Music Video Loop 82 by interlinc

COVER

SPECIAL SECTIONS

Evangelism Resources & Alone Yet Not Alone Movie “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide

Cover: RED

Maximizing Music & Media in Youth Ministry

Music Video Loop / Resource Book / Volume 82 / Fall 2013

ALL MUSIC VIDEO BIBLE STUDIES ARE AVAILABLE DIGITALLY AT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENTS

interlinc-online.com/mvlbooks IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, CALL US AT 800-725-3300

Music Video Bible Studies:

study song: album title: study theme:

Special Sections: Evangelism

20 Skillet

32 RED

34 Stellar Kart

Sick Of It Rise Social Justice

Perfect Life Release The Panic Eternal vs. Temporal

All In (Apologize) ALL IN Commitment

44 Martin Smith

46 V. Rose

48 Flatfoot 56

Battery (feat. Flame) V. Rose Power

His Kind Of Love Fearless Forgiveness

58 Southbound Fearing The Love That Never Fails

60 Elevation Worship Nothing Is Wasted

62 Holly Starr

Evangelism: How To Bring It Up Without Throwing Up

My Hope America With Billy Graham: Youthworker Training Sessions

THE GOD TEST

Introduction and Uses

TobyMac Ransom Note

S.A.L.T. Principle

Back To The Start God’s Great Dance Floor Restoration

Bad Dreams and Melodies God’s Love

Nothing Is Wasted God’s Promises

Music Video Loop Resource Book

Volume 82 • Fall 2013 Maximizing Music & Media In Youth Ministry

The Music Video Loop Resource Book is published quarterly by interlínc, Franklin, TN

Through My Father’s Eyes Focus Beauty

Direct any questions or comments to interlínc at 1-800-725-3300 or visit interlinc-online.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS <<

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36 Silverline

38 Hawk Nelson

40 Newsboys

42 The Afters

Lights Out lyric video Lights Out Spiritual Warfare

Words Made Words; Power Of

Live With Abandon lyric video Restart Life; Purpose/Meaning

Life Is Beautiful Life Is Beautiful Life; Purpose/Meaning

50 Tricia

52 Alert312

54 Jeremy Camp

56 Jason Castro

Enough lyric video Radiate Contentment

Vice Versa Of Vice & Virtue Integrity

My God lyric video Reckless Victory

Rise To You Only A Mountain Difficulties; Hope Within

64 BridgeCity

66 Sons

It’s All Because BridgeCity Worship; Praise

Son On The Run Keep Quiet Self-Identity; In Christ

Not A Fan (Teen Edition)

Campus Ministry- Getting Started, Call Up The Leaders, On Limited Time

16 Cause Circle Final (Dare2Share)

68 This City Awaits Nathan Said The Liar Regret

Department: 4 Letter From the Editor

23 Alone Yet Not Alone Movie

“Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide Powerful sessions, movie clips, additional resources to help you use AYNA which opens in theaters February 2014.

Staff: Publisher: Allen Weed • Editor: Ken McCoy • The WriteGroup: Rick Bundschuh, Cindy Engøy, Eric Gargus, Dave McGinley, Todd Pearage, Doug Ranck, Jeremy White, Mary Wilson-Peed • Art Direction: Ken McCoy • Design: Thomas Ryan Design • Bible Study Layout: Ken McCoy Production Manager: Glen Allen Green • Proofing: Anne Conley, Jeannine Ugalde, Dale Weed

EDITOR’S >>LETTER

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Are We Having Fun Yet? “What do you do for fun?” That’s one of my favorite “get to know you” questions when talking to a teenager that I don’t know very well. That open-ended question is much better than, “So, what school do you go to?” or “What grade are you in?” or even, “What classes are you taking?” If I can get a kid to start talking about what he or she enjoys doing, the chances are high that we’ll have a decent conversatio n. We might be able to move from talking about hobbies to more revealing subjects. If you were to ask me that question, I’d have two answers: guitars and airplanes. (You can tell what I’m interested in from the magazines that I have in, umm, my, uh, throne room.) I’ve been a musician most of my life, and play the guitar in my home church’s band. I can talk your ear off about guitars, amps, speakers, pic kups, effects, and recordings. Then several years ago I became a pilot – the culmination of a lifelong dream to fly. I can regale you with tales of “interesting” landings, of close encounters with World War II fighters and bombers, and excursions to interesting locations. I’m sure you have your own answer to the “What do you do for fun?” question. There’s a huge difference, though, between talking about what I do for fun and talking about my passion. I really do enjoy talking about guitars and flying, but there are two issues that I am passionate about: my family and youth ministry. Get me going on one or the other and you’ll sense the difference between a hobby and a calling.

we like to write. We are youth leaders who love to teach God's truth in a way that changes kids’ lives. Youth ministry must be a passion – otherwise it’s just a job or a hobby. There’s a particular reason that I am passionate about this issue of interlínc’s Music Video Loop. Included on the DVD and in this magazine is the “Evangelism Special Section.” For one, I believe that evangelism is the lost key of vibrant youth ministry. (See the Introduction I wrote on page 6 to see what I’m talking about.) For another, we’ve partnered with some of the best evangelistic people we know (for instance, does the name Billy Graham ring any bells?) to provi de cuttingedge videos and materials that can help you in your efforts to reach young people with the Gospel of Christ. I hope you use the resources in this magazine with the same zeal that we had creating them. This Music Video Loop DVD/magazine combo is one of the coolest that we’ve produced. Take a look at the list of videos on the DVD. What a great lineup! Each video has an accompanying youth meeting/Bible study plan for you to use. Have fun with these materials!

That’s where this magazine comes in. This resource is the product of people who live, eat, breath, and bleed youth ministry. That ’s what makes this magazine such a powerful tool. We don’t make this resource for you just because we’re music fans. We don’t create these Bible studies just because

Ken McCoy Editor

HOW TO USE <<

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How to Use this Music Video Loop Resource Book Sure, at first glance you notice how great it looks—very current, very stylish. Go ahead—flip through this book a bit. Notice the helpful design? Did you catch the organizational details? The more you look at this book, the more you will appreciate the functionality that has been built into it. Here is a quick tour…

The Cover If you’re like most of us, you keep your YLO (Youth Leaders Only) and MVL (Music Video Loop) books stored on a bookshelf. When you want to search for a song or video that deals with a certain topic, slide each book out a couple of inches and read the themes and featured articles for each issue. Cool! Bible Studies Finding good Christian music isn’t hard, but coming up with ways to

use it in your mini stry with teenagers takes time, talent and energy. The Leader Guides and Student Guides are designed to be useful in your ministry with young people. The Bible studies for the Music Video Loop resource are intended for you to use in a large group format. The videos are great tools in setting up your message, bringing home a point or wrapping up a theme. Real-world youth leaders write the Bible studies; the sessions are field-

tested, and proven effective with real-world teenagers.

opportunities, and information about upcoming releases.

The DVD You can choose to play the entire Music Video Loop or select just one video to view. Use the entire Music Video Loop to create visual interest and energy as your students are hanging out, walking into your event or after your program time. Also on the DVD are valuable interviews, promotional materials for ministry

We hope this effort helps you reach and disciple more young people to be go-for-it Christians!

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HOW TO BRING IT UP WITHOUT THROWING UP He was a sophomore in high school, blonde, with a ton of friends – mostly girls. He was known around school as a musical genius whose bedroom was crammed with keyboards and sound gear. When I started a band for our youth ministry, somebody invited him to come play with us. He showed up with a couple of synths, and you could sense the buzz of excitement around him. Scott Kaser became an important part of that band. He could write, arrange, and play music like no other 15-year-old I’d met. His demeanor was usually cheerful, smiling, and happy. He and I became friends, and I soon figured out that he hadn’t yet met Jesus. One sunny afternoon, on the freeway back home from a shopping trip to a pro sound store in The Cities, Scott and I were chatting –and he let an “expletive” slip out. Immediately realizing that he was with the youth pastor, Scott looked over at me with an embarrassed expression. “Oh, I’m sorry! I really didn’t mean to say that. It just kinda slipped out.” “Don’t worry, Scott. You’re not a Christian yet, so I don’t expect you to behave like one.” “What do you mean, ‘I’m not a Christian’? I go to church! Why do you think I’m not a Christian?” “Well, I could explain it to you, but this is really important and I can’t do it while driving. We’d have to pull over.” “Then pull over! I wanna know!” I pulled to the side of the freeway. There, beside I-94, somewhere between Monticello and St. Cloud, I explained the Gospel. Fifteen minutes later, in my car, beside the freeway, Scott Kaser became more than a friend – he became my brother, and a friend for eternity. Scott. Ron. Pat. Loren. Larry. Rob. Steve. Jim. Kevin. Darleen. Mike. David. Joy. Mark. Chris. Jordan. Matt. Troy. They are just some of my musician friends who met Jesus when they were teenagers. They’re all still my friends – although some of them are now adults with teenagers of their own. The cool part is that we get to be friends forever.

to share the good news about Jesus has a time limit. All the things that we Christians do – worship, fellowship, learn, serve, evangelize, etc. – we will do in eternity … except evangelize. Since evangelism is limited to our lifetimes here, then evangelism MUST be our highest priority. Except, it’s not. No, we mostly do everything BUT evangelism. Worship? Got it nailed, multiple times every week. Fellowship? That’s one of our specialties. Learn? That’s why we work so hard on our talks and small group curriculum. Serve? I can point you to a bazillion youth ministries who went on mission trips this summer to serve the less fortunate. We don’t realize that evangelism is a core motivation for living as a Christian. When our young friends know that they may be called a “hypocrite” when they talk with their friends about Jesus, they are more likely to live righteously. (The converse is also true; if we don’t expect our students to talk with their friends about Jesus, they are less likely to live righteously.) I know that I’m on a personal soapbox with this issue, but I am convinced that many of us have taken our eye off the ball. We have let the other vital issues of being Christian squeeze evangelism out of our planning, praying, programming, and preaching. So this is my challenge to you: actually use the Evangelism: How To Bring It Up Without Throwing Up videos in your ministry with teenagers. Take advantage of the materials in this magazine (and the downloadable resources that we’ve provided) with your leaders and students. Recover the joy of making friends forever, and let your students experience the thrill of introducing their friends to Jesus, making their own forever friends!

That’s why evangelism is so important. While evangelism’s results last forever, our opportunity

Ken McCoy interlinc Editor JumpStart Ministries Escondido, California kennymac@mac.com

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USES The materials on the following pages (available digitally at interlinconline.com/mvlbooks) will help you get your students talking about Jesus. Each of the study materials has a corresponding video on the Music Video Loop 82 DVD and the BGEA DVD.

VIDEOS

Get Discussion Starter Materials For Each Video interlinc-online.com/ mvlbooks

Here is a complete listing of the “EVANGELISM: HOW TO BRING IT UP WITHOUT THROWING UP” videos.

My Hope America with Billy Graham: Youthworker Training Sessions

Together, the videos and these materials represent a phenomenal resource for you to motivate and train your kids to share the best news ever and to share it where they spend most of their time: their high school campus.

This exciting opportunity from one of America’s most-beloved Christian evangelists is something that all youth leaders should maximize. These Youthworker Training Sessions, available on the separate DVD, should help you to make the most of this significant ministry event in OctoberNovember 2013. myhopewithbillygraham.org.

Here are three ways you can use this resource:

TobyMac: Ransom Note

Small Groups Use these materials as the “curriculum” for your small groups for a quarter. The materials will give the small group leader enough direction to guide the group’s discussion.

Campus Bible Studies A laptop computer can show the DVD, and the entire group can follow along with the materials.

Retreat Topic Use the DVDs and these materials to plan your main meetings, small group discussions, and even personal Quiet Times during a retreat. We are as committed to making Jesus known among teenagers as you are. If you need more copies of these DVDs or this magazine to use with your small groups, campus ministries, retreat, or other program, call us at 800-725-3300. These videos and accompanying materials come from some of the very best youth evangelism and campus ministry organizations. interlínc has been privileged to partner with them over the years in getting the Good News of Christ to high school students. Thanks to The Campus Alliance (40 member organizations committed to getting the Good News of Christ to every student on every one of the 67,000 school campuses), Dare2Share, TobyMac, Rice Broocks, City on a Hill Productions, and The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association for participating in this project. Some of these videos are excerpts of a larger, more complete resource. If you like what you see on this DVD, you’ll want to get the complete package. Just check our friends’ websites for more info.

A longtime member of Team interlínc and youth leader favorite TobyMac’s “testimony” should be seen and heard by every one of your students! ransom.tv

THEGODTEST THEGODTEST is a tool to facilitate discussion in the critical issues of faith, skepticism, and the meaning of life. Use this video to help your students have “spiritual conversations” with their friends. thegodtest.org

The S.A.L.T Principle Working with THEGODTEST, the S.A.L.T. principle helps your students share the Gospel without being weird about it! thegodtest.org

Not A Fan (Teen Edition of the Best Selling Book-Video Series) Jesus wants more than the church attendance, occasional prayer, and the ability to recite Scripture—the “fan” response. He’s looking for people who are actually willing to sacrifice in order to follow Him. In this single session from the series Kyle Idleman uses humor, personal stories, and Biblical truth to challenge students to look at what being a “Christian” really means. notafan.com City On A Hill Productions.

Cause Circle Final (Dare2Share) Students will gain a fresh perspective on evangelism as “THE Cause” that Jesus has called His followers to—making disciples who make disciples—and will learn a simple strategy to help them be purposeful about sharing their faith with their friends. dare2share.org

Campus Ministry: Getting Started Learn from a fellow youth worker how you can develop a campus ministry in your town. everyschool.com The Campus Alliance

Campus Ministry: Call Up the Leaders Never underestimate what students can do. everyschool.com The Campus Alliance

Campus Ministry: On Limited Time Gerin is “part time, but wholehearted.” He wants his college days to be more than just classes, parties and a degree. He has limited time but wants to leave a legacy. What better place to make a difference than with high school students. everyschool.com The Campus Alliance

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TRD Youthworker Training Sessions MY HOPE AMERICA WITH BILLY GRAHAM

“There is still time to rescue the people that are within our reach and what I need is a tool to help me do it and to know that you will be joining millions of believers in one great moment of rescue that could turn the tide of a generation. Perhaps this moment of rescue could be the answer to those prayers if we say, ‘I’m going to [rescue] as many as I can’ and for me and my neighbors and some of my friends, t he lifeboat could be my living room with My Hope America.” Ron Hutchcraft Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.

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My Hope America with Billy Graham is a grassroots effort to reach neighbors, friends, and loved ones with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following a simple Biblical model, My Hope America combines the reach and excitement of a nationwide video event (October and November 2013) with the power of personal relationships. Under the guidance of youth pastors and church leaders, Christians across the country will invite their guests to their home, church, or favorite hangout to share the Gospel through a program similar to Defining Moments, which will feature a new message from Billy Graham.

My Hope America With Billy Graham: Youthworker Training Sessions The special DVD included in MVL82 includes a whopping two hours of training resources to help you use My Hope America with your youth group. Here are the details on each video in these training sessions.

Watch the My Hope America Explained video on the Defining Moments DVD that is included with YLO 92. What will take place with My Hope America in October-November? Invite – Invite your friends and neighbors who don’t know Jesus Christ to your home for a meal or dessert—or gather them at your church or favorite hangout.

Nick Hall Explains My Hope (4:09) Youth evangelism speaker Nick Hall explains from a youthworkers’ perspective why My Hope America With Billy Graham is so valuable in student ministry.

Watch – Use a TV broadcast, DVD, laptop, or mobile device to show a special program featuring popular music, real-life stories, and a powerful new message from Billy Graham.

God’s Ambassador To World Leaders (5:09) If you need to introduce Billy Graham to the kids in your group, this is a video you will want to show them. U.S. Presidents and world leaders who have been impacted by Billy Graham’s personal ministry share how the Lord used Mr. Graham to point them clearly to Christ. This backdrop will help them see how they can use My Hope to share with their friends.

Share – Next, briefly share how Jesus gave you hope and tell what He is doing in your life today. Ask – Ask your friends if they would like to make the s ame decision you did to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and pray with them. What are the steps to get my youth group involved with My Hope America? Pray. Everything of spiritual significance begins with asking the Lord to move in a supernatural way. Pray that God will send revival in the lives of believers who are involved and that many thousands of their friends will come to know Christ. Show the D efining Moments video (included in YLO 92) Share the vision with your students. Help them see how the Lord will use them to share Christ with their friends using My Hope America. Have each person write down the names of their friends who need Christ on the Matthew and Friends brochure and begin to pray each day for them. There is a sample brochure in your box. Additional brochures can be downloaded or order ed from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association without charge. Register for My Hope America online. Go to myhopewithbillygraham.org to register. You are saying, “Yes, our group is going to participate in My Hope America with Billy Graham!” At that point, BGEA will follow up with you directly. Train your group in the basics of walking with God and sharing Christ. You can go through the training online at m yhopewithbillygraham.org. You can then order materials and videos to help train your group. Access the online training materials for your group under the Pastors Section.

Lose To Gain Trailer (0:31) This trailer highlights the stories of three people whose lives have been changed by a relationship with Christ. This is one of the My Hope America featured videos. Who Will Speak? (1:4 3) This powerful piece motivates Christians to use My Hope America to share Christ with their friends. Mr. Graham sums it up, “The greatest act of love we can do for another person is to tell him about God’s love for him in Christ.” The Effective Christian Life (53:59) The first of the “How Do I Prepare For My Hope America?” training videos, this hour-long video teaches the importance of personally walking w ith Christ as the foundation for sharing the Good News with others. Taught by Gary Cobb, Director of Training, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The Christian’s Witness (44:15) In the second of the “How Do I Prepare For My Hope America?” training videos, Gary Cobb lays out great principles that help effectively share Christ with others. Check out Gary’s salvation story starting at 29:23 of this segment . The Care Of New Christians (10:31) This is the third of the “How Do I Prepare For My Hope America?” training videos. We are called to make disciples not just new Christians. In this segment, Gary Cobb shares why follow-up of is so important and provides the “how to’s” for doing basic follow-up of a new believer.

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I’ve always said,

‘Choose your friends wisely – those who will build you up and not tear you down.’ I am so thankful to all of you, my youthworker friends, and to my long-time friends at interlinc for continuing to connect us. One thing is still the same – I want to make music that helps you minister to your students.” — TobyMac Team interlinc Member

For more TobyMac Bible study materials and resources go to interlinc-online.com/tobymac

Since 1992

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TobyMac’s Story There is nothing more powerful in sharing the Good News than a personal story. More than any artist that we are aware of, TobyMac has clearly and frequently shared his salvation story as an opening to tell others what the impact of a relationship with Christ can be. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association folks have captured Toby’s story on video (they call it his “Ransom Note”) and it is a “must use” piece for the kids in your youth ministry. Below are some steps (that we learned from Cru many years ago) that you can use with your students to help them write out their story and begin sharing it. For additional evangelism resources check out ransom.tv and cru.org.

