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North American

Division Pathfinder Ministries

A team Bible knowledge challenge for 2 Samuel

The PathfinderBibleExperienceApplication Guide

2013/2014 Edition

2013 Edition

Published by the North American Division Office of Pathfinder Ministries, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904.

Copyright © 2011 by the North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists. All rights reserved.

PBE Manual designed by Glen Milam of Wesley Thor Studios, Smithsburg, Maryland. PBE Logo designed by Ornan Anthony of AdventSource. Printed in the United States of America.

Additional copies of this manual are available from:

AdventSource5120 Prescott Avenue, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506 Call 402.486.8800 for a catalog, or to order.www.adventsource.org

Historical Note

Bible Bowls have been around for years, both in the Adventist realm and outside it.

In 1979 BAYDA, the Black Adventist Youth Directors Association, launched a Bible Bowl program that continues to minister today.

In 1987 Elder Terry Dodge started a Pathfinder Bible Bowl in Wyoming that was later adopted by the Rocky Mountain Conference and is used in many conferences today under the name Pathfinder Bible Achievement.

In 1993, under the direction of the NAD Pathfinder Director Elder Norm Middag, the NAD Pathfinder Committee voted a Pathfinder Bible Bowl program. Many of the various models used today are similar to that program.

Mid-America Union developed a program that is used union wide. Other conferences including but not limited to Florida, Southeastern California, Georgia Cumberland and Arkansas-Louisiana have also developed programs.

As programs proliferated, the NAD Pathfinder Committee voted in 2002, to “encourage Bible Bowls across our division, on all levels (local club, area, conference, union, and inter-union), but not to have any official NAD Bible Bowl at the present.”

Since then a growing number of requests have been made to the NAD Pathfinder Committee to reintroduce an official Pathfinder Bible Bowl Ministry program that would be directed and managed through the NAD with the hope of bringing all of our Pathfinders together.

So in 2009, under the direction of the Pathfinder Committee, the division brought together all representatives of the various known models and invited them to contribute to the development a new program, a program that would become The Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE).

On behalf of the NAD Pathfinder Committee and Director, Elder James Black, Glen Milam - PBE Taskforce Chair, and the Pathfinders, we would like to thank Lila Barton, Myrlin Brooks, Gene Clapp, Wayne Davidson, Terry Dodge, Josue Feliciano, Brad Forbes, Cyril Millet, Marlene Perry, Eric Penick, Maurice Turner, Joe White, Allan Williamson and others for their participation and commitment in the development of this ministry resource.

North American

Division Pathfinder Ministries

The Pathfinder Bible ExperienceContentsIntroduction for Leaders 3 How to Use this Resource . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Introduction for Pathfinders 5About the Pathfinder Bible Experience 6 What about Bible Bowl? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 We like our way . Do we have to switch? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Scripture 7 Translations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Scripture coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Team Requirements 8

Preparation 9

The Program 11 Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 How to progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Event dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The Event 13 Eventflow,play&details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Disqualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Personnel and Their Duties 17Forms of Recognition 18 Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Medals&bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Additional Notes 20

The Pathfinder Bible Experience2

Introduction for Leaders athfinders from acrossNorthAmerica are committing tomemory

verses,chaptersandbooksoftheBibleaspartofthePathfinderBibleExperience(PBE).PBEisawonderfulstartingpointforBiblestudyandalife-changingrelationshipwithJesusChrist.Butmemorizationisjustthe beginning .

ThePathfinderBibleExperiencewasdevelopedtohelpPathfindersandyoungpeoplemeditateandreflectonwhattheBiblesaysandhowitappliestotheirlives.ItfeaturesideasforapplicationtohelpPathfindersusewhattheystudyandapplyittotheirdailyexperienceathome,schoolandchurch.

Thereare twoobjectives for thisguide:1)Pathfinderscan learnmoreaboutthepassages theyarestudyingaspartofPBE,examinetheir livesandgrowstrongerspiritually;and2)PathfinderscanusetheseguidestobecomeinvolvedinoutreachbyleadingoutinsmallgroupBiblestudieswiththeirfriendsandpeersinPathfindersoratschool.ThegoalistoseeyoungpeoplegrowspirituallybothintheirpersonalwalkwithJesusandastheyministertoothers.

This resourcehas thepotential torevolutionizePathfinders’ lives.Help themtakeadvantageofit.Useit.Gobeyondthereadingandmemorizing—godeeper.GetintotheapplicationandbereadytoexperiencewhatadifferenceGodcanmakeinthemandthroughthem.ShowPathfindersthattheydon’tjustneedtomemorizeScripture—theycanalsoliveit.

PedroPerezFloridaConferenceYouthMinistriesDirector

W.GeneClappNorthAmericanDivisionPathfinderBibleExperienceCoordinator

JamesBlackNorthAmericanDivisionYouth/YoungAdultMinistriesDirector

P

PurposeThepurposeofThe

Pathfinder Bible Experience istopromoteandencouragein depth Bible study and memorizationbyPathfinders,sotheirunderstandingofscripture will increase and their relationship to Christ will grow .

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

—Romans 15:4

The Pathfinder Bible Experience 3

How to Use this ResourceKingDaviddidn’thaveaBibleandheneversatonahillsidereadingadevotionalbook.Heprobablycouldn’tevenread—andyetheknewGodaswellasanyonewhoeverwalkedthefaceofplanetearth.Infact,mostpeopleyoureadaboutintheBiblewereilliteratesotheymemorizedlargeportionsofscriptureastheylistenedtoitbeingrecitedbytheirparentsand read by priests and scribes in the local synagogues and sanctuary . DavidlearnedtolovetheBiblethroughlisteningandmemorizingitforhimself.ThroughoutPsalmsDavidtalksabouthowmuchhelovesthesanctuaryandGod’slaw—heevensayshemeditatedonitdayandnight.

Themost importantpassageofscripture inancientJewishculture istheShema:

Hear,OIsrael:TheLordourGod,theLordisone.LovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheartand

with all your soul and with all your strength . ThesecommandmentsthatIgiveyoutodayaretobe

on your hearts . Impressthemonyourchildren.

Talkaboutthemwhenyousitathomeandwhenyouwalkalongtheroad,

when you lie down and when you get up .

WhenPathfindersparticipateinthePathfinderBibleExperiencetheyarefollowinginthefootstepsoftheancientIsraelitesandJesusHimself.Memorizingscripturelocksitintheirmindswherenoonecantakeitfromthem,butifalltheydoismemorizeit,itdoeslittlegood—theymustallowittoguidethemastheywalkthroughlifeeveryday.

ThisguidewillhelpPathfindersinthisjourneyofunderstandingscriptureandlivingit.Thechapterguidesarenotcomprehensive.Theydonotcovereverydetailofeachchapter—thatwouldtakeafewhundredpages.EachchapterguidechoosesafewkeypointstohelpPathfindersstartthinkingdifferentlyaboutscripture—togetbeyondmemorizationandontointernalization.

Thisbookletincludesguidesforeachchapterfeaturedinthe2013-2014PathfinderBibleExperience.OncePathfindershavefinishedstudyingachapter,youcansharethecorrespondingchapterguidewiththem.AllowPathfinderstoanswerquestionsverballyorbywritingtheiranswersinajournalandthendiscussingthemwiththegroup.

MayJesusChristHimselfblessyourichlyasyouembarkonthisjourneytomakingGod’sWordalivingandvitalpartofwhoyouare.

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

— John 17:17 (nKJV)

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets’ own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

— 2 PeteR 1:20-21 (nIV)

It is not safe for us to turn from the Holy Scriptures with only a casual reading of their sacred pages... Rein the mind up to the high task that has been set before it, and study with determined interest, that you may understand divine truth. Those who do this will be surprised to find what the mind can attain. The mind must be restrained and not allowed to wander. It should be trained to dwell upon the Scriptures and upon noble, elevating themes. Portions of Scripture, even whole chapters, may be committed to memory to be repeated when Satan comes in with his temptations.

— ellen G. WhIte In Mind, CharaCter, and Personality,

Vol. 1. PaGe 95

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

— Psalms 119:105 (nKJV)


Introduction for Pathfinders

athfindersfromacrossNorthAmericaarecommittingtomemoryverses,chaptersandbooksoftheBibleaspartofthePathfinderBibleExperience(PBE).PBEisawonderfulstartingpointforBiblestudyandalife-changingrelationshipwithJesusChrist.Butmemorizationisjustthebeginning.

ThePathfinderBibleExperienceApplicationGuidewasdevelopedtohelpPathfindersandyoungpeoplemeditateandreflectonwhattheBiblesaysandhowitappliestolifetoday.ItfeaturesideasforapplicationtohelpyouusewhatyoustudyaspartofthePathfinderBibleExperienceandapplyittoyourdailyexperienceathome,schoolandchurch.

Therearetwoobjectivesforthisapplicationguide:1)youcanlearnmoreaboutthepassagesyouarestudyingaspartofPBE,examineyourlifeandgrowstrongerspiritually;and2)youcanusetheseguidestobecomeinvolvedinoutreachbyleadingoutinsmallgroupBiblestudieswithfriendsandpeersinPathfindersoratschool.ThegoalisforyoutogrowspirituallybothinyourpersonalwalkwithJesusandasyouministertoothers.

Thisresourcehasthepotentialtorevolutionizeyourlife.Gobeyondthereadingandmemorizing—godeeper.GetintotheapplicationandbereadytoexperiencewhatadifferenceGodcanmakeinyouandthroughyou.Youdon’tjustneedtomemorizeScripture—youcanalsoliveit.

P


About the Pathfinder Bible Experience he Pathfinder Bible Experienceisateambasedchallengethatteststhegroupsknowledgeofsectionsof

scripture.EachyearanewblockofscriptureisassignedandexcitedPathfinderscommitthemselvestoimmersingthemselvesinthosepassagesofGod'sWord.

TheninFebruary,aftermonthsofstudy,theygathertogetherwithotherteamsintheirareatotesttheirknowledgeagainstasetofquestionsdrawnfromthescripturestheyhavebeencovering.

Iftheyanswerahighenoughpercentageofthequestionscorrectly,theyadvancetoaConferencelevelevent,thenaUnionlevel,andfinallyaDivisionlevelevent,typicallyheldinApril.

Eachteamcompetesagainstastandard,andallwhoperformtothedesignatedpercentageadvance.Meetingtogetheraddsasenseofexcitementandanadditionallevelofadrenalinethatspursparticipantsontohigherlevelsofrecall.Yetanyandallcanadvance,basedsolelyontheirefforts.

What about Bible Bowl?Therearedozens,perhapshundredsofBibleQuizprogramsoutthere.ManyofthemcalledBible Bowl orsomeformofthatname.ThereareclosetoadozenoriginatingintheAdventistChurchinNorthAmericaalone.Alloffertheirownuniquemethodologiesandguidelines,andhavetheirowndedicatedleadershipteamsandfollowings.However,The Pathfinder Bible ExperienceistheofficialNADPathfinderBiblequizprogram.

We like our way. Do we have to switch?NADPathfinderMinistrydoesnotrequirethatPathfinderclubs,conferencesorunionsinNorthAmericause The Pathfinder Bible Experienceastheirmodel.Theyarewelcometocontinuewithwhateverprogramtheyhavebeenusing,orevencomeupwithanewoneiftheysochoose. Infact,ifaclub,conferenceorunionchoosestouseanothermodel,theyarestillwelcometojoininwith The Pathfinder Bible Experience. They would register to enter play at the level above where their modelstops.Theonlyrequirementisthattheteammusthavecompletedthepriorlevelatthesamepercentage that The Pathfinder Bible Experience requires to advance .

Pleaserecognizethatifyouparticipateinadifferentmodelatlowerlevelsofplay,youwillhavetodealwithvariousdisadvantagesasthemethodofplaywillbedifferent.

AndofcourseyouhavetohavestudiedthepassagesofscripturethatarebeingusedbyThe Pathfinder Bible Experience thatyear,oryouwouldbeataterribledisadvantage.LeadersofthethreemostcommoncurrentmodelsusedbyAdventistsinNorthAmericahaveagreedtocoordinatetheselectionofscripturetobecoveredeachyear,sothisshouldmakeiteasiertocrossoverifyousochoose.

