Shepherds and Sheep: Ezekiel 34

February 26, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

God often uses the metaphor of a Shepherd and a sheep in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures. It was something that the people were familiar with. We might not be as familiar with shepherds and sheep today, but the metaphor is still a powerful illustration of leadership as well as our common behaviors in the church. Ezekiel 34 is full of lessons on leadership and how we treat each other. It’s all full of promises. While these promises were initially given to the children of Israel, they also hold important truths for us today as God’s Children.

What to do

Following is a list of characteristics from the Ezekiel 34:1-31. These can be used in several ways.

Write the categories on the board and have a competition between teams. Randomly read phrases from the lists. The first team or team member to identify the correct category for the phrase scores a point. The team which correctly identifies the most phrases wins.
Play a game such as “ring on a string.” or another game where a person becomes “it” When a person becomes “it”, they must correctly place one of the phrases under the appropriate category.
Play a game of “Sheep in the field.” Sit in a circle. The first person says “one sheep ” the 2nd “lost in the field” the 3rd “Baa” Then the same phrases are used but with “two sheep” and each phrase repeated twice. The “three sheep” with each phrase repeated three times. This game must be done very rapidly if someone hesitates and breaks the rythem or makes a mistake they must correctly place one of the items below a category.
Split the youth into groups and in a given time limit, have them list all the characteristics of the shepherds or the sheep in this passage. After time is up have them call out the characteristics. If more than one group lists the same characteristics they cross them off their list. The team with the most unique characteristics (those from the passage not found by the other group) wins.

Here are some partial lists I created

1. Characteristics of God as Shepherd

He will rescue the sheep
He will search for the sheep
He will look after the sheep
He will rescue the flock from the mouth of the shepherds
He will rescue the sheep that have been scattered
His Sheep will be tended in good pasture
His Sheep will lie down in good grazing land
He will bring back the strays
He will bind up the injured
He will strengthen the weak
He will destroy the sleek and strong
He will judge between the sheep
He will judge between rams and goats
He will place one shepherd over the sheep

2. Characteristics of the leaders of Israel as Shepherds

They will only take care of themselves
They will not strengthen the weak
They will not heal the sick
They will not bind up the injured
They will not bring back the strays
They will not search for the lost sheep
Their sheep became food for the wild animals
They ate the best sheep
They are clothed in the best wool from the sheep
Their heep were like those without a shepherd
They will be held responsible as a shepherd
They will be removed by God

3. General Characteristics of sheep in general

Dumb
Tend to stay in flocks
Do whatever the other sheep do
Cannot defend themselves
Easily wander off and get lost
Need to be led to food & water
Dependent upon shepherd

4. Characteristics of the Fat sheep in the passage

Feed on the pastor and then trample the rest with their feet
Drink clear water and the muddy the rest
Shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with horns until they are driven away.
Plunder the flock.

Take it to the Next Level

Make it Spiritual

Who was the parable written to?
(While written to the children of Israel, many of the principles also apply to us as children of God.)
What are the main characters in this parable?
(Sheep, rams, goats, wild beasts, Shepherds, God the shepherd)

Make it Practical

In this parable, different kinds of sheep are mentioned. Can you name them?
(Weak, Sick, Injured, Lost, Fat, Lean, sleek, strong. What does each represent?)
Pastor literally means shepherd. How is a pastor or leader like shepherd?
From this passage, what are the qualities of a good shepherd? What are some of the qualities of a bad shepherd? When it comes to leadership among your friends what qualities do you share with the shepherds? What are the ways leaders in the church might show the same qualities today? What are some actions that might be examples of each quality?
This passage also lists some activies or actions of the sheep. What are some things the sheep do?
(Trample, Drink, Muddy the water, lie down, feed, shove, butting the weak, driving others away. What are some actions that Christians youth do today that could be represented by these?)
What are God’s promises to the flock?

Make it personal.

Of the different characters in the Parable, which one are you most like? Shepherd or leader? The different sheep? Weak, Sick, Injured, Lost, Fat, Lean, sleek, strong? What are your actions toward others in the flock?
If God were to share this story with you, what lesson do you think he would want you to take from it? How can you be more caring toward God’s people either as a shepherd leader or as simply another one of the sheep?

Scripture References

Ezekiel 34:1-31
Ezekiel 34:31 “You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.”

Game Ideas, Object Lessons

Valentine’s Day: Held Together

February 12, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

It’s going to be Valentine’s Day in a couple days, when everyone gets all romantic. While chocolates, flowers and candlelight dinners have their place, it is also a great opportunity to discuss the topic of love. Love isn’t just for romantic relationships, but for our relationships in the family, among fellow Christians, and in our relationship with God. So this week we have a memory game which serves as an object lesson on the topic of love. God so loved the world that he sent his Son (John 3:16) God is love. They shall know that we are Christians by our love. Have a great weekend! Love God with all your heart. Love your neighbour as yourself. So here’s to Love!

