25 November 2012

Sesi 1 

Coach : Grace

WL : Yosi

Ice Breaker & Games : Kasey, Hui2x, Susan,

Sesi 2

Coach : Lusiana

WL : Andy

Ice Breaker & Games : Rini P., Linda, Rini Nomleni

The Wise and Foolish Builders

Lesson: Jesus is our Firm Foundation 

1. Story:

• Tell the story of "The Wise and Foolish Builders" based on Luke 6:47-49.
• Jesus liked to use a lot of stories when He taught the people. These stories are called “parables”.
• One day, Jesus was on a hill teaching the people about God.
• He told them that:
• no matter how good man was, he could never be good enough for God’s standards, based on his own works and efforts
• God loves His enemies and is kind to those who were evil
• If we know that only God can make us good enough, we will live right and treat others right.
• After teaching these things to the people, Jesus told them a parable about two men.
• These two men were building a house.
• One built his house on the rock — he dug deep to make sure he had a solid foundation.
• The other decided to build his house on the sand.
• Both houses looked nice when completed.
• But one day, a heavy rain came. The wind blew, the flood rose.
• The house on the rock got wet, but it stood firm.
• However, the house on the sand fell flat and was destroyed.

2.    Lesson: Good News for today!

• How many of you saw the news and pictures of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan? <show some pix to the kids> This reminds us that in such storms, many things are easily destroyed. Our hope and faith cannot be on them.
• When we build our house on sand, we’re building on our own abilities, our intelligence, our achievements, our money ... we think that we are good enough for God. But when the storms come, we realise that whatever we have built cannot stand.
• But when we build our house on the rock, we are building on the sure foundation — Jesus. Jesus calls us to “come to Him and hear His words and put them into practice.”
• Only He is good enough for God. Only He can make us good enough for God.
• And when we believe and trust in Him, we can stand firm till the end.
• Do we want to build our life on ourselves or on Jesus?
• Pray: Thank you Jesus that You are our sure foundation. You have done a perfect work on the cross, and all we can do is to trust in You and not be shaken. Thank you for keeping us safe in the storm. In Your name we pray, Amen.

3. Activity Suggestions:

• Song: The wise man built his house upon the rock or This Wise Man (sung to "This Old Man" tune)
• Illustration: Houses on Rock & Sand
• Worksheets: Dot to Dot
• Wordsearch: easier, harder
• Crossword puzzle: 

*****

YOUTH BIBLE STUDY

LEADER'S GUIDE

1.    Read Luke 6:27-45. Jesus was teaching people on a hill. He told them a lot of things. What were some of them? 

      Love your enemies, don’t judge others, what’s in the heart determines what comes out of the mouth

2.    What do you think His intentions were in teaching these things?

       Whatever good man thought he could do on his own works and efforts, Jesus raised the standards higher, e.g. Love others à Love your enemies.Vs. 35: God loves His enemies and is kind to those who were evilVs: 43-45: If we know that only God can make us good enough, we will live right and treat others right.

3.    In the parable Jesus told, what were the differences between the ways both men built their houses? What were the results that when the storm came?

        One man built his house on the rock — he dug deep to make sure he had a solid foundation. When the flood came, the house stood firm because it was well built.The other decided to build his house on the sand, without foundation. When the storm came, the house collapsed and was destroyed.

4.    Jesus said that the man who hears His words and puts them into practice is like the one who built his house on the rock. What do you think that means?

        We need to build on the right foundation. We cannot build on our own abilities, intelligence, achievements, money etc and think that we can be good enough for God. Because when the storm of God’s judgment comes, what we built cannot stand.Instead, we have to build our house on the sure foundation — Jesus. Only He is good enough for God. Only He can make us good enough for God. And when we believe and trust in Him, we can stand firm till the end.

5.    What foundation are you building your life on?

        Jesus

·       Pray: Thank you Jesus that You are our sure foundation. You have done a perfect work on the cross, and all we can do is to trust in You and not be shaken. Thank you for keeping us safe in the storm. In Your name we pray, Amen.