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ScriptureTranslations •English:New King James(ThomasNelsonPathfinderEdition

recommended) •Spanish:Nueva Reina Valera 2000 •French:Version Louis Segond en Français

Scripture CoverageTheNAD Pathfinder Bible Experience(PBE)teamwillassignabook,booksorsectionsofbooksoftheBible,totalingbetween40and50chaptersperyear.The Pathfinder Bible Experience also includes the relevant introductory text in the SDA Bible Commentaryforthescriptures covered .

The2013The Pathfinder Bible Experiencewillcover2Samuel(24ch.)&SDA Bible Commentary book introductions . The Division level willbeheldattheGeneralConferenceAuditoriuminSilverSpring,MDonApril12,2014.

QuestionsThequestionsforeachlevelofThe Pathfinder Bible Experience will bedistributedbytheNADPathfinder Bible Experience Coordinator totheappropriateindividualsateachparticipatingconferenceandunion .

AllquestionsarepreparedbypersonsappointedbytheNADPathfinderDirector.QuestionsaredevelopedfromthePathfinderEditionoftheNew King James Version of the Bible and the latest editionoftheSDA Bible Commentarybookintroductionsfortheaffiliatedscripturalpassages.Lessthan10%ofthequestionswillcomefromthecommentary.

Questions are written to stand alone and be able to be answered individually . Most require single word or short phrase answers . The Pathfinder Bible Experiencedoesnotusemultiplechoicequestions.Thereshouldbelimiteduseoftrueandfalsequestions.Questionsshouldalwaysincludethescripturalreference.

TheNADPathfinder Bible Experience Coordinator will coordinate thetranslationofallthequestionsintoSpanishandFrench.

AllquestionswillbeinharmonywiththebeliefsoftheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

— John 17:17 (nKJV)

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets’ own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

— 2 PeteR 1:20-21 (nIV)

It is not safe for us to turn from the Holy Scriptures with only a casual reading of their sacred pages... Rein the mind up to the high task that has been set before it, and study with determined interest, that you may understand divine truth. Those who do this will be surprised to find what the mind can attain. The mind must be restrained and not allowed to wander. It should be trained to dwell upon the Scriptures and upon noble, elevating themes. Portions of Scripture, even whole chapters, may be committed to memory to be repeated when Satan comes in with his temptations.

— ellen G. WhIte In Mind, CharaCter, and Personality,

Vol. 1. PaGe 95

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

— Psalms 119:105 (nKJV)


Team requirements Teamsaremadeupoftwotosix(2-6)Pathfindersfromasingleclub.Clubsmayhavemultipleteamsparticipate,solongaseachteamhasatleastfour(4)uniquePathfindersoneachteam.

Teamsshouldbeascompleteaspossible.Forexampleaclubwouldnotbeallowedtofieldthreeteamsoffour(4)participants,buttheycouldfieldtwoteamsofsix(6)participantsfromthatclub.

Eachteamiscomprisedofthefollowing: •2to6currentlyenrolledPathfindersingrades5-10: •ATeam CapTain •ATeam SCribe •Uptofour(4)additionalteammembers •Analternate •Anon-playingCoaCh

Team CaptainDuringplay,itisthedutyoftheTeam CapTaintolistentotheconsultationoftheteamandthentell the Team SCribe what answer to write .ItisalsothedutyoftheTeam CapTaintodetermineiftheteamwishestochallengethedecisionoftheir Graderafterananswerisscored.

Team ScribeDuringplay,itisthedutyoftheTeam SCribe to write the answer on the appropriate answer card . TheyaretoawaitthefinaldecisionbytheTeam CapTainbeforetheystartwriting.

AlternateEachteamisencouragedtohaveanalternateparticipantreadytofillinifaregularteammemberisunabletoattendanevent,orbecomesillduringanevent.Thealternatemayalsoswitchoutwitharegularteammemberattheintermissionofthegame.Aswitchisonlyallowedoncepergame,perteam.

CoachAclubstaffmember,pastor,orcommittedparentactsastheteamsCoaCh. Their role is to coordinatetrainingandtomotivatetheteam.Additionaladultsarewelcometoassistwithtraining,butthereshouldbeoneofficialor“chief”coachperclubinchargeofcoordinatingthePBEeffortsoftheclub.

Uniform requirementsAllteammembersmustbeinfulldressuniformasdescribedbythelatestversionoftheNAD Pathfinder Staff Manualinordertoparticipateatanylevelevent.Thisuniformnormallyincludes:Dressuniformshirtwithproperinsignia,dressuniformpantsorskirt,authorizedsocksorstockings,authorizedshoes,Pathfinderbelt,PathfinderscarfandslideandthePathfinderSash.

Board approvalAswithallPathfinderevents,thechurchboard,oraboardappointedbody,mustvoteparticipationapprovalaswellasacknowledgementofthespecificeventdatesforinclusiononthelocalchurchcalendar .


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Highlight

PreparationDecide to participateParticipation in The Pathfinder Bible Experienceshouldnotbemadelightlyoratthelastminute.Foryoutoachievethepurposeoftheevent,thePathfindersneedtohavemadeaseriouscommitmenttoBiblestudy.Tobefairtothem,thismeansanearlystart,andthoroughpreparations.

InSeptemberyouneedtobeencouragingparticipationandpromotetheevent.Studyshouldbeginsoonthereafter.

Clubstaffareencouragedtousetheselectedscriptureasathematicfocusformeetingworships,outreacheventsandotheractivitiesasthiswillhelpreinforcethecontent,aswellasconnectnon-participatingPathfinderswiththosewhoarestudyingforThe Pathfinder Bible Experience .

Practice questionsDuringthefalloftheyear,havevariousindividualspreparepracticequestionscoveringthesectionsofscripturefortheyearandtherelatedbookintroductionsfromThe SDA Bible Commentary.Askyourpastor,teachers,SabbathSchoolleaders,parentsandregularchurchmembers.Youmighteven arrange to share practice questions with other clubs in your area or conference.

Questionsmuststandaloneandbeabletobeansweredindividually.Mostshould require single word or short phrase answers . The Pathfinder Bible Experiencedoesnotusemultiplechoicequestions.Thereshouldbelimiteduseoftrueandfalsequestions.

Questionsshouldalwaysincludethescripturalreference.

Reading and memorizationEachteammembershouldreadthefulltextmultipletimes.Manyfindithelpfultobreakthetextintoseveralblocksandhaveparticipantsfocusonsmallersections,sothatyouhavetwospecialistsoneachthirdofthematerial,butmakesurethateachonecoversallofitaswell .

TheageofPathfindersallowsthemtobemastersofmemorization.Whileittakeslotsofworkitisanextremelyeffectivemethodofpreparationforthechallenge .

ScriptureTherefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

— 1 CoRInthIans 10:31

Sample QuestionQ:FromActs8:9,whatwas

thenameofthesorcererwhoboastedthathewassomeonegreat?

A:Simon.


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Audio learningThe NKJVisavailablefromseveralcompaniesontape,CD,andasdigitaldownloads.Listeningtothereadingscandramaticallyimproveaparticipantsrecall abilities later . They can be played in a vehicle while traveling to a campout,orasaworship,oreveninheadphoneswhiledoingchoresathomeorcommunityserviceprojectswiththeclub.

Theclubcouldalsomaketheirownrecordingsofthebookandsharethemamongsttheteammembers.

Dramatizedversionsarealsoavailable.ThesemakeitevenmoreinterestingandthePathfinderscanthenseetheversesintheirmindwhenthequestionsare asked .

Practice eventsDuringDecemberandJanuary,provideseveralopportunitiesforthePathfinderstopracticeagainstotherteamsfromwithinthecluborspecialpracticeteamsmadeupofchurchmembers.

HavethePathfinderstaketurnsactingasscribeandwritingouttheanswers.Youmayfindthatsomehavebetterskillsatthisthanothers.

YoumaywishtogetotherPathfinderClubstogethertoholdpracticeeventsto encourage everyone to reach the highest level . This way you can share practicetestquestionsaswellasgetafeelforwhattherealeventwillbelike .

Meeting frequencyIftheteamistotrulysucceedtheywillneedtomeettogethermoreoftenthanforafewminutesduringeachweeklyPathfindermeeting.Mosttopteamswillneedtomeetseveralhoursaweekinthefalltostudytogether,andtwoorthreetimesaweekduringJanuaryandearlyFebruary.Theywillneedtocontinuetomeetacoupleoftimesaweekiftheywanttocontinueinfirstplaceatmoreadvancedlevels.

Other creative ideas• Encouragetheteam,infacttheentireclub,toreadtheassigned

scripturesduringprivateandfamilyworship.• EnlistthehelpoftheSabbathSchooldepartmentstoplaygamesand

have activities that will cover the assigned scriptures .• Haveamockeventwiththeentirechurch.

Team SelectionAtsomepointinlatefall,theCoaCh,inconsultationwiththeclubstaffandtheinterestedPathfinderswillneedtoestablishspecificteam(s)thatwillparticipate .

Audio Bible SourcesAudioversionsoftheNJKVBibleareavailableat:

Adventsource.org

Check out these web sites forthelatestdealsonaudioNKJVbibles.Gotothewebsiteandintheirsearchfieldtype:audioNKJV.

adventistbookcenter.com

christianbook.com

amazon.com

biblebible.com

learnoutloud.com


The programRegistrationInearlyJanuarytheclubshouldsendintheirArea Level: The Pathfinder Bible Experience Registration Formtothelocalconference.

Yourconferencemaydetermineadifferentwaytoregister,ortheymaysendyoutheforminthemailorasane-mailattachmentinlateDecemberorearlyJanuary.

Levels Playtakesplaceatfourlevels:Area,Conference,Union,andDivision.Afterparticipationinthelocalareaevent,allteamsholdingafirstplacefinishadvancetothenextlevel.Afterparticipationintheconferenceevent,allteamsholdingafirstplacefinishadvancetotheunionlevel,andsoon.Thatmeansthatateamcouldparticipateinuptofourdifferentlevelsatfourdifferentlocations.

Area LevelConferencesacrossthedivisionuseseveraldifferentnamesandmethodsofdividingtheirterritoryintosmallergeographicregions.Somecallthemregions,somefederations,somesections,butmostcallthemareas,sothatisthetermweuse.Arealeveleventsbringtogetherteamsfromwithinaportionofaconference.Obviouslyyouwantatleasttwoteamsandpreferablymoreinanareaevent.Ideallyanareaeventwouldinclude2to10teams,butitispossiblehavemore.

Withintheconference,therecouldbeasfewastwo(2)areasormanyareas.EachteamregisterswiththeconferencetheirdesiretoparticipateinThe Pathfinder Bible Experience.Theconferencecoordinatestherunningofarealeveleventsbasedonthenumberandlocationofteamsregisteredtoparticipate .

Theconferenceoracoordinatorarrangesavenueforeacharealevelevent.Ideally the location would rotate over the years to the various churches in thearearepresentedbytheparticipatingteams.Thisencourageschurchparticipationandaddssomehometeamspirit.

Single team in an areaInsomecases,theremightonlybeoneteamparticipatingfromanareainaconference.Ifthisisthecase,thenmultipleareasshouldbecombinedsothereareatleasttwoteamsintheevent.

Inextremecasesyoumighthavetojoinwithteamsfromanentirelydifferentconferenceoruniontocompeteatthislevel.

How to progress1. Ateamparticipatesinan

AreaLevelevent.Iftheyearnafirstplacestandingthey advance to the conferencelevelevent.

2. AttheConferenceLevelevent,allteamsearningafirstplacestandingadvance to the union level event .

3. AttheUnionLevelevent,allteamsearningafirstplace standing advance to the division level event .

4. AttheDivisionLevelevent,allteamsearningafirstplacestandingwill be acknowledged appropriately!

Notallteamswhoearnafirstplace standing choose to go to the next level due to other obligations or to the expense oftravel.

