lesson loop 12.19.12

MS

"God as Judge"

The students considered a number of OT and NT passages which showed that God is Judge. Following up on last week's lesson that we are all guilty, this becomes even more of a problem when you consider how God is a perfectly Just Judge.

This was again a sobering lesson and small group time which hopefully showed students the bad news which prepares our hearts for the Good News!!

We ended our lesson time with the hope of the Gospel, and I really challenged students to consider whether they are ready to stand before God as Judge. In small group time, each leader attempted to be sensitive to where students are in their relationship with God, and minister accordingly.

 MS Growth Group Questions 12.18.12

HS

"In the Fray"
Ephesians 6:10-20

We are in a war. A spiritual war, where Satan plays dirty and is at work all around us. From the tragedy in Newtown CT last week to the struggles between teens and parents in each of our homes, Satan is attacking. We must fight back, and yet we have no power in ourselves. We need God's armor desperately, and we looked at how the Scriptures equip us in this supernatural battle.

 HS Growth Group Questions 12.18.12

lesson loop 12.14.12

MS

"All Are Guilty"

We looked at snapshots from Romans 1-3, focusing on Romans 1 in detail. This was a bit of a deeper lesson, but we focused on one simple point - We are all sinners who are guilty before God. 

Paul makes this case by piling up the evidence like a prosecuting attorney - Here are the reasons we considered (and we spent most of our time on the first 2) -

1. We suppress the truth (that God is eternally powerful and divine)
2. We exchange the truth
3. Being religious doesn't help
4. We are all hypocrites

Because of this, God lets us as humans follow our own way, and live for ourselves. Our only hope is the forgiveness of Jesus that is granted once the Holy Spirit regenerates a heart and that person places their trust in Jesus Christ.

We talked about "degrees" of sin, and how we are all guilty before a holy God, whether we are "religious" or not.

 MS Growth Group Questions 12.11.12

HS

"How to Obey Authority"

We talked about the very difficult task of obeying and submitting to the authorities God has placed in our life. We need to help students understand that God is sovereign and He has allowed (even placed) those in authority over us, whether we feel they are good, bad, or neutral. The slaves in ancient Rome would have struggled to respect their masters, and yet Paul instructs them that this is what God desires for them.

Right from Ephesians 6:5-9 we considered 3 ways that we can obey authority:

