Bible Study- Following Jesus- John 1:35-42 (3/17/12)

Posted on March 19, 2012 by billy

The Main Focus: Following Jesus

Introduction:
As we step back into the book of John we see Jesus calling His first disciples, or followers. Following a teacher in that day was a big deal and people would take it very seriously who they decided to follow and learn from. It was understood that who you followed would often play a big part in who you became. Here we see something very striking, the disciples didn’t choose Jesus, but He chose them. This is at the core of all who follow Jesus that ultimately it’s Christ who calls us and leads us in His ways.

Key Passage: John 1:35-42, Matthew 16:24-26

Scripture & Discussion:

  1. What does John proclaim Jesus as? (John 1:35-36)
  2. What did the disciples then do? (John 1:37)
  3. What did Jesus invite them to do? (John 1:38-39)
  4. Who did Andrew invite to meet Jesus? (John 1:40-42)
  5. What does Jesus require of those who follow Him? (Matthew 16:24)
  6. How would you summarize v. 25-26? (Matthew 16:25-26)

To follow Jesus is to surrender to your life to His, to obey Him. This is difficult but the high call.

Practical Questions:

  • Why should we follow Jesus?
  • What does following Jesus look like in your life?
  • How can it be difficult to follow Jesus?

Memory Verse:
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 6:24

 

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Big Picture: Consummation (3/10/12)

Posted on March 15, 2012 by billy

The Main Focus: Consummation

Introduction:
In the final major scene of God’s story we see God bring an end to sin and death and usher in a new heaven and new earth.  All that we see passes away and eternity is ushered in. For those in Christ the promises are beautiful: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” For those outside Christ it’s bleak: “…their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

The great hope as Christians is to be with God one day. That can only happen in Jesus Christ and God gives us a glimpse into that. We should then be living in light of that today. Not wasting time, but enjoying God and being obedient to His will.

• Key Passage: Rev. 21:1-5,8; 2 Peter 3:7, 2 Cor. 4:18
• Scripture & Discussion:

  1. What happened to the first heaven and first earth? (Rev. 21:1)
  2. Based on these two passages, how should we view this life, this world? (2 Peter 3:7, 2 Cor. 4:18)
  3. Where will God’s dwelling place be? (Rev. 21:3)
  4. What will be done away with in the end? (Rev. 21:4)
  5. What is being made new? (Rev. 21:5)
  6. What is the fate of those outside of Christ? (Rev. 21:8)

Practical Questions:

  • Does your life reflect the fact that this life is temporary?
  • Is there genuine hope in Jesus’ return?

Memory Verse:
“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.””- Rev. 21:5

 

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Big Picture- Redemption (3/3/12)

Posted on March 9, 2012 by billy

The Main Focus: Redemption

Introduction:

In the third major scene of God’s story we see God’s redemption. In light of sin entering the world through Adam and marring God’s creation, we see God relentlessly pursuing His people ultimately culminating in the sending of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to reconcile all things to Himself. We first see the hint of that in Genesis 3 with the promise of an “offspring”” of Eve and how He will bruise the head of the serpent and the serpent will bruise his heel. There will come one who will finally put to death the work of sin and in turn will suffer as well.

• Key Passage: Genesis 3:15, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
• Scripture & Discussion:

  1. What is the curse that fell upon Eve and humanity? (Gen. 3:15)
  2. If who is in Christ, they are a new creation? Who does this not include?(2 Cor. 5:17)
  3. What is included in being a new creation? (2 Cor. 5:17)
  4. Who ultimately reconciling? What is being reconciled? (2 Cor. 5:18-19)
  5. What then is our response to being reconciled? What are we called to do? Be? (2 Cor. 5:19-20)
  6. What is the great trade that happens in Christ? (2 Cor. 5:21)

In Christ God is reconciling* people to Himself. Reconciliation is restoring harmony between two parties. In this case the relationship between God and men has been broken because of our sin. We are need of reconciliation to God and to others. In Christ there is a trade that happens at the cross. Our sins for His righteousness. This restores the broken relationship and allows us to be in harmony with God once again. This will be displayed as new creations in Christ.

Practical Questions:

  • How does looking like a new creation look like in your life?
  • What is the effect  of the great trade in v. 21 in your life? Has this happened for you?

Memory Verse:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Cor. 5:17)

*There will be a need to explain what reconciliation means.

 

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Spring Break

Posted on March 6, 2012 by billy

In just a few days, the child you mentor is going to leave school and not have to return back for ten days… Ah, the glory of Spring Break! Remember the days when you could hardly sit still as the teacher taught on and on, and school seemed like it would never end? The countdown has begun, and your mentee is itching for the weekend to get here already! However, the likelihood that they spend the entire week sitting in front of the TV, not doing much, is pretty high. Such a perfect opportunity for you to spend your lunch break, hang out after work, or even take the day off to spend with them.