18 November 2012

Kelas 1 - 3

Sesi 1 = Coach Shianty
Sesi 2 = Coach Shevica

Kelas 4 - 6
Sesi 1 = Coach Swanky
Sesi 2 = Coach Iwan

The Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Lesson: Let us boast in Jesus

1. Story: Tell the Parable of the "Pharisee and the Tax Collector" based on Luke 18:9-13.

• Jesus told a story about 2 people — a Pharisee and a Tax Collector
• Who was a Pharisee? 
• He is part of a religious/political group that prides themselves in keeping the law. The word “Pharisee” means set apart — they wanted to keep themselves holy and were careful not to mix with anyone who did anything wrong.
• Who was a Tax Collector? 
• Tax collectors were Jews who helped the Roman government to collect taxes from their own people. Jews hated the Romans. So they also hated the tax collectors who worked for the Roman government. The tax collectors also often collected extra money for themselves. So if they were supposed to collect 100 dollars, they would collect 150 dollars instead and keep 50 dollars for themselves.
• Both these men went to pray in the temple.
• The Pharisee stood apart by himself — he didn’t want to be with the “common” folks in case they contaminated him. He prayed, "I thank you, God, that I am not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer, like everybody else. I thank you that I am not like that tax collector over there. I fast two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all my income."
• The Pharisee took pride in the things that he could do that made him better than everyone else, especially the tax collector — he was not greedy, not dishonest, not an adulterer, fasts two days a week, gives one-tenth of his income.
• He thought that by doing all these, he will be able to earn or deserve God's favour. God will be happy with him, and he will be right before God ("righteous"). But actually he was only self-righteouse because he thought he could be good enough on his own — he didn't need God.
• On the other hand, there was the tax collector. He hid his face down, ashamed. He knew all the wrong things he had done. He knew he could not be right with God on his own. He was a hopeless case. He knew only God could save him. So he beat his chest and said, "God have pity on me, a sinner."
• Jesus told his disciples that it was the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who went home righteous that day. 
• Why?
• The Pharisee was self-righteous. He believed, by what he does, that he was good enough and didn’t need God. But the Bible tells us that none of us can meet God’s standards on our own (“There is none righteous, not one.” Rom 3:10). But because the Pharisee didn’t see himself as needing a Saviour, he didn’t accept God’s forgiveness.
• The tax collector was unrighteous.  And he knew it. He didn’t pretend to be better than he was. He didn’t try to hide it. He just called out for help. And God heard him and answered him.

2. Lesson: 

• When we accepted Jesus into our hearts, we told Him that we couldn’t do it on our own and we needed His help. God heard us, and answered us, and Jesus lives in us forever.
• Today, because of Jesus, you and I don't have to beat ourselves up like the tax collector any more.
• We can stand before God boldly, not boasting in our works like the Pharisee, but boasting in Jesus' works — Jesus is our wisdom, our righteousness, our holiness and our redemption (1 Cor 1:31).
• We can say, "I thank you, God, that because Jesus was not greedy, not dishonest, and not  an adulterer, because Jesus was completely sinless and completely righteous, we are now the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!" Praise the Lord!
• Memory verse: 1 Cor 1:31 "Therefore, as it is written, 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'"

2. Activity Suggestion 

Any related craft with the memory verse or the words “I will boast in Jesus” 

Worksheet

11 November 2012

Kelas 1 - 3

Sesi 1 = Coach Susi Tjio
Sesi 2 = Coach Iwan

Kelas 4 - 6
Sesi 1 = Coach Savitri
Sesi 2 = Coach Yungcien

Jesus at a synagogue in Nazareth

Lesson: Jesus ushers in God's favour

1. Game: Set the Captives Free
We played a game that involved people in prison and blindfolded, and others trying to get past the guards to tag them free. But it took a bit longer than expected. So would suggest a simpler game, like Blind Man's Buff.


2. Story:

• Tell the story of Jesus speaking at the synagogue in Nazareth based on Luke 4:16-30.
• Last week, we learnt about how Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert. Who remembers who the winner was? (Jesus!)
• After that, Jesus returned to Galilee and began teaching about God. People began to hear about Jesus and said good things about Him.
• Then Jesus decided to go to his hometown, Nazareth. That’s where he grew up as a boy!
• On the Sabbath day, he went to the synagogue.
• He stood up to read and was given the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. (Let’s all read together)
• “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me    to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners    and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
• After he finished, Jesus returned the scroll and said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
• What did Jesus mean?
• After His baptism and time in the desert, Jesus was ready to begin his work on earth. And He was telling people what His work was.
• Because Jesus was here, the people could experience God’s favour! Jesus told them:
• If you are poor, I have good news! You don’t have to be poor anymore!
• If you are in prison or being bullied, you can be free!
• If you are blind, you can see!
• Jesus did all these miracles! The poor were fed! Those oppressed found joy and freedom! The blind did see!
• But more importantly, Jesus wanted to tell people that they didn’t have to be afraid of God anymore because Jesus was going to pay for the punishment of their sins soon! Because Jesus took all the bad things that we deserve, God's favour is upon us — all the good things we don’t deserve!
• Isn’t that great news?

