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Club 58 Lessons
Suggestions Welcome!
Do you have an idea for a lesson? A topic you'd like covered or a question answered in Club 58? Let us know! Email us at askclub58@gmail.com or talk to one of the club 58 leaders.
Old Lesson Contents | Current Lessons (Top of Page)
Risky Business - August 2 - August 16, 2009
Ask Anything - July 26, 2009
Value Pac - June 14 - July 19, 2009
Sanctification - June 7, 2009
3 Miracles of Salvation - May 31, 2009
Answers In Genesis - February 1 - May 17, 2009
Risky Business Series
Life's Too Short to Play it Safe!
Snowboarding, bungee jumping, skydiving... these are some risky adventures! In this series we take a look at some people in the Bible who faced risky adventures, way before these sports were invented!
The Giving Widow - August 2, 2009
Joshua - August 9, 2009
The Others - August 16, 2009
The Giving Widow
Risky Business: Life's Too Short to Play it Safe! - Lesson 1
August 2, 2009
Summary
Jesus and his disciples watched a widow give two copper coins at the temple - all she had to live on! Jesus tells his disciples that she has given more than all the rich people (who gave more coins) because she gave up money that she needed. The rich people gave extra money that they didn't need.
What about you? Do you give God your best, or just your leftovers? Here's the challenge: To give God our all. In terms of time, resources, effort, life...
Bible Verses -
Mark 12:41-44,
Proverbs 22:9,
John 6:9-11,
Luke 6:38
Digging Deeper
What would God have you give this week that might be a sacrifice - that isn't just convenient and extra that you don't need? Maybe you voluntarily help your mom with a chore when you'd planned to do something fun. Or maybe you're given money for a snack on trip, but decide to give it to kids in Ghana instead.
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Joshua
Risky Business: Life's Too Short to Play it Safe! - Lesson 2
August 9, 2009
Summary
Joshua took over leadership of the Israelites after Moses died. He led them into the land across the Jordan river that God promised to them, and led them in battle against the people in the land. One such battle was the one fought against Jericho, where they marched around the city and the walls came down.
Choosing to lead means that we'll face some risks, like Joshua. When you lead, you take on responsibility, for things going right or wrong. You may have to do something that seems ridiculous (like Joshua marching around the wall) and since you're the leader, you have to be the first to do it. Or you may face the ridicule of others. But when you lead, it is rewarding to see the results. And it's exciting, and a great experience.
So how do we take the risk? Look for opportunity to lead, expect God to use you, act on the opportunity, and don't give up!
Bible Verses -
Joshua 1:1-2,
Joshua 6:2-5,
Numbers 14:6-10
Digging Deeper
Why not read more about Joshua and conquering the promised land? You might be surprised how interesting it is! Read a chapter or two of the book of Joshua in the Bible each day.
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The Others
Risky Business: Life's Too Short to Play it Safe! - Lesson 3
August 9, 2009
Summary
There's so many great people in the Bible who took risks for God. What's the bottom line? They all obeyed God, even though they risked people rejecting them. They kept their eyes on God, knowing that he would remember and reward them, and give them strength when they were weary. We can have the same confidence. When God asks us to obey, we need to do it!
Bible Verses -
Jeremiah 42:6,
Galations 1:10,
Numbers 14:6-10,
2 Chronicles 15:7,
Jeremiah 31:25
Digging Deeper
Ask God to show you if there's something he wants you to do this week, that might be risky, but He wants you to do it anyway.
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"If you ask anything in My name, I will do it"
July 26, 2009
Summary
Jesus spoke the words, "If you ask anything in my name, I will do it." What did he mean by that? Anything?
By looking at what he said just before and after this verse, we get a better picture of what he meant. We discover that there are some "if's" that this promise depends on. Jesus had to go to the Father, we have to have faith, and we have to stay connected to Jesus. Jesus made the promise so that God would be glorified (which means He won't do anything unless it brings him glory).
Bible Verses -
John 14:10-17,
Hebrews 11:6,
John 15:4-7,
James 4:2-3
Click here for the lesson outline.
Digging Deeper
Pray and ask God to show you if there's something that you think is too big for God. Or maybe something that's too small? Something that you hesitate to pray for. You might get an idea right away, or it might be a few days later. When you get one, start praying for it!
