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ENCOUNTER

Item# 028943910

Young Teen & High School ENCOUNTERTM Curriculum

ENCOUNTER

TM

TM

Young Teen & High School ENCOUNTERTM Curriculum • Lesson Sampler

ENCOUNTER is: • Flexible—every lesson contains multiple options • Low prep—no more last-minute, long hours getting ready for a lesson • Biblically sound—students get into the Bible

FREE CD

• Experiential—students participate in hands-on activities • Relational—engaging small group discussion helps students and leaders build Christ-centered relationships Great for Sunday morning, Sunday evening, or mid-week!

Lesson length 45–90 minutes Order Today! 1-800-543-1353 • www.encounterface2face.com

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includes all resources for sample lessons CD also includes samples of two new youth ministry resources!

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Table of Contents

ENCOUNTER

TM

Don’t just look at the lessons in this booklet...

experience them!

Young Teen Page 1 The Curriculum and How It Works Page 2 Scope & Sequence Page 3-9 FREE Sample Lesson

High School Page 9 The Curriculum and How It Works Page 10 Scope & Sequence Page 11-16 FREE Sample Lesson

Page 17 www.encounterface2face.com Page 18 ENCOUNTER—The Magazine Page 19 FREE eNCOUNTER Downloads for Small Groups

Free

Lesson sample CD includes all resources for sample lessons

Bonus!

Sample chapters from two NEW youth ministry resources included on the CD!

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ENCOUNTER

TM

Young Teen & High School Lesson Samples

This bonus CD contains all the material you need to actually teach each lesson—student pages, Encounter—The Magazine, posters, extra activities, and more. Choose the items you’d like to use and print out as many as you need for your class. It’s our way of showing you all the great things you can expect when you purchase Encounter Curriculum.

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ENCOUNTER

TM

Every week, ENCOUNTER™ challenges students with an engaging Bible study that helps them understand God, the Bible, doctrine, or biblical worldview. Your students experience lessons in ways that fit their learning styles—“hands-on” activities like drama, art , and games and intellectually engaging small group discussions, research, and reporting.

How it works: Each week’s lesson follows 4 easy steps: 1. Setting the Stage—students define the week’s topic 2. Searching the Word—students get into the Bible 3. Making It Real—students learn how the topic applies to their world 4. Living It Out—students apply the weeks topic to their personal lives

What you get: Teachers Convenience Kit Each quarterly lesson pack gives you 13 lessons and includes: • Teacher Book*—Relevant Bible commentary, clearly stated objectives, and a variety of learning options for each lesson • Resources*—Tons of ready-to-use posters and reproducible handouts with a CD-ROM packed with audio skits, engaging video clips, and fun Bible memory puzzles • Student Book*—Meaningful case studies, ready-to-use discussion questions, enlightening (revealing) self evaluations, and more to help students apply what they are learning to their everyday lives • ENCOUNTERTM—The Magazine*—13 full-color, 8-page, weekly magazines filled with engaging articles and real-life stories, daily lesson-related devotions and even safe, parent-approved online activities. Get one set for every student! (Sold in packs of five 13-week sets) * Also sold separately

Why you will love it!

EncounterTM is: • • • • •

Flexible—Every lesson contains multiple options Low prep—No more last-minute, long hours getting ready for a lesson Biblically sound—Students get into the Bible Experiential—Students participate in hands-on activities Relational—Engaging small group discussions help students and leaders build Christ-centered relationships

Great for Sunday morning, Sunday evening, or mid-week!

Lesson length 45-90minutes 1-800-543-1353 • www.encounterface2face.com

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young teen Scope & Sequence ENCOUNTER TM

Fall

Year 1

Focus on the Finish Line • Seeing the Big Picture • Knowing God’s Will • Making Wise Choices Challenges to a Biblical Faith • Is There More We Should Know? (The Challenge of Mormonism) • Which Church Has the True Gospel? (The Challenge of Jehovah’s Witnesses) • Shouldn’t More Be Required?

(The Challenge of Islam) • Aren’t We All Part of God? (The Challenge of Wicca) Famous Women of the Bible • Ruth–A Woman of Loyalty • Abigail–A Woman of Peace • Hannah–A Woman of Gratitude

winter Descriptions of Jesus the Messiah • Wonderful Counselor • Mighty God • Everlasting Father • Prince of Peace The Christian and Conflict • All About Anger • How to Express Anger • How to Resolve Conflict • How to Forgive Highlights of 1 Timothy • Faithfulness • Leadership • Example • Relationships • Hope

spring Friendships • Peer Pressure • It’s Just Me, Lord • An Ideal Friendship • Reach Out and Make New Friends Meeting God • Meeting God in Prayer • Meeting God in Communion • Meeting God Through Fasting • Meeting God Through Worship • Meeting God Through Fellowship Trusting God • Trusting God When I Feel Anxious • Trusting God When I Feel Like a Failure • Trusting God When I Feel Hurt • Trusting God When I Feel Rejected

summer The Ten Commandments • No Other Gods • No Idols • Honor God’s Name • Take Time for God • Honor Your Parents • Do Not Murder • Do Not Commit Adultery • Do Not Steal • Do Not Lie • Do Not Covet Understanding Salvation • What Was God Thinking?

• What Do I Do Now? • Pardon Me?

Authority • Authority–Why Respect It? • Authority–How Do I Use It?

Year 2

Take Charge • Take Charge of Your Health • Take Charge of Your Habits • Take Charge of Your Emotions • Take Charge of Your Attitude • Take Charge of Your Example Outcasts Jesus Encountered • A Sinful Woman • Zachaeus • Blind Bartimaeus • Ten Lepers Sharing the Good News • Responding to the Call • Overcoming Obstacles • Clarifying the Truth • Using Every Opportunity

Year 3

Living the Real Life • Triumph Over Temptation • Fight Favoritism • Zip the Lip • Get a New Boss • Power Up Satan, Angels, and Demons • Satan’s Purpose • Satan’s Scuffle • The Work of Angels • About Demons • Spiritual Warfare Contentment • The Results of Discontent • How to Be Content • Content, but Not Satisfied

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Your Possessions • I Want More!

