What a friend Riley has in Jesus!

Webmaster | 29 August 2006

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How does Jesus help in facing temptation? JOSEPH SMITH talks to one teenager who speaks from experience.

Riley Spring dedicated his life to Christ nine years ago along with his older brother, Jarrad. Now the 15-year-old is facing teenage battles with the knowledge of being forgiven in Christ.

“I’ve had to deal with the challenges a lot of teenagers go through,” says the Year 10 Kirrawee High School student.

Riley has faced the temptations that go with the party culture and other teenage struggles, but with the help of God he is able to say no to sin.

“When I was in Year Eight the leaders of our commitment Bible studies at youth group challenged us about how we live as Christian teenagers,” he says.

“I realised that to live for Christ properly I had to overcome and avoid these things. I have grown ten-fold in my faith since then.”

Riley says his no-alcohol policy at parties has helped him in his Christian witness to his friends.

“People have recognised that I’m a Christian, because I’ll go to a party and drink a cup of water and people will ask me why. It gives me chance to talk to them about what I believe,” he says. “One or two friends have started questioning me more about Christianity so I’ve been able to open up some good conversations.”

Riley says reprioritising his time has also helped him grow.

“Because I’m not spending time on the computer surfing the internet I have time to read the Bible three times a day,” he says. “The more I read the more I remember passages. So when I have theological debates or discussions about science with my friends I actually have the Bible verses to back up what I’m saying.”

Riley says his ‘Rev’ Bible study group, part of the Soul Revival youth ministry at Gymea Anglican Church, is a very important source of support.

“It’s very important to have close mates who are Christian so you can spur each other on. As we go through struggles we can talk to each other and keep one another accountable,” he says.

Riley completed a week of work experience as part of the youth ministry team at Gymea Anglican last month. He had the opportunity to lead a Bible study at Kirrawee High and do his first ever Bible talk at Gymea High on the topic ‘Does science disprove God?’.

So, does Riley have a taste for full-time ministry in the future?

“I’m unsure yet where God will call me, but I have enjoyed it. The visit to Sydney Missionary and Bible College was interesting, going through the scriptures and analysing words and texts.”

For the time being, Riley appears to be firmly focused on ministry within his own church.

“I’ve been trying to think of ways to help Christian teenagers from non-Christian families whose parents don’t let them do Christian activities still get involved with our church.”

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