FormsAllformsareavailableonlineat:

•pathfindersonline.org •adventsource.org


Conference LevelAllteamswithfirstplacescoresareeligibleforparticipationintheconferencelevelevent.

Alargeenoughfacility,suchasalargechurch,churchschooloracademywouldbechosenthatiscentrallylocatedtohostthenumberoffirstplaceteamsthatwouldbeparticipatinginthislevel.Firstplaceteamsfromtheareadonotneedtoregisterfortheconferencebuttheydoneedtoconfirmthat they will be participating .

Single team in a conferenceInsomecases,theremightbeonlyoneteaminanentireconference.Inthiscasetheteamwillneedtomakearrangementstoparticipateinaneighboringconferencesothatthereareatleasttwoteamsintheevent.

Inextremecasesyoumighthavetojoinwithteamsfromanentirelydifferentuniontocompeteatthislevel.

Union LevelAllfirstplaceteamsfromtheconferenceeventareeligibletoparticipateinthe union level event .

Alargeenoughfacility,suchasalargechurch,academyorcollegewouldbe chosen that is centrally located within the Union to host the event .

Atthisleveleachconferencewillneedtoregistertheirfirstplaceteamswith The Pathfinder Bible Experience Union Coordinator so proper arrangementscanbemade.Thisconfirmationcanbedonebyphone,fax,ore-mail.

Theremaybeanywherefromonetoseveralconferencesparticipating.IfthereisnoUnionyouthdirectortoleadoutintheprogram,thenoneoftheconferencedirectors,oraconferencecoordinatormaycoordinatethislevelsothevariousconferencesmayparticipateatthislevelandallfirstplaceteamswillbeabletomoveontothedivisionlevel.

Single team in a unionInsomecases,theremightbeonlyoneteaminanentireunion.Inthiscasetheteamwillneedtomakearrangementstoparticipateinaneighboringunionsothatthereareatleasttwoteamsintheevent.

Division LevelAllfirstplaceteamsfromtheunioneventaretheneligibletoparticipatein the division level event . Those attending the division Pathfinder Bible Experiencehaveplacedfirstinallthreepriorlevels:Area,Conference,andUnion.Youcannotskipalevel,youmustparticipateatalllevels.EachconferencewillneedtoregistertheirfirstplaceteamsfromtheUnionevent with The Pathfinder Bible Experience Division Coordinator . This confirmationcanbedonebyfax,mailore-mail.

Alargeenoughfacility,suchasalargechurch,academyorcollegewouldbe chosen to host the event .

Event DatesAreaThefirstSabbathinFebruary

ConferenceThefirstSabbathofMarch.

Union The last Sabbath in March

Division The third Sabbath in April.

Thelocalconferenceandunionmayalterthedateforwardorbackwardaweekaccording to their unique scheduling needs .


The EventThissectionoutlinestheorganizationalneedsandtasksofcoordinatorsatalllevelsofThe Pathfinder Bible Experience.

CoordinationSee The Program; Levels,onpage8fordetails.

Question distributionParticipatingconferenceswillreceiveacopyofthequestionsintimefortheirareaandconferencelevels.Participatingunionswillreceiveacopyofthequestionsintimefortheirlevel.Eachlevelwillhaveanewsetofquestionsthatwouldincreaseindifficultyasthelevelsincrease.

Event flow, play & detailsTimeslistedareapproximate.Remember,themoreteamsparticipating,themoretimewillberequired.

Event preparation by the event staff - 1:00 pm 1.Arriveatthesitefarenoughaheadofthestartingtimetohavesetup

completebeforetheteamsarrive. 2.Confirmthatthebuildingisopen,lightsareon,temperatureisset,and

restroomsareaccessible. 3.Setuptheequipment. 4.SetupthetablesandchairsfortheQuiz maSTer, Clerk and the three

appeal JudGeS. 5.Setupseatingfortheparticipatingteams.SixmembersplusaGrader. 6. SetupchairsneartheteamsfortheirCourier. OneCourierforevery

fourteams.

Event preparation by the team - Times vary according to distance 1.Bedressedinfulldressuniform. 2.Arriveatthesiteontime.

Staff Briefing - 2:00 pm •Thepbe CoordinaTormeetswiththeeventstafftoreviewpolicies

andanswerquestionsandhasprayerwiththem.

Team Check in - 2:15 pm •Astheteamchecksintheyareassignedacircleofchairs. •Theyaregiventheiranswercardsandtheirpen. •TheyareintroducedtotheGrader and Grader •Teammembersturnoverallelectronicdevices,Bibles,andnotesin

theirpossessiontoclubstafforattendingparents.

Welcome - 2:30 pm •TheQuiz maSTer welcomesthegroupandintroducesthestaffandthe

participatingteams.

Equipment & Supplies NeededEach location hosting The

Pathfinder Bible Experience event will need to have certainequipmentandsupplies on hand . •Alargeprojectionscreen •AnLCDprojector •Acomputerloadedwith

MicroSoftPowerPoint,and a power cord

•APowerPointpresentationoftheproper level questions and answers

•Aprojectorstand. •Atableforthecomputer •Cablestoconnect

thecomputertotheprojector

•Atablefortheappeal JudGeS

•Threechairsfortheappeal JudGeS

•ApodiumandmicrophonefortheQuiz maSTer

•AtablefortheClerk. (The Quiz maSTermayalso sit at the table rather thanstandatapodium.)

•Twochairs,onefortheClerk andonefortheQuiz maSTer .

•AstopwatchorothermethodofkeepingaccuratetrackofsecondsoftimefortheClerk

•100sheetsofpre-numberedpaperorcardstockperteamonwhichtheteamscribewillwrite their answers

•Amarkerperteamforthe scribe

•AscorecardandpenforeachteamGrader


DisqualificationIndividual Disqualification

Ateammemberwillbedisqualifiediftheyarenotwearingthecompletedressuniformoriftheyarenotingrades5-10.

Coaches are to see that each teammemberisinproperuniform.

Team DisqualificationBecausethesamequestionsare

usedinallareas,conferences,andunions,teamsareprohibitedfromcommunicatingwithotherteamsinregardstoanyofficialquestionbeingusedandanylevelofThe Pathfinder Bible Experience programthatyear.

Ifthiskindofcontacttakesplaceandisdiscoveredtheteamwouldbedisqualifiedfromanyfurtherparticipationandwouldforfeitallstandingsfrompriorparticipation that year .

Eachteammembermustsignan Integrity Pledge at each level affirmingamongstotherthings,thattheyhavenothadusageofofficialquestionsexceptduringtheeventitself.TheIntegrity Pledge is available on line .

Point Disqualification & Team Expulsion

Anypointsearnedduringplay,whilebeingcoached,commentedto,orproddedbyanaudiencememberthroughanychannelormethodwillberevoked.

Asecondinstanceduringthesamedayofplaywillresultintheteambeingexpelledfromplay,andmakesthemineligibleto participate in any higher levels that year .

Opening Exercises - 2:35 pm •Prayer •PledgeandLaw •PathfinderSong

Song Service (Optional) - 2:40 pm •Twoorthreesongs

Instructions - 2:45 pm •TheQuiz maSTerreviewstherulesofplaylistedunderQuizPart1.

TherulesshouldbeprojectedonthescreenwhiletheQuiz maSTer reviewsthem.

•Theyalsoreviewthegroundsfordisqualificationandexpulsionaslistedinthemanualandremindthemthatnooneontheteammayhave any electronic device on their person during the event .

•RemindtheaudienceandtheteamsthatChristiandecorumisexpectedofallpresent.

Quiz Part 1 - 2:50 pm •Halfthequestionswillbeaskedduringpart1. •ThefirstquestionisprojectedonthescreenandtheQuiz maSTer

readsittwice.IfthequestionisworthmorethanonepointtheQuiz maSTer willannouncethepointvaluebeforereadingthequestion.Forexample,“Fortwopoints,nameAdam'sfirsttwosons.”

•WhentheQuiz maSTerhasreadthequestiontwice,theClerk starts thestopwatchandrunsitfor10seconds.Duringthistimetheteamdiscussesanddeterminestheanswer.TheTeam CapTainmakesthefinaldecisionandtellsthescribewhattowrite.

•At10secondstheClerkwillcall“Time”andtheTeam SCribemustwrite,withouthesitation,theansweronthepre-numberedpaperforthat question .

•Answersmaybewrittenbeforetimeiscalled. •Afteranappropriatepauseofabout3secondsfortheTeam SCribe to

write the answer . The Quiz maSTer will change the slide and read the answertwice.Alongerpausewouldbemadeformultipartanswers.

•AtthistimetheGraderwilldetermineiftheteamcorrectlyansweredthe question and writes the question score on the score card and keeps arunningtotaloftheteamscompletescore.Iftheteamdidnothaveananswerdecidedwhen“Time”wascalled,theydonotreceivepointsfortheiranswer.

`•IftheteamfeelsthattheGraderscoredthemincorrectly,theysayto the Grader“Challenge.”TheGrader then takes the answer card and gives it to a Courier, who walks the card to the appeal panel. The appeal panel JudGeSconsidertheansweranddeterminethefinalpointvalueoftheanswer,writingthescoreonthecard.Theirdecisionisfinal.Noadditionalappealisallowed.TheCourier then returns the card to the Graderwhoadjuststhescorepertheappeal panel instructions .

Regularplaycontinueswhileappealsarebeingmade. GraderSmaynotrefuseachallenge. The appeal panelmaydenyateamtherighttoappealiftheteam


isfelttobechallengingeverywronganswertheyget.HowevertheAppealPanelshouldbeverycautiousintheirdecisiontodenyateamfurtherappeals,justastheteamshouldbereasonableinthefrequencyoftheirchallenges.

•AttheendofthehalftheQuiz maSTerannouncesintermission. •TheGraderwritesinthetotalscoreforthehalfontheScorecard.

Intermission - 3:35 pm •5minutes •DuringthistimetheGrader double checks the running totals . •Duringintermission,ateammaychoosetoreplaceoneoftheirteam

memberswiththeirdesignatedalternate.

Quiz Part 2 - 3:40 pm •Thesecondhalfofthequestionsareasked. •PlayproceedsinthesamemannerasoutlinedinQuizPart1. •Attheendofplay,theGraderwritesthesecondhalftotalonthe

scorecardandalsototalforbothhalves. •TheGraderdoublechecksthesecondhalftotal,andthefinaltotal. •TheGrader then takes the score card to the Clerk.

Devotional (Optional) - 4:25 pm •A10minutedevotionalbasedonthesectionofscripturethatisbeing

covered . •ThisalsogivestheClerktimetofinalizetheawards.

Offering (Optional) - 4:35 pm •Thecollectionofanofferingisatthediscretionofthepbe

CoordinaTor.Ifoneiscollected,thefundsshouldbeusedtodefraytheexpensesoftheprogramortoprovidetravelsupporttotheteamsmovingontothenextlevel.

Presentation of Awards - 4:40 pm •Thepbe CoordinaTor or the Quiz maSTer will present the awards

earnedduringtheevent.Everyteamreceivesanaward,asallarewinnersasthechildrenofGod.

•Tolessenthecompetitivespirit,exactpointsarenotgivenorstatedpubliclyduringtheprogram.Onlytheplacestandingsareannounced.

•Standingsareannouncedbycallingtheclubsinalphabeticalorderandstatingtheirstanding.ItisPBEpolicythatspecificscoresareneverannounced or released .

•EachteamreceivesaCertificate of Participation. •Eachindividualparticipantreceivesanaward.(Stillunder

development)

Closing Prayer - 4:50 pm

Variations of NKJVThereareatleasttwodifferent

manuscriptsfortheNew King James Version of the Bible. Thevariationsareminorandinfrequent,buttheydoexist.Teamsareencouragetobringalong the actual Bible with which they studied .

Pathfindersshouldbeencouraged to use the latest editionofthePathfinder Bible.

FormsAllformsareavailableonlineat:

•pathfindersonline.org •adventsource.org


Tony

Highlight

Standings 90Questionswillbeaskedateachlevelofplay.Pointsareawardedforcorrectanswers.Ranking are established by "grading on the curve ." Rankingisasfollows:

• Ascoreof90%orabove,ascomparedtothetopscoreearnedattheevent,earnstheteamafirstplacestanding .

