Series: The Greatest Show (Oct.16-Nov. 14)

Boss Series

Series: UPSIDE DOWN (June 26th - July 31st)

BIG IDEA OF THE SERIES

Many voices compete for influence in teenagers’ lives today. Some of those voices are ultimately destructive to their relationships and personal development. This five-lesson series, based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, will help your students discern between the voices of our culture and true Jesus-centered living.

Week 2 (7/3/18)

Our society says we’re free to pursue whatever sexual practices we desire, as long as we don’t physically hurt someone or commit adultery. But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus suggests that each of us might be guiltier of sexual sin than we realize. You’ve heard that adultery is wrong, Jesus says, but thinking lustfully about someone is just as sinful. In this lesson, students will discover that Jesus challenges not only our harmful sexual actions but also our attitudes about sex.

Week 3 (7/10/18)

Our society says we’re entitled to change our minds, even if we made a promise to someone. But in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns us against breaking our vows and compromising our integrity. You’ve heard that lying is wrong, Jesus says, but lacking integrity in our promises is just as sinful. In this lesson, students will see how Jesus challenges not only our concept of a “promise” but also the integrity of our hearts.

Week 4 (7/24/18)

Our society says we’re entitled to get even when someone mistreats us. But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us to give up self-serving patterns of living. You’ve heard it’s right to take revenge, Jesus says, but following him means loving people unselfishly. In this lesson, students will hear how Jesus challenges not only our self-centered attitudes but also our unwillingness to sacrifice for the sake of others.

Week 5 (7/31/18)

Our society says it’s OK and expected if we hate our enemies. But in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says we need to treat our enemies as our neighbors. You’ve heard that you should hate your enemies, Jesus says, but you should love them. In this thought-provoking lesson, students will see how Jesus challenges not only our concept of “neighbor” but also our willingness to show compassion to people who are against us.

Remember - July 31st is our LAST Tuesday Thrive of the Summer. We will see you back here on September 4th! 

Series: PRAYING (May 29th - June 12th)

Big Idea of the Series: This four-week series approaches what it means to live a life of prayer. Starting with the difference between the joy of a real relationship through the gospel versus empty religious duty, this series will encourage students to develop a meaningful prayer life by overcoming distractions, prioritizing God’s presence, and using God’s Word as fuel for effective prayer.

Week 1

Text: John 15:1–11

Big Idea of the Message: We are invited out of religious performance and into a meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

 In this passage, Jesus is talking to his disciples about having a relationship with him, one that is a deep and meaningful friendship. When we are walking in that kind of closeness with Jesus, our prayers will honor him and be effective (v. 7–8). The Lord’s desire is that we would have complete joy, and that happens in a right relationship with him (vv. 10–11). God is not impressed by our mere religious activity. He wants our hearts! Imagine if your best friend ate lunch with you only because they had to. It would sap the joy from being with them! Prayer is simply a conversation with God. We don’t have to make it more difficult than it is. Prayer is a source of joy because we get to both give and receive from God. He will meet with us, speak to us, instruct us, and be with us. “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).

Week 2

Text: Matthew 7:7–11

Big Idea of the Message: We might feel distracted in prayer by our worries or weaknesses, but God loves to hear us pray because he is a good Father.

We can come to God in prayer like a child—simple, honest, with no fear of getting it wrong. God wants us to come to him, to ask, seek, and knock. When a baby is learning to walk, parents don’t get upset when the child falls down or wobbles. They clap and laugh and encourage their little one to try again. In the same way, God gives us grace when we are learning to pray. He doesn’t get angry or impatient if we mess up or stumble; he celebrates that his kid is trying! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Week 3

Text: Matthew 6:5–13

Big Idea of the Message: To pray effectively, we must keep God’s presence and his purposes as our first priority.

 In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the hidden things done in secret. God knows the inward motives behind our actions, and his concern is with our hearts. We have to have a heart attitude that is submitted to God’s purposes and his kingdom. James also connects effective prayer (or the lack thereof) with our secret motives: “You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (James 4:2–3). This passage isn’t limiting prayer to only happen at home in your bedroom or a closet. We can pray anytime and anywhere! Give a few personal examples of how you pray while you are mowing the lawn, washing dishes, driving, etc.

Series: DIRTY JOBS (May 8th - May 15th)

Lesson 3: Doing the Common Work (5/8/18)

It’s tempting to think that leadership involves big decisions and elaborate events. But through a common, ordinary chore, Jesus showed his disciples that significant life-change can occur through small acts of service. In John 21, after his resurrection, Jesus cared for his disciples by preparing them a simple meal—fish fried over a fire and some bread. For the disciples, the scene left a memorable impression about Jesus’ leadership style.

Lesson 4: Showing Real Love (5/15/18)

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus gave his life for us because he loved us. He also calls his followers to be people of love, extending his love to those around us. How can we approach people in hate when Jesus gave up his life for them in love? Jesus said showing love to others is how the world can tell we’re his disciples.

On 5/22/18, we will be celebrating our graduating seniors with a Baccalaureate. If your student is a senior, please contact Jessica for more information @ jivanitsky@fbcsalem.org

Series: BREAD CRUMBS (Feb. 27th - March 20th)

SERIES OVERVIEW

Before Jesus was born, Scripture was already buzzing with anticipation about who he was and what he would do. From Genesis to Malachi, the Old Testament contains countless prophecies about the coming King and Savior who would restore order to the world. For example, the book of Isaiah, written 700 years before Jesus’ birth, prepares people for his divine identity, his passionate mission, and his sacrifice for their sins. This series will help students understand Jesus more deeply by seeing him through the lens of the Old Testament.

Week 1  What Would Jesus Be Called? | Isaiah 7:14; 9:2, 6-7 (2/27/18)

About 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah revealed that Jesus would receive some incredible titles. By exploring these names of Jesus, students will better understand his unique identity. They’ll also be challenged to commit themselves more deeply to their relationship with him.

Week 2  How Would People Get Ready for Jesus? | Isaiah 40:1-11 (3/6/18)

Long before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah encouraged people to prepare for Jesus’ arrival. Ultimately, this was fulfilled in the Gospels when John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus. By seeing Jesus’ arrival through the lens of Isaiah and through the work of John the Baptist, students will better understand how to get ready for Jesus to enter their own lives.

Week 3  Why Would Jesus Suffer? | Isaiah 52:13–53:12 (3/13/18)

Some 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah revealed the terrible suffering that Jesus would endure for us. The dramatic account about the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 52 and 53 indicated that Jesus would willingly lay down his life to bear the sins of the whole world. By seeing Jesus’ sacrificial work through the lens of Isaiah, students will better understand Jesus’ identity as their personal Savior.

Week 4  Why Would Jesus Come? | Isaiah 61:1-3 (3/20/18)

Centuries before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah revealed that the Messiah would come to restore the world, which had been devastated by sin and sickness. Isaiah predicted that the Messiah would bring the “good news” (gospel) of healing and freedom to people in desperate need of salvation. By viewing the good news of Jesus through the lens of Isaiah, students can better understand Jesus’ mission and be challenged to live for him in all they do