What if God had text messaged the 10 Commandments? It might look like this:
no1 b4 me. srsly.
dnt wrshp pix/idols
no omg’s
no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)
pos ok - ur m&d r cool
dnt kill ppl
:-X only w/ m8
dnt steal
dnt lie re: bf
dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob.
M, pls rite on tabs & giv 2 ppl.
ttyl, JHWH.
ps. wwjd?
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday Small Group 5.17.09
Blessed Are Those Who Are Merciful
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NLT).
Think of someone who has spread something untrue about you. How did you react to that? Did you confront them? Did you ignore it? Did you try to think of something worse to say about them?
Imagine now that they apologized for what they said. How would you react? Would you accept their apology with no strings attached? Or would you thank them for their apology, but hold a grudge the size of the Grand Canyon?
Read Matthew 5:7. Today’s Beatitude is talking about mercy. We are going to focus on two ways to define mercy. One definition of mercy could be forgiveness. Not just accepting someone’s apology, but also choosing not to hold a grudge against that person. Mercy can also be defined as taking love to the next level. It is easy to love people who love us back, but mercy takes it a step further . . . mercy shows love to everyone, even if we think they don't deserve it.
In what ways do you think we can be merciful towards others? Why do you think Christ asks us to show mercy? Do you think everyone should be shown mercy, or are there some exceptions?
So, we are supposed to be merciful toward others. What exactly do we need to do to be merciful? We have already talked about not holding grudges, and loving the unlovable. Let’s look at some verses that will help us see the importance of mercy and some ways we can show it.
1. Read Matthew 18:21-35. In this passage, Peter is asking Jesus about forgiveness. He is asking how much forgiveness one person is allowed. Jesus gives His answer by telling a story. Look at verses 21 and 22. What do you think Jesus means by seventy times seven?
Now look at verses 23-27. What is the situation between the servant and the King? Focus on verse 27. How did the King react to the servant’s pleas for forgiveness? In this verse, what is the word used to describe how the King felt toward the pleading servant?
How is the King’s reaction an example of mercy?
Did the servant deserve the king's merciful reaction? Why or why not?
Let’s focus on the second half of this passage. Reread verses 28-30.
What is going on in these verses?
Compare how the King treated his servant to how his servant treated someone else. How do their reactions differ?
Did the servant treat the fellow servant with mercy?
How do you feel about the servant’s reaction?
3. Now let’s focus on the final verses in this passage. Reread verses 31-35.
Why is the King angry with the servant?
How does Jesus compare the King's response to the servant, with God’s response to us if we choose not to forgive others?
What does it mean to “refuse to forgive in your heart”?
4. Read Matthew 6:14-15.
In your words, what are these verses saying?
When looking at Matthew 6:14-15 and Matthew 18:35, what are they saying about the importance of forgiving or having mercy on others?
5. What are some ways we can show mercy to people in our lives this week?
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NLT).
Think of someone who has spread something untrue about you. How did you react to that? Did you confront them? Did you ignore it? Did you try to think of something worse to say about them?
Imagine now that they apologized for what they said. How would you react? Would you accept their apology with no strings attached? Or would you thank them for their apology, but hold a grudge the size of the Grand Canyon?
Read Matthew 5:7. Today’s Beatitude is talking about mercy. We are going to focus on two ways to define mercy. One definition of mercy could be forgiveness. Not just accepting someone’s apology, but also choosing not to hold a grudge against that person. Mercy can also be defined as taking love to the next level. It is easy to love people who love us back, but mercy takes it a step further . . . mercy shows love to everyone, even if we think they don't deserve it.
In what ways do you think we can be merciful towards others? Why do you think Christ asks us to show mercy? Do you think everyone should be shown mercy, or are there some exceptions?
So, we are supposed to be merciful toward others. What exactly do we need to do to be merciful? We have already talked about not holding grudges, and loving the unlovable. Let’s look at some verses that will help us see the importance of mercy and some ways we can show it.
1. Read Matthew 18:21-35. In this passage, Peter is asking Jesus about forgiveness. He is asking how much forgiveness one person is allowed. Jesus gives His answer by telling a story. Look at verses 21 and 22. What do you think Jesus means by seventy times seven?