1. With Fear and Trembling
2. With a Sincere Heart
3. As You Would Christ

 HS Growth Group Questions 12.11.12

CPYU's Youth Culture e-Update 12.12.12

In This Week's E-mail Partner with CPYU! Media Highlights CPYU Parent Page Relaunched! Walt's Blog News, Research, Trends and Articles Free Webinar on YouTube College Transition Initiative CPYU Book Sale Save the Date Follow DKI on Twitter Radio Show Youth Culture Hot Quote CPYU On the Road Partner with CPYU!   The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding is a nonprofit organization committed to building strong families by serving to bridge the cultural-generational gap between parents and teenagers. Check out our new and improved online giving opportunities and Become a CPYU Partner today! Media Highlights Check out our page of current Top 10 lists! MTV.com Featured Video   Asher Monroe - "Why Worry" #1 at the Box Office See the trailer for "Skyfall" here This week's new CD releases. This week's new film releases.   Subscribe Today If this email was forwarded to you and you're not yet a subscriber, then click on the e-Update logo below to join our free mailing list.		CPYU Parent Page - Relaunched!        CPYU has relaunched their monthly Parent Page resource! It has a great new design and a simplified delivery system. Learn more about this resource by visiting the new website atwww.cpyuparentpage.com.    Click here to download a free sample!    Or click below to subscribe!     learning my lines. . . DJs, Phone Calls, Humor, and a Deceased Nurse. . . . Posted by Walt Mueller - 12/10/2012 The story coming out of London just gets stranger by the moment. You've most likely heard the story by now. Two Australian DJs make what we kids used to call a "phony phone call" to the London hospital where a pregnant Kate Middleton is being treated for acute morning sickness. While impersonating the Queen Mother and Prince Charles, they coaxed some hospital nurses into reporting on Middleton's condition...    Read the rest of Walt's blog here. Other recent blogs from Walt: Thinking About Marriage. . . Part 1. . . . - 12/5/2012 Kaepernick's Tattoos And My 90% Cotton Shirts. . . . - 11/30/2012 Faith, Filth, and Two-And-A-Half Men. . . . - 11/29/2012 Black Friday, Cyber Monday, And The Diversions That Never Work. . . . - 11/27/2012 Some Thoughts On Integrity. . . . - 11/26/2012 News, Research, Trends and Articles Parents, Teens, and Online Privacy (.pdf) - from Pew Internet & American Life Project Who I Am - MTV Sticky investigates Millennial identities around the world Younger Americans' Reading and Library Habits (.pdf) - Research from the Pew Internet & American Life Project Where Doubt Falls Short - An article by Jonathan Dunn for Relevant Magazine Study surveys teens' muscle-enhancement efforts Teen recruits smuggling drugs across border Parents of teenagers say they worry that online activities might hurt children in the future Most parents worry advertisers glean info about teens When parents take back Facebook Blazing sales for newest 'Call of Duty' U.S. kids continue to look forward to "iHoliday" Teenagers tell researchers it's a cruel, cruel online world More News... Did you miss our free webinar? CPYU offered a free webinar several weeks ago ago titled "10 Ways CPYU Can Help You Minister to Parents." Many of you expressed your interest in being able to access the video for this webinar, so here it is! 10 Ways CPYU Can Help You Minister to Parents - Recorded Webinar Click here to view the recorded webinar on YouTube.   The webinar titled "Pornogrpahy and Your Kids: What You Need to Know and What You Need to Do" was also recorded. The video of this webinar is available on DVD. Order it in CPYU's Resource Center. College Transition Initiative       Books Make Great Gifts... FREE Book Giveaway! What is one of the best books you have received as a gift and what is one of the best books you have given as a gift?    Read the blog here. Leave a comment to enter for a chance to win!      Like CTI on Facebook!    Follow CTI on Twitter!
Save on CPYU Titles!        CPYU is having a book sale! Visit the CPYU Resource Center to check out the savings! CPYU Banquet and Auction - Save the Date        CPYU's Celebration Banquet and Auction is being held on March 15th, 2013! Shady Maple Banquet Center East Earl, PA Reception begins at 5:30 More details to come! Mark your calendars to attend!   Follow CPYU's Digital Kids Initiative on Twitter     Follow CPYU's Digital Kids Initiative on Twitter@cpyudigitalkids to receive updates and news pertaining to digital kids. Youth Culture Today Youth Culture Today with Walt Mueller is a 60-second radio spot featured on over 850 stations across the U.S. and Canada! Listen to this week's shows here. Youth Culture Hot Quote        "If you watch Two and a Half Men, please stop watching [it]. I'm on Two and a Half Men and I don't want to be on it. Please stop watching it and filling your head with filth. People say it's just entertainment. Do some research on the effects of television and your brain, and I promise you you'll have a decision to make when it comes to television, especially with what you watch."   - Angus T. Jones, who plays the character Jake on Two and a Half Men, The Hollywood Reporter, November 26, 2012 CPYU Recent and Upcoming Speaking Events 11/10/2012 - The Digital Brain: Understanding Technology's Impact on Our Kids - Calvary Church, Souderton, PA 11/11/2012 - The College Transition: Your Purpose, Your Faith, Your Community - Bay Area Community Church, Annapolis, MD 11/12/2012 - Identity Matters: The Voice of Culture, The Truth of God - Lebanon Evengelical Free Church - Jonestown, PA 11/14/2012 - No Parent Left Behind - First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, TX 11/15/2012 - Understanding Today's Youth Culture - First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, TX 11/17/2012 - Hyper-Connected 24/7: Kids and Social Media - Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention - Dallas, TX 11/18/2012 - Growing Up in a "Porn is the Norm" World - Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention - Dallas, TX 11/29/2012 - Engaging the Soul of Today's Youth Culture: Bridging Teen Wolrdviews and Christian Truth - Youth Specialties Canadian Youth Workers Convention - Toronto, Canada 12/1/2012 - Ministry in a Culture of Narcissism - Youth Specialties Canadian Youth Workers Convention - Toronto, Canada 12/13-12/14/2012 - Chapel and Student Presentations - Whitinsville Christian School -Whitinsnville, MA 1/26/2013 - The College Transition: Your Purpose, Your Faith, Your Community - Nappanee Missionary Church - Nappanee, IN If you'd like to book a CPYU seminar or event, please fill out this form.    Click here to learn more about available CPYU seminars. Check out our calendar for more scheduled events. Link Disclaimer CPYU does not necessarily endorse, support, or condone the sites linked to in this e-mail. They may contain material that is considered offensive or objectionable. They are provided for informational and research purposes only as they are prevalent in youth culture today. Center for Parent/Youth Understanding                                                       717-361-8429