How To Prepare and Tell Your Story

An Example

Look at Paul’s testimony as you consider how to tell your story.

Excerpt from Cru Training Manual

His Life Before (Acts 22:1-5)

Take a few minutes to work through these questions, and be ready for the next open door God gives you to tell your testimony.

• Paul describes what he thought and did before he became a believer.

Before I Accepted Christ (or, “Before I gave Him complete control.”)

• Remember that examples you give will establish you as a credible witness in the minds of non-Christians. However, avoid a religious focus. (You want to make it about Jesus and your need for Him.) Don’t spend a great amount of time talking about church activities or denominations before your life began to change. Likewise, avoid being explicit and sensational in speaking of drugs, immorality, crime or drunkenness.

• What was my life like that will relate most to a pre-Christian? • What did my life revolve around the most? Here did I get my security or happiness? (The pre-Christian is relying on something external to give him or her happiness.) • How did those areas begin to let me down? How I Received Christ (or, “How gave Him complete control.”) • When was the first time I heard the Gospel? (Or, “When was I exposed to dynamic Christianity?”) • What were my initial reactions? • When did my attitude begin to turn around? Why? • What were the final struggles that went through my mind just before I accepted Christ? • Why did I go ahead and accept Christ? After I Accepted Christ (or, “After I gave Him complete control.”) • What specific changes have I noticed? • What illustrations are there from my experience about the changes Christ has made? • Why am I motivated differently?

• Your goal: to give specific, yet appropriate, examples of what your life was like (attitudes, needs, problems) before Christ.

How (Acts 22:6-11) • Paul explained how he became a believer. • Your goal: to allow the listener to walk away with a clear understanding of how you became a Christian and how he or she can trust Christ as the payment for their sins. • Be careful not to use clichés and church language. Talk in terms they’ll understand. After (Acts 22:12-21) • Paul explained how becoming a believer changed his life. • Your goal: to explain specific ways Christ has changed your life -- to show that having Christ in your life really does make a difference! • Avoid using general statements such as “I have so much peace now.” Be specific. It is the Holy Spirit’s responsibility to draw someone to Christ, but you want to communicate your story in such a way to show the listener that your life is different and more meaningful with Christ.

Helpful Hints • Write the way you speak; make your testimony yours. • Practice this over and over until it becomes natural. • Shoot for your testimony to take three minutes. At that length, your testimony is something you can put into a conversation easily without it becoming a monologue.

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The S.A.L.T. Principle Evangelism has been seen as the Gospel message being given by someone to a listening audience whether large or small, and the audience at the end being asked to believe and then accept Christ as Savior and Lord. Obviously, there are many different ways the Gospel can be communicated. THEGODTEST offers another option in sharing the Good News. It is not a tract to merely hand out, or an outline for a mini-lecture to give someone. THEGODTEST is a tool that helps facilitate discussion in the critical issues of faith, skepticism, and the meaning of life.

The central question is: Do you believe in God? There are ten questions for those who believe in God, and ten different questions for those who don’t. THEGODTEST is best used in one-on-one or small group discussions. However, it has been used in settings with larger audiences. You should have a copy of THEGODTEST in your Youth Leaders Only 93 box. To help you remember the strategy behind this tool we offer the word SALT as a memory aid:

Start A Conversation

Everything begins with this. Great Evangelists have been able to start normal conversations with others and find natural segues to the Gospel; e.g., Jesus with the Samaritan woman, and Paul in Athens. THEGODTEST provides a strategy to start a conversation about God in a more direct manner. This is very effective in a campus context where opinion surveys are a normal part of the student’s experience. It is also effective when a conversation is already started leads to the subject of God and faith. THEGODTEST is effective in helping guide the dialogue along a logical path that leads to a person making a decision about the truth of the message.

Ask Questions

THEGODTEST asks questions that follow from the central question of “Do you believe in God?” Instead of immediately offering a person the Gospel in the form of propositions and beliefs, they are asked questions and allowed to fully respond in order for you to understand their beliefs, or lack thereof. Asking questions is a critical part of the evangelistic dynamic. You will discover that a good question effectively plants the seeds of truth in the hearts and minds of individuals by making them think about what they really believe. However, when you make declarative statements to them, they primarily consider what you believe.

Listen

Listening to they answers they give sets up THEGODTEST moment to be a respectful, thoughtful conversation as opposed to a shouting match or argument. As you carefully listen you gain wisdom that will be invaluable when you present the story of the Gospel as well as your own testimony and how it (the Gospel) affected you.

Tell The Story

After asking eight questions and listening to their answers you then ask question nine, which asks whether they would be willing to listen to a Biblical response to these questions. For side B, this is usually met without push-back because they said they believe in God and therefore, listening to the Bible is very normal for them. For the atheist or agnostic, question nine asks, “Have you ever explored what the Bible has to say about these questions?” This question could be asked another way, “Would you be willing to hear the Theistic answers to these questions?” Telling the Story means using the questions that THEGODTEST asks to present the Gospel, as well as testifying how it personally affected you.

What Is The Gospel?

The Gospel is the good news that God became Man in Jesus Christ. He lived the life we should have lived, and died the death we should have died – in our place. Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving that He is the Son of God, and offering the gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins to anyone who repents and believes the Gospel.

Conclusion

There is no substitute for a personal encounter with someone regarding God and the Gospel. The more you share the story, the more comfortable you will become in doing it. Let’s get started!

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The God Test A Fresh Strategy in Evangelism and Apologetics By Dr. Rice Broocks

For most young people, evangelism is a daunting proposition. When the youth pastor gives the charge to “Reach your friends”, it usually means trying to invite them to an event where someone else will present the Gospel – hopefully in a relevant and inoffensive manner. Most Christians, regardless of their age, feel unprepared to personally engage a nonbeliever in a conversation where they must clearly present the Gospel and perhaps be challenged to give answers to the objections raised by skeptics. It has become the comfortable norm to adopt the strategy of “preach the gospel – and if necessary, use words.” However, as believers, we are called to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

One of the greatest challenges for youth leaders is to equip young people to be able to give the reasons that their faith is credible. Real faith isn’t blind; it is based on the evidence for God – not just in personal experience, but also in nature, history, and ultimately in Scripture. I’ve spent the majority of my life engaging young people with the Gospel and training others to do the same. After 30 years of ministry in over 60 nations on hundreds of high school and college campuses, I learned that there was a universal need for a tool that would help believers to start a conversation that could lead to the presentation of the Gospel. In 2010, on an airplane napkin, I began to sketch out that tool: The God Test.

How It Works

The God Test is not a tract. It is not a handout or an outline for a mini-lecture to give someone. It is a dialogical tool, designed to promote discussion on the critical questions surrounding faith, skepticism and the purpose of life. It consists of 20 questions – 10 for those who believe in God and 10 for those who do not - beginning with the initial question: “Do you believe in God?” If the answer is “yes” then there are 9 more questions that follow, the same if they say “no.” The God Test features a provocative cover with images from every stream of religion, philosophy, and science in order to communicate the desire for an open, honest conversation about faith, skepticism, and the meaning of life. Extensive use of this tool around the world has proven that asking people questions and listening thoroughly to their answers causes the entire experience to be seen as

positive. As one campus minister said, “Atheists have actually thanked us because of the impact of the God Test conversation”.

The Salt Method

The strategy behind The God Test is called the SALT method – an acronym that stands for: Start a Conversation, Ask Questions, Listen, and Tell the story. The conversation begins by asking, “Have you taken the God Test?” The fact that The God Test is sparking an international discussion helps encourage people to take time and participate. Many have also started ad campaigns where posters, T Shirts, as well as social media promote the question “Have you taken the God Test?” Once you’ve asked the questions and listened to the answers, it usually leads to an opportunity to give the answers to the questions from a biblical perspective. The “T” in SALT is Tell the Story. Yes, explain the Gospel, but also tell your story of how the Gospel has changed you. The SALT method is a critical part of the effectiveness of The God Test in helping create significant moments where the Gospel is shared.

The GODTEST Training

The God Test Study Guide gives an overview of the instructions and answers to the questions in the test along with reasons for and appropriate responses to the questions. In addition, the God Test “Starter Kit” contains TheGodTest, Study Guide and an instructional video which will help serve as a catalyst for any believer to start immediately sharing their faith. In using The God Test, young people are learning to be confident in the truth of the

Gospel as well as the answers to the primary questions skeptics raise. The God Test helps you remember important apologetic truths by learning the answers to the questions the skeptics are asked in the test.

God’s Not Dead

In March of 2012, I released a new book with Thomas Nelson entitled God’s Not Dead: Evidence for God in an Age of Uncertainty. It was written to be another resource to equip believers to defend their faith. God’s Not Dead offers the key evidence for God’s existence in a way that young people can comprehend it and share with others. As I frequently tell my teenage boys, “This may be over your head, but it’s not out of your reach.” With a little effort and study, we can raise up a new generation of young apologists and evangelists on high school and college campuses.

Why It Matters

Surveys have suggested a staggering number of young people will discard their faith once they leave high school for college. As youth leaders, we must have a sense of urgency to disciple the students under our care in this vital area of apologetics and evangelism. The evidence for God is overwhelming. Yet most Christians don’t know it and therefore cant show it to others. Through The God Test training, young people will not just survive the intellectual and emotional arguments and insults they will eventually face – they can thrive!

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>> EVANGELISM: HOW TO BRING IT UP WITHOUT THROWING UP

discussion starters

Not A Fan (Teen Edition) Your students attend every movie featuring a certain actor, they know the stats of their sports hero, and they can recite lyrics from their favorite songs. In short, they’re fans. But are they treating Jesus the same as the other people they admire? The truth is, Jesus wants more than the church attendance, the occasional prayer, and the ability to recite Scripture – the fan response. He’s looking for people who are actually willing to sacrifice in order to follow Him. This Not a Fan Study for Teens is designed to be more than JUST a small group study. There’s more in this tool kit than just a few video clips and some questions to ask. This series was created with a lofty Kingdom goal in mind: to help students take a look at exactly where they are right now and do one of two things: 1) affirm their existing commitment to Christ, or 2) challenge them to make a commitment and make strides toward becoming a completely committed follower of Christ. At the end of walking through these videos and lessons, the goal is for students to have done more than open a Bible, have a few good conversations, and feel moments of conviction. The drive of the entire Not A Fan series is to see lives transformed to become what Christ has always intended for his followers to be. This curriculum is not an end unto itself. The Not A Fan series is a launching pad into discussion, self-examination, and growth. Students are given challenges and Biblical truths that pry open the door to chart new territory in their relationship with Christ. The last page of this book is not a call to sit back and relax, but an invitation into a life of being a fully committed follower of Jesus.

Using The Tools

The Not a Fan Small Group Discipleship Study for Teens is a multimedia series that includes many great tools, including: Teaching Video: Kyle Idleman, Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, offers a distinct challenge to teens in this video – which is one of a four-part series. Each video focuses on a new aspect of what being a fan of Christ means and what a follower of Jesus really is. Videos include enough meat-and-potatoes for a great followup conversation.

Testimony Videos: In the overall package (but not included here) there are real-life personal stories are from young adults who have struggled through the fan vs. follower dilemma. Each video contains details of how these followers identified and moved beyond being a fan. Their stories contain themes that directly connect with common teenage struggles. Teaching Video Discussion Guides: The guides (see next page for the Discussion Guide for “Defining The Relationship” Session) are designed to be an extension of the Not A Fan teaching videos. The aim is to help students immediately begin to wrestle with the themes of the video, filter themselves through the fan vs. follower lens, honestly assess where they are at without judgment, and receive practical challenges to help take steps toward becoming completely committed followers of Jesus. Complementary Lesson Outlines: This tool is designed for youth pastors who want to preach or teach Not A Fan-based messages. Each lesson corresponds with one of the teaching videos, and contains an extensive message outline, talking points, and illustration suggestions. notafan.com Group discussions will be most fruitful if students are part of the same group each week. Discussions were designed to work only if students have the opportunity and expectation of honesty. Students need to know that they have a safe space to be transparent, and will only be able to accurately assess where they are at in their walk with Christ if they can begin with a truthful self-evaluation.

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discussion starters

Not A Fan (Teen Edition) Session 1

Defining The Relationship

You can use these notes to get an idea of the theme of this discussion or use it as a script with your group.

Intro

Kyle introduced the idea of what being a fan of Jesus means and what being a follower means. This may be a completely new idea to some believers, and may be something that others have already wrestled with. At first, being a fan sounds like a great thing. But being a fan falls short of what Jesus intended. Fans miss out on the true calling of Jesus Christ. Being a follower of Christ requires an intentional commitment and comes at a cost. Determining whether or not the commitment is there takes some close examination.

Warm Up

We’ve been talking about what being a fan of Jesus means. And after watching this video, we get a pretty clear idea that Christians are called to be much more than fans; we’re called to be followers. But, just for a moment, let’s pretend that the goal is to be the best Jesus fan there is. So, it’s time for the ultimate Jesus fan quiz. I’m going to list 10 possible traits of a fan of Jesus. Every time one of these applies to you, raise your hand. Keep your score throughout the quiz, and we’ll see who is Jesus’ biggest fan in the group. • You’re a pro at naming the bands on Christian radio. • You haven’t missed one Sunday at church in the past six months. • You have a Jesus fish sticker on your car. • You carry a Bible in your backpack. • You pray before your meals. • Your phone has a worship song as a ringtone – or it would be if you had a cell phone.

Transition If the measurement of our success at seeking

Jesus was this quiz, some of us would feel pretty good about ourselves. But this quiz isn’t actually a Christian report card. Being a follower of Jesus is much more. We’re all at different points in our walk with Christ, and we’re not here to bash anyone who would consider himself/herself a fan. But we also want to grow beyond the place where being a fan is the acceptable place to stop growing. We want to move from where we are into being truly committed followers of Christ. So, let’s talk about what that looks like.

Discussion • How many of you are already familiar with the concept of a DTR conversation? What does DTR mean? • Have you ever had a DTR with someone? If yes, please share it with the group. • Why is having a DTR so important in a growing relationship?

Bible Study

Matthew 16:13-16, Mark 8:27-29, and Luke 9:18-20 all record a moment at which Jesus initiated a DTR. (Choose one or more of these passages to read together as a group. Then, discuss the following questions.) • What is happening in this passage?

• What does this passage say a person must do to follow Jesus? • Can a person really be a follower of Jesus without it costing him/her something? Explain. A fan is an enthusiastic admirer. A follower is completely committed to Jesus. A fan runs little risk in cheering on his team. A follower recognizes that he or she must be willing to give up everything for the sake of Christ. Scripture is very clear that Jesus is looking for followers, not fans. Jesus never sweet-talks anyone in order to get him or her to stick around; rather, He points out the cost of following Him. Every believer must take a good hard look at his relationship with Jesus and define whether he or she is a fan or follower.

Wrap Up

Think and pray this week about where your relationship with Jesus stands. Ask Him to reveal to you the truth: whether you are a fan or follower. Come back next week ready to share your answer. Before next week, memorize Luke 9:23 –Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

• This conversation is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. What does that tell you about its importance?

• You own at least three Christian t-shirts. • You’ve been called Jesus boy, Christian girl, Jesus freak, or any other Christian nickname.

• How much has Jesus interfered with your life? Why do you think that is?

• You’ve volunteered with Children’s Ministry.

• What does this verse mean?

• Why do you think Jesus puts his followers on the spot to answer this question?

• The term “Christian” seems to have lost much of its meaning today. How would you define what it really means to be a Christian (a follower of Christ)? Would your friends agree with your definition? Would Jesus agree?

• You open your Bible and take notes during sermons.

Read Luke 9:23 together. Discuss:

Okay, how did everyone do?

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>> EVANGELISM: HOW TO BRING IT UP WITHOUT THROWING UP

discussion starters

THE Cause Circle Theme Evangelism

Objective

Students will gain a fresh perspective on evangelism as “THE Cause” that Jesus called His followers to—making disciples who make disciples—and will learn a simple strategy to help them be purposeful about sharing their faith with their friends.

Warm Up

Would You Rather – Google “would you rather questions for teenagers.” As you ask the questions, have students move to opposite sides of the room to vote their choices.

Transition

Explain: We make a lot of choice in our lives, don’t we? Some choices are goofy, like the game we just played. But other choices we make are more serious—like, for example what we choose to invest our heart and passion into. Ask: • What are examples of the kinds of things people choose to invest their heart and passion into? • What about “causes” that people get passionate about? What are some of the “causes” you or people you know have gotten involved in? • Are some causes more “worthy” than others? How does someone decide which to get involved in and which to steer clear of?

Bible Study

Explain: We’re going see if we can learn something about “causes” from Jesus. After all, if we want to be like Jesus, what’s important to Him should be important to us too. Let’s start by reading Luke 19:10. Ask: • According to this passage, what was THE Cause that Jesus was passionate about? • Read John 14:6. What did Jesus say about the way to eternal life? • Does sharing Jesus’ message of eternal life with others as “THE Cause” of all causes make sense? Why or why not? • How does sharing the gospel help others? • Does becoming a Christian change how people treat others? Should it? • Does reaching the lost have the potential to correct social injustices and make the world a better place? Why do you think that? • Read Matthew 28:19-20. What does this passage say about Jesus’ call for us to be involved in THE Cause of making disciples who make disciples?

The Video

Show the Dare 2 Share video “THE Cause Circle” featuring Derwin Gray (the “Evangelism Linebacker”) explaining a simple strategy for becoming more purposeful about reaching your friends with the gospel. Ask: • Derwin Gray used the phrase, “Pray with passion.” Why is praying for our friends who don’t know Jesus important? • “Pursue with love.” Are you comfortable with the idea of “pursuing” your friends with love for the purpose of sharing Jesus with them? • Are you comfortable “pursuing” spiritual conversations with your friends who need Jesus? Why or why not? • Derwin talked about “persuading with truth.” What does that look like in real life? • Do you agree with each of the “ABCs” of Accepting Christ, Belonging to a church and Committing to THE Cause of making disciples who make disciples? Why or why not?

