God The Ultimate Superhero All-Powerful Paths of Light What s Your Red Sea Moment

Transcription

1 Leader s Guide September 2007 This month: God The Ultimate Superhero All-Powerful Paths of Light What s Your Red Sea Moment

2 Leader s Guide The Credo Leader s Guide is a FREE resource created by Barefoot Ministries for use in conjunction with Credo. Each issue of Credo delivers a month s worth of devotions, features, and articles around a central theme. The Credo Leader s Guide gives youth leaders the ability to build on the monthly theme through small-group Bible study. The Leader s Guide uses the articles and devotions from the magazine as illustrations and lead-ins for digging deeper into God s Word. As each Bible study is dependent on the students having used the magazine for their daily devotions and spiritual growth, the Credo Leader s Guide helps youth workers keep their students accountable in their spiritual walk. The Credo Leader s Guide is available for download as a.pdf file at and For inquiries, order changes, or customer support, call toll-free , or cmolinquiry@barefootministries.com. For more great youth ministry curriculums, Bible studies, training, tools, and other resources, please visit the most complete and affordable online youth ministry solution. How to Use the Credo Leader s Guide Each week s small-group Bible study provides a leader s lesson summary, suggested opening activities, and a student study sheet. The study sheets are designed to get students into God s Word through the reading of the Scripture as well as discussion. Student sheets are laid out in half sheet pages so that they can be printed out, cut in half, three-hole punched, and stored in a journal. Each student study sheet has the following sections included: Examine: Students explore their personal thoughts on the issue before reading the Word. Explore: Students dig into the Word by reading the Scripture and answering and discussing questions or statements. Live: Students make life applications from what they ve discussed, read, and learned. All Scripture quotations unless otherwise indicated are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV ). Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

3 Week 1: God The Ultimate Superhero Summary: Everyone has heroes. Everyone puts their faith in someone they trust. For each of us there is someone in our lives whose faults and weaknesses we are willing to overlook, dismiss, or ignore out of deep admiration. These heroes of ours set the standards in our lives. They are the ones we grow up wanting to be like. God is the ultimate superhero. He s really the only superhero. Everyone else is just a hero. His powers are unlimited. His example is perfect. Unlike other heroes, God s only perceivable weakness is His greatest strength: His unconditional love. Leadership Focus: Right or wrong, leaders are often placed on pedestals by those who look up to them. A leader s responsibility then is to set the best example of godly living that they can so those looking up to them have a tangible example to follow. Movie: The Incredibles (G). The Incredible family faces a new world threat. In confronting a self-made nemesis, the Incredible family works together to save the world, restore the integrity of superheroes, and make a difference. Clip Location: 1:34:25 1:37:00 Synopsis: Bob and his heroic family face their newest enemy. Bob exposes his fear that his heart will fail them. Gospel Filter: God s love is His strength. It is because of love that Christ lived, died, and rose again to prove. His is a perfect love, thus, making Him the only true Superhero. Examine Start class by watching the clip from The Incredibles; then lead a brief discussion about superheroes using the following questions: Why did Mr. Incredible want to protect his family? What was Mr. Incredible s weakness or fear? When Elastagirl (Mrs. Incredible) told her husband that the rest of the family could and would help him save the world, what was his response? Who is your favorite superhero? A sports star, a politician, a religious leader, a parent, a celebrity? Why is that person your favorite? What are some of the weaknesses of your superhero? Explore Have your students look up and read aloud the following scriptures. Invite them to discuss their thoughts and record their observations on their study sheets. During the discussion, ensure that the points in parentheses are considered. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (God s wisdom and power are foolishness to those who are perishing. His weakness is stronger than humanity s strength.) 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (God s power is made perfect in our weaknesses.) Hebrews 4:14-16 (Christ can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted as well... but did not give in.) Live Read the Perspectives article found on page 3. After reading the article, ask the following discussion questions: How is God like a superhero? How is God NOT like a typical superhero? The source of God s power is His love for everyone; how does this fact affect your relationship with Him? In what ways has God shown you the power of His love? How can you be like God, the ultimate superhero? Close class with prayer, asking God to help everyone be more like Him the ultimate Superhero.

