The Truman Show
We watched the clip at the end after Truman has hit the wall, where he is faced with the choice of leaving and facing the unknown, or staying where Christoph says he can protect him and keep him safe.
Discussion Questions:
What did you see in that scene? What’s happening?
What would it be like to live in a world where none of your choices had consequences?
• If you could escape the consequences of one mistake you’ve made in life, what would it be and why?
• Are there inescapable consequences for every action, or do people sometimes get away with things?
• Have you ever been a part of a group where one person's actions hurt everyone else? What happened?
• Have you ever hurt a group of people because of your actions? How did you feel afterwards?
Do you think the consequences were fair? Why or why not? Which punishment would you have chosen?
• What is an example of incredibly good consequences coming from a small action? Why do we often associate “consequences” with sin?
We Read Acts 9:10-22.
What was the good that came from Ananias’ obedience?
Do you think Ananias had any clue of all the great things Paul would accomplish in God’s name? Why or why not?
• Why aren’t we always aware of the magnitude of consequences, both good and bad? Do you think we would make different choices if we knew the consequences? Explain.
Why does God require us to face the consequences of our choices?
If God protected you from the consequences of your actions, what would you do differently?
We then had youth form groups and write consequences for the listed actions (at the bottom).
When they finished writing consequences, groups traded tests with each other and graded another group’s test, marking a consequence wrong if they disagree. Groups explained why they counted some wrong and why they agreed.
Then we discussed:
Why did we sometimes disagree over what consequences should result out of these actions?
Have there ever been times where you and at least one other person did something wrong, but the consequences of your actions were differet?
If there were no consequences—good or bad—for our actions, how would that change our behavior?
Do good actions in life always produce good consequences? Why or why not?
Do bad actions in life always produce bad consequences? Why or why not?
Why does God allow things to be this way?
How does this apply, or can it apply to your life?
1. Staying up late to watch a basketball game the night before a big test.
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2. Dropping a light bulb on a cement floor.
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3. Cleaning up the dishes while your parents are away at a meeting.
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4. Riding with a friend who’s been drinking.
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5. Spilling a soft drink on your computer keyboard.
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6. Stubbing your toe on a table leg.
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7. Doing a good job on a school project.
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8. Pretending to be the opposite sex in an online chat room.
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9. Hitting a baseball at a big window.
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Monday, January 26, 2009
O Brother Bible-Life Study on Baptism
Watched the scene where Delmar gets baptized in the river.
What are your thoughts about what happened? What do you think Pete and Delmar’s attitudes and Everett’s attitude?
What’s the purpose of baptism? What does it symbolize spiritually? socially? (Some of this will be answered later)
What are some of the different beliefs about baptism?
What is our tradition? Anyone know the 3 ways we baptize and what they symbolize?
United Methodists may baptize by any of the modes used by Christians. Candidates or their parents have the choice of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion; and pastors and congregations should be prepared to honor requests for baptism in any of these modes. Each mode brings out part of the rich and diverse symbolism given to baptism by the Bible. Each is a form of washing which symbolizes the washing away of sin (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21). Being totally buried in water and raised from it is also a powerful symbol of our burial and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) and of being born anew of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5). Pouring or sprinkling water upon the candidate’s head also signifies God’s pouring out of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 2:38; 19:1-7).
(Some info if it is needed: Jesus’ baptism was a 'high priest' baptism. There were three requirements of a high priest under the Law of God: They must have been thirty years old or above(Numbers 4:1-4), they must have been sprinkled to cleanse them (Numbers 8:5-7), and they must have been called of God (Hebrews 5:1-6). Jesus was baptized to fulfill the law to be allowed in the Temple, not baptized for repentance. He was Jesus, so why repent?)
Read aloud Matthew 3. 1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here." 3John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy:
Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!
4-6John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life.
7-10When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It's your life that must change, not your skin! And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire.
11-12"I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I'm a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned."
13-14Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!" 15But Jesus insisted. "Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it. 16-17The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."
We discussed: Why would Jesus, who is sinless, get baptized? (look above. Basically, he was fulfilling the law, being sent from God as the Messiah, and to show who he was. What does this chapter tell us about baptism? What makes baptism important? Have you been baptized? If so, what was it like? What significance did this event play in your life? If not, what has kept you from taking this step? Would you like to? Why or why not? Is it even necessary to be baptized?
• How is baptism supposed to set a person apart from the crowd? Do you feel that you’ve been set apart? Why or why not?
• How can you live up to your responsibilities as a person baptized into the faith?
Everyone was given a handout of questions (which are below) and time to answer them and then asked:
As you meditated on Scripture and imagined what it would have been like to see Jesus being baptized, what did the Holy Spirit show you?
How can you follow Jesus’ example?
If you made a commitment to follow God, what can you do to keep your commitment after you leave here today?
Then said: To be righteous means to be right with God. In other words, by being baptized, Jesus was identifying himself with God. He was, and is, the only Son of God. He’s the one God sent to die for our sins and to show people what God’s love is like. Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry. It showed he was committed to following God by doing what he had been sent to do.
After Jesus was baptized, God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”
We then closed in prayer, asking God to strengthen our commitments to God and to help us follow Christ's example.
Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!"
15But Jesus insisted. "Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it.
16-17The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."
Scripture: Read Matthew 3:13-17.
Meditate: After you’ve read the
Scripture, think about what it would
have been like to be at the Jordan River
on the day Jesus was baptized. How do
you think you would have felt if you had
been there? Think about the relationship
between John the Baptist and Jesus.
How do you think John felt as he baptized
Jesus? Think about how Jesus
may have felt as he was baptized, the
Holy Spirit landed on him, and God’s
voice spoke from heaven. What did the
voice from heaven tell people about
Jesus’ identity and importance?
After a few moments of meditation,
say a silent prayer, thanking God for
Jesus and thanking Jesus for his commitment
to following God.
Questions: Write your answers to
the following questions.
How did Jesus’ baptism demonstrate
his commitment to God?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
If God’s voice were to suddenly
speak from heaven, what would he say
about you? Why?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
How Pleased do you think God is with You? Why?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
How can you follow Jesus’ example of commitment to God?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Commitment: In the space below,
write a prayer of commitment to God.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
What are your thoughts about what happened? What do you think Pete and Delmar’s attitudes and Everett’s attitude?
What’s the purpose of baptism? What does it symbolize spiritually? socially? (Some of this will be answered later)
What are some of the different beliefs about baptism?
What is our tradition? Anyone know the 3 ways we baptize and what they symbolize?
United Methodists may baptize by any of the modes used by Christians. Candidates or their parents have the choice of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion; and pastors and congregations should be prepared to honor requests for baptism in any of these modes. Each mode brings out part of the rich and diverse symbolism given to baptism by the Bible. Each is a form of washing which symbolizes the washing away of sin (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21). Being totally buried in water and raised from it is also a powerful symbol of our burial and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) and of being born anew of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5). Pouring or sprinkling water upon the candidate’s head also signifies God’s pouring out of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 2:38; 19:1-7).
(Some info if it is needed: Jesus’ baptism was a 'high priest' baptism. There were three requirements of a high priest under the Law of God: They must have been thirty years old or above(Numbers 4:1-4), they must have been sprinkled to cleanse them (Numbers 8:5-7), and they must have been called of God (Hebrews 5:1-6). Jesus was baptized to fulfill the law to be allowed in the Temple, not baptized for repentance. He was Jesus, so why repent?)
Read aloud Matthew 3. 1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called "the Baptizer," was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here." 3John and his message were authorized by Isaiah's prophecy:
Thunder in the desert! Prepare for God's arrival! Make the road smooth and straight!
4-6John dressed in a camel-hair habit tied at the waist by a leather strap. He lived on a diet of locusts and wild field honey. People poured out of Jerusalem, Judea, and the Jordanian countryside to hear and see him in action. There at the Jordan River those who came to confess their sins were baptized into a changed life.
7-10When John realized that a lot of Pharisees and Sadducees were showing up for a baptismal experience because it was becoming the popular thing to do, he exploded: "Brood of snakes! What do you think you're doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to make any difference? It's your life that must change, not your skin! And don't think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as father. Being a descendant of Abraham is neither here nor there. Descendants of Abraham are a dime a dozen. What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire.
11-12"I'm baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I'm a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned."
13-14Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!" 15But Jesus insisted. "Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it. 16-17The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."
We discussed: Why would Jesus, who is sinless, get baptized? (look above. Basically, he was fulfilling the law, being sent from God as the Messiah, and to show who he was. What does this chapter tell us about baptism? What makes baptism important? Have you been baptized? If so, what was it like? What significance did this event play in your life? If not, what has kept you from taking this step? Would you like to? Why or why not? Is it even necessary to be baptized?
• How is baptism supposed to set a person apart from the crowd? Do you feel that you’ve been set apart? Why or why not?
• How can you live up to your responsibilities as a person baptized into the faith?
Everyone was given a handout of questions (which are below) and time to answer them and then asked:
As you meditated on Scripture and imagined what it would have been like to see Jesus being baptized, what did the Holy Spirit show you?
How can you follow Jesus’ example?
If you made a commitment to follow God, what can you do to keep your commitment after you leave here today?
Then said: To be righteous means to be right with God. In other words, by being baptized, Jesus was identifying himself with God. He was, and is, the only Son of God. He’s the one God sent to die for our sins and to show people what God’s love is like. Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry. It showed he was committed to following God by doing what he had been sent to do.
After Jesus was baptized, God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”
We then closed in prayer, asking God to strengthen our commitments to God and to help us follow Christ's example.
Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!"
15But Jesus insisted. "Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it.
16-17The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."
Scripture: Read Matthew 3:13-17.
Meditate: After you’ve read the
Scripture, think about what it would
have been like to be at the Jordan River
on the day Jesus was baptized. How do
you think you would have felt if you had
been there? Think about the relationship
between John the Baptist and Jesus.
How do you think John felt as he baptized
Jesus? Think about how Jesus
may have felt as he was baptized, the
Holy Spirit landed on him, and God’s
voice spoke from heaven. What did the
voice from heaven tell people about
Jesus’ identity and importance?
