8.7 Questions

1.What are some ways to help children and teenagers stay connected with Christ and the church community? Why is it important to do so?

There are several effective ways to help children and teenagers remain connected with Christ and the church community:

1. Fostering Relational Bonds

   • Mentoring and Role Models: Establishing mentor relationships where adults or older youth guide and model a Christian life for younger individuals.

   • Family Involvement: Parents and families play a key role by living out their faith authentically and involving their children in spiritual practices.

2. Relevant and Engaging Programs

   • Age-Appropriate Worship and Programs: Developing worship services and activities tailored to the needs and interests of children and teenagers.

   • Retreats and Camps: Organizing Christian retreats or camps that offer community experiences and strengthen faith.

3. Creating Community Experiences

   • Group Activities: Promoting youth groups, Bible studies, and other group activities that build community and unity.

   • Social Events: Hosting events like game nights, music gatherings, or sports activities that center on community and faith.

4. Meaningful Education

   • Religious Education and Bible Study: Providing high-quality, engaging religious education that imparts biblical knowledge and encourages personal reflection.

   • Discussing Faith Questions: Creating spaces where youth can ask questions and openly discuss their doubts.

5. Digital Connections

   • Online Communities: Using social media and digital platforms to offer opportunities for connection and discussion about faith.

   • Multimedia Resources: Developing and providing engaging digital content (videos, podcasts, blogs) that make faith relevant and accessible.

6. Missionary and Social Activities

   • Community Engagement: Involving youth in missionary and social projects that allow them to live out their faith and take on responsibility.

   • Joy in Serving: Demonstrating how fulfilling and meaningful it is to serve others and be part of God’s work in the world.

Why is it important to do this?

• Passing on the Faith: Promoting connection to Christ and the church is essential for passing on the faith to the next generation.

• Identity and Purpose: Youth often find purpose, identity, and direction through their faith and community in an increasingly complex world.

• Community and Support: The church community provides a supportive environment where youth can feel accepted and loved.

• Ethics and Values: Christian teachings provide important moral and ethical values that help young people lead fulfilling and responsible lives.

• Future of the Church: The future of the church depends on engaging and involving younger generations who will continue and shape the church.

These approaches and reasons highlight the importance of actively involving children and teenagers in faith and community to support and strengthen them on their life journey.

2.Sometimes people say that money doesn’t matter to them. However, that isn’t true. Money is important to everyone, and there is nothing wrong with that. What can be the problem with money, and why must believing Christians, whether rich or poor, be careful in their handling of money?

Money plays a central role in the modern world, and it is correct that money is important for most people as it is necessary for providing for oneself and one’s family. However, there are several potential issues related to money that are particularly relevant for believing Christians:

Potential Problems with Money:

1. Greed and Materialism:

   • Pursuit of More: Problems arise when the pursuit of wealth and material goods becomes the primary focus of life. The Bible warns that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Greed and materialism can lead to neglecting God and His commandments.

   • Identity and Value: If people seek their worth and identity in their possessions or bank account, they may lose their true identity in Christ.

2. Dependence on Money:

   • Trust in Wealth: There is a risk that people may trust in their wealth more than in God. Jesus taught that one cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Trusting in money as a source of security can weaken trust in God.

   • Independence from God: If someone believes that money can solve all their problems, they may live independently of God and forget the need to seek God in all areas of life.

3. Injustice and Exploitation:

   • Unjust Practices: Money can lead to injustice if people exploit others to become richer. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that Christians should act fairly and justly, especially towards the needy.

   • Ignoring the Poor: Another issue is the indifference towards the needs of the poor. Wealth can harden hearts and lead people to ignore the suffering of others.

4. Debt and Slavery:

• • Debt Burden: Handling money can become problematic if people fall into debt and financial dependence. The Bible warns about the danger of debt, describing the borrower as a servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7).

Why should believing Christians handle money carefully?

1. Stewardship Responsibility:

   • God as Owner: Christians believe that everything they have ultimately belongs to God and that they are stewards responsible for using resources wisely and according to God’s will (1 Corinthians 4:2). This responsibility requires a careful and ethical approach to money.

2. Priorities and Focus:

   • Heavenly Treasures: Jesus calls His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). This means Christians should prioritize eternal values over temporary material goods.