Resources

A cookie sheet or tray
20 to 25 small objects from the list below.
A cloth that will cover the tray
Paper and pencil for each player

Objects List

Tape
Glue
Stapler
A bolt
Paper clip
Clothes Pin
Button
Piece of rope or strong
Shoelace
Spiral from a notebook
Skewer
Rubber band
Key ring
Blue tack
Bandage
Padlock
Watch band
Zipper
Velcro
Screw
Thumb Tack
Hinge
Nail
Safety Pin
Straight Pin
Sewing Thread
Snap
Zip Tie or cable tie
Wooden Dowel
Refrigerator magnet

Preparation

Place all the objects on the tray and cover with a cloth to begin.

What to Do

Have the youth sit in a circle where they can all see the tray.
Remove the cloth for 60 seconds, then replace it.
The youth then write down everything they remember seeing on the tray.
The player who remembered the most items wins.

Take It to the Next Level

Make it Spiritual

What do all the objects have in common?

All of the objects are used to hold various things together. We often use tape and glue with paper. Staplers and paper clips also hold pieces of paper together. Bolts come in various sizes and are often used to hold two pieces of metal together. A bandage holds the sides of a cut together to stop bleeding. Even a refrigerator magnet holds paper to the refrigerator.

There is something else that needs to be held together as well and that is people. We need to be close to people. If we are not, life becomes very sad and lonely. We need to be close to our family, to our friends, and to our fellow church people-plus many others. Love holds people together better than anything else: ! Love is the best tape, the best glue, the best staple, the best bolt that you can find to keep you close to people.

There are other things that we sometimes think keep us close to others but they don’t work as well as love. You may think that it’s because you live on the same street that you are friends with a certain person, but if that is all that makes you friends it will be over with the first time you have a serious fight. Sometimes we think we are close friends with someone because we like the same sport or the same games but this usually doesn’t last either. Even living in the same house with your family will not automatically make you close to them. In every case what we really need is love for that person. No matter what you like doing with someone close to you, just remember that to love that person is the most important thing of all. Love will be the tape, the glue, the staple, the bolt that holds us together in unity.

Make it Practical

How can you show love to others this week? For your parents, your valentine, your siblings, your friends. All love finds its source in God. God is love. How can you love more like God loves others this week?

Scripture References

Matthew 22
Luke 10

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
– John 13:34

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
– Colossians 1:17

Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next Valentine’s Day activity as well as other familiar holidays. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do in celebration of the holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

Teaching Illustrations

Jim Checkin’ In

February 4, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.
Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn’t shaved in awhile.

His shirt was kinda’ shabby and his coat was worn and frayed.
The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away.
In the days that followed, each noon time came this chap,
Each time he knelt just for a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister’s suspicions grew, with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him, “Watcha’ doin’ here?”

The old man, he worked down the road. Lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time, for finding strength and power.
“I stay only moments, see, ’cause the factory is so far away;
As I kneel here talking’ to the Lord, this is kinda’ what I say:
“I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I’VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER’S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON’T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM CHECKIN’ IN.”

The minister feeling foolish, told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome to come and pray just anytime.
Time to go, Jim smiled, said “Thanks.” He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the alter, he’d never done it before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love, met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim’s prayer:
“I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD, HOW HAPPY I’VE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER’S FRIENDSHIP AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.
I DON’T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY, BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME CHECKIN’ IN.”

Past noon one day, the minister noticed that old Jim hadn’t come.
As more days passed with out Jim, he began to worry some.
At the factory, he asked about him, learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried, but he’d given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious. Changed people, his reward.
The head nurse couldn’t understand why Jim was so glad,
When no flowers, calls or cards came, not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse’s concern:
No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile;
“The nurse is wrong, she couldn’t know, that all the while
Everyday at noon He’s here, a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me:
“I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM, HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP, AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.
I ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY, I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY,
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS CHECKIN’ IN.”

[Circulating on the Internet]

Devotional, Youth Sermons

Superbowl Christians – Spiritual Lessons for Youth from the Game of Football

January 30, 2013 kensapp 1 Comment

It’s going to be Superbowl Sunday this weekend and we’re sure your youth are excited to be watching the game. Why not make it an opportunity to share something about how the game relates to their spiritual lives? Even if you don’t watch football, the lesson is applicable to most sports. Have a great weekend!

An Illustration

While you might not think of your Christian life as a football game, the Bible does use sports to teach about spiritual truths. In Biblical times they might not have had American football games or superbowls but they did have athletic competitions.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul writes, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

In Hebrews 12:1-2 we read, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

“Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5

The sports may be different, but you’ll find some things in common with American football if you read the verses carefully. You’ll find running, a prize, winning and losing, competition, training, goals, fighting or struggle, opposition, spectators, obstacles and hindrances, focus and rules. Even so, there tons of lessons we can learn from football.

