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Discussion Episode | When Everything Goes Wrong

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Discussion Episode | When Everything Goes Wrong
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Discussion Episode | When Everything Goes Wrong

It feels like a lot has gone wrong in 2020 with COVID 19. You and your family may have some other things that have made life even more complicated and challenging amid everything that is going on. Today in your discussion, encourage one another to be vulnerable.

King Nebcubnezzer took Daniel and his three buds by force away from their home in Jerusalem to enter the Royal Service in Babylon.

Daniel 1

Story Episode

Lesson

When everything goes wrong God is still present and ready to help you through the difficult times.

Questions

  1. One of the difficult things when everything is going wrong; we often can’t see how God is working because we are so fearful and anxious about the situation. We often need our friends to help us understand how God is working. Imagine the conversation between Daniel and his three friends as they walked to Babylon.
  2. After arriving in Babylon and being served from the King’s table or kitchen, what would you hope to see on that table?
  3. Think back to a situation that was hard when everything seemed to go wrong. How did God help you through that time?

Tips and Tricks for leading a discussion

Listen carefully to each other and when someone has shared something vulnerable show your appreciation.

Growth Tip

When everything goes wrong, we need a reminder of God’s presence. What is something that can tell you of God’s presence? Every time you see or hear that reminder, acknowledge God and say a little prayer.

Prayer Requests

At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.

Even the Best is Tempted

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Even the Best is Tempted
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Even the Best is Tempted

Did you know that even the best is tempted? The best of us was tempted just like you and I. We are going to look at a story about this today, and I think you will find that there are some exciting things to learn about today!

You know, when I am tempted, there are a few things that are often present within me. Usually, I am sad or angry, and I’m typically pretty tired. As you listen to this story, think about some of the things that the main character is feeling. 

Now it’s important to note that temptation and sin are not the same things. Temptation, is the consideration of acting out our sinful desires. For example, two brothers are fighting, and the one thinks to himself, I would sure like to punch him but resists that desire to punch. The other brother has the same thought I would sure like to punch him but then does punch his brother. Both brothers were tempted to punch, but only one hit or punched his brother. Now, this is an essential concept for us to remember so that we can fully understand this story. If a person does not act on the temptation, then they have not sinned. 

Last week we heard about Jesus’ baptism. He went up to the Jordan River, found his cousin John and then was baptized. As Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove, and a voice from heaven said this is my son whom I love, and I take great joy in him!

There are two characters in today’s story, Jesus and the Devil. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went out into the wilderness, and this is where we pick up today’s story!

Discussion Guide | Even the best is Tempted

Discussion Guide | Even the Best is Tempted

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Discussion Guide | Even the Best is Tempted
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Discussion Guide | Even the Best is Tempted

You know there are a lot of situations where we find ourselves tempted. I am going to list a few of these circumstances and I’d like you as a group to come up with a plan. Talk about how you should respond to each, how to avoid these situations if possible, and if there are any scripture verses that might help you to respond well.

Matthew 4:1-11

Story Episode

Discussion Guide | Even the Best are TemptedDownload

Lesson

Even the best, Jesus, was tempted.

Situations

  • You find yourself at school or work when your friends are talking poorly about others behind their backs.
  • You find yourself on your phone or device when an image or video comes up that you know is not good.
  • You are asked to complete a task immediately by your boss, teacher, or parent but you feel really tired and want to do it later.
  • Think of a situation that you would like help with when you are tempted. Describe the situation and then answer the following.

Questions

  1. How should you respond? 
  2. Is there a way to avoid this situation in the future? 
  3. What scripture can you respond with?

Growth Tip

To respond with scripture, we need to know the scriptures. Memorizing Bible verses is a great practice. I won’t lie memorizing is hard work, but the payoff is huge, and it will serve you very well for the rest of your life! So Memorize scripture as a defence in the temptations that will come your way!

Prayer Requests

At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.

Created to be Loved

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Created to be Loved
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Created to be Loved

You were created to be loved by God and he takes so much joy in you! Some of the biggest questions in life that we all have to answer at some point is this, “Who am I? What is my purpose?” Let me jump ahead a bit and just spell it out really clearly. You were created by God. You were created to be in relationship with him. You were created to be loved by God and he takes so much joy in you!

Perhaps this is not the answer you expected or maybe it was. Regardless, according to scripture, you were clearly made for a relationship with God. What an incredible gift that is.

Discussion

Discussion Guide | Created to be Loved

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Discussion Guide | Created to be Loved
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Discussion Guide | Created to be Loved

You were created to be loved by God and he takes so much joy in you! Having someone gush over you can be a bit awkward, yet this is exactly what God is doing about you! Soak it in and enjoy it!

Matthew 3:13-17

Story Episode

Discussion Guide | Created to be LovedDownload

Lesson

You were created to be loved by God and he takes so much joy in you!

Questions!

  1. Have any of you been baptized? If so share the story of your baptism. If you have not been baptized then share your thoughts about being baptized.
  2. Imagine you are one of the people on the shore of the Jordan River watching John baptize Jesus and then the Holy Spirit descending from above and settling on him like a dove. Try and imagine what that looked like and how everyone responded.
  3. Followers of Christ have the Holy Spirit. God has given the Holy Spirit to fill us with his love! What are some other things you know about the Holy Spirit?
  4. Most people don’t think very highly of themselves. How can you begin to adopt God’s opinion of you and how will that help you show love?

