. They struggled with sexual temptation, they had strained parental relationships, they were betrayed, abused, and hurt.

Teen People is a 100-day devo with the real-life teens of the Bible. Each day you'll read the stories of teens just like you. You'll cheer their successes, mourn their failures, and walk in their shoes. Most of all, you'll read what they have to say to you, in your situation today.

 

Are there actually teens in the Bible?

I've had that question a lot as I talk to people about my book. And going into this project, I knew there were a few teens like Daniel and Joseph (you know, the perfect ones without any problems), but I didn't realize, until I began working on this book, how many young people are profiled in God's Word.

There are actually 40 Biblical teens profiled in Teen People . I was surprised at how often God used young people to lead, to create change, to accomplish incredible things. Beside Daniel and Joseph, David and Jonathan were called into leadership at a young age. King Josiah was given the throne before he could drive a car, and Mary had this little job of raising the Son of God. That's just as sampling.

Do you have a favorite?

That's a hard one. If I had to pick, I'd say its a cross between Rebekah or David. Rebekah, because she demonstrated warmth, love, and grace to a stranger--on an ordinary day. She was a believer who lived out her faith in physical ways, bring a cup of cold water to a weary stranger. David was a remarkable teen because of his passion for God. He had such a communion with God at a young age.

And here's a teaser. I profiled Rahab. Yes, I believe she was in her late teens or early twenties and I think her story is so remarkable. She was the lowest of the lows in Jericho's society. And yet she was the only thing God kept from Jericho. It shows me that God doesn't hold our past against us--and anyone can be redeemed and washed in His blood. In a sense, we're all Rahab, we're all lowly, worthless, unable to contribute anything to God's holiness. But His love compelled Him to reach down in love and provide salvation through Jesus Christ.

What do you want teens to take away from this book?

I just want teens to know that God loves them and His way is not just the best way, its the only way. I know there are many with tough family situations, doubts about their faith, wondering why they hear about God but don't see faith lived out in the Christians they know. I want to challenge them to dig deep and get to know God on their own. They'll find He'll never let them down.

Coming Soon:

• First Chapter
• Youth Leaders Guide