tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4949281921434643242024-02-21T02:03:50.151-08:00Driven Junior High Ministrydetermined, decided, destined...Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-76909075117301257812009-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:002009-10-05T09:00:03.195-07:00Jack & Dr Phil - Become the one (October 10 & 11, 2009)October 10 & 11, 2009 - Jack & Dr Phil<br />Become the one<br />Ruth 3:1-11<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>Why was Boaz attractive to Ruth? What signs show us that Boaz had <span style="font-weight: bold;">become the one</span>?</li><li>Why was Ruth attractive to Boaz? What signs show us that Ruth had <span style="font-weight: bold;">become the one</span>?<br /></li><li>How did the fact that both Ruth & Boaz had <span style="font-weight: bold;">become the one</span> give their relationship a better chance to succeed? Do you think this same principle applies to our relationships? Why or why not?<br /></li><li>How will this change the way your relationships look in the future? How will this change the way your relationships look in the present?<br /></li><li>What is the one thing you can do this week to start to <span style="font-weight: bold;">become the one</span>?<br /></li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">SUMMARY:</span><br /> It's tough to meet people and figure out whether we want to be in relationships with them. But instead of frantically looking for "the one," we need to <span style="font-weight: bold;">become the one</span>.<br /> We need to stop looking for someone else to complete us or to make us feel important or loved. Instead, like Ruth, we should focus on the ways we can love the people who are already in our lives.Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-8937707059279527282009-10-03T11:27:00.000-07:002009-10-03T11:29:12.819-07:00Jack & Jill - October 3 & 4, 2009<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Big Idea: Good looks don't always make you attractive!</span><br />Ruth 2:5-13<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>How have you discovered the truth that looks can make you look, but they don't make you attractive? In your opinion, what is the difference between "good looks" and being "attractive"?</li><li>What made Ruth attractive to Boaz? Why did he notice her? How did this true attractiveness form the basis of their relationship?</li><li>How can you make friendship choices (or dating choices - if that's where you're at) based on true attractiveness and not looks alone? What choices in these areas of your life do you need to make this week?<br /></li><li>How can you start to become more attractive? What are some specific ways you can do this starting this week? </li></ol><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SUMMARY:</span><br />Ruth risked her entire life and love to serve someone else. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Good looks don't always make you attractive.</span> But a mission greater than yourself makes you incredibly attractive, as Ruth and Boaz discovered.<br />As followers of Christ, we claim to have the greatest love of all. This great love changes our lives, and it affects the way we live and the way we treat others, especially in relationships. It's tempting for us to believe our culture's message about where real beauty and real attractiveness comes from.<br />You are looking for people who are real, who are attractive because they love and are loved by God and others, and who live in and live out great love.Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-79779572249736549392009-08-23T07:21:00.000-07:002009-08-23T07:46:39.768-07:00Its 242 time again!! - Notes for September 12 & 13, 2009<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">First of all, here is a link to the extended 242 notes... use what you want of it! :)</span><br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" title="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AbZ5hIkKUoYUZGNzcms1ODNfMGhqdmRnY2M3&hl=en" href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AbZ5hIkKUoYUZGNzcms1ODNfMGhqdmRnY2M3&hl=en">http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AbZ5hIkKUoYUZGNzcms1ODNfMGhqdmRnY2M3&hl=en</a></span><o:p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Next... Here are the 242 notes for the weekend of September 12 & 13<br /><br />Checkpoint: Authentic Faith<br />Teaching: "Like I Care"<br />Central Text: 2 Kings 22:1-13<br />Big Idea: Change Starts Here<br />Central Truth: World change starts when you change!!<br /><br />Yes, there is a teaching this weekend - but our goal for the weekend is really for you to get to know your kids. Go through some of those "icebreaker questions", play a game, find out who they are and what their needs are... JUST HAVE FUN!!<br /><br />But, just in case you want to talk about the teaching - here's some questions for ya:<br /><br /></span></span></o:p></span></span><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">[encore]</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes a small change can make a big difference. One of the best examples of this comes with typos – small errors in text that completely change the meaning of a word or sentence. Google has recognized this, and the company has made millions of dollars capitalizing on this. Google puts ads on sites that are common typos of popular websites. For example, Google has placed ads on BistBuy.com for consumers that misspell the name of the electronics store Best Buy and on rearthlink.net for surfers who are trying to find earthlink.net. These typos are small, but they completely change the kind of website you find. Use this picture of how small changes make a big difference as background as you move into this week’s questions.</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Questions</span></b></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-weight: bold;">:<br /></span></span></p><ol type="1"><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">What problem did Josiah recognize in 2 Kings 22:1-13? How did he react to this problem?