• The people thought so too ... until they suddenly remembered ... “Hey, we know this guy! He grew up here. His father’s name is Joseph, the carpenter!” They thought he couldn’t be the Saviour God promised because he grew up in their neighbourhood.
• So they got angry and tried to throw Jesus off a cliff.
• But Jesus’ work was only just beginning. God protected Him, and He could walk straight through the crowd safely.

3. Lesson: Good news for Today!

• Most of you are not financially poor. You are not in prison. You can see.  But Jesus is still good news for you.
• Maybe you are poor in your grades, or poor in joy (feel sad), or poor in health (sick). Jesus has good news for you! He will give you what you lack.
• Maybe you are in prison to your bad habits — you keep doing wrong things that you do not want to. Maybe you are being oppressed by the bully in school. Maybe you are always getting scolded. Jesus wants to set you free!
• Maybe you cannot see God’s goodness and grace in your life. You wonder why everyone is better than you. Jesus wants to open your eyes to see Him at work in your life!
• The people in Nazareth didn’t want to accept what Jesus had to offer. What about you? Do you want to accept Him?
• If you have experienced God’s favour in your life, bless someone else. Tell people the good news about Jesus too! Hallelujah!

4. Activity ideas: 

a. Craft: Scroll with Memory Verse

• Print on brownish/beige paper. Get kids to fill in blanks and personalise/colour it. Roll ups ends and tied scroll with a ribbon.

*****

Youth Bible Study

Leader's Guide

Jesus ushers in God’s Favour

Read Luke 4:17-26.

1.         After Jesus was tempted in the desert, he returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. News about him spread through the countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised Him.

2.       Jesus had become a mini-celebrity by then. Where did Jesus go next?

He went to Nazareth, his hometown — where he had been brought up.

3.       In the synagogue, Jesus was invited to speak. What book did He read from? What did it say?

Isaiah (cref Isaiah 61:1)

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim:

• Good news to the poor
• Freedom for the prisoners
• Recovery of sight for the blind
• Freedom for the oppressed
• The year of the Lord’s favour

4.       Where did Jesus say after that? What did he mean?

Jesus said, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” He was the one who has been sent by God to proclaim God’s favour and blessings to everyone — good news, freedom, sight etc. He was the promised Saviour. This was His mission on earth!

Because Jesus was here, the people could experience God’s favour! Jesus did many miracles — the poor were fed; the oppressed found joy and freedom; the blind did see. But more importantly, Jesus wanted to tell people that they didn’t have to be afraid of God anymore because Jesus was going to pay for the punishment of their sins soon!

5.        What was the people’s initial reaction? How did it change?

At first everyone spoke well of him and were amazed at His words. But when they realised he was from Nazareth, they could not accept that He would be the Saviour God promised to sent. They probably thought a carpenter’s son was not good/learned enough to be used by God.

6.         What were the two examples Jesus gave to illustrate “prophets who were not accepted in their hometowns”?

i.                     Elijah: sent to a widow in Zarephath, Sidon, instead to the many widows in Israel (1 King 17)

ii.                   Elisha: healed Naaman the Syrian of leprosy, instead of the many lepers in Israel (2 Kings 5)

7.         What do you think Jesus meant?

Jesus was saying that if the Jews could not accept the favour of God that came through Him due to their pride, self-righteousness or unbelief, then the Gentiles would be the ones to receive it.

8.         What did the crowd do next? What did Jesus do?

They were furious, got up, drove Jesus out of town, took Him to the top of the hill and wanted to throw Him off the cliff. Jesus just walked right through the crowd and went on His way miraculously! His mission had only just begun; no one could touch Him until His work was done.

Most of you are not financially poor. You are not in prison. You can see.  But Jesus is still good news for you. If you are poor in your grades, or poor in joy (feel sad), or poor in health (sick), Jesus will give you what you lack. If you are tied down to your bad habits or are being bullied or disturbed, Jesus can set you free! Maybe you cannot see God’s goodness and grace in your life. Jesus wants to open your eyes to see Him at work in your life!Because Jesus completed His ultimate mission on the cross and took all the bad things that we deserve, God gives us all the good things we don’t deserve!

9.         What is your reaction to what Jesus has to offer?

________________________________________________________

What is an area that you want to see Jesus working in your life?

________________________________________________________

Share and pray for one another.

4 November 2012

Kelas 1 - 3

Sesi 1 = Coach Lily Bun
Sesi 2 = Coach Yudistira

Kelas 4 - 6
Sesi 1 = Coach Andy
Sesi 2 = Coach Lusiana

Boy Jesus at the Temple

Lesson: My Father's House

1. Game: Search for the Missing Number

Hand out a number to each child in your group on a card. The numbers should be in consecutive order. Before class, hide the No. 1 card somewhere in the classroom that would be fairly easy for the class to find. Have the class work together to put the numbers in order on the floor. When it is discovered that the number one is missing, have the class search for the missing card. When the card has been found, everybody sits back down quietly.

