According to the most recent and statistically reliable research, 66% of graduating seniors will not remain involved in the church after leaving high school. That statistic causes me to ponder what determines whether or not a saved person (student or adult) will remain faithful to the Lord. While I have no technical, scientifically based answer to provide this morning, I believe I have a biblical one based on the similarities and differences between two apostles.

John 21:15-17

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.

Lesson Resources:

https://research.lifeway.com/2019/01/15/most-teenagers-drop-out-of-church-as-young-adults/. Last Accessed May 12, 2025.

https://www.barna.com/research/resilient-disciples/. Last Accessed May 12, 2025.

Sellers S. Crain, Jr. Matthew 14-28. Truth for Today Commentary. Searcy, AR: Resource Publications, 2011.