Wrap Up

Explain: THE Cause Circle is a simple tool to help you be more purposeful about sharing Jesus’ message of grace and hope. You’ll find your own personal Cause Circle on your handout. Take a moment and pray about which person you should start to pray for, pursue and persuade during these next couple weeks. Write their name in the center of your circle. (Give students a minute to write down a name. Then have them break into pairs and spend a few minutes praying with passion for that friend.) So we start by “praying.” But then we must move to “pursuing.” For practical hands-on ideas about how to start a spiritual conversation with your friend, go to the website noted on your handout. You’ll find specific questions and compliments that will help you have real give-and-take conversations with people who are coming from many different spiritual perspectives. Definitely check it out online or download the Dare 2 Share mobile app for easy access to this info. Walk students through the Persuade With Truth section of their handout and explain the GOSPEL. Close with an invitation to trust in Christ, by saying something like: “Maybe there are some here today who have never heard the gospel explained in a way that they’ve understood before. If that’s true for any of you, I invite you to put your trust in Jesus right now. I invite you to pray this prayer along with me. Keep in mind that saying a prayer isn’t what gets you into this relationship with God, it’s just a way for you to express what’s happening in your soul if you decide to trust in Jesus. “Dear God, I know that my sins have broken my relationship with you and that nothing I can do will ever change that. But right now, I believe that Jesus died in my place and rose again from the dead. I trust in Him to forgive me for my sins. Through faith in Him, I am entering an eternal relationship with you. Thank you for this free gift! In Jesus’ name, amen.”

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discussion starters

THE Cause Circle Luke 19:10 According to this passage, what was THE Cause that Jesus was passionate about?

THE Cause Circle In the middle of the circle, write the name of one friend who needs Jesus.

John 14:6 What is Jesus saying here about the way to eternal life?

Does it make sense to think of sharing Jesus’ message of eternal life with others as “THE Cause” of all causes? Why or why not?

How does sharing the gospel help others?

Pray with Passion Does becoming a Christian change how people treat others? Should it?

Pray for your friend every day and ask God to prepare their heart to hear about Jesus’ free gift of grace and hope.

Pursue with Love Does reaching the lost have the potential to correct social injustices and make the world a better place? Why do you think that?

Matthew 28:19-20 What does this passage say about Jesus’ call for us to be involved in THE Cause of making disciples who make disciples?

For practical ideas on how to initiate spiritual conversations with your friends, go to dare2share.org/worldviews or download the Dare 2 Share mobile app. The website or the “How to Share” section of the app will provide you with loads of specific questions and compliments for real give-and-take conversations with people from diverse spiritual perspectives.

Persuade with the Truth The following GOSPEL acrostic provides a clear and concise way to explain the gospel. For a more detailed explanation of each point or to watch a video explaining the GOSPEL with a friend, go to lifein6words.com. God created us to be with Him. Our sin separated us from God. Sins cannot be removed by good deeds. Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again. Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life. Life that’s eternal starts now and lasts forever.

Remember the “ABC’s” Accept Christ Belong to a Church Commit to THE Cause

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discussion starters

Campus Ministry On Limited Time Though we are all busy, many of us still have a desire in our hearts to be used by God in the lives of others. In this article we want to show you ways you can invest in ministry to teens even if you have limited time. As part of this study, take five minutes and view the video on MVL82 story about Gerin – a busy college student who developed a ministry with teens at a local school.

Where To Begin?

Let’s start with Ephesians 2:10 as a back drop: For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. The word “workmanship” – translated from the original Greek language – is the word we use to describe poetry. We know that every piece of poetry is unique and beautiful in its own way, and that every word is chosen with great care. So it is with each of us who have been created as new creations in Christ. You are uniquely gifted and equipped by God to do good works. And God has already prepared in advance the good works he has chosen for you. So let’s begin with confidence in God’s work in and through us to lead others to him. This is at the heart of our motivation. Here are Seven Key Steps in shaping your campus ministry on limited time.

1. Team Up

If at all possible, team up with a church or Christian organization in your community that is reaching out to students and schools and sharing the good news of Jesus. Take a good look at your schedule and make some hard decisions about the time you will invest in ministry. Remember, this is an investment that will have eternal results. Then check with the youth department at your church and the campus organizations in your community for opportunities. Most ministries have need for volunteers, and some need part time interns. For a list of potential organizations that work with schools check out everyschool.com. If you have no existing ministry to join with, begin to build your own team. To get started you can find expert help at The Coaching Center. Just email coach@gocampus.org.

2. Pray for Students and the School

Putting prayer on the front end, not the back, is vital as we enter into any kind of ministry, especially when we hope to see students come to Christ. With your team make prayer a priority. There is more complete information at everyschool.com (campus prayer guide).

3. Value Students and Go to Students

Whether you are an adult or student yourself, valuing other students is a sure way to win friends and influence people. Just ask yourself, what would make you feel comfortable with another person. It is simple - when you feel respected and valued, then you feel comfortable and loved. It wins every time. Just do the same with students. Listen to them, compliment them, be genuine in your love. Remember also that students typically will not come to you. But you can go to them and that includes the school campus. If you are allowed to go on campus be sure you know how to approach the school. Here is some help in relating to schools. Whether or not you can visit the campus, there are many ways to be with students.

4. Get to Know the Student Culture

A campus is a unique tapestry of friends, social groups, cliques, classes and teams. There are many “tribes” that make up one school. Identifying these tribes or groups is called mapping and decoding the campus. The student body is very relational and grouporiented. Knowing a little about the social tapestry will help you immensely as you begin to relate to students.

5. Identify and Train the Christian Students and Leaders

As soon as possible identify the Christians at school and from your church who have a heart to reach out to other students. They are your team on campus. You may or may not be able to visit the campus, but the Christian students are there every day. Encourage and train them in how to relate to, pray for and share Christ with other students. Your role with Christian students can best be described as “coach.” They are the primary players on the field.

6. Reach Out to Students Who Need the Gospel

By now you are part of a team of students and adults and it is never to early to begin reaching out to students who do not know Christ. This is when mapping and decoding your campus becomes helpful. Coach the students in how to develop relationships and share Christ with others in their classes, teams or other groups on campus. Take your own steps of faith and ask to meet with the friends of your Christian students. Look for opportunities to share Christ with those friends. Though your time is limited, you can still pick one particular group on campus, a team, a clique or a class, and focus on sharing Christ with that group.

7. Disciple Students Multiply

This is the goal of all you do - seeing students who walk with Christ leading more students to Christ, and in turn helping them reach others. This is simple multiplication, but it does not happen unless we are intentional. One of the best ways to multiply is through small groups. This is where students study the Word, feel free to be vulnerable with one another, and are trained and encouraged. This video will help you visualize spiritual multiplication at your school. Go ahead. Give it a passionate try. Even on limited time you can experience a fruitful and fulfilling ministry with students. But remember this important factor: we become better at something by doing it, sometimes over and over. Building an effective campus ministry will take time. So as you reach out to students do not let failure stop you. Get up if you need to and keep going. The results will exceed your expectations!

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discussion starters

Campus Ministry: Getting Started To minister, in its simplest form, means to represent someone who wants to deliver a message, bring a gift, share a resource, whatever one person wants to give to another. The minister is the one who delivers the goods. A campus ministry is essentially just that: It’s taking God’s blessings, his resources, and a timely message to students and their schools. Paul the apostle, one of the great ministers of all time, described ministry this way: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God was making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:17a, NIV). In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 he added, “As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become dear to us.” (NIV) Campus ministry is defined in these scriptures:

The Effect On Campus Ministry:

• We represent Christ’s character and qualities, which He demonstrates through us by his Spirit.

• Clarify in your own mind your motive for campus ministry. Is it to reach out and care for kids and educators? That attitude will help you relax and focus.

• We deeply care about students, their school, and the teachers and administration. • We are delighted to share the Gospel. • We are delighted to share our lives in relational and sacrificial ministry. • We are a help, not a burden, to the school.

What Makes The Campus Unique?

• Respect the administration, follow their guidelines and policies, and remember – God positions all governing authorities. (Romans 13:1-3) • Build relationships with administrators, meet with them, ask how you can help the school. Get clarity on guidelines.

First, the campus is THE cultural center for youth in your town or city. It is a tapestry of groups and relationships, and communication between students is flowing seamlessly because of this social environment at the school. The fun part of campus ministry is entering into this dynamic culture. Practically, it is the most important place for you to connect.

• Serve the school where you are able – volunteering, mentoring, coaching, counseling, school clean up, administrative help. When we serve we are really bringing the good will of Jesus Christ to the situation.

Second, a school is administratively controlled which means that there are guidelines and rules for both students and faculty, and certainly visitors from the outside. Some administrators allow and welcome the faith-based community to participate (with limitations) in the environment of a school. They see it as a positive influence that helps them in their goals of developing solid young students and citizens.

• DON’T expect the school to endorse your ministry. They are a public institution and what you do is different from them. But as someone who cares about kids, you are a positive part of the community and many schools recognize your value.

Other administrators are leery of welcoming the faith-based community, usually citing lack of legal clarity. In reality, it comes down to each Administration or school district deciding how they will handle outside visitors to their school. There are neither specific laws nor legal precedents to guide schools, other than the fact that visitors must have permission to enter a campus and interact with students. However, administrators must treat religious groups or individuals in the same manner that they treat secular groups or individuals. They clearly are the gatekeepers for outsiders, but must remain blind to religion based on the first amendment and equal access guidelines.

• Be consistent. Once you start, keep going. You will be trusted in large part because of your faithfulness.

How To Minister On Campus • As an ambassador of Jesus Christ, what you bring to the campus is a living example of genuine interest in kids: love, hope, fun, and involvement in their lives. • Use your time on campus to build relationships with students, meet new students, and strengthen your connection with faculty. • Lunch times are the best time for visiting schools. • Some schools allow outsiders to be club sponsors or speak at clubs or other groups that are organized by the students. But don’t just visit the club; if it is allowed, visit the campus. Get to know many students! • Often teachers and coaches enjoy having guest speakers, so prepare some talks on subjects that they need – cultural issues, motivation, etc. – and make yourself available.

Campus Ministry Beyond The Campus • An effective campus ministry is a blend of both personal one-on-one time as well as group programs to share Christ and build disciples balanced with your church youth program. • As someone who cares about the spiritual life of kids, you will want to offer every student possible the opportunity to know Christ personally. However, unless it is in the setting of a club or Christian organization on campus, in most cases the place to share the gospel with students is after school, before school, or in the evenings. • Meeting to have spiritual conversations with students often happens at burger places, Starbucks, student hangouts, student’s homes, your church. • Group outreach and discipleship usually takes place in homes, at church, and in some cases back on the campus after school. Schools will often grant use of their facilities, especially if your students register as an official school club.

Christian Students and Campus Ministry • Your students have freedom at school far beyond your liberties. • They are the real campus missionaries, on site. • Encourage and challenge the students in your youth group to see their school as their Godgiven mission field. Make campus outreach a focal point of your youth ministry. • Early on, equip your students to share their faith. • Pray with your students for their friends and other students at the school. • Help them with a plan. • If you are allowed to visit the campus, do it often – it will encourage your students! • Champion every student who takes a step to reach out at school. Remember, a campus minister represents God by bringing his blessings, resources, and timely message to students. It is by far the best step you can take to touch the mass of teenagers in your community.

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Leader Guide

SKILLET

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

SKILLET SKILLET.COM

RISE ATLANTIC/WORD RECORDS

SICK OF IT

MANDY KYES

Bible Study

Wrap Up

Theme Social Justice

Objective

Students will examine the things of this world they want to change by taking a stand for justice.

Warm Up

I’m Sick Of… – For this activity, you will need butcher/poster paper (preferably white or tan) or a whiteboard and a handful of markers/dry erase markers. Say something like, “We live in a pretty messed up world. There are some things that I wish just didn’t exist such as depression, abuse, and low self-esteem. I’m just sick of these kinds of things. Think about some things that you’re sick of seeing around you. Be serious; it’s important that this isn’t taken lightly. Then, grab a marker and write out what you’re sick of. It can be a word or a phrase. Either way, just write it down.” Play some music (not the “Sick of It” song) while students write down their responses. If students seem stumped, write down something that you think of to help the process. Keep going until you have many responses.

Transition

Discuss how we can overlook a lot of the responses on the board because they are so common. Ask students to explain some of the ‘sick of’ responses. For example, “I’m sick of anxiety because it has been affecting my daily routine” could be a response. Always give an example to lead students into further, deeper discussion. Then let students know that Skillet’s song “Sick of It” is exactly what they are feeling toward the responses they’ve generated.

The Video

The song “Sick of It” by Skillet is their first released single from their newest album, Rise. The song is an anthem against mediocrity, against worldly things, and against standing by while allowing those things to continue. Play the video and have students fill out the Lingering Lyrics section on their handouts.

Transition

Spend time in discussion over some of the lyrics that stood out to some of the students. Ask them to describe how the song made them feel – angry, happy, pumped up, etc. Discuss what students think the message of the song is overall.

Say something like, “We often stand by and allow ourselves to accept what the world has to offer. However, we aren’t called to be worldly; we’re called to be holy.” Pass out Bibles. Have student volunteers read the verses aloud, and have the students fill out the Student Guide section called The Word Says. Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do right. Seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless. Plead the case of the widow. Discuss with students what these two verses mean. • Do they go hand in hand? If yes, how and why? • Why are we called to not conform to this world? • What is justice? • Why do we need to stick up for people who are being oppressed by others? Mention that if we want change, it has to start with us.

SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY CHURCH INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA MANDYKYES@HOTMAIL.COM

Christians are called to be set apart from this world. We need to stand up to the things we’re sick of – the things that are not right, not good, not true. Have students take a moment to look at the responses that were written down on the whiteboard/sheet. Have students complete the Take A Stand section on their Student Guide and challenge them to stand up against worldly acts, thoughts, ideals, etc. Pray and end with students either erasing the whiteboard or crossing out the words/phrases on the butcher/poster paper as a symbolic statement to take a stand against the things they’re sick of.

Student Guide

SKILLET

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

SKILLET SKILLET.COM

RISE ATLANTIC/WORD RECORDS

SICK OF IT

SOCIAL JUSTICE

I’m Sick Of…

Write down some of the things you’re sick of (For example, bullying).

The Word Says… Romans 12:2

Do not ___________ to the pattern of this world, but be _______________ by the renewing of

Take A Stand

What are you willing to take a stand against? Change starts with you! Write out a pledge to stand up against certain things you’re sick of. Then pray for the strength to stand strong against these things.

your _________. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and _____________ will.

Lingering Lyrics

As you watch the video, write down some lines that really stood out to you.

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do _________. Seek ___________. Defend the ______________. Take up the ________ of the fatherless. Plead the __________ of the widow. What do these two verses mean? Do they go hand in hand; If yes, how and why?

What message do you get from this song?

Why are we called to not conform to this world? What is justice? Why is sticking up for people who are being oppressed by others important?

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ALONE YET NOT ALONE 1 Youthworker Guide “Behind The Scenes” TRD

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TRD “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide ALONE YET NOT ALONE 2 ALONE YET NOT ALONE

READ THIS FIRST! Your young preteen and teenaged girls have grown up watching movies. They’ve seen them in theaters, in classrooms, in their living room, and maybe even in their family’s car. They’ve memorized lines of their favorite films. They’ve dressed up as movie characters for Halloween. They are continually being shaped by what they see and hear through the movies they view. There’s no doubt about it; movies are a big part of their lives! But the movie Alone Yet Not Alone has the potential to be much more than those movies. This movie won’t require them to wear 3-D glasses or blow out their eardrums with massive explosions. Seeing Alone Yet Not Alone will be a new experience for these young girls because of the way it will engage …their brain. With your effort and plans, when they see Alone Yet Not Alone they’ll use their brain instead of just their eyes and ears. You, a savvy youth leader, will help them discover that movies are more than what is seen on the screen or heard through the sound system. Movies contain messages – ideas and viewpoints that moviemakers want their audiences to understand and experience. Now that your young friends are old enough to figure these things out for themselves, they’ll start noticing more and more messages in movies. When your students use their brain while watching a movie, these films become a whole new experience. Using your brain while watching a movie is like raising your hands in the air while riding a gnarly rollercoaster. The experience and thrills go to a whole new level!

messages. The material in this Guide is kind of like one of those “secret decoder rings” that young kids used to play with – but more fun! The Film Based on a true story, Alone Yet Not Alone begins when the Leininger family arrives in the New World in 1755 and starts to enjoy the fruits of freedom and hard work. But, Native Americans attack the family – and carry away two sisters, Barbara and Regina. In the following years both girls rely on their faith in God’s presence, even in the darkest of circumstances. This inspirational film will especially appeal to the preteen and teenaged girls in your youth ministry. The heroines’ faith, courage, and inner strength are virtues you want to foster in all your female students. Barbara, Regina, and the rest of the family can be role models for the inner strength, conviction, and faith that every youth leader hopes to encourage in his or her young friends. This Material You have in this “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide a complete resource that will enable you to use the film for lifechanging ministry. Here are the elements that are included: Timeline – This is an easy-to-follow listing of what to do in the weeks leading up to the film's release. Session 1 – Built around the scene of the Leininger family sitting around the dinner table, this session explains that everyone can plan on experiencing trouble, but we don’t have to face those troubles alone; God is always with us. This

That’s where this “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide comes in. When you put into action the ideas included here, you’ll help your young friends know what to look for in the film and be better equipped to process the film after seeing it. You and your students will go see Alone Yet Not Alone with some insider info that will help them recognize the film’s

session should be used the week before your movie outing. Session 2 – This session can be used after seeing the film, maybe even that same evening. It reinforces the concept that sacrifice is the ultimate form of love and that forgiveness is godly. The scene from the film is of a young woman (Lydia) who sacrifices herself for the sake of two young boys. While being put to death, she forgives her tormentors. Session 3 – This can be an excellent opportunity for you to present the Gospel to kids who were brought by friends to see the film. It uses a beautiful scene from the film when Barbara talks about Jesus in response to hearing about the “Great Spirit” and “Evil Spirit.” Use this session the week after seeing the film with your students. More Themes – In addition to the three youth meeting sessions, there are supplementary themes that the movie highlights. We’ve included some Bible passages and possible discussion questions for each of them. We hope that this movie will be an important step in reaching and teaching young girls to follow Christ with all their heart. Our prayers are with you!

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AYNA TIMELINE Since we understand the “ready, fire, aim” nature of youth ministry (being youth leaders ourselves), we’ve created this resource to help you make the most of the upcoming Alone Yet Not Alone film. The planning has been done for you; all you have to do is make this strategy happen. Easy! Now Determine when you’ll take your group to the movie – Many youth leaders will want to take their groups to see AYNA on the opening night/weekend. The opening is on a Friday night, so check for school events that might get in the way. Plan your date, and then get moving on the rest of this checklist. Five Weeks Out Form an AYNA Team – You’ll need help if you’re going to make the most of this ministry opportunity. Pull together a team of adults who can help you with the various needs of this kind of program. Put different people in charge of Prayer, Publicity, Transportation, Ticket sales, and Programming. Have them start working immediately. Have a Parent’s Meeting – Show the movie trailer to the parents, talk about your plans, answer questions, get feedback, sign up volunteers, and PRAY! Show the Trailer – Let the excitement begin by showing the movie trailer to your youth and by talking about the ministry potential of this opportunity. Begin Promoting – Here are a couple of ideas that might work with your group: Texting – Start by sending “What’s an AYNA?” texts to your students. Ringtones/Themes – Have a “Who Has The Coolest AYNA Phone?” contest each week during your youth meetings with the winner of the previous meeting taking on the challengers. Judge phones on the basis of coolest desktop, ringtones, etc. Award the final winner two free tickets to the movie, one for themselves and one for a pre-Christian friend. Time Travel – Have students dress up in their best “old-timey clothes” for one meeting. Have students vote on the best outfit and award that person with two free tickets to the movie.