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Value Pac Series
Introduction to Values - June 14, 2009
Honesty - June 21, 2009
Respect - June 28, 2009
Responsibility - July 5, 2009
Self Control - July 12, 2009
Forgiveness - July 19, 2009
Introduction to Values
Value Pac Lesson 1
June 14, 2009
Summary
Values are beliefs that determine our behavior. The world and the Bible have different sets of values. For example, many of the world say that there is no right or wrong for everyone, but just what is "right for you." But the Bible gives clear instructions on what is right is right and wrong. We should examine our values to determine what they are where they come from.
Bible Verses -
Philippians 1:10,
Psalm 19:7-10,
Pslam 119:105
Digging Deeper
Look for a way that you or your family behaves differently from a friend or someone else you come in contact with. What belief (value) do you or your family have that causes you to act this way? What belief do you think your friend has? Why do you have this belief?
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Honesty
Value Pac Lesson 2
June 21, 2009
Summary
Being honest includes speaking the truth, being fair and truthful as we make deals with other people, and actually living truthfully (so our actions line up with what we believe). Being honest involves doing what is right, even though it may cost me something!
Bible Verses -
Ephesians 4:15,
Titus 2:8a,
Proverbs 16:11,
Matthew 5:16,
Psalm 25:21
Digging Deeper
- How honest are you? Here are some ways to find out:
- Pray and ask God to show you if you have a problem with being honest that he would like you to work on.
- Watch yourself for a day. Look out for times that you tell a lie, or deceive someone in another way. If you've prayed for God to reveal to you areas where you lack honesty, He will show you!
- Remember to look for ways that you act deceptively or try to cover up the truth, not just times when you tell a direct lie.
- Ask a parent or a friend how honest they think you are. This can take guts! Sometimes a family member or friend can see things about ourselves better than we can. It also takes a humble attitude to accept what they say! They might tell us that we have a bigger problem than we thought we did. On the other hand, we might find out that we're doing pretty well, and people can tell.
- If you've found that you have work to do to be more honest, here are some ways to tackle the problem:
- Pray and ask God to help you. Remember, we can do nothing on our own, so this step is critical!
- Remember that we are saved through faith alone, and not by doing good things. Being more honest won't make God like me more. He loved me before there was ever anything lovable about me. A desire to do what is pleasing to God should come from love for God, because he loved us first.
- Think about what situations lead to you telling a lie or being deceptive. Is it possible to avoid or change these situations?
Example: Suppose God has helped me see that I have a problem with lying when someone confronts me about something I did wrong. I tend to lie to try to escape the blame and punishment for what I did. I might be able to avoid these situations altogether if I don't do the wrong thing to begin with. That's one place to tackle this, but I still need a plan for if I slip up and do the wrong thing and am tempted to lie. Now, maybe I also noticed that the lies just pop out of my mouth, without even hardly thinking about it! A way that might help me to change the situation is to count slowly to 5 before I answer anyone. That will give me the chance to think and make the choice I want to make.
- What thoughts go through my head while I lie or deceive someone? Are those thoughts Biblical? Choose thoughts to replace wrong thoughts when they show up. Memorize a verse to remind you of God's truth.
Example: If I think "it won't really hurt anyone if I tell this lie," I could memorize Proverbs 25:18. Then when I start thinking that a lie won't hurt anyone, I can recite the verse in my mind to remember that God says lies are hurtful. Even if I can't think of howit will hurt someone at this moment, I can trust that it will, because God says so.
- Ask a friend or a parent to help you think of actions to take against dishonesty.
- As you go through this process, consider, how has God been at work in you? What are some actions or thought changes that have helped you be more honest? We'd like to hear from you! Email us at askclub58@gmail.com.
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Respect
Value Pac Lesson 3
June 28, 2009
Summary
Respect is treating others with the value they deserve. All people deserve our respect because God has created each one in the "image of God." We can show respect to others by appreciating everyone, obeying authority, and honoring God. Respect is one of those things that is contagious. When I respect other people, they tend to respect me in return. But I can't just wait for other people to respect me before I respect them. I need to be the first to give respect, because this is pleasing to God.
Bible Verses -
1 Peter 2:17,
Luke 6:31,
James 2:1,
1 Peter 2:13,
Revelation 4:11
Digging Deeper
- How respectful are you? Here are some ways to find out:
- Pray and ask God to show you if you have a problem with showing respect to others that he would like you to work on.
- Watch yourself for a day. Look out for times that you treat someone as not very valuable. If you've prayed for God to reveal to you areas where you lack respect, He will show you!
- Remember to look for disrespect in your speech, attitudes, and treatment of others.