• It’s All Yours, Lord!

• Use It; Don’t Abuse It • What More Could We Want?

What to Know Before You Date • The Definition of Love • The Necessity of Respect • The Call to Purity • The Process of Preparation

Being Real • Avoiding Hypocrisy • Showing Compassion • Practicing Humility • Demonstrating Integrity

Your Priorities • Be His • Stretch Seconds • Seek Success • Take Time

Famous Men of the Bible • David–Confident in God • Thomas–Overcoming Doubt • Daniel–Devoted to the Lord • Abraham–Unshaken Faith • Solomon–Wisdom From Above

Parables • The Lost Son • The Lost Coin • The Great Banquet • The Sower, the Seed, and the Soil • The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Dispelling Myths • No Death?

• No Rules?

• No Consequences?

• No Responsibility?

Making a Difference • Making a Difference in Your Work • Making a Difference in Your School • Making a Difference in Your Community • Making a Difference in the World

Work of Christ • Building His Kingdom • Trusting in Jesus • No One Knows Like Jesus • Are You Committed?

• Become a Servant

Christ-centered Christmas • Who’s Center Stage?

• What’s the Point?

• What Am I Seeking?

• What Can I Bring?

Self-Esteem • Trusting God • Seeing the Heart • Choosing Humility • Serving Like Christ Building According to Code • A Reason to Build • Unveiling the Plan • Following the Blueprints • Construction Costs • The Grand Opening

Sportsmanship • The Team, the Whole Team, and Nothing But the Team • Practice Makes Permanent • It’s How You Play the Game • Cool Head, Warm Heart

Miracles in Matthew • Heavenly Help • Super-sized Lunch • Foul-weather Faith • The Fisherman King • Sincerely His

Christian Evidences • Did Jesus Really Die? • Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?

• Is Jesus Really Lord?

• Is Jesus Really the Only Way to Heaven?

The Media • Learning About Our World • Seeing and Believing • The Value of Music • The Christian Cyber-Citizen

The Perfect Family • The Responsibilities of Parents • The Blessings of Obedience • The Causes of Conflict • The Conquest of Crises • Family of God

Lessons from Job • Why Me, Lord?

• How Can I Help?

• I Hurt!

• It’s You and Me, Lord

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Triumph over Temptation

Lesson 1

Unit one: Living the Real Life scripture: James 1:2-18 Life Focus: Life brings temptation; God grants a way of escape.

sweet Temptation

In the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), five lucky kids win the opportunity of touring a mysterious candy factory. But before they are allowed to enter the factory, they must sign contracts agreeing not to sample any of the merchandise!

Surrounded by tasty temptation, one by one the winners break their promises.

Sometimes this world reminds us of this film. Daily we are surrounded by temptations that we must resist. James, the half-brother of Jesus, describes four sources of temptation: difficulty, dullness, dollars, and desire.

Today's Challenge A famous author was said to have quipped, “I can resist anything but temptation.”

Have you ever felt that way? Participate in these activities to discover the roots of temptation and ways to conquer them.

step 1 setting the stage

Discuss temptations people regularly face.

Continued on next page.

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hide it in Your heart

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

—James 1:2, 3

For a presession or take-home activity, memorize this key verse using the puzzle found on your Young Teen Resources CD.

James 1:2-18

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

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step 2 searching the word

Identify sources of temptation that James mentions.

step 3 making it Real

Describe contemporary instances of temptations stemming from these sources.

step 4 Living it out

Identify a specific personal temptation and plan to overcome it.

© 2007–2010 encounter™ Curriculum. all rights reserved. permission granted to photocopy for ministry purposes only—not for resale.

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encountering god’s word

DIFFICULTy James 1:2-4

The first kind of trial occurs when tough times discourage us and tempt us to give up following God. James’ prescription for overcoming this temptation is to simply “tough it out.” When we do so, we will grow closer to spiritual maturity. That maturity finally is complete when we receive the eternal crown of life God has promised.

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery and was subjected to whippings even as a small child.

Certainly she could have allowed her trials to make her a bitter, violent person. yet she allowed her suffering to create a compassion for others who The struggles of life can create suffered under slavery. opportunities for Though she had escaped the temptation. country, Harriet returned to the area in which she had been enslaved and helped lead 300 others to freedom in the movement known as the Underground Railroad.

DULLNESS

James 1:5-8 A second problem occurs when our lack of spiritual wisdom leads us to be unstable and uncertain about what we should do. But here, too, we can “consider it pure joy,” because there is a ready solution for our problem. We can ask God, and He will generously give us wisdom, not even scolding us for being so dumb!

God’s inspired Word is a totally reliable source of that wisdom, “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that Our lack of the man of God may be wisdom can thoroughly equipped for allow us to every good work” stumble into (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). temptation.

Dottie had always been taught that she should find her handsome prince, get married, and live happily ever after. She married Charlie Duke, one of the few men ever to walk on the moon. She promised to put him first in her life, and he promised to put her first in his. But she found that her fairy-tale marriage did not bring the love she desired. Because of her false view of love, she was tempted to try drugs, became depressed, and even considered suicide. After attending a spiritual renewal weekend with her husband, they both learned that it was God, not each other, who needed to be first in their lives.

DOLLARS James 1:9-11

The third source of temptation is our possessions.

