What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal
This is the last Wednesday in our series of lessons. Has living your faith become easier for you? Have you grown in ways that you see as good?
On our last Wednesday we are going to talk about the content of Christian faith, and our concern for the world. God wants us to care about our friends, and our families, and our communities, but he also desires that we care for all people.
As a final prayer, use your journal to make the following words personal:
Dear Jesus,
You modeled true humanity and true servanthood while on this earth, and [I have trouble picking my clothes off the floor when my dad asks me to]. You traveled around the dusty Middle East in sandals, eating a simple diet, yet I [complain when my shower isn’t hot in the morning]. I sometimes fail you, and yet you choose to use me in your work.
Please teach me to see the needs of others in a [place like Darfur, or some other poor or war-torn region] and show me where I can serve people. Open my eyes to the great wide world outside my community. Thank you for what you have given me—the change to be part of this church community and to learn about you. Use what I am learning here to overflow your love into the lives of others.
Help me to follow your example and serve others in all that I do. In your name, amen.
Open your journal and take one last opportunity to record your thoughts about this study. What challenges remain? How are you different?
God bless you as you continue to bless others.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
week 4, day 27 ::: tuesday, february 05, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal
In this series of lessons we’ve talked about the way to live your before others as a witness. The content of your life should point to the existence of God. If the gospel is good news, then we should act like. Following Jesus should bring with it a life of abundant joy and love—the best possible way to life.
We’ve waited until the end of this study to talk about the spoken component of our faith. People will not listen to you if your words are not backed up by your life.
But it is important to speak things about the Christian faith are true. What do Christians believe?
The gospel—or good news about Jesus—is complex. Jesus, God’s Son, lived a perfect life. His teachings instruct us how to live a life that is honoring to God. His death was a sacrifice he willingly made to open the way for forgiveness of our sin. And through his resurrection Jesus conquered death. Through faith in him we enter into a relationship with God.
You can tell other people this, and they may grasp the content of what you are saying. But how is your life different after having received this good news?
In your journal write down the ways in which God has changed your life through relationship to Jesus Christ. What is different about you that you can only attribute to God and his power to make us new?
Next time you have a chance to talk to another person about your faith, remember these reflections. Tell them your story. Tell them what Christians believe about Jesus, and then tell them the changes you’ve seen God make in your life. A changed life is the most powerful witness to the truth about Jesus. Others will listen to your life.
Bible.Pen.Journal
In this series of lessons we’ve talked about the way to live your before others as a witness. The content of your life should point to the existence of God. If the gospel is good news, then we should act like. Following Jesus should bring with it a life of abundant joy and love—the best possible way to life.
We’ve waited until the end of this study to talk about the spoken component of our faith. People will not listen to you if your words are not backed up by your life.
But it is important to speak things about the Christian faith are true. What do Christians believe?
The gospel—or good news about Jesus—is complex. Jesus, God’s Son, lived a perfect life. His teachings instruct us how to live a life that is honoring to God. His death was a sacrifice he willingly made to open the way for forgiveness of our sin. And through his resurrection Jesus conquered death. Through faith in him we enter into a relationship with God.
You can tell other people this, and they may grasp the content of what you are saying. But how is your life different after having received this good news?
In your journal write down the ways in which God has changed your life through relationship to Jesus Christ. What is different about you that you can only attribute to God and his power to make us new?
Next time you have a chance to talk to another person about your faith, remember these reflections. Tell them your story. Tell them what Christians believe about Jesus, and then tell them the changes you’ve seen God make in your life. A changed life is the most powerful witness to the truth about Jesus. Others will listen to your life.
week 4, day 26 ::: monday, february 04, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Paint,Markers,OrClay.
Paper.IndexCards.
NewspaperOrInternet
God created people in his own image. When you look at human beings, you somehow, someway see a reflection of who God is. When God looks at you, how much of himself does he see?
