LRC Student Ministry

LRC Student Ministry Survey

Chad — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:41:04 +0000

We need your help!

If you are a:
a) Parent of a current 7-12th grader
b) Current 7-12th grader
c) Youth staff worker

Please help us out by taking some time to share your feedback. Chad and the youth staff will spend the next several weeks planning for the 2009/2010 school year. Your feedback will be valuable as we think about everything from Sunday morning Bible classes to special events.

The survey will be available online until April 24. Please take the time to share your input!

Generation Change

Chad — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:14:15 +0000

Parents, don’t forget that Generation Change - a 4-week study for students in grades 9-12 about financial responsibility and stewardship - begins this Sunday at 9 AM. It’s part of a larger study based on the book of Proverbs.

Students will receive a free kit as part of this series. Please make it a priority for your teen to be there. See Ashley Philbrick if you have any questions.

Freedom Through Authority Lesson 5: Do Not Commit Adultery (part 1)

Chad — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:40:12 +0000

Lesson Summary:
God’s command not to commit adultery must be read with an understanding of the covenant of marriage. In this lesson, we explored what Scripture says about marriage and divorce. The following is a summary of points made:
1. Marriage is a covenant life-long relationship.
2. It’s exclusive.
3. It’s characterized by emotional, physical and spiritual unity with one another and God.
4. Adultery is the antithesis of this covenant. Adultery is used as the metaphor for continual disobedience and rebellion to God. It can lead to spiritual death.
5. The biblical basis for divorce is adultery. This was to protect the woman from abuse from men. The certificate of divorce was given by God to regulate what was already in practice. It was an endorsement for divorcing.
6. Marriage teaches us to be holy and committed to God

Some questions to consider/discuss with your teens at home:
1. What are some habits teens/singles to cultivate to prepare for a life-long commitment to marriage?
2. Can you enter a marriage knowing you’ll never divorce?
3. What has your relationship with your spouse revealed to you about God?

Next Sunday:
Continue discussing the 7th commandment. We’ll take a look at passages that talk about remaining single versus marrying. We’ll also look at Proverbs dealing with adultery and it’s spiritual impact.

Freedom Through Authority Lesson 4: How to have a long life

Chad — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:04:11 +0000

The fourth of the 10 Commandments commands children to honor our parents. It’s the first of the commands that comes with a promise of blessing. Though the command seems simple and straighforward it’s implications are huge and its practice is often difficult.

Here are some questions to consider:
1. Are honor and obedience the same?
2. Why is it difficult to honor our parents at times?
3. What’s wrong with this statement: “I may be obeying, but inwardly I do not want to?”
4. How does honoring your parents change as you get older?
5. How does obedience and honor of our parents influence our relationship with God?

January 25: Do not murder
Texts: Exodus 20:13; 21:12-14, 20-21; Deuteronomy 4:41-43; Matthew 5:21-26

Freedom Through Authority Lesson 3: What’s in a name and why take a nap

Chad — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:46:49 +0000

Lesson Summary:
The third and fourth commandments focus on two more aspects of our relationship to God. The the is the command not to misuse his name. The last has to do with taking time regularly to slow down, rest and reflect. The third emphasizes the holiness and mysterious nature of God. The fourth reminds us that rest is part of our nature. We need it. It’s as natural as breathing. Here are some questions to consider from our lesson this week:

Questions to consider:
1. Why do you think misusing God’s name is such a big deal? Aren’t there worse sins out there?

2. Why is significant about God’s name?

3. Why do you think God rested after 6 days of creation? Did he need it? Was he tired?

4. Do you think we take enough time to rest in our culture today?

Next week:
Honor your parents
Exodus 20:12; Matthew 7:7-12; Ephesians 6:2

Freedom Through Authority Lesson 2: No Other Gods

Chad — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:29:38 +0000

Key Passage:
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.”Exodus 20:2-3

Lesson SummaryGod calls his people to an exclusive relationship with him. There’s room for nothing else. There is no other god. In order to become the people of God, Israel had to eliminate anything that took the place of God in their hearts. God chose Israel to be a blessing to the nations. This was a radical thought because the Hebrew people lived in a polytheistic culture in which their God, who they didn’t even know by name, was seen as one god among many.

The same is true for us today. It’s popular to believe that belief in Christ is simply one of many ways. However, at Sinai, God left no room for this belief. In order for us to truly follow God, we must be willing to remove anything that might take the place of God in our hearts.

Text for next week:
Exodus 20:4-11, 22-23

Freedom Through Authority Lesson 1: Real Freedom Comes Through Obedience to God’s Law

Chad — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 19:55:53 +0000

Lesson Summary
The 10 Commandments were given to the Israelites in order to help them learn how to live as God’s people in their freedom from Egyptian slavery. God, as creator and initiator of the covenant with his people, knew best how they should live in order for them to become everything he wanted them to be. His commandments guided them in how to live with him, one another and the rest of creation.

Questions to Consider
1. What is your attitude towards God’s laws? Do you find them burdensome, or do you experience the freedom they bring?

2. What might need to change in your life for you to trust God enough to completely obey him?

Verses to read for December 14: Exodus 20:1-6; Matthew 5:33-37; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Advent begins this Sunday

Chad — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:40:57 +0000

The Advent season begins this Sunday, November 30. Many of you know we observe Advent in our worship assembly each year. Last year, we put together some Advent family guides. We are doing the same once again this year.

This time of year always makes me think of John the Baptist. He clearly understood his role in the kingdom of God. He never seemed to suffer any kind of identity crisis. He was clear, even when others wondered if he was the Messiah, that his life was to point others to the Christ. He prepared people for Jesus. His message of repentence was so that the hearts of Israel would be ready to receive the message and life of Christ.