When we believe we do not have enough, we are

led into envy and even violence (James 4:1-5). When we have plenty, we are tempted to be arrogant and seek security in those possessions. James tells us that a poor man can find joy in the thought that he is a rich man in Christ. He can hold his head up anywhere—he is a child Being poor of the king! On the other can present hand, the believer who is temptations to us. rich can learn to find joy in something besides his riches.

He can learn the important lesson that rich people can pass away just as quickly as poor people. If he were relying only on his riches to give him security, his future would be as fragile as a wildflower.

We must learn to be content in whatever financial state we find ourselves. Wealth is destroyed but our security in God’s love lasts.

A story is told about a man who visited a friend in the big city. When walking down a busy street the first man said, “Do you hear that? There is a cricket chirping in that clump of grass by the curb.”

His friend sneered. “How can you claim to hear a cricket in the midst of all of this hustle and bustle?”

The first man took two coins out of his pocket and dropped them on the sidewalk. Immediately pedestrians stopped and looked around.

James would agree that ears attuned to money alone can be deaf to the other countless blessings God has for us.

DESIRE

James 1:12-18 The fourth source of temptation is our own fallen nature. As the prophet said, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9).

James warns us not to blame God for our desires.

God is not the one giving us trouble—He is on our side! God does not give people temptations (v. 13); all His gifts are good (v. 17). The temptations we face come from within.

But these temptations are still deceptive and deadly. Like fish lured out of hiding we are dragged away; like animals attracted The urges of our to the bait in a trap we fallen nature are enticed. Our own can draw us into appetites and desires, if left temptation. uncontrolled, eventually give birth to sin. Then sin, when it reaches its conclusion, gives birth to death.

Like the children in Willy Wonka’s candy factory, we are surrounded by temptations. But God does not give us temptations that have never been overcome before. Nor does He leave us without a plan to resist temptation. “But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

© 2007–2010 encounter™ Curriculum. all rights reserved. permission granted to photocopy for ministry purposes only—not for resale.

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setting the stage

step 1

Life Focus: Life brings temptation; God grants a way of escape.

Use one of the following activities to help your students discuss temptations people regularly face.

QUiCK sTep

amazing aroma

Bring to class a food item that has a great aroma, such as one of the suggestions in the materials list. As students arrive, place the item in sight of everyone, but don’t let anyone eat it. Or hide it and let the smell permeate the room. It won’t take long until people begin to notice the aroma and ask if they can have some of the food. Make the students wait. See if anyone sneaks a bite early.

After everyone has arrived, say: Does the delicious smell tempt you to eat this? Is it driving you crazy not to be able to eat it? Finally, let your students have the food. As they are enjoying it, ask: Now that you’ve experienced some temptation this morning, name some other ways that you and your friends are tempted. (Ex: temptations to cheat on a test, lie to parents, etc.)

Lead into the Bible study saying: Daily we are surrounded by temptations that we must resist. James, the half-brother of Jesus, describes four sources of temptation in our Bible lesson today. Let’s find out what they are and how we can resist them.

Trapped by Temptation Begin the video with the line, “Russell, what are you doing?” In this “Upisode” from the DVD, Russell is tempted by his own “snipe trap.” End the clip with the line, “Want some?”

If you have a computer available, you may prefer to use our concept video, “Temptations,” found on the CD. (Note: At the time of publication, the video clips suggested in this book were available as free downloads from www .wingclips.com.)

Discuss either clip with these questions: • What temptations are described or alluded to in this clip? What temptations surround teens today?

• What temptations seem especially hard to resist? Why? What might happen to one who gives in to them?

Lead into the Bible study saying: Daily we are surrounded by temptations that we must resist. James, the half-brother of Jesus, describes four sources of temptation in our Bible lesson today. Let’s find out what they are and how we can resist them.

The scene

Time 5 minutes

object lesson

materials a food item, preferably one that has a great aroma (Ex: fresh popcorn, bread, cinnamon rolls)

Time 5 minutes

video

materials Copy of Up (2009), TV and DVD player or a computer and Young Teen Resources CD

news

For an opening activity based on a current news headline, download The Scene™ online. Go to http://www.encounterface2face.com/ and click on “The Scene.” There you’ll find a free article with discussion questions to begin this week’s lesson.

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step 2

searching the word Life Focus: Life brings temptation; God grants a way of escape.

Use one of the following activities to help your students identify sources of temptation that James mentions.

Time 20 minutes

puzzle

materials Young Teen Student, pens, Bibles

Time 20 minutes

research

materials Young Teen Student, pens

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The Temptation Factor

Divide the class into groups of three to five students. Turn with the groups to page 4 of the student books. Have them read the lesson text and complete the chart found there with the sentences found in the answer bank on that page.

As groups work, move among them to help them understand the lesson text and complete the assignment. Refer to Encountering God’s Word to help you.

When group work is complete, allow groups to share their answers. Move to the next section of the lesson by saying: These four sources of temptation still must be avoided. Let’s see how they may present themselves today.

scripture icons Divide the class into groups of three to five students. Turn with the groups to page 3 of the student books. Have them read the lesson text printed there and decide where to draw these specific icons: • Draw a frowning face next to sentences talking about how difficult times can lead us into temptation.

• Draw a dunce cap (a cone shape) next to sentences talking about how our lack of wisdom can lead us into temptation.

• Draw a dollar sign next to sentences talking about how our view of money can lead us into temptation.

• Draw a flame next to sentences talking about how our internal, evil desires can lead us into temptation.

As groups work, move among them to help them understand the lesson text and complete the assignment.

When group work is complete, allow groups to report on their findings. Ask the following questions of the groups: • What are the results of succumbing to or overcoming each temptation James discusses?

• How does James tell us to battle each of these temptations?

Summarize the answers, using Encountering God’s Word to help you.

Move to the next section of the lesson by saying: These four sources of temptation still must be avoided. Let’s see how they may present themselves today.

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making it Real

step 3

Life Focus: Life brings temptation; God grants a way of escape.

