Ep. 1: Don’t Sit in the Back Row - Levi Golden

Welcome to The Youth Room — a podcast by UPCI Youth Ministries.This isn’t just another church podcast.This is our space.In this first episode, Levi Golden introduces himself, shares the vision behind The Youth Room, and tells the story of how simple “yes” moments changed the direction of his life.From singing off-key to stepping into calling, this episode is a reminder that God doesn’t need perfection — He just needs willingness.If you’re a middle schooler, high schooler, or college student wondering whether God can use you… this one’s for you.🔥 Comment where you're from and what youth group you're repping.📱 Send us your funniest youth room stories.🎤 Tell us the sermon that changed your life.Revival doesn’t start on a stage.It starts when someone decides not to sit in the back row of their calling.

In a world focused on getting, Jesus invites us to live differently—by giving. In this episode of The Youth Room, Jordan and Daniel talk about what it really means to live with open hands and a generous heart.Giving isn’t just about money. It’s about your time, your energy, your skills, and your willingness to serve. And it’s not optional—it’s central to who we are as followers of Jesus.In this episode:Why giving starts with what God has already given youHow generosity goes beyond the offering plateWhat it means to give with joy, not guiltWhy small sacrifices can make a big impactHow giving actually changes youThis is a practical, down-to-earth conversation about using what you have to bless others. Because at the end of the day, the gift is already in your hands—the question is what you’ll do with it.Listen now and ask yourself: What am I doing with what I’ve been given?

A lot of people believe in Jesus—but fewer are truly following Him. In this episode of The Youth Room, we’re asking a bold question: What does it really mean to be a disciple?Drawing from Scripture, the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Jesus’ own words in Luke 14, we explore the real cost of following Christ. It’s not about convenience or comfort. It’s about surrender.Inside this episode:Why “cheap grace” isn’t enoughWhat Jesus meant by “take up your cross”How discipleship impacts your relationships, priorities, and what you consumeWhy surrender is the only way to true freedomThis one’s direct, honest, and challenging. If you’re serious about your walk with God, this is a conversation you don’t want to skip.Listen now. Reflect deeply. And ask: What might Jesus be asking me to surrender?

Sin is real. It’s heavy. And it separates us from God. But what if we told you there’s good news about sin—not because of what it is, but because of what Jesus did about it?In this powerful episode of The Youth Room, Jordan and Daniel unpack a message that’s raw, honest, and full of hope. You’ll hear how sin traps us, what Scripture says about our need for rescue, and how the gospel offers more than forgiveness—it offers freedom.🎙️ In this episode:🪨 A true survival story that mirrors the urgency of cutting off sin😔 Why sin isn’t just a “bad habit”—it’s a spiritual death sentence🛟 What Acts 2:38 tells us about how to be saved💥 What it really means to repent and walk in new life⚔️ How to fight back against compromise, temptation, and spiritual numbness💌 Why Jesus is still the answer—and always enough📖 Key Scriptures:Romans 3:23 – All have sinned and fall shortActs 2:38 – Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy SpiritJohn 8:11 – “Go and sin no more”Romans 13:12–14 – Make no provision for the fleshJohn 3:16 – The good news that changes everythingWhether you’ve never truly repented, or you’ve been treating sin too lightly—this is your wake-up call. There’s grace, there’s power, and there’s a Savior who paid the price so you can be free.🎧 Listen now to discover why the gospel is truly good news—and how to respond with surrender, courage, and love for Jesus.🙌 Share this episode with someone who needs a fresh start, a reminder of the cross, or a deeper understanding of what it really means to live forgiven.

We’ve all asked the question—maybe quietly, maybe in desperation: Does God still do miracles today? In this powerful and faith-building episode of The Youth Room, Jordan and Daniel go deep into the truth that God is still a miracle-working God, not just in the Bible, but right now.From healing and provision to deliverance and direction, miracles are more than ancient stories—they're the evidence of God's active presence in our lives today.In this episode:Why miracles are part of God’s nature, not just rare exceptionsWhat Scripture says about supernatural signs following believersReal stories of modern-day miracles that will inspire your faithWhat to do when the miracle doesn’t come right awayHow to live in expectant faith—even when you're still waiting📖 Key Scriptures:Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and foreverMark 16:17–20 – Signs will follow those who believeActs 16:25–34 – Praise and purpose in the middle of the prisonEphesians 3:20 – God can do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think💡 Five practical steps to build miracle-minded faith:Read the WordPray boldlyWalk in obedienceShare your testimonyTrust God's will and timing🎧 Tune in now to be reminded that Jesus still heals, provides, saves, and delivers. He’s not done—and your miracle might be closer than you think.🙌 If you're believing for something big, this is your reminder: keep praying, keep trusting, and don’t stop expecting. The God of miracles is still moving. Share this episode with someone who needs hope today.