• Ascoreof80-90%,ascomparedtothetopscoreearnedatthatevent,earnstheteamasecondplacestanding .

• Ascoreof79%,ascomparedtothetopscoreearnedatthatevent,orbelowearnstheteamathirdplace standing .

Optional ideas •Arrangetohaveaphotographerpresenttotakehistoricaland

promotionalpicturesthatcanbeusedintheconferenceorunionpaperorwebsite.Youmayneedtohaveeveryonesignaphotorelease,thoughinmostcaseslikethisyouarenotrequiredtoasitisapubliceventandthephotoswillbeusedforeditorialuseratherthancommercialuse.

•Havecannedorlivemusicplayingintheeventareaastheteamsandaudiencearrive.Sometimesthiscontributestoeverincreasingnoiselevels .

•Haveprogramsprintedthatlistthedetailsoftheevent,therulesandtheteamsparticipating.Youcouldalsolistthenextlevelevent,date,and location .

•Provideblankanswersheetstoaudiencememberssothattheycantesttheirownknowledgeofthescriptures.


Personnel & Their DutiesPersonnel are appointed by the pbe CoordinaTor forthelevelatwhichtheywillbeworking.Forexample,theConferenCe pbe CoordinaTor would appoint the Quiz maSTer, Clerk, GraderS, JudGeS and CourierSfortheconferencelevelevent.

Quiz MasterThe Quiz maSTeractsashostandMCfortheevent,andreadsthequestions.Theyreadeachquestiontwice.Itisrecommendedthatthepbe CoordinaTor not be the Quiz maSTersothattheymaydealwithissuesthatmayariseduringplay .

They can be the YouTh direCTor, ConferenCe paThfinder direCTor,apastor,an area CoordinaTor or even a loCal paThfinder direCTor.

ClerkThe Clerk,withtheuseofastopwatchorothertechnology,regulatesthe10seconddiscussionperiodwhiletheteamdeterminestheanswerthatwouldberecorded.ThetimebeginsafterthequestionisreadtwicebytheQuiz maSTer.

The Clerkwillcalltheendoftime,loudenoughforalltheparticipatingteamsto hear .

The ClerkreceivesthecompletedscorecardsfromeachGrader and tabulates finalteamstandings.

The Clerk, is appointed by the PBE coordinator at each level . They should be anadultwithnospecificclubaffiliation.

GraderEachteamneedsanadultGrader.Theymustbefromadifferentclubthantheonetheyaregrading,andpreferablynotaffiliatedwithanyclub.

The GraderSjobistodetermineiftheanswergivenbytheteamiscorrectornot.Oncetheyhavemadethedeterminationtheyrecordthescore.

The Graderkeepstrackoftheteam’sanswerscoreandcumulativescoreontheteamsscoresheet.SeeScore sheetinformssectionofthismanual.

Atintermissionandattheendoftheroundtheywilldoublechecktherunningtotalforaccuracy.

It is also the GraderSdutytowatchforinappropriatecommunicationbetweenteammembersandanyoneintheaudience.Anypointsearnedduringplay,whilebeingcoached,commentedto,orproddedbyanaudiencememberthroughanychannelormethodwillberevokedbytheGrader, and reported to the pbe CoordinaTor.

PBE CoordinatorThepersonresponsibleforThe

Pathfinder Bible Experience at each level is the pbe CoordinaTor.

Atthearealevelthiswouldnormallybethearea CoordinaTor or their designee. *

AttheconferencelevelthiswouldnormallybetheConferenCe YouTh direCTor, ConferenCe paThfinder direCTor or their designee .*

Attheunionlevelthiswouldnormallybetheunion YouTh direCTor, union paThfinder direCTor, union paThfinder CoordinaTor, their designee or a person appointed to that role by the ConferenCe YouTh direCTorS in that union .

Atthedivisionlevelthiswouldnormallybetheapersondesignatedby the diviSion YouTh direCTor.

The PBE Coordinators responsibilitiesare: •tooverseeorganizationofat

leastoneleveloftheprogram,fromregistrationthroughcompletion.Aconferencelevelcoordinatorwillmostlikely oversee all area levels aswellastheconferencelevel .

•toarrangefortheneededpersonnelinatimelymanner

•toarrangeforthemeetingvenue

•inthecaseofconferenceandunionlevelcoordinators,to act as contact with the diviSion pbe CoordinaTor.

*IfaclubwishestoparticipateinthePBEprogram,buttheirconferencedoesnotwishtoparticipate,theclub pbe CoaCh should contact the diviSion pbe CoordinaTor directly forfurtherinstructions.


Asecondinstanceofcoachingetc.,duringthesamedayofplaywillresulttheintheteambeingdisqualifiedfromthatlevelandanyfuturelevelthatyear.

Specific issues of gradingAccuratespellingisnotrequired,buttheanswermustberecognizable.

Toassistwithaccurategrading,theanswersheetforanyquestionthathasthree(3)ormorepointsshouldbegivento the Grader while the answers are given by the Quiz maSTersotheycanbecheckedoffonebyone.

The Pathfinder Bible Experiencequestionsarenotmultiplechoice.Therefore,additionalanswersgivenbeyondthenumberrequestedarenotaccepted.Theteammustcrossoffanyanswertheydonotwantinthelistorthefirstanswers will be the accepted ones .

DirectquotesfromtheBibleandfillintheblanksmustbeexactwordsintheexactorder.

Appeal Panel JudgeThree (3) adults serve as appeal panel JudGeS. appeal panel JudGeS determinetheteamsscoreforagradetheyhavechallengedonaspecificquestion.

appeal panel JudGeSshouldbeindividualswithBiblicalknowledgeandakeensenseoffairplayandjustice.Pastors,churcheldersorBibleteacherswouldbeexcellentcandidatesforthesepositions.

Thepanelalsomeetsonehourbeforetheeventtoreviewthequestionsandconfirmthattheyareasclearaspossible.Ifthereisanychangemadeinaquestion,itmustbemodifiedonthejudgesprintedquestionlist,AND the electronic filetheQuiz maSTer uses .

Iftwolanguagesareused,thentheremustbeatleasttwojudgesperlanguageforatotaloffourjudges.Therecouldbeuptothreejudgesperlanguage.

Ifthreelanguagesareused,thenagaintheremustbeatleasttwojudgesperlanguageforatotalofsixjudges.Therecouldbeuptothreejudgesperlanguage.

Specific issues on judgingDirectquotesfromtheBiblewithfillintheblankanswersmustbeexactwordsintheexactorder.

ThejudgesaretoupholdtheanswersgivenbytheQuiz maSTerforeachquestion.Iftheanswerisdifferentthantheone given by the Quiz maSTer,itcanonlybeacceptedifitisfoundtobecorrectintheprintedversionoftheNew King James Version, Nueva Reina Valera 2000,Version Louis Segond en Français and the SDA Bible Commentary book introductions .

CourierIncaseofachallenge,aCourier walks the contested answer sheet to the appeal panel JudGeS. The pbe CoordinaTor will provide a Courierforeveryfourteamsorfractionthereof.CourierScanbenon-playingPathfindersorAdventurers.Oncetheappeal panel JudGeShavemadeadecision,theCourier will return the contestedanswersheetbacktotheteamGraderforgradeupdating.

Song LeaderASonG leader,pianist,guitarist,orpraiseteamtoleadashortsongserviceatthebeginningoftheevent.

Devotional SpeakerSomeonetogivea10minutedevotionalbasedonthesectionofscripturethatisbeingcovered.


Seal purchasing infoSeals are available at Adventsource.org

Forms of RecognitionCertificatesEachteamparticipatingreceivesacertificateindicatingthelevelofplay(area,conference,union,ordivision)andtheirstanding(first,second,orthird)intheevent.Seesampleinthebackofthismanual.

Thesecertificatescanbeprintedupbeforetheevent,exceptofcoursefortheir standing .

Certificate SealThecertificatehasafoilsealthatisattachedattheendoftheeventtoindicatethestandingoftheteamatthefinishofthelevelevent.

Authenticating SignatureEachcertificateissignedbythepbe CoordinaTorforthelevelinwhichthey are participating .

Atthearealevel,thiswouldtypicallybeanarea CoordinaTor, YouTh direCTor or ConferenCe paThfinder direCTor.Attheconferencelevelitwould typically be the YouTh direCTor or ConferenCe paThfinder direCTor. AttheunionitcouldbeeitherthepersoninchargeofPathfindersfortheunion,theunion pbe CoordinaTor or the union preSidenT.Atthedivisionit would be the diviSion pbe CoordinaTor, the diviSion YouTh direCTor, or the diviSion preSidenT.

Other forms of recognition are under consideration.


KeyQuizMasterClerkAppealPanelJudgeGradersTeamMembersCouriersAudience

Additional NotesTravel & Lodging ExpensesTraveltoandfromtheeventlocationistheresponsibilityoftheclubunlessotherarrangementsaremadebyyourconference.Thereisapttobeeconomicvalueforteamstotraveltogethertounionanddivisionlevelevents .

MealsMealsfortheteamistheresponsibilityofthelocalclub.Sometimestheeventhostchurch,cluborschoolwillarrangeafellowshipmealfollowingthe event .Attheunionanddivisionlevel,leadershipisencouragedtoprepareatleasttheeveningmealifnotthenoonlunchaswell.

Drivers & InsuranceAlldriversaretobeapprovedbyyourlocalchurchboardalsoandeachvehicleusedtotransportPathfindersistobeinsuredaccordingtoyourlocalconferenceguidelines.

Make It FunAsyouleadyourPathfindersintoThe Pathfinder Bible Experience, be sure tokeepitfunandenjoyable.Thestudyofscriptureisseriousbusiness,butifyoubecomeoverbearingandilltemperedintheprocess,youwillnegatemuchoftheblessingoftheevent.

Typical Room Set Up

Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Team 5 Team 6

Audience at least 15' away from the teams

Appeal Panel

Screen

Quiz Master & Clerk


Chapter Guide Outline:

1. Warm-up Questionsforindividualreflection/smallgroupdiscussion.ThesequestionswillattempttohelpparticipantsrelateaspectsoftheirownlivestothelivesofBiblecharacters.Thiswillinvolvepersonalsharing.

2. Engaging the Chapter Thiswillincludesomediscussionofthechapterandoneormoreofthefollowing:

a.Enteringtheversesasaparticipantorbystandertohelpimaginethescene

b.Relevanthistorical/backgroundinformation

c.Reflection/discussionquestionsthatgodeeperintothechapter

3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life

a . Thought provoking application questions

b.Callsforcommitmenttoaction

4. Time of Prayer Mayincludeanyorallofthefollowing:Adoration/confession/requests/praises/silentprayer/conversationalprayer .

5. Outreach Ideas Somechapterguidesincludeideasforgettingoutsideofyourgroupandreachingtheworldaroundyou—that’showyouliveit!

Recommended Companions for this Series Pathfinder Bible,www.adventsource.orgAndrews Study Bible,http://bible.andrews.eduAuthentic: Committed for LifebyScottR.Ward,www.adventistbookcenter.comLiving It High School Outreach Resources for Pathfinders,http://livingiths.org/resources/pathfinders


Part I: David's Kingdom Established

(Chapters 1-10)

Application Guide: 2 Samuel 1

1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Haveyouevercutyourselfaccidentallywithapocketknifeorsomeothersharpobject?How

did it happen? Did you cry?

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b. Haveyoueverbeenbulliedorseensomeoneelsegetbullied?Whatwasitlike?Howcanyouhelpstopbullyingfromhappening?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)Background:TheBibletalksrepeatedlyabouttensofthousandsofsoldiersmarchingagainsteachotherastheyconqueredthepromisedlandonebattleatatimeanditwasthisverytypeofbattlethatwasbeingreferredtohereinthefirstchapterofthebookof2Samuel.ThesewerebarbarictimesandGodhadtotryand work with the people where they were . . . .HaveyoueverseenanyoftheChroniclesofNarniaorTheLordoftheRingsmovies?TheepicbattlescenesjustcaptivatedmyimaginationwhenIsawmyfirstNarniamovie.I'dneverbeenabletopicturewhattheseancientbattleswitharmieswieldingswordsandspearslookedlikebefore.TometheylookjustlikewhattheBibledescribesinit'sragingbattlesforTheLord(minustheGryphons,Centaurs,etc.).Picture it:ImagineyouwereasoldierinancientIsrael.Howdoyouthinkyouwouldfeelbeinginthemidstofthousandsofmightymenswingingrazorsharpswordsandspearsineverydirection?DoyouthinkyouwouldbecryingoutforGod’shelplikeDavidoftendid?