Use one of the following activities to help your students describe contemporary instances of temptations stemming from these sources.

QUiCK sTep

Temptation anonymous

Divide your students into small groups. Then turn with them to page 5 of the student book. Say: James wrote about four different sources of temptation. Let’s see how people are still affected by those same sources of temptation today. Instruct your students to read the entries listed on the student page. Groups should identify how each teen is being tempted and determine which of the four sources is causing the teen to be tempted.

You may want to list the four main points from Encountering God’s Word on the board to help your students. Here are our suggested answers: entry 1 = desire (urges of fallen nature); entry 2 = dullness (lack of wisdom); entry 3 = dollars (being poor); entry 4 = difficulty. Note, however, that some entries may fit more than one source.

After groups have had time to work, gather them back together and discuss their thoughts. Then lead into the final lesson step by asking: With which of the teens’ entries could you identify? Let’s evaluate the sources of temptations in our own lives and plan to overcome those temptations.

scripture onstage Divide your students into four groups. Say: James wrote about four different sources of temptations. Let’s think of how people are still affected by those same sources of temptation today.

Give each group one of the following Scripture texts and the source of temptation it describes: Group 1—James 1:2-4, 12 (struggles of life); Group 2—James 1:5-8 (lack of wisdom); Group 3—James 1:9-11 (being poor); Group 4—James 1:13-18 (urges of human nature). Each group should look up its Scripture in Bibles and then make up a skit that portrays how someone today might deal with that same source of temptation.

Encourage groups to involve everyone in the preparation and/or presentation of their skits.

After groups have had time to work, allow each group to present its skit. Then lead into the final lesson step by asking: With which of the temptations could you identify? Let’s evaluate the sources of temptations in our own lives and plan to overcome those temptations.

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Time 15-20 minutes

discussion

materials Young Teen Student

Time 15-20 minutes

drama

materials Bibles

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step 4

Living it out Life Focus: Life brings temptation; God grants a way of escape.

Use either activity on this page to help your students identify specific personal temptations and plan to overcome them.

Time 5 minutes

prayer

materials none

Time 5-10 minutes

QUiCK sTep

partners in prayer

Overcoming temptation is hard because we’re tempted all the time.

But one of the best ways to overcome and avoid temptation is to pray.

God promises that He will hear our prayers and will help us get through any situation. (Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 aloud.)

Have students get together with a partner or two. Tell them, Think about one temptation that bothers you the most often. Talk with your partners and see if together you can figure out the source of this temptation.

Then discuss specific ways each of you can work to overcome that temptation. Finally, take turns praying for each other, asking God to give your partners strength and wisdom to overcome their temptations.

Distribute ENCOUNTER™—The Magazine.

self-evaluation

materials Young Teen Student, pens, and crayons, colored pencils, or highlighters

plan to avoid Temptation Have your students turn to page 6 in the student book and work on the chart shown there. They should think of one or two things that tempt them most often. (They don’t have to write down the temptations if they’d like to keep them private.) Then they should color or highlight on the chart the times of the week when they are normally tempted.

Next, in the sections they’ve highlighted, students should write some things they could do during those times to avoid thinking about or acting on the temptation. They can also write names of people who could help them during those times to stay away from the temptation. (Ex: If eating junk food is their temptation, then they could ask their friends to help them get through lunch without eating junk and ask Mom or Dad to make sure they don’t sneak into the cabinets for midnight snacks.)

Encourage your students to tear out their pages and take them home to remind them of their plans to avoid temptation this week. Close in prayer.

Distribute ENCOUNTER™—The Magazine.

Here’s what’s in ENCOUNTER™—The Magazine this week: • Teen poetry: “Hope for You and Me” • Five steps to overcoming temptation • “Deceptive Immunity”—Is sin someone else’s problem?

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ENCOUNTER

TM

Every week, ENCOUNTER™ challenges students with an engaging Bible study that helps them understand God, the Bible, doctrine, or biblical worldview. Your students experience lessons in ways that fit their learning styles—“hands-on” activities like drama, art, and games and intellectually engaging small group discussions, research, and reporting.

How it works: Each week’s lesson follows 4 easy steps: 1. Setting the Stage—students define the week’s topic 2. Searching the Word—students get into the Bible 3. Making It Real—students learn how the topic applies to their world 4. Living It Out—students apply the weeks topic to their personal lives

What you get: Teachers Convenience Kit Each quarterly lesson pack gives you 13 lessons and includes: • Teacher Book*—Relevant Bible commentary, clearly stated objectives, and a variety of learning options for each lesson • Resources*—Tons of ready-to-use posters and reproducible handouts with a CD-ROM packed with audio skits, engaging video clips, and fun Bible memory puzzles • Student Book*—Meaningful case studies, ready-to-use discussion questions, enlightening (revealing) self evaluations, and more to help students apply what they are learning to their everyday lives • ENCOUNTERTM—The Magazine*—13 full-color, 8-page, weekly magazines filled with engaging articles and real-life stories, daily lesson-related devotions and even safe, parent-approved online activities. Get one set for every student! (Sold in packs of five 13-week sets) * Also sold separately

Why you will love it!

EncounterTM is: • • • • •

Flexible—Every lesson contains multiple options Low prep—No more last-minute, long hours getting ready for a lesson Biblically sound—Students get into the Bible Experiential—Students participate in hands-on activities Relational—Engaging small group discussions help students and leaders build Christ-centered relationships

Great for Sunday morning, Sunday evening, or mid-week!