Read Romans 6:1-4. Focus on verse 4:
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Our lives are transformed by God’s love. We are called to follow Jesus. We are called to always love, and to serve other people. You have unique gifts that God has given you which he desires for you to use in your life to bring glory to his name. God desires that you love God, and love others.
Grab your art supplies. Create a portrait of what it might look like for you to serve in the world. What special gifts or abilities has God given you that you can put to work for the Kingdom? If words are more your thing, look through a magazine and cut out words and phrases that express your thoughts.
In your journal, ask yourself these questions:
1. What are some ways God is calling you to serve in your community?
2. How have your feelings changed about opportunities to share since you’ve pushed yourself to go beyond your comfort zone?
Two Activities:
1. Choose a few of the verses you’ve read this week, write them on note cards, and put them somewhere you can see them.
2. Pray for a local social service organization or non-profit.
Bible.Paint,Markers,OrClay.
Paper.IndexCards.
NewspaperOrInternet
God created people in his own image. When you look at human beings, you somehow, someway see a reflection of who God is. When God looks at you, how much of himself does he see?
Read Romans 6:1-4. Focus on verse 4:
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Our lives are transformed by God’s love. We are called to follow Jesus. We are called to always love, and to serve other people. You have unique gifts that God has given you which he desires for you to use in your life to bring glory to his name. God desires that you love God, and love others.
Grab your art supplies. Create a portrait of what it might look like for you to serve in the world. What special gifts or abilities has God given you that you can put to work for the Kingdom? If words are more your thing, look through a magazine and cut out words and phrases that express your thoughts.
In your journal, ask yourself these questions:
1. What are some ways God is calling you to serve in your community?
2. How have your feelings changed about opportunities to share since you’ve pushed yourself to go beyond your comfort zone?
Two Activities:
1. Choose a few of the verses you’ve read this week, write them on note cards, and put them somewhere you can see them.
2. Pray for a local social service organization or non-profit.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
week 4, day 25 ::: sunday, february 03, 2008
Spend today in worship of God. Attend church if you can.
Write down any thoughts about Outflow you’ve had so far here.
Write down any thoughts about Outflow you’ve had so far here.
week 4, day 24 ::: saturday, february 02, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal.SmallBox.
Tape.Notebook
Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words. — Francis of Assisi
Read 1 John 3:18:
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Thinking about this verse, in your journal react to the following questions:
1. In what ways do you preach the gospel with your life?
2. What changes can you make in your life to be more effective in showing God’s love to others?
Sometimes there are actions we are called to do that might put us “outside the box.” The gospel can take us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to grow.
Find a unused box in your home—like a shoebox or a jewelry box. Write on slips of paper things that would be outside your box.
1. How does it make you feel to do something “outside your box”?
2. Why is it important for you to stretch and do those things anyway?
3. How do you feel when you are able to accomplish something that was hard or uncomfortable?
Hold the box and pray that God would give you the strength and courage to take those actions. Ask God to make you strong in your faith so that you will be ready at every opportunity.
Here’s a challenge: next school day carry a notebook with you for one day. In the notebook, record your interactions with people. Which relationships are easy, which one’s are hard? Why? Share your thoughts on the blog or email them to a friend.
Bible.Pen.Journal.SmallBox.
Tape.Notebook
Preach the Gospel always, and if necessary, use words. — Francis of Assisi
Read 1 John 3:18:
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Thinking about this verse, in your journal react to the following questions:
1. In what ways do you preach the gospel with your life?
2. What changes can you make in your life to be more effective in showing God’s love to others?
Sometimes there are actions we are called to do that might put us “outside the box.” The gospel can take us out of our comfort zone. Sometimes it is uncomfortable to grow.
Find a unused box in your home—like a shoebox or a jewelry box. Write on slips of paper things that would be outside your box.
1. How does it make you feel to do something “outside your box”?
2. Why is it important for you to stretch and do those things anyway?
3. How do you feel when you are able to accomplish something that was hard or uncomfortable?
Hold the box and pray that God would give you the strength and courage to take those actions. Ask God to make you strong in your faith so that you will be ready at every opportunity.
