For the month of January, our Exit middle school is going through a sermon series called “Tell Me The Story Again!”, parables of Christ. We have been (and will be) reading through the amazing stories told by Jesus and how these stories, even though told long ago, can still be applied to our lives; Stories like The Good Shepherd, The Faithful Servant, The Prodigal Son, Drawing In The Net, and Talents. As we read through the Gospels and hear the stories, we can begin to learn the core teachings that Jesus Himself brought and how stories such as these can begin to change the lives of our middle schoolers one heart at a time.
Below is each weeks scripture passage as well as the topic Pastor Andrew will be speaking on. We encourage you to use the provided passages to learn and follow along with what your student is learning with our youth on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.
Week #1 (jan. 2) – The Good Shepherd
John 10:1-18
Week #2 (jan.9) – Faithful Servant
*Luke 12:35-48, Matt. 24:42-51, Mark 13:33-37
Week #3 (jan. 16) – Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32
Week #4 (jan. 23) – Drawing in the Net
Matt. 13:47-53
Week #5 (jan. 30) – Talents
Matt. 25:14-30, Luke 19:13-24
For the month of January, our Exit middle school is going through a sermon series called “Tell Me The Story Again!”, parables of Christ. We have been (and will be) reading through the amazing stories told by Jesus and how these stories, even though told long ago, can still be applied to our lives; Stories like The Good Shepherd, The Faithful Servant, The Prodigal Son, Drawing In The Net, and Talents. As we read through the Gospels and hear the stories, we can begin to learn the core teachings that Jesus Himself brought and how stories such as these can begin to change the lives of our middle schoolers one heart at a time.
Below is each weeks scripture passage as well as the topic Pastor Andrew will be speaking on. We encourage you to use the provided passages to learn and follow along with what your student is learning with our youth on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.
Week #1 (jan. 2) – The Good Shepherd
John 10:1-18
Week #2 (jan.9) – Faithful Servant
*Luke 12:35-48, Matt. 24:42-51, Mark 13:33-37
Week #3 (jan. 16) – Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32
Week #4 (jan. 23) – Drawing in the Net
Matt. 13:47-53
Week #5 (jan. 30) – Talents
Matt. 25:14-30, Luke 19:13-24
As we wrap up out time going through our Habits series we will spent the first half of the morning on this weeks theme and the second on a review and wrap up of all we have learned. I hope that as parents you have followed along with our series but if this is your first read then take time to go back through the habits posts to connect with what your student has been learning. As always we encourage you to continue the conversation and learning at home. If your a student and need to talk about these ideas further talk to your parents or any of the middle school leaders.
DEVELOPING HABITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Money, Tithing, God & me
The truth about money
| The world’s way says … | God’s way says… |
| Money is important | Loving God is most important
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13 |
| Money gives me power | Loving money makes me powerless
For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. 1 Tim. 6:10a |
| Money gives me happiness | Loving money leads to pain
For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10b |
| Money gives me security | Loving money makes me insecure
Don’t weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird! Proverbs 23:4-5 |
The truth about giving
1. Giving proves that I recognize God as the rightful owner
When you have eaten your fill, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10
2. Giving proves that I put God First in my life
“Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them. Mark 12:17
and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. Matthew 6:33
3. Giving proves I trust God to provide for me
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (See also Malachi 3:10)
When you give…
1. Inspect your Heart (give cheerfully)
You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. Reject Recognition (give in secret)
Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you. Matthew 6:4
3. Expect God’s blessing (get beyond expectations)
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.” Luke 6:38
One Last Thought: Giving back to God is a constant reminder that he is first in my life.
As we wrap up out time going through our Habits series we will spent the first half of the morning on this weeks theme and the second on a review and wrap up of all we have learned. I hope that as parents you have followed along with our series but if this is your first read then take time to go back through the habits posts to connect with what your student has been learning. As always we encourage you to continue the conversation and learning at home. If your a student and need to talk about these ideas further talk to your parents or any of the middle school leaders.
DEVELOPING HABITS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
Money, Tithing, God & me
The truth about money
| The world’s way says … | God’s way says… |
| Money is important | Loving God is most important
No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13 |
| Money gives me power | Loving money makes me powerless
For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. 1 Tim. 6:10a |
| Money gives me happiness | Loving money leads to pain
For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10b |
| Money gives me security | Loving money makes me insecure
Don’t weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird! Proverbs 23:4-5 |
The truth about giving
1. Giving proves that I recognize God as the rightful owner
When you have eaten your fill, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10
2. Giving proves that I put God First in my life
“Well, then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” This reply completely amazed them. Mark 12:17
and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. Matthew 6:33
3. Giving proves I trust God to provide for me
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces. Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine. Proverbs 3:9-10 (See also Malachi 3:10)
When you give…
1. Inspect your Heart (give cheerfully)
You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. Reject Recognition (give in secret)
Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you. Matthew 6:4
3. Expect God’s blessing (get beyond expectations)
If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you.” Luke 6:38
One Last Thought: Giving back to God is a constant reminder that he is first in my life.