</span></span></li></ol><ol start="2" type="1"><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">How did Josiah change personally? How did this change start a greater change throughout the nation of Judah? </span></span></li></ol><ol start="3" type="1"><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">What changes do you see need to be made in the world? How easy or difficult is it for you to see these changes?</span></span></li></ol><ol start="4" type="1"><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">What changes do you need to make in your life based on the changes you see that need to be made in the world? How is God calling you to make these changes personally? How can you make these changes in your life?</span></span></li></ol><ol start="5" type="1"><li><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">How will world change start when </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">you change in these areas? C</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">an you serve as an inspiration to the people around you? How can you challenge the people around you by the changes you are making? How can God make more of the changes that you make in your life than you could ever make?</span></span></li></ol><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">[take it home]</span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0pt; margin-right: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial';"><span style="font-size:100%;">Make a change this week. Through our lesson and group session, God has probably showed you several changes that you need to make in your life. Choose one of these changes and do what it takes to make it this week.</span></span></p>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-50899004226786968882009-07-12T10:46:00.000-07:002009-07-12T10:47:24.167-07:00July 11th/12th – The Journey: Holy Spirit<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: ";";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Ministry Of The Holy Ghost (Matt. <st1:time minute="11" hour="15" st="on">3:11</st1:time>; John <st1:time minute="16" hour="14" st="on">14:16</st1:time>-17; Acts 1:8, 2:4, <st1:time minute="38" hour="14" st="on">2:38</st1:time>-39, 19:1-7)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, WITH SPEAKING IN TONGUES AS THE INITIAL PHYSICAL EVIDENCE.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Acts 19:1-7 (<i>Paul baptizing (in the Holy Ghost) those who had already been baptized with water.)</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Acts 2:4</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">DURING THIS AGE, HE INDWELLS, INSTRUCTS AND EMPOWERS THE BELIEVER FOR GODLY LIVING AND SERVICE.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Acts 1:8</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses in <st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city>, in all Judaea, in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Samaria</st1:city></st1:place>, and the uttermost parts of the earth</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">THE HOLY GHOST IS A GIFT FROM THE FATHER.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Acts <st1:time minute="38" hour="14" st="on">2:38</st1:time></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">THE PRESENT DAY MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS TO COMFORT AND GUIDE THE BELIEVER. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">John 14:16</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY GHOST</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1- ALL SHOULD BE FILLED AND SPEAKING.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2- HE INSTRUCTS AND EMPOWERS US.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3- HE COMFORTS AND GUIDES <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Spirit Filled & Regular Prayer Life</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">EVERY BORN AGAIN, SPIRIT-FILLED BELIEVER SHOULD MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT PRAYER LIFE BY PRAYING REGULARLY WITH THE UNDERSTANDING AND IN THEIR HEAVENLY LANGUAGE.<span style=""> </span>(Heb. 12:14; 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:12-14; 1 Cor. 1:30)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Heb. 12:14</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">1 Thess. 5:23</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">2 Peter 3:18;</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">2 Cor. 3:18</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Phil. 3:12-14</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">1 Cor. 1:30</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:</p>suddenfirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784324547960341241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-25811163463508358512009-04-29T20:27:00.000-07:002009-04-29T20:59:03.293-07:00Wise Choices that Accent Our Lives: Successories<span style="font-weight: bold;">May 2nd & 3rd - Humility: Arrogance is the pits</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span><br />Genesis 7:6-35<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse: </span><br />Proverbs 16:18 (AMP) "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ul><li>How was Joesph arrogant? What were some of the factors that led him to be arrogant? What was the result of Joseph's arrogance? How did this contribute to his trip to the pits?</li><li>What are some of the ways we display arrogance? What reasons do we use as excuses for our arrogance?</li><li>What problems can result from our arrogance? How can this lead us into the "pits"? How has this happened in your life? Are there any specific relationships in your life that have been damaged by arrogance?</li><li>What will it look like for us to live with humility? What is humility? How can we develop humility in our lives? What Wise Choices must we make to grown in humility? </li><li>In what specific situations do you need to show humility right now? How can you do this? What practical steps do you need to take?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's arrogance had created a recipe for jealousy, and this soon took a disastrous form as Joseph's life took a dark turn. Joseph found out the hard way that <span style="font-weight: bold;">arrogance is the pits</span>.<br /></li><li>Humility does not mean we will become doormats. It didn't for Joseph; he actually ended up as a ruler. But no matter where he was, he had a realistic view of who he was. He knew that God was in control, not him.