4 Week 2: All Powerful Summary: Sometimes, young people (and adults) have a difficult time trusting a God they can t see. They try to run their lives without giving any thought to God s perspective. They try trusting themselves and ultimately find no satisfaction or reward in that. In this lesson we ll see that God is all-powerful. We will see because God knows and sees much more than us, we can trust His perspective. We can trust Him. Leadership Focus: Leaders recognize that holy living is based on the truth that when they trust their lives into God s care the results are much better than when they trust in themselves. Movie: Bruce Almighty (PG). Bruce puts God to the test and blames Him for much of the struggles that he s facing. God gives Bruce the opportunity to see what its like to be the Almighty. In the end, Bruce recognizes his need for the one true God. Clip Location: 1:23:26 1:29:22. Synopsis: Bruce flaunts his omnipotence and arrogantly tries to take care of the world s needs, especially his own. He fails miserably. Gospel Filter: God s perspective is much greater than ours. When all we see is our own selfish desires, we forget that God sees all and takes care of those who call on Him. Examine Start by watching the clip from Bruce Almighty, then ask the following discussion questions: What did Bruce think he could accomplish with God s powers? What did Bruce realize while walking down the street? What areas of your life do you think you can handle without God s help? Explore Have your students look up and read aloud the following scriptures. Invite them to discuss their thoughts and record their observations on their study sheets. During the discussion, ensure that the points in parentheses are considered. Psalm 33:8-15 (God created everything and He sees everything everyone does omnipotence.) Psalm 147:1-11 (God s power is great and His understanding has no limit omniscience, omnipotence.) Isaiah 40:12-18 (God s power is incomparable to any other power omnipotence.) Live Read the Real Deal article All Powerful found on pages Then discuss the following questions: In what BIG ways have you seen God s power at work in your life? What are some of the prayers that you have seen God answer for you? (Remember, sometimes God s best answer is no. ) What are the two ways an understanding of God s power helps us in our lives? Talk about a time when you questioned God s perspective or plans for you in a specific situation. In the end, what happened in that situation? At the end of your session, play the song, What Breaks Your Heart sung by Jericho Road on the CD This Is More (this song is also available via download on itunes). This is a good song to lead you to a point of commitment and/or prayer. Conclude with a prayer that God might help us see our circumstances through His eyes.

5 Week 3: Paths of Light Summary: It s never wrong to seek the truth. As humans we tend to question what we can t tangibly prove. So, when our faith and our focus clash, we have to make the choice between what we doubt and what God calls truth. When those clashes happen, we can trust the Lord to lead us in paths of light. In this week s lesson, we ll discover how trusting God to lead us is far better than trusting ourselves. We ll discuss situations that seem unbelievably difficult to trust God through. We will also discover that when we do trust God, even when we re left with unanswered questions, He reveals to us His perfect love. Leadership Focus: We all face situations where our faith is tested; things happen we just don t understand. Despite these external circumstances, leaders walk by faith. Song: Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns on their CD Lifesong Synopsis: Despite the difficult situation that the author is experiencing, he finds a way to hear God and find reason to praise the Lord. Circumstances don t determine God s praiseworthiness. Gospel Filter: In tragedy, God is still in control. Examine Introduce this week s lesson by discussing these questions: Have you ever been surprised by tragedy? What happened? What are the defining tragedies of our generation? (9/11, Iraq War, Virginia Tech Massacre, and so on.) Next, read Life Zone article Paths of Light found on pages 42-43; then answer these questions: Have you ever asked God why about a tragic circumstance in your life? What was it about? Is it easier to trust God in difficult times or good times? Why? Explore Have your students look up and read aloud the following scriptures. Invite them to discuss their thoughts and record their observations on their study sheets. During the discussion, ensure that the points in parentheses are considered. Psalms 119:105 (God s Word is light for our paths.) Psalm 23 (God leads us to places of peace through times of danger and grief.) Psalm 121 (Our help comes from God, the maker of heaven and earth who watches over us at all times.) Proverbs 4:18-19 (God lights the way for believers; He makes the path clearer as time goes by.) John 8:12-18 (Jesus is the light of the world... leading us to the Father.) Live Listen to and/or watch the video of the Casting Crown s song Praise You in This Storm. After the song is finished, ask these questions: What did the author expect from God? What commitment did the author make to God? How can you make a similar commitment today? Close your session in prayer.

6 Week 4: What s Your Rea Sea Moment Summary: Everyone faces situations that stretch them to the limits of what they can handle. When we find ourselves in these extreme circumstances we each have a choice. We can put all of our trust in the Lord to carry us through or we can try to succeed on our own. We can rely on God s power or our own. God s Word teaches us to put our trust in Him... all the time, but especially at the Red Sea Moments of our lives. Trusting God isn t natural, but it s necessary. Leadership Focus: It is often a difficult task to trust God. Sometimes we feel like we can handle the challenges on our own strength. As such, good leaders not only recognize their strengths but their dependence on God. Movie: Facing the Giants (PG). Football coach Grant Taylor leads his underdog team to the state championship game against the Giants. Faced with the temptation to give up or put up the fight of their lives, the Christian team chooses battle and faith. Clip Location: 1:22:07 1:25:21 Synopsis: Coach Taylor prays giving God the credit and glory for leading the team to the championship game. After some encouragement from an admired coach, Taylor and his team commit to trusting God and giving Him the glory despite the outcome of the game. Gospel Filter: When faced with the choice to give up or trust God, God will always be there for us. Examine Open your session by showing the clip from Facing the Giants; then discuss these questions: What did the coach promise God? What did the coach challenge the team to do whether or not they won the game? What was looming challenge before the team? What similar situations like theirs have you found yourself in? How difficult is it to trust God when you re facing a giant challenge? Explore Have your students look up and read aloud the following scriptures. Invite them to discuss their thoughts and record their observations on their study sheets. During the discussion, ensure that the points in parentheses are considered. Exodus 14:10-31 (Despite their fear, the Israelites depend on God. They cross the Red Sea in safety and the Egyptians die.) Psalm 37:3-7 (Trust God, delight in Him, and be still before Him. If you do, He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn [v. 6].) Isaiah 40:25-31 (Depend on God; He will strengthen you when you feel weak or when you stumble in your faith.) 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (Paul uses the Red Sea experience to show that God gives us direction when we re tempted.) Live Read the Inside Story article What s Your Red Sea Moment? found on pages 33-34; then discuss the answers to the following questions: What do you think would have happened to the Israelites if they chose not to trust God at the banks of the Red Sea? What about you and your story? Where do you need God to show up? What s your Red Sea moment? Talk about a time in your life when you have or might have to choose between trusting God and trusting yourself? What do you think the results of each of those choices might be? Close your meeting helping the students make a list of those they care about who may be dealing with Red Sea Moment decisions. Challenge them to go to them and let them know that they re not alone... God is with them and so are those in your group.

