How Teens Can Prove God’s Church

Every seven days, you follow a well-worn pattern. You put on your best suit or dress, grab your Bible and a notebook and ride with your parents to Sabbath services.

Whether you have been attending since you were little or your parents were called in your teens, the weekly cycle feels normal. But have you ever paused to ask: Why am I here?

The easy answer is because your parents told you to get in the car and go. There is nothing wrong with attending services because you trust your mom and dad. But at some point, the question becomes more personal: What does this Church mean to you?

Maybe you have not thought much about it. Or maybe you feel like you have already decided to keep attending. Some of you might quietly be wrestling with whether to keep coming to services after you become an adult.

Whatever your situation, know this: God wants you—yes, you—to prove His way of life and whether you are in the right place. Do not settle for just a feeling or a guess. Be sure.

I Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Along with knowing God exists and that the Bible is His Word, where He is working—the Church He is leading and guiding—should be at the very top of the list of “all things” to prove and hold onto.

At your age, it is normal not to have every answer yet. That is OK. What matters is that you start the journey, knowing that God will help you along the way.

This way of life involves some hard choices. You give up Saturdays and turn down invitations from classmates. You live differently than most people your age. But when you know for certain that God is with you, those differences start to feel less like a burden and more like decisions you are proud of.

Without that personal proof, it can be easy to drift away when you are older. But if you really prove where God is working, you will stand on solid ground. You will be filled with confidence and conviction.

This article is not here to pressure you into a conclusion. It is here to give you what you need: the tools, scriptures and questions that can help you decide where you truly belong.

You have a huge advantage: You have been test-driving God’s Way for quite a while and seen it firsthand. You do not need a 180-degree turnaround like someone called out of the world as an adult—you have already been living this way.

Even so, proving the truth will take some diligent time and effort.

The Source of Proof

You have probably heard the Bible described as God’s instruction manual. II Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” That includes the doctrine of the true Church. If you want real answers, the Bible is the only place to start.

Just like some verses clearly explain the difference between clean and unclean meats or show that the Holy Days should still be observed, there are definitive scriptures to help you identify where God is working. And the good news is that none of them are that complicated.

One of the clearest and most familiar verses about God’s Church is Matthew 16:18, where Jesus Christ said, “…I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This simple sentence reveals a lot: There is only one Church—His Church—and it has not disappeared or died out through the years. It still exists today.

Some get confused by the earlier part of verse 18, where Jesus said, “And I say also unto you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church…” He was not talking about building His Church on Peter or any other man. The Greek words show the difference: Peter (petros) means a small piece of rock. “This rock” refers to a large mass of rock—meaning Christ Himself.

This is an important distinction because it shows that the Church does not rest on any person. It is built on Christ—not on any human leader.

Matthew 7:24-27 explains more about the importance of building on the rock of Christ and His sayings. Take time to read it. The more you compare Jesus’ words to what any church teaches today, the easier it is to see where He is leading. That passage also shows that following Jesus’ teachings helps you stand strong through the storms of life.

The apostle Paul told Timothy, “From a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Tim. 3:15).

This is true for you too. You have been around the Bible for years: Hearing it, reading it and seeing it be taught. Proof from the scriptures can “make you wise” in the identity of the Church—and through your whole life on the path toward salvation.

Bible Identity

The Bible gives clear clues about what God’s Church looks like. Luke 12:32 says it is a “little flock”—it is small. This is important. Any organization of hundreds of thousands, millions or over a billion people can be ruled out immediately.

God’s Way has never been popular. The Bible says human nature naturally resists His teachings (Rom. 8:7; Jer. 17:9). So this scriptural description of the Church’s size makes sense. Still, that can be hard—especially as a teen. There are not that many people your age living this way.

But do not let this discourage you. The small size is actually one of the signs you are in the right place.

Here is another clue, this time from Jesus’ prayer in John 17:11: “Holy Father, keep through Your own name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one, as we are.” This shows the Church would carry God’s name. It is called the “church of God.”

We see this name again in Acts 20:28: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God.” It also appears in I Corinthians 1:2, I Timothy 3:5 and other places.

Of course, more than one church today uses the name “Church of God.” That is why you have to look at the whole picture, not just one or two proofs.

You are in The Restored Church of God. That name both matches the scriptural requirement and points to the biblical truths that God has restored through its leadership.

Another marker is unity. I Corinthians 1:10 says the Church would be “in the same mind and in the same judgment.” That means real harmony, not different congregations, members or ministers doing their own thing. You do not have to take anyone’s word for it. This kind of unity is something you can see.

Matthew 24:14 adds another proof: The true Church would preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Most churches today do not even know what the true gospel is. But this Church does—and proclaims it boldly.

Take time to think through each of these points. Be like the Bereans in Acts 17, who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (vs. 11).