<br /></li><li>Let us move away from arrogance and instead make the Wise Choice to humbly follow God in our lives, trusting Him to lift us out of the "pits" and into the good He is up to in our world.<br /></li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-60134899207713259752009-03-26T06:02:00.000-07:002009-03-26T07:00:01.754-07:00Healthy Friendships - Friends Forever<span style="font-weight: bold;">March 28 & 29 - Friends Forever "Friends stick with you until the end"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture: </span> Ruth 1:1-18<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16 (NIV)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ul><li>Why is it important for us to have friends forever? What real-life examples of this do you know of?</li><li>How can you develop friendships that stick? What do you need to do in order to do this?</li><li>What kind of friends are the kind that stick with you no matter what? Describe their qualities.</li><li>Do you think your closest friends would describe you as a friend that sticks with them? Why or why not?<br /></li><li>Describe a time when a friend of yours stuck with you. What did/does that mean to you?<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>While our friendships may take different forms and may be more intimate and closer at some times than others, if we vow to stick with our friends till the end, we really can be friends forever.</li><li>Friendships do not have to end. But if a friendship is to survive change, both friends must be committed to making the friendship stick. This is the way <span style="font-weight: bold;">friends stick with you till the end</span>. Just imagine how much fuller these kinds of friends will make our lives! And the truth is that learning stickiness in our friendships will help us learn to stick to Christ in our relationship with Him.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-34724736874327585692009-03-18T05:58:00.000-07:002009-03-18T06:19:19.784-07:00Healthy Friendships - "Over My Head"<span style="font-weight: bold;">March 21st & 22nd - "Over My Head"</span><br />Friends don't let friends get in over their hands!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scriptures:</span> 2 Samuel 12:1-14<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ul><li>Explain a situation when you had to confront a friend about something in their life (<span style="font-style: italic;">without using names</span>). DId you feel like you needed to confront them because they were going to get hurt? Or did you just want to be the one to tell them they were wrong? What happened as a result?</li><li>What are some examples of reasons it would be necessary to confront a friend about something that could lead to their harm? What would be the best way to handle the confrontation? How would you do it?</li><li>If you were stepping into something over your head, that could hurt you, would you want one of your friends to say something to you about it? Why or why not? How do you thing you would react?</li><li>Share an example of a time when a friend confronted you about something. What happened as a result? How did you feel about that friend afterward?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Nathan acted as a true friend to David by putting himself on the line to tell David that he was in too deep. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The prophet didn't let the king get in over his head.</span><br /></li><li>Confrontation is no fun, but there comes a time when we need to be courageous and tell a friend that he or she is doing something dangerous, risky, or just plain stupid. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friends don't let friends get in over their heads</span>.</li><li>We must remember that this is reciprocal. Just as we have to be willing to speak to our friends, we must also be willing to hear our friends when they see us getting in over our heads.<br /></li><li>Confrontation is difficult, but it is one of the traits that will take our friendship to the next level. Imagine what our lives will be like if we have these kinds of friends and we ARE these kinds of friends.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-8919540587309984352009-03-11T06:28:00.000-07:002009-03-11T06:39:25.580-07:00Healthy Friendships: Stand By MeMarch 14th & 15th - Stand By Me<br />Friends stand by each other even when it's hard.<br /><br />Core Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46<br /><br />Memory Verse:<br />"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family."<br />Proverbs 18:24 (MSG)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ul><li>Have you ever faced a situation where a friend really needed you and you "fell asleep at the wheel"? Explain what happened. How did you feel afterwards? What could you have done differently?</li><li>Have you ever been the friend who needed someone to stand by you and nobody did? How did that make you feel? Has someone ever been there for you in a tough time? What did that mean to you?</li><li>When do you need to stand by your friends? What are some specific ways you can do this? Is there ever a time when you shouldn't stand by a friend? Describe what kind of situation that would be.</li><li>How do you "sleep in" with God? How can you stand by Him instead of "sleeping in"?<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Like all of us, Jesus wanted His friends to be with Him and to help Him get through this difficult experience. But Jesus found His closest friends had not joined Him in His time of difficulty. Instead, they were bystanders, when they should have been standing by Him.</li><li>While "sleeping in" is fine, sometimes we will have to "get up early" to be involved in our friends' lives. This is what friends do.</li><li>Jumping in can be a scary experience. But if we are going to be good friends, we must be willing to "jump in". We have to be committed to our friends in difficult times as much as in good times. Imagine what your life would be like if you had these kind of friendships. Think about how much comfort and joy you would experience knowing that you didn't have to go through anything alone.