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Initiate Prayer Effort – Unfortunately, many youth leaders make great plans and then merely pray that God will bless their efforts. In this case, you need a prayer team to talk to God about the pre-Christian kids that need to see the movie and hear the Gospel. You need prayer team members who will each take on one or two students from your group and pray for them daily – that those students will be bold and invite their friends to the film.

Confirm Tickets – Make sure you have ordered enough to handle inevitable lastminute additions.

Four Weeks Out Keep Praying – See if your students will identify two “I wanna ask ’em” friends that your prayer team can start praying for.

Last Minute Blitz – Use every communication tool you have to flood students with AYNA messages. Use email, social media, text, Chat Rooms, phone calls, snail mail, smoke signals, Morse Code, two-cans-and-a-string — everything possible!

Keep praying for the kids, promoting the movie, and selling tickets. Movie Week First AYNA-themed meeting – Refer to the Meeting Guide.

Keep Promoting – If you can, have different AYNA “characters” show up at your youth meetings to give announcements, participate in skits, etc.

Reconfirm Transportation – Make sure you have one or two cars on standby in case you have a lot of “walk ups” – kids who just “show up” but you had no idea were coming.

Start Selling Tickets – Do what some professional football teams do and sell only pairs of tickets. That way you’ll encourage your students to bring an unchurched friend with them to the movie.

Reconfirm Ticket Count – See “Reconfirm Transportation” – You’re better off having a few too many tickets than too few.

Three Weeks Out Keep Praying, Promoting, and Selling Tickets – By now you should have an idea if you need to snag even more seats for the theater showing.

Sign-In – Prepare “AYNA Cards” so you can get contact information for each student attending the movie with your group. These cards will be very important for your follow-up strategy.

Reader’s Theater – Have five or six of your most-talented readers create a “Reader’s Theater” presentation of a chapter from the Alone Yet Not Alone book.

One Week After Within 24 hours – Have someone personally contact each student who attended the movie. Invite each student to the follow-up AYNA youth meeting.

Two Weeks Out Phone-chain – Initiate a program to call each student on your list, talk to them about going to the movie, and ask about the friends they’re bringing with them. Show the Trailer – The more your students know about the film, the more likely they will be to invite their unchurched friends to attend a showing of the movie with them. Keep praying for the kids, promoting the movie, and selling tickets.

Third AYNA-themed meeting – This session is aimed at sharing the Gospel, so work hard to get all the kids to come back for this session. Pray that the Lord will continue to work in the students’ lives even after the program ends.

One Week Out Finalize Transportation – Make sure you have enough vehicles, drivers, leaders, and materials you plan to have in each vehicle.

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“Behind ALONE The Scenes” Youthworker ALONE YETTRD NOT 4 Guide ALONE YET NOT ALONE

Intro We all know that students are immersed in a multi-media world. They see things differently, they hear things differently, and they learn things differently. So anytime you can incorporate video and music into a message, they listen more intently. You know this already and I have no doubt that the resource you have in your hand right now will benefit your students immensely. Add on the fact that you are one “hip” youth leader, and that’s a combination that students can’t ignore. Feel free to tweak these resources as you see fit; they are simply to help guide and facilitate discussion. Our prayers are with you and your group as you go on this journey!

Session 1: Family At The Dinner Table Theme God will never leave you nor forsake you. Objective Students will be reassured that despite the trials that they encounter, God will never leave them nor forsake them. Warm Up Chain Tag – All players (except two) form into buddy pairs and link arms. Pairs spread out over the playing area. There is one player as “It” and one player being chased – the “Runner.” The “Runner” may run up beside any buddy pair and link his arm with one free arm of a buddy. This makes three students together – which is not allowed. So, the member of the buddy team that the “Runner” did not link arms with is now the “Runner.” “It” can tag the “Runner” at any point. As soon as the “Runner” is tagged, the “Runner” is “It” and “It” is now the “Runner.” Make sense?

up with their partner. Ask if it was difficult following who was “abandoned” and who was “It”. Let students know that we may often feel abandoned by many people, but that there is Someone who will never leave us: God. The Clip Play Movie Clip #1. The Leininger family is about to have dinner, the father reads from the Bible, and the family unites in finishing the verse, “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” The father continues to say, “Each of you will have times of testing in your life, but no matter how dark the wilderness, God will never leave you nor forsake you.” Transition Discuss with students what stood out to them about the scene. Bible Study Say something like, “It’s easy to feel abandoned when our society is continually portraying abandonment. You may experience abandonment in only having one parent at home, or in an old group of friends who no longer greet you with smiles but instead gossip about you. You might feel abandonment when you make a mistake and no one is willing to forgive you. We can rest assured that when everyone else abandons us, God never will.” Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Think of a time that you’ve really been tested. How were you able to

Transition After the laughter and excitement dies down, ask students how they felt when they had to run after someone else linked

get through that tough time? • How does this verse reassure you as you face certain trials and situations? John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” • Mr. Leininger tells his family that there WILL be times of testing in their lives. Why do you think Mr. Leininger was able to make that statement? • What are some of the “trials” you have had or are currently facing? • What hope does this verse hold for us? (Christ has overcome the world.) Wrap Up We can get down on ourselves when we feel as though everyone is abandoning us. Our trials are intensified when we feel alone and our hope diminishes. However, we can have confidence because God has promised us that He will never leave us nor forsake us – and no matter what trials we face, they’ve already been conquered by Christ. Pray that students recognize that they have God on their side, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Also pray for the students who are currently feeling abandoned, that they may find peace in God’s promises.

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Session 2: Lydia’s Compassion Toward Those Hurting Her

so. Say, “Sometimes we have to sacrifice for the betterment of others.”

Theme Sacrifice and Forgiveness

The Clip Play Movie Clip #2. Lydia and two young boys escape during a raid and hide under a small cliff. Knowing that being found was inevitable and that the boys would be killed if found, Lydia allows herself to be caught. Her punishment is to be burned at the stake. While the fire is being lit, she tells the other captives, including Barbara, “Don’t cry for me – the Lord has shown me that I will be with Him in Heaven today.” When one of her captors tells her that she won’t, Lydia tells him, “I forgive you, I forgive you, I forgive you.”

Objective Students will recognize the significance of Christ’s sacrifice as well as the importance of forgiveness. Warm Up Wink, Murder – This is an awesome “zero-prep” game that can be pretty entertaining. Have students sit in a circle, close their eyes, and bow their heads. (NO PEEKING!) Tap a student on the back of their head. This student will be the Wink Murderer. When you have tapped the student’s head, stand in the middle of the circle and say, “A murderer is among us!” Students raise their heads and begin to look around the circle at each other. The student who is the Wink Murderer winks at people who make eye contact with him or her. The students that get winked at portray a dramatic “death” and fall to the floor or slump over in their seat. If a student who is “alive” wants to make an accusation (guess who the murderer is), he or she yells, “I have an accusation!” and takes his or her guess. If the guess is wrong, that person must “die.” The game continues until someone correctly accuses the Wink Murderer. Play as many rounds as you have time for. Transition Ask students if it was worth making an accusation when they could possibly “die” by doing

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for us even when we were the ones who put Him there in the first place. However, He still forgave us and continues to forgive us.

Transition Discuss with students what stood out to them about the scene. • Did Lydia react the way you would have reacted if you were captured and about to die? • How hard would it have been for you to offer forgiveness to someone who was about to kill you?

Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • How hard is forgiving people who have hurt you? • If we are commanded to forgive each other just as Christ forgave us, what must that forgiveness look like? • Is there someone you can think of right now that you need to forgive? Wrap Up Sacrificing ourselves for the benefit of others doesn’t have to mean that we have to die; by sacrificing our own desires we can follow Christ’s example. Sacrifice is the ultimate form of love, and Christ gave it abundantly. Not only did He sacrifice Himself, He forgave us for all of our sins. This week, think of someone you need to forgive, or someone you need to ask forgiveness from, and grant him or her the forgiveness you’ve held back.

Bible Study Watching that scene can bring out strong emotions. The willingness of Lydia to save the two young boys, knowing that she will most certainly be put to death, is a noble act that stems out of the greatest love possible: the love of Christ.

Pray that students have the strength to give forgiveness and ask for it from those they’ve wronged.

John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” • Do you think Lydia loved those two little boys to do what she did? Why? • Think of your siblings (if you have any) or your best friend. Would it be easier to die for them rather than a stranger? Why or why not? Christ sacrificed Himself on the cross

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ALONE YETTRD NOT ALONE 6 Guide “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker ALONE YET NOT ALONE

Session 3: Barbara Explains The Truth About God

• Was there anything you thought she could have done better?

Theme Evangelism; Witnessing

If you have students who don’t know what “The Gospel” is, ask this question to spark discussion and get students asking their own questions and giving their own answers (this can be a HUGE opportunity for nonbelieving students!) • What exactly is the Gospel? Can someone explain it to me?

Objective Students will realize the importance of sharing the Gospel with those that haven’t heard it. Warm Up Telephone – This is an old but classic game. Have students sit in either a circle or in a line. Whisper a phrase or saying to the student on the end. That student must then whisper what he or she heard to the person next to him or her. Only whispering is allowed, and only one “Operator” is allowed (when a student wants the person to repeat what was said one more time, they say “Operator.”) The initial phrase continues to be whispered down the line (or around the circle) until the last student is reached. After hearing the phrase, the last student stands up and says the phrase out loud. (This is where it gets funny. The phrase that started usually becomes something completely different.) Once in a while students will get the phrase correct, but more often than not, they completely butcher it. Transition Was this game difficult? What was the main problem that was faced in sharing the news you had? Sometimes, when we want to share something with someone, the message gets a little twisted, and it gets lost in translation. However, if we understand the urgency of certain messages, the meaning can be crystal clear. The Clip Play Movie Clip #3, which depicts beautiful scenery where Galasko and Barbara discuss the “Great Spirit” and the “white man’s God.” Barbara tells Galasko that her God made the Heavens and the Earth, and sent His son, Jesus, to save us. Galasko states that he doesn’t know her God, but he realizes her God is powerful and good, as He made Susquehanna beautiful and graceful. Transition Discuss with students what stood out to them about the scene. • How did Barbara handle introducing Galasko to her beliefs about God and Jesus? • What was great about the way Barbara shared her faith?

Bible Study Sharing our faith can be an intimidating experience. We don’t want to seem too pushy, but we also don’t want people to miss out on the Gospel. Even though we may be nervous sharing our faith, we need to realize that Jesus has commanded us to do just that. Matthew 28:18-20 – “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” • Why is it important to share our faith with people who don’t know about Jesus? • What are some reactions that you’ve experienced after sharing the Gospel? • Is there a “right” way to share your faith? When we share our faith, there are so many ways to go about it. However, we should realize that The Holy Spirit will guide us in our conversation. John 16:13 – “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.” • What does this verse mean to you? • Does it make you feel a little better about

sharing the Gospel now that you know the Holy Spirit guides you? Wrap Up Sharing our faith can be hard, but if we don’t share, who will? When we remember that Jesus has entrusted us to share His story, we start to realize just how important it is for others to hear about Him. End in prayer. Pray for students to be bold when they share their faith and that the Holy Spirit will guide them in their words and actions. After the prayer BE AVAILABLE! Some students may have questions about the Gospel, and if they are pre-Christians, this provides you with an amazing opportunity to introduce them to Jesus. Other students may want advice about a certain friend and how to go about sharing. So, be available!

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Additional Themes And Ideas Abducted, yet not abandoned. Imprisoned, yet not enslaved. Alone, yet not alone. A young pre-teen girl is torn from her family, forced to live in a different culture and assume a new identity. And yet, she does not lose her faith. There are some powerful Biblical principles portrayed in this film that youth leaders need to teach to their students. In addition to the three sessions that are included in this Youthworker Guide, here are some follow-up ideas based on scenes from the film that you can use with your young girls. Taken! Barbara was torn away from her family, and even from her little sister who was also abducted, and forced to become absorbed into the culture of the Indians. She was even given a new name, was expected to turn her blonde hair dark, and was instructed to follow the Indian gods. Teaching Point: Even though circumstances are bad, we can maintain faith in God. Key Scripture: Daniel 1 (Daniel, a teenager, was forced from his home and country. He was given a new name and placed in a training facility to learn the new culture. But, he kept his faith in God.) Discussion Questions: • In verse 8, Daniel “resolved” to stay faithful. Have you ever been in a position where you almost HAD to do something you knew was wrong? How did you handle it? • Daniel’s plan – ask permission – was foiled, so he came up with another plan. Have you ever given in to doing something wrong after your first escape plan fell though? How could you have responded differently? • Nobody experiences a noticeable difference after just ten days of changing

their diet. Notice what verse 15 says. What do you learn from that? (God can even do the miraculous to help you remain faithful.) • Notice the final results in verses 19-20. God really honored Daniel’s faith! Wouldn’t you like Him to do the same for you? Escape Attempt Barbara tried to escape and was captured again. When she comes to, she is tied to a tree, and ready to be burned at the stake. She prays for God to intervene and rescue her. Galasko shows up and stomps out the fire, saving her. He proceeds to tell his brother and another warrior that she was brave to try to rescue her sister, and that if one of their brothers were taken, would they not go after him? Galasko tells them to not dishonor her courage. Teaching Point: Doing what’s right, and putting others before you, takes courage. Key Scripture: Luke 15:1-6 (The parable of the “lost sheep”) Discussion Questions: • Barbara promised to take care of her sister, but they were separated. How did she still try to keep her promise? • Has someone ever broken a promise that was made to you? How did you respond? • What about a promise you’ve made but broken? Can you still keep that promise? • How does the shepherd searching for a lost sheep fit into this story? • Where are you in this story – the lost sheep, or safe with the other sheep? Recognition Toward the end of the film, Regina recognized her mother’s voice and song. Teaching Point: The closer you get to God, the more you can recognize His “voice.” Key Scripture: John 10:14-18 (“…My sheep know Me… will listen to My voice…”) Discussion Questions: • Do you have a pet that knows your voice, your look, and your smell? How does that pet respond to “new” people? • How is Jesus like a shepherd? • Sometimes, discerning whether God is at work or our own desires are in charge, is hard. How can you tell if God is doing something around you?

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True Beauty In the scene where the two of them are crossing a river, Galasko tells Barbara that her God has made her more beautiful than anyone and more graceful than a deer. Teaching Point: What is true beauty? Key Scripture: Proverbs 31:30 (“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”) Discussion Questions: • What makes a person “beautiful”? • Do you know good-looking people who are a pain to be around? Do their good looks overcome their obnoxious attitudes? • Why would the Bible say that beauty is “fleeting”? • What one step can you take to become a woman who “fears the Lord”? Reunion Near the end of the movie, David discovers that Marie kept her promise and waited for him to return from war. Teaching Point: Love is patient. Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Discussion Questions: • Waiting is very hard for most people. Why do you think we are in such a hurry to experience love? • How is real love different from infatuation? • Do you think a person “falls in love” only once? • What’s the difference between “falling in love” and “choosing to love”? The Theme Song We all know the power of a song to multiply a movie’s impact. Rarely does a movie use the theme song as powerfully as AYNA. The song is sung by the Mrs. Leininger to her young children, the girls sing it as a reminder during their captivity, and in an interesting twist the song is central to the reuniting of the mother and daughters at the film’s climax. We will be developing additional resources around the song for your AYNA ministry plan. The Book Rich in historical details, the AYNA Book is the story of Barbara and Regina Leininger’s miraculous survival and extraordinary faith. It is great read for youth group girls and an excellent companion resource as you use the film in your ministry. Zondervan.com

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A miraculous survival. An extraordinary faith. The Leininger family settled deep within America’s new frontier, in the Blue Mountains of Pennsylvania. They were celebrating their blessings, their faith, their freedom, and a bountiful harvest when their family was torn apart by the Penn’s Creek Massacre. When Barbara and Regina are carried away and separated by Delaware warriors, both sisters rely on their faith in God’s truth, even in their darkest hour. Alone Yet Not Alone is an inspirational true story of a family caught in the crossfire of the French and Indian War. The powerful Biblical principles portrayed in AYNA are ones that youth leaders need to teach to their students. This “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide is a complete resource that will equip you to use the film to provide life-change to the students in your ministry.

These materials written by Team interlinc Writers Mandy Kyes Southwest Community Church Indian Wells, California dragun777@aol.com Ken McCoy JumpStart Ministries Escondido, California kennymac@mac.com

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Leader Guide

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CHRIS KEATING

Have a student re-read Luke 12:15. Ask the students what they think this verse means. (It means that we are not what we own or possess.)

Wrap Up

Theme

Eternal vs. Temporal

Objective

The Video

Pass out the student guide and answer the questions about the video. Discuss:

• What did you notice about the video?

Students will learn that the things of this world are temporary and do not last; they are here today and gone tomorrow.

• What were the commercials/ads in the video representing? (Having a perfect life)

Warm Up

• What will some people do to have a perfect life?

Pass around a bowl of M&M’s and tell the people in your group to take as many as they would like but not to eat them just yet. Now tell the students that for every M&M in their hand, they have to tell the group a fact about themselves. Once they have told as many facts as they have M&M’s, then they can eat. It’s fun to see who will be greedy and take lots, and who will be hesitant and only take a couple.

Transition

It was interesting to see who took the most candy and who took the least. In our culture we are considered “successful” if we wear the latest style of clothing, drive a fancy car, have lots of friends, or have a great job making lots of money. While none of these things are wrong in themselves, we have to be careful not to be consumed with them.

• In what ways do we try to create a perfect life for ourselves? • Is it possible to have a perfect life?

Transition

Have students fill out the questions by writing down how much time they spend daily doing the activities listed. (Explain that none of these activities are wrong but this activity shows them what things are most important to them. The things we truly care about are the things that get our time.)

Bible Study

Read Luke 12:13-21 aloud. Discuss:

• What kinds of greed can you think of? (Money, Popularity, Power) • Is there anything wrong with these things? Why or Why not? • How can you guard against them?

Have a student read 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Discuss: • What did we bring into the world when we were born? • What material possession can you take with you when you die? • What should we be content with?

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Have a student read Matthew 6:2832. Say something like, “While we live on this earth we have to work to earn a living, to buy food, a home for our family, clothing etc. We must remember that our sole purpose on this earth isn’t to live the good life but to LIVE a good life that is pleasing and honoring to God.” Ask, “What are some ways we can live lives that are pleasing and honoring to God?”