lesson loop 12.3.12

Family Night 11.27.12
I absolutely love when our families come together to worship God, learn from His Word, and have fun together. Family nights are a highlight as far as I am concerned. My prayer is that these nights are an opportunity for your family to have faith conversations that are meaningful, and hopefully those conversations will continue long after the night has ended.
We had a wonderful time last Tuesday, and the passage we focused on was Ephesians 6:1-4:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV

It is amazing how God works these things out, since this is where we have come to in our high school study of the book of Ephesians. I was encouraged and challenged as I studied this passage, knowing that while godly parenting can be difficult, it is possible if we adhere to what the Scriptures give us for a healthy family. Children are to obey and honor their parents - this is what is right (fair). Parents are to lovingly discipline their children in such a way that they are not provoked or crushed in spirit, but rather so that they are guided into a deeper relationship with the God who also disciplines us.

Because parenting is so difficult, particularly in the teen years, we as a student ministry seek to come alongside of parents and shoulder the burden with them. This is our true privilege and deep joy.

lesson loop 11.21.12

Middle School & High School

As I studied the Ephesians passage for high school (Eph. 6:1-4), I realized it would be perfect for next week since it is Family Night. So, last night was a perfect opportunity to do something different.

I really believe we need to make evangelism a priority, and I know this is in concert with the elder's desire for the church overall.

In keeping with that vision, last night we talked about the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Each student (and leader) were challenged to share our faith, because that is our purpose here on earth.

We talked about how evangelism is a missing link in the process of discipleship. We build the body up (the church) with many excellent Bible studies, youth group, sermons, etc., and yet we are often not accomplishing the Great Commission of making disciples because we are missing the evangelism component.

We imagined what our youth group would be like if we all shared our faith more often, and at the end I gave Dare 2 Share's 48 hour challenge - each of were challenged to share Jesus with one person in the following 48 hours - in person, through facebook, text, at Thanksgiving, whatever.

Each of us on youth staff are praying that God would move in our hearts as a student ministry and that we would see new converts during the next year. This would be so exciting!

Here is what the small groups discussed:

Growth Group Questions 11.20.12

Matthew 28:18-20

1. What is your favorite youtube video?

(You can let the students have a little fun and talk about this, just don’t let them diverge too far or talk too long.)

2. Why do certain youtube videos go “viral” (spread like wildfire)?

(there could be a lot of answers here, but you are looking to help the students understand the concept of multiplication - If 10 people tell their friends about a video, and then all of those people each tell a person, it spreads...)

3. The Bible teaches in Matthew 28 that the gospel is supposed to go “viral” too. Each person who is changed by the gospel is supposed to share with others, who will in turn share with others. Why does it seem that it is sometimes easier for a youtube video to circulate around the earth than the gospel?
4. Why is it easier for us to tell our friends about our favorite video or song than what Jesus has done for us?

Leader - Talk about what holds us back - fear, lack of passion for Jesus when compared to the “stuff” in our life, lacking knowledge of the Scriptures...

5. Imagine for a moment what Ebenezer’s youth group would be like if during the next year each teen saw a friend believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and then they joined the youth group. Dream a little bit, and talk about what that would look like.

Leader - talk about what would be awesome, what would be difficult (we would need a totally different youth room...)

6. Share 1 person who you know needs to follow Jesus but hasn’t yet. Spend a few minutes praying for the people your group mentioned.