Take It to the Next Level

COMPETITION is part of the Game

By nature, sports are a competition. But to compete you must be in the game. Just as a coach chooses players to be in the football game, God has chosen us. Our competitor is focused on our defeat (1 Peter 5:8). But we also compete against ourselves. And it is sad to say, but just like in real life football games, most of the people in the stadium sit in the stands. Then there are those who are on the team, but sit in the bench. Most of us would prefer rest on the bench (or pew) and observe the game – both with encouragement and more often with criticism about how others are playing on the field. But God doesn’t call us to be spectators, but participants. Our field is the world (Mat. 13:38), and our goal is to win it for Jesus Christ. Sure, some will have a special call to play a bigger role, but everyone is called onto the field to play. Even if you may not have a key role a particular play, you must still be ready at a moment’s notice to dash onto the field and play your part when the coach calls your number to be on the field. You must clearly know your position, train, and practice your plays to be best prepared for that moment when you might be called upon to make a difference in the game (1 Peter 3:15, 2 Timothy 4:1-5).

There are RULES to the Game

The football field is laid out in ten yard increments, has boundaries, and there are rules to the game. The boundaries are there to keep us in the game. The 10 yard markers are there not as the object, but as a point of reference as we move toward the goal. If they weren’t there, we wouldn’t know if we were heading in the right direction or running to the wrong goal. God’s laws and the 10 commandments function in much the same way. They keep us in the game and give us points of reference for gaining or losing of ground. Violating the rules results in penalties and may even take us out of the game for a while. There are turnovers and fumbles as well. Yet when we compete according to the rules, and are victorious in our efforts, we will receive a prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Our TIME on the field is limited

The clock is counting down. The game of football is played in four quarters with a set time limit. The wise player, especially the quarterback, will keep his eye on the clock and make the most of his time. The same is true for us as Christians, but unlike the game on the football field, we can’t see the clock. We don’t know how much time is left. This makes it even more important for us to value our time and make the most of it. The Bible commands us to redeem the time, to make the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:16) rather than waste it. In fact, if you think about the world today there is not much time left on the clock. In fact, it’s already the fourth quarter, down to the two minute warning, and now it’s up to us to play our part win another one for the coach. Things may seem dire. But in life, just like in football, nothing is impossible, everything can happen. You should not slack or give up until the referee blows his whistle and declares the Victor.

TRAINING is essential for Victory

In football there is an in season and an off season. During the off season the team works on the fundamentals to get ready for the big games during football season. They train for the big games ahead. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 2 Timothy 4:8 “Be ready in season and in the off season” 2 Timothy 4:2. “There is a season and a time to EVERY purpose under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1-11. There are times in our Christian walk when we experience seasons of rest. They’re not for us to be idle, but to prepare ourselves spiritually, to grow, to draw closer to God.

GEAR up for the Game

In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul gives the team the pre-game pep talk and reminds us to check our football gear. He’s talking about gearing up for battle, but football players also gear up for the game. If he’d been thinking about football he might have phrased it this way, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the uniform, so that you can take your stand against the opposing team… Therefore put on all of your gear so that when the game day comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the shoulder pads of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the shoes of readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the face mask of faith, with which you can conquer all the opponents’ plays. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, your playbook, which is the word of God. Let’s all commit the game to God as we kneel for a locker room prayer, that we might prove victorious in this game.”

We strive for the GOAL

It is not enough to simply be in the game. It is not enough to simply overcome the enemy. Out goal is to score one for the team. And another one. And another one. Touchdown after Touchdown. In life, the goal may seem at the far end of the field. It can be difficult to keep moving forward. It may seem that every time you run a play you get knocked down. Sometimes you may even get sacked. The solution is not to focus on where you have come from, but where you are going. “Press on toward the Goal.” Philippians 3:14 And while touchdowns are great, as Christians our goal is to do more than simply score, but to be the player the Head Coach has chosen us to be. We must be always moving forward, never fumbling the ball, and always gaining new ground. If we do stumble and fumble, we are to recover the ball quickly and press onward. If we step out of bounds, or get the wind knocked out of us, we must get back in the game and focus on the Coach. And even if you are tackled for a loss, When you are focused on Him, and run the plays He calls, you’ll find yourself moving toward the goal.

We don’t play alone, but play as part of a TEAM

Football is a team sport. You don’t win it alone. When the team is working in harmony under the direction of the coach things will happen. There’s are star players, but the star players cannot function without the core team. They need blockers, the need linemen to open up opportunities in the defences. There is an offensive team, a kickoff team, a team of receivers, and a defensive team and each are critical to a win for the team. There is no individual victory, only the victory of the team. Only when all players, from the starting quarterback, the receivers, the linemen and the person playing his part in even the smallest position work together, does the team run a successful play. Likewise, every believer has a unique role and a part to play in the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 12:4-6; 12-20)

The Victors receive a PRIZE.

It’s not Super Bowl rings, but the crown of eternal life Christ that we seek. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Make it Practical

Are you in the game?
No one in the crowd ever gains a yard on the field. No one in the crowd ever adds a single point to the scoreboard. The game is played and won by the players on the field, and not by anyone else. Are you in the game or a spectator? Just being a Christian isn’t enough. You are called to be on the playing field, not in the stands or on the sidelines. Are you on the field playing the game and gaining ground for Jesus Christ or are you merely watching the game? The clock is ticking away, and time is running out. Get in the game before you lose your chance forever!