7 September 2007 Week 1 God The Ultimate Superhero September 2007 Week 1 God The Ultimate Superhero Examine: After watching the clip from The Incredibles, answer these discussion questions about superheroes: Why did Mr. Incredible want to protect his family? What was Mr. Incredible s weakness or fear? 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 What do these verses say about God s power? Hebrews 4:14-16 Why can Christ sympathize with our temptations? When Elastagirl (Mrs. Incredible) told her husband that the rest of the family could and would help him save the world, what was his response? Who is your favorite superhero? A sports star, a politician, a religious leader, a parent, a celebrity? Why is that person your favorite? How did Christ handle temptations? Live: After reading the Perspectives article found on page 3, answer the following discussion questions: How is God like a superhero? How is God NOT like a typical superhero? What are some of the weaknesses of your superhero? Explore: As a group read the following scriptures and record your thoughts on what the passage says. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 What do these verses say about God s weaknesses? The source of God s power is His love for everyone; how does this fact affect your relationship with Him? In what ways has God shown you the power of His love? How can you be like God, the ultimate superhero?

8 September 2007 Week 2 All-Powerful September 2007 Week 2 All-Powerful Examine: After watching the clip from Bruce Almighty, answer the following discussion questions: What did Bruce think he could accomplish with God s powers? Live: After reading the Real Deal article All Powerful found on pages 22-23, answer the following questions In what BIG ways have you seen God s power at work in your life? What did Bruce realize while walking down the street? What are some of the prayers that you have seen God answer for you? (Remember, sometimes God s best answers are no. ) What areas of your life do you think you can handle without God s help? What are the two ways an understanding of God s power helps us in our lives? Explore: As a group read the following scriptures and record your thoughts on what the passage says. Psalm 33:8-15 What do these verses say about the knowledge and perspective of the Lord? Talk about a time when you questioned God s perspective or plans for you in a specific situation. In the end, what happened in that situation? Psalm 147:1-11 What do these verses tell us about how we should respond to God s power, motives, and perspective? Isaiah 40:12-18 What is the implied answer to the Lord s not-so rhetorical questions in these verses? What does that say about His power?

9 September 2007 Week 3 Paths of Light September 2007 Week 3 Paths of Light Examine: Have you ever been surprised by tragedy? What happened? Proverbs 4:18-19 What do these verses say about what Christians can look forward to as they continue to follow Christ? What are the defining tragedies of our generation? After reading the Life Zone article Paths of Light found on pages 42-43, answer the following questions: Have you ever asked God Why about a tragic circumstance in your life? What was it about? John 8:12-18 Why does Jesus call himself the light? Live: After listening to the Casting Crown s song Praise You in this Storm, answer the following questions: What did the author expect from God? Is it easier to trust God in difficult times or good times? Why? What commitment did the author make to God? Explore: As a group read the following scriptures and record your thoughts on what the passage says. How can you make a similar commitment today? Psalms 119:105 Where do we find God s wisdom revealed when we have difficult choices to make? Psalm 23 In what situations do we rely on God to lead us to and through? Psalm 121 What makes the Lord so trustworthy?

10 September 2007 Week 4 What s Your Red Sea Moment? September 2007 Week 4 What s Your Red Sea Moment? Examine: After watching the clip from Facing the Giants, answer these questions: What did the coach promise God? Psalm 37:3-7 What does God do for those who put their trust in Him and not themselves? What did the coach challenge the team to do whether or not they won the game? Isaiah 40:25-31 When we re under pressure to make a tough decision, how does God respond to our weaknesses? What was looming challenge before the team? What similar situations like theirs have you found yourself in? 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 When we re tempted to trust ourselves, we re robbing God of the glory He wants to show us. How do you know that you can trust His leading? How difficult is it to trust God when you re facing a giant challenge? Explore: As a group read the following scriptures and record your thoughts on what the passage says. Exodus 14:10-31 In their fear, what did the Israelites do? What was the outcome? Live: After reading the Inside Story article What s Your Red Sea Moment? found on pages 33-34, answer the following questions: What do you think would have happened to the Israelites if they chose not to trust God at the banks of the Red Sea? What about you and your story? Where do you need God to show up? What s your Red Sea moment? Talk about a time in your life when you have or might have to choose between trusting God and trusting yourself? What do you think the results of each of those choices might be?