Growth Tip

Play a simple game with others. With enthusiasm and excitement call a person’s name and wait for them to look at you Now, with the biggest grin on your face, simply say. God loves you. Do your best to make them smile! 😉

Prayer Requests

At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.

Stay Humble and True to God

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Stay Humble and True to God
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Stay Humble and True to God

Stay humble and true to God, is easier said than done. Life can be hard. It is full of temptation. It can seem like the only answer is the very tempting thing. In today’s lesson, we will learn about Achan and the temptation he faced.

What is behind the temptation for each of us is an emotion. It may be fear, anger, sadness, loneliness or frustration. For us to deal with temptation well, we first need to deal with the emotion behind it.

Discussion

Discussion Guide | Stay Humble and True to God

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Discussion Guide | Stay Humble and True to God
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Discussion Guide | Stay Humble and True to God

It can be tricky to stay humble and true to God. Today’s questions are going to be hard. Fear may creep in, and there be the temptation not to answer as vulnerably as you could. Let me just say that God loves you, and the people around you love you. Even if you answer truthfully and honestly, you will still be loved and accepted.  After each question, hit pause on your device and discuss or reflect.

Joshua 7-8

Story Episode

Discussion Guide | Stay Humble and True to GodDownload

Lesson

When we become arrogant we cheat ourselves and God! Stay humble and true to God!

Questions!

  1. We are all tempted at times. What is it that you seem to be tempted by?
  2. It may be anger, sadness, frustration, jealousy, or fear. When you feel tempted what is the typical emotion that you feel?
  3. What could remind you and encourage you to go to God to help you deal with your fear, anger, jealousy, or frustration?
  4. What we need is truth to be spoken to us. Remind each other about how God sees each person. Use scripture if you can. 

Growth Tip

Ask someone in your life to give you an honest assessment of you regarding pride. Then pray to God to show you your pride and to teach you to be humble and true to God. Remember, when we become arrogant, we cheat ourselves and God! Stay humble and true to God!

Prayer Requests

At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.

No Regrets Show Compassion

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
No Regrets Show Compassion
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NO Regrets Show Compassion

Do you want to live life with no regrets? Follow Jesus, show compassion. You might not be perfect, but you will not regret showing compassion to others.

Imagine what your community, your province or state, your country could be like if you showed compassion? What would it be like if that compassion was contagious and had the power to transform lives and others then extended compassion too? Imagine our world filled with compassion. It’s kind of beautiful, don’t you think?

Discussion

Discussion | No Regrets Show Compassion

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Discussion | No Regrets Show Compassion
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Discussion | No Regrets Show Compassion

Joshua 6

Story Episode

Discussion Guide | No Regrets Show CompassionDownload

Lesson

You have a choice to follow God, and you have a choice to show compassion to others.

Questions!

  1. What are some of the regrets that were possibly going through the people of Jericho’s minds?
  2. Who are the people in your life that are hurting, filled with fear and consumed with pain? How can you show some compassion to them?
  3. How could your city, your province or state, your country be different if the compassion you demonstrate becomes contagious and others start showing compassion along with you?
  4. If compassion costs me and you something, does it also give back something? If so, what does compassion give to you when you extend it to others?

Growth Tip

Turn on your compassion sonar. Our world is hurting it needs people to see the hurt and not turn away. Our world needs compassion from you and me!

Prayer Requests

At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.

Follow Jesus with Courage

Bible Story Podcast
Bible Story Podcast
Follow Jesus with Courage
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If you follow Jesus with courage, it can be scary. I know that sentence sounds a bit funny, but it’s true—the more courage we often need, the more terrifying the situation. We often find our security in the provision vs the provider. When we do this, it makes following Jesus pretty scary and hard!

Listen to the drastic decision the first disciples made to follow Jesus with courage. They left everything, including a lot of fish, which for them would have been as good as money since they were professional fishermen. To say this would have been scary would be an understatement – it was terrifying!

There is nothing more important than following Jesus. At times it will probably be scary, but you can do it with courage. Be sure to listen to the discussion questions, and be sure to download the discussion guide! There you will hear me talk about finding our courage in our provider, not in his provision.

Luke 5

Discussion Guide | Follow Jesus with CourageDownload

Discussion Guide

Lesson | Follow Jesus with Courage

There is nothing more important than following Jesus.

Questions!

  1. Name one person in your life that you admire for the way they follow Jesus. What is something you can learn from their example?
  2. Sometimes to leave behind things in our lives to follow Jesus is scary. Talk about some of the fears you have in leaving everything to follow Jesus as Peter did.
  3. Talk with each other about valuing our provider, God, more than his provision.

Prayer Requests

At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.

Tips and Tricks for leading a discussion

Ask additional questions to help expand people’s thoughts. 

Let people think in silence. Wait for them to respond. 

Repeat the last three words of someone’s statement turning it into a question. 

Growth Tip

Who are people in your life that you look up to? People that are great at following Jesus. People that are an example of how to follow Jesus!

You can pray to begin your relationship with Jesus!

Jesus, I need you. Forgive my sinful mistakes. I am giving you control of my life. Thank you for your love! Amen