lesson loop 1.30.13

Middle School & High School
Last night we continued our series on Evangelism which will last for a few months, and will include middle school and high school students together.
We specifically talked about "Apologetics without Bruises".

apologetics 

plural of a·pol·o·get·ics

Noun Reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine.

Many times when we are discussing our faith with those who believe in other religions (or the religion of no religion), we give evidences for our faith in an extremely forceful and unloving way. Last night we talked about how we can have confidence in what we believe, but love others with the love of Jesus as we discuss our faith with them. Here are the main points:

1. Use apologetics as a crowbar, not a sledgehammer
   We want to pry open the box of their mind, not smash it to pieces.
2. Remember that only Christianity gives a preponderance of evidence on three levels:
   Experiential - My religion is true because I have experienced something real.
   Autopistic - My religion is true because it claims to be true (internally)
   Axiopistic - My religion is true because it proves itself to be true (externally)
3. Recognize that there is a force more powerful than apologetics (The Holy Spirit)
   We need to use "Soul Apologetics" - getting to the why behind the lie of what people believe.
4. Use Apologetics as the P.S. to the "love letter" of the gospel
   Don't start with all the evidence, start with the love of Jesus Christ - if you forget everything else, remember the cross!

You can see the video here: http://www.dare2share.org/videos/apologetics-without-bruises/

In our next youth group we will begin a brand new series called "Gospel Journey - Maui"
You can check that out here: http://www.dare2share.org/gospeljourneymaui/

lesson loop 1.23.13

Middle School & High School
Last night we began a series on Evangelism which will last for a few months, and will include middle school and high school students together.
We specifically talked about the "Passion Fuels" for Evangelism.
Why should we share Jesus with others?
Greg Stier gave 5 Motivations:

1. Obedience to God
2. Love for God
3. Fear of God
4. The Reality of Hell
5. Compassion for the Lost

In the video, Greg challenged the students to figure out which of these "fuels" motivates them the most, and fill up on that. Then, begin considering the other motivations, and "mix" these in. The Biblical fuels for evangelism are meant to be mixed.

You can see the video here: http://www.dare2share.org/videos/passion-fuel/

Next week we will look at an introduction to Defending Our Faith (Apologetics).