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Issue 3 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Ministry
Well, I'm typing this on a flight from Dallas back home. I invested the last few days speaking at a couple of youth conferences. Inevitably at those events you bump into kids you met or who saw you at prior dates.
Issue 2 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE Your Minutes
Would you like to have more time? Brian Tracy, international business speaker, says a person can save ten minutes for every one minute they invest in planning their day.
So let's apply it.
Issue 4 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
There are two things you can do with time.
1. You can spend it.
2. You can invest it.
Time spent is never recovered, while time invested brings a return. Perhaps the return is a short note from the teen you never thought you could reach.
Issue 6 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes:
29 days of January 2001 are almost gone. How have you done so far? What have you done so far?
Really.
One of the best ways to get the most out of every minute is by looking into the past to rate your efficiency.
Issue 5 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
Do you procrastinate? Wait till the last minute? Delay and delay?
Here are the top reasons for procrastinating:
Don't like the task.
Not sure where to begin.
No immediate payoff.
It's overwhelming.
You're a perfectionist.
You're lazy.
Too busy.
Regardless of the reason(s) try some the following:
One step at a time.
Issue 7 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE Your Minutes
If you want to save time and create more time in your schedule learn to delegate.
I know. Nobody can do it as well as you can, but how well can you do everything.
Issue 8 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE Your Minutes
"Gimme a break." That's what I say in the middle of a
hectic day. In fact, don't tell anyone, me an Al
(co-founder of Teen Life Ministries) both say that.
Issue 9 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Every Ugly Date Will Follow You for LIFE!
OPEN:
~~~~~
*Story about the one girl I wish I had never dated. Whenever her name comes up in a conversation people STILL say, "He Paul didn't you used to date that bi-polar shcitzo?"
*That's just one type of ugly date.
Issue 26 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Spy Games
OPEN:
==========
Option 1: Ask the students to name their favorite “spy” movie and tell why they like it so much.
Option 2: Show a clip from a spy movie and have the group discuss the role of a spy.
Issue 10 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - I Could Have Been Speaking in Tongues
Passage: I Corinthians 12
Points:
1. Don't Be Ignorant (v. 1-3)
* There was a lot of confusion about spiritual gifts in the early church. Is there still confusion today?
Issue 11 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE Your Minutes
Q: How have things been going?
A: Busy.
We wear busyness like a badge of honor. We fly to appointments. We zip through our schedule. All for the sake of getting things done. Because of that we have a tendency to run behind.
Issue 12 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Stick & Stones...
Open:
"Stick and stones can break my bones but words... words break my spirit."
Pass out 3x5 index cards and pencils to the class. Ask, "Without adding your name write down something that someone has said to you that has hurt your feelings.
Issue 13 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Weird is Better than Cool
Open: .......................
Place a small box on the floor and ask a teen to step into it. tell the class that it is the cool box. As long as they stay in they're cool, but as soon as they step out they're weird.
The cool box is limiting.
Issue 14 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE Your Minutes
"In a boxing match, you can lose the first 14 rounds. All you have to do is nail your opponent in the last ten seconds of the 15th round and you're the world champion." - H.
Issue 16 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything."
One of the keys to maximizing your minutes is being able to answer, "What time is it?" Not with your watch, but with your heart.
There are times to cut up and goof off, and times to be serious.
Issue 15 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Mirror, Mirror On the Wall
Open
Option 1: Bring a full length mirror to class. Ask each teen to walk in front of it and notice one thing about
himself that he doesn't like.
Option 2: Give each student a small hand help mirror.
Issue 17 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
Don't have enough time to get everything done? Getting behind when something breaks in on your plan?
Here's something few of us do:
UNDER SCHEDULE
Don't fill in every single space in your daytimer with an activity or event.
Issue 19 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
Quick but sad story, and a powerful point.
Just as I was getting ready to send this message I clicked the wrong button and lost all the info. A smart minister would have been saving as he worked.
Issue 18 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - O Father, Where Art Thou?