What comes to mind when you hear “praise the Lord”? A church service? A worship song? Maybe just something people say when something good happens? In this episode of The Youth Room, Jordan and Daniel flip the script on what praise really is—and why it’s not just for Sundays.From Psalms 146–150, known as the Hallelujah Psalms, this episode unpacks how praise is a lifestyle, a weapon, and a response to who God is—not just what He does.We cover:Why praise isn’t about your mood—it’s about God’s worthinessHow building your identity on people will always fail, but praise anchors you in truthWhat it means that all creation is designed to praiseWhy it’s okay (and biblical!) to praise God with energy, creativity, and joyThree truths: Praise is a command, a commitment, and a choice📖 Featured Scriptures:Psalm 146:1–2 – “I will praise the Lord all my life”Psalm 147–150 – From broken hearts to galaxies, everything joins the praisePsalm 63:4–5 – Praise with your lips even when you don’t feel itWhether you're full of faith or struggling in silence, this episode is your reminder: If you're breathing, you’ve got a reason to praise.🎧 Listen now to rediscover the power of praise and how it can shift your focus, fuel your faith, and align your life with God’s glory.➡️ Make it your mission this week: Let your praise get loud. Let it be real. Let it be consistent. And invite someone else into it—share the episode!

“What am I supposed to do with my life?”It’s one of the biggest and most common questions young people wrestle with. In this episode of The Youth Room, Jordan and Daniel break down what it really means to be called by God—and why your purpose starts with who you are, not just what you do.🎙️ In this episode:🙌 What the Bible actually says about calling (hint: it starts with surrender)🕊️ Why your first calling is to live a holy life—not chase a platform📱 How distraction (especially digital) can destroy your direction🔥 What Moses’ wilderness moment teaches us about God’s timing and preparation🔑 The difference between chasing the “what” and becoming the “who”📖 Key Scriptures:2 Timothy 1:9 – Called to live a holy life1 Corinthians 6:12 – Don’t be mastered by anythingExodus 3:10 – God calls Moses from the burning bushRomans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mindLamentations 3:40 – Examine your ways and return to the LordThis is your reminder that calling isn’t some future role or ministry dream—it starts now, in your choices, your character, and your closeness to God.🎧 Listen now to refocus your heart, rediscover your purpose, and learn how to walk in your calling—starting today.➡️ If this episode hit home, share it with a friend or post it to your story—because chances are, someone else is asking the same question: “Am I called?”

What happens when you chase success, status, or control—without asking God first? In this powerful episode of The Youth Room, we explore the tragic story of Adonijah, the man who looked like a king but never became one. His downfall? Pride, self-promotion, and ignoring God’s plan.You’ll hear:👑 Why Adonijah’s story is a warning for our generation📛 The danger of trying to take the throne in your own life🛑 How pride can crash your plans—and how surrender brings peace🔁 The mercy of God, even when we’ve tried to take control💡 A challenge to let your life say “God is King,” not “I am”Key Scriptures:1 Kings 1 – Adonijah’s failed attempt to seize the thronePsalm 75:6–7 – God is the one who promotesProverbs 16:18 – Pride goes before destructionJames 4:10 – Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you upWhether you’re chasing influence, relationships, or your dream future, this episode calls you to pause and ask: Who’s really on the throne?Listen now and discover the freedom, purpose, and peace that come from letting God lead.

Your tongue is tiny—but it’s shaping your entire life.In this episode of The Youth Room, Daniel and Jordan dive into a conversation that hits home for every believer: the power of your words. From sarcastic jabs and careless DMs to gossip, complaining, and profanity—we explore why your mouth matters more than you think.🔊 Based on Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” this episode unpacks biblical truth, practical wisdom, and a call to holiness in our speech. We don’t just talk about what not to say—we challenge you to speak life, reflect Jesus, and let the Holy Spirit transform your voice from the inside out.If you’ve ever said something you regret (and who hasn’t), this one’s for you. It’s time to stop underestimating your words and start honoring God with your speech.👅🔥 Death and life are in your mouth. Choose wisely.

Easter isn’t just a once-a-year celebration—it’s the foundation of our hope, the center of our faith, and the ultimate game-changer for how we live every day. In this powerful episode of The Youth Room, we’re breaking down why the resurrection of Jesus Christ still matters in 2025 and how young Christians can walk in the reality of the empty tomb.🎙️ In this episode, we explore:✨ What Easter is really about beyond the chocolate and church clothes✨ How the resurrection changes how we deal with anxiety, rejection, guilt, and fear✨ What it looks like to live like Jesus is alive—in your school, online, and in your friendships✨ How to share the message of resurrection hope with others📖 Featured Scriptures:Luke 24:1–6 – “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”Romans 6:4 – Raised to walk in newness of lifeGalatians 2:20 – Christ lives in me1 Peter 1:3 – A new birth into a living hopeYou’ll leave this episode reminded that Jesus didn’t just rise from the dead—He’s alive in you, and that changes everything.🎧 Listen now and get inspired to live boldly in the power of the resurrection—today, tomorrow, and forever.🙌 Share this with someone who needs the reminder: the tomb is still empty!