Opening question: What do people say about you?
Read out loud and silently the following Bible verses:
Matthew 10:32-39
32 All those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they belong to me. 33 But all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me, I will say before my Father in heaven that they do not belong to me. 34 Don't think that I came to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 I have come so that "a son will be against his father, a daughter will be against her mother, a daughter-in-law will be against her mother-in-law. 36 A person's enemies will be members of his own family. " (Micah 7:6) 37 "Those who love their father or mother more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. Those who love their son or daughter more than they love me are not worthy to be my followers. 38 Whoever is not willing to carry the cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.
John 12:42,43
42 Many believed in Jesus, even many of the leaders. But because of the Pharisees, they did not say they believed in him for fear they would be put out of the synagogue. 43 They loved praise from people more than praise from God.
John 15:5
5 I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing.
Philippians 4:13
13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
Word list:
Pharisees – a powerful religious organization that ruled Israel 2000 years ago.
synagogue – the place where the Jewish people would meet every Saturday for worship.
Discussion questions:
1. What problem did the Jewish leaders face, as we read in John 12?
2. Why do we care so much about what people think about us?
3. How important are your parents’ thoughts about you?
4. Why do you think Jesus used the word “sword”?
5. What do you think it means to “carry the cross”?
6. Where does the believer’s strength to tell others about Jesus come from?
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Peace
Opening Question: Did you have a peaceful week? If so, give an example.
Let’s read what the Bible says about peace:
Isaiah 9:6
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 5:9
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Romans 5:1
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Colossians 1:20
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
1 Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
Let’s discuss what we just read about peace:
1)What does “peace” mean to you?
2)Who is the “child” mentioned in the first verse above, and how is he the “prince of peace”?
3)How can we have peace with God?
4)What does it mean to “work for” and “search for” peace?
5)Can you think of some examples of the lack of peace today in the world? In your country? In your life?
6)Thought question: Is there anyone that you need to make peace with, besides God?
Let’s read what the Bible says about peace:
Isaiah 9:6
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Matthew 5:9
9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Romans 5:1
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Colossians 1:20
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
1 Peter 3:8-12
8 Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. 9 Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it. 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.”
Let’s discuss what we just read about peace:
1)What does “peace” mean to you?
2)Who is the “child” mentioned in the first verse above, and how is he the “prince of peace”?
3)How can we have peace with God?
4)What does it mean to “work for” and “search for” peace?
5)Can you think of some examples of the lack of peace today in the world? In your country? In your life?
6)Thought question: Is there anyone that you need to make peace with, besides God?
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