After a few moments of meditation,
say a silent prayer, thanking God for
Jesus and thanking Jesus for his commitment
to following God.
Questions: Write your answers to
the following questions.
How did Jesus’ baptism demonstrate
his commitment to God?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
If God’s voice were to suddenly
speak from heaven, what would he say
about you? Why?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
How Pleased do you think God is with You? Why?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
How can you follow Jesus’ example of commitment to God?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Commitment: In the space below,
write a prayer of commitment to God.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
O Brother Bible-Life Study on Racism
Clip of the Klan Rally
What did you think about the clip? What groups were mentioned that Klan leader (Homer Stokes) didn’t like? What do you think his problems were with those groups?
Some KKK background…Did you know that the Klan used to lynch (to put to death by a mob without legal approval) blacks and killed them? (In June of 1998, a sadistic murder of a middle-aged black man from Jasper, Texas, rekindled memories of lynching practices from the blood stained American past. James Byrd, Jr., 49, was beaten savagely to the point of unconsciousness, chained to the back of a pickup truck by his neck, and dragged for miles over rural roads outside the town of Jasper. It is believed that Byrd survived through most of this experience, that is, until he was decapitated. Three white men, John William King, 23, Shawn Berry, 23, (both of whom had links to white supremacist groups) and Lawrence Brewer Jr., 31, were arrested. Brewer and King were sentenced to death for a racial hate crime that shocked the nation. Berry was sent to prison for life.)
Lynchings happened in the 50s and 60s during the struggle for Civil Rights, mainly in the South. 3 students, 1 black and 2 white and Jewish were killed by the Klan for trying to help with Civil Rights in 1964 Mississippi. This past week, kid awarded 2.5 million for being beaten by Klan members in Kentucky.
Their HQ is in Zinc, AR, outside of Harrison. Klan/white supremacist groups have had rallies in AR within the past 4 or 5 years. Was unfortunately resurrected by a failed Methodist Preacher. That is just one of many organizations that spread racist ideas.
The group was asked:
What do you think racism means?
Students’ responses were written down. If students struggle with a definition, a few suggested dictionary-based ideas such as “judgment or opinion not based on fact” or “attitude of hostility directed toward a group or race.”
Is racism a problem in NLR or at school? If so, what are some examples of racism? Where else do you see racism? Anything else recently where you have seen it? Have any of you ever made a racist joke or comment? Why? What do you think causes people to be racist?
How does race affect your everyday life? Do you see your race as a help, a hindrance, or both? Explain.
In groups, students discussed a time they’ve felt prejudice against —perhaps because of your race, your intelligence, your religion, your gender, or your family.
Then each trio read Romans 14:10-12 So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I'd say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture: "As I live and breathe," God says, "every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God." So tend to your knitting. You've got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.
Then we discussed these questions:
Why did you think you were judged unfairly?
According to this Bible passage, why will God judge us?
How does this passage affect how you feel about the prejudice you experienced?
After a few minutes, this was said and discussed: People often treat one another in ways that hurt deeply. In Romans 14:10, Paul asked why we judge and think we’re better than others. He taught that only God can judge people and that God’s justice never fails.
Have students tear their cards into tiny pieces and throw them in the trash. Then ask:
Most of us have felt some sort of prejudice, but how often have we shown prejudice to other people based on their looks or stereotypes we have about their race or ethnic group? We then formed our own made-up ethnic groups.
Have students form four groups. The groups were given prejudiced ideas about the 3 other groups and then acted out scenarios where they were around the other groups, and had to treat them according to their 'prejudices'.
After a few minutes, say: I’m going to call out some situations, and I want you to interact with each other as if you were really in those situations. As you react, keep in mind the stereotypes you’ve read about the other groups.
Once the role-playing was complete, everyone gathered back together and each group received a copy of how the other groups were specifically prejudiced toward them and then we discussed:.
How did it feel to be treated a certain way just because of the color on your back?
Is there anything true about the traits assigned to your group? false? Explain.
This was a kind of goofy example, but how does it pertain to what we have talked about? Have you believed stereotypes about other races or groups? Why or why not? We lump people into groups together and oftentimes assume they are all the same. That is like saying that everyone in your whole family is the same…
How does the truth that God’s justice never fails affect how you treat people of other ethnicities? how you respond when people act prejudiced against you or a friend from another ethnicity?
After the discussion, we read John 4:1-42
The Woman at the Well
1-3 Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.
4-6To get there, he had to pass through Samaria. He came into Sychar, a Samaritan village that bordered the field Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob's well was still there. Jesus, worn out by the trip, sat down at the well. It was noon.
7-8A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water. Jesus said, "Would you give me a drink of water?" (His disciples had gone to the village to buy food for lunch.) 9The Samaritan woman, taken aback, asked, "How come you, a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" (Jews in those days wouldn't be caught dead talking to Samaritans.) 10Jesus answered, "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."
11-12The woman said, "Sir, you don't even have a bucket to draw with, and this well is deep. So how are you going to get this 'living water'? Are you a better man than our ancestor Jacob, who dug this well and drank from it, he and his sons and livestock, and passed it down to us?" 13-14Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." 15The woman said, "Sir, give me this water so I won't ever get thirsty, won't ever have to come back to this well again!"
