Vertical Thought

Vertical Thought was published from 2003 to 2013 by the United Church of God. It was created to give relevant content to help young people ages 12-22 discover and live God's way of life. 

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Held Hostage

What would you do if you were kidnapped by thugs? Would you cry out to God asking for help? Read this inspiring true-life story that shows that God does hear and answer our prayers!
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Is the Book Worth Reading?

What do you read and why? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Does it really matter?
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What Do I Need Right Now?

As young people mature, many wonder about their relationship with God and attending church services. How can a youth know what to do?
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Preparing for Ambassador Bible Center

Are you curious about ABC? Read a firsthand report by someone who has been there, done that.
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Dealing With Fear

"Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes" (Proverbs 3:25).
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The Role of Satan in the End Time

The Bible speaks of a supernatural being performing supernatural feats just before Jesus Christ comes to this earth a second time. Do you know what the Scriptures say this deceiver will do? How will his actions affect teens?
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Understanding the Return of Christ

People say Jesus will come again, but will He really? How can we know for sure? What does the Bible say conditions will be like when He comes?
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A Dating Adventure

What makes a good date? If you want to get to know someone of the opposite sex, what kinds of activities promise the most fun? Read this article for a few ideas.
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AIDS Can Be Stopped Now

Ignorance has accompanied many of humanity's worst diseases. With AIDS, the same tragic story is unfolding once again. But you don't have to be a victim.
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Sex, Dating and You!

Misunderstandings about God's instructions are contributing to some tragic heartaches. Learn how you can enjoy life to the fullest—God's way.
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Learning About the Opposite Sex

From our earliest days, most of us have an interesting learning curve when it comes to understanding the opposite sex. As infants we're clueless. Then we discover other people in our world—some of whom are boys and others are girls...
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What Is Fun?

Everyone, it seems, has a different definition of fun. If you are trying to live a godly life, how can you determine what is appropriate? How should you define "fun"?
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Born to Succeed!

When loneliness and depression beat you down, remember, there is Someone to help you up. Don't accept the label "loser," because you were born to succeed!
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To Narc or Not to Narc?

No one likes to be a tattletale or rat on someone unnecessarily. How can a young person know when to divulge information to the proper authorities?
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The Value of Student-Teacher Relationships

"Faculty are supposed to make the sparks fly intellectually, and from time to time, we're supposed to make lightning strike."—Ross Thomas
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Rise Above Peer Pressure

Pressure to conform is especially powerful when we are young. How does peer pressure work and how can we master it?
Choosing Your Friends
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Choosing Your Friends

Learn the value of true friendship by being a good friend. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17).
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Your Greatest Asset

The ability to make, evaluate and sustain relationships has never been so critically needed. Proper relationships with siblings, relationships with friends, relationships with teachers and, most importantly, relationships with God are vital to happy, fulfilled lives.
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Going After the Good Stuff

Are you going to buy an expensive Sony Playstation? Would you believe a good book can be far more valuable? Benjamin Franklin said, "The great part of the miseries of mankind are brought upon them by false estimates they have...
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A Revealing Look at Modesty

Does it really make any difference whether we are modest or not? Surprisingly to many, God's Word does give us guidelines on this important subject that work in the 21st century.