WhatkindsofthingsmakeyoucryouttoGodtoday?

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The Pathfinder Bible Experience

WhenDavidandhismenfoundoutthatSaulandJonathanhadlosttheirlivesduetooneoftheseepicbattlestheytoretheirclothesandputdirtontheirheadsandwailedandcriedforhours—evendays.JonathanwasDavid’sbestfriend,butkeepinmindthatSaulhuntedDavidlikeawildanimalforyearstryingtokillhimoutofjealousrage.Andyet,Davidmournedbothhisfriendandhisenemy.Haveyoueverfeltsuchcompassionforsomeonewhodidn'tseemtodeserveit?Howhardisthattodo?Why?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. WatchoneoftheChroniclesofNarniamoviesoranotherBiblemoviewithepicbattlescenesto

tryandgetafeelforwhatancientBiblicalbattlesmusthavelookedandfeltlike.AskyourselfordiscusswithafriendhowGodcouldworkinsuchbarbaricconditionsbackthenandhowyoucanbeusedbyGodintheconditionsinwhichyoulivetoday.

b. Oftentimesbullieshavebeenvictimsofbullyingthemselves.WhatdoyouthinkyoucandotobemorelikeDavidandshowkindnesstothosewhobullyyouoryourfriends?

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)Spendafewminutesprayingforthosewhohavebeenmeanorinconsideratetoyouorafriend.AskJesustohelpthemfeelbadaboutthewaytheytreatyouandtogivethemadesiretochangetheirways.AskJesustohelpyoubekindtotheminspiteofthewaytheytreatyou

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The Pathfinder Bible Experience for 2 Samuel 1


1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. DoyouknowwhataOuijaBoardis?Whatdoyouknowabouthowitworksandwhatisdoes?

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b. DoyouknowwhattheThummimandUrimare?Whatdoyouknowabouthowtheyworkandwhattheyarefor?

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c. WhatisthedifferencebetweenOuijaBoardsandtheThummimandUrim?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)HaveyoueverwishedyoucouldaskGodaquestionandHewouldanswerinavoiceasclearasyourmomordad's?InDavid'stimetheyhadsomethingcalledtheUrimandThummim—funnynames—right?

TheUrimandThummimwerespecialstonesmountedontheHighPriestsbreast-plate.Thisbreast-platewasakindofcoveringthatfitovertheHighPriest’schestandwasusedinceremoniesandforaskingGodquestions.ItwasmadeofgoldandhadjewelsrepresentingeachofthetwelvetribesofIsraelandtheUrimandThummimwerethewayGodwouldanswersimplequestions—onewouldlightupwhentheanswerwas "yes" and the other would light when the answer was "no ."

WhydoyouthinkGodnolongerusethesesspecial"yes"and"no"stonestocommunicatewithchurchleaderstoday?DoyouthinkitwouldbeaneasierwaytogetanswersfromGod?

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IfGoddidstillcommunicatewithpeoplethatway—whatkindofquestionswouldyouliketoask?

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HowdoesGodanswerquestionslikethistoday?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. Haveaconversationwithanadultthatyouknowandtrust.AskthemwhatkindofquestionsGod

hasansweredforthemandaskspecificallyhowtheyknewtheanswerswerefromGod.

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b. MakeacommitmenttospendmoretimereadingyourBibleeachdaysothatyoucanbecomefamiliarwiththekindsofquestionsGodtypicallyansweredintheBibletimesandwhyyouthinkHeansweredthemthewayHedid.

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4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)PrayandaskJesustohelpyoufocusyourprayersontherequeststhatweknowGodwantstoanswerwitha“yes.”Requestslike:

a. Pleasehelpmetoremembertospendtimewithyoueveryday.

b. Pleasehelpmetohavepeaceinmyheart.

c. PleasehelpmetobeusedbyYoutohelpothers

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1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Haveyoueverhadacrushontwopeopleatthesametime?Doyouthinkitwouldbehardto

datetwopeopleatonce?Why/whynot?

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b. Haveyoueversaidsomethingandthenwishedyoucouldtakeitbackimmediately?Isiteasytotakebackhurtfulthingsyou’vesaid?Why/whynot?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)Background: Noticethathere,inthefirstfewversesofChapter3,itisrecordedthatDavidhad6sonsborntohimwhilehelivedinHebron.Didyoualsonoticethattheseson’smothersallhaddifferentnames?InBibletimesitwascommonforkingstohavemorethanonewife.Manykingsalsohadlotsofconcubines.Whydoyouthinkitwasacceptableforkingstoliveandhavechildrenwithsomanydifferentwomenatthesameinthosedays?

Whydoyouthinkitisnotacceptable—infactitisillegal—tohavemorethanonewifeintheUnitedStates today?

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Whatdoyouthinkwouldbethehardestpartabouthavingmorethanonespouseatthesametime?Whatwouldbethebestpart?Doyouthinkthebestpartwouldoutweightheworstpart?Why/whynot?

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More Background:Inthenextpartofthischapterweseesomeoftheproblemwithhavingtoomanywives/girlfriendsatonce.Ishbosheth,Saul’sson,accusedAbner,thecommanderofSaul’sarmy,ofsleepingwithoneofhisfather’sconcubines.ThisledtoAbnerdefectingtoDavid’ssideandendingthereignofSaul’ssonoverIsrael.Allthebetrayal,fighting,deathinthischapterwasoverwomenandsex.Doboys/menstillfightovergirls/womentoday?Whydoyouthinkthatis?Doyouthinkgirls/womenlikebeingfoughtover?Why/whynot?

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OneofDavid’sgreatestmistakesrecordedintheBibleiswhenhesawBathshebabathingonherroofandsentforhersothathecouldsleepwithher.Howmuchofthissituationdoyouthinkwasduetothefactthatthecultureconsidereditacceptableforkingstosleepwithlotsofwomen?DoyouthinkDavidwouldhavemadethesamekindofmistakeifhewerethepresidentoftheunitedstatestoday?Why/whynot?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. Afterreadingaboutallthedramaoversexinthischapteritwouldbeagreattimetomakeavow

towaituntilmarriagetohavesex.Askyourparentsoryouthleaderabouthowtotakeapurityvow.Google“truelovewaits”and“vowsofpurity”forideasandcurriculumsfordoingthis.

b. Haveadiscussionwithyourparentsorayouthleaderabouthowwatchingmovieswithsexandlovescenesandlisteningtomusicwithsexuallyexplicitlyricscanimpactyourownpersonalviewsofsexandlove.

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)a. PrayforGodtohelpyouhavepurethoughtstowardsotherpeople.

b. PrayforJesustohelpyoutochoosetoavoidentertainmentthatissexuallyinappropriate.

c. PrayforyourfuturespouseandforyourselftoremainpureuntilthedaythatGodbringsyoutogetherinmarriage.

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1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. WhatistheworststoryofbetrayalyouknowofinBibletimes?Whatmadeitsobad?

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b. Whatistheworststoryofbetrayalyouknowofinmoderntimes?Whatmadeitsobad?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:Thischaptertellsthestoryofbetrayal.Twomen,BaanahandRecab,whowerecaptainsofkingIshbosheth’sraidingpartiesheardthattheirgreatcommander,Abner,haddefectedtoDavid’ssideandthenbeenkilled.TheyapparentlyrealizedthatkingIshboshethwasintheprocessoflosingpowersotheydecidedtokillhimandtakehisheadtoDavidtoshowwhattheyhaddone.

Whatisthedifferencebetweenkillingandmurderintimesofwar?

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WhatdoyouthinkBaanahandRecabfelttheyhadtogainbycommittingthisactofmurder?

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Whatmakesthisstoryastoryofbetrayal?

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How do you think the sleeping doorkeeper should be teated in this situation?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)InthisstoryDavidshowsthathedoesn’tbelieveingettingrevengeonhisenemieshimself.Instead,DavidleavesrevengeandjusticeinGod’shands.Thinkofatimewhenyouhavetriedtogetrevenge

a. Whathappenedthatmadeyoufeellikeyouneededtogetrevenge?

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b . How did the situation turn out?

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c. What did you learn fromDavid’s story that could help you to dealwith situations like thisdifferently?

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4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)a.PrayandaskJesustoforgiveyouforthetimesyou’vetriedtogetrevenge.

b. PrayandaskJesustohelpyouremembertoleavejusticeinGod’shands.

c. Prayforpeacetoalwaysdealwithdifficultsituationscalmly.

5. Outreach IdeaGoandtalktosomeonethathasmadeyouangryandmadeyoufeellikeyouneededrevenge.Tellthemthatyouforgivethemandwanttostartoverwithyourrelationship.

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1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Haveyouevermovedtoanewschoolandhadtomakenewfriends?Whatwasitliketobethe

“newkidontheblock”andhavetostartoverinanewplace?

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b. Howdoyoutreatnewstudentsthatmovetoyourschool?Areyouwelcomingandfriendlyordoyoukeepyourdistance?Isiteasyorhardfornewstudentstobreakintoyourcircleoffriends?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:AfteryearsontherunDavidisfinallybeingestablishedaskingoftheentireIsraelitenationandsetsupJerusalemasthecapitolofhiskingdom.AllhispatienceandkindnessintoleratingSaul’smistreatmentbecausehewas“theLord’sanointed”hasfinallypaidoff.

DoyouthinkthatwhenpeoplearebeingbulliedtodaytheyshouldbepatientlikeDavidorfightback?

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Daviddidn’tgive-intobullying.HealwaysdefendedhisfriendsandfamilyfromthebullybutheneverwentontheoffensivewhenSaulwasafterhim.Whydoyouthinkthatwas?HowcanpeoplefollowDavid’sexamplewhentheyarebeingbulliedtoday?

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DavidalwaystalkedtoGodabouthissituationandalwaysaskedGodtotellhimwhattodoweatherhewasrunningfromSaulorsettinguphiskingdom.HowcanyouseekGod’sguidanceinallthesituationsyoufaceinyourlifetoday?

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o

o


3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Thinkofasituationyouareinvolvedinrightnowwheresomeoneisbeingunkindtoyou.Discuss

thesituationwithyouryouthleaderandsomefriendsandtrytomakeaplanofhowyoucandealwith the situation like David did .

b. Thinkofsometimeswhenyouhavehadconflictwithyourparents.DiscusswithyouryouthleaderhowyoucanapplytheprincipalsDavidusedindealingwithconflictinyoursituation.Isdealingwithparentsdifferentthandealingwithothers?

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4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)a. PrayforJesustohelpyoutoalwaysbekindtoothers—especiallythosewhomistreatyou.

b. PrayandaskJesustohelpyoulearnwhatitmeansto“turntheothercheek.”

5. Outreach IdeaThinkofsomethingniceyoucandoforsomeonewhoeitherignoresyouorisunkindtoyou.Trywritinganicenoteorjustsmilingandsaying,“hello.”

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o

o

o



1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Whatisyourfavoritestyleofmusic?Why?

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b. Haveyoueverheardpeoplefightoverwhatstylemusicshouldbeplayedinchurch?Whydoyou think that is?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:DavidhasdecidedtobringtheArkoftheLordtoJerusalemwherehewillestablishthereligiouscenterofhisempire.Theprocessionconsistedof30,000elitetroopsandlotsofpeoplesingingandplayinginstruments.Herearejustafewoftheinstrumentsmentioned:Lyres,harps,tambourines,castanets,andcymbals.ThischapteralsosaysthatDaviddancedbeforetheLordwithallhismightinapriestlyrobeandofferedsacrificesalongtheway.