- Ask a parent or a friend how respectful they think you are. This can take guts! Sometimes a family member or friend can see things about ourselves better than we can. It also takes a humble attitude to accept what they say! They might tell us that we have a bigger problem than we thought we did. On the other hand, we might find out that we're doing pretty well, and people can tell.
- If you've found that you have work to do to be more respectful, here are some ways to tackle the problem:
- Pray and ask God to help you. Remember, we can do nothing on our own, so this step is critical!
- Remember that we are saved through faith alone, and not by doing good things. Being more respectful won't make God like me more. He loved me before there was ever anything lovable about me. A desire to do what is pleasing to God should come from love for God, because he loved us first.
- Think about what situations lead to you disrespect others. Is it possible to avoid or change these situations?
Example: If I get ornery and don't treat people well when I'm overtired, then I could make a point of getting the sleep I need, so that I won't be in this situation! If I am already tired, I could ask people if it would be ok to delay important conversations until I'm able to catch up with my sleep. Or, if I notice that I show more disrespect when I am around a certain group of friends, I would consider not hanging around those people. If I can't change whether I hang out with them or not, I can at least be aware that being with them is my "danger zone" for respect, and so be on extra guard.
- What thoughts go through my head when I choose not to treat someone with respect? Are those thoughts Biblical? Choose thoughts to replace wrong thoughts when they show up. Memorize a verse to remind you of God's truth.
Example: If I think "this person is so annoying (or mean), so why should I respect them?" I could memorize Matthew 5:44. Then when I start thinking that someone's behavior disqualifies them for respect, I can remember that God tells us to love and bless even our enemies.
- Ask a friend or a parent to help you think of actions to take against disrespect.
- As you go through this process, consider, how has God been at work in you? What are some actions or thought changes that have helped you be more respectful? We'd like to hear from you! Email us at askclub58@gmail.com.
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Responsibility
Value Pac Lesson 4
July 5, 2009
Summary
Responsibility is the ability to respond correctly. I am responsible TO God, for my attitudes and for my actions. There are some natural perks to being responsible: I will be more trusted, respected, rewarded.
Bible Verses -
Galations 6:5,
Romans 14:12,
Matthew 25:21
Digging Deeper
- How responsible are you? Here are some ways to find out:
- Pray and ask God to show you if you have a problem with being responsible that he would like you to work on.
- Watch yourself for a day to see if you demonstrate responsibility or irresponsibility. There are two big areas to watch for: If someone entrusts you with a job to do, do you show yourself to be trustworthy? Do you complete the job, and do it well? The other area of responsibility comes into play if you've sinned or simply didn't do something well. Do you take responsibility for this (accept that it's your fault) or do you try to blame others or make excuses?
- Ask a parent or a friend how responsible they think you are. Ask them if the situation makes a difference. Are you super responsible when it comes to some things, but irresponsible in other things? Sometimes asking someone else what they see will reveal things you didn't know about yourself.
- If you've found that you have work to do to be more responsible, here are some ways to tackle the problem:
- Pray and ask God to help you. Remember, we can do nothing on our own, so this step is critical!
- Remember that we are saved through faith alone, and not by doing good things. Being more responsible won't make God like me more. He loved me before there was ever anything lovable about me. A desire to do what is pleasing to God should come from love for God, because he loved us first.
- Think about what situations lead to you be irresponsible. Is it possible to avoid or change these situations?
- What thoughts go through my head when I choose not to fulfill my responsibilities? Are those thoughts Biblical? Choose thoughts to replace wrong thoughts when they show up. Memorize a verse to remind you of God's truth.
- Ask a friend or a parent to help you think of practical ways you can combat irresponsibility.
- As you go through this process, consider, how has God been at work in you? What are some actions or thought changes that have helped you be more responsible? We'd like to hear from you! Email us at askclub58@gmail.com.
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Self Control
Value Pac Lesson 5
July 12, 2009
Summary
Self-control is the ability to control myself. If I'm out of control, I'm foolish, get angry quickly, and I'm self-centered. But when I exercise control, I am wiser, slow to become angry, and Christ-centered. Self-control requires dependence on the Holy Spirit (because it's a fruit of the Spirit!). It also requires me to slow down and take time to think and pray before I respond to something.
Bible Verses -
Proverbs 25:28,
2 Timothy 3:1-4,
2 Peter 1:5-8
Digging Deeper
- How much self control do you have? Here are some ways to find out:
- Pray and ask God to show you if you have a problem with self control that he would like you to work on.
