Tuesday, March 13, 2012

STORYBOARD -  Act 3: Redemption
March 16, 2012

By the end of Whirlwind, we want students to KNOW the lengths God will go through to restore our relationship with Him.

By the end of Whirlwind, we want students to BE ABLE TO reflect on their current relationship with Jesus.


Talk Notes:




Part 1: Time to Check-in

Open in prayer.

Part Two: Time in God’s Word

Imagine you are a prisoner in a cell.  What do you think your life would be like?  What would your attitude be?  How would you feel about your life?

Have you ever felt trapped by your own mistakes or shortcomings?  What is it like?  What do you do about it?

Read Romans 3:23.

What do you think of this verse?  Do you agree or disagree with it?  Explain.

Do you know anyone who has lived a flawless life without making any mistakes?

Read Romans 6:23.

How does the first part of this verse relate to the warning God gave Adam and Eve regarding the fruit they ate?  (Genesis 2:16-17)

Throughout the Old Testament, they make references to animal sacrifices.  This was an attempt to cover up your own sins and mistakes.  Since the cost of sin was death, you would kill the animal in your place.  The thought was the more flawless the animal, they more likely it will cover your mistakes.  It’s where we get the word “scapegoat”.

Read Romans 5:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:21.

In what way is Jesus the ultimate “scapegoat”?  

Read Mark 15:22-39

What thoughts or feelings does this passage bring up for you?  

Take a moment to read the passage again, but this time keep in mind that what Jesus is doing... what he’s enduring... he’s doing for you.  Not just us... but you.

In this scene, there are crowds of people.  There are people mocking Jesus and condemning him.  There are people who are just there and don’t really know what’s happening.  Then there are people who know Jesus and are weeping over what’s happening.  If you were there, which group do you think you might fit into?

Read Romans 8:38-39.

What does Jesus’ death on the cross mean for us?

In a way, our mistakes and shortcomings can make us feel like we’re living in a prison cell.  How can knowing Jesus and what he did and does for us bring us out of that cell?

What impact do you think what Jesus did should have on a person’s life?  What impact has it had on your life?

Does the way you live your life accurately show this?  

How does your life now reflect whatever relationship you have with Jesus?  How do you want  your life to reflect your relationship with Jesus?



Part Three: Time for Prayer

Close in prayer.

Creative Ideas:

  • Develop a prayer ritual that you use every week.  This becomes part of your group identity.  For example, form a circle and hold hangs as you pray.
  • Open a time for praising God and have each student say a word that describes God.
  • Begin a prayer sentence and have each student complete the sentence.  For example, “God, this week help me to...”
  • Spend a few minutes in silence before someone closes the prayer time.