Ministry and media

Group, Sep/Oct 2003 by Belknap, Bryan

biblical discussion starters

MUSIC

song: "Crazy in Love" (from Dangerously in Love)

topic: romantic love

theme: The singer acts differently now because she loves her new man.

background: Beyonce Knowles goes solo on Dangerously in Love, an R&B album filled with dubious sexual content. For someone so vocal about her faith in Jesus, Beyonce's choice to sing about illicit sexual behavior without consequence strikes a foul note. (The notable exception, "Yes," finds her valiantly choosing chastity.) Musically, this is a solid R&B album for the most part, but Beyonce hits peaks and valleys. "Crazy in Love" deserves acclaim as the official song of summer 2003 with its infectious horns and rolling chorus. On the other hand, "Hip Hop Star" sounds out-of-character for both the singer and the album. Lyrically, Dangerously in Love disappoints with its high sexual content.

discussion questions: Ask: Have you ever known a person who's been "crazy in love" with someone? If so, what was the craziest thing he or she did for that person? Why does romantic love sometimes lead people to do things they wouldn't otherwise? What are some unhealthy changes people might make for "love"? Read aloud Song of Songs 8:6-7. What makes love so powerful? What's the difference between love and lust? love and infatuation? How can a person tell the difference? What role should God play in your life if you're "crazy in love"? What are ways you've tried to keep God at the center of your romantic relationships, or will in the future?

ten shekel shirt

MUSIC

song: "Risk" (from Risk)

topic: risk

theme: Our faith gives us the confidence to take risks.

background: Ten Shekel Shirt evokes comparison to several current bands (Coldplay, 3 Doors Down, Lifehouse) while still managing to sound unique. Their delightful album Risk leaves you feeling refreshed and full of hope because it overflows with messages of practical faith (even though they don't name God specifically). Rockin' cuts "Cheer Up," "Safest Place," and "This Story" make you want to drive fast with the top down and the radio cranked. The band's impressive range also includes mellow meditations that lift your soul toward heaven. For example, "Beauty" builds a transcendent mood that matches the song's message. Ten Shekel Shirt's pleasing melodies and joyful choruses glorify God with music that will connect with everyone.

discussion questions: Ask: Do you consider yourself a risk-taker? Why or why not? How do you usually decide whether or not to take a risk? Have you ever felt God ask you to take a risk? If so, what happened? Read aloud 2 Chronicles 20:15-17. What risk did the people face by obeying God? Why does God challenge us to take risks? Why do we sometimes fear risk even when God's on our side? What risk do you feel God is asking you to take in your life right now?

joan of arcadia

TV

The Girardi family moves to Arcadia, California, and self-possessed 16-year-old Joan receives the shock of her life-God starts appearing to her in the guise of various people. In fact, she can't escape him and his increasing instructions about her life.

In the absence of burning bushes and heavenly manifestations, it can be difficult to know when God's actually communicating with us. When God does speak, Christians often pull a Jonah by running or ignoring God's voice, or they emulate Gideon by putting off the obvious with more prayer or requests for a "sign." Teach your young people how to discern God's voice and act quickly upon his requests. (CBS, Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT)

Ask: Have you ever felt as if God was communicating with you? If so, what was the message? How did you know it was really God? Have you ever ignored God? If so, what happened? Read aloud 1 Samuel 3:1-10. How would you react if you had Samuel's experience tonight? Does God still speak to people this way? Why or why not? How else does God communicate with us? What are some things that can prevent a person from hearing God's voice? What's one thing you can commit to doing that would help you hear God more clearly?

just married (pg-13)

VIDEO

topic: lying

scripture: Psalm 34:12-13

clip location: 11:15 through 13:15*

synopsis: Sarah's dog annoys Tom by pulling on his pant leg. Tom accidentally throws a ball out the window, and the dog dies after jumping out the window to chase after it. At the grave, Tom tells Sarah that the dog chased a pigeon. She accuses him of lying, but he denies it, promising never to lie.

gospel filter: The reasons we tell lies are as vast as the ocean, but none of them hold water. Though the truth might sting a bit in the moment, it prevents greater pain in the future. Challenge your young people to strip all lies from their lives and walk with honest confidence.

discussion questions: Ask: What's an example of a lie that you once told? Why didn't you tell the truth? Was lying worth it? Why or why not? Is lying ever justified? Why or why not? Read aloud Psalm 34:12-13. How can telling the truth improve a person's life, as these verses indicate? Why does God consider deceit to be evil? What makes lying so easy? What benefits come from speaking the truth? What do you need to be more truthful about in your life?