Youth Group - 1/22/23

Verses & Discussion

Have you had conversations with friends at school or neighbors or relatives about the miracles in the Bible?

How has that gone for you? The people in the video seemed pretty frustrated. How have you felt about those conversations?

What have you heard people saying and asking about Christianity?

Have you or other Christians said things to defend your faith? What? Where?

Do you have questions or doubts in your own mind? Are you carrying on a conversation like this in your head?

Spend 5 mins writing questions or doubts you have about Christianity.

Give me a question or doubt.

Bible Study

Psalm 19:1–6 NLT

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.

How do the heavens declare the glory of God?

Based on this verse, God created the universe. Does science agree with this?

2 Corinthians 4:1–2 NLT

Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

As Paul and his colleagues try to express their faith, what do they NOT do? What ways have they rejected?

What do they do instead?

Why do they act like this? Isn’t it all about winning? If they win arguments—by any means necessary—don’t they win people to Christ, and isn’t that what it’s all about?

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 NLT

If the Good News we preach is hidden behind a veil, it is hidden only from people who are perishing. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

Do you think some people today are “blinded”? Are they unable to truly hear your arguments, no matter how brilliant you are?

1 Peter 3:1–2 ESV

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

How would unbelieving husbands be won over by their wives?Do you think we could apply this to any home situation—with parents, siblings, or maybe even BFFs?

How can our behavior lead people to Christ?

1 Peter 3:8–9 NLT

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

How might this behavior affect people in our science vs. faith debates? Wouldn’t you automatically lose every argument—if you’re too humble, for instance, or too sympathetic?

1 Peter 3:14–16 NLT

But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.

Based on verse 14, how should you respond if you get insulted or even discriminated against because of your Christian beliefs?

What should we be prepared to do? 

What might that sound like? What reasons would you give for putting your hope, and your faith, in Christ?