<br /></li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-81684083515989001462009-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:002009-03-02T09:00:01.352-08:00Healthy Friendships: Look Both WaysMarch 7th & 8th - Look Both Ways<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span> Luke 10:25-37<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18 (NIV)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>Why did Jesus tell this parable? What does this tell us about Jesus' love? What does this tell us about how important love was to Jesus?</li><li>What are some of the ways that we show love to our friends? How does this make us go out of our way?</li><li>Why is it hard to go out of our way for our friends? What are some of the reasons we tend to be bystanders?<br />What will need to change in our lives if we want to go out of our way for our friends? How will this change the way we use our time?<br /></li><li>How will going out of our way lead our friendships to be healthier and more like Christ?</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>The priest and the Levite remained bystanders, disinterested observers who were more concerned with their own agendas than the stranger. Meanwhile, a Samaritan - a hated stranger - went out of his way to help.<br /></li><li>Neighbors <span style="font-weight: bold;">go out of their way for each other</span>. This is what a life of Healthy Friendships means - being more concerned with the needs of others than with the completion and success of our own plans.<br /></li><li>We need to be aware of what our friends are going through, whether its good or bad. If we can achieve this heightened awareness, we will find it hard to go back to being a bystander.</li><li>Let us thank God for being an active God instead of a bystander, and let us imagine what our world can be like if we go out of our way for each other like Jesus went out of His way for us.<br /></li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-65575694263663498622009-02-25T07:48:00.000-08:002009-02-25T08:16:51.404-08:00ENOUGH: Me ModerationTrue Satisfaction Through Moderation<br />February 28 & March 1: Me Moderation<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span> Galatians 5:13-14<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13 (NIV)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>Why did Paul tell the Galatians that they had freedom? Why is it important for us to have freedom? Why does God give us freedom?<br /></li><li>What did Paul say the Galatians needed to do with their freedom? What are the dangers of having freedom?<br /></li><li>What does it look like for us to choose to love others? What are some of the specific ways we can do this?<br /></li><li>How can we choose to love others while still taking care of ourselves appropriately? How can we strike this balance in our lives?<br /></li><li>What changes do you need to make in your life to choose servant hood over selfishness? How can you start making these choices today?</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Paul told the Galatians that they should be careful about how they used their freedom. These Christians, like us, had the choice to use their freedom for their own good to serve one another.<br /></li><li>In Christ, we have all the freedom we could ever want or need. We can use this freedom to choose to gratify ourselves. But Paul encouraged us to say <span style="font-style: italic;">enough</span>.<br /></li><li>It is not wrong to be concerned about your own life. But at some point we have to say <span style="font-style: italic;">enough</span>. Instead of being concerned only with ourselves, we as Christians must also choose to love and serve the people around us.<br /></li><li>Instead of allowing our freedom in Christ to become a battleground for selfishness, we should learn to <span style="font-weight: bold;">choose we over me</span>.<br /></li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-70825140269552506962009-02-18T20:23:00.000-08:002009-02-18T20:38:00.939-08:00Media Moderation...True Satisfaction Through Moderation: ENOUGH<br /><br />February 21 & 22 - Media Moderation<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span><br />Matthew 14:13-23<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in path of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ul><li>What was Jesus doing in this passage? Why do you think He felt the need to unplug? How did Jesus unplug? How do you think unplugging helped Him?<br /></li><li>Why do you think we need to practice media moderation? Have you tried to do this in the past? How has this helped you?</li><li>What forms of media do we need to stay away from completely? Why do you think we should do this?<br /></li><li>What forms of media is it okay for us to use in moderation? What does moderation look like with these forms of media?</li><li>How can you say "enough" when it comes to the media in your life? How can you use this time to connect to God and power up instead?<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Jesus' retreat was a chance for Him to unplug and take a break from the demands of His ministry. He saw the need to recharge, to <span style="font-weight: bold;">unplug </span>so <span style="font-weight: bold;">He could get powered up</span>.<br /></li><li>It's no surprise that so many of us spend large amounts of time plugged in to some sort of media. But as we have seen the past couple of weeks, there comes a time when we have to say "<span style="font-style: italic;">enough</span>".<br /></li><li>Even Jesus had to take time to recharge, and in this story we see the importance of unplugging. We can <span style="font-weight: bold;">unplug so we can get powered up, </span>disconnecting from media so that we can stay connected to real life with our family and friends and most importantly our God.</li><li>When Jesus unplugged from the demands of His ministry. He plugged into the ultimate source of power: connection to the Father. Let us also plug into the power source by connecting with our Father.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-6897820803351274172009-02-09T09:00:00.000-08:002009-02-09T09:00:01.634-08:00February 14th & 15th NotesTrue Satisfaction Through Moderation: ENOUGH<br />This week - Meal Moderation<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span> Exodus 16:4-21<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span> "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>What crisis did the Israelites face in this passage? Why did they need food? How did God give them food? What method did he use?