Lesson length 45-90 minutes 1-800-543-1353 • www.encounterface2face.com

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high school Scope & Sequence ENCOUNTER Fall

Year 1

Preparing for the Future • Seeing the Big Picture • Knowing God’s Will • Making Wise Choices Challenges to a Biblical Faith • God and His Message (The Challenge of Mormonism) • God and Truth (The Challenge of Jehovah’s Witnesses) • God and Justice (The Challenge of Islam) • God and Nature (The Challenge of Wicca) Famous Women of the Bible • The Price of Power (Esther) • Lessons in Leadership (Deborah) • Man’s Trash, God’s Treasure (Rahab)

winter Descriptions of Jesus the Messiah • Wonderful Counselor • Mighty God • Everlasting Father • Prince of Peace

Friendships • Peer Pressure • Loneliness • Close Christian Friends • Conquering Cliques

The Christian and Conflict • How to Prevent Anger • How to Control Anger • How to Resolve Conflict • How to Forgive

Meeting God • Meeting God Through Prayer • Meeting God in the Lord’s Supper • Meeting God Through Fasting • Meeting God in Worship • Meeting God Through Christian Fellowship

Highlights of 2 Timothy • Faithfulness • Self-discipline • Christian Character • Relationships • Confidence

Year 3

Year 2

Authority • Why Is There Authority?

• Why Should I Respect Authority?

• How Should I Use Authority Responsibly?

Take Charge • Take Charge of Your Health • Take Charge of Your Habits • Take Charge of Your Emotions • Take Charge of Your Attitude • Take Charge of Your Example

Our Possessions • Having the Right Attitude • Being Honest with God • Managing Our Wealth • Recognizing the Greatest Possession

Outcasts Jesus Encountered • A Woman Caught in Adultery • Matthew, the Tax Collector • The Thief on the Cross • The Woman at the Well

Our Priorities • Putting God First • Using Time Wisely • Listening for God’s Call • Learning to Rest

Sharing the Good News • Accepting Responsibility • Overcoming Opposition • Presenting the Truth • Seizing Every Opportunity

Jesus Christ: His Ministry • He Trained Disciples • He Performed Miracles • He Shared Human Hardship • He Tested His Followers • He Served

Set Free • Christianity vs. Religion • Integrity vs. Hypocrisy • Slavery vs. Sonship • Natural vs. Supernatural • Community vs. Isolation

Something to Sing About • No Room • Hark the Herald Angels Sing • While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks • We Three Kings

Satan, Angels, and Demons • Satan’s Plan • Satan’s Showdown • The Work of Angels • About Demons • Spiritual Warfare

Self-Esteem • Confidence • Beauty • Humility • Generosity

Contentment • The Cause of Discontent • Choosing Contentment • Content, but Not Satisfied

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God’s Plan for the Church • The God of Second Chances • The God of Powerful Beginnings • The God of a Healthy Church • The God of Courageous Witnesses • The God of All Nations

Trusting God • Trusting God When I Feel Anxious • Trusting God When I Feel Like a Failure • Trusting God When I Feel Used • Trusting God When I Feel Rejected

summer Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount • Finding Happiness • Our Mission • Jesus and God’s Law • Healing Hating Hearts • Speaking with Credibility • Trusting Divine Justice • Knowing What Really Matters • Offering Advice • Following the Right Leaders • From Learning to Life Understanding Salvation • By Works or Faith?

• About Law and Sin • From Salvation to Glorification

Dating, Courtship, and Marriage • Relationship Wisdom • Relationships of Respect • Relationships of Purity • Relationships that Last

Being Real • Avoiding Hypocrisy • Showing Compassion • Practicing Humility • Demonstrating Integrity

Famous Men of the Bible • Elijah–Courage to Stand • Cleopas–Finding Hope • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego–Loyal Believers • Joshua and Caleb–Trusting God • Jonah–Roadblocks to Forgiveness

Parables • The Two Sons • The Lost Sheep • The Workers in the Vineyard • The Growing Seed • The Persistent Widow

Dispelling Myths • No Death?

• No Rules?

• No Consequences?

• No Responsibility?

Tough Issues • The Value of Life (Abortion) • True to God’s Design (Homosexuality) • Saving Your Best (Premarital Sex) • Breaking Barriers As Real As It Gets • The Death That Makes a Difference • No Doubt About It • Call Him Lord • One Way Road Ahead Family Life • The Results of Respect • Family Conflict • Family Crises • The Family of God

Making a Difference • Making a Difference on the Job • Making a Difference in Your School • Making a Difference in Your Community • Making a Difference in the World Miracles in Mark • Breaking Blockades, Healing Lives • When Storms Come • A Matter of Life and Death • Faith Beyond Borders • One Step at a Time Media • Just the Facts • More Than Entertainment • With a Song • Online, Not Out of Line Coping with Crisis • When Bad Things Happen • Helping the Hurting • Where Is God When it Hurts?

• God Is There

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Christianity vs. Religion Lesson 1 Unit One: Set Free Scripture: Galatians 1:6-24 Life Focus: The good news of Jesus is superior to man-made religion.

Tabloid Teasers

Supermarket tabloid headlines make for interesting reading! a few recent favorites are: “Tree-climbing Crocodiles Found in Florida,” “angry Skeletons attack Family,” and “Vengeful Frogs Eat Legs of French Chef.” The stories are so outrageous that we know they must be false.

But the difference between Christianity and “false gospels” are not so blatant. When writing to young churches in Galatia, Paul pointed out that only the gospel of Christ centers upon emancipation, revelation, and alteration.

Today's Challenge

Continued on next page.

If what you believe about God is true, what someone else believes must be false. So how can you tell the difference?

Participate in these activities and discover the difference between a biblical faith and man-made religion and how to respond to false messages.

Step 1 Setting the Stage

Identify false messages.

Step 2 Searching the Word

Recognize the essential differences between Christianity and religion.

Step 3 Making It Real

Distinguish true gospel messages from counterfeits.

Step 4 Living It Out

Prepare to challenge false gospels when you encounter them.