Scripture References

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
– Hebrews 12:1-2

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:12-14

“Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.”
– 2 Timothy 2:5

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
– 1 Peter 5:8

“The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one.”
– Matthew 13:38

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
– 1 Peter 3:15

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
– 2 Timothy 4:1-5

“Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
– Ephesians 5:16

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
– Ephesians 6:10-18

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 3:14

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
– 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Evangelism Ideas

Buzz Who?

January 17, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

Description

We all have our stock of quick, fun, easy no setup, no materials games we can pull out at a drop of a hat. How about taking another take at these games? Let’s take this classic youth game, known as “Buzz”, and see what we can do to take it to the next level.

When a person meets Christ a change occurs. Their identity, their actions, and even their thoughts will change over time. Some changes may be immediate such as they are now called “Christians,” and “children of God” etc. Other changes may take a lifetime. A classic youth game, known as “Buzz”, is used along with famous Bible Characters to illustrate some of the changes that occur when someone puts their faith in Christ or God.

How to Play

Seat the youth in a circle.
In a clock-wise direction, youth count up from 1. When they get to the number 7, any numbers that contain 7, AND any multiples of 7 the youth must instead say the word “Buzz.” For example: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Buzz, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Buzz, 15, 16, Buzz, 18…
A player who hesitates or makes a mistake is eliminated from the game.
After a mistake, start over at 1 with the next teen in line.
Eliminate youth that make mistakes until only the champion is left.
Try for a group record or reaching 100.

You may wish to add the following to increase the complexity of the game:

Once the game is going well and the youth group has reached 50 or so, stop them and add “Fizz” to the game. Now, substitute “Fizz” for 5. For example: 1, 2, 3, 4, Fizz, 6, Buzz, 8, 9, Fizz, 11, 12, 13, Buzz, Fizz, 16, Buzz, 18, 19, Fizz, Buzz, 22…
If the number is a multiple of 5 and 7, or has 5 and 7 in it, like 35 or 57 or 70 or 75, say ‘Fuzz’!

Take it to the Next Level

Make it Spiritual

Counting up to a 100 seems like something easy to do. We can practically do it in our sleep, without even thinking. But add just one change like in the game we just played, and suddenly we all need to focus. Things that should come naturally to us make us pause or hesitate. All it takes is one change.

The same is true of changes we make in our lives. Before we met Christ, we did things the way we liked. We played according to our own rules. But now, we understand some of our old habits have to change. And that doesn’t happen naturally. Some changes take time. Some changes require us to exercise a lot of discipline.

Look at Abram. When he was first called by God, his name changed. He was now called Abraham. Did his past behaviour of not having faith in God’s protection persist? Sure! He still continued to lie about Sarah being his sister because he feared men more than God. It wasn’t until God asked him to sacrifice Isaac many years later that we see the true father of faith emerge.

What about Simon? When Jesus first called him Peter – the rock, his insecurity at Jesus’ trial caused him to deny Christ 3 times! Only later do we see the strength of his character in the book of Acts.

Sometimes, it’s the people around us who will be skeptical about the changes we’ve decided to make. When Saul was called by Jesus Himself, was now called Paul, even though he made a full 180 degree reversal, people viewed him with suspicion. Was he really changed? Or was he still an “undercover Pharisee”? It took him many more years of preparation before he was fully accepted by the brethren.

Make it Practical

When a person meets Christ we can’t help but change. Our identity, actions, and even our thoughts will continue to change over time. Some changes may be immediate such as we are now called “Christians,” and “children of God.” Other changes may take a lifetime.

When we commit to changes in our lives, we need God’s help to keep the change. It takes time for us to get used to the change. To adapt to a new way of living. Just like in the game, once we get the hang of it, we can move faster, go higher, and add more changes to our lives along the way.

Whatever happens, we have to trust God through the process of change. Don’t expect everything to come immediately or transition smoothly. We will fall along the way, just don’t beat yourself up for it. Pick yourself up and move on.

Make it Personal

Have you tried and failed and given up on changes you committed to? Maybe it’s time to think about these areas in our lives and ask God for His supernatural ability to maintain those changes. It won’t be easy, but we have to continue trusting in Him that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Scripture References

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
– Romans 12:2 (NIV)

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV)

Other Famous Bible Personalities and how they changed after an encounter with God:

Nicodemus

Before God : Pharisee, ruler of Jews
Met God : Met Christ by night, honest seeker
Response : Annointed Christ’s Body with Joseph of Arimathea

Noah

Before God : Not known – Father was Lemech
Met God : Lived a righteous life that set him apart from others
Response : Called to build an ark and obeyed

Abraham

Before God : lived with his father in Haran
Met God : Recieved a call to leave Haran and go to a new country
Response : Blessed by God and his descendents became like the sands of the earth

Simon Peter

Before God : Fisherman, Son of John
Met God : Called to Follow Christ and become a fisher of men
Response : Became a disciple, denied Christ three times but became a great evangelist after Christ’s death.