16He said, "Go call your husband and then come back." 17-18"I have no husband," she said. "That's nicely put: 'I have no husband.' You've had five husbands, and the man you're living with now isn't even your husband. You spoke the truth there, sure enough." 19-20"Oh, so you're a prophet! Well, tell me this: Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right?"
21-23"Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God's way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
23-24"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
25The woman said, "I don't know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we'll get the whole story." 26"I am he," said Jesus. "You don't have to wait any longer or look any further." 27Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn't believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it. 28-30The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, "Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?" And they went out to see for themselves.
It's Harvest Time
31In the meantime, the disciples pressed him, "Rabbi, eat. Aren't you going to eat?" 32He told them, "I have food to eat you know nothing about." 33The disciples were puzzled. "Who could have brought him food?" 34-35Jesus said, "The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn't you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I'm telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what's right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It's harvest time!
36-38"The Harvester isn't waiting. He's taking his pay, gathering in this grain that's ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant. That's the truth of the saying, 'This one sows, that one harvests.' I sent you to harvest a field you never worked. Without lifting a finger, you have walked in on a field worked long and hard by others." 39-42Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman's witness: "He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!" They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, "We're no longer taking this on your say-so. We've heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He's the Savior of the world!"
and discussed these questions:
How did Jesus break traditional barriers by speaking to the woman at the well?
How did the Samaritans respond to Jesus’ interaction with them?
How did the disciples respond when they saw Jesus with the Samaritan woman?
How would Jesus respond to prejudice in your school and neighborhood?
How does Jesus’ example affect how you’ll treat people from other races or ethnic groups?
How might the way you treat people from other races or ethnicities be an example to others?
Then this was said: Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Jesus taught us and showed us by his actions that prejudice and racism are wrong. You can make a difference in the world by treating all people equally and by modeling Christ’s love for everyone.
We had students pray together and for each other in their groups, asking God to help them identify and tear down their own racial prejudices and to respond in a Christlike manner when prejudice is expressed against them.
What did you think about the clip? What groups were mentioned that Klan leader (Homer Stokes) didn’t like? What do you think his problems were with those groups?
Some KKK background…Did you know that the Klan used to lynch (to put to death by a mob without legal approval) blacks and killed them? (In June of 1998, a sadistic murder of a middle-aged black man from Jasper, Texas, rekindled memories of lynching practices from the blood stained American past. James Byrd, Jr., 49, was beaten savagely to the point of unconsciousness, chained to the back of a pickup truck by his neck, and dragged for miles over rural roads outside the town of Jasper. It is believed that Byrd survived through most of this experience, that is, until he was decapitated. Three white men, John William King, 23, Shawn Berry, 23, (both of whom had links to white supremacist groups) and Lawrence Brewer Jr., 31, were arrested. Brewer and King were sentenced to death for a racial hate crime that shocked the nation. Berry was sent to prison for life.)
Lynchings happened in the 50s and 60s during the struggle for Civil Rights, mainly in the South. 3 students, 1 black and 2 white and Jewish were killed by the Klan for trying to help with Civil Rights in 1964 Mississippi. This past week, kid awarded 2.5 million for being beaten by Klan members in Kentucky.
Their HQ is in Zinc, AR, outside of Harrison. Klan/white supremacist groups have had rallies in AR within the past 4 or 5 years. Was unfortunately resurrected by a failed Methodist Preacher. That is just one of many organizations that spread racist ideas.
The group was asked:
What do you think racism means?
Students’ responses were written down. If students struggle with a definition, a few suggested dictionary-based ideas such as “judgment or opinion not based on fact” or “attitude of hostility directed toward a group or race.”
Is racism a problem in NLR or at school? If so, what are some examples of racism? Where else do you see racism? Anything else recently where you have seen it? Have any of you ever made a racist joke or comment? Why? What do you think causes people to be racist?
How does race affect your everyday life? Do you see your race as a help, a hindrance, or both? Explain.
In groups, students discussed a time they’ve felt prejudice against —perhaps because of your race, your intelligence, your religion, your gender, or your family.
Then each trio read Romans 14:10-12 So where does that leave you when you criticize a brother? And where does that leave you when you condescend to a sister? I'd say it leaves you looking pretty silly—or worse. Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit. Read it for yourself in Scripture: "As I live and breathe," God says, "every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God." So tend to your knitting. You've got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.
Then we discussed these questions:
Why did you think you were judged unfairly?
According to this Bible passage, why will God judge us?
How does this passage affect how you feel about the prejudice you experienced?
After a few minutes, this was said and discussed: People often treat one another in ways that hurt deeply. In Romans 14:10, Paul asked why we judge and think we’re better than others. He taught that only God can judge people and that God’s justice never fails.
Have students tear their cards into tiny pieces and throw them in the trash. Then ask:
Most of us have felt some sort of prejudice, but how often have we shown prejudice to other people based on their looks or stereotypes we have about their race or ethnic group? We then formed our own made-up ethnic groups.
Have students form four groups. The groups were given prejudiced ideas about the 3 other groups and then acted out scenarios where they were around the other groups, and had to treat them according to their 'prejudices'.
