Week 6 - SOS 2014

Monday, July 28 - Read Chapter 31 (7 pages - also read the half-page "Epilogue") in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 31 recap. In your notebook, note down anytime something jumps out at you... do this AS YOU GO, and be prepared to share something from these notes on Thursday.

Tuesday, July 29 - Listen to the first half of RC Sproul's Lecture "What is the Gospel?" (the first 22 mins). As you go, answer the questions:
1. What is the gospel?
2. What is our response to the gospel?
ALSO memorize Rom. 1:16 in the NLT (5-10 mins)...


Wednesday, July 30 - Listen to the second half of RC Sproul's Lecture "What is the Gospel?" (the final 22 mins). As you go, CONTINUE to answer the questions:
1. What is the gospel?
2. What is our response to the gospel?
ALSO memorize Ephesians 3:6 in the NLT (5-10 mins)...


Thursday, July 31 - Join the conference call from 10:30-11:15am (Mountain Time). At 10:30, dial 712-432-0800 and then enter access code 360079# when prompted. Then you are in! Make sure you are in a fairly quiet place for the call, and have your notes from the week nearby. We will check-in on a heart level together, and go around the circle as we discuss and share what we have learned and noticed during our study days, as well as ...

Resources: THE STORY, TEEN EDITION & 1 notebook or journal to take daily notes in *

Week 5 - SOS 2014

Notice - be sure to answer the questions AS YOU READ, rather than after. Much easier that way :)

Monday, July 21 - Read the FIRST HALF of Chapter 29 (first 7 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 29 recap. Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:

1.  When and where did Paul often proclaim the good news when arriving in a new town?
2. What groups did Paul primarily encounter opposition with as he journeyed on his missions?
3. Paul & Silas find themselves in prison for preaching the gospel - what were they doing (and when were they doing it) when God sent the earthquake?
4. What churches did Paul write letters to in this part of God's story?
5. What Godly man and woman were peers and fellow laborers with Paul?
6. What do we learn about the Gospel (the good news that Jesus came to bring) from this part God's story?

Tuesday, July 22 - Read the SECOND HALF of Chapter 29 (final 8 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 29 video recap again. Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:
1. What happened to the 7 sons of Sceva?
2. Why did the scroll-burning take place?
3. What kinds of things did Paul say in his letters to the church in Corinth?
4. Why did Paul write his letter to the church in the province of Galatia?
5. How did Paul usually start his letters?
6. What do you find most interesting about Paul's writings?
7. What do we learn about the Gospel (the good news that Jesus came to bring) from this part God's story?

Wednesday, July 23 - Read Chapter 30 (10 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 30 video recap. Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:

1. What did Paul know might happen to him when he went to Jerusalem to give his testimony there?
2. What story did Paul tell the Jews in Jerusalem?
3. What happened on the boat to Italy and how did God use Paul to bring glory to himself in that situation?
4. What miraculous things happened on the island they shipwrecked on?
5. What kinds of things did Paul say to the church in Ephesus?
6. Who was persecuting the church when Paul was in prison just a couple years before his death?
7. How many of the original disciples (apostles - sent ones) of Jesus were martyred (killed for their faith and their testimony)?
8. What do we learn about the Gospel (the good news that Jesus came to bring) from this part God's story?


Thursday, July 24 - (*** NOTICE THE NEW TIME, 30 mins later than usual ***) Join the conference call from 10:30-11:15am (Mountain Time). At 10:30 sharp, dial 712-432-0800 and then enter access code 360079# when prompted. Then you are in! Make sure you are in a fairly quiet place for the call, and have your notes from the week nearby. We will check-in on a heart level together, and go around the circle as we discuss and share what we have learned and noticed during our study days, as well as ...