<br /></li><li>Do you think God cares about how much or how little you eat? Why or why not?<br /></li><li>Why do you think God cares about what you do with your physical body?</li><li>What are some times when we need to put down the fork? Is this hard for you? What steps do you need to take to live in meal moderation?</li><li>What are some times when we need to pick up the fork? Is this a struggle for you? What steps do you need to take to live with meal moderation?<br /></li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>While we may not gether manna for our meals, we have to learn when to put down our forks - or our diets - and say "enough". <span style="font-weight: bold;">Meal moderation isn't just about our health; it's about our spirit, </span>just as it was for the Israelites.</li><li>Meal moderation can also be about picking up the fork. When we are dissatisfied with our bodies to the point that we starve ourselves, it shows that we don't believe that God has made us beautiful creations.</li><li>Society sees body image through one lens, but it's time for us to refocus and look through a different lens. Meal moderation encourages us to examine our sights and learn to see the world as God sees it. Imagine how much more we would appreciate others and how much more we would enjoy our lives - and our food - if we did this. So let us all seek to trust God at the table.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-79651448065610384262009-02-06T12:04:00.000-08:002009-02-06T12:13:06.995-08:00February 7th & 8th Notes<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">True Satisfaction Through Moderation: ENOUGH!!<br />This week - Moral Boundaries<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span> Mark 12:41-44<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span> "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." 1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /></span></span><ol><li>What did the widow woman give? What was her motivation to give? How much of a sacrifice was her gift?<br /></li><li>Why did Jesus value the widow's gift more? What does this tell us of Jesus' attitude toward money and possessions?<br /></li><li>Why is it important for us to practice money moderation in our lives? What problems could we encounter if we obsess over money and possessions?<br /></li><li>What will it look like for you specifically to say "enough" when it comes to money and possessions? What is at least one practical way you can do that this week?</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Sometimes we get so obsessed with wanting more and more things, whether money or material, that we forget it's a blessing to have what we do have. We let this obsession keep us from being content.</li><li>We need to learn to say "no" to more things, because if we don't, our stuff can begin to control us.<br /></li><li>The lessons we learn with money help us become content. While culture and society tell us to chase more, we can instead rely on the fact that we have enough through God. Thank God that He is everything we need.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-49748620559644647582009-01-28T08:49:00.000-08:002009-01-28T09:03:48.171-08:00January 31st & February 1st - Psalms lead us to listen<span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wisdom: Psalms lead us to listen</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span><br />Psalm 49:1-20<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse: </span><br />James 1:5 (NIV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /></span><ul><li>What does the Psalmist say is foolishness or deceit when it comes to money? What does the Psalmist say is wise?</li><li>How does this Psalm inspire us to listen to wisdom? How does it show us the importance of listening to wisdom?</li><li>What are some of the sources of wisdom that we have access to? Which of these do you normally listen to? Which do you <span style="font-weight: bold;">need</span> to listen to?</li><li>How can you follow the lead of this Psalm by listening to wisdom? How should you act in response to this wisdom?<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>This Psalm revolves around the topic of riches and how people are so prone to put their trust in them. But instead of putting our trust in riches, the psalmist says we should put our trust in God.</li><li>The first step to listening to wisdom is that we must admit we don't know everything. Then we must look to the sources of true wisdom.<br /></li><li>Psalms prompt us to listen for wisdom, the kind of wisdom that will make our lives better, more significant, and most of all, more like Christ's life. So let us humble ourselves and choose to listen to the wisdom that God wants to speak into our lives.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-11847727112763462062009-01-21T10:58:00.001-08:002009-01-21T11:05:30.376-08:00January 24 & 25: P-Slam - Psalms give us permission to lament.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span><br />Psalm 22:1-31<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />James 4:8a (NIV) "Come near to God and He will come near to you."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Definition of Lament - to express grief or sorrow about something, to express regret, annoyance, or disappointment about something.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ul><li>What problems did David face in this passage? What was David's attitude toward God? Does his attitude surprise you? Why or why not?<br /></li><li>How did David "lament"? How did he complain? What else did he do in this Psalm?</li><li>Do you think God gets angry or upset when we complain to Him or question Him? Why or why not? How do you think it makes Him feel when we aren't trusting Him?<br /></li><li>How does God see our laments? How can we express trust to God while we lament? How does God's faithfulness make lament possible?<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line: </span><br /><ul><li>A lot of times, we get the feeling that we can't be honest before God. But this is not what God wants from us. He wants us to weep, to groan, and even to complain to Him. In Biblical terms, He wants us to lament.