After a few minutes, say: I’m going to call out some situations, and I want you to interact with each other as if you were really in those situations. As you react, keep in mind the stereotypes you’ve read about the other groups.
Once the role-playing was complete, everyone gathered back together and each group received a copy of how the other groups were specifically prejudiced toward them and then we discussed:.
How did it feel to be treated a certain way just because of the color on your back?
Is there anything true about the traits assigned to your group? false? Explain.
This was a kind of goofy example, but how does it pertain to what we have talked about? Have you believed stereotypes about other races or groups? Why or why not? We lump people into groups together and oftentimes assume they are all the same. That is like saying that everyone in your whole family is the same…
How does the truth that God’s justice never fails affect how you treat people of other ethnicities? how you respond when people act prejudiced against you or a friend from another ethnicity?
After the discussion, we read John 4:1-42
The Woman at the Well
1-3 Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people. So Jesus left the Judean countryside and went back to Galilee.
4-6To get there, he had to pass through Samaria. He came into Sychar, a Samaritan village that bordered the field Jacob had given his son Joseph. Jacob's well was still there. Jesus, worn out by the trip, sat down at the well. It was noon.
7-8A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water. Jesus said, "Would you give me a drink of water?" (His disciples had gone to the village to buy food for lunch.) 9The Samaritan woman, taken aback, asked, "How come you, a Jew, are asking me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?" (Jews in those days wouldn't be caught dead talking to Samaritans.) 10Jesus answered, "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."
11-12The woman said, "Sir, you don't even have a bucket to draw with, and this well is deep. So how are you going to get this 'living water'? Are you a better man than our ancestor Jacob, who dug this well and drank from it, he and his sons and livestock, and passed it down to us?" 13-14Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life." 15The woman said, "Sir, give me this water so I won't ever get thirsty, won't ever have to come back to this well again!"
16He said, "Go call your husband and then come back." 17-18"I have no husband," she said. "That's nicely put: 'I have no husband.' You've had five husbands, and the man you're living with now isn't even your husband. You spoke the truth there, sure enough." 19-20"Oh, so you're a prophet! Well, tell me this: Our ancestors worshiped God at this mountain, but you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place for worship, right?"
21-23"Believe me, woman, the time is coming when you Samaritans will worship the Father neither here at this mountain nor there in Jerusalem. You worship guessing in the dark; we Jews worship in the clear light of day. God's way of salvation is made available through the Jews. But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter.
23-24"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."
25The woman said, "I don't know about that. I do know that the Messiah is coming. When he arrives, we'll get the whole story." 26"I am he," said Jesus. "You don't have to wait any longer or look any further." 27Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked. They couldn't believe he was talking with that kind of a woman. No one said what they were all thinking, but their faces showed it. 28-30The woman took the hint and left. In her confusion she left her water pot. Back in the village she told the people, "Come see a man who knew all about the things I did, who knows me inside and out. Do you think this could be the Messiah?" And they went out to see for themselves.
It's Harvest Time
31In the meantime, the disciples pressed him, "Rabbi, eat. Aren't you going to eat?" 32He told them, "I have food to eat you know nothing about." 33The disciples were puzzled. "Who could have brought him food?" 34-35Jesus said, "The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn't you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I'm telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what's right in front of you. These Samaritan fields are ripe. It's harvest time!
36-38"The Harvester isn't waiting. He's taking his pay, gathering in this grain that's ripe for eternal life. Now the Sower is arm in arm with the Harvester, triumphant. That's the truth of the saying, 'This one sows, that one harvests.' I sent you to harvest a field you never worked. Without lifting a finger, you have walked in on a field worked long and hard by others." 39-42Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman's witness: "He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!" They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, "We're no longer taking this on your say-so. We've heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He's the Savior of the world!"
and discussed these questions:
How did Jesus break traditional barriers by speaking to the woman at the well?
How did the Samaritans respond to Jesus’ interaction with them?
How did the disciples respond when they saw Jesus with the Samaritan woman?
How would Jesus respond to prejudice in your school and neighborhood?
How does Jesus’ example affect how you’ll treat people from other races or ethnic groups?
How might the way you treat people from other races or ethnicities be an example to others?
Then this was said: Genesis 1:27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Jesus taught us and showed us by his actions that prejudice and racism are wrong. You can make a difference in the world by treating all people equally and by modeling Christ’s love for everyone.
We had students pray together and for each other in their groups, asking God to help them identify and tear down their own racial prejudices and to respond in a Christlike manner when prejudice is expressed against them.
O Brother Bible-Life Study on The Soul
Soul
Watch the clip where Tommy is picked up at the crossroads and tells the guys that he has sold his soul to the devil so that he can play guitar.
What are some things we associate with the word "soul"? What is the soul or a soul? What do you think makes up a person’s soul? Do you ever think about having a soul? If so, how?
What role did the ‘soul’ play in this movie? What did you think of Tommy’s decision? And the other guys’ reactions? Do you think you can sell your soul to the devil?
We played a game utilizing these verses, which are at the bottom.