➤

Hide It in Your Heart

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

—Galatians 1:8

For a presession or take-home activity, memorize this key verse using the puzzle found on your High School Resources CD. Galatians 1:6-24 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—7which is really no gospel at all.

Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. 19I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24And they praised God because of me.

© 2007–2010 Encounter™ Curriculum. All rights reserved. Permission granted to photocopy for ministry purposes only—not for resale.

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Encountering God’s Word

EmaNCIPaTION (Galatians 1:6, 7)

as the gospel message penetrated the Gentile world, controversies began to stir regarding the role of the law of moses in the Christian’s life. Paul’s understanding of God’s good news was that “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith . . . not by works” (Ephesians 2:8, 9). This brought Paul into sharp conflict with a group of Christians known as Judaizers. The Judaizers taught that for Gentiles to become Christians, they needed to, in effect, become Jews first. In their words, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of moses” (acts 15:5).

Paul retorted that the message preached by the Judaizers was “really no gospel [good news] at all” (Galatians 1:7). Paul pointed out the hypocrisy of demanding that the Gentiles keep God frees the law when Jews had never been us; religion able to do so (Romans 2:17-24). Peter enslaves us. agreed, saying, “Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the [Gentile] disciples a yoke [the requirements of the law] that neither we nor our fathers [the Jews] have been able to bear?” (acts 15:10).

Only Christianity teaches that becoming right with God has nothing to do with human effort. Judaism has the Law of moses. Buddha taught of the Noble Eightfold Path of human effort that brought divine peace. muslims must keep the Five Pillars of Islam.

Religion always places works before grace.

REVELaTION (Galatians 1:8-12)

In Paul’s day, Jews not only studied the Law of moses, but the traditional teachings about the law as well. When “a large number of [Jewish] priests became obedient to the faith” (acts 6:7) and became Christians, this practice surely came with them. Perhaps it was some of these learned priests who opposed Paul in this case. If so, they would have been difficult opponents. How could anyone argue against such learned opinion?

Paul said that it didn’t matter who taught salvation by works, even if it were an “angel from heaven” (Galatians 1:8)! What was important was whether or not the teaching was truly the words of God. Paul told the story of his conversion and the fact that the good news he God reveals His taught was given to him truth; religion directly from Jesus (vv. 11, enforces opinion.

12). Peter would later write that “prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). The apostle John made it clear that the message that he and other apostles taught

came from that “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched” (1 John 1:1). Unlike religions, Christianity’s source is God’s truth, not human opinion. many destructive cults have started when a charismatic leader from a more mainstream group of believers began claiming that his personal opinions were special revelation from God. Jim Jones, ordained by the Disciples of Christ, broke away, starting his People’s Temple cult.

His leadership ended in a mass suicide of his followers in the 1970s. David Berg and his family were evangelists in Pentecostal churches until he proclaimed himself to be “moses David, God’s endtime prophet” and began a cult among the 1960s hippie subculture. The Children of God became famous for teaching a destructive sexual freedom among its members. When human opinion and not God’s Word becomes the basis for religious teaching, disaster is near at hand.

aLTERaTION (Galatians 1:13-24)

The Judaizers probably thought they were preserving the moral purity of Christ’s church.

Because Jews had the Law of moses, their standard of morality was much higher than the Greek world of “Gentile sinners” (Galatians 2:15), in their words.

It might have appeared quite logical to try to get Gentiles to accept Jewish cultural norms before allowing them to be Christians.

There was only one problem with that. Jews were sinners too! In fact, Paul, though a zealous keeper of the Jewish law, “intensely . . . persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13).

God changes our Though a good Jew, Paul nature; religion admitted that he was the controls our actions. worst of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

It was not law-keeping that changed Paul to the point where those who once feared him “praised God because of me” (Galatians 1:24). It was a new life in Christ granted by grace.

Religion would rather control people’s mode of dress or outward lifestyle than to allow real alteration of life. Throughout the centuries believers tried to mark themselves with tonsures (special haircuts) or distinctive apparel. Dressing up a sinner is merely an attempt to control. Only Christ can bring real change.

So how can we distinguish the true faith from empty religion? The true gospel frees a believer from the works trap, informs the believer with the true words of God, and makes lasting change in the believer without trying to control.

© 2007–2010 Encounter™ Curriculum. All rights reserved. Permission granted to photocopy for ministry purposes only—not for resale.

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Setting the Stage

Step 1

Life Focus: The good news of Jesus is superior to man-made religion.

Use either activity on this page to help your students identify false messages.

QUICK STEP

Unfinished Proverbs

As students arrive, have them turn to page 55 in the student book. Listed there are some unfinished sayings. Allow students a few minutes to make up their own endings to these sayings on a separate sheet of paper. Collect the students’ answers. Go through each proverb, reading the false ones the students made up but somewhere mixing in the real answer (1. the strongest memory; 2. has endurance; 3. while you’re waiting; 4. the candles cost more than the cake; 5. where smiles have been; 6. it catches mice; 7. change your attitude, or change your job; 8. lead us to an understanding of ourselves; 9. a skilled sailor). Then have students vote on which they think is the true proverb. Give points to students who guess correctly. Also award points to students whose false proverbs fooled their classmates.

Ask: Were you easily able to distinguish the true proverb from the false ones we made up? Explain. Name some other false messages you receive each day. (Ex: exaggerated ads, TV shows that promote bad morals, learning evolution in school, etc.) How do you determine what’s true and what’s false?

Lead into Bible study by saying: We need a way to distinguish true messages from false ones. This is especially true when we try to distinguish between Christianity and “false gospels.” When writing to young churches in Galatia, Paul pointed out three specific differences between Christianity and religion.

Outrageous Tales Begin the video with the line, “Gators are gone.” In this clip, Louis the alligator proves himself to be a jazz musician. End with the line, “It didn’t end well.” (Note: At the time of publication, the video clips suggested in this book were available as free downloads from www.wingclips.com.)

