CURRICULUM FOR NOVEMBER 04, 18, 25
and DECEMBER 2, 2015
CREATED: 2015-10-22
MAKE YOUR MOVE
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SERIES INTRODUCTION
THE BIG IdEA [Where we are going with this whole series]
Hey Leaders,
MAKE YOUR MOVE is the new series we’re starting in November and it will carry
us through into the first week of December. The key verse, which you’ll hear me
quote at our Illuminate on October 28th (tonight, if you’re getting this at Salivate) is:
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said
to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
ACTS 2:37
The people’s response is to Peter’s explanation of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection as well
as the Holy Spirit at work in their hearts. They realize that they have just crucified the Son of
God and that He has now risen from the dead. So they are asking the apostles; “Now what?
We know we messed up. What do we do?”
Over this series, we are going to respond to this question “what shall we do?” We are going
to, by the work of the Spirit, reveal students their next moves in their relationship with God.
We are going to challenge them to make moves towards where God would have them.
THE POINTS
November 4
[An overview of the main point for each week of the series]
Make Your Move - Repentance
“I can choose to follow Jesus or not. There is no in between.”
November 18
Make Your Move - Faith in Action
“I believe! Watch me now.”
November 25
Make Your Move - Disciple Making
“I am God’s plan A… there is no plan B.”
December 2
Make Your Move - Justice, Mercy and Humility
“I’ve got one shot at representing God’s compassion to this world.”
QUESTIONS?
As always, if you have any questions about the theme, the teachings
we have, or anything else youth ministry related please contact me,
Joel Brigham at [email protected]. Also, please make use of your coach
if you need help. If you don’t know who your coach is, contact Marlene
Koning [email protected] if you’re a girl and me, if you are a guy.
Thanks so much for your investment in the lives of students. Your
impact in youth goes beyond just today - it drifts into eternity.
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MAKE YOUR MOVE
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DEVOTIONAL TEACHING GUIDE
WAKE UP
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2015
REPENTANCE
[An idea to catch students attention. Use these or make your own.]
- Play a game where people stand and you ask them to choose a side by moving to one side of the
room or the other based on two things. (ie. Coke or Pepsi, PC or Apple, Liberal or Conservative,
Edmonton Eskimos or Saskatchewan Roughriders) After each ask, ask the question, can you like
both of these? Can you stand in the middle? Ask several of these and then ask this final one “The
ways of Jesus or the ways of this world?” Ask the question, can you be in the middle on this one?
(Ultimately the answer is “no.”)
- Share a story where you had to make a tough decision or someone you knew had to make one that
would alter the direction of their life.
WORD UP
Acts 2:37-39
[The key Scriptures and what God is saying through them.]
Last week at our special Illuminate Prayer Night, the Gospel, (the good news of Jesus) was explained
to our senior high and also of our prayer stations for both junior and senior high. As students are
made aware that Jesus sacrificed His life to pay for our punishment of missing the mark of God’s
commands and that He rose again, beating death and that punishment, they are offered a choice. The
choice is to choose Jesus or not. Here in this Scripture it talks about repentance and baptism.
Repentance is a choice to go the opposite way of the world and follow Jesus, it’s a 180 degree turn.
Baptism is a declaration to everyone of that choice to accept the free gift of a relationship with God.
The relationship starts when we accept Jesus and His Holy Spirit is invited to live in us.
WHAT’S THE POINT? [The main point that we need to get across in this devotional.]
I can choose to follow Jesus or not. There is no in between.
WHY DO I CARE?
[Some whys to give students reasons to move forward.]
WHAT DO I DO?
[What students should know and do from this devotional.]
- There is no middle on relationship with Jesus.
- The only way to have a relationship with God is through repentance.
- A life with Jesus is far more meaningful than anything else.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Know and understand the good news of Jesus. The good news is that Jesus came to earth to die
on a cross in my place. He paid for the punishment of my sin (missing God’s mark of perfection)
and then rose again beating sin and ultimately death. By accepting the free gift of eternal life, I
can have a relationship with God through Jesus’ acts and the Holy Spirit living in me.
Think about whether I can remember a particular moment in my life where I chose to accept
Jesus as both the Saviour and Leader of my life.
If I can’t remember a moment where that has happened, ask for his forgiveness and invite Him to
lead my life right now. If I have, invite His Holy Spirit to continue to transform me.