That’s the purpose of observing Advent. It’s a season in which we spend time examining our hearts, considering the words of Scripture that promised Israel a savior, and allowing the life of Christ to transform our lives. During the next four weeks I pray that you’ll take time as a family to discuss the significance of the birth, life, teachings and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. While we can do this any time of the year, this is a great time to do so with so many opportunities to have some great discussions in your homes.

I’d love to hear stories of how families observe Advent and Christmas. Please share them as we enter this season of the year. I look forward to hearing of how you plant seeds in the hearts of your children.

Parents Day Out

Chad — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:14:45 +0000

When: Saturday, Dec. 6
Time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Where: Nichols Ministry Building
Description: Teens and parents provide child care for the day. Activities we will provide include face painting, crafts, games, and assembling Home Away from Home boxes.

Teens and parents can sign up to help in the back of the auditorium.

The Gospel of John

Chad — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:41:02 +0000

Below is a 10-week family devotional and Bible reading plan for the Gospel of John. Students in grades 10-12 are currently studying this Gospel on Sunday mornings at 9 AM. Parents are encouraged to take some time each week to follow up with your child about things they are discussing.

John 1Read John 1 together
Questions to discuss:
1. John seems to understand himself very well. Who do the people say John is? How does this compare to what John says about himself?
2. What does John call Jesus? How does John take the attention off himself and put it on Jesus? What can you learn about our purpose from this?
3. Why do you think the first disciples followed Jesus?
4. How does following Jesus help you better know yourself?

John 2Read John 2 together
Questions to discuss:
1. What was the ultimate outcome of Jesus turning water into wine?
2. Why do you think the disciples put their trust in him after this?
3. What does Jesus’ clearing of the temple reveal about his character?
4. Jesus always acted in the best interest of others – no matter what. Discuss times that it’s difficult to act in the best interest of others.

John 3Read John 3 together
Questions to discuss:
1. What risks did Nicodemus take by coming to Jesus?
2. What was Nicodemus’ question? Do you think Jesus answered it?
3. Is there anything about Jesus’ teaching that is difficult to understand?
4. Jesus told Nicodemus the truth about what it meant to follow him. What would it require of Nicodemus to follow Jesus?
5. Have you considered the risks it takes for you to follow Jesus? What have been the risks? In what ways have you experienced the comforts and promises of Jesus by choosing to follow him?

John 4Read together John 4
Questions to discuss:
1. In what ways did Jesus meet the spiritual and emotional needs of the woman?
2. The woman was at the well to meet her physical need of water. But, Jesus offered to meet a deeper need in her life that she didn’t even see in herself… and it changed her. She went back to the people who despised her to tell them all Jesus had said.
3. Consider your own life. What areas of your life do you need to surrender control to Jesus? Are you willing to let him meet those needs and change your life?

John 5Read John 5 together
Questions to discuss
1. Why do you think Jesus asks the man if he wants to be healed?
2. How does Jesus respond to the mans excuses?
3. Share some times when you made excuses for not allowing Jesus to transform your life?
4. What does it mean to cross over from death to life?
5. Why did so many people feel threatened by Jesus?
6. Do you think people feel threatened of fearful of following Jesus? Why?

John 6Read John 6 together
Questions to discuss:
1. What does this miracle reveal about the character of Jesus?
2. Why do you think Jesus responds the way he does when the people want to make him king?
3. What does Jesus mean when he refers to eating his flesh and drinking his blood? Why do you think this was so hard for people to accept?
4. This is the first time it’s mentioned that disciples chose not to follow him. Why do you think some chose not to follow him any longer? Why do you think people who once followed Jesus choose not to follow him today?
5. What was Peter’s response? Why do you think he was so committed to Jesus?

John 7Read John 7 together
Questions to discuss:
1. What did Jesus’ family want him to do? Why do you think he didn’t give in to their pressure to do what they wanted him to do?
2. It’s interesting to not that Jesus shows up a the end of the feast. Everyone has had their fill. They’ve had enough to eat and drink. Only then does Jesus talk about the drink he has to offer. What is significant about his timing?
3. It seems that Jesus offers true fulfillment to people only after they’ve had enough of the other stuff. In what ways have you tried to find fulfillment in life from things other than a relationship with Jesus?
4. Do you think people find true fulfillment in their lives apart from Christ? Explain.

John 8
Read John 8 together
Questions to discuss:
1. This chapter seems to deal with the concept of sin. Discuss the different ways sin is dealt with in this passage.
2. Jesus showed compassion to a sinful woman. What do we learn about dealing with sin our lives and the lives of others?
3. This chapter also speaks of freedom from sin. What does it mean to be free from sin?
4. Consider the woman at the beginning. How was she trapped in sin? When did she experience freedom?
5. How does sin enslave us today? How have you experienced freedom from sin?

John 9Read John 9 together
1. Why do you think the Pharisees refused to accept the man’s testimony?
2. Sometimes others refuse to accept our testimony of how Jesus changed our lives. Why do you think that is?
3. In what ways have you shared with others how Jesus has changed your life?

John 10Read John 10 together
Questions to discuss:
1. In this chapter there are sheep that belong to Jesus, the shepherd. There are sheep that don’t belong to him. There is a hired hand. There are animals that come to steel and kill. Each is a metaphor reflecting the different people and the ways the respond to Jesus. The metaphor also reveals Jesus’ character. Discuss this parable and its meaning.
2. What determines whether the sheep is part of Jesus’ flock?
3. Why do you think the Jews don’t accept what Jesus says about himself in this passage?
4. Jesus says that his sheep know his voice. How do we recognize the voice of Jesus over the other voices trying to tell us how to live and who/what to believe? How do you know that Jesus is the true shepherd?