We live in a generation that believes it can build a meaningful life on its own. Social media promises self-made success. Culture celebrates independence. However, beneath the highlight reels and curated identities, many young men and women still carry emptiness, anxiety, and one question they cannot ignore: Why am I here?
The NGEN Bible Study Journal speaks directly to this moment. It helps the next generation discover that the answer to life’s deepest questions does not come from the world’s noise. Instead, it comes from God’s Word. Before we explore the solution, however, we must honestly face the problem: what happens when people choose to live without God?
1. Life Loses Its Purpose
Without God, life loses its highest purpose. People begin to see themselves as biological accidents rather than intentional creations. As a result, many start searching for meaning in success, pleasure, approval, or achievement.
Ecclesiastes 1:2 says:
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
King Solomon had wisdom, wealth, pleasure, and influence. Yet, after experiencing everything the world could offer, he concluded that life without God becomes empty. This does not come from pessimism. Instead, it comes from an honest understanding of what happens when people build life apart from their Creator.
The NGEN Journal’s second chapter, “Why Do I Need God?”, explains this truth clearly: without God, life becomes empty and directionless. Therefore, this is not just a religious statement. It is a spiritual reality that every generation eventually faces.
2. Identity Becomes Confused
Today, identity has become one of the biggest struggles for young people. Many ask, Who am I? What defines me? Am I my feelings, achievements, body, reputation, or social media image?
When people remove God from the center, identity becomes unstable. It shifts with emotions, opinions, culture, and personal experiences. Consequently, many young people feel pressured to define themselves through things that constantly change.
The NGEN Bible Study Journal says:
“Their distinctiveness is found in Jesus — not in what the world assigns them.”
This truth offers hope. The Bible teaches that God knew you before you were formed. Therefore, your identity does not depend on trends, labels, or public approval. Instead, you receive your true identity through a relationship with the God who created you with purpose.
3. Moral Foundations Collapse
Without God, people often treat morality as personal opinion. Whatever feels right becomes “truth.” However, this creates confusion because feelings change, cultures shift, and public opinion never stays the same.
Judges 17:6 says:
“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
This verse describes a time when people ignored God’s direction and followed their own desires. As a result, society experienced moral and spiritual decline. In the same way, when a generation loses its moral anchor, people begin to justify harmful choices under the banner of personal freedom.
However, NGEN does not approach young people with shame. Instead, it shows them that God’s moral framework protects the human heart. God’s Word guides people toward wisdom, peace, and purpose because He understands the life He created.
4. Anxiety and Emptiness Take Over
Many young people today struggle with anxiety, loneliness, and emotional emptiness. Social media, pressure, family struggles, and uncertainty all play a role. However, the deeper issue often begins in the soul.
God created the human heart for a relationship with Him. Therefore, when people try to fill that space with entertainment, substances, relationships, success, or approval, the emptiness often remains. These things may offer temporary comfort, but they cannot fully satisfy the soul.
Augustine once expressed this truth clearly:
“Our heart is restless until it reposes in Thee.”
In other words, the soul searches for peace until it returns to God. Therefore, NGEN points readers back to the Creator who gives lasting hope, peace, and meaning.
5. Death Becomes Terrifying Rather Than Triumphant
Without God, death feels like the final word. People may try to avoid thinking about it, distract themselves from it, or explain it away. However, deep down, many still fear what comes after this life.
But the Gospel gives a different answer. NGEN’s eighth chapter, “Death Proof Purpose,” shows that Jesus conquered death through His death and resurrection. Because of Him, death does not have to be the end. Instead, for those who trust in Christ, death becomes a doorway into eternal life.
John 11:25 says:
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
Therefore, faith in Jesus gives believers hope that reaches beyond the grave.
6. Relationships Suffer Without a Godly Foundation
Without God, relationships can become selfish and transactional. People may focus more on what they can receive than what they can give. As a result, love becomes conditional, commitment becomes weak, and community becomes shallow.
However, God teaches a better way. His love shapes how people forgive, serve, honor, and care for one another. When people connect with God, they also learn how to connect with others in healthier and more meaningful ways.
For this reason, the NGEN Bible Study Journal works well for personal study, couples, small groups, and church youth programs. Spiritual growth does not have to happen alone. Instead, Scripture encourages believers to grow together in faith, truth, and love.
The Good News: You Were Never Meant to Live Without Him
Everything described above does not reflect God’s design for your life. Instead, it shows what happens when people drift away from Him. However, the Gospel brings good news: God did not abandon humanity in its wandering.
He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and save the lost. Therefore, no matter how far someone has drifted, there is still a way back. That way is Jesus.
The NGEN Bible Study Journal helps readers take that journey step by step. It begins with the question, “Is there really a God?” Then, it leads readers through important subjects such as identity, purpose, faith, salvation, and eternal life.
Start Your Journey With NGEN
The NGEN Bible Study Journal gives youth and young adults a Christ-centered resource for discovering what only God can provide. Instead of searching the world for identity, peace, and purpose, readers can turn to Scripture and find lasting truth.
Dr. Gary S. Collins, PhD, created NGEN to guide the next generation through 12 powerful subjects covering identity, purpose, faith, and eternal life. In addition, the journal works for personal study, couples, small groups, and church youth programs.
NGEN is available as a print journal, magazine, and e-book. Therefore, readers can study from home, at church, in school groups, or on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Living Without God?
The Bible describes life apart from God as empty, purposeless, and spiritually lost. Ecclesiastes calls it “vanity,” while the New Testament says people without Christ have “no hope and without God in the world.” However, the Bible also teaches that God actively calls people back to Him. Therefore, it is never too late to turn toward God.
How Does NGEN Bible Study Journal Help Young People Reconnect With God?
NGEN guides youth and young adults through 12 carefully developed chapters. These chapters address real-life questions about God, salvation, identity, purpose, peer pressure, and eternal life. In addition, each chapter uses Scripture, reflection, and practical guidance to lead readers toward a personal, Christ-centered faith.
Can I Use NGEN Bible Study Journal for a Group or Church Youth Program?
Yes. NGEN works well for individuals, couples, small groups, and church youth programs. Its structured format helps group leaders create meaningful discussions. Additionally, the content addresses real challenges young people face today, making it useful for modern faith-based conversations.
Is the NGEN Bible Study Journal Available in Digital Format?
Yes. NGEN comes in both physical and digital formats. Therefore, readers can study from a printed journal, magazine, or e-book. Both versions offer the same Bible study experience and help readers grow deeper in God’s Word.
Who Is the Author of the NGEN Bible Study Journal?
Dr. Gary S. Collins, PhD, created the NGEN Bible Study Journal. He is a pastor, author, and composer with a passion for helping the next generation discover identity and purpose in Jesus Christ. In addition, he co-authored “Awakening The Sleeping Giant” and created “The Kidz Amazing Bible Lessons.”
What Age Group Is the NGEN Bible Study Journal Designed For?
NGEN mainly speaks to youth and young adults. However, anyone who wants to grow deeper in God’s Word can benefit from it. The journal addresses spiritual, social, and identity questions that many people face at different stages of life.
How Is NGEN Different From Other Bible Study Resources?
NGEN does more than offer general devotionals. Instead, it addresses real questions about identity, peer pressure, cultural confusion, purpose, and faith. Additionally, it gives Scripture-based answers in a way that feels honest, hopeful, and relevant for today’s generation.