Zacheus

Before God : Tax collector
Met God : watched from a tree to see over the crowd
Response : Invited Christ to his home & paid debts/ became honest

Matthew (Levi)

Before God : Tax collector
Met God : Asked to follow Christ as a disciple
Response : Became a disciple and wrote one of the gospels

Joseph

Before God : Favored Son of Jacob and Rachel
Met God : Dreams
Response : Rose to a powerful position in Egypot in which he was able to help his family in a time of famine.

Saul

Before God : Pharisee, tentmaker, persecuted Christains
Met God : Vision on the road to Damascus
Response : followed Christ and became one of the most prolific writers of the New Testament

Samuel

Before God : Mother took him to live with the priest (Eli)
Met God : God spoke to him at night
Response : Became a great spritual leader and the last of the judges

Gideon

Before God : Son of Joash, Israel has forsaken God
Met God : An angel appeared to him, summoned him to leadership
Response : Might Warrior, against the Medianites

Nathanael

Before God : Religious, seen by Christ beneath a fig tree
Met God : Philip introduced him to Christ
Response : Followed Christ, became one of the disciples

Mary

Before God : devout religious life
Met God : appearance of an angel saying she was most blessed of women
Response : Became the mother of Christ

David

Before God : Played the harp for the King (Saul)
Met God : Was upset that a giant ridiculed the God of Israel
Response : Defeated Goliath and became one of the greatest king’s of Israel, even though he made many serious mistakes

You can probably think of other characters as well.

Creative Teaching Ideas, Game Ideas

God Says

January 15, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

This learning game is a great way to introduce the concept of obedience to God. It can also be used for famous Biblical personalities (See the list at the end) that practiced hearing God and obedience to Him.

What to Do

Tell the youth that they must only obey you if you first say the words “Simon says.”
If they follow an order that doesn’t begin with “Simon says,” or if they fail to do what Simon SAYS to do they will be eliminated from the game. Remember, they have to do what “Simon” says, NOT what “Simon” does.
Start with something simple like, “Simon says, put your hands on your head.” Put your hands on your head to demonstrate what you are asking them to do. Once you have given the instruction, take note of those who who did not follow the instruction and eliminate them from the game.
Continue to give instructions, prefacing them with “Simon says” and eliminating those who fail to follow the instructions. “Thumbs Up” “Thumbs down” Shout out a phrase. Be sure to include a lot of funny and silly things to get everyone laughing.
Mix things up by also saying things like, “Raise your right hand,” without the preface “Simon says.” Eliminate the youth who raise their hands.
Continue to play, randomly choosing to give instructions with and without prefacing them with “Simon Says” and eliminating players until only one person is left. This is the winner.

You can play a second, more challenging round by:

Giving the instructions quickly and keep the pace moving fast.
Giving instructions in a quick series.
Use phrases like “Do this” while making the motions you want copied. Other examples include “And This”, “Put it down”, “Put it back”, etc. Many of the youth will simply copy your gestures and be eliminated from the game.
Relax and give simple instructions once in a while that seem as if they are not commands but instructions for how to play the game: “Relax”, “Straighten up your line”, “If you are having fun in this game, raise your hand”, etc. Some of the youth will let down their guard and be eliminated from the game.
You can also call players by name and ask them to do simple tasks like “Move back a step”, “Get me a pencil” etc. You can point to a youth and tell them to tell you their name again, and other similar phrases.
Or, you can simply follow this script:

“Ok everyone stand up. I thought you said you knew how to play Simon Says! I thought you were ready! Ok I’ll give you one more chance.
Simon says Stand up. That was slow! Sit back down.
Simon says touch your nose. Simon says rub your belly.
Simon says spin around in a circle. Ok you can stop.
Simon says stop.
Simon says touch your head, Simon says touch your mouth, Simon says touch your shoulders, Simon says touch your ears, Simon says touch your hips, touch your knees.
Simon says touch your knees (while touching head), Simon says touch your hips (while touching ears), Simon says touch your nose (while touching knees), Simon says touch your ears (while touching shoulders), Simon says touch your hips, touch your head.
Ok all those who are still in the game, give yourselves a big hand!”

Take It to the Next Level

Discussion

How many of you found this simple game to be an unexpected challenge?
What was it that made it hard to follow instructions?
To those who were eliminated early:

Was the game as easy as you thought it would be?
Did you have trouble understanding the rules?
Did you think the game was fair?

To the last remaining few:

Did all of you get so far by REALLY following the instructions? (Some may have actually been eliminated but didn’t own up to their mistakes)
Were you called out by others on the mistakes you made but didn’t own up to?
How did it feel to be so close to winning, but failing in the end?

To the winner:

What did you do to stay on till the end?
What was your winning strategy?
What’s your advice to everyone else?

Make it Spiritual

Many times, we find it a struggle to listen to instructions. Or we misunderstand what instructions are given to us. There are times when we’re distracted by things going on around us, we see what other people around us are doing and blindly followed along. Some times we don’t follow the instructions exactly but pretend to. We think no one’s going to notice.