• What do you think of the statement, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil”?

• 1 Chronicles 29:17 – Integrity

(You can use the A&E TV series Hoarders as an extreme example of people not willing to let go of things in their lives. Hoarders is a TV show that documents people who hoard various kinds of things from junk to animals while letting everything else go neglected.)

• Romans 14:17 – Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

Have a student re-read Luke 12:21. Ask, how do you become rich in God? (Place a higher priority on reading the Bible and prayer than you do other things. By developing a relationship with God.)

Close in prayer asking God to help us keep our focus on Him and not on the things that this world has to offer us that ultimately leave us empty inside and unfulfilled.

• Psalm 51:17 – A broken spirit and contrite heart

• Psalm 69:30-31 – Praise God in song and thanksgiving • Psalm 147:10-11 – God delights in those who fear him and put their hope in his unfailing love

Student Guide

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ETERNAL VS. TEMPORAL

Video What message did the video communicate to you?

Think About It

How much time do you spend doing these activities daily?

Bible Study

1 Timothy 6:6-10 What did we bring into the world when we were born?

___ Spending time with your family ___ Watching TV ___ Reading the Bible What were the commercials/ads in the video representing? (Having a perfect life)

___ Working ___ Helping the unfortunate

What should we be content with?_________________

___ Praying

and ___________________________________________.

___ Telling others about Jesus What will some people do to have a perfect life?

What material possession can you take with you when you die?

___ Eating out

For the ________ of money is a root of all kinds of evil.

___ Working out/staying in shape

What are some ways we can live lives that are pleasing and honoring to God?

___ Playing on your favorite game station

1 Chronicles 29:17– _____________________________

What are some ways that we can live out our life pleasing to God?

Psalm 51:17 – A ________________________________

In what ways do we try to create a perfect life for ourselves?

spirit and _________________________________ heart Romans 14:17 – _________________, ______________ and ____________________________ in the Holy Spirit

What does “A mans life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions” mean to you? Is it possible to have a perfect life?

Psalm 69:30-31 – __________________________ God in _____________________________ and thanksgiving Psalm 147:10-11 – God _________________________ in those who fear Him and put their hope in His ___________________________________________ love

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Leader Guide

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ALL IN INPOP RECORDS

ALL IN (APOLOGIZE)

Theme Commitment

Objective

Students will learn about surrender and being “all in.”

Warm Up

Transition

Discuss the game a bit, trying to bring out the idea of going “all in” with a bet. Here are some starter questions that you can use:

• What was your favorite part of this game? • Did playing with worthless “chips” diminish the fun?

• What if you were playing with real Risk It All – Make a bunch of “poker money – your own money? chips” to use in this game. (I found a • Did you ever go “all in” on a hand? couple of images of chips online, created a page full of the images, printed it off, copied it, cut the pages and made “square chips” to hand out.) Explain that Stellar Kart uses the “all Have the students form small groups in” idea in a very different way. Their of four or more. Hand out decks of “All In” song talks about the commitsome kind of playing cards (I used ment you and I need to bring to our several Uno decks and a couple Rook relationship with Jesus. We too easily decks) and the “chips” and have the hold back – maybe because we think groups play a few rounds of “the most that going “all in” will make us weird, points in the hand wins.” Dealer gives or uncomfortable, or unsatisfied. five cards to each player, and players However, only when we surrender then can discard up to four of their everything we have and everything cards for replacements from the dealwe are, will we experience the thrill of er. Players “bet” their “chips” – winner winning. Show the video. gets all the “chips” that were bet in that hand. Have some rocking music playing in the background and let the kids have a great time!

The Video

Transition

Discuss the message of the video with your students. Use these questions as a starting point to generate some freewheeling discussion:

• What do you think about the opening lyrics: “It’s easier to be the crowd / to just fit in and not stand out at all”? • What motivation does the band have for going “all in” with Jesus? • Is that enough motivation for you to do the same? • Why is walking a narrow road, knowing that you might be the only one so difficult for teenagers?

Bible Study

Hand out the Student Guides. Read through Philippians 3:12-14 and then discuss the questions below. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Study By: KEN MCCOY

JUMPSTART MINISTRIES ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA KENNYMAC@MAC.COM

• How would you describe someone who is “pressing on” to follow Jesus? • Evaluate your spiritual progress over the last several months. How can you do better in the weeks ahead? • What do you need to “forget” from your past in order to move ahead? • What could knock you off the pace and stop you from following Jesus?

Wrap Up

Use this time to challenge your young friends to go “all in” with their relationship with Jesus. Close in prayer.

Student Guide

STELLAR KART

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

STELLAR KART STELLARKART.COM

ALL IN INPOP RECORDS

ALL IN (APOLOGIZE)

COMMITMENT

Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. How would you describe someone who is “pressing on” to follow Jesus?

Evaluate your spiritual progress over the last several months. How can you do better in the weeks ahead?

What do you need to “forget” from your past in order to move ahead?

What could knock you off the pace and stop you from following Jesus?

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Leader Guide

SILVERLINE

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

SILVERLINE SILVERLINEMUSIC.COM

LIGHTS OUT DREAM RECORDS

LIGHTS OUT - LYRIC VIDEO

PAUL TURNER

Theme

Spiritual Warfare

Objective

This lesson will help students wake up to what is true and what is not true about spiritual warfare, and learn how to gain the victory over those dark places.

Warm Up

Have the “Lights Out” video playing as students walk in. Tape off an area of the room for students to have a pillow fight. Have two pillows and several blindfolds ready. Place blindfolds on three or four students and hand them a pillow. Tell them, “You will be in a pillow fight with one person. Neither of you can talk. You will gain one point for every hit and lose one point for every time you talk. You have two minutes to score as many points as possible.” Let the students go at it and then let them remove their blindfolds to see who they were fighting.

Variations: Let all the students fight, or let one student take off his blindfold and fight. Make sure he takes it easy on the blindfolded person. The lesson here is: how can you prepare if you do not know who you are fighting? The devil knows who he is fighting; do you?

Transition • How did you feel when fighting blindfolded? • If you knew who you were fighting, would it have changed your fight strategy? Why or why not?

schemes? (Un-forgiveness) Was this on your list of Satan’s tricks? Why not? We must remember, the devil is not a flashy guy in a red suit with a pitchfork – he is a liar, a thief, and murderer (John10:10) who seeks only to hurt God by hurting His kids: us.

Know Your Friends – The song says, “Now that I have found you, I see right through this dark view.” If we do not Why Are We Afraid? – Horror movies have a relationship with God, our prey on our fears. The lights are always hearts can’t discern between good out, there are creepy sounds but you and evil. (Isaiah 5:20) Even after we do not know where they are coming start following the Lord we have to from and, in general, the next victim is train ourselves, through God’s Word, lost in the woods or unfamiliar territory. to keep our facts straight about what The devil wants to keep us in the dark is good and what is evil. (Hebrews and disoriented so we do not find our 5:14) Read Colossians 1:9-12. The way to God. Read 2 Corinthians 4:4. Holy Spirit, who regenerates our hearts The more we can’t see who we are back to God, gives us the wisdom we fighting, the more likely we are to be need to fight our battles. afraid and run. The beginning of the video says, “I am not one for fighting, Lights Out – Read Matthew more like run and hiding,” Is this 4:1-10. According to the Urban you? Would you rather run from your Dictionary, “lights out” means 1) great problems or fight them? performance, and 2) a knock-out has

Bible Study

Know Your Enemy – Ask students to write on their student worksheet, for one minute, every thing they know about Satan. When the minute is up let some volunteers share what they have written. Now ask students to write down all the “tools” that Satan uses to tempt us away from God. Read 2 Corinthians 2:10-11. What does the Apostle Paul share as one of Satan’s

occurred. Write down on your student worksheet how Jesus “out performed” the devil when he tried to lure Him away. Next, write down all the ways you, through a Christ-centered lifestyle, can call it “lights out” for our enemy the next time he tries to come and tempt you.

PLEASANT GROVE ASSEMBLY PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA THEDPROJECT@ME.COM

Wrap Up

Play “Be Still” by Silverline and ask anyone who would like prayer, take a knee where they are, and someone will come pray with them.

Student Guide

SILVERLINE

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

SILVERLINE SILVERLINEMUSIC.COM

LIGHTS OUT DREAM RECORDS

LIGHTS OUT - LYRIC VIDEO

SPIRITUAL WARFARE

In what ways does the devil try to blind us?

How was Jesus “lights out” against the devil?

Write down everything you know about the devil. (You have one minute!)

How did Jesus put the devil’s “lights out”?

Write down every “tool” the devil uses to keep us away from God.

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Leader Guide

HAWK NELSON

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

HAWK NELSON HAWKNELSON.COM

MADE FAIR TRADE SERVICES

WORDS

JEREMY WHITE

Bible Study

James 3:9 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.” (NIV) Discuss:

Theme

Words; Power of

Objective

Students will consider the power of words and the reality that the human tongue can have incredible impact – for better or for worse.

Warm Up

I Love My Neighbor – Have students sit in a circle of chairs with one less chair than there are players. The person without a chair starts in the middle and says, “I love my neighbor who…” and then finishes the sentence by offering a description of one or more people in the circle – who must then shift to a different chair. As the chaos ensues, the last person not seated in a chair becomes “it” and starts the next round. Examples include such statements as: “I love my neighbor who… is wearing sandals / loves to play sports / has more than $5 on them right now / etc.”

Transition

Explain that waiting to see if the person who was “it” would make a statement describing something about you can be nerve-racking. Ask, “Would you have been honest and moved to another chair if the person who was ‘it’ had said something embarrassing such as ‘I love my neighbor who has bad breath’? Why can a person’s words – especially words spoken about us – seem to have such an impact?”

The Video

Hand out the Student Guides. Explain that the band Hawk Nelson has a video for their new song Words that speaks to the issue of the power of our words. Ask students to pay attention to the lyrics and any concepts communicated visually as they watch. Play the video.

Transition

Ask students to share whether any lyrics impacted them or made them think.

VALLEY CHURCH VACAVILLE, CALIFORNIA JWHITE@VALLEYCHURCH.COM

Have students read James 3:3-12. Next draw their attention to the Look It Up section of the Student Guide and answer these questions as a group:

• What does being “made in God’s likeness” mean?

• If you were to summarize this passage in a few words or phrases, how would you re-state its main point?

• Why does God take such a serious stance on whether or not we injure others with our words?

• Do you think the author is exaggerating when he describes the human tongue as being “restless evil, full of deadly poison” – or is he simply being realistic? Explain.

Read Ephesians 4:29 as a group. Discuss: • When you honestly think about the way you use your words, would you say this verse describes you a) always, b) sometimes, c) rarely, or d) never?

• Can you think of a modern-day example of a person’s words impacting the course of another person’s life – for better or for worse? Please share. • If you saw God transform your use of words radically over the next year, • What are the essential differences how might your life change for the between being a person who speaks better? Try to be specific. life to others versus a person who speaks deadly poison? • How can a person be transformed from speaking words of deadly poison to words of life? • What must God do in a person’s life for that to happen?

Wrap Up

Say, “Think of one person you have been less than kind to with your words. Will you commit to apologizing and making things right with that person in the next 48 hours? If so, please let someone you trust know about that commitment so they can help you to follow through with your intention. Then close by praying for that person you may have wounded with your words.”

Student Guide

HAWK NELSON

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

HAWK NELSON HAWKNELSON.COM

MADE FAIR TRADE SERVICES

WORDS

WORDS; POWER OF

Music Video

Watch the video Words by Hawk Nelson, paying close attention to any lyrics or concepts that jump out at you.

Talk It Through

James 3:9 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.” (NIV) Discuss:

• What does being “made in God’s likeness” mean?

Look It Over

• Why does God take such a serious stance on whether or not we injure others with our words?

Live It Out

Think of one person you have been less than kind to with your words. Will you commit to apologizing and making things right with that person in the next 48 hours? If so, please let someone you trust know about that commitment so they can help you to follow through with your intention. Then close by praying for that person you may have wounded with your words.

Read James 3:3-12 and discuss the following thoughts and questions:

• If you were to summarize this passage in just a few words or phrases, how would you re-state its main point? • Do you think the author is exaggerating when he describes the human tongue as being “restless evil, full of deadly poison” – or is he simply being realistic? Explain.

Read Ephesians 4:29 as a group. Discuss: • When you honestly think about the way you use your words, would you say this verse describes you a) always, b) sometimes, c) rarely, or d) never?

• Can you think of a modern-day example of a person’s words impacting the course of another person’s life – for better or for worse? Please share. • What are the essential differences between being a person who speaks life to others versus a person who speaks deadly poison?

• If you saw God transform your use of words radically over the next year, how might your life change for the better? Try to be specific.

• How can a person be transformed from speaking words of deadly poison to words of life? • What must God do in a person’s life for that to happen?

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Leader Guide

NEWSBOYS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

NEWSBOYS NEWSBOYS.COM

RESTART SPARROW RECORDS

LIVE WITH ABANDON - LRYIC VIDEO

Theme

Life; Purpose/Meaning

Objective

Students will understand that having total dedication to Christ will bring meaning and purpose to their lives.

Warm Up

Before the students arrive, set up an obstacle course. Have blindfolds and prizes (such as candy) at the end of the obstacle course. Divide the group into two teams. One team will be blindfolded and the other team will be the leaders. One by one the participants must lead the blindfolded through the obstacle course. When they get to the end of the course, they get their prize (still blindfolded). Depending on how long this game takes, you can trade off so each team gets to be both the leaders and the blindfolded.

Transition

Ask the students who were leaders how they felt having the lead to make sure their partner didn’t get hurt or knock into something. Ask the blindfolded students how they felt having to trust and not knowing what the outcome would be.

The Video

Now play the video. Explain that Newsboys are singing about total faith in God to live life to the utmost, without limits. You might want to play this video a couple of times.

Transition

You may need to build another bridge between the song and the Bible study section. This will likely involve asking some open-ended questions about what the group just saw, or going back over the lyrics and generating some feedback.

Bible Study

Begin the Bible Study by saying, “God created you to have life of true meaning and that comes through giving your life to Christ – which means to live in abandonment to Christ. We are going to read promises that God gives us when we live life in that kind of abandonment.” You can have the students divide into groups and have each group study one of the Bible passages. Then have the students come together and share with the rest of the group. John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.” • Who is the thief in your life? • What would your life look like if you lived life to the fullest? • Does having a full life in Christ mean living a life of comfort? Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” • What would you like your life to turn out like? • What are your hopes and dreams? • Can hopes and dreams be unselfish?

Study By: CINDY ENGØY

YESWESERVE LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA WURLDGURL@HOTMAIL.COM

Wrap Up

Finish up this study by discussing that a life of abandon can have all kids of outcomes. We are not to live for ourselves, but to live in Christ, for others. Discuss ways that as a youth group, you can go out into your community and live a life of abandonment in Christ. Make a commitment, as a group, to help out in your community. Close in prayer.

Student Guide

NEWSBOYS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

NEWSBOYS NEWSBOYS.COM

RESTART SPARROW RECORDS

LIVE WITH ABANDON - LYRIC VIDEO

LIFE; PURPOSE/MEANING

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the fullest.”

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Who is the thief in your life?

What would you like your life to turn out like?

What would your life look like if you lived life to the fullest?

What are your hopes and dreams?

Does having a full life in Christ mean living a life of comfort?

Can hopes and dreams be unselfish?

What can we do to live a life of abandon in our community?

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Leader Guide

THE AFTERS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

THE AFTERS THEAFTERS.COM

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL FAIR TRADE SERVICES

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

Theme

Life; Purpose/Meaning

Objective

Students will look at the “God things” that make them beautiful.

Warm Up

Give the students poster board or card stock and markers or crayons. Have students assemble in groups of 2 - 4. (Be creative in the group creating process; divide them by shoe size or some other random marker of who they are). Have each student choose four moments in their life in which they were caught up in how beautiful life was, or moments that caused them to value life. (I am writing this study in the midst of a tornado warning; the lightening outside my picture window is intense, the thunder is booming, and the hail is pelting the window. Sometimes these moments, instead of the warm fuzzy ones, cause us to understand more deeply how beautiful life is.) Have students draw stick figures or symbols or even use words on the four quadrants of their storyboards to represent each of these moments. When they are done have them share their storyboards with their small groups.

The Video

“Life Is Beautiful” is the theme song for the movie, October Baby. The video shows scenes from that movie. October Baby is about a young girl who, because of medical issues, seeks out the truth about her birth family and near abortion. The crux of the movie is that every life is beautiful. As the students watch the video, have them be attentive and list as many as they can of the “moments” that make life beautiful from the song: A father’s love / A wedding dance / New Year’s dreams / A toast with friends / A soldier coming home from war / The faith the hope of so much more / A brand new life / A mother’s prayer / Shooting stars / Ocean air / A lover’s kiss / Hard goodbyes / Fireworks / Christmas lights

Bible Study

Have the students read 1 Timothy 6:17 and James 1:17 – and then answer these questions:

• According to these verses, who supplies us with the things we enjoy? • Where do the good things in life come from? Assign each of the small groups one of these Psalms and have them answer the questions, and then share their answers with the whole group. Psalm 8; 40:26-28; 147:3-5; 139:1-18 • What helps you to realize life is beautiful? • Name three things the verses talk about, or remind you of, that make life beautiful. • What is the one thing that most helps you understand that life is beautiful? • What is the one thing that most helps you understand that your life is beautiful? • Is it always the good times that make you realize how precious and beautiful life is? • Name one or two examples of things that seem hurtful or hard at the time but make you realize how beautiful life is.

Study By: MARY WILSON-PEED

UNKOMMON MEDIA CANTON, GEORGIA MARYBAKERWILSON@GMAIL.COM

Wrap Up

Ask - If you were writing this song based on your own story, what would you have listed as examples for “things that make us feel alive, times that make us realize, life is beautiful”? Once they have created a list or lyric, close with a “popcorn” prayer that thanks God for all these things and moments. (“Popcorn” prayer is when students randomly pop up or chime in and voice a short prayer, often one word.)

Student Guide

THE AFTERS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

THE AFTERS THEAFTERS.COM

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL FAIR TRADE SERVICES

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

LIFE; PURPOSE/MEANING

As you watch, write down the things that make life beautiful: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1 Timothy 6:17; James 1:17

According to these verses, who supplies us with the things we enjoy?

Where do the good things in life come from?

Psalm 8; 40:26-28; 147:3-5; 139:1-18

Our List 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

What helps you to realize life is beautiful? 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

7. Name three things the verses talk about, or remind you of, that make life beautiful. What is the one thing that most helps you understand that life is beautiful? What is the one thing that most helps you understand that your life is beautiful? Is it always the good times that make you realize how precious and beautiful life is? Name one or two examples of things that seem hurtful or hard at the time but make you realize how beautiful life is.