</li><li>God wants us to take Him seriously enough to question Him and even to complain when things don't seem right or fair.</li><li>Even while we complain to God, as the Psalms lead us to do, we should remember who God is and seek to move toward Him, trusting as we do that God is moving toward us all the while.<br /></li><li>The great news is that God is big enough to handle our complaints. As David said, He does not hide His face from us. Instead, He listens to our cries for help. So let us be honest before our God, even with our complaints, and let us trust that He is listening.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-65204570001277731942009-01-12T10:00:00.000-08:002009-01-12T10:00:02.331-08:00P-Slam: A Poetic Journey Through the Psalms - HistoryJanuary 17 & 18 - History: Psalms encourage us to remember<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span> Psalm 105:1-45<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Psalm 105:2 (NIV)</span> "Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ul><li>What was the purpose of this Psalm? How do we see this purpose in the first seven verses?</li><li>Why is it important for us to remember? How does ignoring history doom us to repeat it? What are some of the ways we can remember the history in our own lives?</li><li>How does remembering lead us to thank God? How does remembering lead us to praise God?</li><li>How does remembering lead us to follow God? How can we do each of these things in our personal spiritual lives?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>The act of remembering our history leads us to remember who God is and how good He is. Psalms encourage us to remember and this Psalm shows us how important this process is.</li><li>If Psalms encourage us to remember, then how can we remember God? First, we should give thanks to God. We can also sing praise to God and glory in His name.<br /></li><li>As we remember how good God is and all that He has done, we will naturally be led to trust Him, and we will seek to emulate God's character and become representations of Him in the world.</li><li>When we remember what God has done, we recognize who He is. And when we recognize who He is, we are inspired to follow Him.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-36952346687972162862009-01-07T12:54:00.000-08:002009-01-07T13:11:55.427-08:00P-Slam: A Poetic Journey Through the Psalms - Worship<span style="font-weight: bold;">January 10 & 11 - Psalms spur us to worship together</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span> Psalm 67:1-7<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">John 4:24 (NIV) </span>"God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Question:</span><br /><ul><li>How was this Psalm intended to be used?</li><li>Why is it important for us to sing together? How does corporate worship remind us who God is? How does it help us celebrate God?</li><li>How does worship together help the people around us? How does it help us personally?<br /></li><li>How can we integrate corporate worship in our lives? How does church help us do this? In what other outlets can we do this?</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>This Psalm is a powerful statement of praise, and it was made more powerful because it was sung together. This Psalm spurs us to worship together, and this Spiritual Discipline of corporate worship deepens our faith and leads us to trust and love God even more.</li><li>We need to pay attention to the words we're singing. When one of these words catches our attention, we need to take a moment to let it resonate in our soul so that we are reminded together of who God is.</li><li>God is worthy of worship, and we are in need of worshiping someone. So as we worship together, let's remember how good God is and celebrate Him together.<br /></li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-37193944500317006412008-12-26T08:14:00.000-08:002008-12-26T08:22:31.811-08:00Weekend of December 27 & 28 - No 242I'm sorry, I forgot to post last weekend's notes...<br />And this weekend there is no 242 - just large group only.<br /><br />But here is a brief outline of what will be taught this weekend:<br /><br />"Simple Steps to Solving Life's Problems - The Escape Route"<br />Based on 2 Chronicles 20<br /><br />- Looking at the wrong way to solve problems<br />- Then looking at the right way to solve problems<br /><br />10 Steps to Victory:<br /><ol><li>Identify and classify the problem.</li><li>Seek the Lord.</li><li>Pray and apply biblical principles.</li><li>Stand in faith.</li><li>Focus on the answer, not the problem.</li><li>Put your problem in perspective.</li><li>Pursue God's wisdom and plan.</li><li>Cast all your cares upon Him.</li><li>Take the necessary natural steps.</li><li>Look for the blessings.</li></ol>We can all have victory when it comes to solving life's problems - we just have to follow the plan the Lord has (no matter how easy or hard it is) and we will have that victory!<br /><br />Don't forget!! Next weekend - January 4 & 5, 2009 we will be back to having 242 and we'll be talking about how to find your future "Five Free Facts About Your Future".<br /><br />I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season and a very happy and blessed New Year!<br />I thank God for each of you every time I think of you!Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-742072643983991512008-12-07T09:41:00.000-08:002008-12-07T09:55:25.925-08:00December 13 & 14 - Mighty God<span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture: </span> Isaiah 40:12-15<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />Matthew 19:26 (NIV) "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.' "<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>When you think of God, what are some of the adjectives that come into your mind to describe him? Name the first three that come to mind. Have you experienced God as any one of those things in your life? Do you think of God as mighty? Why or why not?<br /></li><li>Why do you think it is so hard for us to see God as both a helpless baby and a Mighty God? When the prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel what to expect in their Savior, how do you think they responded to hearing He was a Mighty God?