3. Charity and Generosity:

   • Supporting the Needy: A mindful approach to money allows Christians to be generous and support others as Jesus and the apostles taught. The Bible emphasizes the importance of love and support for the poor and needy (James 2:15-16).

4. Witness and Credibility:

   • Model Life: Handling money responsibly can be a strong witness for faith. When Christians are responsible, fair, and generous, they reflect God’s character and provide a positive testimony to others.

5. Protection from Temptations:

• • Resisting Temptations: Mindfulness in handling money helps Christians resist temptations such as greed, selfishness, and independence from God. It keeps them from being influenced by worldly values that contradict Christ’s teachings.

By maintaining a careful and responsible approach to money, believing Christians can deepen their relationship with God, live in alignment with their beliefs, and be an example to others. Money itself is neutral, but how it is used can have profound effects on spiritual life.

3.If Jesus were to ask you, “What do you want Me to do for you?” what would your response be?

This question, posed by Jesus in Mark 10:51 when He addresses blind Bartimaeus, is profound and personal, prompting each of us to reflect deeply. Responses might vary based on individual circumstances, needs, and spiritual state. Here are some possible answers people might give:

1. Faith Growth:

   • “Lord, strengthen my faith so that I can trust You more in all areas of my life.”

   • “Help me experience Your presence more deeply and grow in my relationship with You.”

2. Wisdom and Guidance:

   • “Give me wisdom and insight to discern Your ways and make the right decisions in my life.”

   • “Guide me on the right paths and show me how to do Your will in my life.”

3. Healing and Restoration:

   • “Heal me from my physical or emotional pain.”

   • “Restore broken or damaged relationships and bring peace into my life.”

4. Peace and Comfort:

   • “Grant me Your peace in the midst of difficulties and challenges.”

   • “Comfort me in my grief and encourage me in times of despair.”

5. Courage and Strength:

   • “Give me the courage to live out and defend my faith, especially in challenging situations.”

   • “Strengthen me to face daily challenges with confidence and hope.”

6. Forgiveness and Grace:

   • “Forgive my sins and help me embrace Your grace in my life.”

   • “Help me forgive those who have hurt me and show me Your mercy.”

7. Service and Dedication:

   • “Show me how to better serve You and give me the means and opportunities to do so.”

   • “Teach me how to fully dedicate my life to You without reservations.”

8. Mission and Evangelism:

• • “Give me the opportunity to share Your gospel and tell others about Your love.”

  • “Send me to bring Your message to those who do not yet know You.”

This question invites us not only to express our deepest desires but also to reflect on what we truly hope from Jesus and how it can shape our lives and faith. It challenges us to consider our priorities, our faith, and our relationship with God.

4.Reflect further on Jesus’ words in Mark 10:43-45. What does it mean to live this way? How do we learn to serve rather than be served? What does this mean for our lives and interactions with others?

Jesus’ words in Mark 10:43-45 are: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

What does it mean to live this way? Living this way means adopting a spirit of humility and service that is central to Jesus’ teachings and life. It involves rejecting worldly standards of power and success and recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others. Jesus overturns conventional ideas of leadership and authority by showing that real greatness comes not from dominating others, but from serving them.

How do we learn to serve rather than be served?

1. Following Jesus’ Example: We learn by studying and emulating Jesus’ example. As the King of the universe, He came to serve, not to be served. By focusing on Jesus and adopting His attitude of service, we gradually develop a serving mindset in our own lives.

2. Practicing Humility: By actively seeking opportunities to serve others, we can overcome the tendency to place ourselves at the center. This can involve small, everyday acts where we prioritize others’ needs above our own.

3. Community and Learning: In the Christian community, we can learn from others who have already embraced a life of service. Shared faith and fellowship help us support and encourage each other to grow in serving.

What does this mean for our lives and interactions with others? Living by these principles radically changes our interactions with others. It means approaching all aspects of life—with family, at work, in the church, and in society—with an attitude of service and humility.

• In the Family: Rather than insisting on our rights, we should be ready to serve the needs of our family members.

• At Work: Instead of engaging in power struggles, we could support our colleagues and help them achieve their goals.

• In Society: We should be attentive to the needs of people around us and actively seek to serve them in their struggles.

In essence, these words of Jesus call us to place our lives in the service of others, just as Jesus did. This reflects His love and embodies the values of His kingdom in a world often focused on self-interest.

0

0