Examining Fruits

In Matthew 7, Jesus taught: “You shall know them by their fruits…every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit” (vs. 16-17).

While this is not a checklist-style proof, it includes a powerful principle to help your proving process.

Fruits are the results in someone’s life—good or bad. Just like a tree produces fruit that is sweet or bitter, people and even entire groups show patterns you can observe.

The Church Jesus built will show good fruits. If an organization produces bad fruits—or no fruit at all—it is not being led by God.

Look at the Work being done by the Church today. You have likely heard about the First and Second Commissions—preaching the gospel (Mark 16:15) and feeding the flock (I Pet. 5:2). These efforts have real results.

Whether it is reading about God’s Work in The Pillar or the Announcement Bulletin, meeting new prospective members at Sabbath services, or growing through sermons, Bible studies and articles—you are seeing the fruit of what this Church is doing.

Another way to see fruit is to ask people you know: “How has living God’s Way changed your life?” Start with your parents, then talk to others in your congregation.

You will hear different kinds of answers, but most will share the same theme: that coming into the Church opened their eyes to powerful truths and blessings they never had before. Whether someone was called out of the world or grew up attending like you, their stories can help you see good fruit.

Of course, this does not mean that every member is perfect or that God’s Way does not involve trials or difficulties. Christians still sin and make mistakes, and God sometimes allows tough trials. But even with those challenges, there is no comparison between life with God’s truth and life without it.

As Jesus said, “If you continue in My word…you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

Yes, sometimes people leave God’s Way. But that does not mean it is not God’s Church—or that something is wrong with all the good fruits you are seeing. The Bible does not say the Church will never lose a member. In fact, it says the opposite. I John 2:19 explains that some will leave, and that it is sadly part of Christianity. Your parents may have already talked with you about this.

The concept of good fruit shows that God is at work in the lives of His people. Philippians 1:6 is a reminder of that. The growth and change you see in others is real, and it is something you can experience too.

Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God…” This could be your minister, your parents, or anyone else who has taught you through their words or by example.

The verse goes on: “Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith” (New Living Translation). Allow the fruit you see in the lives of long-time Christians to inspire you while deciding which path to take.

More Ways to Prove

Proving God’s Church is personal. No article can walk you through every step, but here are some ways to keep moving forward.

Engage with God’s Way: The more you get involved in Church life, the more you will see that it works. Take part in activities like Ambassador Youth Camp, local socials and fundraisers. Consider visiting Headquarters if you have never been. I Corinthians 14:33 says God’s congregations are full of peace, and verse 40 adds that all things are done “decently and in order.” By participating, you can see these qualities firsthand.

Ask Questions: If something confuses you—whether it is a Church doctrine, tradition or teaching on prophecy—do not be afraid to speak up. Your parents are a great place to start, but your minister and his wife are also happy to talk with you. They want to help you prove the truth for yourself. You could even talk to young adults in your area or at AYC who have been where you are. Ask them what helped them build confidence before baptism.

Pray and Reflect: Your Creator wants to guide you through this process. He wants you to be in His Church—not somewhere else. So talk to Him. Just like you might pray about a school test or a big decision, you can ask Him to help you prove where He is working.

James 1 says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (vs. 5, NLT).

As you study and reflect, God will guide your thoughts. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works unto the Lord, and your thoughts shall be established.” Trust Him with the process and keep Him involved every step of the way.

From Belief to Conviction

Proving God’s Church does not happen overnight. It is a serious decision and requires real thought. But it is well worth it. As you take in the evidence, your belief will grow. Over time, that belief becomes deep conviction.

You will not be attending Sabbath services because of your parents. You will be keeping the Sabbath—and all of God’s commands—because you believe Him.

Think of it this way. Belief says, “I think this is right.” Conviction says, “I’m holding on no matter what.”

Paul called the Church “the house of God…the pillar and ground of the truth” (I Tim. 3:15). Being in the right place means you are grounded in the full truth—not just where God is working, but in everything He teaches.

When you put down roots in God’s Church, the sacrifices you make will start to feel lighter. You will know you are doing what God wants. With that will come peace, confidence and the relief of knowing you are right where you belong.

I Corinthians 12:18 says that “God set the members every one of them in the body [the Church], as it has pleased Him.” What could please Him more than a young person—someone raised in the truth—choosing to fully commit to His Way?

Take the time you need. Make this your decision. Do not stay because your parents or friends expect you to—stay because you know this is where God wants you.

If you do, you will be part of the same harmony that began when the New Testament Church did—and still continues today. Acts 2 describes it: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…And all who believed were together and had all things in common…And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (vs. 42-47, English Standard Version).

This is the Church Jesus Christ built. It is the Church where God placed you. Now He wants you to make it your own.

To keep proving, read Where Is God’s Church?