Session 1_Glimpse of Reality

24 – Every Hour Counts

Session 1: A Glimpse of Reality

Intro to series:

-         tying into the series upstairs.

-         We are convinced that God wants us to live a whole life – the same person in every place we live our lives.

-         But it seems the demands of what goes on here at the church and what goes on at school and home, seem like complete opposites most of the time.

-         So we want to take a look at life from God’s perspective – because he never intended for there to be a divide.

Video Clip: 24

If teens want to have a sense of wholeness, completeness, purpose, we must start with God.

Big Idea:

Every teen should live a complete life in Christ by discovering 3 core realities according to Ecclessiastes 12:13-14.

Theme Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

The end of the matter; all has been heard.  Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Background:

-         A very wise man who is looking back on his life – most people believe this was king Solomon.  Struggling with his choices.

-         the writer’s notebook on life – struggling and wrestling with the complexities of life.  Examples: why do the wicked prosper, we work so hard just to lose everything when we die, God is not bound by our rules and can do anything he pleases – whether we expect it or not…

-         to remember that man’s wisdom and God’s wisdom do not necessarily mesh

-         Freedom is found in enjoying all the gifts that God has given for us to enjoy during this lifetime: life, work, love, food, drink, etc…

-         He is genuinely struggling and wrestling with life’s complexities – not willing to wrap it up into a neat little box with a bow on top.

Reality 1: God is Awesome

Funny pictures

Scripture: Isaiah 8:13-14

The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary…

Fear & Dread: Watching the news the other night when a skydiver’s parachute wouldn’t open properly and he hit the ground.  He survived.  But can you imagine the sense of panic – fear and dread – when he realized he was in big trouble?

Question: Anyone here share in that sense of fear and dread?

Sanctuary – a safe place: my friend Paul telling me his story about not having a long term memory and how he thanks God for this precious gift.  How God shows up unexpectedly with a “movie screen” to show him something he needs to remember.

Those in the persecuted church – though their bodies are destroyed – they continue to praise, adore and thank God.

Quote: when you fear God, you fear nothing else – but if you do not fear God, you fear everything.  (Oswald Chambers)

Challenge: Do you fear God?  In so doing, is He your safe place?

- we simply cannot enjoy life until we fear God first – and develop a huge respect for Him and how he operates – and develop a huge respect for His purpose for our life.  Requires we give up our plans and purposes – dreams and ambitions – and surrender them at His feet!

Reality 2: God’s Word is Crucial

Story: How well would my marriage go if I chose never to spend time in relationship with my wife?

The Word is God’s way of having a relationship with His – we can hear His voice in the pages of Scripture!

The added benefit, is His Word is also the manual to live a satisfying life.

Scripture: Psalm 119:9-11

How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

- His instructions aren’t just there for the fun of it – they are his instruction manual about living the best life possible.

- Whatever we do, we need to develop a plan to get into His Word.

Question: What’s your plan.

- Our plan to have all sorts of different Bibles for you to use during WNA.

Reality 3: Face to Face with God

Funny Pictures of judges

Scripture: Philippians 2:9-11

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Question: Are you prepared to come face to face with God?

Life Tool: Intimate With God

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-2

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

The Quiet Time Journal.

Video Clip: The Prodigal