Get baptized.
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MAKE YOUR MOVE
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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2015
INWARD PRAYER
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
0: UPCOMING
[Are you coming to the next event, serving, inviting someone?]
Friday, Nov 13 ->
1: STRONGER
_____________________________
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Junior High, are you coming to Panic and inviting friends?
Senior High are you serving at it?
[How are you growing with God?]
1. Since we last met, what have you learned from the Bible or your experiences?
2. What questions do you have about God, Jesus, life or faith?
3. On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you put yourself in your relationship with God? Why?
(1) being I’m completely disconnected from God and I don’t even care.
(10) being God and I are super tight and I really feel I’m daily living out the life He’s called me to.
2: DEEPER
[What does the Scripture really say?]
Reread Acts 2:37-39 and give your best definitions as a group of these three things below:
1. What does repentance mean? How is it different from just asking for forgiveness?
2. What does baptism mean and why do people do it?
3. Who is the Holy Spirit and if we are Christ followers, what does he do in us?
3: FRUITFUL
[What does this mean to you and how are you going to live it out?]
1. Can you remember a moment when you accepted Jesus as your Saviour and Leader,
when you repented? If so, describe how that came about and what you did?
2. If you can’t remember a moment when you did, why not do that right now? What is
holding you back from doing that?
3. Have you been baptized? Why were you or why haven’t you been? (Next steps for
baptism, setup a time to get together with Joel or Denise to talk about baptism, get
baptized on December 9th at our Illuminate)
OUTWARD PRAYER
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MAKE YOUR MOVE
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DEVOTIONAL TEACHING GUIDE
WAKE UP
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2015
Faith in Action
[An idea to catch students attention. Use these or make your own.]
- McDonalds released this video on youtube 2 months ago titled “We believe in Canadian youth |
Welcome to McDonald’s®” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2QyZ54Helw
(They actually released the same thing in Sweden over 2 years ago) It’s a 30 second video that can
be followed up with the question: When they say at the end; “We believe in Canadian youth,” what
does their “believe” mean? How do we know McDonalds believes in Canadian youth? (Answer: They
hire youth and trust them with most of their jobs) Transition: “Belief is about action”
- Share a moment in your life when you relied on what someone said they believed or was going to
do (even yourself), but didn’t actually live out. Share how that made you feel about that person.
Remember to not identify the person if students or leaders would know them (unless it’s about
you… then share about your failures, students can totally buy into that).
WORD UP
James 2:14-26
[The key Scriptures and what God is saying through them.]
This set of verses can be confusing for some because they may read it and think that to be “saved” we
need to work for it. That’s not what it is saying. What it is saying is that belief in Jesus is not just stuck
in our head or our hearts. Faith, (belief in Jesus) is not just an intellectual agreement to some facts or
some warm feelings, it actually involves a partnership of action between us and God. We show what
we believe by what we do and how we live. James also cites a couple of old testament stories of
Abraham (Genesis 22) and Rahab (Joshua 2). You can expand on one of these stories to explain what
Scripture means by these stories of Scriptures.
WHAT’S THE POINT? [The main point that we need to get across in this devotional.]
I believe! Watch me now.
WHY DO I CARE?
[Some whys to give students reasons to move forward.]
- A faith that is stuck in my head or heart isn’t a real faith.
- My friends and those around me miss out on who Jesus truly is when I don’t live it out.
- No one wants to be a hypocrite (say one thing, do another).
WHAT DO I DO?
1)
2)
3)
[What students should know and do from this devotional.]
Examine my actions and see if they actually show what my faith is.
Ask Jesus for my next steps (actions) of faith. How can I show my faith better?
Be courageous in faith-filled actions. (ie. Tell others about Jesus, pursue sexual purity in a world
that tells me to do what feels good, love the unlovely, forgive, stand up for what is right, pray for
things that are beyond my own ability to answer, etc.)
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MAKE YOUR MOVE
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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2015
INWARD PRAYER
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
0: UPCOMING
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Are you coming to the next event, serving, inviting someone?]
Friday, Nov 20 ->
Senior High, are you coming to the youth/parent night
“Relationship Status… It’s Complicated?” Are your parents coming?
Jan 8 to 10 2016 -> Junior High, are you signed up for the retreat at Nakamun?