2. Story: 
Tell the story of Jesus in the temple based on Luke 2:41-52.

• In today's story Jesus was 12 years old. 
• Every year all of God's people travelled to the temple in the city of Jerusalem for a special holiday called the Passover. Jesus also travelled to Jerusalem with his family to celebrate the Passover with all their aunts, uncles and cousins.
• What is the Passover?
• The Passover was a celebration to remember how God delivered the Israelites from Egypt.
• How many plagues did God send on the Egyptians? (10)
• What was the last plague? (Death of the firstborn)
• How were the Israelites spared? (Put blood of lamb on the doorpost; angel of death passed over them)
• The Passover holiday lasted for many days.
• Mary, Joseph and all his relatives packed up and started home. They did not know that Jesus was not with them. They walked all day. When night time came, Mary and Joseph set up camp to sleep for the night. They thought Jesus had been travelling with his aunts and uncles and cousins so they went to look for Him. But they could not find Jesus anywhere. 
• So Mary and Joseph travelled all the way back to Jerusalem and started hunting for Jesus there.
• Jerusalem was a big and busy city. Mary and Joseph searched everywhere for 3 days.
• Finally they went to the temple. There was Jesus at the temple talking with the priests. He was asking them questions, and the priests were amazed with Jesus' understanding and his wise answers.
• Mary said to Jesus, "Son, why did you do this to us. Your father and I were very worried about you. We have been looking for you." 
• Jesus was very surprised that his parents wouldn't have known to look for him at the temple. He said to his parents, "Why did you have to look for me? You should have known that I must be in my father’s house, doing my father’s business."
• Mary and Joseph didn’t understand that Jesus was talking about God as His father. But Mary kept these things in her heart.
• Jesus returned home to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph and was obedient to them. He grew in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and man.

3. Lesson: Good News for Today 

• Even at a young age, Jesus knew who His father was (God) — the Jews of that time never knew God as their father. They only worshipped Him, but didn’t have a close relationship with Him. Jesus knew who He was and who He belonged to. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we can also call God “Father”.
• Does anyone here want to accept Jesus into their hearts today?

• Because Jesus knew who He belonged to, He knew whose voice to listen to. He was in His Father’s house, doing His Father’s business. If we know that we are God’s children, we will know how to listen to God’s voice.
• Who are God’s children? Who likes to listen to God’s voice?

• Because of God’s grace on His life, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and man. When we receive God’s grace, we too can grow in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and man. What does it mean to grow in wisdom and stature? What does it mean to grow in favour with God and with man? (wise, big/tall/strong, blessed by God and by others)
• Who would like to grow wise and big? Who would like to be blessed by God and by others?

• Pray: Thank You Jesus that because of You, we, too, can call God “Father”. We can learn to hear His voice and do His work. We can grow in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and man. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

4. Activity ideas:

a. Worksheets 

*****

Youth Bible Study

Leader's Guide

Boy Jesus at the temple (Luke 2:41-52)

1. Read Luke 2:41-52

2. Why did Jesus’ parents go to Jerusalem every year?
To celebrate the Feast of the Passover

3. What do you know about this celebration? (cf Exodus 12:26-27)
To remember how the Lord passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared them from the death of the firstborn (10^th plague; deliverance from Egypt)

4. What did Mary and Joseph discover on their way back to Nazareth after the feast?
That Jesus was not with them or their relatives.

5. Where did they finally find Jesus and what was He doing there and what were the reactions of those with Him?
After 3 days, they found Jesus in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

6. What did Jesus respond to His mother’s concerns?
He was surprised that they were searching for Him and didn’t know that He was in His Father’s house attending to His Father’s business.

7. Jesus’ parents didn’t understand what He was saying. Which “father” was Jesus referring to?
His heavenly Father, God

8. Jesus knew who He was and whose He was. Do we know who we belong to? (cf Gal 4:4-7)
Because of Jesus, we have full rights as sons of God. No longer a slave, but a son and an heir.

9. How did Jesus live with His earthly parents?
He was obedient to them.

10. How did Jesus grow? Why was He able to grow that way? (cf Luke 2:40)
Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and men. Because the grace of God was upon Him.

Thank the Lord that:

•  Because of Him, we can call God “Father”
• Because we are His sons, we can be about our Father’s business
• Because of His grace, we can grow in wisdom and stature, in favour with God and men