Now look at verses 23-27. What is the situation between the servant and the King? Focus on verse 27. How did the King react to the servant’s pleas for forgiveness? In this verse, what is the word used to describe how the King felt toward the pleading servant?
How is the King’s reaction an example of mercy?
Did the servant deserve the king's merciful reaction? Why or why not?
Let’s focus on the second half of this passage. Reread verses 28-30.
What is going on in these verses?
Compare how the King treated his servant to how his servant treated someone else. How do their reactions differ?
Did the servant treat the fellow servant with mercy?
How do you feel about the servant’s reaction?
3. Now let’s focus on the final verses in this passage. Reread verses 31-35.
Why is the King angry with the servant?
How does Jesus compare the King's response to the servant, with God’s response to us if we choose not to forgive others?
What does it mean to “refuse to forgive in your heart”?
4. Read Matthew 6:14-15.
In your words, what are these verses saying?
When looking at Matthew 6:14-15 and Matthew 18:35, what are they saying about the importance of forgiving or having mercy on others?
5. What are some ways we can show mercy to people in our lives this week?
Sunday Small Group 5.3.09
Blessed Are The Meek
“Blessed are meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 NIV)
“You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought” (Matthew 5:5 Message)
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 NIV)
Opening
Who does the world belong to? If you had to make that decision by watching television, it would depend on what channel you were watching. If you were watching MTV, you might say that the world belongs to popular musicians. Their videos are being played over and over as the world watches them in awe. We are wearing shirts plastered with their faces and listening to their music from sun up to sun down. We spend an enormous amount of money to see them in concert and spend our time reading about them in magazines. If we were to decide who owned the world by watching MTV, we might be a little concerned for our future. Thankfully, the world’s future isn’t in the hands of musicians, celebrities, or any other so-called “powerful” people. As usual, Jesus has a completely different idea of what it means to be powerful.
This week we’ll take a look at the third Beatitude. Through this study, we will discover what Jesus means to be meek and what it means to inherit the earth. Begin by reading Matthew 5:5.
Discussion Questions
Meek is not a word we use every day. How would you define the word meek?
Do you think being meek is a positive trait or a negative trait?
How do you think society views people who are meek?
What do you think Jesus means by the meek inheriting the earth?
Why do you think He would say something like that?
The dictionary definition for the word meek is: Mild of temper; mild, soft, or gentle.
Do you know anyone who fits this definition? What are they like?
How are meek people treated at your school? What qualities does a meek person tend to have?
Read Matthew 11:29. Jesus is speaking to a large crowd in Galilee. He is telling the people to come to Him, and He will give them rest and comfort. How does Jesus describe Himself?
Does this fit the definition of meek? If Jesus is meek, does that mean He is a wimp?
Why do you think Jesus wants us to be meek? Does he want us to be wimpy and soft?
Right now, it may seem like whoever is the loudest, pushiest, or most successful runs the show. But Christ is telling us the opposite. Through gentleness and love, Christ commands the world. We as Christians, through gentleness and love, will be with Christ to inherit the earth. Currently, it may seem that MTV and Bill Gates are in charge, but Christ conquers all. Those who live for Him will receive the rewards He promises.
Which is easier, to be meek, or not to be meek?
Which is more rewarding in the world’s eyes?
Which is more rewarding in God's eyes?
Beatitude Bottom Line
If we follow Christ’s model of being meek, He will give us eternal rewards.
“Blessed are meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5 NIV)
“You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought” (Matthew 5:5 Message)
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 NIV)
Opening
Who does the world belong to? If you had to make that decision by watching television, it would depend on what channel you were watching. If you were watching MTV, you might say that the world belongs to popular musicians. Their videos are being played over and over as the world watches them in awe. We are wearing shirts plastered with their faces and listening to their music from sun up to sun down. We spend an enormous amount of money to see them in concert and spend our time reading about them in magazines. If we were to decide who owned the world by watching MTV, we might be a little concerned for our future. Thankfully, the world’s future isn’t in the hands of musicians, celebrities, or any other so-called “powerful” people. As usual, Jesus has a completely different idea of what it means to be powerful.
