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A Gospel of Reconciliation

Month 7| week 3: INVITE

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WELCOME!

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Desert island

Let’s Play!

Icebreaker Game: Desert Island

Explain to the group that they are about to be dropped off on a desert island and that they get to choose just ONE item from each of the following categories to take with them. Give each student only three seconds to share their answers to help keep the game moving.

● Snack

● Drink

● Movie

● Music Album

● TV Series

● Book

Say: This game gave us a great peek into what each of us considers essential for life on a deserted island! Some of the answers were certainly creative and unexpected. But I wonder if we know what is truly essential to live a life fully obedient to God’s ways?

We know that we have been forgiven for our sins and brought back to God through Christ. But did you know that Jesus also came so we could have everything we need for a new life in relationship with God starting now?

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Digging deeper

Option 1: Student Leader shares Gospel message (sample provided below).

Option 2: Student Leader shares testimony.

Option 3: Guest Speaker shares testimony or Gospel message.

Option 1: Gospel Presentation Sample

Have you ever felt left out or excluded from something everyone else is doing? We all have at some point in our lives. Maybe they are having a big party at someone’s home while their parents are out of town, or going to a concert featuring the most famous singer. And you sit at home wondering why you haven't been invited. It is easy to assume that your friends are having the time of their lives while you stand on the outside looking in.

Even when their choices are out of line with your values and character, it can be tempting to think the crowd is the place to find acceptance and even joy. Maybe you have been the one in the crowd, and you know that the smiles often hide shame and brokenness.

God created you for relationship with him and others, but we can mistake a crowd for true belonging and temporary satisfaction with lasting joy.

Within each of us is a drive to belong, to be completely known and loved. This hunger is a reminder that we were created to find our home not in four walls but in a relationship with God. What we truly crave is to have our relationship with God and one another restored.

But every time we choose our own way instead of God’s, we take a step away from home. The irony is that the very hunger that is felt when we try to fit in and belong is what drives us away from the only relationship capable of filling our hearts and spirits completely.

Our sin has created a barrier between us and God that keeps us from true connection with him and with each other. Despite the gap between us, God pursued us and has promised a way home for each of us in Jesus. God has broken down all the walls that our sin has erected, and he invites us to experience true and lasting peace, joy, and the sense that we are finally home.

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Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

Colossians 1:21-22

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So what…

What does Jesus' death have to do with you and your life today?

Tool time

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He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

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What do you think it means that we have found a home in God through Jesus?

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Key idea

Jesus' death and resurrection

provide healing for our broken �relationships

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Let’s pray

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Let’s celebrate!

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Thanks

See you next time!