WhydoyouthinkDavidbroughtsomanysoldiersintheprocession?

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WhydoyouthinkDavidofferedsacrificesalongtheway?

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WhydoyouthinkDavidandhispeopleusedloudinstrumentslikecymbalsandtambourinesforasacredprocession?

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o

o


WhydoyouthinkDaviddancedbeforetheLord?WhatdoyouthinkisthedifferencebetweenDavid’sstyleofdancingandthestyleofdancingthattakesplaceinbarswherepeoplegotodrinkalcohollateatnight?Doyouthinktherearekindsofdancingthatareappropriateandinappropriate?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose 2-3:a. Differentchurchesusedifferentstylesofmusicduringtheirworshipservices.Searchtheinternet

andtrytofindseveraldifferentstylesofchurchmusic.

b. Haveadiscussionwiththepastororotherleadersofyourchurchtotryandfindoutwhyyourchurchusedthestyleofmusicthatitdoes.

c. Havesomediscussionswithyourparentsandotheryouthleadersaboutwhatkindofsecularmusicisappropriatetolistento.Dodifferentpeoplehavedifferentfeelingsaboutwhatkindofmusicisappropriatetolistento?Whydoyouthinkthatis?

d. Haveadiscussionwithyouryouthleaderaboutdancing.Discusswhateachofyouthinksisappropriate and inappropriate . .

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)PrayfortheHolySpirittoguideyouwhenyouchoosewhichstylesofsecularandsacredmusictolistento.PrayforGodtoimpressyouifthereisanymusicyouneedtodeletefromyourlife.

o

o


Application Guide: 2 Samuel 71. Warm-up (5-10 min)

Choose one:a. Haveyoueverunderestimatedsomeone’scharacterorabilities?Whathappened?

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b. WhatkindofpotentialdoyouthinkGodhasgivenyou?

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c. WhattalentsdoyouhavethatyouthinkGodmaywanttouseinHisservice?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)Background:DavidwasbornasimpleshepherdbutGodcouldseehischaracterandhispotentialsoHechosehimtobecomethesecondkingofIsrael.GodchosebothSaulandDavidtobekings.WhydoyouthinkDavidwassomuchbetterasaking?DoyouthinkGodmadeamistakewhenhechoseSaul?Why/why not?

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The Situation:NowthatDavid’skingdomisestablishedandhehasacapitolandapalacehefeelsbadthatthereisnopermanentsanctuaryforGod.Haveyoueverfeltbadabouthowyourchurchlooks?Doyoueverwishitwasanicerplace?Whatcouldyoudotomakeitbetter?

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Doyouthinkitwouldbenicetohaveaprophetaroundtoday—someoneyoucouldtalktoandtheycouldcomebackandtellyouexactlywhatGodthinksofyourplans?Why/whynot?

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o

o


HowcanyougetinputfromGodonyourlifeandplanstoday?HowdoesGodcommunicatewithusandanswer questions?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. MakealistofallthetalentsyouthinkGodhasgivenyou.Haveaconversationwithanadult

abouthowyoucanimproveanddevelopyourtalents.

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b. Makealistofallthetalentsyouwishyouhad.Trytodecidewhyitisthatyouwantthesetalents.Doyouthinkitisbettertoprayfortalentsthatbenefitothersoryourself?Why?

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4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)PrayforGodtohelpyoudevelopthetalentsHehasgivenyou.AskHimtohelpyourecognizewhichtalentsHeisgivingyouopportunitytoworkonanduse.PrayforHimtohelpyouaccepthisdirectioninthisarearatherthantryingtoforceyourown.

5. Outreach IdeaPlanaworkbeeforyourchurch.Talktoyourchurchpastorandotherleaderstodeterminewhatworkprojectswouldbemostappreciatedanddoable.

o

o


o


Haveyourparentsevertoldyouthatyouwerenotallowedtogosomewhereordosomethingthatlookedlikealotoffun?Haveyoueverfoundoutlaterthatyoucouldhavegottenhurtifyouhadgonethereor done that? Talk about your experience and what you learned .

2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)Background:ItcanbehardtounderstandwhyGodwouldcommandDavidtowipeoutentiregroupsofpeople.SomebooksoftheBibletalkaboutsomuchblood-shedit’shardtounderstandhowalovingGodcoulddosuchthings.MybestexplanationisthatthesepeopleweresofarfromGodandsomuchagainstHimthattherewasnohopeforthemtoeverbeconvertedandloveGod.So,GodwipedthemoutsotheywouldstophurtingandtemptingHispeopleandleadingthemawayfromHim.SincetheyhadseeminglycommittedtheunpardonablesinitseemsbettertowipethemoutansaveHisownchildrenintheprocess—oratleastgivethemabetterchance.Allgoodparentstrytosavetheirchildrenfromthethingsthatarehurtingthem.

Doyouthinkit’sfairforGodtosendsoldierstowipeoutpeoplethathateHimandaredestroyingHischildren?Why/whynot?

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WhatspecificallywouldyouliketoaskGodaboutHistreatmentofenemynationswhenyougettoheaven?

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Doyoueverwishyoucouldwipeoutthingsthathurtyou?Whatkindsofthingsmightthatbe?DoyouthinkGodwouldwantthosesamethingswipedoutofyourlife?

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Whatwouldyourworldbelikeiftelevisionandtheinternetweresuddenlywipedout?Doyouthinkyouwould be a better or worse person?

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o

o


Whatwouldhappentoyourlifeifmusicsuddenlydisappeared?DoyouthinkthemusicyoulistentoisupliftingordoyouthinkitdistractsyoufromGod?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Tryturningofftheinternetforoneweek.Onlyuseitifyouneedtoforschoolassignments—

nothingelse.TakethetimeyouwouldnormallyspendsurfingtheinternetandspendthattimewithGod.Recordwhathappensinajournal.

b. TrylisteningtoonlyChristianmusicforoneweek.Thatmeansnosecularmusicatanytime.Recordyourthoughtsandfeelingseverydayinajournal.Attheendoftheweekaskyoufriendsandfamilyiftheynoticeadifferenceinyou.

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)PrayforGodtohelpyoumakegooddecisionsintheactivitiesyouchoosetoengagein.AskHimtohelpyouidentifythenegativeinfluencesinyourlifeandtogiveyouthestrengthandhelpyouneedtoeliminatethem.

o

o



Choose one:a. Haveyoueverbefriendedsomeonethateveryonetoldyoutostayawayfrom?Howdidthatgo?

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b. Thinkaboutyourdevotionallife?Whatdoesitconsistof?DoesithelpyoutofeelclosertoGod?Why/whynot?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)Background:InDavid’stimeitwascommonforanewkingtowipeouteverylivingdescendentofthepreviousking.MostpeopleexpectedDavidtodothisaswell.ButjustasDavidrefusedtotouchthe“Lord’sanointed”—herefusedtokillhisdescendentsaswell—especiallynotthesonofhisbestfriend,Jonathan.

Itcanbeveryhardtogoagainsttraditionsandpeople’sexpectationsofyou.HowdoyouthinkDavidwasable to do this so well?

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Hasthereeverbeenatimewhenyoudidsomethingthatyouthoughtwaswrongbutdiditbecauseyoufeltitwasexpectedofyou?Doesthatkindofpressurecomemorefromadultsoryourpeers?

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WhatcanyoudotobemorelikeDavidanddowhatGodiscallingyoutonomatterwhat?Doyouthinkthatyourdevotionallifeplaysaroleinhelpingyoutodothis?Why/whynot?

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o

o


3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Talktoaspiritualpersonthatyouknowandtrust.Talktothemaboutyourdevotionallife.Ask

themtohelpyoutodevelopandprogressinyourownpersonaldevotionaltime.

b. Findsomeoneyoucanbeaccountabletoregardingyourdevotionallife.AskthemtocheckinwithyoueveryfewdaysandaskyouhowyourtimewithGodisgoing.

c. Dosomeresearchonthedevotionallifeandgetarecommendationofagoodbookthatwillhelpyouinyourpersonaldevotionaljourney.

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)a. PrayforJesustoguideyouinyourdevotionaltimes.AskHimtosendtheHolySpirittodraw

closetoyouandremindyoutospendtimewithJesus.

b. PrayfortheHolySpirittofillyoupowerfullyandhelpyoutobeaddictedtoyourtimewithGod.

o

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1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Haveyouevermadeadecisionthatyouregrettedalmostimmediatelyafterwards?Whathappened?

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b. Haveyouevervolunteeredtodosomethingthatsoundedlikealotoffunandthenyoulaterrealizeditwasfarmorethanyoucouldreallydo?Whathappened?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:ThenewkingoftheAmmonitesacceptsbadadvicefromhisfriendsandmakesarashdecisiontotryandhumiliatekingDavid.Onceherealizedthatwhathe’ddonewasn’tworkingoutwellthekinghiredthousandsofforeignsoldierstotryandhelphimfightDavid.ButevenwiththousandsofextrasoldierstheAmmonitekingendedupgettingbeatenbadlybyDavid’sarmythatwaspoweredbyGod.

Imagine it:Howwouldyoufeelifyou,likeDavid,weretryingtoreachouttosomeonetooffersympathyandfriendshipandwerecalledaspyandanenemyinstead?Haveyoueverbeenmisunderstoodinthisway? Explain .

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DoyouthinktheirwouldhavebeenabetterwayforthenewkingoftheAmmonitestodealwithhismistakeratherthanhiringextrasoldierstotryandhelphim?

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o

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AfterlearningaboutDavidinthefirst9chaptersof2Samuel,whatdoyouthinkDavidwouldhavedoneiftheAmmonitekinghadapologizedratherthanfight?

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Haveyouevermadeamistake?Whatdoyouthinkisthebestwayforyoutodealwithmistakesyoumakeinyourlife—fightanddefendyourselforapologizeandmakepeace?Why?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Thinkofsomeoneyouhaveoffendedrecentlyandthinkbacktohowyouhandledthesituation.

Whatstepscanyoutaketomakethesituationbetter?Talkthesituationoverwithanadultyoutrustandthengoanddoyourbesttomakethingsright.

b. Thinkofsomeonewhohasoffendedyourecentlyandthinkbacktohowyouhandledthesituation.Whatstepscanyoutaketomakethesituationbetter?Talkthesituationoverwithanadultyoutrustandthengoanddoyourbesttomakethingsright.

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)a. Pray forGod tohelpyou to respond rationally rather thanemotionallywhenyouencounter

difficultsituations.Prayforpatienceandwisdominadversity.

b. PrayforJesustohelpyouforgivethosewhohaveoffendedyou.

c. PrayforJesustoforgiveyouforthemistakesyouhavemadeandtogiveyouthestrengthtoaskforforgivenessfromthoseyouhavehurt.

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Part II: David's Sin, Repentance and Punishment (Chapters 11-20)


1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Whatisthedifferencebetweenaregularlieandawhitelie?Doyouthinkoneisworsethan

another?Why/whynot?

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b. Doyoufindthatyougetintomoretroublewhenyouareboredorwhenyouhavealottodo?Why do you think that is? Describe a situation where this happened to you?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:HereDavidnotonlygetshimselfintotroublebymakingabaddecisionbutbylyingaboutitandtryingtocoverituptoo.Wedon’tknowwhyDaviddidn’tgoouttowarwithhistroopsthistimebutitwasobviouslyabaddecision.Wedon’tknowwhyBathshebawastakingabathontheroofeitherbutitwasobviouslyabaddecisiontoo.Ifeitheronehadchosentodosomethingdifferentatthattimethistrouble probably could have been avoided .

Haveyoueverstumbledintoabadsituationthatturnedouttobeagreattemptationforyou?Whathappened?

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Haveyoueverheardofsomeonetryingdrugsoralcoholjustonceandgettinghooked?Whathappened?

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Have you ever had people pressure you to try drugs or alcohol? How did you deal with it?

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o

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o

Whatcanyoudototryandavoidthesetemptations?

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HaveyoueverfoundthatonelieleadstoanotherandanotherlikeitdidforDavid?Explain.