This week we’ll take a look at the third Beatitude. Through this study, we will discover what Jesus means to be meek and what it means to inherit the earth. Begin by reading Matthew 5:5.
Discussion Questions
Meek is not a word we use every day. How would you define the word meek?
Do you think being meek is a positive trait or a negative trait?
How do you think society views people who are meek?
What do you think Jesus means by the meek inheriting the earth?
Why do you think He would say something like that?
The dictionary definition for the word meek is: Mild of temper; mild, soft, or gentle.
Do you know anyone who fits this definition? What are they like?
How are meek people treated at your school? What qualities does a meek person tend to have?
Read Matthew 11:29. Jesus is speaking to a large crowd in Galilee. He is telling the people to come to Him, and He will give them rest and comfort. How does Jesus describe Himself?
Does this fit the definition of meek? If Jesus is meek, does that mean He is a wimp?
Why do you think Jesus wants us to be meek? Does he want us to be wimpy and soft?
Right now, it may seem like whoever is the loudest, pushiest, or most successful runs the show. But Christ is telling us the opposite. Through gentleness and love, Christ commands the world. We as Christians, through gentleness and love, will be with Christ to inherit the earth. Currently, it may seem that MTV and Bill Gates are in charge, but Christ conquers all. Those who live for Him will receive the rewards He promises.
Which is easier, to be meek, or not to be meek?
Which is more rewarding in the world’s eyes?
Which is more rewarding in God's eyes?
Beatitude Bottom Line
If we follow Christ’s model of being meek, He will give us eternal rewards.
Sunday Small Group 4.26.09
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
“You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” (Matthew 5:4 Message)
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Something to Think About
This second beatitude is a strange one! Isn’t life for the Christian supposed to be happy? Shouldn’t we always walk around with a big grin on our face? Isn’t it God’s job to keep us protected from sorrow? Apparently not. According to this beatitude, sorrow and tears are meant to be part of the Christian life. What exactly does Jesus mean when he says those who mourn will be blessed and comforted? In this study, we’ll take a closer look.
Discussion Questions
Share a time when you have mourned (grieved, felt sorrow) for something or someone.
Name the top three things that make you sad or mournful.
Pick one of your three, and discuss why it makes you feel that way.
Read Matthew 5:4. Why do you think Jesus calls those who mourn blessed?
Something More to Think About
Here it is again . . . a new way of looking at things. Jesus actually has the guts to say that we are blessed and comforted when we mourn! To understand the second beatitude, we need to take a look back at the first one. If poor in spirit was talking about a heart condition and not physical poverty, it is safe to assume that here Jesus isn’t talking about physical mourning (sorrow when someone dies, or is sick etc.), but is instead talking about "mourning in the heart." There are all kinds of things in this world and in our lives that cause God to mourn . . . it’s called sin. According to this beatitude, when we mourn over the sins of the world and of our own lives, God is able to comfort and bless us.
Now read 2 Corinthians 7:8-10. What do you think “godly sorrow” means?
Do you think it’s possible to ask God for forgiveness without really meaning it in your heart? Explain.
Why do you think “godly sorrow” for our sins is so important?
Reread Matthew 5:4
Now that you have some more insight, what do you think are some things we should mourn?
When we mourn, or repent from our sins, how do you think that blesses and comforts us?
Read 1 John 1:9: This promise from God has two parts.
According to this verse, what is our part? What is God's part?
Would you consider God’s forgiveness and cleansing a form of blessing and comfort? Explain.
Something to Chew On:
As a group, discuss these final thoughts:
What are some “sins of the world” that we as Christians should mourn over? Make a commitment as a group to pray for these things.
The truly blessed and comforted people are those who are mournful and sorry for their sins and have allowed Jesus Christ to forgive them. Have you done this? Today is a good day to start!
Beatitude Bottom Line: When we recognize, mourn, and repent of the sin in our lives, Jesus will bless and comfort us.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
“You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” (Matthew 5:4 Message)
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Something to Think About
This second beatitude is a strange one! Isn’t life for the Christian supposed to be happy? Shouldn’t we always walk around with a big grin on our face? Isn’t it God’s job to keep us protected from sorrow? Apparently not. According to this beatitude, sorrow and tears are meant to be part of the Christian life. What exactly does Jesus mean when he says those who mourn will be blessed and comforted? In this study, we’ll take a closer look.