Verses: Matthew 10:28, Matthew 16:26, Luke 10:27, 3 John 2, Deuteronomy 4:29, James 1:21, 1 Peter 2:11, Proverbs 22:24-25, Job 10:1, Psalm 19:7, Isaiah 55:2
After all the verses are completed, this was said: The physical bodies we see are only half the picture of what God has given us. God has also given us each a soul, and has given us clues about our souls in his Word.
Have the pairs share their completed verses with the rest of the group. Then ask:
What does the Bible tell us about the soul?
What are the differences, if any, between the soul and the physical body? What are the similarities, if any?
What do you think God cares about more: our souls or our physical bodies? Why?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. Physical life comes first, then spiritual—a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. In the same way that we've worked from our earthy origins, let's embrace our heavenly ends. Say:
This passage of Scripture likens our spirit to the “second man,” Jesus Christ.
We discussed these questions:
How is the difference between our flesh and soul like the difference between Jesus’ humanity and his divinity? What are the similarities, if any?
What do you think about the importance of taking care of your soul, compared with taking care of your physical body?
What are some ways we can nourish and protect our souls?
• Why do most people believe in the soul's existence even though there's no physical proof?
• What makes a person's soul different from his or her body?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. 2While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. 3We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked. 4These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don't do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. 5God is the one who makes all of this possible. He has given us his Spirit to make us certain that he will do it.
• What's the physical and spiritual significance of the soul?
• How do our souls make humanity unique from the rest of creation?
• What’s the significance of each person being responsible for his or her soul? How does this concept make God more personal? bring equality among all people?
• Would you want to face God right now? Explain. If you could only do one more thing to better prepare your soul to meet God, what would it be? What’s preventing you from doing this?
What can you do to nurture and strengthen your soul? How can this apply to your life?
Matthew 10:28- Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
Matthew 16:26, What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Luke 10:27, The man replied, "The Scriptures say, `Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.' They also say, `Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.'
3 John 2, Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
James 1:21, You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message that is planted in you to save you.
1 Peter 2:11, Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
Job 10:1, I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain.
Psalm 19:7, The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Isaiah 55:2, Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Ezekiel 18:4 The lives of all people belong to me--parents as well as children. Only those who sin will be put to death.
Watch the clip where Tommy is picked up at the crossroads and tells the guys that he has sold his soul to the devil so that he can play guitar.
What are some things we associate with the word "soul"? What is the soul or a soul? What do you think makes up a person’s soul? Do you ever think about having a soul? If so, how?
What role did the ‘soul’ play in this movie? What did you think of Tommy’s decision? And the other guys’ reactions? Do you think you can sell your soul to the devil?
We played a game utilizing these verses, which are at the bottom.
Verses: Matthew 10:28, Matthew 16:26, Luke 10:27, 3 John 2, Deuteronomy 4:29, James 1:21, 1 Peter 2:11, Proverbs 22:24-25, Job 10:1, Psalm 19:7, Isaiah 55:2
After all the verses are completed, this was said: The physical bodies we see are only half the picture of what God has given us. God has also given us each a soul, and has given us clues about our souls in his Word.
Have the pairs share their completed verses with the rest of the group. Then ask:
What does the Bible tell us about the soul?
What are the differences, if any, between the soul and the physical body? What are the similarities, if any?
What do you think God cares about more: our souls or our physical bodies? Why?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 We follow this sequence in Scripture: The First Adam received life, the Last Adam is a life-giving Spirit. Physical life comes first, then spiritual—a firm base shaped from the earth, a final completion coming out of heaven. The First Man was made out of earth, and people since then are earthy; the Second Man was made out of heaven, and people now can be heavenly. In the same way that we've worked from our earthy origins, let's embrace our heavenly ends. Say:
This passage of Scripture likens our spirit to the “second man,” Jesus Christ.
We discussed these questions:
How is the difference between our flesh and soul like the difference between Jesus’ humanity and his divinity? What are the similarities, if any?
What do you think about the importance of taking care of your soul, compared with taking care of your physical body?
What are some ways we can nourish and protect our souls?
• Why do most people believe in the soul's existence even though there's no physical proof?
• What makes a person's soul different from his or her body?
• Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-5. Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. 2While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. 3We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked. 4These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don't do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. 5God is the one who makes all of this possible. He has given us his Spirit to make us certain that he will do it.
• What's the physical and spiritual significance of the soul?
• How do our souls make humanity unique from the rest of creation?
• What’s the significance of each person being responsible for his or her soul? How does this concept make God more personal? bring equality among all people?
• Would you want to face God right now? Explain. If you could only do one more thing to better prepare your soul to meet God, what would it be? What’s preventing you from doing this?
What can you do to nurture and strengthen your soul? How can this apply to your life?
Matthew 10:28- Don't be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There's nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.
Matthew 16:26, What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?
Luke 10:27, The man replied, "The Scriptures say, `Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.' They also say, `Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.'
3 John 2, Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
James 1:21, You must stop doing anything immoral or evil. Instead be humble and accept the message that is planted in you to save you.
1 Peter 2:11, Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
Job 10:1, I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain.
Psalm 19:7, The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Isaiah 55:2, Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Ezekiel 18:4 The lives of all people belong to me--parents as well as children. Only those who sin will be put to death.
