Youth and culture: Ministry and media

Group, Jul/Aug 2002 by Belknap, Bryan

riding in cars with boys (pg-13)

VIDEO

theme: Decisions

scripture: 2 Samuel 11:1-5

clip location: 8:00 through 9:15*

synopsis: Jason admits he's having a bad day, but he doesn't see that one bad day is any big deal. Bev quotes from her own book-life is four or five big days that change everything.

gospel filter: It's hard to believe that one decision, one mistake, or one opportunity seized can actually hold a lifetime of impact, but that fact is true.

Time and again in the Bible and in everyday life, people suffer or prosper based on one significant moment in time. Challenge your teenagers to make their decisions carefully. Following God's Word and seeking his guidance will yield the right decision every time.

discussion questions: Ask: Do you agree with Bev's statement? Why or why not? What have been the most important days in your life? Read aloud 2 Samuel 11:1-5. Ask: How did

this one decision affect David's life? his family? Israel? Does God's forgiveness redeem us from the consequences of poor decisions? Why or why not? What are some practices that would help you make better decisions? home alone (pg)

VIDEO

theme: Spiritual warfare

scripture: Ephesians 6:10-13 clip location: 1:13:45 through 1:15:00*

synopsis: Kevin unrolls his battle plans and prepares his home with booby traps and obstacles for the coming invasion by burglars.

gospel filter: We don't hear much about spiritual warfare in 21st-century America because we don't see a battle raging before our eyes. It's not just a problem for missionaries, though. Satan and his minions are alive and well-just better camouflaged. Wake up your young people to the reality of the spiritual warfare around them, and help equip them to fight for their own defense and for the good of others.

discussion questions: Ask: Do you believe in spiritual warfare? Why or why not? What are some ways you've seen or heard about people dealing with spiritual warfare? Why does Satan seem to keep a "lower profile" now than he did in the Bible? What are some subtle "schemes" of Satan? Read aloud Ephesians 6:10-13. Ask: What are some weak areas in your life where Satan might attack? Why do you think Christians aren't more serious about preparing for battle? What are some practical things that you could do to prepare for spiritual warfare?

*00:00:00 Studio logo appears

Bryan Belknap is media editor for group Magazine and for our online resource MinistryandMedia.com. He lives in California.