Open
Option 1: Share a difficult time with your Father. I shared how my dad left before I was born, and how I rarely saw him growing up.
Issue 20 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Even the Good Die Young.
Open:
Tell the story of someone you know who "died before their time." Ask the teens to share about someone who died that they were close to.
In my case, I shared the death of my first wife.
Issue 21 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
Identify your time stealers. Warren Wrint lists the following as major contributors:
Interruptions - telephone Interruptions - personal visitors Meetings Tasks you should have delegated Procrastination and indecision Acting with incomplete information Dealing with team members Crisis management (fire fighting) Unclear communication Inadequate technical knowledge Unclear objectives and priorities Lack of planning Stress and fatigue Inability to say "No" Desk management and personal disorganization
Do one or more of those match you?
Issue 23 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
PDA...
It used to stand for Public Display of Affection. It was considered a no, no, in my high school. But PDA (personal digital assistants) are welcome in many of today's schools.
Cut down on phone calls and postcards by allowing your students with PDAs to come to the office one day a month and load the schedule for upcoming events.
Maybe you only have a couple of teens that use this resource, but it just might help those two stay on time and show up for more events.
It will also
Issue 22 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Messages
One of the kids on the front row was named Andrew. His friends called him “D-Man.” I asked if that was short for De-Mon. He had to think about it.
Because of the laid back nature of the event, D-Man and me were able to banter with each other during the messages.
Issue 24 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Gospel Formulas
Open: ===========
Discuss the various ways different religious groups say you can be saved…or what it takes to be saved.
The idea is not to tear other religious groups apart, but to show the differences.
Issue 25 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Source
Open:
==========
If the following people came to tell you about Jesus, which would you most likely believe?
1.Dennis Rodman
2.Billy Graham
3.Marilyn Manson
What is it about the person that makes him the most believable as a witness for Christ?
Issue 25 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Source
Open:
==========
If the following people came to tell you about Jesus, which would you most likely believe?
1.Dennis Rodman
2.Billy Graham
3.Marilyn Manson
What is it about the person that makes him the most believable as a witness for Christ?
Issue 27 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE YOUR MINISTRY:
Get up 30 minutes early each day in June and pray for each student in your ministry.
Plan a back to school party for mid-June. Get the group to brainstorm creative evangelistic ideas for when school does start back.
Block out one full day a month for your spirit. God commanded the Sabbath because he knows we're work-a-holics.
Issue 43 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - TRUTH
Open
===============
*Our truth is a combination of experience and expectation.
*Example: In class I told about one of our exits from the interstate. As you yield right, there is a yellow sign that says, “Keep Moving.” My experience from taking that exit is that I don’t slow down and I let it rip through the turn.
Issue 29 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Messages
I (Paul) just returned from speaking to 800 junior highers at a three day event. Crowds in no way intimidate me...but jr highers? That's intimidating!
How were they? Awesome.
Issue 28 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - LIFE IN THE SPIRIT: Love
Galatians 5:22-23
OPEN: ============
Bring an apple to class (or an apple for each student). Ask someone to take a bite and tell the class what he/she likes about apples. (Sweet, crunchy, color, etc).
Issue 30 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Life in the Spirit: Joy
Open: ==========
What is the difference between joy and happiness?
Personal definition of Joy: Joy is a smile on your soul.
Happiness is when your circumstances bring a smile.
Issue 32 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Ministry:
Loss. In the past week we had one family lose a grandmother and another lose a pet. On the surface it would seem that the grandmother's family is where a majority of ministry should go. But I noticed that the student who lost the pet felt just as bad, hurt just as much, and even questioned God to the same extent as the other family.
Issue 31 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Life in the Spirit: Peace
Open: ======================
Option1: If you could go anywhere in the world and spend a week, where would you go? Why?
Why is getting away from it all so important to us?
Issue 33 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Life in the Spirit: Goodness
Open:
=============
Bring several food items to class for a blind taste test. Blindfold a couple of students then bring out the grub. Ask them to taste then tell what it is.
Issue 34 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Too busy to pray? Summer got you running after the teens like a ghost after Shaggy and Scooby?