O Brother Bible-Life Study on Music
MUSIC
What role did music play in the movie? How did music influence the characters? Did the music help with the ‘setting’ of the movie, being in the 1930s, Depression Era Mississippi?
Some stats: The soundtrack had only a few ‘old’ songs, like “Big Rock Candy Mountain” from 1928 at the beginning, and This Little Light of Mine from 1920. The soundtrack also has sold over 8 million copies, and won 3 Grammy’s Including Album of the Year, beating Bob Dylan, OutKast, and U2.
A recent survey showed that 14- to 17-year-olds, who are obviously critical because they're the listeners and consumers of tomorrow, found 78% listened to radio every day, 84% listened to music on a computer, iPod or MP3 every day. That's the first time "alternative" sources have topped radio.
Also, a study of teenagers found 41% said their iPods or MP3 players are the first place they go to hear music. About 27% said computers and 22% said FM radio.
So teenagers who all used to listen to the radio now increasingly find new music through Facebook or MySpace or P2P file-swapping.
Would these stats apply to y’all?
Start off with the Music Questionnaire then go into the discussions…
Questionnaire
What Words most clearly describe your taste in music? (Circle all that apply)
Punk Contemporary Christian Hard of Hearing Modern Country Traditional Hymns
Hard Rock Classical Heavy Metal disco Classic Rock (late 60s-70s)
Oldies (50s-mid 60s) soft rock comedy jazz R&B
Hip Hop emo pop Classic Country (before 1990) show tunes
What three bands or musicians would you most pay to go hear?
What bands do you think should be paid to keep quiet?
If someone stole your entire CD collection/iPod/mp3 player and the insurance company would give you the money for a whole new collection, what five albums would be at the top of your list to buy/replace? Why?
What band or musician have you listened to and liked the longest?
What song title best describes your life?
What song title best describes your school?
Share some of their answers then move on…
• Why does music have such a powerful effect on us?
Read 2 Chronicles 5:11-14. 11-13 The priests then left the Holy Place. All the priests there were consecrated, regardless of rank or assignment; and all the Levites who were musicians were there—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their families, dressed in their worship robes; the choir and orchestra assembled on the east side of the Altar and were joined by 120 priests blowing trumpets. The choir and trumpets made one voice of praise and thanks to GOD—orchestra and choir in perfect harmony singing and playing praise to GOD:
Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever!
13-14 Then a billowing cloud filled The Temple of GOD. The priests couldn't even carry out their duties because of the cloud—the glory of GOD!—that filled The Temple of God.
• How does coming together to worship God through music differ from other types of music experiences? other types of worship?
• Is it necessary to prepare ourselves in any way before we worship God through music? Why or why not?
• How can we make our music worship experiences more meaningful?
*The Music in Me
Ask:
• What do you think about the words of the popular music these days? Do you listen to the words? Can you sing along with most songs?
• How do you think these words affect you? Do they change your ideas? Raise or lower your moral standards?
• What would other people think of you from your tastes in music? From your values, thoughts, personality, habits? Does that bother you? Why or why not?
• Have someone read aloud Philippians 4:8 ("Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable"—God’s Word). Emphasize the importance of filling our minds with what is "true," "honorable," "fair," "pure," "acceptable," and "commendable." Explain that not all secular, contemporary music is bad or gross, but that many of the popular songs focus on what is "untrue," "dishonorable," "unfair," "impure," "unacceptable," and "uncommendable." How does this verse relate to music—what we listen to, the words, etc.?
• In computer terms, GIGO, or Garbage In, Garbage Out means that what is fed into the computer is directly related to what comes out. How do you think this relates to the verse we just read?
• What can we do to develop Christian listening habits?
*Verses Versus
Distribute sheets with the following Scripture references printed on them to groups of 3 or 4. After reading each passage, have the students write how it should affect their music listening and buying habits. Have them share when finished.
Galatians 5:16-23 16If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires. 17The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should. 18But if you obey the Spirit, the Law of Moses has no control over you.
19People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. 20They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are 21envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.
22God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.
Corinthians 10:31 When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God.
Psalm 19:14 14Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock [a] and my protector.
After everyone has finished, briefly discuss their answers, emphasizing the responsibility of Christians to be discerning in their listening habits.
How can you or do you listen to music that may not have the most positive, uplifting message, and not let it affect you? Or to listen to a band/singer who is not the most positive influence/role model? Does that make any difference to you how the singer/band acts in real life?
Adults, share music you’ve listened to and how it made a difference to you. What were ‘good songs’ and what were ‘bad songs’. As a teenager did your parents know what you were listening to? What did they say? How did the music affect you? Ever negative? Giving these personal examples may help the YOUth realize how they should be listening to music.
Closing thought- We’re not asking or expecting you to go throw out all of your cds or delete all of your itunes, although if someone were to do that, it would be impressive and commendable. We are just asking you all to be aware of what you are listening to and how that may interfere with your relationship with God. If your attitude is changing, your personality, your thoughts, especially if they are going against God, then maybe it comes from what is going into your ears. Be able to separate the ‘words of the world’ from the ‘Word of God’. If you aren’t listening to God’s Words at all, then take some time to do so or listen to music that is honoring God.
