Series: THOUGH AS NAILS (Sept. 13th - Sept. 27th)

Uncertainty is unavoidable. Being fearful is optional.

In The Beginning | Matthew 10:29–31 (9/13/16) Life is full of danger and uncertainty. We see news reports almost daily about violence and terrorism. And sometimes it feels like faith is under siege. 2015 was the worst year in modern history for Christian persecution. More than 7,100 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons; 2,400 churches were damaged or destroyed. Surrounded by uncertainty, it’s difficult not to be afraid. But Jesus offers us another option. Uncertainty is for certain. It’s unavoidable. It’s beyond your control. But living in fear is optional. Remember that Jesus—your Savior—was born into, lived through, and walked into the jaws of uncertainty. A world too often defined by violence, arrested and crucified him . . . and then God raised him from the dead. That is the cornerstone of our faith. That’s why living in fear is optional.

Fix Your Eyes | Hebrews 12:1–2 (9/20/16) The New Testament records that early Christians didn’t fear loss. They were selfless and confident. They weren’t arrogant or self-confident. They were humble because their confidence wasn’t in themselves; it was in Jesus. That faith in who Jesus was and what he had done for them freed them to boldly love others. Does our faith look like that? How would it change our world if it did? Is your version of Christianity worth the price early Christians paid for it? The author of the book of Hebrews wrote, “They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them.” What would that kind of faith look like for you and me?

Our Once Upon a Time | Acts 4:12 (9/27/16) Once upon a time . . . Jesus stood against the injustice of an empire and the hypocrisy of the temple. He introduced God as father. He taught his followers to love their enemies and forgive everyone. Jesus never wrote a word or traveled farther than he could walk. But he taught a way of thinking, believing, and behaving that, though it was foreign and seemingly impractical, changed the world forever. Jesus isn’t finished changing the world. He calls on each of us to stand against injustice, love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and follow him. As a nation trembles in fear, looking to the government for salvation, as rhetoric gets nastier and more dangerous, people take sides. Compassion wanes. Racial divides increase. But there are those who have no fear. They’re informed, but not worried. The worse things get, the better they get. They are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, but above all, they are Christians. What will our Once Upon a Time… story be?

Series: SQUAD (June 21st - July 12th)

No matter how you cut it, life would be extremely difficult without friends involved in our lives. Hopefully, we all have good friends and are a friend to somebody else. Explain to parents that this month of study focuses on friendships. This study will help students gain a good understanding of what it takes to be a good friend as well as what it takes to keep good friends. Students will also learn skills that will be helpful in resolving conflicts within their friendships.

Session 1 True Friends — 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (6/21/16)

True friendship involves commitment to one another. Being committed means sticking with them through both good and bad times. Jonathan and David were deeply committed to one another. Communication is an extremely important aspect of any friendship. A true friend loves—and is not afraid to be loved or show love. A true friend is willing to sacrificially give of themselves with no strings attached.

Session 2 Wise Choices — Proverbs 22:24-25; 25:19; 1 Samuel 23:16-18 (6/28/16)

The Bible provides wisdom and guidance in choosing friends. When it comes to choosing friends, being able to trust them is important. We are all familiar with people whom we have found to be unreliable. Being able to trust a friend means you know they have your back regardless. Choosing good friends means discovering friends that will not lead you into trouble. Listening to parents and trusting their abilities to see things you can’t can be helpful in choosing your friends. Choosing friends who will encourage you to be and do your best is wise.

Session 3 Bring ’em Back — Proverbs 17:17; 27:6,17 (7/5/16)
A true friend is never afraid to speak the truth. It may be difficult for a friend to hear the truth, but you should still share the truth in love. True friends hold each other accountable. Don’t forget that as a child of God, you are held to a higher standard. Holding each other accountable means setting boundaries and living by them. No matter what happens within a friendship, you keep on loving the person.

Session 4 Work It Out — Matthew 5:23-24; 18:21-22; Acts 15:36-39; 2 Timothy 4:11 (7/12/16)

Every friendship is going to have problems that arise. Learning to respond appropriately is the key to resolving conflicts within friendships. When disagreements come up, learn to forgive just as God has forgiven you. Remember that no one is perfect, not even you. Be willing to take the first step in resolving the conflict regardless of whose fault it may be. Resolution and restoration are possible in any situation.

 

Series: ASK IT (May 25th - June 14th)

Every day brings new questions. 

Should I stay? Should I go? Buy it? Sell it? Start it? Stop it?
Did you know there's a question that makes it easy to determine the answer to all the other questions?

It's true.  

All you have to do is ask it!

Session 1: Question Everything (5/24/16)

What if there was a question that would clarify your best option for ninety percent of the decisions you make in life—a question that answers just about everything? It would have the potential to foolproof your relationships, marriage, finances, calendar, pace, and health. It would reduce the complexity of your life. It would save you time, money and tears. You would carry around less regret. And best of all, you wouldn’t have to apologize nearly as much. Of every invitation, opportunity, relationship, or decision, ask “What’s the wise thing to do?” If you were going to do the wise thing, what would it be? By asking that question, even if you don’t follow through, you will discover something about you. You owe it to yourself to know the answer to that question.

Session 2: Musical Chairs (5/31/16)

Solomon, the third king of Israel, wrote more about wisdom than any other biblical writer. He was considered by some to be the wisest man who ever lived. In his writing, he laid out three kinds of people who lack wisdom: the simple lack experience; fools know the difference between right and wrong, but don’t care; and mockers not only know the difference between right and wrong but are critical of those who choose to do right. Eventually, people in each of these categories need wisdom . . . but they may not find it. The path of wisdom offers a way to live in safety, peace, and without fear of harm. But to leverage all that wisdom offers, you have to ask it: In light of my past experience, current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for me to do?

Session 3: Time Over Time (6/7/16)

Scripture says God has determined the number of your days. You can make more money and you can make more friends, but you can’t make more time. You can count your money and your friends, but you can’t count your time. In light of that truth, knowing what to do with your time matters. It’s vital that you use your time wisely. Look ahead to your desired future. In light of your past experience, current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams, where do you need to begin making consistent deposits of time? Reallotting your time can set you up for healthy relationships with the most important people in your life, and create a future without regret

Session 4: The Beginning (6/14/16)
You are painting a picture entitled Your Life. It’s made up of a series of decisions. And you don’t get to hide your early endeavors in the attic. You get only one canvas. Will you do it yourself or will you let someone guide your hand? There’s one important question that we hope you will ask the rest of your life: In light of my past experience, current circumstances, and future hopes and dreams, what’s the wise thing for me to do? But asking that question will clarify what you should do . . . not what you will do. Whether or not you have surrendered yourself to the Author of wisdom will determine what you actually do.