Week for of our series “Developing Habits That Will Change Your Life” is all about connecting with and being part of the local and global church. In this weeks study we will look at why God made the church and our role within it on a regular basis. Frequently people confuse attendance , volunteering, or giving to be the primary portion of church involvemente when they are simply small portions of the big picture. As we look at living out our faith as a community please take time with your student to talk about what being part of the church means to you. Students if your parents aren’t involved in church please connect with one of the Exit leaders or perhaps the parents of a friend for a view on how their family unit connects with the church. As always feel free to leave thoughts in the comments to encourage others or share how you connect and take part in the church.
Part 4: Involving yourself in the church
THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH
They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. But others in the crowd were mocking. “They’re drunk, that’s all!” they said. Acts 2:12-13
Awe=God was a draw…people followed his ways.
Mocked=and many people walked away…went the way of the world.
WHAT’S YOUR RESPONSE?
World’s God’s Church’s
Message Message Response
- “I’m all I need” Orphan without Christ GATHER
- “I plan my life” God gives direction SEEK
- “I’m in control” God is in control WORSHIP
- “I can use people” God uses people RELY
GETTING INVOLVED IN THE CHURCH BODY
1. Commit to God’s plan for the CHURCH
[Jesus said] “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
[Jesus said] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family– calling him “Father, dear Father.” Romans 8:15
2. Refuse to confuse ATTENDANCE for spiritual growth
Simply going to church does not mean your part of the church. To truly be part of the church you must inter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and inter a corporate relationship with others following the ways of Christ.
3. Find your ROLE in the Church Body
Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4: 15-16
One last thought: The church isn’t PERFECT… but, God’s power is AMAZING. Will you mock and walk or be in awe and be drawn to Christ’s Body?
Week for of our series “Developing Habits That Will Change Your Life” is all about connecting with and being part of the local and global church. In this weeks study we will look at why God made the church and our role within it on a regular basis. Frequently people confuse attendance , volunteering, or giving to be the primary portion of church involvemente when they are simply small portions of the big picture. As we look at living out our faith as a community please take time with your student to talk about what being part of the church means to you. Students if your parents aren’t involved in church please connect with one of the Exit leaders or perhaps the parents of a friend for a view on how their family unit connects with the church. As always feel free to leave thoughts in the comments to encourage others or share how you connect and take part in the church.
Part 4: Involving yourself in the church
THE BIRTH OF THE CHURCH
They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other. But others in the crowd were mocking. “They’re drunk, that’s all!” they said. Acts 2:12-13
Awe=God was a draw…people followed his ways.
Mocked=and many people walked away…went the way of the world.
WHAT’S YOUR RESPONSE?
World’s God’s Church’s
Message Message Response
- “I’m all I need” Orphan without Christ GATHER
- “I plan my life” God gives direction SEEK
- “I’m in control” God is in control WORSHIP
- “I can use people” God uses people RELY
GETTING INVOLVED IN THE CHURCH BODY
1. Commit to God’s plan for the CHURCH
[Jesus said] “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
[Jesus said] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family– calling him “Father, dear Father.” Romans 8:15
2. Refuse to confuse ATTENDANCE for spiritual growth
Simply going to church does not mean your part of the church. To truly be part of the church you must inter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and inter a corporate relationship with others following the ways of Christ.
3. Find your ROLE in the Church Body
Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4: 15-16
One last thought: The church isn’t PERFECT… but, God’s power is AMAZING. Will you mock and walk or be in awe and be drawn to Christ’s Body?
This Sunday in week three of our series “Developing habits that will change your life” we looked at the habit of hiding Gods word in our heart. In this lesson we looked at everything from scripture memory to knowing the large scale stories of the Bible. The Bible is full of wisdom, knowledge, and examples of right living. So how do we change scripture from being simply something we read? We taught the students for steps to help them on their way to developing the habit of connecting with Scripture. DESIRE it, DELIGHT in it, DEVOUR it, DISPLAY it, these four ideas and several others are listed below. Please take time to review these concepts and have further conversation with your student. Remember the Exit leaders have about 4ish hours a week of face to face time each week with your student but you have many times more. Please join with us by keeping the conversation rolling at home.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
Some promises from God’s Word…
- God’s Word GUIDES me Key word: direction
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your
hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and
counsel each other. Colossians 3:16
- God’s Word FEEDS me Key word: growth
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and
my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God
Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV)
- God’s Word STRENGTHENS me Key word: temptation
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according
to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray
from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that
I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11
Some goals for a growing Christian and God’s Word…
DESIRE it ►►► DELIGHT in it ►►► DEVOUR it ►►► DISPLAY it
Jesus said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17
Some ideas for developing the habit of Bible memorization…
1. Determine if the benefits are worth the EFFORT
2. Gather some verses to MEMORIZE
Verses that: challenge/protect/guide/promise/encourage/instruct
3. Commit to a plan to develop the HABIT of memorizing Scriptures
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
One last thought: Memorizing God’s Word isn’t simply about information, it’s about TRANSFORMATION.