Resources: THE STORY, TEEN EDITION & 1 notebook or journal to take daily notes in *

Week 4 - SOS 2014 (July 14-17)

Monday, July 14 - Read Chapter 27 (7 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 27 Video Recap. Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:

1.  What day and time did Jesus die and what day and time did he raise from the dead? (not exact time, but what time of the day?)
2. What incredible signs happened around the tomb the moment that Jesus rose from the dead?
3. Who did Jesus first appear to after coming back from the dead? What do you think this says about women, and the heart of God toward them?
4. What did Jesus say to the disciples when he appeared to them and talked with them on the road to Emmaus?
5. What was Jesus really trying to commend Peter to do when he asked him 3 times, "Simon, son of Jonas, do you love me?"
6. What final command did Jesus give to his disciples and his many other followers gathered there when he finally ascended up into heaven?
7. What do we learn about the Gospel (the good news that Jesus came to bring) from this part God's story?

Tuesday, July 15 - Read Chapter 28 (7 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 28 Video Recap. Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:

1. What was the next Jewish festival that was about to take place 10 days after Jesus ascension into heaven?
2. What happened as Jesus followers were together waiting for the promise of the Father as the day of Pentecost finally arrived? Who proclaimed the first gospel message to the crowds in Jerusalem that day?
3. What beautiful things began to happen among the new body of believers in Jerusalem? What were their new community rhythms and practices together?
4. What did Peter say to the man when (by the authority/name of Jesus) he healed him?
5. How did Peter & John reply to the Jewish leaders when they were brought into trial for teaching in the name of Jesus?
6. What did Stephen see as he began to be stoned by the people for his powerful testimony of Jesus?
7. Who was Saul/Paul? How did God call him?
8. What vision did God give Paul and what was its meaning?
9. Who was Cornelius and what great thing did God do for him and his family?
10. What were the people doing when Peter was miraculously released from prison by the angel?
11. What do we learn about the Gospel (the good news that Jesus came to bring) from this part God's story?

Wednesday, July 16 -Memorize Luke 24:46-47 (in NLT). See our page on HOW TO MEMORIZE a verse for help. Use a sibling or friend or parent to help you memorize if needed.
---THEN find a quiet place to watch the video message, "The Resurrection of Christ", by teacher and theologian, Dr. RC Sproul (24 mins). Feel free to draw or color while watching if you need to...


Thursday, July 17 - (*** NOTICE THE NEW TIME, 30 mins later than usual ***) Join the conference call from 10:30-11:15am (Mountain Time). At 10:30 sharp, dial 712-432-0800 and then enter access code 360079# when prompted. Then you are in! Make sure you are in a fairly quiet place for the call, and have your notes from the week nearby. We will check-in on a heart level together, and go around the circle as we discuss and share what we have learned and noticed during our study days, as well as ...


Resources: THE STORY, TEEN EDITION & 1 notebook or journal to take daily notes in *

Week 2 - SOS 2014 (June 30-July 3)

Monday -Read Chapter 23 (14 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 23 Video Recap.
Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:
1. Who was Jesus' forerunner?
2. What special things happened when he was baptized?
3. How did the devil tempt him?
4. What was the job of his disciples?
5. What was his first miracle?
6. Who were Jesus' friends, and who were his enemies?
7. What do we learn about the Gospel (the good news that Jesus came to bring) from this part God's story?

Tuesday - Read Chapter 24 (17 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 24 Video Recap.
Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:
1. Jesus often taught in parables -- what are parables?
2. What was your favorite parable from our reading and why?
3. What happened to John the Baptist during Jesus' ministry?
4. Jesus also taught the crowds with very direct teachings (not parables). What is your favorite thing that Jesus talked about and why?
5. Who left Jesus and why did they leave him?
6. What do we learn about the Gospel (the good news that Jesus came to bring) from this part of God's story?

Wednesday -Memorize John 4:13-14 (in the NLT). See our page on HOW TO MEMORIZE a verse for help. Use a sibling or friend or parent to help you memorize if needed.

Thursday - Join the conference call from 10:00-10:45am (Mountain Time). At 10:00, dial 712-432-0800 and then enter access code 360079# when prompted. Then you are in! Make sure you are in a fairly quiet place for the call, and have your notes from the week nearby. We will check-in on a heart level together, and go around the circle as we discuss and share what we have learned and noticed during our study days, as well as pray together...