Ultimately, when instructions aren’t followed exactly, we end up getting eliminated. To follow instructions only once or at the beginning is not enough. You have to keep following the instructions. To not follow God’s instructions can also eliminate us from Him being able to use us. To obey Him only once is not enough. We must be in a constant state of obedience. We can fool everyone around us, but we can’t fool God.

In the New Testament, obedience is not used with commands, laws, or decrees, but in reference to a person. Obedience is to God, to Moses, to prophets, to Paul, to parents, etc.

Make it Practical

What areas do youth find it most difficult to obey?
What areas of obedience do youth question most often?
Why is obedience often difficult?
Why are some things easy to obey yet others are so difficult?
What can a person do if they have disobeyed to make things right?

Make it Personal

What are some areas where you find it easy to obey God? Difficult?
What types of commands do you tend to question?
What things do you hesitate to obey?
What areas of disobedience do you often make excuses for?
What is one area of your life you can submit to God and live in greater obedience to Him? The solution is not to focus on the law, the rule, the commandment, but to focus on the person. Obedience is always to a person. What truths do you know about God that will make it easier for you to obey him in the area of your life you have chosen to submit to him?

Scripture References

Deuteronomy 11:13 – “if you listen obediently to MY commandments”
I Samuel 15:22 – “to obey is better than sacrifice”
Hebrews 5:9 – “He became to all who obey Him the source of salvation”
I Peter 1:2 – “that you may obey Jesus Christ”
I Peter 1:14 – “As obedient children…be holy”
I Peter 1:22 – “you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls”

Other references to obedience:

Acts 5:29
1 Samuel 15:22
Romans 6:16
2 Corinthians 10:5

Biblical Personalities who were are known for their obedience

Abraham – Genesis 12:4 22:2,3
Abram (Abraham)- Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8; Genesis 22:3,12
Asa – 1 Kings 15:11
Bezaleel – Exodus 36:1; Numbers 9:23
Caleb – Numbers 32:12
Christ – Hebrews 5:8, 10:9; Philippians 2:8, Romans 5:19, John 14:31; 15:10; 15:20; Matthew 3:15
Daniel – Daniel 1-6
David – Psalm 119:106, 1 Samuel 17
Elijah – 1 Kings 17:5
Hezekiah – 2 Kings 18:6; Ezra 7:23; Psalm 27:8
Israelites – Exodus 12:28; 24:7
Joseph and Mary – Luke 1:26-38; 2:39; Acts 16:10; Matthew 1:24
Joshua – A man known for his military strategy was asked by God to to march around Jericho for seven days beating on pots and blowing horns rather that use his miliatry might. – Joshua 11:15
Josiah – 2 Kings 22:2
Moses – A desert nomad who could not speak was asked by God to appear before Pharaoh, a leader of powerful civilization and to demand that the Israelites be set free.
Naaman – 2 Kings 5
Nehemiah – Was sked by God to supplies to rebuild Jerusalem from a pagan Babylonian king.
Noah – Asked by God to build a huge boat and was ridiculed by men for doing so. – Genesis 6:22
Paul – Acts 26:19; Romans 16:19
Saints of Rome – Romans 16:19
Wise men – Matthew 2:12
Zacharias – Luke 1:6
Zerubbabel – Haggai 1:12

Icebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level

This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.

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Evangelism Ideas, Game Ideas

Our Christian Testimony: Earth! Water! Air! Fire!

January 14, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

Using the game of “Earth!” “Water!” “Air!” or “Fire!” youth will discuss how our actions affect our testimony for Christ.

Preparation

Position the youth in a circle of chairs facing inward.
Take a handkerchief and knot it at one end so it can be easily thrown back and forth between people.

What to do

Give the handkerchief to one of the youth instructing him/ her to throw it into the lap of another youth else in the circle. As he/she throws it he/she must call out “Earth!” “Water!” “Air!” or “Fire!”
If “Earth!”, “Water!” or “Air!” is called, the one into whose lap the handkerchief has been thrown must name some bird or animal that lives or moves about in that environment. For example, if “earth” is shouted then the one into whose lap the handkerchief falls might answer: “Worms!” It would be just as correct however for him to name any beast which lives upon the earth. The same animal cannot be used again.
As soon as a handkerchief lands in someone’s lap the one who threw it begins to count rapidly to 10. If the animal is not given to for “Earth”, “water”, or “air”, then that person must answer a question before passing the handkerchief on to the next person.
However, if the handkerchief is thrown, and the one who throws it calls out “fire!” then the one into whose lap it falls must remain perfectly silent. If he/ she does not remain silent he/she must answer one of the questions before passing the handkerchief on to another player.

Questions

The questions are related to the topic of “personal testimony.” The questions that youth must answer all involve whether the action, attitude, characteristic stated:

harms one’s testimony or
benefits one’s personal testimony or
has no effect on a person’s testimony.

A reason must be given for the answer. Then continue the game. You may do the questions in order or have youth pick a number between (1-66). Mark off numbers as they are used! Some of the choices involve things that happened to Paul. Others involve things to which a typical teen might be exposed.

