BGC’s Youth Ministry for Grades 6-12
Beyond Sunday
Go deeper in your walk with Christ. These Sunday recaps and assignments will empower you to live what you learn and grow closer to God in the process.
Sunday Recap
- Theme for Year: “Armored Up” – Ephesians 6:13, ESV
- Sub-Series: “Armored Up”
- Scripture: Ephesians 6:11
None of us would ever think about leaving our house half-dressed or not dressed at all. We’d put on clothes, but why? The short answer, protection. We put on clothes to protect ourselves from the elements (hot and cold), from germs (dirt and grime), from shame or even pride (modesty and cultural decency) and from injury.
In a similar sense, Paul instructs us to “put on the whole armor of God” that we might have protection from the enemy. Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the schemes of the devil.”
What are the “schemes” of the devil? We’ve seen some of his schemes in Genesis where he challenges the word of God as he talks to Adam and Eve. “Did God really say…?” We see his schemes in Luke where he challenges Jesus’ identity, “If you really are the son of God…” We see in Job where he twists God’s words by insinuating that Job only serves God because God has blessed him.
The schemes of Satan have not changed. For teenagers he might whisper that you are not good enough, that God does not love you because you’ve sinned or he won’t forgive you because you’ve sinned too much. He will always challenge God’s word and blessings over your life; therefore, you MUST always be prepared. Put on the whole armor of God.
Just as Jesus and Job both were immersed in the scriptures so we must be. Putting on the armor of God means reading the scriptures, praying to God, and having the support of Christian community. Be intentional today about putting on the FULL armor of God!
Beyond Sunday Assignments
Transformed By the Renewing of Your Mind
Sun, Read Ephesians 6:11
Mon, Read this Student Devo, https://studentdevos.com/daily-bible-verse-and-devotion-ephesians-611/
As we face battles in life, what is God’s job and what is our job?
Tues, Watch “Put on the Full Armor of God: Animated Bible Story”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xa_B0Ho0rw
Why do we need God’s armor?
Wed, Watch “Minute Devotions with Pastor Mat”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbR-AGR-6jg
Why is it important to put on the FULL armor of God rather than a few pieces?
Thurs, Watch “Ephesians 6:11 Explained”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zu12LP0RHg
According to this video, what are we reminded of in Ephesians 6:11?
Fri, Read “David’s Brothers”, https://unlocked.org/podcast/davids-brothers-2/
What spiritual armor did David possess that Goliath was lacking?
Sat, Read “Ready for Battle”, https://unlocked.org/podcast/ready-for-battle/
Read or listen to this devotional. Answer the questions within the devotional and read the scriptures referenced.
Sunday Recap
- Theme for Year: “Armored Up” – Ephesians 6:13, ESV
- Sub-Series: “Armored Up”
- Scripture: Ephesians 6:10
As teenagers, and as human beings, we are constantly in battle each and every day that we live. This battle is not your typical battle. This battle is quiet. This battle disguises itself. This battle seeks to totally separate you from God and utterly destroy you. This battle is spiritual warfare and to win you must be “strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.”
It is not a matter of “if” you will be attacked. It is a matter of “when” you will be attacked. Those attacks may show up in the form of anxiety, depression, arguments with parents, teachers, bullies. The attacks may look like peer pressure, strong addictions, fear, doubt, temptations, and so much more. BUT! Do not be fooled. These attacks will also show up in more subtle ways:
“I don’t feel like going to church. What’s the point?”
“I don’t have time to read my bible. I’m busy.”
“I don’t need to pray. God already knows what I need.”
“Nobody cares about me. My life is not worth living.”
“I am invincible! I don’t need God.”
Negative thoughts like these, or even overly positive ones, that move us away from God, are all a part of spiritual warfare. Against these attacks, Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord. Rely on God’s strength and not our own. Trust God’s power and might which far exceed our own ability to win the battle.
Prayer, bible study, and Christian community are key to accessing God’s strength and power in spiritual warfare! Don’t be fooled. We all need God and we need to gear up now!
Beyond Sunday Assignments
Transformed By the Renewing of Your Mind
Sun, Read Ephesians 6:10
Mon, Watch “Ephesians 6:10-11/ Battle Ready”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rimy3d8f54c Are you “battle ready”? What evidence is there that you are?
Tue, Watch “Are You Battle Ready”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wScEDYddDw Marquise gives you a challenge in this video. “HERE’S MY CHALLENGE: FOR ONE WEEK, THIS WEEK, TAKE TIME TO READ EPHESIANS 6:10-18 EVERY MORNING TO HEAR ALL ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE WE FACE AND HOW TO PREPARE FOR IT DAILY.” Take the challenge!
Wed, Watch “Armor of God”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8HJSewGKe8 What does it mean to put on the armor of God?
Thurs, Watch “Armor of God (Church Rise Up)”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEGj2k-z6Tg Who is the enemy and how will you arm yourself against him?
