Christian Basics for Jr. High

Learn the habits, values, doctrines, and practices of biblical Christianity.

5 Habits for the Christian Life | Christian Basics for Jr. High #1

Posted: December 1, 2016
There are five basic habits - or “spiritual disciplines” - that every Christian should know about and practice.

Talking Points:

  • Habit #1: Reading the Bible. Christians believe that the Bible is inspired by God and authoritative for our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16
  • Habit #2: Praying. The Christian life is more than a religion, it is a relationship with a personal God. Just like any relationship, communication is essential. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • Habit #3: Connecting. The habit of connection is all about discovering and sharing God’s truth in the context of intentional relationships. Hebrews 10:25
  • Habit #4: Giving. We can give our time, our talent, and our treasure. 2 Corinthians 8:7
  • Habit #5: Mentoring. Jesus called every disciple to make disciples. Matthew 28:19-20
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Name one good habit you had as a kid. Did you have a habit that was hard to break when you were young? Talk about how to break bad habits and form better ones.
  3. Give yourself a grade on each of the five habits above. Which one are you most eager to improve? Why?
  4. Read 2 Timothy 3:16. Why is the Bible useful to us?
  5. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Talk about what prayer is all about. Why is prayer important?
  6. Read 2 Corinthians 8:7. What do you think Paul meant by “excel in giving”? What could it mean for you today?
  7. Read Matthew 28:19-20. Talk about how to use our resources to start meaningful conversations with your friends, family, or small group. Are you already doing this? Is there an area where you can be more intentional about your “mentoring”?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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5 Values for Every Christian | Christian Basics for Jr. High #2

Posted: December 8, 2016
Christians have certain values. Here are the top 5.

Talking Points:

  • Value #1: People. People are important to God. He created them, and he loves them. People are important to Christians too. Every person is valuable because every person is made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27
  • Value #2: Truth. We believe in God and the Bible because it’s true. Christianity isn’t a fable. It’s not a fairytale that we wished was true. The things in the Bible actually happened in history. 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
  • Value #3: Authenticity. Christians don’t have to pretend to be perfect. We’ve been saved by grace. Salvation is not based on anything we do. Therefore, we can be authentic with our victories and our failures. 1 Samuel 16:7
  • Value #4: Leadership. Leaders are crucial for growing God’s kingdom, building healthy churches, and reaching the next generation with God’s love. Hebrews 13:17
  • Value #5: Risk-Taking. With God, all things are possible. So, we take big risks believing that God will come through for us. Matthew 19:26
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What are some of your most important values? What were some of the values that your family had growing up?
  3. Read Genesis 1:27. List some examples from the Bible and your life that demonstrate how God values people. How can you show your friends that they have value?
  4. Read 1 Samuel 16:7. Why is authenticity important in your relationships with God and others? Have you ever been part of a church or group where people weren’t authentic? How did that experience make you feel?
  5. Read Hebrews 13:17. What does it mean to submit to leaders in the church? Why is it important to obey the adults God puts in our lives?
  6. Have you ever taken any risks for God? Explain what happened. Why do you think God wants us to take risks?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

 

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5 Things Every Christian Believes | Christian Basics for Jr. High #3

Posted: March 14, 2017
Everyone believes something whether they know it or not. Here are the top 5 things Christians believe.

Talking Points:

  • Doctrine #1: The Bible is God’s word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • Doctrine #2: God is three in one. All three persons are equal and eternal. Matthew 28:19
  • Doctrine #3: Jesus is fully God. He has always existed as God, and the world was created through him. John 1:1-2
  • Doctrine #4: We are saved by faith. We can’t earn God’s love through our good works. Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Doctrine #5: There’s life after death. John 11:25-26
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What questions do you have about these five basic beliefs? Which one is most confusing to you?
  3. Read John 1:1-2. The Word refers to Jesus. What is this passage saying about Jesus? Why does it matter that Jesus is fully God? 
  4. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. How are we saved? What can’t save us? How does understanding this change the way you view God’s love for you?
  5. Read John 11:25-26. What do you think heaven will be like?
  6. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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5 Things Christians Do Together | Christian Basics for Jr. High #4

Posted: December 29, 2016
Certain practices are normal when Christians gather, as part of our life together.

Talking Points:

  • Practice #1: Teaching. Preaching and teaching from the Bible is a central part of what we do when we gather. Every Christian needs to regularly be listening to good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2
  • Practice #2: Singing. God deserves a joyful response from us because of who he is and what he has done. Psalm 95:1-3
  • Practice #3: Remembering. The first is called the Lord’s Supper or Communion. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
  • Practice #4: Serving. Every Christian has been given some kind of ability from God for the purpose of serving others. 1 Peter 4:10-11
  • Practice #5: Mentoring. The Bible tells us to pass on God’s truth to others, who can pass it on to others in turn. 2 Timothy 2:2
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Who is your favorite teacher and why?
  3. Read Psalm 95:1-3. Do you like to sing? Why or why not? Describe a time when music moved you emotionally. What is it about music that makes it a fitting way to express joy and gratitude to God?
  4. What rituals do you observe in your family to help you remember important events or people?
  5. Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. How do the Lord’s Supper and baptism help you remember Jesus?
  6. Do you think your gifts for serving others lie more on the “speaking” side or the “helping” side, and why?
  7. Who mentored you on your faith journey? What did they do? On a scale of one to ten, how confident do you feel that you can mentor someone else in their faith, and why?
  8. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

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5 Facts About Water Baptism | Christian Basics for Jr. High #5

Posted: November 17, 2016
Water baptism is a Christian tradition that dates all the way back to the time of Christ and the early Christian church.

Talking Points:

  • Fact #1: Water baptism is God’s idea. He told his followers to do it. Matthew 28:19
  • Fact #2: Water baptism doesn’t save anyone. It’s a symbol of something that already happened. Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Fact #3: Water baptism is an act of practical obedience. 
  • Fact #4: Water baptism identifies us with Christ and his church. Romans 6:3
  • Fact #5: Water baptism is a symbol of our new life. Romans 6:4
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. If you have been baptized, what was the experience like for you? If you are planning to get baptized, what is your motivation?
  3. Baptism is a simple matter of obedience. Make a list of some of the other things Christ calls us to do as Christians. Which ones are especially difficult for you? Where does baptism rank, and why?
  4. Read Romans 6:3-4. How are we identifying with Christ when we get baptized?
  5. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

 

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