Set a wake up call.
Literally.
Get a watch that has a countdown timer on it and set it to the desired alarm rate.
Issue 35 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Life in the Spirit: Meekness
The NIV uses the term gentleness. The term would be better translated as meekness. That's what this study will focus on.
Open:
==========
Meekness has gotten a bad rap because it rhymes with…
Right!
Issue 1 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Messages
Want to improve your talks and classes immediately? It's not hard, just care.
Care more about the youth than the outline.
Care more about the principle of the lesson than the way it's presented.
Care more about the changed life than the cool illustration.
Care more about the words God gives you than the words you come up with on your own.
Care…well, you get the idea.
Issue 36 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Life in the Spirit: Self-Control
Open: =============
If the “Spirit” produces the fruit, then why is it called “self” control? What do we have to do with it? Can we really control ourselves?
Issue 36 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Life in the Spirit: Self-Control
Open: =============
If the “Spirit” produces the fruit, then why is it called “self” control? What do we have to do with it? Can we really control ourselves?
Issue 37 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE Your Ministry
School has started for many or most teens by now. Some are glad. Some are sad. And some are mad.
Meanwhile, most youth ministers are celebrating because summer is over.
Issue 38 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - MAXIMIZE Your Minutes
Use an auto responder to send a series of messages about your group to visitors and other website surfers.
A multiple message responder like getresponse.com will allow you to send multiple follow up messages without doing it manually.
Let's say you outfit your group with cards that say "Discover 5 Reasons to Become Part of On Fire Youth." Send a blank email to OnFireYouth@g...
You write five short articles...maybe only a paragraph...and schedule it to go out every two days.
Issue 39 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes and Your Ministry at the Same Time
A few years ago on a trip to Disney World I relied on MapQuest for the "quickest" route. BIG mistake. I should have consulted a foldout map.
Issue 40 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
I found a desk last Thursday. It was beneath all the stuff I had piled on top of it. By following three steps I got forwarded to me from my group I uncovered the desk and shocked the entire staff.
1.
Issue 45 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - God is Love...
Open:
=======
Tell about a time when you thought you were really in love, but it was just “puppy love.”
Study:
=========
Read 1John 4:16
*God is love. It’s more than an attribute; it’s His nature.
*Ask the class to share some ways God has shown His love to them.
4 Aspects of God’s Love
1.
Issue 41 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Maximize Your Minutes
Jesus said, "Who among you can add even a minute to your life by worrying about it?"
Have you had days when you look at your list of tasks and wonder, "How am I going to get all this done?" It can become paralyzing.
Issue 42 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Faithfulness
Open:
================
We say a building is faithful when it stands during a storm. Faithful means that someone or something remains firm even when outside circumstances try to topple him/her, or it.
Over the past year what has happened to make our world question God’s faithfulness to us?
Why do people often use tragedy as a time to seek God?
How have you seen God’s faithfulness during the past year?
Study
==========
How to stay faithful in weakness:
Reread Galatians 5:22-23
1.Faithful in Service (Matt.
Issue 44 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Wages of Sin…
*Read Romans 6:23.
*What are wages? Are they earned or a gift?
*Why is sin’s wage death?
*Read Proverbs 14:12, 16:25
*What seems right to us? Make a list of things that seem right to us, but are wrong to God.
*Read James 1:13-15
*The Death Formula: 1.
Issue 46 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Blessing Magnet Part 1
Open:
=======
Share an unexpected blessing. I shared that I walked out of my house a couple of weeks ago and our neighbors were outside washing our cars!
Issue 50 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Celebrate Life
Open:
=======
Tell about a major celebration in your life and what made it so special. After you share ask some teens for their celebration moments.
Study:
=========
Read John 10:10
Learning: Full of Growth (Acts 17:11)
*The Bereans got to hear God’s word through the mouth of an Apostle.
Issue 47 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Blessing Magnet Part 2
Open:
=======
Bring two magnets to class. Begin by placing them in a way that they are attracted to each other. Next, place them opposite so the repel each other.