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. Inourculturetodaypeopledon’twalkaroundontheirroof-topsortakebathsthereeither.A

similartypeofsituationforustodaymightbeunintentionallyfindingpornographyontheinternet.Talktoanadultyoutrustandaskthemtohelpyousetupsomeofsafeguardstohelpyouavoidstumblingintothistypeofsituation.

b. Brainstormwithyourfriendsandthinkofwaysthatyoucanmakeiteasiertosaynototemptationsto try drugs and alcohol .

c. Brainstormwithyourfriendsandthinkofwaysthatyoucanmakeiteasiertosaynotoallsexualtemptations.

d. Ithasbeensaidthat,“idlehandsaretheDevil’sworkshop.”Discusswaysyoucangetinvolvedinmoreactivitiessothatyoucankeepyourhandsfrom“beingidle”andgettingintotrouble.

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)a. PrayandaskJesustohelpyoufocusmoreonHimsothattemptationwillbelesstempting.

b. PrayandaskJesustohelpyousetuparegularprayerroutinethatwillhelpyoulearnto“praywithout ceasing .

5. Outreach Idea Choose one or more:a. Talktothedeaconsandeldersatyourchurchandaskifthereareanychurchprojectsyoucould

helpwithinyourfreetime.

b. Talktoateacherortheprincipalatyourschoolandaskifthereareanyvolunteeropportunitiesat your school .

c. Talktosomeoneatyourcity’sparksandrecreationdepartmentandaskifthereareanycommunityserviceprojectsyoucouldhelpwith

o

o



1. Warm-up (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Haveyoueverbeencaughtdoingsomethingyouknowyoushouldn’thavebeendoing?Howdid

itmakeyoufeel?

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b. Haveyouevergottenawaywithdoingsomethingyouknowyoushouldn’thavebeendoing?Howdiditmakeyoufeelinitially?Howdiditmakeyoufeellater?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:Davidgotcaught!EventhoughnopeopleexceptBathshebaandJoabknewaboutDavid’shorribledeedsGodknewandsenttheprophetNathantobusthim!Andevenifwethinkwehavefooledeveryonebygettingawaywithsomethingweshouldn’t—Godalwaysknows.

HowdoyouthinkBathshebafeltaboutparticipatinginanadulterousaffair?Why?

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HowdoyouthinkJoabfeltaboutparticipatinginthemurderofUriahtheHittite?Why?

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DoyouthinkDavidapologizedtoBathshebaandJoabforaskingthemtoparticipateinhismistakes?Why?

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Whatdoyouthinkitisthatcansometimesmakeleadersfeelliketheyareabovethelaw?Giveexamples?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. Talktoyouryouthleadersandmakeaplanofactionforwhatyoushoulddoifaleaderyouknow

antrusttriestogetyoutodosomethingthatyouknowiswrong.

b. Ifaleaderyouknowismakingorhasmadeyoudosomethingyoufeeluncomfortablewithinthepastmakesureyoutalktoanadultyoutrustaboutthesituation.

4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)a. Prayandthinkthroughyourlifeandrelationshipsandmakesureyouaren’tleadingotherstodo

thingstheyshouldn’t.

b. PrayandaskforforgivenessfromGodandothersifyoufeeltherearetimesyou’veledotherstodothingstheyshouldn’t.

c. PrayandaskJesustostrengthenyourconsciencesoitwillhelpyoutobeabetterexampleandinfluencetothosearoundyou.

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Choose one:a. Haveyoueverhadacrushonsomeone?Whatwasitlike?

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b. Haveyoueverpersonallyknownsomeonehadanuncontrollableobsessionwithsomeoneoftheopposite sex? Describe the situation and how it turned out .

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:Inthischapterwefindagreatexampleofwhycovetingisconsideredasin.Amnonwasterriblyinfatuatedwithhishalf-sister,Tamar,becauseshewassobeautiful.Hethoughtaboutheranddreamedofhersomuchthatinhismindeverythingfocusedonherbeautyanditgotoutofcontrol.Heeventuallywantedhersobadlythathewaswillingtodoanythingatalltohaveher.Anditseemsthathewasn’twantinghertotalktoandhavearelationshipwithher—heseemstohavejustwantedherbody—togetoffsexually.So,hisover-aggressivedesireturnedintorapeandthen,sincetherewasnothingmoretherethansexualdesire,hisdesperatelustturnedintohatredassoonashehadherandthenhedespisedher.

InthissituationwasAmnonthinkingaboutTamar’shealthandwell-beingoronlyhimself?

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HowdoyouthinkTamarfeltaboutbeingoutwardlybeautiful?Doyouthinksheeverthoughtheroutwardbeauty would lead to such a violent act against her?

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IntheBiblewereadthatDavidandotherkingshadhundredsofwivesandconcubines.Whydoyouthinkkingshadsomanywomenintheirlives—wasitpossibletohavemeaningfulrelationshipswiththatmanywomenorwasisjustforunlimitedsex?Howdoyouthinkthewivesandconcubinesfeltaboutthis?

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o

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DoyouthinkthisculturalatmosphereplayedaroleinsettingupAmnontorapeTamar?

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Doyouthinkourculturetodayismoreorlessobsessedwithsex?Why?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Ifyouareaguyitisveryimportanttothinkabouthowyouviewgirls.Pornography,sexual

advertisements,andsexualsituationsinmoviescanleadtotreatinggirlslikeobjectstobeusedratherthanpeopletoknow.Sexting,hook-upsandothersexualencountersthatteensgetintoresultfromhowguysandgirlsviewthemselvesandeachother.HaveadiscussionwithagroupofguysandgirlsalongwithyouradultyouthleadersanddiscusshowChristianguysandgirlsshould view each other .

b. Ifyouareagirlthewayyoupresentyourselftotheworldinmanywaysdetermineshowtheworld,especiallyguys,seeyou.Haveadiscussionwithagroupofguysandgirlsandyouthleadersanddiscusstheissueofhowgirlsdressfromagirlsperspectiveandfromaguysperspective.Discuss:Jewelry,shortshortsorskirts,low-cuttops,skin-tightclothesvs.looserfitting,lotsofmake-upvs.alittle,etc.What’sthedifferencebetweenbeingalittleflirtyandbeingprovocative?Howshould a Christian girl dress? What should a Christian guy do when he sees an inappropriately dressed girl?

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4. Prayer Time (3-5 min)

a. Spendsometimeinprayeroverhowyouviewtheoppositesexandhowyouviewyourself.PraythatJesuswillhelpyoutoseeanddeeplyimpressonyourmindthatHedoesn’twantyouto“use”otherpeopleortobe“used”yourself.

b. AskJesustoimpressuponyourmindhowmuchHelovesyouandallthewonderfulpositivethingsHehasinstoreforyou.

o

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Choose one:a. Haveyoueverheldagrudgeagainstsomeone?Why?

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b. Hasanyoneeverheldagrudgeagainstyou?Doyoufeellikeyoudeservedit?Why/whynot?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:DavidwasholdingagrudgeagainstAbsalomforkillinghissonAmnon.AbsalomhadkilledAmnonforrapinghisbelovedsister,Tamar.Indoingthishewasattemptingtodefendhissister’shonor and take revenge into his own hands .

DidDavidhavetherighttobeupsetwithAbsalomforkillingAmnon?Why/whynot?

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DidAbsalomhavetherighttobeupsetwithAmnonforrapinghissister?Why/whynot?

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WhydoyouthinkGodmadethestatement,“vengeanceisminesaiththeLord”?

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Afteralreadybeingrapedandhumiliatedbyherhalf-brother,Amnon—doyouthinkTamarwashappythatherbrotherAbsalomkilledAmonon?Whyorwhynot?

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o

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. Holdinggrudgesandtryingtogetrevengecanoftenleadtomoretroublethanyoubeganwith.In

theNewTestamentJesussaidtoforgivesomeone70times7.Thinkthroughyourownlife—doyoutendtoholdgrudgesortoforgive?Whydoyouthinkthatis?Whichdoyouthinkisabetterapproach?

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b. InadditiontoteachingonforgivenessJesusalsoviolentlyclearedthetemplecourtsofmoneychangerswhohadmadeHisFather’shouseinto“adenofthieves.”Howcanyoutellthedifferencebetweenthetwotypesofsituationsinyourownlife?

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c. Thinkthroughasituationwhereyouwereforgivingtosomeoneelse.Howdiditturnout?Doyou think it was better or worse than holding a grudge?

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d . Think through a situation where you held a grudge . How did it turn out? Do you think it was betterorworsethanforgiving?

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a. PrayandaskJesustohelpyoulearntobeasforgivingasHewas.RememberthatJesusevenforgavethepeoplewhowerecrucifyinghim.Prayandaskhimtogiveyouthesameforgivingspirit .

b. PrayandaskJesustoalsohelpyoutostandupforwhatisrightjustasHedidinthetempleandaskHimtogiveyouwisdomtoknowthedifferencebetweenthetwokindsofsituations.

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Choose one:a . Has anyone ever betrayed you? What happened?

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b. Haveyoueverhadtorunawayfromabadsituationsothatitdidn’tgetworse?Whathappened?

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c. Haveyouevertriedtocommunicatewithsomeonewhowasn’treallylisteningtoyou?Howdoesitmakeyoufeel?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:ThischapterstartsdetailingsomeoftheconsequencesofDavid’smistakewithBathsheba.Theprophecywas:“Becauseofwhatyouhavedone,Iwillcauseyourownhouseholdtorebelagainstyou(12:11).”NowAbsalom,homefromexile,decidestotryandtakethekingdomfromhisfatherbywinningoverthepeople’sheartswithsympathy,kindnessandhisgoodlooks.

Whatroledoesthewayaperson’slooksplayintheirlife?Whydoyouthinkthatis?Isthatfair?

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Whatroledoesbeingnicetopeopleplayinlife?Howdoyoufeelwhensomeoneisespeciallynicetoyou?Howdoyouknowifsomeoneisbeingkindjusttomanipulateyou?

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Whatdoesthisstorytellyouaboutpeople’sdesiretohavesomeonelistentothemandplacevalueonthem?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Thinkthroughyourlifeandtrytodetermineifyouareagoodlistenerornot.Talktosomeone

youknowthatisagoodlistenerandaskthemtogiveyousometipstoimproveyourlisteningskills .

b. Thinkthroughyoulifeandtrytodeterminewaysthatyoumayhavebetrayedsomeone.Thinkandprayabouthowyoucanbeamorefaithfulfriendtothoseyouknow.


a. PrayandaskJesustohelpyoubeabetterlistener.

b. Aftertakingsometimeinprayersitquietlyfor5minutesjusttryingtolistentowhatJesusmaybe trying to tell you .

5. Outreach Idea

Thinkofanoutreachministrythatyoucouldstartthatwouldinvolvelisteningtopeopleandshowingthemthatyoucare?

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o


a. Howwouldyoudefinethewordloyalty?Giveanexampleofhowyouhavebeenloyaltoafriend.

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b. Giveanexampleofhowafriendhasbeenloyaltoyou?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The situation:RatherthanfightingwithhissonandhavingJerusalemtornupwithwar,Daviddecidestoleavetownwithhisfamilyandfriends.Hismostloyalfollowersgowithhimbutafewalsodecidetostaybehind.OtherfriendsofDavid’sdefecttohisaggressiveson,Absalom.

HowmuchdoyouthinkAbsalomcouldtrustthepeoplethatdefectedfromhisfathertohim?DoesthepassageindicatethatallofthoseseeminglyfollowingAbsalomreallywerefollowinghim?Whatlessoncanyoulearnfromthis?

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Ifafriendabandonsyouwhenitlookslikeyouarelosingpopularity,doyouthinktheywereeverreallyafriend?Why/whynot?

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Haveyoueverabandonedafriend?Why?Wasthatbeingdisloyal?Why/whynot?

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o

Howdoyouknowwhoyourtruefriendsare?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)

a. Thinkthroughyourfriendshipsandmakealistofthetop2-5.Areyoumoreloyaltosomefriendsthanothers?Whydoyouthinkthatis?Aretheresomefriendsyouthinkyoushouldbemoreloyalto?Why/whynot?