Discussion Questions
Share a time when you have mourned (grieved, felt sorrow) for something or someone.
Name the top three things that make you sad or mournful.
Pick one of your three, and discuss why it makes you feel that way.
Read Matthew 5:4. Why do you think Jesus calls those who mourn blessed?
Something More to Think About
Here it is again . . . a new way of looking at things. Jesus actually has the guts to say that we are blessed and comforted when we mourn! To understand the second beatitude, we need to take a look back at the first one. If poor in spirit was talking about a heart condition and not physical poverty, it is safe to assume that here Jesus isn’t talking about physical mourning (sorrow when someone dies, or is sick etc.), but is instead talking about "mourning in the heart." There are all kinds of things in this world and in our lives that cause God to mourn . . . it’s called sin. According to this beatitude, when we mourn over the sins of the world and of our own lives, God is able to comfort and bless us.
Now read 2 Corinthians 7:8-10. What do you think “godly sorrow” means?
Do you think it’s possible to ask God for forgiveness without really meaning it in your heart? Explain.
Why do you think “godly sorrow” for our sins is so important?
Reread Matthew 5:4
Now that you have some more insight, what do you think are some things we should mourn?
When we mourn, or repent from our sins, how do you think that blesses and comforts us?
Read 1 John 1:9: This promise from God has two parts.
According to this verse, what is our part? What is God's part?
Would you consider God’s forgiveness and cleansing a form of blessing and comfort? Explain.
Something to Chew On:
As a group, discuss these final thoughts:
What are some “sins of the world” that we as Christians should mourn over? Make a commitment as a group to pray for these things.
The truly blessed and comforted people are those who are mournful and sorry for their sins and have allowed Jesus Christ to forgive them. Have you done this? Today is a good day to start!
Beatitude Bottom Line: When we recognize, mourn, and repent of the sin in our lives, Jesus will bless and comfort us.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Mid Week Small Group Discussion 3.18 & 3.25
Last week at our Wednesday night youth bible study, I asked the students to write down one question that they have always wanted the answer to or something they may be dealing with right now. Once everyone had passed in their questions I mixed them up and randomly started doing my best to attempt to answer them. I'm not sure what I expected but what I got were deep, heart felt, thought provoking questions that most adults are afraid to ask. Here are a few we dealt with:
Why does divorce have to be so difficult?
Is the bible true?
Why do people care for each other at all?
How do you give up control?
Where is heaven?
Where is hell?
How do you deal with difficult sin in your life?
How do I stop feeling lonely?
It took 2 weeks to go through all the questions and when were done it was obvious the students wanted more of their questions answered. So next week they'll turn in more questions and we'll do it all over. How much better off would adults be if they were given the opportunity (and took it) to ask some of their tough questions?
Why does divorce have to be so difficult?
Is the bible true?
Why do people care for each other at all?
How do you give up control?
Where is heaven?
Where is hell?
How do you deal with difficult sin in your life?
How do I stop feeling lonely?
It took 2 weeks to go through all the questions and when were done it was obvious the students wanted more of their questions answered. So next week they'll turn in more questions and we'll do it all over. How much better off would adults be if they were given the opportunity (and took it) to ask some of their tough questions?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Mid Week Small Group Discussion
Why does everyone desire to be part of some type of community?
What kids of groups do you belong to?
What needs do the groups you belong to fulfill?
Read: Col. 3:11-14
What ingredients go into building a Christ-like community?
What are some hurdles that might prevent real community from happening within a group of believers?
What must we do to make our ministry a stronger, more welcoming community?
What kids of groups do you belong to?
What needs do the groups you belong to fulfill?
Read: Col. 3:11-14
What ingredients go into building a Christ-like community?
What are some hurdles that might prevent real community from happening within a group of believers?
What must we do to make our ministry a stronger, more welcoming community?
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday Small Group 2.15.09
Ice Breaker: Would you rather live an exciting life but be dead by 25 or live a boring life and live to be 100?