<br /></li><li>What are some ways that you need God to be "mighty" in your life? Are there things that you are afraid He can't handle? What are they?<br /></li><li>What kind of "messes" in your life do you need Him to work in the middle of?<br /></li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br />In your journey to understand who God is and what our role is as we relate to Him, we have to try to get our head around every aspect of Him. When we see the helpless form of a baby this Christmas, we need to learn to see Him at the same time as mighty and as big as He is too. And when we learn to do that, we can be confident that He is able and willing to work through the messes we have in our lives as well. He can handle it. Whatever it is that any one of us is going through, we can't afford to ever forget that He is a mighty God.Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-11665742091656277602008-12-03T11:01:00.000-08:002008-12-03T11:27:31.287-08:00Great Expectations - December 6th & 7th<span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't forget - this weekend is the Christmas Program!!<br />So, we won't have 242... but 242 Leaders - we'd still love to see you at Driven (if you aren't going to the program yourself)!!!<br /><br />Wonderful Counselor</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span><br />Isaiah 9:6 (NKJ) "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse: </span><br />Hebrews 13:5b (AMP) "...for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)!"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>When Isaiah prophesied about Jesus coming to earth, God gave him names to use to describe who Jesus was going to be for his people and for us. If you could pick four names to use to describe who you need Jesus to be, what would they be? Why? Share them with the group.</li><li>Who are you tempted to go to, or where are you tempted to go to, to find a counselor or some advice? Do you usually go to your friends? Parents? Why do you think it is easier to go to someone other than Jesus for this?<br /></li><li>How have you seen Jesus work as a Wonderful Counselor in your life? Share a time when you took a situation to Him, and He showed you the answer you needed.</li><li>How can you approach Jesus during hard circumstances and see him as a Wonderful Counselor?<br /></li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br />For a lot of people, Christmas is not an easy time of the year. Because of family situations, bad memories or painful experiences. Christmas isn't always a time of excitement or expectation. This is not a surprise to Jesus, to our Wonderful Counselor, who knows our every experience, hurt and fear. When we choose to worship Jesus, He does not become a cure-all for every problem and make every disappointment disappear. What He does is even better. He offers us himself, as our Wonderful Counselor in the middle of everything. If things are hard this holiday season, if Christmas doesn't feel like a time to be happy, or feel joy, remember this is in the middle of everything you are going through: <span style="font-weight: bold;">In every need Jesus can fill you with wonder. </span>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-80935753350701669622008-11-18T08:38:00.000-08:002008-11-18T08:48:21.372-08:00Through Prophets' Eyes - Trust FallNovember 22 & 23 - Trust Fall<br /><br />Core Scripture: Habakkuk 3:16-20<br /><br />Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJ) "For we walk by faith, not by sight."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>Look up the memory verse. Explain what this verse means to you.</li><li>Do you think God gets "mad" when we question Him? Why or why not?</li><li>What does God feel like when we choose "our world" over "His Word"? What things make us want to choose the world over Him and His Word?</li><li>How can we choose God's word over our world?</li><li>Does "walking by faith, or trusting God" mean you have every question answered in your life?<br /></li><li>How do you walk by faith when you don't completely understand the negative things happening in your life or in the world around you?</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Habakkuk chose to see God's word instead of His world. This is the question that this prophet invites us into as well: <span style="font-weight: bold;">our world or His word</span>?</li><li>We can ask God the hard questions. But our hope is that, as we grieve and ask and ponder, we will move from why to Who and move from just seeing the world around us to trusting God's word.</li><li>This is the hinge on which true discipleship swings: The moment we realize that God really is good and that He really can be trusted. In this moment, God builds is us faith that can face the fire and come out on the other side.</li><li>No matter what is going on in our lives now, as followers of God, we can trust the truth that God has the last word in our lives. So today, we make this choice between <span style="font-weight: bold;">our world and His Word</span>.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;">Don't forget - next weekend (November 29 & 30) is large group only (no 242) but your kids would still <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> to see you and John would LOVE your help!</span>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-49371201468619141972008-11-10T08:16:00.000-08:002008-11-10T09:06:26.723-08:00Through Prophets Eyes - Hall of Justice<span style="font-weight: bold;">November 15 & 16 - Hall of Justice</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture:</span> Micah 6:8<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory Verse:</span><br />Matthew 5:7 (NIV) "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span><br /><ol><li>In what ways do people choose "just us" over justice?</li><li>What would it look like for us, as Christians, to choose justice in our lives? How will this lead us to put Others First?</li><li>How does loving mercy help us choose justice? How can we do this?<br /></li><li>How does walking humbly with God help us choose justice? How can we do this?<br /></li><li>What things can we do to help bring justice to people who have less than us? How can we bring justice to people who are a different race than us? How can we bring justice to people who are weaker than us?