Book of James

Doin Work Series - DownloadYM

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Student ministry has become more excellent over the past few years. Leaders are blogging and sharing resources more than ever. Even the prices are lower!

I am a big fan of youthmin.org and downloadyouthministry.com. Both websites provide quality resources at a good price. I'm contributing to them to help other ministries and leaders.

The newest resource I've added is a 5 week series of the book of James called, "Doin Work." 

Series Description:

WEEK 1: “WHEN LIFE GETS TOUGH” - God allows trials in life for us to grow in our faith

WEEK 2: “YOU MAD BRO?” - Everyone gets angry, but not everyone gets angry about things that matter.

WEEK 3: “FAITH WORKS” Show your faith by helping someone in need

WEEK 4: “DON’T BE A HATER” God looks at the heart.

WEEK 5: “TAMING THE BEAST” Our words reveal what is in our heart

Includes: Teaching notes, listening guides, discussion questions, graphics package, and bumper video.

Doin Work - Taming the Beast

Main Thought: Words reflect what is in our heart.

Doin Work - "Taming The Beast" from Source Student Ministries on Vimeo.

Messsage Explanation: James: 3:2-10. When God created man, he gave us two eyes, two ears, two nostrils and one mouth. Our words reflect what is in our heart Matthew 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Our words can either GIVE life or TAKE life away from others. Words have the power to direct our lives (v. 3-5). Words have power to destroy (v. 6-7). We can assassinate others with our words. “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble” Proverbs 21:23.

Ephesians 4:29: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Here are some action steps to WATCH OUR WORDS 1. Read and apply Scripture (Proverbs a day, James)

2. Think First - remember the acronym THINK, try to ask these 5 questions before you speak:

Is it True? Remember this rule about gossip: “The more interesting it is, the more likely it is to be false.” Is it Helpful? Will your words help bring about a solution to a problem? Is it Inspiring? Will your words build up someone? Is it Necessary? Do we have to say anything at all? Is it Kind? Are your words based on a desire to help?

3. Talk Less. Your chances of blowing it with your words are directly proportional to the amount of time you spend with your mouth open. Listen to the words you say.

4. Build Others Up - Proverbs 12:25 says, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Do your words destroy others or give life?

Source SM Recap: Volume #6

Teaching Series: “Doin Work”

Main Teaching point: Man looks on the outward, but  God looks at the heart. 

Length of service: 60 minutes. We combined our group in one for a unified worship experience. We have small groups immediately after the teaching and response.

Message Explanation: In today's culture, we treat people differently as if some are more important than others. James says we cannot make these distinctions in our mind. “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?" For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? James 2:1-4.

 

As a student ministry, we are to accept each person the same because of Jesus’ love for them.  The heartbeat of Source student ministry is to see people through the eyes of Jesus.

Element of fun: We played a large group game called, "Stand off." This involves two people standing toe-to-toe with palms together (do not interlock fingers). At a signal each tries to make his or her opponent lose balance. The first to move either foot or to touch the other at all loses.

 Music Set: Search My Heart, Waiting, Our God, One Thing Remains (closing). One of our students (Ashton) led the student band and did an awesome job!

Favorite Moment: Celebrating with students who were baptized this past Sunday morning! It was great to sense the excitement for what God has in store for the future of the ministry at Church @ The Springs!

Next on July 8th: We continue the final week of our series through the book of James titled, “Taming the Beast!”