The Gen Z Series: (10) Do I really need the church to follow Jesus?

This is one of the most common questions Gen Z is asking today: Does the Bible actually say sex before marriage is wrong? In this episode, we talk honestly about what Scripture says about sex, relationships, and God’s design. We explore how God is not against sex—He created it—but He designed it to flourish within marriage. We unpack passages like 1 Corinthians 7 and 1 Thessalonians to understand God’s heart for purity, commitment, and obedience. But this conversation isn’t just about rules—it’s about direction. Are we trying to get as close to sin as possible… or as close to God as possible? If you’ve struggled in this area, you’re not alone. There is grace. There is a fresh start. And there is a better way forward. So here’s the real question we leave you with: What do you want most—God’s pleasure or your own? -- Helpful resources: Lina Abujamra’s new book All Your Life Watch the conversation on YouTube here.  Follow on IG: @linaabujamra  

In this episode, we talk about a tension so many are feeling but few are willing to admit—being constantly connected, yet deeply alone.   From a Gen Z perspective, loneliness often hides behind busy social lives, group chats, and friendships that look full on the outside but feel shallow within.   But what does the Bible say about loneliness? Is it something to fix, or something God wants to meet us in? If you’ve ever wondered why your friendships don’t fully satisfy, or what to do with the ache you can’t explain, this episode will help you reframe loneliness not as a failure, but as an invitation. A place where God meets you, not from a distance, but right in the middle of it. -- Helpful resources: Lina Abujamra’s new book All Your Life Watch the conversation on YouTube here Follow on IG @linaabujamra  

Does God actually have a plan for my dating life? And will I ever find true love? These are some of the most pressing questions Gen Z is asking right now, and in today’s episode, we dive right in. I’m joined by two Gen Z voices—one single and one in a serious relationship—as we have an honest conversation about dating, faith, and what really matters. Because the truth is: who you date will shape your faith, your future, and your direction. Dating is never neutral. Tune in for a conversation that will challenge the way you think about dating and point you back to what matters most.   Helpful resources:  Lina Abujamra’s new book All Your Life Watch the conversation on YouTube here Follow on IG: @linaabujamra  

One of the most common struggles Gen Z voices today is this: “I want godly friends, but I can’t find them.” In a culture where friendships are often shaped by convenience, social media, or shared interests, it can be hard to know what healthy, faith-shaping friendships actually look like. But does God really care who your friends are? In this episode, we explore what the Bible says about the influence of friendships and why the people you surround yourself with matter more than you might think. Scripture reminds us that our relationships quietly shape the direction of our lives over time. The people closest to us influence our character, our decisions, and even our faith. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate friendships while staying rooted in Christ, this conversation will help you think more intentionally about the people walking alongside you.   Helpful resources: Lina Abujamra’s new book All Your Life Watch the conversation on YouTube here Follow on IG @linaabujamra

For many Gen Z Christians, faith can create real tension at home. You love your parents, but sometimes they don’t understand your convictions, your choices, or your desire to follow Jesus seriously. So what does honoring your parents actually look like when you believe differently? In this episode, we unpack the biblical framework for honoring parents while staying faithful to Jesus. We’ll talk about the difference between respect and agreement, the limits of parental authority, and how to navigate these tensions with wisdom and grace. This episode will encourage you to pursue both truth and love, even in complicated relationships.   Helpful resources: Lina Abujamra’s new book All Your Life Watch the conversation on YouTube here Follow us on IG: @linaabujamra  

Many believers want to follow Jesus deeply but when it comes to church, they often feel hesitant, disconnected, or overwhelmed. Where do you even start? And does involvement really matter? In this episode, we explore why the local church isn’t just another obligation to manage but the primary place God designed for spiritual formation. We grow through accountability, shared life, and serving one another as the body of Christ. God has intentionally gifted every believer to strengthen and build up the church (Ephesians 4; Colossians 3). That means you have a meaningful role to play—not someday, but now. Tune in to discover how to recognize and develop your spiritual gifts and take one simple step toward allowing God to use you to bless others and experience deeper belonging in His church.   Helpful resources: Lina Abujamra’s new book All Your Life Quiz to find out your Spiritual gifts Watch the conversation on YouTube here  

In this episode, we talk honestly about one of the hardest and most important questions for young adults: how to find a church community that helps your faith grow and last. We’ll explore what Scripture says about real church life and how to recognize a healthy spiritual home. Not a perfect church, but a faithful one. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from church, unsure where to go, or hesitant to commit, this conversation will give you clarity, peace, and practical direction as you look for a community where you can follow Jesus with others.   Helpful resources: Lina Abujamra’s new book All Your Life Watch the conversation on YouTube here.

What do you do when the people who taught you about Jesus let you down? In a generation that has watched spiritual leaders fall publicly and painfully, trust doesn’t come easily. Maybe you’ve asked, Is everyone in the church a hypocrite? Or maybe you’re carrying quiet church hurt and wondering if it’s even worth going back.   In this episode, we talk honestly about it and turn to Scripture to see what God actually says about flawed leaders, accountability, forgiveness, wisdom, and healing.   The Bible reminds us: The church has always been filled with imperfect people (Romans 3:23; Acts 6; Galatians 2). Leaders are held accountable (James 3:1; Ezekiel 34). Forgiveness is hard but healing (Colossians 3:13). Wisdom matters—sometimes you stay, sometimes you leave (James 1). And ultimately, our trust belongs in God, not in human leaders (Psalm 118:8).   If you’ve ever struggled to trust the church again, this conversation is for you.   Helpful Resources: Book: Fractured Faith Book: All Your Life   Watch the conversation on YouTube here.   

“Do I actually need church to follow Jesus… or can I just do faith on my own?” It’s one of the most honest, and most common, questions Gen Z is asking right now. Maybe you’ve been hurt by church. Maybe it feels irrelevant. Maybe online sermons feel easier. Or maybe you just wonder, Is showing up even necessary? If you love Jesus but feel unsure about the church, you’re not alone. In this episode, my cohost and I open the Bible and look at what Jesus actually says about His plan for the church, and why faith was never meant to be lived alone. We talk about the purpose of Christian community, what the church is supposed to look like (and what it’s not), and how to take a next step toward healing and finding a healthy church home. If you’ve ever wrestled with church, felt disappointed, or wondered where you belong, this conversation is for you. Let’s figure it out together. Preorder my book All Your Life here. Watch the conversation on YouTube.  

You’ve probably heard the phrase spiritual warfare before, but what does it really mean, and how does it actually show up in your life? Because it’s not usually dramatic or obvious. More often, it looks like the quiet battles you fight every day—your thoughts, your temptations, your doubts, your identity, and the mental pressure you can’t always explain. In this episode, we break it down in a simple, practical way. We talk about what the Bible really says about spiritual warfare, how the enemy attacks, and how to stand firm using prayer, truth, and God’s Word. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or spiritually worn down, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening and show you how to fight from victory, not fear. -- Preorder my book All Your Life here. Watch the conversation on YouTube.