Issue 48 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Blessing Magnet Part 5
Open:
=======
School has a lot of prerequisites. You have to take algebra 1 before algebra 2.
Ask the class to share some of the prerequisite courses and why they have to take them.
Study:
=========
God provides blessing prerequisites as well.
Issue 49 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Healing & Sending
Open:
=======
Begin by singing a prayer to God about healing such as “Create in Me a Clean Heart.”
Study:
=========
Read Isaiah 6:1-8
1. Sin is Revealed.
*When Isaiah saw the King what did He say?
-“Woe to me!
Issue 51 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Entering God’s Presence Through Shame
Open:
=======
We often don’t think about shame being a way to draw near to God. Shame makes us think about hiding, even unworthiness, but approaching Him may be the last thing we think about.
Our shame can actually bring us close to the Lord.
Issue 52 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Entering God’s Presence Through The Fall
Open:
=======
Have you ever fallen for something? Ask the class to tell about times when they have been tricked, or had a prank played on them.
Or if you have a video copyright license tape a Spy TV episode and show a clip in class.
Study:
=========
Read Genesis 2:3:1-17
The Command:
*Why did God put the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden and then tell Adam and Eve not to eat from it?
*One rule.
Issue 53 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - God’s Will
Open:
=======
Mysteries. The Loch ness Monster. Big Foot. The Yeti. The final resting place of Noah’s Ark. The Garden of Eden. God’s will.
Sometimes God’s will is as big a mystery as determining the real Jack the Ripper.
Or is it?
Issue 55 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Giving
Open:
===============
Start by asking the class to share the best and worst gifts they ever got.
“Be a servant and give yourself.”
(Phil. 2:3-4; 2 Cor. 4:5; 5:14-15; Gal. 5:13)
“It’s better to give than to get.”
(Acts 20:35)
Study:
===============
You Will Enjoying Giving When You… (2 Cor.
Issue 54 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - LOVE OF GOD
Jochy Lopez contributed this week’s lesson
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love, where with he loved us. (Eph.2: 4) For God is love. (1Jn.
Issue 56 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - His Arrival
Study:
===============
Read Luke 2:1-7
What does Jesus’ arrival REVEAL about God?
GOD IS SURPRISING
*If you could have decided the way Jesus would arrive on earth, what would you have chosen?
*Why would God choose to deliver the message of Jesus’ birth to shepherds and not the press?
*Does Jesus arriving as a baby and not an adult make a difference in your faith?
GOD IS HUMBLE
*Read Philippians 2:5-8
*How did God becoming a man prove His humility?
GOD IS APPROACHABLE
*How does the birth of Jesus communicate approachability?
*Read Hebrews 4:14-16
*We are to approach the throne of Grace with
Issue 58 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Mobilized for Ministry
OPEN:
===============
Option 1: Show a video clip of a troop getting ready for war.
Option 2: Invite a member of the military to speak for a few minutes about the war we face at this time in history.
STUDY:
===============
OUR CHALLENGE:
*To move from an audience to an army.
*To move from a family to a fight force.
*To prepare and mobilize for spiritual warfare.
Ask the class to share some areas of warfare in their home and schools.
Issue 57 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Great Expectations
OPEN:
===============
The New Year is the perfect time to get rededicated and recommitted. Ask the class to share resolutions they made at the start of the year and how they are doing with them now.
Read 1 Cor.
Issue 59 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Hope in a Hostile World
Open:
=======
Read 1 Peter 3: 13-22
How have you suffered as a Christian? (List responses on the board)
Study:
=======
When we do what God wants and we get beat up spiritually we should…
RESPOND JOYFULLY (vs 14-17)
#1 Consider Yourself Blessed by God.
*How is persecution a blessing?
*Tell about a time when your stand for God brought a curse from your peers, but a blessing from God.
#2 Don’t Panic or be Intimidated.
*What keeps us from being bold for Christ?
*What are we afraid of?
*What should we be afraid of?