Week 1 - SOS 2014 (June 23-26)

ONE HOUR of study time each day (Mon.-Wed.)
Resources: THE STORY, TEEN EDITION & 1 notebook or journal to take daily notes in * 

Monday -Memorize the books of the Bible Song as best you can. Listen to it over and over again until you can sing along -- and don't worry, you will have time to keep practicing on Tuesday and Wednesday! Then read Luke 1:31-33 in the NIV or NLT - this is the passage we will memorize on Wednesday...

Tuesday - Read Chapter 22 (8 pages) in THE STORY: TEEN VERSION, and watch the Chapter 22 Video Recap. Answer the following questions in your notebook/journal as you go:
1. What special things were said about Jesus Christ in the first three paragraphs of the chapter (in your own words)?
2. What special things were said about this child by the angels, by Mary, by Gabriel, and the Magi?
3. What do we learn about the Kingdom of God from this part of the story?
THEN Review the Books of the Bible Song...

Wednesday -Memorize Luke 1:31-33 (in the NIV or the NLT). See our page on HOW TO MEMORIZE a verse for help. Use a sibling or friend or parent to help you memorize if needed. Again, Review the Books of the Bible Song...

Thursday - Join the conference call from 10:00-10:45am (Mountain Time). At 10:00, dial 712-432-0800 and then enter access code 360079# when prompted. Then you are in! Make sure you are in a fairly quiet place for the call, and have your notes from the week nearby. We will check-in on a heart level together, and go around the circle as we discuss and share what we have learned and noticed during our study days, as well as pray together...

SOS 2014 Invitation!

Summer of Scriptures (S.O.S.) 2014!
This Summer ~ June 23-July 28

Long distance learning via daily blogpost assignments, facebook check-ins and live weekly small group sessions.

2014 Theme – “New Testament 101: The Gospel”
We will read through the New Testament portion of The Story (for teens) version of the scriptures - 10 easy-yet-powerful chapters excerpted from the NIV - during our five weeks together. All young adults who participate fully will also learn to recite the 66 books of the Bible, will gain a thorough knowledge of the narrative and content of the entire New Testament (the gospel story, the formation and journeys of the early church, and the letters), and will attempt to thoroughly answer the questions, “What is the Gospel?” and “What is our response to the Gospel?”

The Weekly Rhythms
Young adults will study and learn for 1 hour each day, 4 days a week (Mon-Thurs weekly), during the 6-week period. They will each gain financial sponsorship ahead of time to support their 6 weeks of hard summer work, and will earn an hourly wage ($3.00/hr) during the SOS program based on their work each day (plus a $3.00 weekly bonus for not missing a day on each given week – totaling $15/week in possible pay). There is also a $2.00/hr option - $60 total sponsorship required - each parent and young adult can decide which option fits them best.

The weekly schedule will be as follows:
Week 1 - Books of the Bible song, chapter 22 & and 2-min. recap video
Week 2 - Chapters 23-24 & video recaps, plus memorization
Week 3 - Chapters 25-26 & video recaps, plus memorization
Week 4 - Chapters 27-28 & video recaps, plus memorization
Week 5 - Chapters 29-30 & video recaps, plus memorization
Week 6 - Chapter 31 & video recap, plus examining "Defining the Gospel" and "Our response to the Gospel"

Each individual week's schedule will look like this:
Monday - 1 hour of personal study, check in on Facebook (anytime)
Tuesday - 1 hour of personal study, check in on Facebook (anytime)
Wednesday - 1 hour of personal study, check in on Facebook (anytime)
Thursday - No study - only join the 1-hour peer-group conference call for discussion and sharing
*Young adult learners are paid at the end of each week by their adult sponsor, based on their level of participation that week*

SOS 2013, Week 7 - Proverbs 31

Monday - 

--- Read Proverbs 31 in NIV (15 mins)

--- (shorter day)

--- Memorize Proverbs 31:8 in NIV (15 mins)

Tuesday - 

--- Read Proverbs 31 in NLT (15 mins)

--- Make a list - list all of the characteristics of a virtuous woman listed here (in your own words). POST YOUR NOTES on the facebook page. (15 mins)

--- Much attention is given to a virtuous woman because of this passage in the scriptures - but what about men? What does a virtuous man look like? Write your own passage, or list of notes, about what makes a "Virtuous man" in our day and age (don't be afraid to get specific!). Post your thoughts on the FACEBOOK page. (15 mins)

--- Memorize Proverbs 31:9 in NIV --- and review Prov. 31:8 (15 mins)

Wednesday - 

--- Read Proverbs 31 in NKJV (15 mins)

--- IMPORTANT DAY: Watch this 2-minute video on "Who Am I?"