Here’s a challenge: next school day carry a notebook with you for one day. In the notebook, record your interactions with people. Which relationships are easy, which one’s are hard? Why? Share your thoughts on the blog or email them to a friend.
week 4, day 23 ::: friday, february 01, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
In the Christian life love is a big deal. Today read Matthew 5:43-47.
In this story Jesus tells us that we should love our enemies. We don’t just love our friends, we love everyone.
There are opportunities to show love everywhere—school, on the sports field, among friends, in your neighborhood—you can think of many other examples. It is God’s desire that you grow in love for the world around you.
Think about Gardner or the city you live in. What is it like? You can read about the city on Gardner’s website, www.gardnerkansas.com. You probably know a great deal about what is happening through schools, your family, etc.
Think of these things and write your reflections on a piece of paper or a journal:
1. What places in your community bring about a particular concern? Are there people economically disadvantaged? Broken families? Any issue that causes division? Racism?
2. When is it hardest for you to love your community?
3. What is one way you can show love by contributing to your city?
After thinking about these things, spend some serious time in prayer for these needs. Next, look up the churches in your city. Pray for each ministry—it doesn’t matter if you attend that church or not. Last, pray for your school—the teachers, administrators, and students—the people you like and the people you don’t.
Take a challenge this week and spend time with one person you find hard to love.
Bible.Pen.Paper.Internet
In the Christian life love is a big deal. Today read Matthew 5:43-47.
In this story Jesus tells us that we should love our enemies. We don’t just love our friends, we love everyone.
There are opportunities to show love everywhere—school, on the sports field, among friends, in your neighborhood—you can think of many other examples. It is God’s desire that you grow in love for the world around you.
Think about Gardner or the city you live in. What is it like? You can read about the city on Gardner’s website, www.gardnerkansas.com. You probably know a great deal about what is happening through schools, your family, etc.
Think of these things and write your reflections on a piece of paper or a journal:
1. What places in your community bring about a particular concern? Are there people economically disadvantaged? Broken families? Any issue that causes division? Racism?
2. When is it hardest for you to love your community?
3. What is one way you can show love by contributing to your city?
After thinking about these things, spend some serious time in prayer for these needs. Next, look up the churches in your city. Pray for each ministry—it doesn’t matter if you attend that church or not. Last, pray for your school—the teachers, administrators, and students—the people you like and the people you don’t.
Take a challenge this week and spend time with one person you find hard to love.
week 4, day 23 ::: thursday, january 31, 2008
What you will need for this session:
Bible.Pen.Journal
Remember the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman? Read the whole story today found in John 4:1-26. In the end, this woman realizes she’s had a life changing experience.
Go to a website with news about your local community, such as www.kansascity.com or www.thekansascitychannel.com. Read a few articles and think about the needs, thoughts and feelings of others.
Now, think about class, school, a team you play on, a group with which you’re involved—people you see regularly.
1. Who are three people in this group you don’t know that well? Would you call them “outsiders” in your life?
2. Now think about their lives. Where do you think they need prayer?
Spend a minute praying for your friends.
Today connect with someone you see all the time but hardly talk to. Ask them how they are doing, how class is going, how school is going, what they’ve been up, and just listen.
Bible.Pen.Journal
Remember the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman? Read the whole story today found in John 4:1-26. In the end, this woman realizes she’s had a life changing experience.
Go to a website with news about your local community, such as www.kansascity.com or www.thekansascitychannel.com. Read a few articles and think about the needs, thoughts and feelings of others.
Now, think about class, school, a team you play on, a group with which you’re involved—people you see regularly.
1. Who are three people in this group you don’t know that well? Would you call them “outsiders” in your life?
2. Now think about their lives. Where do you think they need prayer?
Spend a minute praying for your friends.
Today connect with someone you see all the time but hardly talk to. Ask them how they are doing, how class is going, how school is going, what they’ve been up, and just listen.
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