Dancing
Cheating
Responsible
Integrity
Trust
Going to church
Trials
Being a follower of the Way
Envy
Belief in an afterlife
Lust
A clear conscience
Going to a party
Loving one’s enemies.
Having fun!
Having to appear in court
Having a consistent devotional life
Making good grades
Having personal problems
Wealth
Drinking
Being falsely accused of a crime
Sharing your belief with someone else
Athletic
Serving others
Speaking to a leader with great authority
Taking responsibility for your actions
Insisting on your rights
Giving gifts to the poor
Being ceremonially clean
Listening to country music
Listening to Rock music
Theft
Reading one’s Bible to the class
Telling Jokes
Pointing out the sins of others
Hanging with the wrong crowd
Obeying parents
Going to an RA movie
Smoking
Being shy
Being serious about life
Being in Jail
Losing your temper
Listening to ONLY Christian music
Praying daily
Saying table grace
Rudeness
Anger
Thinking about your sexuality
Taking a stand for what you believe
Showing your answers on a test to someone
Being challenged to fight someone
Sneaking out of the house to go to church
Causing a public disturbance
Telling the truth, even if it hurts someone
Gossip
Preaching
Kissing someone in public
Dating
Good looks
Memorizing your testimony
Singing all the time
The clothes you wear
Your nationality
Helping those in need

Take it to the Next Level

Make it Spiritual

Paul present his testimony in Acts 24:10-21. In fact, some of the statements in the list are references to parts of Paul’s testimony as presented in this passage. Paul shares more insight on his motives, and his actions as related to being a testimony to the gospel of Christ in 1 Corinthians 9:1-23 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. Two key principles are evident.

While all things are permissible, Paul holds himself to a stricter standard so that he might be better witness for the Gospel, that is testimony might reach more people.
Paul gives up some of his rights so that others might be saved.

Make it Practical

Discuss some of the issues regarding Christian freedom, God’s forgiveness, and our our actions, words and attitudes affect our testimony as Christians.

Make it Personal

In what ways might you personally be a better testimony for the Gospel for your family, friends, and those who know you?

Devotional

Having Failed Myself

January 12, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

“Having Failed Myself”
By Bob Perks

By some statistics many who made resolutions for the new year
have already failed at some if not all of them.

I’m here to remind you that’s okay.

Failure is an event not a person.

We put way too much emphasis on the first day of the new year
anyway.

As for setting goals, we also place too much on the first day of
the month or Mondays.

I remember when I was in sales, we struggled with getting people
to commit to something as we got closer to the holidays each year.

“Well, let me think about it. Call me after the holidays.”

Then there was vacation time.

“As soon as I get back from vacation.”

The truth is, most people spend more time planning their vacations
than they do planning their life.

We are all procrastinators in some way.

So, when is a good time to begin?

How about right now?

Whatever resolution you may have failed to keep can be started again
and again, at any time if it is for all the right reasons.

Whether it be a change in diet, attitude, exercise, finances,
relationships or simply to read more, play more, rest more,
there is no better time to begin than right now.

Obviously, you have chosen something that you believe in. By failing
to follow through on that belief you may be revealing the real truth.

You don’t believe in yourself enough to make it happen.

Now is the time to begin.

Permit me to ask you this question.

If you had failed God in any way when should you ask for forgiveness
and change your ways?

Monday? The first of the month? After vacation? After you do it wrong
a few more times just to get it out of your system?

No! God would want you to do it now.

What you failed to accomplish in these first days of the new year may
not be an actual sin against God. Still, He wants you to be happy, to
thrive, and to be all you can be.

So, if those changes, those resolutions you made would make you a better
you, isn’t that what God expects of you?

When you were born He made the best possible you.

He then expected you to live up to it and grow into the plans He had for
you from the very beginning.

Here’s the best part. Everyday that you wake up He gives you another
chance to begin again. He closes the door on yesterday and opens
the door to today.

You know what you have to do. You know why you should. You also know that
you can.

It’s not just another day, it’s another chance.

“I believe in you!”

by Bob Perks

Bob is an Inspirational Columnist for Beliefnet
http://www.beliefnet.com/author/author_148.html
and you can visit his site at http://www.BobPerks.com

Creative Teaching Ideas

Predictions for the New Year

January 8, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

Here’s a game we thought up to allow your youth one more chance to celebrate as they start the school year. You can invite visitors and give a small party gag gift to everyone and generate a few laughs at the same time.

Resources

Index cards
Gag gifts
Bag or Bowl

Preparation

Write out the “prophecies” below on a card, number them, and place them in the bowl or bag.
Wrap the response together with the gift and number them to match the “prophecies”.

Prophecy: “Your wisdom will begin to show”
Response: “Black hair dye to cover the grey hairs”

Prophecy: “There will be unexpected revelations in the new year.”
Response: “Safety pins for when you have a busted zipper”

Prophecy: “You will be at a loss for words”
Response: “Here’s a dictionary so you can find some!”

Prophecy: “You’ll need to wipe away the results of your efforts”
Response: “Here’s a roll of toilet paper for a clean break!”