If you prefer, use our “Outrageous News” interviews instead of the Hollywood clip. Discuss either clip with these questions: • What are some outrageous elements in this clip?

• What makes a story too outrageous to believe?

• Name some false messages you receive each day. How do you determine what’s true and what’s false?

Lead into Bible study by saying: We need a way to distinguish true messages from false ones. This is especially true when we try to distinguish between Christianity and “false gospels.” When writing to young churches in Galatia, Paul pointed out three specific differences between Christianity and religion.

The Scene

Time 10 minutes

game

Materials High School Student, pens, paper

Time 10 minutes

video

Materials copy of The Princess and the Frog (2009), TV, DVD player or High School Resources CD and a computer

news

For an opening activity based on a current news headline, download The Scene online. Go to http://www.encounterface2face.com/. There you’ll find a free article with discussion questions to begin this week’s lesson.

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Step 2

Searching the Word Life Focus: The good news of Jesus is superior to man-made religion.

Use either activity on this page to help your students recognize the essential differences between Christianity and religion.

Time 20 minutes

research

Materials High School Student, Bibles, pens

Time 20 minutes

drama

Materials Bibles, copies of Sheet 7A from High School Resources

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QUICK STEP

Out of Order

Divide the class into groups of three to five students each. Turn with them to page 4 of their student books. Ask each group to read the lesson text and complete one or more of the research assignments found there.

As groups work, move among them to help with their assignments. Explain the background of the text, using Encountering God’s Word as a resource.

Have each group present their findings when group research is completed.

Comment as necessary to make sure that all main points are made clearly and completely.

Lead into the next section of the lesson by saying: So how can we distinguish the true faith from empty religion? Religion values works over grace. Religion values human opinion over God’s truth.

Religion wants to control others more than it wants Christ to bring lasting change. Let’s use these criteria to identify modern religious counterfeits.

Point-Counterpoint During the week before class, recruit student or adult volunteers to perform the interview skit found on Sheet 7A. It features Paul and a member of the group known as the Judaizers discussing their differences.

Introduce your volunteers and have them perform the skit. Then write the following outline on the board: • God frees us; religion enslaves us (Galatians 1:6, 7).

• God reveals His truth; religion enforces opinion (Galatians 1:8-12).

• God changes our nature; religion controls our actions (Galatians 1:13-24).

Have students take turns reading the portions of the text aloud. Use Encountering God’s Word to refer the class to supporting biblical texts and to summarize each main point. Refer them back to the words of the skit as you make each point.

Lead into the next section of the lesson by saying: So how can we distinguish the true faith from empty religion? Religion values works over grace. Religion values human opinion over God’s truth.

Religion wants to control others more than it wants Christ to bring lasting change. Let’s use these criteria to identify modern religious counterfeits.

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Making It Real

Step 3

Life Focus: The good news of Jesus is superior to man-made religion.

Use either activity on this page to help your students distinguish true gospel messages from counterfeits.

QUICK STEP

Galatians Today

Divide the class into groups of three to five students each. Turn with them to page 5 of their student books. There they will find a letter from a young woman who has joined a cult. Ask each group to read the letter on that page and formulate a response based upon our Bible lesson for today.

The letter is fictitious, but it is based upon a real cult. To learn more about “The Family,” you may wish to check out this Web site: http://www.religioustolerance.org/fam_love.htm As groups work, move among them to help with their letters. Remind them of the three differences between religion and the true gospel and help them include those differences in this letter.

Have each group read and explain their letters when group research is completed.

Lead into the last lesson step by saying: There are many false religious ideas in the world. How prepared are we to confront them?

Time 20 minutes

creative writing

Materials High School Student, pens, paper

“It’s All About the Code” Divide your students into three groups, giving each a copy (or at least a box or picture) of a popular video game. Review the three points from today’s Bible study (see Encountering God’s Word). Groups should read the article entitled “Its All About the Code” in the September 5, 2010 issue of ENCOUNTER—The Magazine and then work on the following assignment: The article you just read talks about the difference between the virtual world of video games and the real world. What are some differences that you see between the real world and the world of this video game?

After some time, allow each group to share its comparisons and contrasts.

Then lead into the final step of the lesson by saying: There are many false religious ideas in the world. How prepared are we to confront them?

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Time 20 minutes

object lesson

Materials ENCOUNTER—The Magazine for each student, three popular video games

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Step 4

Living It Out Life Focus: The good news of Jesus is superior to man-made religion.

Use either activity on this page to help your students prepare to challenge false gospels when they encounter them.

Time 10 minutes

discussion

Materials High School Student

Time 10 minutes Materials Bibles, pens, index cards

QUICK STEP

What’s True?

Turn with your students to page 6 in the student book. Read through the popular sayings together. Say: Today we learned the importance of distinguishing true messages from false ones. Here is a chance to practice that. Which of these sayings are true? Which are false? How do you know? How do they line up with God’s Word?

Sometimes we hear sayings so often, we just take them for granted.

But what we’ve learned in Galatians should cause us to question any message we receive and test it to see if it’s true. How do you test messages you hear? (Check Scripture and see if what’s being said lines up with the Bible.) Do you have to know everything in order to fight false gospels? (No. If you don’t know where to look, you can ask someone for help. You can learn as you go. You don’t have to know it all in order to stand up for your faith. If you doubt, check it out.) But it’s important to know the basics of your faith. Even if you don’t have all the answers, you need to know the basics of what you believe. Be prepared by knowing God’s truths so you can easily see the counterfeits.

Ask your students to discuss specific false gospels they might encounter this week. Come up with specific ways to test and challenge those false gospels. After some discussion, close in prayer.