</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Micah saw the sin that others often overlooked. As he stared into the eyes of the poor and destitute, Micah saw just how corrupt power can be. So Micah spent his time standing up for them.<br /></li><li>For Micah, true religion was not about ritual or a great worship service. Rather, it was about putting Others First by acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.</li><li>Micah calls us to pick up the fight of justice for those who cannot fight for it themselves. This includes people who have less than us, people who are a different race than us, and people who are weaker than us.</li><li>The struggles of justice are the struggles of our world. Thankfully, Christians around the world are getting involved. Today, you too can join the movement, both in your school and around the world.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-21392767949203684382008-11-04T08:34:00.000-08:002008-11-04T08:42:05.040-08:00November 8 & 9 - Judgement House: REVISED QUESTIONS!!!We decided to revise the notes for the next couple of weeks and make the questions a little easier to ask... I will have print-outs available for you this weekend.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Core Scripture: Nahum 1:2-3<br /><br />Memory Verse:<br />John 12:47 (NIV) </span>"As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it."<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Discussion Questions:</span></span><br /><ol><li>What is your definition of "judgment"?</li><li>Who do you think "deserves" judgment?</li><li>Why do you think we look at judgment this way?</li><li>Do you think most people judge themselves or others more harshly? Why?</li><li>How do you think God wants us to view judgment? Is that easy or hard?</li><li>How can we help others see the kindness and sternness of God appropriately?</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottom Line:</span><br /><ul><li>Judgment is never God's heart; it is what God is forced to do when people refuse to live the way the Judge meant, or intended. He is good, and so at times He is driven to defend His goodness and defeat evil. This is Nahum's message.</li><li>Nahum tells us two things. First, God is slow to anger. Second, God does not leave the guilty unpunished. This means that, as much as God hates judgment, He have evil more.</li><li>Consider the kindness of God today. Life with God is about more than avoiding judgment. It is about learning to live in the way the Judge meant for us to live and to put Other First in our lives.<br /></li><li>The ball is in our court. How will we live? Will we see the world and life through prophets' eyes, or will we go on acting as if we had never heard Nahum? <span style="font-weight: bold;">Judgment or what the Judge meant</span> - the choice is left to us.<br /></li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-27315953344389867882008-11-02T07:04:00.000-08:002008-11-02T07:14:12.795-08:00Why do we do 242...How much do you retain?<br /><br />Generally…<br /><br />We retain 10% of what we read.<br /><br />We retain 20% of what we hear.<br /><br />We retain 30% of what we see.<br /><br />We retain 50% of what we hear and see.<br /><br />We retain 70% of what we say.<br /><br />We retain 90% of what we do.<br /><br />If we just talk to people we are doing them a disservice! Thus the reason for the groups to get them to own it!<br /><br />PFsuddenfirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784324547960341241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494928192143464324.post-66097565949196955052008-10-27T13:49:00.000-07:002008-10-27T13:52:47.547-07:00The "Just-Us" League - Trading Spaces<p><b style="">November 1 & 2, 2008</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Core Scriptures</b>: <span style=""> </span><b style="">Haggai 1:1-11<o:p></o:p><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Memory Verse:<span style=""> </span>Matthew 6:33 (NIV) “</b><span style="color:black;">But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><b style="">Discussion Questions:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <ol><li>What kind of situation were the Israelites in at the time of this passage? What did they see when they looked around? How did this affect them personally? How did this affect them spiritually?<o:p></o:p></li><li><o:p></o:p>What choice did the Israelites make: our house or God’s house? Why did they make this choice?<o:p></o:p></li><li><o:p></o:p>How do we also tend to choose our houses over God’s house? What does this choice look like in our lives? What forms does this choice take?<o:p></o:p></li><li><o:p></o:p>What did Haggai see that the Israelites needed to do? How did he speak into this choice?<o:p></o:p></li><li><o:p></o:p>What would Haggai say about what we need to do? How can we stop? How can we give careful thought to our ways? How can we choose God’s house instead of our houses?</li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Bottom Line: <o:p></o:p></b><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""><br /></span></span></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style=""><span style="color:black;">Our house or God’s house?</span></b> This question gets to the heart of how we see life and the world. Are our lives all about us? Is the world all about us? Or should our lives be about something bigger?<span style=";font-family:Symbol;color:black;" ><span style=""></span></span></li><li><span style=";font-family:Symbol;color:black;" ><span style=""><span style=""></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color:black;">We don’t have to spend our lives concerned about our own houses. Instead, we can look to put Others First and the most important Other, God, first by working on His mission while we trust Him to work on our houses.<br /></span></li><li><span style="color:black;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family:Symbol;"><span style=""><span style=""></span></span></span>Our lives can be about something bigger, something better, something that really matters – others and the Other, God. It’s time for us to spend our lives looking through prophets’ eyes by choosing to work on God’s house and trusting God to work on our houses.</li></ul>Driven Junior High Youth Ministryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11077176100532772354noreply@blogger.com0