This Sunday in week three of our series “Developing habits that will change your life” we looked at the habit of hiding Gods word in our heart. In this lesson we looked at everything from scripture memory to knowing the large scale stories of the Bible. The Bible is full of wisdom, knowledge, and examples of right living. So how do we change scripture from being simply something we read? We taught the students for steps to help them on their way to developing the habit of connecting with Scripture. DESIRE it, DELIGHT in it, DEVOUR it, DISPLAY it, these four ideas and several others are listed below. Please take time to review these concepts and have further conversation with your student. Remember the Exit leaders have about 4ish hours a week of face to face time each week with your student but you have many times more. Please join with us by keeping the conversation rolling at home.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
Some promises from God’s Word…
- God’s Word GUIDES me Key word: direction
Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your
hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and
counsel each other. Colossians 3:16
- God’s Word FEEDS me Key word: growth
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and
my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God
Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV)
- God’s Word STRENGTHENS me Key word: temptation
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according
to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray
from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that
I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9-11
Some goals for a growing Christian and God’s Word…
DESIRE it ►►► DELIGHT in it ►►► DEVOUR it ►►► DISPLAY it
Jesus said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:17
Some ideas for developing the habit of Bible memorization…
1. Determine if the benefits are worth the EFFORT
2. Gather some verses to MEMORIZE
Verses that: challenge/protect/guide/promise/encourage/instruct
3. Commit to a plan to develop the HABIT of memorizing Scriptures
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
One last thought: Memorizing God’s Word isn’t simply about information, it’s about TRANSFORMATION.
This week we are looking at the habit of accountability. Sunday morning several of the middle school leaders shared about times when accountability has played a large role in their life and how they stay accountable on a regular basis. From these stories Danny went into scripture to teach through accountability as we find it in scripture. At Exit we strive to teach the students that you can’t make it through life alone and being held accountable my bothers in part of our community.
Below is a short outline to help continue the conversation at home. Please contact Pastor Andrew with any questions or leave a comment on this post to share your thoughts with other readers.
ACCOUNTABILITY ADDS UP…
Accountability adds INSIGHT to your decisions Result: direction
Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15
Accountability adds TRUTH to your perception Result: perspective
Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Proverbs 27:6
Accountability adds HOPE when you’re hurting Result: healing
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.
James 5:16
Accountability adds FAITH to your journey Result: spiritual growth
As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17
Deeper friends=Better Life=Greater impact=People meet Jesus=Lives are changed
MOVING FROM FRIENDSHIP TO ACCOUNTABILITY
- Meet FAITHFULLY
- Speak TRUTHFULLY
- Admit STRUGGLES
- Encourage STRENGTHS
- Challenge SPIRITUALLY
One last thought: Developing this habit will change your FRIENDSHIPS & your LIFE.
This week we are looking at the habit of accountability. Sunday morning several of the middle school leaders shared about times when accountability has played a large role in their life and how they stay accountable on a regular basis. From these stories Danny went into scripture to teach through accountability as we find it in scripture. At Exit we strive to teach the students that you can’t make it through life alone and being held accountable my bothers in part of our community.
Below is a short outline to help continue the conversation at home. Please contact Pastor Andrew with any questions or leave a comment on this post to share your thoughts with other readers.
ACCOUNTABILITY ADDS UP…
Accountability adds INSIGHT to your decisions Result: direction
Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. Proverbs 12:15
Accountability adds TRUTH to your perception Result: perspective
Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Proverbs 27:6
Accountability adds HOPE when you’re hurting Result: healing
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.
James 5:16
Accountability adds FAITH to your journey Result: spiritual growth
As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:17
Deeper friends=Better Life=Greater impact=People meet Jesus=Lives are changed
MOVING FROM FRIENDSHIP TO ACCOUNTABILITY
- Meet FAITHFULLY
- Speak TRUTHFULLY
- Admit STRUGGLES
- Encourage STRENGTHS
- Challenge SPIRITUALLY
One last thought: Developing this habit will change your FRIENDSHIPS & your LIFE.