--- Memorize Proverbs 31:10 in NIV --- and review Prov. 31:8-9 (15 mins)

Thursday - 

--- Read Proverbs 31 in MSG (15 mins)

--- Why the talk about "Who am I?" and about "Identity in Christ?" This week, the idea has come again to the forefront of my mind and heart - that as we go through the book of Proverbs, we should not be reading it through the eyes of the LAW. Rather, we should be reading it through the eyes of GRACE. The law gives us a list of rules - don't be lazy, don't fornicate, don't lie or steal or cheat. Don't, don't, don't. The law also says do be wise, be prudent, be humble, giving, virtuous, hard-working... Do this, do that, do this other thing. The LAW gives us a list of do's and don'ts. Grace however is a completely different system. Grace erases the list of do's and don'ts and gives us the Spirit of God inside of us. And the Spirit of God inside of us patiently and lovingly transforms us more and more into the image of Christ - perfect, whole, complete, blameless, children of God - who are loved by Him deeply, indwelt by Him fully, and empowered by Him completely to do more and more of His perfect will.

The law says - I must not steal. And I must serve the poor. GRACE puts Christ in us and we simply stop wanting to steal, and a love begins to grow in us for the poor naturally.

The law says - I must get wisdom! I must stop being so foolish! GRACE says - I have Jesus, and I trust Him to make me wiser as He sees fit. Jesus lives in my heart and I can trust Him to take the foolishness out of me at the right time.

The law says - don't, don't, don't as well as do, do, do - a very long list of both. GRACE says get rid of the list of do's and don'ts and TRUST JESUS to DO through you and to take the very desire away from you for the don'ts...

SOS young adults - as we read through Proverbs, we must be VERY careful not to read it through the eyes of the LAW. The point of the last 7 weeks is not to put a bunch of new rules and regulations out there for you to live by! God is not about putting more and more pressure on us to be good and to do right. The point of the reading and studying Proverbs is to give you some helpful guidelines for how to make good decisions in life that you won't regret later... and to help you see the importance of wisdom and understanding... but from there, we MUST understand that on our own we won't always make good decisions (and trust me, you will make some bad ones in the years to come) and we won't always be wise and full of understanding, no matter how hard we try. The point is to show you how good a life you can live, with wisdom and God on your side... but only HE can live in your heart and change you from the inside out - day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. Only He can cause you to be wise and to gain sincere understanding. Only he can put the desire in you to not sin and to avoid bad situations.

THE POINT: There is only one law under the new covenant: KNOW JESUS. Sit at his feet and hear his words... and know that he will forgive you NO MATTER WHAT. Truly virtuous women are made that way because they have KNOWN HIM a good while. And truly virtuous men are made that way through years and years of abiding close to Him and allowing Him to change you into a real man from the inside out. Young men and women, you can't do it yourself! Only HE can.

So don't be pressured by all these guidelines in the book of Proverbs. They are there to show you where Jesus will take you (not where you will take yourself) if you let him, and how good and perfect a place it is in the end!

Love you guys sooo much, and I am excited to see how God will work in your lives in the years to come!
~Sean

--- IMPORTANT DAY: Watch this 2-minute video (AGAIN) on "Who Am I?" and also watch this one called "Identity in Christ" (15 mins)

--- Memorize Proverbs 31:30 in NIV --- and review Prov. 31:8-10 (15 mins)

Friday - Join the Friday morning call at 9am MOUNTAIN time - call 712-432-0800, access code 360079#.