Big TWO: When this past week did you feel closest to Christ? When this past week were you the hands and feet of Christ?
series: Spiritual Anatomy
topic: the TONGUE
key verse: James 1:26
goal: to help students remember their tongue is a powerful witness to others
materials needed: paper/pen for each student
CHARADES
Split students into two teams and play a quick game of charades that has two parts. First each team has to act out the following words: sour, salty, sweet, bitter. But they can only use facial expressions.
Once they accomplish that, instruct them to write down five items that describe each taste.
ASK
Who has had a horrifying experience with bad tasting food?
How did the taste affect the rest of your body?
How did you get rid of the taste?
Would you try the food again?
Who has had a positive experience with good tasting food?
How did the taste affect the rest of your body?
In what other way can the tongue affect you positively or negatively?
Is it easier to say encouraging or discouraging words? Why?
Is it easier to remember encouraging or discouraging words? Why?
Why is it so hard to control our tongue and the words we say?
SAY WHAT?
The tongue is a powerful part of the human body that we need to control. Let's see if this works.
Split into same two team again. Give one person from each team the following passage: James 1:26. The first team to correctly write out the spoken sentences wins. However, the readers may only speak by firmly holding their tongue (you may want to demonstrate).
ASK
Why was this hard?
Let's read James 1:26 again. If physically holding your tongue wasn't
what James had in mind, what did he mean?
What are some ways we can realistically get control of our tongues?
What if we still mess up?
WRITE and RIP
Have students write down something they really enjoy doing. Have them include some detail, explaining why they like it. After students hand in papers, read each one (time permitting) and say "this sounds awesome", while ripping each paper in half.
ASK
How did that make you feel?
How is that similar to hearing someone's stinging words?
STARTING OVER
Our words are important. In fact people may question our commitment to Christ because of poorly chosen words. Now that I've ripped your paper, what could I do to communicate forgiveness and care for you?
What would help you believe me?
What would you tell someone who did not use their tongue wisely and wanted to apologize?
Is there anyone you need to apologize to?
After a time of sharing, close in prayer.
Big TWO: When this past week did you feel closest to Christ? When this past week were you the hands and feet of Christ?
series: Spiritual Anatomy
topic: the TONGUE
key verse: James 1:26
goal: to help students remember their tongue is a powerful witness to others
materials needed: paper/pen for each student
CHARADES
Split students into two teams and play a quick game of charades that has two parts. First each team has to act out the following words: sour, salty, sweet, bitter. But they can only use facial expressions.
Once they accomplish that, instruct them to write down five items that describe each taste.
ASK
Who has had a horrifying experience with bad tasting food?
How did the taste affect the rest of your body?
How did you get rid of the taste?
Would you try the food again?
Who has had a positive experience with good tasting food?
How did the taste affect the rest of your body?
In what other way can the tongue affect you positively or negatively?
Is it easier to say encouraging or discouraging words? Why?
Is it easier to remember encouraging or discouraging words? Why?
Why is it so hard to control our tongue and the words we say?
SAY WHAT?
The tongue is a powerful part of the human body that we need to control. Let's see if this works.
Split into same two team again. Give one person from each team the following passage: James 1:26. The first team to correctly write out the spoken sentences wins. However, the readers may only speak by firmly holding their tongue (you may want to demonstrate).
ASK
Why was this hard?
Let's read James 1:26 again. If physically holding your tongue wasn't
what James had in mind, what did he mean?
What are some ways we can realistically get control of our tongues?
What if we still mess up?
WRITE and RIP
Have students write down something they really enjoy doing. Have them include some detail, explaining why they like it. After students hand in papers, read each one (time permitting) and say "this sounds awesome", while ripping each paper in half.
ASK
How did that make you feel?
How is that similar to hearing someone's stinging words?
STARTING OVER
Our words are important. In fact people may question our commitment to Christ because of poorly chosen words. Now that I've ripped your paper, what could I do to communicate forgiveness and care for you?
What would help you believe me?
What would you tell someone who did not use their tongue wisely and wanted to apologize?
Is there anyone you need to apologize to?
After a time of sharing, close in prayer.
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