Prophecy: “Things will move a little too slow for comfort”
Response: Here’s some Chocolate Ex-Lax to make things move a little faster”

Prophecy: “You will be a little short of dough”
Response: “Here’s a cookie recipe and cutter”

Prophecy: “Circumstances may be a little bitter”
Response: “Here’s some sugar to sweeten things up”

Prophecy: “You will not quite measure up”
Response: “Here’s a ruler to help”

Prophecy: “With great changes you will need a new yard stick”
Response: “Here’s a stick from my yard to help”

Prophecy: “You will need to clean up a mess!”
Response: “Here’s a dust pan to make it easier”

Prophecy: “You will need to release a little stress”
Response: “Here’s some stress relieving capsules” (Bubble wrap)

Prophecy: “You’ll need a washer and dryer”
Response: “Here’s a dual purpose washer or dryer” (hand towel)

Prophecy: “You will discover a great deal”
Response: “Here’s a deck of cards to help you learn”

Prophecy: “You will want to take a bubble bath”
Response: “Here’s a jar of beans. Boil and eat 1 hour in advance for a natural bubble bath.”

Prophecy: “You will need to make some great calculations”
Response: “Here’s a pencil – use your head!”

Prophecy: “You will make more than a few mistakes.”
Response: “Here’s an eraser for a clean start”

Prophecy: “You will want a bigger paycheck”
Response: “Here’s a magnifying glass to help”

Prophecy: “Everyone will believe you have lost your marbles!”
Response: “Now you have at least a few.” (bag of marbles)

Prophecy: “You will want to pull your hair out in frustration.”
Response: “Here’s a wig to hide the bald spots!”

What to Do

Say: Can you predict what will happen in the new year? We prepared some predictions for everyone for this year, and something special to help make them a reality!
Youth draw a numbered clue from a bag and read the “prophecy” about their future in the upcoming year aloud.
Then they open the matching gift and show it to everyone while reading the attached response.

Take It to the Next Level

What are some things people predict will happen this year?
Do you have some predictions you have made for your own life?
How are you planning to make those predictions a reality?

We often make plans for our lives that we can believe and know are possible and achievable. When we look at our predictions for the year, how much of it is what we know we can accomplish with or without God’s help and how much of it is beyond what we believe is possible? God has called us to live a life that’s bigger than that. We have a God that is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that what we can ask or imagine.

Maybe there’s someone in your life you feel is impossible to share the love of Christ with.
Possibly, it’s a subject in school you’re struggling with.
Could be a situation you feel will never be overcome.
Maybe an addiction, a habit or attitude you feel you can’t change.
It could even be a medical condition you’re struggling with.

If we desire to see positive changes in our lives and the lives of those around us to please the One we serve, God will give us the strength to overcome. Jesus Christ has won the victory. We just need to earnestly seek Him and exercise our faith in the One who has made all things possible through His death and resurrection on the cross.

Isn’t it time we challenged ourselves and make a faith prediction for what we want to see this year?

Closing

Have youth write the faith prediction on a piece of paper. Date it. Sign it and then seal it in an envelope for the end of the year.

Variations

In addition for a faith prediction for themselves, encourage them to make some faith predictions for the youth group, for their class, or for their church.

Scripture References

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
– Mark 10:27

“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
– Matthew 17:20

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
– Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)

“God says that he has plans for each of us. Plans to prosper us and not to harm us! Plans for a hope and a future. How do we discover these plans? He will bring them to pass when we seek him with all our heart!”
– Jeremiah 29:11-14

Announcements, Humor, Teaching Illustrations

New Year Resolutions from the Dog

January 6, 2013 kensapp Leave a comment

Try to understand that the cat is from Venus, and I am from Mars.
I will try to leave the cat alone, once in a while.
I will no longer be beholden to the sound of the can opener.
Call PETA and tell them what that surgical mask-wearing freak does to us when no one is around.
Take time from busy schedule to stop and smell the behinds.
To always scoot before licking.
Grow opposable thumb; break into pantry; decide for MYSELF how much food is *too* much.
January 1st: Kill the sock! Must kill the sock! January 2nd – December 31st: Re-live victory over the sock.
I will NOT chase the damned stick unless I see it LEAVE HIS HAND.
Next time I fart I will not whimper – so that someone else gets the blame
I will worry less about things I can’t eat and play with
To smell more things that look interesting
To pick more fights with shoes and pillows
To take more opportunities to forget what I am doing and nap instead
Pay more attention to fallen cactus to avoid owies on the walk.
To hog the bed; stretch & spread out; hog the covers.
Stretch out on the couch in such a way where there’s no room for peoples or the pets
Only reserve kisses for times after making a public display of licking my butt or burping.
Counter surf more discreetly.
Have my way with the roll of toilet paper. Drag and decorate DIY style throughout the house. Martha Stewart would be proud.
Greet strangers with gusto. (Notice ME!)
Wag more, bark less.
Have a torrid one-night stand with a street mutt.
I will stay out of the trash, off the counters, and certainly never eat snacks from my boy’s backpack.

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