God has blessed us with the privilege of investing and pouring ourselves into these children. What better time than now, when they are sitting around bored, eager to fill their days with anything? Our hope and prayer is that, for at least part of the time next week, their time is filled with Him…and by Him we mean His representative to South D; you!

*For a list of fun local activities, check out our website under Resources for Mentors: Suggested Activities. Enjoy!

-Christina Hickman, Mentor Coordinator

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The Big Picture: Fall (2/25/12)

Posted on March 5, 2012 by billy

The Main Focus: The Fall

Introduction:

In the second major scene of God’s story we see the fall of man, with sin entering the world through our willful disobedience to seek to become like Him & independent of Him for our value and worth. Instead of giving us a nature more like his, rooted in life and all that is good, we are given a shell of life that leads to death. Today’s lesson is intended to provided a basis for understanding our own role in The Story, and how sin affects our lives presently; but also giving a glimpse of the free gift of God…eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

• Key Passage: Genesis 3; Romans 3:23, 6:23

• Scripture & Discussion:

  1. What happened in the garden that led to Adam and Eve being cast out? (Gen. 3)
  2. Who has sinned? (Rom 3:23)
  3. What is the result of sin? (Rom 6:23)
  4. Share how the sin’s effects are made known to us through our physical aging, sickness, and distorted affections. Do this by illustrating through your life, and asking them if they’ve had any similar experiences. For instance and for an immediate connection to the word death, discuss the loss of a loved one.
  5. Sin is no small thing it leads to it robs us of the very thing it promises to give…life.

Gospel Connection


For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord… Scripture teaches us that the result of sin in our lives is death, whether we speak of spiritual or physical death. It also illustrates for us the destructive nature of our sin, in that it leads to the death of the things around us. When we sin against one another, our relationships instead of giving life take it away. Think of the times you been deceitful or hateful towards someone, the relationship instead of being life giving becomes one in a state of decay resulting in it’s death. Our hope in Christ results in a reorientation of our willful rebellion, toward life giving obedience.

• Practical Questions:

  • How does sin affect us?
  • Can we earn back what sin has robbed us?
  • Why must the gift be free?

• Memory Verse:

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

(Romans 3:23 ESV)

 

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The Big Picture: Creation (2/18/12)

Posted on February 27, 2012 by billy

Intro-

We all love good stories. We love to flock into movie theatres every year to watch them. We like to buy books to read them. We like to listen to music that tells them. That is no accident that stories often can deeply help us identify with life and issues.

That isn’t an accident because God is telling a story, a story in which all other stories fit inside. The grand story can be summarized in four words: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Consummation. This week we will look at the first aspect of God’s story in creation.

Scripture-

Genesis 1, Colossians 1:16-17

Questions-

  • What did God create?
  • Is there anything outside of the scope of God’s creation?(i.e., things we can’t see)

Gospel Connection-

In creation we see God making the world the way He intended it to be. No sin, no pain, and no brokenness. Only perfect fellowship with God and man. God created us therefore He makes the rules and He cares about our lives.

Unfortunately creation no longer looks the way it was intended to be, this is a result of sin and it infects us all. Jesus came to restore not only us but creation back to himself.

Practical Questions-

  • What in your life could change in light of knowing God created all things?

Memory Verse-

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

 

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Middle School Boys Bible Study- John 1:29-34 (2/4/12)

Posted on February 8, 2012 by billy
Intro- Sometimes there are things that must be revealed. Like a super hero who finally reveals his secret identity, or a masked wrestler unmasking for the first time; there are things that can only be known if revealed.

In these verses God has revealed Himself to John the Baptist as the lamb of God, as one with whom the Spirit rests, and as the Son of God. This is at the core of who God is, He is a God who reveals Himself to His people and He has done that most fully in Jesus.

Scripture-

John 1:29-34

Questions-

  • What did John call Jesus? (v.29)
  • What does the lamb of God do? (v.29)
  • Why did John come baptizing? (v.31)
  • What did John see? (v.32)
  • How else had God revealed Himself to John? (v.33)
  • What has John borne witness to? (v.34)

Gospel Connection-

In Jesus God has revealed Himself to man. He has revealed His plan to save, His love for us, the extent to which He will go. Specifically John points out that Jesus is the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. The sacrifice Jesus made is likened to the old testament sacrifices to take away sin. Only with Jesus it was a once and for all sacrifice. (Heb. 9:12)

Practical Questions-

  • Has Jesus been revealed to you?
  • What has he revealed?
  • Has God used you to reveal Himself to others? If so how?

Memory Verse-
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’”- John 1:29-30

 

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Middle School Boys Bible Study – (1/28/12)

Posted on February 8, 2012 by carlos

The Main Focus: Identity

Introduction:

The answer to the question about who we are greatly influences how we live and what we live for.