Leader - you may want to jot these down or have a teen do that.

7. If you still have time, talk about what the gospel is. Use the G.O.S.P.E.L. acrostic if it is helpful -

God created us to be with Him. (Genesis 1-2)

Our sins separate us from God. (Genesis 3)

Sins cannot be removed by good deeds. (Genesis 4 - Malachi 4)

Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again. (Matthew - Luke)

Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life. (John)

Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever. (Acts - Revelation)

Instagram – Is It Okay for Kids? What Parents Need to Know

Here is a blog post from a woman named Mary Kay - not the make-up lady, but a woman who helps parents understand technology and how it affects their children. I recommend parents become familiar with her and her resources. They are pretty helpful.

Instagram – Is It Okay for Kids? What Parents Need to Know

Lesson Loop 10.17.12

After a time of worship last night, all the students broke into growth groups and then helped to prepare things for the Prayer Walk next week. We are excited to see God bring our congregation together in prayer next Wednesday night. I hope most of you youth parents will be able to join us with your whole family next Wednesday for this time. The Prayer Walk will be from 6:30-8:30, so you can come anytime in there.
Reminder: no youth group next Tuesday as our whole church rests from normal activity and depends on God in prayer.

lesson loop 10.10.12

Middle School

Matthew 18:15-20

"Committed to Community"

• Every type of "community" has their own code of conduct or "rules"
• The church also has a code of conduct - we must seek to live righteously, and we must keep ourselves accountable to each other.
• When a Christian refuses to live righteously, they must be humbly and lovingly confronted by other Christians.
• Often we don't follow the Matthew 18 process. Instead, we ignore sin, or tell everyone else instead of confronting.
• We considered the rich value in being part of the church - unity, encouragement, love, etc...
• Students were challenged to value the church and love people enough to confront them humbly, always being willing to receive instruction as well.

MS Growth Group Questions

1. What do we usually do when we hear about another Christian’s sin? What about when we know our Christian friend is struggling with something? (leader - students may need some help thinking about the ways we usually handle this: ignore it, talk to other people about it, downplay it as not a big deal, etc...)
2. Should we confront someone who we see is struggling with sin? What gives us the right since we are sinners too? (leader - because we live in such an accepting culture, it is often looked at as self-righteousness if we lovingly confront. Help your students understand that if we truly love someone, we will humbly challenge them about their sin. We should want the same from our friends. You may want to consider Matthew 7:1-5)
3. Case Study: Devon finds out that her good friend has been using her cell phone to cheat on tests in math class. She knows it isn’t right, especially since her friend claims to be a Christian and is very involved at the youth group that both of them attend. However, Devon is nervous about saying anything because she doesn’t want to hurt their friendship - what should she do?
4. Continuing the Case Study: What if Devon followed the directions of Matthew 18 and confronted her friend about the cheating, but her friend rejected what she said and decided it was none of Devon’s business. According to Matthew 18, what should Devon do next?
5. The Scriptures we looked at tonight gave us many benefits of being in community with other Christians. But what if we are too busy to get to church? What if we have a job someday where we are scheduled every Sunday morning? What if we just connect with other Christians through facebook and email? Can we accomplish all that we are meant to be as a body of Christ digitally (on the internet, email, social networking, etc...)?
6. Have each student read the paper they were given and discuss how these different perspectives on the group compare or contrast with their own. Pray together, asking the Holy Spirit to convict and change us in areas that we need to grow, and asking God to help us live out commitment to God’s people.

High School

Ephesians 5:1-21

"True Love"

• Students considered how the world warps our understanding of "true love"
• We saw that the only sure model of true love is Jesus Christ and His love - we should imitate Him.
• In Ephesians 5 we see two different ways of living - Worldliness, and True Love
• We talked about purity in our speech and actions.
• We discussed what it means to imitate Jesus

HS Growth Group Questions

1. What is love like in the movies, books, and music?
2. Do these representations mess up our understanding of love? How?
3. How can you know if you have true love for someone?
4. On a scale of 1-10, how pure would you say the conversations are in the hallways of your school or in your circle of friends (with 1 being very impure and 10 being completely pure)?
5. How hard is it to remain pure and still show love for others who don't believe in Jesus? Talk about this struggle.
6. How did Jesus show love to sinful people yet remain free from sin. What can we learn from His example?