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

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Leader Guide

MARTIN SMITH

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

MARTIN SMITH MARTINSMITH.TV

GOD’S GREAT DANCE FLOOR GLOWORKS

BACK TO THE START

Theme Restoration

Objective

Students will identify areas where they would like to find the Lord’s help to start over.

Warm Up

Tell this story (or a similar one of your own): “A high school band was marching their first public performance under a new director and they were at the very impressive stadium of a much larger school. It had been a rainy, messy day and a lot of things had gone wrong but they had worked very hard and knew the show very well. About two minutes into the routine, the drum major gave a signal too early. Some of the band followed his signal but the rest stayed with the music and yard lines. Within a few seconds the band was a roiling ball of uniforms and the music was winding down like a tape player running out of batteries. Just a few seconds later, one of the drummers yelled, “Back to the start!” Immediately the whole band ran full speed back to the end zone, lined up, and started over – marching the show almost without a flaw.” Ask your group if anyone has had a time when they really wanted a “do-over.”

Transition

We have probably all had times that we wanted a “do-over” in a game or a class assignment or conversation. This song by Martin Smith (lead singer of Delirious?) carries the theme of starting over into the spiritual realm.

The Video

Hand out the Student Guides. As students watch the video, have them consider these questions:

• Do you think this is about an unbeliever coming to Christ, or a believer who has gotten off track and wants to start over? (In discussion afterward, help students to see that it could be either, but the emphasis is on the believer.)

Bible Study

Tell the story of the prodigal son in your own words using Luke 15:11-31 as a guide, then have students read the text and work through the questions in the Always Welcome section of the Student Guide. • What was the relationship between the people in the story? (Father, son, and brother) • Why did the younger son decide to leave? (Tired of Dad’s rules, wanted “freedom”) • What were some realities that turned out to be less wonderful than he had expected? (Money, friends, work) • What was his plan when he decided to come home? (Ask to be hired as a servant)

• What do you think the dance is a metaphor for? (life)

• Is that what happened? (No) Why? (Dad loved him unconditionally)

• Have you ever felt like you have let God down to the point that He will not take you back?

• What did he have to do in order to be accepted back home by his father? (Come back)

• As the song intensifies, what emotion did it stir up?

• Do you wanna dance? What a party that was!

Transition

This modern-day parable could easily be seen as a re-working of one of the parables Jesus gave us in his teaching.

Have a student read (or quote) 1 John 1:9. Ask, “What do we have to do to be forgiven by God when we’ve messed up?” (Confess; agree with Him = come home)

Study By: DAVE FELTS

INDIAN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS DAVEFELTS@YMAIL.COM

Wrap Up

Direct the students to the Let’s Dance section of the worksheet. Give them about three minutes to complete that section. Then ask if anyone would like to share their “one word” from the last part of it. Lead students in a prayer of gratitude and joy for the faithfulness of God to always forgive us when we mess up.

Student Guide

MARTIN SMITH

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

MARTIN SMITH MARTINSMITH.TV

GOD’S GREAT DANCE FLOOR GLOWORKS

BACK TO THE START

RESTORATION

I Want a Do-Over!

Have you ever been in a situation where you wanted a “do-over?”

Do You Wanna Dance?

Always Welcome Luke 15:11-31

What was the relationship between the people in the story?

Why did the younger son decide to leave?

Let’s Dance

As you watch the video, consider these questions. Do you think this is about an unbeliever coming to Christ or a believer who has gotten off track and& wants to start over?

What do you think the dance floor is a metaphor for?

1 John 1:9 What do we have to do to be forgiven by God when we’ve messed up?

What were some realities that turned out to be less wonderful than he had expected?

What was his plan when he decided to come home?

Is that what happened? Why? Have you ever felt like you have let God down to the point that He will not take you back?

Take a minute to be still and examine your life. Are there areas where you have turned your back on God?

As you become aware of areas of sin and disobedience, tell God about it (not that He doesn’t already know but He wants YOU to say it). Write one word that expresses how it feels to know that He just gave you a “do-over.”

What did he have to do in order to be accepted back home by his father? As the song intensifies, what emotion did it stir up? Do you wanna dance? What a party that was!

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Leader Guide

V. ROSE

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

V. ROSE CLEARSIGHTMUSIC.COM

V. ROSE CLEAR SIGHT MUSIC

BATTERY

MANDY KYES

Bible Study

Wrap Up

Theme Power

Objective

Students will recognize the power that is in Jesus’ name, as well as how we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to achieve the glory of Christ.

Warm Up

Arm Wrestling – Ask students what they think of when they hear the word “power.” Someone will probably throw out the word “strong” – or if they tend to just name strong people like superheroes, ask what they have in common [superpowers…which gives them…strength] to get them to see strength behind the power. Now it’s time to introduce the activity - arm wrestling. Have students pair up and compete for the win. Winners pair up with the other winners, and the process continues until you have one girl winner and one guy winner.

Transition

Many times we think power is something that is only physical, but there is a power that goes beyond the physical and pierces deep to the soul; it is spiritual.

The Video

Hand out the Student Guides. Explain that this music video by rising artist V. Rose depicts how the Holy Spirit can help charge and empower us. Play the “Battery” music video. Have students fill out the Charging Up section in their handout.

Transition

Have the students share some of things that stood out in the video. Ask, “Where did the ‘power’ in the video come from”? (From the Bible, from the Holy Spirit, etc). “What did you notice about the masks people were wearing?” “What do you think they symbolize?”

Have students read Acts 1:8 and fill out their Powered Up section in their handouts. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

• How do you feel knowing that you will have power from the Holy Spirit? • According to this verse, what should we be doing with that power? (Sharing the Gospel and what Christ did for us.) • Has there ever been a time when you felt the power of the Holy Spirit? Explain. The Bible also talks about how we receive spiritual gifts when we accept Christ. These gifts are given to us by the Holy Spirit, and give us a supernatural power to use for God’s glory. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. • What do these verses say about spiritual gifts? (There are different gifts, the Holy Spirit gives the gifts, they are to be used for the common good, and God is the ultimate worker of the gifts.) • List two spiritual gifts that these verses describe. (Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment against spirits, tongues, interpreter)

SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY CHURCH INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA MANDYKYES@HOTMAIL.COM

Say something like, “We often measure power by physical strength, but when we accept Christ into our hearts and receive the Holy Spirit, we also receive power”. Let the students know that the power that resides in them as Christians is more powerful than any other imaginable. Trusting in that and having faith in that is a huge step. Encourage them to fill out the Full Battery section in their handout by writing a prayer that asks the Lord to use the power they’ve received for His glory alone. Close in prayer.

Student Guide

V. ROSE

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

V. ROSE CLEARSIGHTMUSIC.COM

V. ROSE CLEAR SIGHT MUSIC

BATTERY

POWER

Charging Up

While watching the video, write some things that stand out to you as well as some lyrics that you caught.

Powered Up

Read Acts 1:8 and fill in the blanks.

“But you will receive _____________ when the

Full Battery

The power that the Holy Spirit has and even gives to us to glorify God can be a little intimidating. Write a prayer asking God to reveal your gift(s) and how you can use it/them for His glory and not your own.

___________ comes on you; and you will be my _____________ in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of _______________ .” How do you feel knowing that you will have power from the Holy Spirit? According to this verse, what should we be doing with that power? Has there ever been a time when you felt the power of the Holy Spirit? Explain.

Now read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. What do these verses say about spiritual gifts?

List two spiritual gifts that these verses describe.

Do you think people realize the power they have in Christ? Why/why not?

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Leader Guide

FLATFOOT 56

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

FLATFOOT 56 FLATFOOT56.COM

TOIL PAPER + PLASTICK

I BELIEVE IT

ANDY MOORE

When the groups are finished, bring everyone back together and discuss their findings.

After you have finished discussing these people, have your students work on the final person by themselves. They need to answer those questions about themselves and their relationship, or the lack of, with Jesus Christ.

Theme

The Video

Objective

Bible Study

Forgiveness

Students will learn that God grants second chances because He is willing to forgive our failure and sin.

Warm Up

Rock, Paper, Scissors –Divide your students into small groups. This game is played in the standard way –with Rock beating Scissors, Scissors beating Paper, and Paper beating Rock. The only difference in this game is double elimination. If a player looses a round of best out of three, he or she can remain in the game to play again. The winner of each round gets to stay in the game. Rotate players in their group after each round of play.

Transition

Explain that normally, if you lose a game, you are out. How did being able to do another round, even if you lost the first attempt, make you feel? Allow for discussion. Getting a second chance is always an unexpected bonus whether it is in a game or in life. Let’s watch a music video of a song by Flatfoot 56 that talks about this very thing.

Play the video.

The band seems to believe that second chances are a part of life and essential to all of us. Second chances give us encouragement to move forward in our lives and relationships. Ask for a show of hands for how many of your students have ever been granted a second chance. Ask whether someone would like to share his or her experience with the group. As the leader, you might want to share something from your life to help your students understand the idea of getting another chance. Explain that you are going to look at some people in the Bible that received a second chance. Break your group into at least six groups and have them answer the questions about the person(s) they are assigned to read about. Depending on the size of your group, several groups may be doing the same Bible character. Explain that each one of these people got a second chance at life. Give the groups plenty of time to work through these accounts from the Bible.

• Because of disobedience, Adam and Eve were kicked out of the Garden of Eden and barred from ever returning. Through their descendants, Jesus would defeat Satan and restore humankind’s relationship with God. (Genesis 3:15) • Samson was set apart to be a judge over God’s people. Personal sin brought him down, but his strength was restored, and he exacted judgment over the Philistines. • David was guilty of adultery and murder but realized he sinned against God and others when confronted by Nathan the prophet. Forgiveness came, and he continued as king. • Hosea was a prophet who was commanded by God to marry a prostitute to show God’s relationship to His people. Gomer ran back to her sinful lifestyle and Hosea continued to redeem her. • Peter declared Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and then he denied knowing Jesus. Jesus later restored him to service for the Kingdom. • Paul was hunting Christians down until that fateful day on the road to Damascus.

GOLDEN PRAIRIE CHURCH BURNS, WYOMING REVANDY777@YAHOO.COM

Wrap Up

End with a prayer for your group.

Student Guide

FLATFOOT 56

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

FLATFOOT 56 FLATFOOT56.COM

TOIL PAPER + PLASTICK

I BELIEVE IT

FORGIVENESS

Adam and Eve

David

2 Samuel 5, 11-12:13; Acts 13:22

Acts 9, 22-23:11; 1 Timothy 1:15

Who were they to God?

Who was he to God?

Genesis 3

Paul

What did he do to mess up? What did they do to mess up?

What did he do to mess up? What was the second chance he was given?

What was the second chance they were given?

How did it impact their lives?

How did it impact his life?

Hosea and Gomer

What was the second chance he was given?

How did it impact his life?

Hosea 1, 3

Samson

Who were they to God?

Who was he to God?

What was the second chance they were given?

Judges 13-16

What did they do to mess up?

How did it impact their lives? What did he do to mess up?

What was the second chance he was given?

How did it impact his life?

Peter

Matthew 4:18-19; 16:13-20; John 21:15-19

You Who are you to God?

Where have you messed up?

What is the second chance you have been given?

Who was he to God? What did he do to mess up?

How is this impacting your life?

What was the second chance he was given? How did it impact his life?

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Leader Guide

TRICIA

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

TRICIA TRICIABROCKMUSIC.COM

RADIATE INPOP RECORDS

ENOUGH - LYRIC VIDEO

Theme Contentment

Warm Up

Define Contentment – Get in small groups (depending on the size of the group) and ask the students to make a list of what they need to be content. Do this for about three minutes. Bring the students back together to share and discuss their answers.

Transition

Ask the group if their answers are real needs or is Jesus enough regardless of their current situation? Say, “We are now going to watch the music video of “Enough” by Tricia”.

The Video

Hand out the Student Guide. Before you play the video ask the group to pay close attention to the words of the song. Ask the group to write down a few things they need and then to see if these are needs or wants.

Transition

See if a couple of students would like to share what they wrote down. Say, “Shouldn’t God’s love for us be enough? He is with us no matter what and will provide for us. (If someone has a testimony where God provided for them in a rough situation, ask if they would share.) Let’s see what the Apostle Paul has to say about being content regardless of our current situation.”

MARIE SMITH

FAIRFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH CENTERVILLE, TENNESSEE LOVE4GOD12@GMAIL.COM

Bible Study

• Have a student read 1 Timothy 6:611. Discuss the benefits of striving to be content based on these verses.

• How did Paul learn to be content? (Reference Matthew 6:25-34)

• Based on what Paul is saying in these verses, what will happen to those who place more importance on material things of this world rather than being content with what God has given them?

Read Philippians 4:11-13. Discuss:

• Are you content in every circumstance you face? • Would Jesus be enough for you if you lost everything? • This passage teaches how Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. Would this be hard for you to do? • Do you think you could be content whether you had plenty or whether you were in need? (This could be money, food, clothes, etc.) • Do you ever find yourself wanting what someone else has? (Examples may include: personality, appearance, clothes, money, etc.) • Do you enjoy the gifts God has given you or do you take them for granted? • Paul says he has learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. What is the secret? (The secret was going to Christ for His strength.) • Do you handle your circumstances on your own or do you go to God for help? Is it important to go to God for help? (Philippians 4:13)

Study By:

Wrap Up

We need to learn to be content with where we are in life and that God is enough no matter the circumstance. God is going to lead you through the bad and the good. Trust in Him and He will give you the things you need, not necessarily the things you want. God will supply all your needs, but in a way that is best for you and furthers His plan for your life and that of others.

Student Guide

TRICIA

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

TRICIA TRICIABROCKMUSIC.COM

RADIATE INPOP RECORDS

ENOUGH - LYRIC VIDEO

CONTENTMENT

The Video

Write down a few things you need. Then ask yourself if are these needs or are these wants?

Philippians 4:11-13 How did Paul learn to be content? (Look up Matthew 6:25-34 for more insight.)

Do you enjoy the gifts God has given you or do you take them for granted?

Are you content in every circumstance you face?

Paul says he has learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. What is the secret? (The secret was going to Christ for His strength.)

Would Jesus be enough for you if you lost everything?

This passage says how Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. Would this be hard for you to do?

Do you handle your circumstances on your own or do you go to God for help? Is it important to go to God for help? (Look up Philippians 4:13 too.)

According to 1 Timothy 6:6-11, what are the benefits of striving to be content? Do you think you could be content whether you had plenty or whether you were in need? (This could be money, food, clothes, etc.)

Do you ever find yourself wanting what someone else has? (Examples may include: personality, appearance, clothes, money, etc.)

Based on what Paul is saying in these verses, what will happen to those who place more importance on material things of this world rather than being content with what God has given them?

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Leader Guide

ALERT312

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

ALERT312 HUMBLEBEAST.COM

OF VICE & VIRTUE HUMBLE BEAST

VICE VERSA

JOEL VAN DYKE

The tension between virtue and vice and the danger of dancing between the two will be played out soon in front of the students via the video they will see. Ask the group to respond to what they see written on the sheets of paper on the two opposite walls.

arrive). What great encouragement we find here in Daniel’s story to err on the side of virtue even in the face of circumstances that seem completely hopeless.

A professor in seminary adamantly proclaimed over and over in one of our classes, “The biggest battle in Christianity is not behavior, but belief. If we really believe who Christ is and who He defines us to be, we would have no problem forcing ourselves to ‘behave’ in a certain way. Proper behavior naturally follows authentic belief.”

Theme Integrity

Objective

Students will be challenged to live a life of integrity, to consider the radical difference between vice and virtue, and the inherent danger of dancing between the two.

Warm Up

Have some sheets of paper on the walls on opposite sides of your youth room. On one side of the paper write the word “VICE”, and on the other side write the word “VIRTUE.” Have plenty of markers, crayons, or colored pencils available and have the students go from one side of the room to the other to write down words or draw pictures of stuff that fits into each category. Give rewards for the most creative drawing, number of words in each category, etc.

Transition

Boogalu, the voice of Alert312, lays out the juxtaposition between these two polar opposites in the chorus to “Vice Versa”: Vice versa, either way you are who you are no curtains / Lay it out there, let it hurt ya, truth will hurt ya / Virtue or vice, either way you are who you are, no curtains / Lay it out there, let it hurt ya / Rework your very person.

The Video

Challenge the students to look for ways that Boogalu and Moral One of Alert312 express and display the hypocrisy of what they refer to as “vice versa living.” These themes abound in the lyrics to this track. See if the students pick up on the artistic imagery in the video as well as the rich lyrical content that explores this tension. Show the video.

Transition

Hand out the Student Guides and break up the students into smaller groups for a time of discussion.

Bible Study

Tie all of this into the story of Daniel as one who lived squarely in the tension of virtue and vice in the face of very difficult circumstances. The consequence of Daniel’s relentless commitment to virtuous living was a long night with lions. Sometimes our “night” of discouragement and despair can seem forever but truth always wins out in the morning (despite how long it takes the morning to

Review Daniel’s life and testament taking special note of the classic story in Daniel 6. So much of what Alert312 proclaims in “Vice Versa” is in the story of Daniel and the lion’s den. In a seemingly hopeless situation, Daniel chose virtue despite the consequences. While his life was defined by “virtue,” his example is polarized against the backdrop of the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors who chose to be defined by the “vice” of greed and jealousy. (Daniel 6:6-7) Make the connections between the messages of the familiar story of Daniel and Alert 312’s song. Especially relevant are these lines: Truth vice or virtue / Which makes you, which defines you? / Virtue or vice, either way you are who you are, no curtains / Lay it out there, let it hurt you / Rework your very person Daniel chose virtue as seen by his commitment to prayer without hiding. (Daniel 6:10) This is an important point - we don’t use a study like this to promote “moralistic living” in place of the Gospel. Daniel didn’t reach down into moral reserves to do what he did; instead he acted out of what genuinely defined his core identity.

CENTER FOR TRANSFORMING MISSION GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA VANDYKEJM@EARTHLINK.NET

In the video, Alert312 breaks this point down with this line: The way you measure life is manifested in belief. There is plenty to unpack here with your students both from the Bible Study in Daniel as well as the questions from the worksheet.

Wrap Up

Conclude with a quick look at Ephesians 2:10. The word in Greek that we have translated as “workmanship” in the NIV is “poema” – a root for our English word “poem.” Thus we, as Christians, are called to be God’s poetry to the world – the “singers” or “rappers” of virtue, truth, grace, and love. We should be “living Psalms” in our schools, homes, and neighborhoods – flying in the winds of virtue as opposed to falling prey to the temptation of vice. Surely “Vice Versa” gives us a ton to think about: There is a thin crime between what ya doin’ and what ya think / Better think, better think.