Issue 60 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Love Pays Attention
Open:
=======
Read John 9
Here is a man no one paid attention to EXCEPT Jesus. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt like you did not exist?
Study:
=======
How People Looked at the Blind Man
The Disciples Saw a Religious Question
*”Who sinned that this man was born blind?”
*What does that question reveal about their belief of God?
The Neighbors Saw an Eyesore
*”Is this the man who used to sit and beg?”
*They didn’t even know his name, just his begging.
Issue 62 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Advancing with Confidence
Open:
=======
2 Corinthians 10
1By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you--I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! 2I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world.
Issue 61 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Power of Community
Open:
=======
Read Philippians 1:27-30
Philippians 1
27Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.
Issue 63 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - It’s About Time
Open:
=======
Have class members tell about a time when they got home later than their parents told them.
Study:
=======
IT’S ABOUT TIME WE…
#1 Stop Being Careless…
Ephesians 5
15)Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, 16)making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Issue 65 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Good News!
Open:
=======
Ask the teens to share any good news they received in the past week. Share some that you might have as well.
Study:
=======
The Gospel = Good News. Ask the class to share what is so good about it and list it on the board.
2 Corinthians 5:21
2 Tim.
Issue 64 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Urgent Message
Open:
=======
Bring a stack phone message cards to class. Pass them out so each teen has one. Ask them to fill in the following.
Write “Urgent” at the top of the phone sheet.
Date: “Today”
For: Tell them to put their name on the line.
From: “God”
Message: “This is about reaching the lost.”
Urgent means that it requires immediate action.
Study:
=======
Time is short.
Issue 66 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Genius of Grace
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
“If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is!”
We all have doubts about stuff that just sounds too good. Ask the class to share something they have heard in the past that seemed too good to be true.
How do we feel when we find out the REAL truth?
Well, the truth about grace is that we cannot share how good it really is.
Study:
=======
The good news, “God has saved us on the basis of Jesus’ work on the cross, not our performance.”
Our fear, “Everyone will do whatever
Issue 67 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - I Offer My Life to You
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
Play or sing the song “I Offer My Life to You” by Don Moen and Claire Cloniger.
Study:
=======
"Lord, I offer my life to you!"
"all that I am"
"all that I have"
"all my regrets"
"things in the past"
Offering our life for God’s use includes everything.
Issue 67 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - God's Heart for the Nations
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
What is the most disturbing aspect of the War with Iraq?
Read Luke 24:45-47. It is God’s will that ALL nations are reached for His name.
Study:
=======
Read: Romans 15:8-12
1.
Issue 72 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Breaking the Record in the Mile
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
Runners experience what they call a “second wind.” It’s the place where the body gets a burst of renewed energy when only moments before it was at the brink of quitting.
Similarly, Jesus taught us about the second mile.
Issue 68 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Fired Up But Not Burnt Out
Part 1
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
Why is it so easy to get fired up at a youth rally or retreat only to hit a valley afterwards?
Study:
=======
FIRED UP!
Definition of Passion: A force within that moves us beyond ordinary ability.
Issue 69 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Fired Up But Not Burnt Out Part 2
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
Passion holds power. Ask the class what they are most excited about. What really fires them up? What event have you had recently that charged the group?
Study:
=======
The early church was charged.
Read: Acts 2:42-47
COULD IT HAPPEN AGAIN?
*Were the things described in the passage just for that church for that time, or could God do it again?
*Ask the class what parallels they see between the verses and the youth group.
WHY WERE THEY SO FIRED UP?
Issue 71 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Community
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
Though we live in different locations and have different goals, the Lord unites us. I’m typing at 30,000 feet while returning from Canada. Though I live in the Alabama, I discovered that my brothers and sisters in Belleville, Ontario, hold to the same God, desire deep worship, and hate the thought a single teen not coming to know Christ.
Ask your group to share different places they have visited, and similarities noticed in Jesus.
Study:
=======
Acts 2:42-47
Generational challenges hit many churches.
Issue 73 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - It’s Not About You
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Open:
=======
Ask the student to complete this phrase, “The world does not revolve…”
Deep down teens don’t think the world revolves around them, but they can sure act like it!