- Watch yourself for a day to see if you demonstrate self control. Do you take time to think before you act, or do you just act on instinct without thinking? If you lack self control, you might blurt out hurtful words, or lash out and hit someone in anger, or give in to temptation.
- Ask a parent or a friend how self-controlled they think you are. Sometimes asking someone else what they see will reveal things you didn't know about yourself. Will you take a risk and ask, even though you might be surprised at the answer?
- If you've found that you have work to do to be self-controlled, here are some ways to tackle the problem:
- Pray and ask God to help you. Remember, we can do nothing on our own, so this step is critical!
- Remember that we are saved through faith alone, and not by doing good things. Being more self-controlled won't make God like me more. He loved me before there was ever anything lovable about me. A desire to do what is pleasing to God should come from love for God, because he loved us first.
- Think about what situations lead to you react without thinking and be out of control. Is it possible to avoid or change these situations?
- What thoughts go through your head when you act without control? Are those thoughts Biblical? Maybe the problem is you don't think much at all before acting! When danger situations show up (those that put you in danger of losing control), try to slow down and think. Memorize a verse to remind you of God's truth, and then recite the whole verse in your mind to give you time to think before you act.
- Ask a friend or a parent to help you think of practical ways you can become more self-controlled.
- As you go through this process, consider, how has God been at work in you? What are some actions or thought changes that have helped you be more self-controlled? We'd like to hear from you! Email us at askclub58@gmail.com.
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Forgiveness
Value Pac Lesson 6
July 19, 2009
Summary
Forgiveness means releasing someone from their sins and letting go of anger. It sets us free from guilt, bitterness and fear. We should forgive others because God has forgiven us of sin far worse than anything anyone else has done to us. Forgiveness is also a key part of how God designed relationships to work.
Bible Verses -
Colossians 3:13,
Proverbs 4:23,
Hebrews 12:15,
1 John 4:18,
Hebrews 8:12,
Matthew 18:21,
Matthew 6:14-15
Digging Deeper
- How forgiving are you? Here are some ways to find out:
- Pray and ask God to show you if there is someone who you have not forgiven.
- Do you hold grudges? Do you keep "score" when someone hurts you? These are signs of unforgiveness.
- Ask a parent or a friend how forgiving they think you are. Is there someone in particular that they think you need to forgive?
- If you've found that you have work to do to be more forgiving, here are some ways to tackle the problem:
- Pray and ask God to help you. Remember, we can do nothing on our own, so this step is critical!
- Remember that we are saved through faith alone, and not by doing good things. Being more forgiving won't make God like me more. He loved me before there was ever anything lovable about me. A desire to do what is pleasing to God should come from love for God, because he loved us first.
- What thoughts go through my head when I choose not to forgive? Why don't I want to forgive? Are these reasons Biblical? Choose thoughts to replace wrong thoughts when they show up. Memorize a verse to remind you of God's truth.
- Ask a friend or a parent to help you think of practical ways you can combat irresponsibility.
- As you go through this process, consider, how has God been at work in you? What are some actions or thought changes that have helped you be more forgiving? We'd like to hear from you! Email us at askclub58@gmail.com.
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Living a Righteous Life
June 7, 2009
Last week we talked about the miracles that happen at the moment of salvation, including a change in who we are - making us righteous instead of sinful! But actually living a righteous life isn't automatic, because we still live in bodies with their sinful desires.
When we try to live righteously, we should do it in response to God's love for us, and not to try to earn his love.
How do we actually beat sin and live righteously? By depending on the Holy Spirit and actively renewing our minds.
Click here for the lesson outline.
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3 Miracles of Salvation
May 31, 2009
There are three miracles that take place at the moment of salvation:
Justification is an external miracle that changed my standing with God. It didn't change anything inside of me, but affected how God views me. At the moment of salvation, Jesus' death was applied to me. My court record was replaced with Jesus' perfect record. I was delivered from God's wrath by the death of Christ, and accepted by God because of Jesus' righteousness. This is the miracle of justification.
Reconciliation is an internal miracle that changed my attitude toward God. Rather than being alienated from and hostile toward God as before, I turn toward God. I see His compassion (not his wrath anymore), and I want to know Him! I was given a desire to know and obey God. This is the miracle of reconciliation.
Regeneration is an internal miracle that changed who I am. I was reborn by the Spirit of God and made a new person. Spiritual, a child of God, a new creation, alive! I was made alive by the very life of Jesus by the Spirit. I was made righteous by nature and the Holy Spirit came to live in me. I was given the power to know and obey God. This is the miracle of regeneration.
Click here for the lesson outline.
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