Fri, Listen to this podcast and prayer from a very rough year, 2020. https://radical.net/podcasts/pray-the-word/be-strong-in-the-lord-ephesians-610/ Give 3-4 examples from your own life about tough times you experienced where you needed to lean on God’s strength.
Sat, Watch “Benjah Armored Up”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMMHY2y8eoo How does this song speak to you about God’s protection over you in the spiritual battles you fight each day?
Sunday Recap
- Theme for Year: “Armored Up” – Ephesians 6:13, ESV
- Sub-Series: Basic Training
This week our Immersion Youth & Discovery Children’s Ministry left the building to go worship with their families in our Multi-use Facility. The focus of the adults this year is “Greater Glory”. The scripture passage is Haggai 2:9, “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.”
The adult’s message for this week continued with the theme of “Greater Glory”, and it specifically focused on the “daily grind” (or work). For students, this daily grind might consist of getting up and going to school, going to practice, completing homework assignments and class projects, doing chores around the house, and for some, working part-time jobs. In these mundane, basic, and daily tasks, a young person might wonder, “How can I show forth God’s glory in ALL that I do?”
Colossians 3:22-23 says, “Let every employee listen well and follow the instructions of their employer, not just when their employers are watching, and not in pretense, but faithful in all things. For we are to live our lives with pure hearts in the constant awe and wonder of our Lord God. Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.”
Students, are you glorifying God in the everyday actions of your life? Is he glorified by your actions at school, by your conversation with teachers and friends, by your interaction with teammates or club members. Is God being glorified as you complete your daily chores, work your part-time job, or complete your homework? Even as you have fun, is God being glorified? Here are some assignments to help you process these questions this week.
By the grace of God, may you be transformed.
Beyond Sunday Assignments
Transforming Your Mind This Week!
Sun, Read Colossians 3:22-23
Mon, Watch “Week #3 – Game Day Devotional”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuE5L1cLf8s List 3 things you can do in your “daily grind” (schoolwork, class projects, sports, clubs, chores, job, etc) to bring glory to God.
Tue, Watch “Gizmo’s Daily Bible Bytes”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFHRLQMID_Y If God were to grade you on the work you do each day, what grade would he give you and why? Are you doing your very best for the LORD?
Wed, Watch “Colossians 3:23 | Sermon Highlight”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0B8rb44lcI Explain the WHAT, the HOW, the WHO, and the WHO NOT, in your own words. Write down what this might look like in your own life.
Thurs, Watch “Meaning in the Mundane”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23XPfuhakW8 How can you find meaning in the mundane? How can everyday hold significance for you? How can you find purpose in EVERYTHING?
Fri, Watch “Daily Devotional – Colossians 3:17”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk5vIpgZTJQ How can you reflect the character of Christ in EVERYTHING you do?
Sat, Watch “Using My Voice for the Lord Now”, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A1AYP19jNDg What gift, talent, purpose, opportunity has God given you that you are using for your own purposes? How can you start using all that you have for the glory of God?
Sunday Recap
- Theme for Year: “Armored Up” – Ephesians 6:13, ESV
- Sub-Series: Basic Training
- Message: “A Smart Home”
- Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4
This week’s message focused on the “smart home.” The world defines a smart home as a home that is equipped with “internet-connected devices” that allow the homeowner to remotely manage the systems and appliances within the home. But just how might God define “a smart home”?
God might say a smart home is one that puts him first. A smart home is one that calls out to him rather than Alexa. A smart home is Spirit-driven rather than internet-connected. And, based on this week’s text, a smart home is one where children obey and honor their parents rather than honoring their technology. Parents train and instruct their children in God rather than on gadgets.
A smart home is one remotely controlled by God, where parents and children are interconnected by his love. No level of technology can make this happen. How “smart” is your home?
Beyond Sunday Assignments
Transforming Your Mind This Week!
Sun, Read Ephesians 6:1- 4; Exodus 20:12
Mon, Watch “How Teenagers Honor Their Parents”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb6HQi3Zfy4&t=14s List 7 ways you can honor your parents.
Tue, Watch “Teenagers Survival Guide 2 – Respect Your Parents”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwfu2Uu4oRQ What happens when you disrespect your parents?
Wed, Watch “Honor Your Parents/ Christian Video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTnV8HxVJSw How might a “smart child” make his home a “smart home” by honoring his parents?
Thurs, Watch “Respect Your Parents”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwN9_k-_300 How do YOU show respect for YOUR parents?
Fri, Watch “Honoring Our Parents: A Tale of Love & Respect”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b9Mn2HredM As an act of obedience list 3 ways you will begin to honor your parents daily.
Sat, Watch “Daily Devotional: Honor Your Parents/Short”, https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yYoMXgmU_1EWhat is the promise that comes with this commandment? What does it mean?
Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Questions About Immersion Youth?
youthcs@baptistgrovechurch.org