Student Guide

ALERT312

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

ALERT312 HUMBLEBEAST.COM

OF VICE & VIRTUE HUMBLE BEAST

VICE VERSA

INTEGRITY

The Video

What were your observations of the artistic content and lyrical artistry in the video?

Where did you see or hear the tension being explored between the two opposite concepts of virtue and vice?

Alert312 challenges us to consider the idea that there is a “vice-versa” form of living where one dances between these two polar opposites of virtue and vice. This is a double-minded life, one without integrity. Consider how this plays out in the following lyrics.

In considering the below lyrics, answer the following question both in a general sense and then share about yourself on a personal level. Either way is relevant, we wrestle with our hellishness Until we catch the crucifix It’s vicious how we justify rebelliousness In today’s youth culture, what struggles/challenges/circumstances (“hellishness”) do youth most wrestle with?

How do youth today “justify rebelliousness”?

Vice or virtue, bless you or curse you Thin line between good humans and a serpent Thin line between going deep and the surface Vice or virtue, bless you or curse you Thin line between the street corner and the church pew Thin line between doing good and doin’ dirt Where are the “thin lines” for youth today?

What difference does the Cross of Calvary make in all this?

Take a look at these lyrics from the chorus and then answer the questions: Vice versa, either way you are who you are, no curtains Lay it out there, let it hurt ya, truth will hurt ya Virtue or vice, either way you are who you are, no curtains Lay it out there, let it hurt ya Rework your very person What “curtains” are you tempted to hide behind in your life?

Why do you think Alert312 say’s that “truth will hurt ya?”

How have you experienced that to be true in your own life?

What areas in your life need some “re-working?” How does that happen?

What about the “thin lines” for you personally?

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Leader Guide

JEREMY CAMP

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

JEREMY CAMP JEREMYCAMP.COM

RECKLESS CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP

MY GOD - LYRIC VIDEO

ERIC GARGUS

noting a few great lines from the song.” Utilize the Bible Study section for discussion groups, large group discussion, or as a sermon outline.

When my hope starts fading out You are where my strength is found (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Theme Victory

Objective

Students will be reminded of God’s unchanging victory over sin and death.

Warm Up

Hand out pens and Student Guides. Direct students to the Underdog section. Have students complete the sentences/answer the questions using their feelings and memories of real or fictitious events they’ve watched or read about. Use a large group “openmic” format or have students huddle into smaller groups for discussion. • The best underdog story ever is… • Do you always cheer for the underdog? Why or why not? • The most unlikely hero ever is… • Would you want the powers of Iron Man or Superman? Why? • A time I knew my strength was not enough to get through was…

Transition

Say, “God is never the underdog. His power has, is, and always will be incomparably stronger than anyone or anything else. What are some ways a person can experience victory through trusting God?”

The Video

Say, “Jeremy Camp has an amazing song with a message of hope and encouragement. We’re going to watch the lyric video for ‘My God.’ If you’d like to sing along, please do.” Play the video. Utilize the Vidbits section to discuss the song.

• Define this song in only one sentence. • What lyric caught your attention in the song? • What message does this song speak into your life? • Who do you know that needs to hear this song today?

Transition

Say, “Understanding and grasping God’s victorious power is a personal decision that has to be made over and over again in every challenging situation that comes our way. Often, we carry either too much doubt or too much confidence in our own abilities into life’s challenges. Both get in the way of God’s victorious power. Which battle is most difficult for you: inflated doubt or inflated confidence?” Allow a few moments for responses, while keeping in mind that silence is not bad due to the weight of the question. Say, “God’s power reaches both the tallest peak of pride and the deepest canyon of doubt. Let’s dig into the Bible while

Bible Study

All of who You are reaches the darkest parts (Romans 5:7-8) • Are some people easier to love than others? Why or why not? • Would it be hard to love someone who intentionally broke your smartphone? Explain. • Define “unconditional love.” Here I am, bearing all, tearing down every wall (Psalm 51:1-2) • Share about a time when you deserved punishment yet were shown mercy. • Is there anyone you love even when he/she is a complete jerk to you? • How difficult is it for you to admit when you are wrong? Explain. There is life now from Your victory (Romans 8:31-32) • How does losing at something make you react? • What are some things we allow to take the place of God’s love? • Explain why Jesus’ followers will all win in the end?

MARIE BAPTIST CHURCH DUBLIN, GEORGIA E4CHRIST@AOL.COM

• Share about a time you felt extremely weak. • Is it hard for you to look to God in times of weakness? Explain. • How is God’s power evident in us during weak times? Say, “We’ve talked through a process during this Bible study. We go from realizing God’s grace reaches even our darkest places to actually confessing and apologizing to God for our sins. Then we see victory even in our worst temporary defeats. Finally, we grasp the illogically amazing truth that God’s strength is even greater when we are at our weakness!” Rhetorically ask, “Is this a better definition of victory than the world’s definition of it?”

Wrap Up

Play the video again. Give students the freedom to sing along and/or complete the following prayer in their own words: Dear Jesus, I have wronged you by… Please forgive me for… I need your help with… May your power be evident in my life when… In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Student Guide

JEREMY CAMP

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

JEREMY CAMP JEREMYCAMP.COM

RECKLESS CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP

MY GOD - LYRIC VIDEO

VICTORY

Underdog

The best underdog story ever is… Do you always cheer for the underdog? Why or why not? The most unlikely hero ever is…

Bible Study

All of who You are reaches the darkest parts (Romans 5:7-8)

There is life now from Your victory (Romans 8:31-32) How does losing at something make you react?

Are some people easier to love than others? Why or why not? What are some things we allow to take the place of God’s love? Would it be hard to love someone who intentionally broke your smartphone? Explain. Explain why Jesus’ followers will all win in the end?

Would you want the powers of Iron Man or Superman? Why?

Define “unconditional love.”

A time I knew my strength was not enough to get through was…

Here I am, bearing all, tearing down every wall (Psalm 51:1-2)

Share about a time you felt extremely weak.

Share about a time when you deserved punishment yet were shown mercy.

Is it hard for you to look to God in times of weakness? Explain.

Vidbits

Define this song in only one sentence.

When my hope starts fading out You are where my strength is found (2 Corinthians 12:9)

How is God’s power evident in us during weak times? Is there anyone you love even when he/she is a complete jerk to you?

What lyric caught your attention in the song? What message does this song speak into your life?

How difficult is it for you to admit when you are wrong? Explain.

Wrap Up

Dear Jesus, I have wronged you by… Please forgive me for…

Who do you know that needs to hear this song?

I need your help with… May your power be evident in my life when… In Jesus’ name, Amen. interlinc-online.com • 800.725.3300

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Leader Guide

JASON CASTRO

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

JASON CASTRO JASONCASTROMUSIC.COM

ONLY A MOUNTAIN WORD/CURB

RISE TO YOU

Theme

Difficulties; Hope Within

Objective

By the end of this session your students will be reminded that they can find hope in Christ in any situation.

Warm Up

You Think You Got Problems? – Start by telling a personal story about a funny but difficult situation. Then go around the room. Each person has to say, “You think you’ve got problems?” and then say something worse and/ or funnier. The goal is to keep it clean and light. Anyone who can’t think of something “worse” is out. Continue until someone is left as “sole survivor” or until the point has been made.

Transition

Bible Study

The Video

From reading this passage, Paul looks almost unbeatable doesn’t he? And yet, as we will soon read, there is something that torments him almost to the point of giving up.

Say something like, “That game was kind of amusing, but we all know someone like that –someone who can one-up any situation. Then again, there are times when the struggles of life are very real. Sometimes things feel far too hard to handle on our own. Things can sometimes feel pretty hopeless. What do you do when things feel that way?”

Hand out the Student Guides. Explain: Jason Castro’s new song “Rise to You” deals with his response to tough times. As you watch the video, listen to the lyrics and jot down some of the things Jason talks about feeling in the midst of his struggles. Show the video.

Transition

Say, “For our study we are going to look at someone who was dealing with a tough situation. The Apostle Paul dealt with many struggles and much persecution, but there was one thing that drove him to his knees. Jason’s song seems to echo this passage, let’s see what we can learn from Paul.”

Paul’s Sufferings – Before we go into the main part of our lesson, let’s have a look at what Paul endured. Have the students read 2 Corinthians 11:21-30 and list as many of Paul’s sufferings as they can.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Paul wrote of having great visions from God, but then he also mentioned the “thorn” – a messenger of Satan – to keep him humble. This un-described ailment bothered Paul enough to make him ask God three times to take it away. Instead God demanded that Paul rely on His grace. In the same way, God won’t always take our struggles away – but He will walk with us through them. When we are weak, He is strong. We can “rise to Him” and He will help us rise above our circumstance.

Study By: DAVE WEISS

AMOKARTS.COM READING, PENNSYLVANIA AMOKARTS@AOL.COM

Wrap up

Ask your students to think of their current struggles, and close in a prayer asking for the grace to “rise to Him” and rise above their struggle.

Student Guide

JASON CASTRO

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

JASON CASTRO JASONCASTROMUSIC.COM

ONLY A MOUNTAIN WORD/CURB

RISE TO YOU

DIFFICULTIES; HOPE WITHIN

You Think You’ve Got Troubles? Write down what Paul suffered in 2 Corinthians 11:21-30.

Paul seems almost unbeatable from this passage, but he isn’t! Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Why does Paul only want to boast about his weaknesses?

What made Paul plead with the Lord three times to take it away?

Why did the Lord give this thing to Paul?

What was God’s response to Paul?

Why does Paul delight in his difficulties?

Both Jason Castro and Paul talk about how their struggles make them rise to God. How can you rise to God in your struggles?

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Leader Guide

SOUTHBOUND FEARING

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

SOUTHBOUND FEARING SOUTHBOUNDFEARING.COM

BAD DREAMS AND MELODIES RED CORD RECORDS

THE LOVE THAT NEVER FAILS

PAUL TURNER

Theme God’s Love

Transition

Objective

Students will learn that God has used symbols to announce His love for us.

Ask, “What symbols did you see? What do you think they meant? Let’s go through a few of them:” Clocks / Empty drawers / White umbrella / Waiting for rain / Rain / All the drawers open.

Warm Up

Bible Study

Name That Brand – Search the internet for popular or not so popular symbols of products and services. Print them out and hold them up one by one to get students guessing. If you have access to a computer and screen, compile them into a slide presentation. You could also make teams and have them compete to guess Name That Brand based on the symbols.

Transition

Explain that this video is filled with symbolism. These symbols are not fleshed out and you get the job of interpreting them. Watch for the symbols in the video and make a mental note of what they may mean.

The Video Show the video.

We’ve seen this band share some symbols that may or may not have any meaning to them, but God is not as wasteful. Every symbol in scripture tells us something about God and his love for us. Symbol # 1: The Rainbow – Read Genesis 9:8-17. God made a covenant, not only with Noah but also with the earth and all mankind, that He would not destroy all life with a flood again. God doesn’t want to destroy us but to save us. God showed the symbol of a rainbow to communicate His love for us and the earth. On your student worksheet, write down a few thoughts on what you think of when you see a rainbow. Why do you think God might use a rainbow to communicate this covenant? What does this promise say about God? God made covenant, a deal, and has kept it to this day. God’s love and promise never fails.

Symbol # 2 The Bronze Snake – Read Numbers 21:6-9. God sent the flood to clean house, start fresh, deal with sin. God sent the snakes because Israel was rebelling against Him. Rebellion against God is always sin, and sin will always bite us in the end. But God did not let the snakes win the day. He ordered Moses to fashion a bronze snake and lift it into the air on a pole. Everyone who looked upon the bronze snake was healed. (Even today, the symbol for the medical profession is two snakes on a pole.) This was an act of mercy on God’s part. He did not have to offer a solution to Israel’s sin, but He did. On your worksheet, write down some thoughts about what one of those people might have experienced when they were bit and then healed by looking at the bronze snake. Symbol # 3 The Cross – Read John 3:1-21 and Hebrews 12:2. The cross is a symbol of suffering and shame as the song says, but it is also a symbol of love. Jesus Christ was lifted up, like the snake in the wilderness, so that those who looked and believed in Him would be healed of their sin. The cross is a symbol of God’s love for us. On your student worksheet finish this sentence, “When I see the cross, I see ___________________.” How does the cross communicate God’s love for you?

PLEASANT GROVE ASSEMBLY PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA THEDPROJECT@ME.COM

Wrap Up

Consider using the song called “Your Love Never Fails” as a time of commitment and prayer. You could also have all three symbols represented around the room or up front as a point of focus. If you can create the physical objects, be sure to use them as part of your message.

Student Guide

SOUTHBOUND FEARING

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

SOUTHBOUND FEARING SOUTHBOUNDFEARING.COM

BAD DREAMS AND MELODIES RED CORD RECORDS

THE LOVE THAT NEVER FAILS

GOD’S LOVE

Symbol # 1

Symbol # 2

Symbol #3

The Rainbow

The Bronze Serpent

The Cross

What do you think about when you see a rainbow?

Imagine if you were one of these people bitten by a snake. Would you have even thought twice about looking at the bronze snake if you thought it could heal you?

When I see the cross I see:

How does the rainbow communicate God’s love us? How does the cross communicate God’s love for you? How does the bronze serpent represent God’s love?

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Leader Guide

ELEVATION WORSHIP

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

ELEVATION WORSHIP ELEVATIONWORSHIP.COM

NOTHING IS WASTED ESSENTIAL WORSHIP

NOTHING IS WASTED

JESSICA PARRENT

Bible Study

we listen to His (voice) and (follow) Him, we will never (perish) or be (snatched) out of His hand. What a promise that if we accept Christ, follow God, and listen to Him we will never be snatched away and will have eternal life!

Theme

Gods Promises

Objective

Students will understand the need to read scripture so that they are breathing in God’s Word and understanding the promises He has made to them!

Warm Up Ask the students:

• Do you ever make promises you don’t keep? • Why don’t you keep them? • Does God ever make promises He doesn’t keep?

The Video

Play the video and have the students fill in the student section on the lyrics of the song. Here are the missing words: Need / Enough / Dead / Loving / Revive / Wise / Word / Lungs / Nothing / Remains / Revive / Good / Remains

Transition

Go over the words with the students. Ask them “Does anything in the lyrics stick out to you?” Because here is what stuck out to me… (Give each student a small brown lunch bag. Have them breathe into it filling it up with air. Then have them pop their bags!)

• Why do you think that is?

Philippians 4:19 – What will God meet? (Our needs) Talk to the students about what their needs really are – not all their wants, but their needs.

Romans 5:1-2 – How do we have peace? (Through Jesus Christ) We have access by (faith) into His (grace). God has graciously let us be near Him; we just need to have faith that He is near and He always is. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God will not let us be (tempted) beyond what we can bear. And He will provide a (way out) so that you can endure it. Different things will tempt all of us at different times. But God will be with us in those times to allow a way out of temptation. We just need to be looking and ready to make the escape. Romans 8:28 – Everything works for the (good) for those who love (God). This is sometimes difficult to see and understand while we are going through something. But it is a promise we must remember at those times. Acts 2:38 – After you repent and are baptized what does God Promise you? (The Holy Spirit) God has promised us the gift us forgiveness and the Holy Spirit. John 10:27-28 – God promises that if

NEW BEGINNINGS NEWTON, ILLINOIS PARRENTJ@IECC.EDU

Wrap Up

The bags of air you blew up and popped, I want you to think of those as your heart and your head filled with God’s Word. If you remember His promises to you and keep them in your heart and head they will pop out of you in the times when you need them the most. God keeps His promises so we need to make sure we remember what they are!

Student Guide

ELEVATION WORSHIP

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

ELEVATION WORSHIP ELEVATIONWORSHIP.COM

NOTHING IS WASTED ESSENTIAL WORSHIP

NOTHING IS WASTED

GOD’S PROMISES

Lyric Complete

You know my every _________________ You see my poverty You are_________________ for me, Jesus You gave the blind their sight You raised the _________________ to life You’ve done the same for me, Jesus You are _________________, You are wise There is nothing in my life You cannot _________________ You are loving, You are _________________ There is nothing too hard for our God Your _________________ inside of me My strength, my everything My hope will always be Jesus Your breath inside my _________________ You’re worthy of my trust You will forever be Jesus

Nothing is wasted You work all things for _________________ Nothing is wasted Your promise remains Forever You reign

You are loving, You are wise There is nothing in my life You cannot _________________ You are loving, You are wise There is nothing too hard for our God

___________________.

Your promise remains Forever You reign Your promise _________________ Forever You reign

Bible Study

Acts 2:38 – After you repent and are baptized what does God Promise you?

Philippians 4:19 – What will God meet?

Romans 5:1-2 – How do we have peace?

John 10:27-28 – God promises that if we listen to His ____________________________ and

You are loving, You are wise There is nothing in my life You cannot revive You are loving, You are wise There is _________________ too hard for our God Nothing is wasted / You work all things for good Nothing is wasted / Your promise _________________ Forever You reign / Your promise remains Forever You reign

Romans 8:28 – Everything works for the ________________________ for those who love

_______________________________ Him, we will never ____________________________ or be ____________________________ out of His hand. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God will not let us be ______________________________ beyond what we can bear. And He will provide a ___________________ ___________________ so that you can endure it.

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Leader Guide

HOLLY STARR

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

HOLLY STARR HOLLYSTARRMUSIC.COM

FOCUS SAVE THE CITY RECORDS

THROUGH MY FATHER’S EYES

JAMI BACKELL

Bible Study

Wrap Up

Theme Beauty Objective

Your group will practice seeing themselves through God’s eyes of compassion and truth instead of comparing themselves with the world’s standard of beauty.

Warm Up

Before your meeting, take some plastic wrap, fold it over two or three times and cover a pair of lens-less glasses with it so that you can’t see small details. Make a few pairs of these glasses. Print an easy children’s maze such as the one found here hellokids.com/c_22566, and have students race to complete the maze wearing the glasses. Turn it into a relay with other activities.

Transition

Hand out the Student Guides. Ask the students to identify the two photos. They are 1) A crack in a piece of steel, 2) Salt and Pepper granules. Ask, “How can your view of yourself be distorted? How do you think the world sees you?”

The Song

As you listen to the song and watch the video, what are the images that show the world’s expectations of beauty? How important are those things to you?

Transition

What are some things about physical appearance that society values? How do you compare?

What does the Bible say about our physical appearance and beauty? Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13.

• What was Samuel looking for in a leader? • How did that differ from what God wanted? Read Psalm 139:13-16. • How was God involved in putting you together? There are not very many Scripture verses about how we should look, but there are lots of verses about what God sees when He looks at us, and what is important to God. • Romans 12:2 says that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. • Colossians 3:12-14 talks about the characteristics of compassion, kindness, humility and others that we need to strive to develop. • In 1 Timothy 4:8 Paul compares bodily training with godly training and the benefits of each.