Distribute ENCOUNTER™—The Magazine if you have not already done so.

challenge

Scripture Prescription Begin by saying: Before we begin confronting false gospels that others follow, we must be willing to examine ourselves for false beliefs. Choose the statement below that most nearly reflects one of the aspects of false gospels we discussed today. Look up the related Scripture, write it on an index card, and plan to memorize it this week: • I still think of my faith in terms of rules to follow rather than as a relationship with Jesus. I will memorize John 8:31, 32.

• I tend to learn about God from what others say about Him rather than by reading the Bible myself. I will memorize Acts 17:11.

• My Christian walk is more of a surface matter than a deep-down purity. I will memorize Psalm 51:2, 10.

Allow students a few moments to select and write their Scripture prescriptions. Then close in prayer.

Distribute ENCOUNTER™—The Magazine if you have not already done so.

Here’s what’s in ENCOUNTER™—The Magazine this week: • Teen poetry: “Hope for You and Me” • Saul uses the virtual world to bring others into God’s reality • “Deceptive Immunity”—Is sin someone else’s problem?

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Christianity vs. Religion, Lesson 1

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ENCOUNTER

TM www.encounterface2face.com

Check out www.encounterface2face.com today to see all the great FREE resources available to use with your class!

The SCENE—activity to begin the lesson by relating it to a current issue or event, new each week

Small group discussion guides to be used with ENCOUNTERTM— The Magazine One selection from the resources for the current lesson available as a download

Check it out today! Visit www.encounterface2face.com!

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Now students can take home a magazine that connects with every week’s lesson.

ENCOUNTER

TM

The Magazine ENCOUNTERTM—The Magazine challenges students to bring home what they have studied.

This eight-page magazine contains engaging articles, interviews, and stories, daily lessonrelated devotions, quizzes, poetry, and even invitations to go online and blog about a topic of the week!

09.05.10

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And it doesn’t stop there...you can use the material for a small group discussion, too.

We’ll even GIVE you the leader’s guide!

Find out more on the next page.

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Don’t wait.

Get your students engaged today!

Check out our free sample on the CD in the back of this book.

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FREE Small Group Lessons!

With eNCOUNTER Downloads for Small Groups, The Magazine also becomes small group material. A free four-page session guide download allows you to lead a small group session that coordinates with our weekly lesson using an article from our student magazine.

All the benefits of curriculum . . .

without the feel of curriculum! Engage your teens with the new content each week. They will be so excited to read the magazine, they won’t even realize they’re systematically studying the Bible!

It’s great for leaders because it offers guidance for meaningful group discussion within the framework of a solid scope and sequence.

It’s great for students because it is current and real—two things teens can relate to.

Great for midweek!

Find the free downloads at: www.encounterface2face.com/downloads 1-800-543-1353 • www.encounterface2face.com

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The A Rock Your Face Off Jr. High Resource series equips both paid and volunteer youth workers with the strategies, tips, and encouragement they need to develop and sustain effective, relational ministry. The pieces complement one another in an alternative approach to involving jr. highers in deep study of Scripture.

Samples on the CD in this booklet!

Redefining the Win for Jr. High Connect encourages students Small Groups establishes the to live out their faith. Includes CD to print student sheets. foundation on the best ways to (One sample session is on the reach teens.

CD in the back of this booklet.)

Pursue pushes students to discover God’s ultimate plan for their lives. Includes CD to print student sheets.

Youth Ministry in the Trenches tackles some of the toughest challenges facing youth leaders today.

Written by ministry veterans Rick Bundschuh, Marv Penner, and Wayne Rice, the resources are practical, easy to read, and easy to use. Each topic is addressed in a simple and engaging style with dozens of ideas that youth workers can immediately implement in their ministry.

Building & Mobilizing Teams is crucial for leaders feeling the need for more help, effective delegation, and highly involved volunteers who care deeply for students.

Reaching Unchurched Teens helps youth leaders equip students to reach their friends who don’t know Christ.

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Speak drives students to obey God’s call.

Includes CD to print student sheets.

Engaging Parents as Allies will show leaders how to involve parents—making sure they’re a vital part of the ministry— and leave behind the old paradigm that parents are obstacles. (One sample chapter is on the CD in the back of this booklet.)

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ENCOUNTER

Item# 028943910

Young Teen & High School ENCOUNTERTM Curriculum

ENCOUNTER

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Young Teen & High School ENCOUNTERTM Curriculum • Lesson Sampler

ENCOUNTER is: • Flexible—every lesson contains multiple options • Low prep—no more last-minute, long hours getting ready for a lesson • Biblically sound—students get into the Bible

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• Experiential—students participate in hands-on activities • Relational—engaging small group discussion helps students and leaders build Christ-centered relationships Great for Sunday morning, Sunday evening, or mid-week!

Lesson length 45–90 minutes Order Today! 1-800-543-1353 • www.encounterface2face.com

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Table of Contents

ENCOUNTER

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Don’t just look at the lessons in this booklet...

experience them!

Young Teen Page 1 The Curriculum and How It Works Page 2 Scope & Sequence Page 3-9 FREE Sample Lesson

High School Page 9 The Curriculum and How It Works Page 10 Scope & Sequence Page 11-16 FREE Sample Lesson

Page 17 www.encounterface2face.com Page 18 ENCOUNTER—The Magazine Page 19 FREE eNCOUNTER Downloads for Small Groups

Free

Lesson sample CD includes all resources for sample lessons

Bonus!

Sample chapters from two NEW youth ministry resources included on the CD!

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ENCOUNTER

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Young Teen & High School Lesson Samples

This bonus CD contains all the material you need to actually teach each lesson—student pages, Encounter—The Magazine, posters, extra activities, and more. Choose the items you’d like to use and print out as many as you need for your class. It’s our way of showing you all the great things you can expect when you purchase Encounter Curriculum.

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