Issue 77 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Great Lover – Part 1
Open:
=======
Have the teens fill in the blank:
“My Goal in Life is ____________________”
The Bible says, “Let love be your highest goal” (1 Cor. 14:1). Above all else God has called us to love Him and love others.
Issue 74 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Road to Greatness
Open:
=======
Read the following excerpt from the Psychiatric Journal…
The Messiah Complex:
It boils down to, "Look what I can do!" then letting what you can do go to your head.
Issue 75 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Goal
Open:
=======
Read Colossians 1:28-29. “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
The Goal: To present everyone perfect.
*Perfect = mature, fulfilling it’s purpose.
*Perfect does not mean without fault.
Issue 76 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - As for Me and My House
Open:
=======
"Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
Issue 78 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Great Lover – Part 2
Open:
=======
I Cor. 13:4 – “Love is patient…”
Why do you think the first word used to describe love is patient?
Max Lucado – “Patience is the red carpet on which travels the grace of God.”
Study: =======
Patience means literally – “Slow to boil.”
Jesus used this word one time, and He used it twice in one story.
Read Matthew 18:21-35.
The king’s patience made no difference in the man’s treatment of others.
HOW TO BECOME MORE PATIENT – MORE LOVING
1.
Issue 79 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Great Lover – Part 3
Open:
=======
GOD is Kind. We might think of Him as tough, even loving, but how often do we think of Him as kind?
“If it matters to you, it matters to God.” Ask your group if they agree with that statement.
Issue 80 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Great Lover – Part 4 Envy : Jealousy Enflamed
Open:
=======
Love does not envy. 1 Cor. 13:4
Most teens don’t think they have an envy problem, but check out this envy definition…
Envy is the sin of being resentful of God’s goodness to other people.
How often does your group get envious?
Issue 83 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - What’s in the Mailbox?
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Open
======
If possible, set up a mailbox in class.
Issue 82 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Great Lover – Part 6 : Are You Rude?
Open:
=======
“Love is not rude…” 1 Cor 13:5
Ask the students to tell about a time when someone was rude
to them because of their age.
Rude means there is a lack of respect.
Issue 85 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Are You An Overcomer?
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Open
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We have all sinned and fallen short - Romans 6:23.
Issue 84 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Become a Great Lover
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Open
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Today we hit three areas that are often overlooked when it comes to love.
Issue 92 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Don't Miss Christmas
Open
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Do we ever miss Christmas? How is it possible?
The unlikely group that didn't miss Christmas! The Shepherds.
Read Luke 2:8-20
Study
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Don't Miss the Excitement! (Luke 2:8-10)
Good News
Great Joy
What good news did the shepherds receive?
Issue 81 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Becoming a Great Lover – Part 5 Love Does Not Strut
Open:
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Love is not proud. 1 Cor. 13:4
Have the group finish these statements…
“You’ve got to look out for number ________” (one)
“Sometimes you’ve got to toot your own ________” (horn)
“If you’ve got it ____________” (flaunt)
“If I don’t brag about myself nobody ________ ______” (else will)
Knowing the “answers” to those statements proves how we have been programmed to take the credit.
Issue 86 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Final Exam
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Open
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Although the school year has just started teacher will tell you that you start studying for the final exam today.
Issue 89 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Daring to Live for God
Open
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Play a game of "Truth or Dare."
Dares are usually viewed as negative, but they can be used in a positive way. How many of us dare to live for God?
What are the risks involved in living for God?
Study
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Daniel dared to live for God although a slave.
Issue 88 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Amazing Grace
Open
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Start class by singing "Amazing Grace" - a least the first verse. Then ask the class how the song makes them feel and how they connect with it.
Study
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Grace = God's undeserved favor.
Issue 90 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - 7 Things God Hates
Open
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We talk about God's love so much that we may forget that God's hates some things as well.
Ask the class to share some things they think God hates...
Study
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Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him.
> Why does he say six he hates, seven are detestable?