• Key Passage:  John 1:19-28

• Scripture & Discussion:

  1. [Mentee] Who are you? (John 1:19)
  2. How does John respond? (John 1:20)
  3. Who is he not? (John 1:21-22)
  4. What does he say about himself? (John 1:23)
  5. Why does he say this?


Gospel Connection

To live in a way that exemplifies a proper understanding of who we are, is to live in a way that seeks to point to God first, particularly in the person of Jesus. Choosing to utilize the natural talents and position we have been given not towards an exaltation of self, but an abdication of the throne of our lives to the rule of Christ. The following quote is Ray Lewis’ post game speech following the 2012 AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots:

God has never made a mistake, it ain’t about one play.
This year, we did what we were supposed to do, we fought as a team… There will be one Super Bowl champ crowned at the end of this year, that’s it. So the way we feel, somebody gonna feel like that tomorrow, and somebody gonna feel like that in a week. That’s a fact. And the fact is, we gotta come back and go to work to make sure we finish it next time. That’s all we gotta do.
Joe, you played your (butt) off. You hear me, man? I’m telling you, man, don’t ever — don’t ever — drop your head when it comes to a loss, dog, because there’s too much pain outside of this that people are really going through. This right here makes us stronger. Let’s understand who we are as a team, let’s understand who we are as men, and let’s make somebody smile when we walk out of here. We got the opportunity to keep going, men. Let’s be stronger as a team, men. Let’s be who we are.

-Ray Lewis MLB Baltimore Ravens

Lewis begins with God and His sovereignty, and moves to present realities and understanding of who we are. (Looking to the Passage) John the Baptist demonstrates a posture of humility in his response, and here Lewis does likewise in the face of defeat. Our identity cannot be rooted in merely our talents or position, but in the giver of those things.  The cross frees us from our distorted image in who we claim to be, by crushing us in who Christ came to be, thus enabling us to image God in the way we were meant to by His grace. Whether in much or in a little, Christ gets the glory.

• Practical Questions:

  • What roles or talents do you have that are God given?
  • How can you point to Jesus in or with them?


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Middle School Boys Bible Study- John 1:6-18 (1/21/12)

Posted on February 2, 2012 by billy
Intro- In life we are given the opportunity to tell people about things or experiences that we’ve seen. We tell stories, we make videos, and we love to recount amazing things that we’ve seen. If we see an amazing dunk (Blake Griffin posterizing Kendrick Perkins)  or incredible catch we want to let everyone know.

John the Baptist was no different. His mission was to tell everyone about the amazing person Jesus is. He came to “bear witness” about the light. His role was to introduce the light and prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry.

Scripture-

John 1:6-18

Questions-

  • Why did John come? (v.7)
  • Was John the light? (v.8)
  • What does the light do? (v.9)
  • What happened when the light came into the world? (v.10-11)
  • What right do those who believe in Him have? (v.12-15)
  • What have we received from Christ? (v.16-18)

Gospel Connection-

In Christ we have received grace upon grace. We have received grace through His perfect life, sacrificial, death, and resurrection. Receiving this with grace means it is not dependent on us. We did not save ourselves and all glory and honor goes to Him. We put our faith (trust) in Jesus and His perfection is put on us as our sin was laid on Him at the cross.

We are given the privilege to tell others about this news. We like John are called to “bear witness” about the light.

Practical Questions-

  • Have you received the grace of God? Trusted in Jesus?
  • If so, how are you “bearing witness” about the light? (sharing the gospel with others)

Memory Verse-
“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”- John 1:4-5H

 

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Middle School Boys Bible Study- John 1:1-5,14 (1/14/12)

Posted on February 1, 2012 by billy
Intro-

When we think of how big creation is we often think of the all the planets, stars, and galaxies. We see the uniqueness of a fingerprint and the complexity of even our own cells. We see the wide variety of animal and plant life and if we really think about it creation is pretty amazing.

The Bible is clear that all this creative design is a result of an all powerful creative designer and that He fashioned and spoke everything into being “in the beginning.” In the beginning of John, John is making a bold statement in saying that this same God that has always existed and created all things came to earth as a man. And this man was Jesus Christ.

Scripture-

John 1:1-5, 14

Questions-

  • When was the Word? (v.1)
  • Who was the Word with? (v.1)
  • The Word was who? (v.1)
  • What was made through Him? (v.3)
  • What is in Him? (v.4)
  • What is the life? (v.4)
  • What does the light do? (v.5)

Gospel Connection-

Because of sin our world and our hearts are full of darkness. We see this in our neighborhoods and in our homes. But we have hope that no matter how dark it gets in the world that it can never snuff out the light. The light of Jesus exposes and pushes back the darkness in our world and in our hearts and leads us into a new way of living and thinking. That is good news.

Practical Questions-

  • What are some examples of darkness in your world?
  • How can the light of Christ (the gospel) expose and/or push back that darkness?

Memory Verse-

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”- John 1:4-5

 

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