1: STRONGER
[How are you growing with God?]
1. Since we last met, what have you learned from the Bible or your experiences?
2. What questions do you have about God, Jesus, life or faith?
3. On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you put yourself in your relationship with God? Why?
(1) being I’m completely disconnected from God and I don’t even care.
(10) being God and I are super tight and I really feel I’m daily living out the life He’s called me to.
2: DEEPER
[What does the Scripture really say?]
1. Does the Scripture that we heard in James 2 tell us that we are not Christians if we don’t
do “good” things? Explain your answers.
2. What does it say about demons’ belief of God (verse 19)? What is different about how the
demons believe and how we should believe?
3. What sort of “works” reveal faith?
3: FRUITFUL
[What does this mean to you and how are you going to live it out?]
1. Thinking of the last 2 weeks of your life, what actions have you demonstrated your faith in
Jesus? Answer the question by completing this statement: I believe in Jesus, so I…
2. Thinking of the last 2 weeks of your life, what actions have hidden your faith in Jesus or
possibly confused others about who Jesus is? Answer the question by completing this
statement: I haven’t fully lived out my faith, so I…
3. What is one thing you’re going to do differently this week to show your faith with action?
OUTWARD PRAYER
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MAKE YOUR MOVE
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DEVOTIONAL TEACHING GUIDE
WAKE UP
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Disciple Making
[An idea to catch students attention. Use these or make your own.]
- Nick Vujicic is a world renowned evangelist who was born without limbs. His 5 1/2 minute
video titled “God's Miraculous Plan” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYuVx2LU5QM
speaks about how God took his life and gave him an ultimate purpose to share Jesus to
many people. After showing this video you could ask: Is sharing Jesus with others
(evangelizing) only for people like Nick? (Obvious answer, no.) Do you think we have a part to
play in sharing Jesus? What sorts of things hold you back from sharing Jesus with others?
- Another youtube video you could use that is shorter is titled “Youth Evangelism Light
Bearers for Christ” and can be found at: https://youtu.be/mp0SlJYyJY4
- Tell a story where you or someone you know shared their faith. Talk about the barriers to doing
it and the outcome. On the flip side, you could tell how someone shared their faith with you.
WORD UP
Matthew 28:17-20
[The key Scriptures and what God is saying through them.]
People know this Scripture if they’ve spent any time in the church, but that doesn’t mean they don’t
need to hear it again. These are Jesus’ last words to us before he went to heaven. This is his plan for
how people get to know Him. It is through Jesus’ followers, us, that people hear about Him. It doesn’t
say send out the pastors and preachers to do it. It says “Go… make disciples…”
To break down the Scripture a little more:
“Disciples” implies relationship, one person sharing with another
“Baptizing” speaks of choice and calling people to choosing Jesus
“Teaching” is an ongoing process, even inviting people to groups where Jesus is taught and explained
and understood at great depth
“I am with you” tells us that we do it with God and we don’t need to be afraid of doing it alone
WHAT’S THE POINT? [The main point that we need to get across in this devotional.]
I am God’s plan A… there is no plan B.
WHY DO I CARE?
[Some whys to give students reasons to move forward.]
WHAT DO I DO?
[What students should know and do from this devotional.]
- God can change and actually wants to change the world through me.
- I can be part of a mission greater than any other.
- God wants to use my unique story and personality to share Jesus.
1)
2)
3)
Think about those who I know that don’t know Jesus.
Think about my story: What was my life like before Jesus? How did I meet Jesus? What difference
has Jesus made in my life?
Pray for opportunity to share Jesus with those people by telling them my story and by inviting
them to youth events.
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MAKE YOUR MOVE
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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 25, 2015
INWARD PRAYER
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
0: UPCOMING
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
[Are you coming to the next event, serving, inviting someone?]
Friday, Nov 27 -> Senior High, are you coming 70/80s Night?
Jan 8 to 10 2016 -> Junior High, are you signed up for the retreat at Nakamun?
Wed, Dec 2 ->
Both SH and JH, what are you bringing for the Bag of Hope?
1: STRONGER [How are you growing with God?]
1. Since we last met, what have you learned from the Bible or your experiences?
2. What questions do you have about God, Jesus, life or faith?
3. On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you put yourself in your relationship with God? Why?
(1) being I’m completely disconnected from God and I don’t even care.