Issue 91 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Portraits of a Servant HeartOpen
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Read John 14:9.
Read John 1:18.
Jesus came to change our picture of God. When you think of the Old Testament what image of God comes to mind?
Study
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Surprise!
Issue 87 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The First Missionary
Open
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Ask the class to share who they think would be a great missionary from your group.
Study
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A Surprising Encounter
Read John 4:1-26
Why did Jesus "have to go" through Samaria?
What was unusual about Jesus talking to a Samaritan?
Issue 93 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Christmas Worship
Open
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Read Mathew 2:1-12
The magi were the priestly line of people from Persia. They were known as the king makers. Because of their interest in the star they may have also been astrologers.
To Matthew they represented the call of all nations to Christ.
Issue 101 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Good News of Easter by Guy Caley
Introduction
Good News: You baptized seven people today in the river.
Bad News: You lost two of them in the swift current.
Good News: Your Youth Council accepted your job description the way you wrote it.
Bad News: They were so inspired by it, they also formed a search committee to find somebody capable of filling the position.
Good News: Jennifer is wild about your youth classes.
Bad News: Jennifer is also wild about the "Brad Pitt," and "Texas Chain Saw Massacre."
Good News: Youth attendance rose dramatically the last
Issue 95 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Balance
Open
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Staying prioritized and on track takes focus. However, we all tend to get off balance and thrown off.
Ask the class to share some ways they lose balance. List their responses on the board or a sheet of newsprint.
Study
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Read Philippians 2:12-18
Balance Purpose and Power: (v.
Issue 94 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - New Year's Resolutions
Open
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Every year people make resolutions that they hope will turn into life revolutions. Unfortunately, most goals turn into good intentions mid-way through January.
The culprit? Procrastination.
Procrastination: "Pro" means forward.
Issue 96 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Gotta Have Faith
Open
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Faith is the ______________ of things _____________ for the _____________________ of things not __________________ (Heb. 11:1)
What are the things hoped for?
What evidence do we have?
How does this evidence not contradict 2 Corinthians 5:7?
Study
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Faith: What It Should Be (Heb.
Issue 98 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Bringing Friends to Jesus
Open
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Start class by sharing the way you came to Christ. Talk about your influences and how the final decision was made.
Study
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Read Luke 5:17-20
3 Sets of People
1. The Crowd
These people were not close enough to Christ to know what was going on.
Issue 97 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Following Jesus
Open
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Play "Simon Says" with the class.
Afterwards ask...
"What's the purpose of the game?"
"What's the secret to winning?"
Study
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Simon Says is supposed to be a simple game of listening and following the directions of Simon.
Issue 99 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - The Many Facets of Life by Steve Shepherd
Philippians 4:1-4
INTRO.- ILL.- Some wit said the seven ages of man are: spills, drills, thrills, bills, ills, pills, wills.
Most of us experience some of those, if not all of them.
Issue 100 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Experience Life!
In “The All Better Book” the following was asked to children “With billions of people in the world, someone should be able to figure out a system where no one is lonely.
Issue 102 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Philippians 1:1-2
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Issue 103 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Know Your Opponent
When look at what is happening to our society today it seems like we are fighting a losing battle. Society in general seems to be sliding so far from God that is seems hopeless.
Issue 105 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - Bible Lesson Outline
Once Life is Over
None of us know when the end is. We do not have privy to how much time we have left before we meet God......that is why how we live our life is so important.
Issue 104 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) -
The Forum is Open! proMAXimizer members the forum is now open. Login to...
Share your ideas.
Ask questions about youth ministry.
Introduce yourself to other youth workers.
Get advice about tough situations your facing.
In addition to the members Al and I will be heavily involved in the forum.
Have a BLESSED week!
Paul & Al
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Bible Lesson Outline
Know Your Equipment
INTRODUCTION
• We have troops who are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan who are in the line of fire.
Issue 70 (May 9, 2008 at 6:45 PM) - One Week Later
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Easter bring a lot of folks to church who don’t attend the rest of the year. Why does this one weekend of the year have such an attendance boost?
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