WARDEN COMMUNITY CHURCH WARDEN, WASHINGTON JAMIBACKL@GMAIL.COM

We live in a society that is obsessed with outward appearance. Those in the media industry have set the standard of beauty, and the majority of us don’t quite meet that standard. But God doesn’t look at your pimples or your hair or your weight. God looks at your heart and sees someone He created. God wants us to work on those inward qualities that allow us to shine His light to others. Beauty that reflects the Father’s heart is what will draw others to God. When we can see ourselves as God sees us - His children, created for His glory, designed for a specific purpose - then we will find beauty by looking through our Father’s eyes.

Student Guide

HOLLY STARR

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

HOLLY STARR HOLLYSTARRMUSIC.COM

FOCUS SAVE THE CITY RECORDS

THROUGH MY FATHER’S EYES

BEAUTY

Can you guess what these images are?

Bible Study

What does the Bible say about our physical appearance and beauty? Read 1Samuel 16:1-13. What was Samuel looking for in a leader? How did that differ from what God wanted?

Our world is full of distorted images. We are told what is beautiful every day when we look at TV or magazines or surf the internet. God has a different idea of beauty.

The Video

As you listen to the song and watch the video, what are the images that show the world’s expectations of beauty? How important are those things to you?

Read Psalm 139:13-16. How was God involved in putting you together? There are not very many Scripture verses about how we should look, but there are lots of verses about what God sees when He looks at us, and what is important to God. • Romans 12:2 says that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. • Colossians 3:12-14 talks about the characteristics of compassion, kindness, humility and others that we need to strive to develop. • In 1 Timothy 4:8 Paul compares bodily training with godly training and the benefits of each.

Wrap Up

We live in a society that is obsessed with outward appearance. Those in the media industry have set the standard of beauty, and the majority of us don’t quite meet that standard. But God doesn’t look at your pimples or your hair or your weight. God looks at your heart and sees someone He created. God wants us to work on those inward qualities that allow us to shine His light to others. Beauty that reflects the Father’s heart is what will draw others to God. When we can see ourselves as God sees us; His children, created for His glory, designed for a specific purpose, then we will find beauty by looking through our Father’s eyes. Let’s try and see what’s on the inside and let it shine out.

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Leader Guide

BRIDGECITY

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

BRIDGECITY BRIDGECITY.TV

BRIDGECITY MARANATHA MUSIC

IT’S ALL BECAUSE

STEPHAN CODDINGTON

Bible Study

Wrap Up

• Genesis 1:1-5 (Created all things)

Remind students that God is powerful, yet personal. He wants us to know Him because that will have the greatest impact on our lives. God alone is worthy of our praise. Spend some time in prayer and have students give a one-sentence praise of who God is, or what He has done.

Theme

Worship; Praise

Objective

Students will learn that we serve a powerful God who created the heavens and the earth simply by speaking. He had a plan from the beginning of time to provide salvation for humanity. He is, therefore, worthy of our praise.

Warm Up

Cheering Face-off – Give each student an index card and have them write down an object, person, band, team, etc., that they love. Explain that you will collect the index cards, shuffle them, and then have a tournament pulling two cards at a time and having the students cheer for the one that they are a bigger fan of. The card that gets the loudest cheer will move on to the next round. The loser is eliminated. For example, card 1 reads, “The #16” and card 2 reads, “New York Yankees.” Whichever of the two has the loudest cheer continues. You can simply keep track of the winners by putting them in a separate pile or go all out and have “Road to the Final Four” bracket posted. Give a prize (like a CD or download card from the Youth Leaders Only box) to the person who wrote the card that wins.

Transition

Say something like, “Each of us is a fan of something. It may not be (winning card), but there’s something that gets each of us excited – maybe a sports team (show pictures of sports fans), a musician (show picture of fans at a concert), or maybe you get super excited about tacos (there’s a picture of fans going nuts over a taco somewhere on the internet). We’re all fans of something. One definition for the word “fan” is this: an enthusiastic devotee.”

The Video

Say, “I want to show a video of people who are a fan of something, or someone, else. Let’s watch the music video of ‘It’s All Because’ by BridgeCity.” Show the video.

Transition

Say something like, “I mentioned these people were fans of something or someone. Who are they fans of? Why? Why would someone be a fan of God?” Give a few students opportunities to share why someone would be excited about God.

Say something like, “There are numerous reasons for us to be excited about God. We’re going to take a look at some passages of Scripture that give us some reasons.” Have students turn in their Bibles (if they have them) and have volunteers read the following passages aloud. After each passage, ask, “What reason does this passage give us to be excited about God and praise (cheer for) Him?”

• Psalm 3:1-5 (Protects us) • John 14:13-14 (Answers prayer) • Romans 5:8 (Provides salvation) • 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 (Gives new life) • 2 Peter 2:9 (Chose us) • John 3:16-17 (Sent His Son to forgive, not condemn)

CHARLTON BAPTIST CHURCH CHARLTON, MASSACHUSETTS STEVEC@CHARLTONBAPTIST.ORG

Share a personal story having to do with one of these reasons to praise God. If you know students who have amazing stories of what God has done in their lives, ask a couple of them ahead of time if they’d be willing to share their story.

Close by playing the video again, and give students copies of the lyrics so they can sing along.

Student Guide

BRIDGECITY

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

BRIDGECITY BRIDGECITY.TV

BRIDGECITY MARANATHA MUSIC

IT’S ALL BECAUSE

WORSHIP; PRAISE

Music Video Why would someone be a fan of God?

Bible Study

What are reasons the following passages give us to be excited about God and praise (cheer for) Him?

Wrap Up

What characteristics of God can you name? Write them here.

Genesis 1:1-5

Psalm 3:1-5

John 14:13-14 What are some of the reasons they give in this song? Romans 5:8 What has God done in your life that deserves praise? 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

2 Peter 2:9

John 3:16-17

Spend time each day this week praising God for who He is and what He has done.

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Leader Guide

SONS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

SONS SONSOFFICIAL.COM

KEEP QUIET SLOSPEAK RECORDS

SON ON THE RUN

STEPHAN CODDINGTON

Transition

Bible Study

Wrap Up

The Video

Say, “We’re going to take a look at some different scripture references and see how God views us.” Split your students into the same groups of five. Have them look up one passage of scripture as a group and relay back what the passage says about who God is and who we are.

Theme

Self-Identity; In Christ

Objective

God made us and loves us. He wants to be in relationship with us and is always willing to forgive us and reconcile us to Himself. We will take a look at how God views us, and compare that to how we often view ourselves.

Warm Up

Guess the Bible Story – Divide your students up into teams of five, and give them five minutes to come up with as many stories in the Bible as they can think of. Then give them another five minutes and have them rewrite titles for those Biblical accounts in a way to make it tricky for others to figure out what the story is. For example, an easy one would be, “A man with a big fish problem.” (The answer would be “Jonah.”) After teams have been given a chance to rewrite the titles, have other groups try to guess what the real stories are. You could do this round robin style and give each team thirty seconds to guess a title. A point goes to the guessing team if they guess correctly, or to the team that came up with the new title if the other team does not guess correctly.

Say something like, “If you’ve grown up in church you’ve probably heard these stories numerous times. They may even have become old to you and when you hear them talked about, you stop listening. We must remember that when we hear stories in the Bible there is something that God wants to teach us about Himself – something that He wants us to learn about how we should respond. For those reasons, we should always pay attention to Bible passages even if we’ve heard them a hundred times.”

“Son On The Run” is a retelling of the prodigal son story. Pay close attention to the lyrics as it plays. (You can print copies of the lyrics from the internet and distribute to make it easier for students to catch what they’re saying.) Show the video.

Transition Discuss:

• What was the attitude of the prodigal according to this song? (self-pity) • What do you think it means to love “with the barrel of a gun”? • When we mess up or hurt another person, in what ways do we normally respond?

Say something like, “I like this song because it shows how the prodigal would have wallowed in self-pity for his mistakes.” Read Luke 15:11-24 aloud and have the students follow along in their own Bibles. Ask, “Considering this passage when we mess up, what is God’s response to us?”

• Genesis 1:26-27 • Genesis 9:6 • Psalm 139:1-6 • Psalm 139:7-12 • Psalm 139:13-16 • Romans 5:8-10 Ask, • What do these passages tell us about who God is? • What do these passages tell us about who we are? • According to these passages, why does God respond in those ways?

CHARLTON BAPTIST CHURCH CHARLTON, MASSACHUSETTS STEVEC@CHARLTONBAPTIST.ORG

Remind your students that God is always willing to forgive them, and that they shouldn’t wallow in the pigpen like the prodigal son did. Rather, they should go to God and repent of their sin. He loves them too much to abandon them!

Student Guide

SONS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

SONS SONSOFFICIAL.COM

KEEP QUIET SLOSPEAK RECORDS

SON ON THE RUN

SELF-IDENTITY; IN CHRIST

Guess the Bible Story: Original Bible Title

Rewritten Bible Title

1 2 3 4 5

The Video

What was the attitude behind the prodigal according to this song?

What do you think it means to love “with the barrel of a gun”?

Bible Study

Luke 15:11-24 Considering this passage when we mess up, what is God’s response to us? Genesis 1:26-27 Genesis 9:6 Psalm 139:1-6 Psalm 139:7-12 Psalm 139:13-16 Romans 5:8-10

Wrap Up

We all have times when we have sinned and feel that God is far away. A consequence of our sin is that there is a barrier between God and us. We don’t have to keep that barrier up; we can take it down by confessing our sin and repenting (turning away) of it. It’s our choice, but God wants us to choose to be in a right relationship with Him. What barriers are standing between you and God?

What do these passages tell us about who God is? When we mess up, or hurt another person, in what ways do we normally respond?

What do these passages tell us about who we are?

What is keeping you from tearing down those barriers and being in a right relationship with God?

According to these passages, why does God respond in those ways?”

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Leader Guide

THIS CITY AWAITS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Study By:

THIS CITY AWAITS THISCITYAWAITS.COM

SAID THE LIAR RED CORD RECORDS

NATHAN

JEFF WILLIAMSON

Wrap Up

• Does this definition vary from the song?

Jonah, the Discipline – Read Jonah 2:1-10. Even in his disobedience, Jonah exhibited discipline by praying. Was this the beginning of Jonah’s regret? He prayed, was without hope, acknowledged God, and then experienced God’s deliverance.

• Does it vary from the biblical truth that is presented in the song?

• Was Jonah’s prayer one of regret or desperation?

• How is “regret” reflected in your life?

• Think again of your “regrets” – what would your prayer to God be like?

Theme Regret

Objective

This Bible study will help students deal with regrets in life in regard to relationships and disappointing God. Students will develop an understanding of regret and how to respond to God.

Warm Up Have the students define “regret.” Have them share with one another in small groups some of the regrets that they have. Ask them to share (if comfortable) about both a regret they might have with a decision and/or relationship. Lastly have them share about a regret they might have in regard to their relationship with Christ.

The Video

Prior to playing the video, ask the students to focus on those times that they have made a poor decision and how they responded to it. Show the video.

Transition Discuss:

• Based on the definition that we established earlier, what is “regret”?

Bible Study

Jonah, the Disobedient – Read Jonah 1:1-3. Jonah did the opposite of what God requested him to do. • Do you think that Jonah had regret about not following the Lord’s request? • Has God ever stirred you up to serve Him, only to have your response fizzle out a short time later? • Have you attended a camp and/or a mission trip to return home “on fire” and then just a few short weeks later returned to your old ways? • Have you grown jealous and resentful when an enemy is successful and seems to enjoy God’s favor?

Jonah, the Disappointed – Read Jonah 4. Once the Lord had released Jonah, he returned to being angry rather than grateful. Next to God, Jonah should have been the most compassionate person around. He had already tasted it. He had already been thrown into the sea and miraculously saved. He had already met God in the most unique way, and knew how gracious and loving he was. Yet the story ends with Jonah wanting to die. Jonah continued to acknowledge God’s compassion, that He was slow to anger and that He abounds in love (4:2); however, Jonah still wanted to die. • After you acknowledge your regret to the Lord, how do you respond next? • Has the Lord shown you compassion? • Have you seen the Lord be “slow to anger” toward you?

UNION AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE WILLIAMSON@UNIONAVENUE.ORG

Wow! So what does “regret” look like now? What started as a command to go, Jonah disobeyed, exhibited some remorse and regret – only to be disappointed in the Lord’s response. What about you? Sure, we disobey and at times we are disappointed, but do you show discipline (even when it hurts) to pray to God and seek Him out?

Think back on your regret. Did you learn from it, or did you walk away still angry and bitter toward God? Is God showing you compassion? Are you seeing it?

Student Guide

THIS CITY AWAITS

Artist:

Album Title & Record Company:

Video Title:

Theme:

THIS CITY AWAITS THISCITYAWAITS.COM

SAID THE LIAR RED CORD RECORDS

NATHAN

REGRET

Regret

Share with one another some small and large regrets in your life.

What is “regret”

Jonah, the Discipline

Jonah 2:1-10 – Even in his disobedience, Jonah exhibited discipline by praying. Was this the beginning of Jonah’s regret? He prayed, was without hope, acknowledged God, and then experienced God’s deliverance Was Jonah’s prayer one of regret or desperation?

Have you ever asked God for forgiveness in regard to your regrets?

After you acknowledge your regret to the Lord, how do you respond next?

Jonah, the Disobedient

Has the Lord shown you compassion?

Jonah 1:1-3 – Jonah did the opposite of what God requested him to do.

Do you think that Jonah had regret about not following the Lord’s request?

Has God ever stirred you up to serve Him, only to have your response fizzle out a short time later?

Have you attended a camp and/or a mission trip to return home “on fire” and then just a few short weeks later returned to your old ways?

Have you grown jealous and resentful when an enemy is successful and seems to enjoy God’s favor?

Jonah, the Disappointed

Jonah 4 – Once the Lord had released Jonah, he returned to being angry rather than grateful. Next to God, Jonah should have been the most compassionate person around. He had already tasted it. He had already been thrown into the sea and miraculously saved. He had already met God in the most unique way, and knew how gracious and loving he was. Yet the story ends with Jonah wanting to die. Jonah continued to acknowledge God’s compassion, that He was slow to anger and that He abounds in love (4:2); however, Jonah still wanted to die.

Think again of your “regrets” – what would your prayer to God be like?

Have you seen the Lord be “slow to anger” toward you?

Wrap Up

Think back on your regret. Did you learn from it, or did you walk away still angry and bitter toward God? Is God showing you compassion? Are you seeing it?

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Transition Tools for Your Students

ConGRADulations! Class of 2013 CD, Mobile Media and Gift Book Order 1–9 CD, DVD and Gift Book Sets for $12.95 each ____ x $12.95 = ____ + $4 S/H = ____ TOTAL Order 10–19 CD, DVD and Gift Book Sets for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $8 S/H = ____ TOTAL For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 or go to grad2013.com

ConGRADulations! Class of 2013 “Add A Hardback Bible” PACK Get the ConGRADulations! Class of 2013 CD, Mobile Media and Gift book PLUS a Hardback The Message Remix Bible ____ or NIV Student Bible ____ or NIV College Devotional Bible ____ Order 1–9 CD, DVD, Gift Book + Bible Packs for $23.95 each ____ x $23.95 = ____ + $15 S/H = ____ TOTAL Order 10–19 CD, DVD, Gift Book + Bible Packs for $21.95 each ____ x $21.95 = ____ + $30 S/H = ____ TOTAL For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 or go to grad2013.com

Insiders Guide To High School CD

Order 1-9 CDs for $5.99 each ____ x $5.99 = ____ Order 10-24 for $4.99 each ____ x $4.99 = ____ Order 25-99 for $3.99 each ____ x $3.99 = ____ Order 100+ for $2.99 each ____ x $2.99 = ____ + $0.50 each s/h; max of $20 ____ x $0.50 = ____ s/h TOTAL = _________

Surviving Middle School Book and CD Soundtrack Version 2.0

Order 1–9 Book and CD sets for $12.95 each ____ x $12.95 = ____ + $4 S/H = ____ TOTAL Order 10–19 Book and CD sets for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $8 S/H = ____ TOTAL For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300

TOTAL ORDER COST: Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Prices subject to change.

About You

_____________

Name

Church Name

Denomination

Church Mailing Address

City

State

Zip

Church Shipping Address

City

State

Zip

Church Phone

Church FAX

F. 500-999

G. 1000+

Church Website

Give us your email address and we’ll make sure you get additional resources and tools delivered straight to your inbox! How many students are in your group? (circle one) A. 0-25 B. 26-50 C. 51-99 What is your position or title? (circle one) Full Time Paid Youth Leader Volunteer Parent Para-church Leader

D. 100-199

E. 200-499

Senior Pastor Sunday School Teacher Part Time Paid Youth Leader Other: __________________________________________________________________________

DM-VLBK

YLO Works Membership (560+ songs annually) Digital version

RETURN THIS FORM (OR A COPY) ALONG WITH A CHECK TO: INTERLÍNC • P.O.BOX 680848 • FRANKLIN, TN 37068-0848 FOR FASTER SERVICE, QUESTIONS, CREDIT CARD ORDERS OR BILLING OPTIONS: CALL 1-800-725-3300 OR GO TO INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM

Canadian orders add additional $70 USD S/H; all other countries add add’l $120 USD S/H

TRD YLO SPREAD AD

TRD BACK COVER

Bible Studies Alphabetically Listed By Themes Beauty / 62 Holly Starr / Through My Father’s Eyes Commitment / 34 Stellar Kart / All In (Apologize) Contentment / 50 Tricia / Enough lyric video Difficulties; Hope Within / 56 Jason Castro / Rise To You Eternal vs. Temporal / 32 RED / Perfect Life Forgiveness / 48 Flatfoot 56 / I Believe It God’s Love / 58 Southbound Fearing / The Love That Never Fails God’s Promises / 60 Elevation Worship / Nothing Is Wasted Integrity / 52 Alert312 / Vice Versa Life; Purpose/Meaning / 40 Newsboys / Live With Abandon lyric video Life; Purpose/Meaning / 42 The Afters / Life Is Beautiful Power / 46 V. Rose / Battery (feat. Flame) Regret / 68 This City Awaits / Nathan Restoration / 44 Martin Smith / Back To The Start Self-Identity; In Christ / 66 Sons / Son On The Run Social Justice / 20 Skillet / Sick Of It Spiritual Warfare / 36 Silverline / Lights Out lyric video Victory / 54 Jeremy Camp / My God lyric video Words; Power Of / 38 Hawk Nelson / Words Worship; Praise / 64 BridgeCity / It’s All Because SPECIAL SECTIONS Alone Yet Not Alone / 22 “Behind The Scenes” Youthworker Guide Evangelism / 6 How To Bring It Up Without Throwing Up

1-800-725-3300 interlinc-online.com