(10) being God and I are super tight and I really feel I’m daily living out the life He’s called me to.
2: DEEPER
[What does the Scripture really say?]
Reread Matthew 28:17-20 and give your best definitions as a group of these below:
1. What does it mean to be a disciple?
2. We asked about baptism and what it is a couple weeks ago, but when should someone
get baptized on their faith journey? (ultimate answer: as soon as they accept Jesus)
3. When Jesus says “all that I have commanded you,” what do you think He is specifically
talking about?
3: FRUITFUL
[What does this mean to you and how are you going to live it out?]
1. Do you know your story, your testimony? What was your life like before Jesus? When did
you accept Jesus as your Leader and Saviour? What difference has that made?
2. Who in your sphere of influence doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus? How could you
introduce them to Jesus? (ie. tell my story, invite to youth, etc.)
3. What is your greatest fear in sharing Jesus with others? Explain.
OUTWARD PRAYER
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Page 7 of 9
MAKE YOUR MOVE
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DEVOTIONAL TEACHING GUIDE
WAKE UP
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2015
Justice, Mercy and Humility
[An idea to catch students attention. Use these or make your own.]
- On youtube there is this video https://youtu.be/AJQ3Bgh8PE4 titled “Homeless Man Ronald Davis
Emotional Story Called a Bum, Cries …” Mr. Davis who is from Chicago talks about the reality of
being down and out, but still wanting to be treated like a human, not a “bum.” After watching this
video ask the students about how they think he may have ended up in that position. Ask them “Is
that fair?” Ask them “As followers of Christ, how should we respond to a Ronald Davis?”
- Some stats from 2014: In Edmonton 2,307 individuals homeless. 47% are observed to be Aboriginal.
335 under the age of 18.
- Top 5 dangers to homeless in the winter according to Hope Mission: 1. Frostbite, 2. Illness associate
with cold weather, 3. Hypothermia, 4. Depression, 5. Loneliness
WORD UP
Micah 6:8
[The key Scriptures and what God is saying through them.]
The book of Micah is actually an indictment against the Israelite people. They have not been living out
lives of compassion and so this verse is a response to that ongoing reality. Micah actually pronounces
judgment on the people for this reason. In our own lives, now in 2015, it could be an indictment for our
lack of compassion as well, especially as we are called to be different as followers of Jesus. The three
characters that this verse highlights are justice, mercy and humility. All three of these come out of a
changed heart by Jesus from selfishness to compassion.
WHAT’S THE POINT? [The main point that we need to get across in this devotional.]
I’ve got one shot at representing God’s compassion to this world.
WHY DO I CARE?
[Some whys to give students reasons to move forward.]
- Jesus deeply cares about people, so should I.
- I may be in a good situation now, but what if I wasn’t? Who would help me?
- People need help and they can’t do life alone.
WHAT DO I DO?
1)
2)
3)
[What students should know and do from this devotional.]
Examine my own actions. Do I stand out in representing God in justice, mercy and humility?
Pray that I would have more opportunity to show God’s compassion to the world.
Do something.
Page 8 of 9
MAKE YOUR MOVE
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SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2015
INWARD PRAYER
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
0: UPCOMING
[Are you coming to the next event, serving, inviting someone?]
Friday, Dec 11 ->
Friday, Dec 4 ->
1: STRONGER
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Senior High, are you signed up for the Christmas Banquet?
Junior High, are you coming to Gorgon?
[How are you growing with God?]
1. Since we last met, what have you learned from the Bible or your experiences?
2. What questions do you have about God, Jesus, life or faith?
3. On a scale of 1 to 10 where would you put yourself in your relationship with God? Why?
(1) being I’m completely disconnected from God and I don’t even care.
(10) being God and I are super tight and I really feel I’m daily living out the life He’s called me to.
2: DEEPER
[What does the Scripture really say?]
Reread Matthew Micah 6:8 and give your best definitions as a group of these below:
1. What is the difference between God’s justice and often our version of fairness?
2. What is mercy? What does it look like lived out?
3. Describe more characteristics, other than “humble” of someone who is humble.
3: FRUITFUL
[What does this mean to you and how are you going to live it out?]
1. What is your next step to up your level of compassion?
2. Fill your bag of hope as a group.
3. Pray for the person your bag is going to.
OUTWARD PRAYER
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