Dear Parents
As we continue through May and the concept of doubt and faith This Sabbath we're tackling the question of what faith actually is and how it grows. We'll start in the Youth Room talking about when the students first recognized they have faith and how "full" their faith feels right now, then we’re going to actually go outside and put into practice what Jesus says in Luke 17:6, and each student will be asked to command a tree to be cast into the sea. If it doesn't move, we'll wrestle with why and whether seeing a tree fly through the air would really change their walk with God long-term.
From there we'll dig into Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus connects faith directly to duty, and Matthew 14:22-33, where Peter steps out of the boat. The big idea: faith is a muscle that grows through obedience in the things God has already told us to do: the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, loving our enemies, Sabbath, tithe, treating others the way we want to be treated. If we're not faithful in what we already know, how can God trust us with the big things?
Please be praying for our students this week, and ask them about the tree when they get home. Ask them what God has told them to do and whether they're doing it. Those are the conversations that keep growing faith long after Sabbath morning is over.
From there we'll dig into Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus connects faith directly to duty, and Matthew 14:22-33, where Peter steps out of the boat. The big idea: faith is a muscle that grows through obedience in the things God has already told us to do: the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, loving our enemies, Sabbath, tithe, treating others the way we want to be treated. If we're not faithful in what we already know, how can God trust us with the big things?
Please be praying for our students this week, and ask them about the tree when they get home. Ask them what God has told them to do and whether they're doing it. Those are the conversations that keep growing faith long after Sabbath morning is over.
Connection Points
Sometime this week, find time to talk with your teenager. It can be at the dinner table, on a walk, or in the car. It might be helpful to read Luke 17:6-10 and use these questions to begin your discussion:
• When was the last time you went above and beyond on a chore or task and got no recognition for it?
• Why does Jesus jump from "faith like a mustard seed" straight into a story about a servant just doing his duty?
• How does it sit with you that the servant calls himself "unworthy" for simply doing what was commanded?
• What is one thing you already know God is asking of you that you've been putting off?
Have a great time exploring these questions. Thanks for your prayers and support!
• When was the last time you went above and beyond on a chore or task and got no recognition for it?
• Why does Jesus jump from "faith like a mustard seed" straight into a story about a servant just doing his duty?
• How does it sit with you that the servant calls himself "unworthy" for simply doing what was commanded?
• What is one thing you already know God is asking of you that you've been putting off?
Have a great time exploring these questions. Thanks for your prayers and support!
Announcements
Refocus - Our last Refocus of the year! This will be an outdoor movie night at Taylor Thompson's House (she's one of the adult Refocus Leaders) 11700 S 5th St, Roca NE 68430. They will have a bonfire, great food, and watch Surf's Up. I hope your teen can join us for our last Refocus! This will be a Refocus XL as we'll go over the 8:00pm time due to the movie.
Youth Campmeeting! - Campmeeting starts Wednesday May 27 at 7pm and runs through Saturday night. We will have amazing music, powerful messages, community service opportunities, and for something fun we're heading to Joe's Karting in Omaha for some fun go karting. You can check out the website HERE. More details are coming.
Bible Study Small Group - Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512
Youth Campmeeting! - Campmeeting starts Wednesday May 27 at 7pm and runs through Saturday night. We will have amazing music, powerful messages, community service opportunities, and for something fun we're heading to Joe's Karting in Omaha for some fun go karting. You can check out the website HERE. More details are coming.
Bible Study Small Group - Almost every Friday night Mic and Tori host a small group Bible study in their home from 7:15-9:00pm. This is a time for your teen to be able to ask questions about life, eternity, God, or really anything. We open up the Bible and dive in discovering what it means for us and our faith journey. This is one of the best things we do.
Our Home Address:
130 Winfield Rd.
Lincoln, NE 68512