Lesson Loop 9.19.12

Middle School
Psalm 112:5-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

Main Thrust: As Christ-followers, we are called to give to others. Giving is a heart issue, and the more generous our hearts are, the more blessing we will receive. We discussed numerous blessings that a "giving Christian" experiences.

MS Small Group Questions

1. Name the most giving person you know (could be $$, time, caring). What is it like to be around them?
2. Do you know any “stingy” people? How happy do they seem?
3. Can you give too much money? Would it ever be unwise to give to someone?
4. Out of the benefits of giving, which do you want the most right now? Why? stability (your life seems out of control), good reputation (you don’t have a great reputation right now), courage (you are struggling with fear), victory (you feel oppressed by evil and temptation)
5. How much should we give to our local church (Ebenezer) compared to other organizations around the world (Compassion International)?
6. Why do we give tithes and offerings to our church?

High School
Ephesians 4:17-32

Main Thrust: As Christ-followers, we should no longer live like the world. It may be "normal" to live in sin, but it isn't right.
We considered why the world rejects Christ and sins without much concern, and we saw that while it is possible to live like the world, it will destroy our life and sadden God. We also touched on eternal security.

HS Small Group Questions

1. Some teens think they'll wait until they're older to try to live a holy life. What is flawed about that way of thinking?
2. How would you explain your decision to follow Christ to someone who thinks you're missing out on lots of wild fun you're supposed to have when you're young?
3. Is it possible for a Christian to live like an unbeliever?
4. Look at vs. 21. Sometimes we assume that the people in our youth group are all Christians. Should we do this?
5. How can we tell if our faith is real? How do we know if we have truly been changed? (think the book of 1 John) 
6. What does it mean to “put-off” sin and “put on” a new way of living (vs.22-23)? Give a specific example of how you should be living differently than those without Christ?

Lesson Loop 9.12.12

For those of you who are new to the blog, the "Lesson Loop" is a weekly post that outlines what we discussed this week in youth group. This way you as parents can know what your children are studying, and our hope is that you will be able to discuss it with them this week!

We are all on this journey together!

Middle School Lesson

You Are Created to Serve
John 13:1-17,34-35; Philippians 2:1-4

The thrust: The distinguishing mark of the church is humble service to others, especially other believers. The students are going to go to 3 different stations where they contemplate building up the body of Christ, caring for the needs of those in our church, and praying for each other.

Middle School Growth Group Questions

1. Jesus had a confidence in who He was (and who His Father was) that allowed him to serve others. Talk as a group about who you are in Christ.

2. Describe a time you witnessed an example of true humility or sincere service recently.
3. Tell about a time in your life when someone served or helped you. How did it affect you?
4. We know (Jn. 13:17) that God wants us to be humble servants. But it is another thing to actually do humble service. Where is it the hardest for you to serve (family, school, friends)

5. Tell about one time that you served and you felt blessed and happy after doing it.
6. Pride is one of our greatest enemies. All sin is rooted in pride. What are a couple areas where teenagers tend to get proud and struggle with staying humble?

High School Lesson

Ephesians 4:7-16

The thrust: Growing with (and in) the body of Christ. We are going to consider how students should be doing ministry right now, not waiting till they are adults. We will consider what spiritual growth looks like, and where students are in that process. Lastly we will notice that the church exists to bring glory to God, and when we serve and the church grows that is exactly what happens.

High School Growth Group Questions

1. Share with the group one of your strengths, gifts or abilities.
2. What areas of church ministry usually include teenagers and which seem to be only for adults?
3. Are there certain places that only adults should serve? Are there places where teens could serve but are not yet serving?
4. As you examine your own spiritual journey, where would you say you are?
   • spiritual infant -> spiritual toddler -> spiritual child -> spiritual teenager -> spiritual adult

5. How can you tell if someone is spiritually mature? What are the signs?
6. List some of the reasons we should serve in church? What benefits are there?