lesson loop 3.27.13

Middle School and High School

Last night we watched Episode 3 of our Gospel Journey Maui series! It was the second part of the main question that was addressed in Episode 2 which is What is the purpose of life?
After the entire cast had spent a time of solitude on the beach journaling about what they believed their purpose in life was, they all assembled and discussed it.
Emma had a very poetic take on her purpose in life, even though it was humanistic and not God-centered. Jassar had a very devout Muslim purpose, while Rachel's perspective was distinctly Mormon.
Jonathan had a very general purpose of staying physically, emotionally and mentally fit so he could help others that were less fortunate.
Rachel struggled the most, and became very emotional when she recounted some of the events that have happened right before the Maui trip, and in fact caused her to realize that she didn't know her purpose in life. She mentioned that her conversations with Greg and Zane have really made her think about Jesus.
Zane shared about his journaling time where he sat in a tree that had a cross inscribed on it, along with the years of somebody's life. It was sobering, and caused him to focus on the significance of the dash between the year of birth and year of death. What we do with our life is important. He expressed his purpose as to know God and make Him known.
Greg talked again about Solomon, and how he discovered that the purpose of life is found in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

There continues to be a good amount of respect between all of the cast members, regardless of what they believe.

After the video, we broke up into growth groups where students spent the first 10 minutes in complete silence journaling about their purpose in life. After that time they discussed their journaling and the video.

Here is the outline of what was covered in small groups -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BtJHfz4Nsn09N7rr10H6rjB7ueDqhJnXOn5OrypfkRA/edit?usp=sharing
We are excited about how this series can be used to equip our students and also impact non-believing students who attend.
Please continue to encourage your child to invite their friends! We had some this past week!

lesson loop 3.20.13

Middle School and High School

Last night we watched Episode 2 of our Gospel Journey Maui series! It was a great night, and I really enjoyed having some of you parents with us for family night! One of the most enjoyable things for me is to see parents and children discussing the things of the Lord.
The main question that was addressed in Episode 2 was What is the purpose of life?
The entire cast went snorkeling, and while on the boat they discussed this extremely important question. Some said the purpose of life was to do good things and help others. Another cast member said the purpose of life was to make a name for yourself so you are remembered. Still others mentioned pleasing God and living for Him.
Zane Black shared his testimony of pursuing a life of worldliness, hoping to find fulfillment and purpose, but coming up empty - until He gave his life to Jesus Christ.
Then the group talked about Solomon, and his pursuit for joy that is described in the book of Ecclesiastes.
The episode ended with each of the cast members going off to the beach with a journal to spend 45 minutes in solitude contemplating the meaning of life. We will pick it up here next week!

After the video, we broke up into growth groups where we discussed these things further.
Here is the outline of what was covered in small groups -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11V3_7uV-7cc8acFtX7KRwq3MrI2kTE5uOewxuXAkfYM/edit?usp=sharing
We are excited about how this series can be used to equip our students and also impact non-believing students who attend.
Please encourage your child to invite their friends!

lesson loop 3.13.13

Middle School and High School

Last night we began our Gospel Journey Maui series! It was a great beginning, and the main question that was addressed was Is there a higher power?
The entire cast went to the top of an active volcano that overlooked the ocean, and watched the sunrise. After observing the beauty of creation, they discussed whether there is a God, and how all of that beauty came to be.
There was some disagreement as to what God's character was like, and especially who Jesus Christ really is.
Greg Stier emphasized that Jesus created everything, and that everything is made for His glory. This was not the viewpoint of everyone on the video, but the conversation was respectful and healthy.

After the video, we broke up into growth groups where we discussed these things further.
Here is the outline of what was covered in small groups -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jR_sVacJNQjiKS0bMBa8SZJRERMZINfkvypXf8fFgvs/edit?usp=sharing

We are excited about how this series can be used to equip our students and also impact non-believing students who attend.
Please encourage your child to invite their friends!

lesson loop 3.1.13

Middle School and High School

This past Tuesday we again considered evangelism, yet it was in the context of prayer. Prayer is the most important part of our evangelism, for without the Holy Spirit moving and working in hearts, all our effort is futile.
As a cap to Ebenezer's month of prayer and fasting, we made prayer our focus and ended with 20 minutes of prayer among growth groups.
It was also neat to combine some growth groups, and I believe that will be something we do occasionally at youth group, giving students the opportunity to be with students from other grades (since the growth groups are now by grade level).

Here is the video the students watched - http://www.dare2share.org/videos/pray-for-the-spiritual-transformation-of-the-next-generation/
And here is the study guide the students filled out - http://video.dare2share.org/d2s-uncensored/pray-for-the-spiritual-transformation-of-the-next-generation.pdf

Thanks for your partnership!