What role did music play in the movie? How did music influence the characters? Did the music help with the ‘setting’ of the movie, being in the 1930s, Depression Era Mississippi?
Some stats: The soundtrack had only a few ‘old’ songs, like “Big Rock Candy Mountain” from 1928 at the beginning, and This Little Light of Mine from 1920. The soundtrack also has sold over 8 million copies, and won 3 Grammy’s Including Album of the Year, beating Bob Dylan, OutKast, and U2.
A recent survey showed that 14- to 17-year-olds, who are obviously critical because they're the listeners and consumers of tomorrow, found 78% listened to radio every day, 84% listened to music on a computer, iPod or MP3 every day. That's the first time "alternative" sources have topped radio.
Also, a study of teenagers found 41% said their iPods or MP3 players are the first place they go to hear music. About 27% said computers and 22% said FM radio.
So teenagers who all used to listen to the radio now increasingly find new music through Facebook or MySpace or P2P file-swapping.
Would these stats apply to y’all?
Start off with the Music Questionnaire then go into the discussions…
Questionnaire
What Words most clearly describe your taste in music? (Circle all that apply)
Punk Contemporary Christian Hard of Hearing Modern Country Traditional Hymns
Hard Rock Classical Heavy Metal disco Classic Rock (late 60s-70s)
Oldies (50s-mid 60s) soft rock comedy jazz R&B
Hip Hop emo pop Classic Country (before 1990) show tunes
What three bands or musicians would you most pay to go hear?
What bands do you think should be paid to keep quiet?
If someone stole your entire CD collection/iPod/mp3 player and the insurance company would give you the money for a whole new collection, what five albums would be at the top of your list to buy/replace? Why?
What band or musician have you listened to and liked the longest?
What song title best describes your life?
What song title best describes your school?
Share some of their answers then move on…
• Why does music have such a powerful effect on us?
Read 2 Chronicles 5:11-14. 11-13 The priests then left the Holy Place. All the priests there were consecrated, regardless of rank or assignment; and all the Levites who were musicians were there—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their families, dressed in their worship robes; the choir and orchestra assembled on the east side of the Altar and were joined by 120 priests blowing trumpets. The choir and trumpets made one voice of praise and thanks to GOD—orchestra and choir in perfect harmony singing and playing praise to GOD:
Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever!
13-14 Then a billowing cloud filled The Temple of GOD. The priests couldn't even carry out their duties because of the cloud—the glory of GOD!—that filled The Temple of God.
• How does coming together to worship God through music differ from other types of music experiences? other types of worship?
• Is it necessary to prepare ourselves in any way before we worship God through music? Why or why not?
• How can we make our music worship experiences more meaningful?
*The Music in Me
Ask:
• What do you think about the words of the popular music these days? Do you listen to the words? Can you sing along with most songs?
• How do you think these words affect you? Do they change your ideas? Raise or lower your moral standards?
• What would other people think of you from your tastes in music? From your values, thoughts, personality, habits? Does that bother you? Why or why not?
• Have someone read aloud Philippians 4:8 ("Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable"—God’s Word). Emphasize the importance of filling our minds with what is "true," "honorable," "fair," "pure," "acceptable," and "commendable." Explain that not all secular, contemporary music is bad or gross, but that many of the popular songs focus on what is "untrue," "dishonorable," "unfair," "impure," "unacceptable," and "uncommendable." How does this verse relate to music—what we listen to, the words, etc.?
• In computer terms, GIGO, or Garbage In, Garbage Out means that what is fed into the computer is directly related to what comes out. How do you think this relates to the verse we just read?
• What can we do to develop Christian listening habits?
*Verses Versus
Distribute sheets with the following Scripture references printed on them to groups of 3 or 4. After reading each passage, have the students write how it should affect their music listening and buying habits. Have them share when finished.
Galatians 5:16-23 16If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires. 17The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should. 18But if you obey the Spirit, the Law of Moses has no control over you.
19People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. 20They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are 21envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.
22God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.
Corinthians 10:31 When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God.
Psalm 19:14 14Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock [a] and my protector.
After everyone has finished, briefly discuss their answers, emphasizing the responsibility of Christians to be discerning in their listening habits.
How can you or do you listen to music that may not have the most positive, uplifting message, and not let it affect you? Or to listen to a band/singer who is not the most positive influence/role model? Does that make any difference to you how the singer/band acts in real life?
Adults, share music you’ve listened to and how it made a difference to you. What were ‘good songs’ and what were ‘bad songs’. As a teenager did your parents know what you were listening to? What did they say? How did the music affect you? Ever negative? Giving these personal examples may help the YOUth realize how they should be listening to music.
Closing thought- We’re not asking or expecting you to go throw out all of your cds or delete all of your itunes, although if someone were to do that, it would be impressive and commendable. We are just asking you all to be aware of what you are listening to and how that may interfere with your relationship with God. If your attitude is changing, your personality, your thoughts, especially if they are going against God, then maybe it comes from what is going into your ears. Be able to separate the ‘words of the world’ from the ‘Word of God’. If you aren’t listening to God’s Words at all, then take some time to do so or listen to music that is honoring God.
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