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b. Thinkaboutyourfriendsthatarealwaysthereforyou?Whatqualitiesthatyouseeinthemwouldyouliketodevelopmoreinyourself?Haveaconversationwiththosefriendsandaskthemtohelpyoutryanddevelopthosegoodqualitiesyouseeinthem.

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a. PrayandaskJesustohelpyoubealoyalfriend.AskHimtohelpyouemulatethegoodqualitiesyou see in others around you .

b. ThankJesusforbeingloyaltoyounomatterhowyoutreatHim.PrayandaskJesustohelpyoutreatHimbetterandspendmoretimewithHim.

c. ThankJesusforthefriendsinyourlifeandaskHimtohelpyouexpressthatgratitudetothemmorefrequentlyaswell.

5. Outreach Idea (Optional)

Talktoafriendthatyouusedtobecloseto.Discusswhatwentwrongandtrytomakethingsrightagain.

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Choose one:a . What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Did you take the advice? How did it turn

out?

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b . What is the worst advice anyone has ever given you? Did you take the advice? How did it turn out?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:Absalomislisteningtotwoofhisfather’sformeradvisors—oneistrulyonhissideandtheotherissecretlyagainsthim.

Davidhasalwaysbeena“manafterGod’sownheart”andhastypicallysoughtGod’scounselforhiseverymove(withtheexceptionofthewholeBathshebaincident).InthissituationhowdoesitappearthatAbsalomismakinghisdecisions?DoyouthinkheisconsultingGodaswellorfollowinghisowndesires?

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WhydoyouthinkAbsalomhasturnedouttobesodifferentthanhisfather?

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Inwhatwaysareyoulike/unlikeyourfather?Inwhatwayswouldyouliketobemorelikeyourfather?

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HowdoyouthinkAbsalomgottothepointofwantingtokillhisownfather?

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InthissituationGod’swillprevailed.InspiteofAbsalom’sbesteffortsGodwasincontrol.HowdoesthismakeyoufeelaboutspendingtimewithGodandpursuingHiswillinyourlife?DoyouthinkyoucantrulybesuccessfulinlifewithoutGodonyourside?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one or two:a. Thinkabouthowyoumakedecisionsinyourlifeandwho’sadviceyoufollowthemostoften.

Whodoyoulistentomore:Yourparents,God,friends,orpopularculture/advertising?Whydoyouthinkthatis?Howisthatworkingoutforyou?

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b. ThinkaboutyourperfectFatherinheaven.InwhatwaysdoyouthinkyouarelikeHim?InwhatwaysareyounotlikeHim?HowwouldyouliketobemorelikeHim?

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c. ThebestwaytobecomemorelikeyourFatherinheavenistospendmoretimewithHim.Makealistof3-5waysthatyouwouldliketospendmoretimewithGod/Jesus.Writeoutaplanandascheduleforimplementingthisinyourlife.


a. PrayandaskJesustosendtheHolySpirittoremindyoutoaskHimaboutallthedecisionsyouneedtomakeinyourlife.AskHimtohelpyoumakewisedecisionsandtogiveyouthestrengthto always do what you know is right .

b. Prayforyoufriendsandrelativeswhoaremakingsomebadchoicesrightnow.AskforGod’swill to prevail in their lives .

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Choose one:a. What’stheworstfightyou’veevergottenintowithyourparents?Whatwasitover?Howdidit

start?Howdiditend?Inretrospect,wasitworthfightingover?

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b. What’stheworstfightyou’veevergottenintowithoneofyoursiblings?Whatwasitover?Howdiditstart?Howdiditend?Inretrospect,wasitworthfightingover?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:ThebattleofAbsalomvs.Davidfinallybeginswiththousandsofsoldiersfightingoneachside.KeepinmindthattheseareallIsraelitesfightingwitheachother.Thisisacivilwar.

Thiswarisasonfightingagainsthisfatherforpowerandcontrol.Doyouthinktherewereanyotherfathersandsonsfightingagainsteachotherorbrotherswhohadtakenoppositesides?Howdoyouthinkitmadethepeopleinvolvedfeeltoknowthattheymayendupkillingsomeonefromtheirownfamily?

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Studiesshowthatoneofthemostdangeroussituationsforpolicetoencounterisdomesticviolence.Whydoyouthinkpeoplethataresupposedtoloveeachotherthemostcansometimeshateeachotherandhurteachothermorethananyoneelse?

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PeoplehavebeenfightingforpowerandcontroleversinceLuciferrebelledagainstGodinheaven.Whydoyouthinkitisstillsonaturalforsomanypeopletowantpowerandcontrol?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)Choose one:a. Trytothinkofthreethingsyoucandotohelpreducethefightingthattakesplacebetweenyou

andyoursiblingsathome.Writethelistonanicepieceofpaperandpostitwhereyouandyoursiblingswillseeitoften.

b. Trytothinkofthreethingsyoucandotohelpreducethefightingthattakesplacebetweenyouandyourparentsathome.Writethelistonanicepieceofpaperandpostitwhereeveryoneinyourfamilywillseeitoften.

c. Trytothinkofthreethingsyoucandotoreduceyourdesiretocontrolothers.


a. PrayandaskJesustohelpyougivecontrolofyourlifeovertoHimsothatHecanuseHisperfectnaturetocontrolyourimperfectnature.

b. PrayforyourfamilytoliveinharmonyandforyourhometobeaplacewhereJesusisincontrolandaplacewhereyoucanfindpeaceandloveratherthanangerandfighting.

5. Outreach Idea

Talktoyouyouthgroupaboutvolunteeringatalocalwomen’sshelter.Askfortheshelter’sdirectortotalktoyougroupaboutdomesticviolenceandwhatyoucandotohelpstopit.

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Choose one:a. Haveyoueverworkedoutyourdifferenceswithsomeoneanddecidedtoaccepteachother?

Explain the process you went through to do that .

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b. Howlongcanyousuccessfullyavoidsomeoneyouhaveaproblemwith?Isiteasiertolivewiththat awkwardness or to work things out and try to get along? Why?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation:Thewarisoverandit’stimeforDavidtobringreconciliationandhealingtohisnation.

WhydoyouthinksomeonehadtotellkingDavidtostopcryingandgobackhomeandbringhisnationbacktogether?Whichdoyouthinkisharder:losearebellioussonorhavetrustedfriendsbetrayyouandfightagainstyou?Why?

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HowmuchdoyouthinkthiswholesituationispartofthecurseGodputonDavidforhismistakewithBathshebaandhowmuchdoyouthinkitwasjustselfishpeopletryingtogetpowerandcontrol?

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DoyouthinkthatpartofthereasonDavidwasjustsittingtherecryingwasbecausehefeltguiltyforbringingthecurseonhisnation?Why/whynot?

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Wasthis“curse”fromGodreallysomekindofsupernaturalcondemnationoristhe“curse”reallyjustGodpredictingthenaturalresultsofthistypeofsin?Whydoyouthinkthatis?

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a. Spendsometimethinkingaboutallthecauseandeffectrelationshipsinyourlife.Makealistofthetop5mostimportant.

b. Whatdoyouthinkyoucandoto“cause”bettereffectsinyourlife?Makealistofthetop5thingsyouwouldliketodotocausebettereffectsinyourlife.

c. Thinkaboutyourdevotionallife.WhateffectdoesspendingtimewithJesuseverydayhaveinyourlife?Whateffectdoesskippingorforgettingyourdevotionshaveinyourlife?MakeapromisetoJesusofhowyou’dliketoimproveyourtimewithHim.Writeyourcommitmentdownandpostitsomewherethatiseasyforyoutosee.


a. PrayandaskJesustohelpyouremembertotakecontrolofyourlifeeverydayandthengivethatcontroltoHim.AskJesustohelpyounotsitidlybywhileotherscontrolyouandinfluenceyou to do what they want you to do .

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a. Haveyoueverignoredasituationthatyouwishedyouhadtakencareofbeforeitgotoutofcontrol? What happened? What would have happened it you had taken action sooner?

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b . Has there ever been a situation where you acted too quickly and it turned out that waiting would havebeenabetteroption?Whathappened?Whatwouldhavehappenedifyouhadwaited?

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c. Howcanyoutellthedifferencebetweenthetwotypesofsituations?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Background:WeknowDavidwasamanofwar—butdoyoueverwonderifthat’swhathewantedtobeorifthat’swhathehadtobe?Hegrewupapeacefulshepherdboyandmusicianwho’speacewasoccasionallyinterruptedbyalionorwolfthathehadtofightinordertoprotecthisflock.

The situation: Anotherrevolt!EventhoughDavidprobablydidn’tlikeithefoundhimselfinanothersituationwherehehadtogotowar.Hetookdecisiveactiontoavoidevenmoretrouble.

WhatcouldhavehappenedifDavidhadsataroundcryingaboutthesituationinsteadofdealingwithit?

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WhatcouldhavehappenedifJoabhadn’tlistenedtothewisewomanonthewallofthetowntheywereattacking?

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Whydoyouthinkconflictissometimesnecessarytobringpeace?

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3. Applying the Chapter to Your Life (5-10 min)a. Isthereawisewoman/manthatyouwoulddowelltolistentomoreinyourlife(likemaybeyour

mom)?Thinkaboutwhatyoucandotopaymoreattentiontothewiseadviceofthosewhoareolderandmoreexperiencedthanyouare.Makeplansforhowyoucangetregularadvicefromadultsforyourlife.

Choose one:b. Ifyouareapersonwhopreferstoavoidconfrontationwhatcanyoudotolearntotakemore

decisiveactionwhenyouneedto?Makeanactionplanandreminderforhowyouplantodothis .

c. Ifyouareapersonwhotendstojumpintoconflict,whatcanyoudotolearntotakeastepbackandgetsomewiseadvicebeforeyouact?Makeanactionplanandreminderforhowyouplanto do this .


a. PrayandaskJesustotakeawaytheconflictinyourlifeandreplaceitwithpeace.

b. PrayandaskJesustobringpeopleintoyourlifewhocanmentoryouandgiveyouwiseadvice.

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Part III: David's Kingdom Preserved (Chapters 21-24)


Choose one:a. Thinkofatimewhensomeoneshowedyougrace.Whathappened?

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b. Thinkofatimewhensomeonedidn’tshowyougrace.Howdiditmakeyoufeel?

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c . What role does grace play in our society today? What role should it play?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)Background: IntheOldTestamenttheIsraeliteswereundertheoldcovenant.Intheoldcovenanttherewasalotofbloodshedthatishardtounderstand.Besidestheofferingoflambsweseebloodshedamongstpeopleaswell.GodcommandedtheIsraelitestowipeoutentirenationsofpeoplewhowerecompletelyopposedtoGodandweretryingtoslaughterHischosenpeople(theyhadbasicallycommittedtheunpardonablesin).

TheSituation:Here,inthischapter,weseeagroupofpeoplewhomtheIsraeliteshadpromisednottokillbutthenSaulbrokethepromiseandkilledmanyofthemanyway.Now,therewasafamineinthelanduntiltheirbloodhadbeenavenged.(KindofmakesyouwonderifthisiswhereHollywoodgotsomeideasfortheirhorrormovies!)

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HowwouldyoufeeliftheOldTestamentprincipal,“aneyeforaneyeandatoothforatooth,”wasstillineffecttoday?Why?

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WhydoyouthinkGodwaitedtofullybringoutHisteachingsongraceuntilNewTestamenttimes?

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Doyouthinkit’smorecommonforchildren,especiallysiblings,tonaturallywant“aneyeforaneyeandatoothforatooth”ortoextendgracetoeachother?Whydoyouthinkthatis?

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Whatdoyouthinkwecoulddoasachurchtohelppeoplebemore“graceful”towardseachother?

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a. Doawordsearchfor“grace”intheBibleandtrytounderstandmoreclearlywhatitis?

Choose one:b. Thinkthroughsomeoftheconflictsyouhaveenduredinyourlife.Doyounaturallytendtobe

apersonwhoextendsgraceorwantsrevenge?Haveadiscussionwithsomefriendsandtrytothinkofwaysyoucanextendmoregracetoothers.

c. Thinkofthepersonwhohasextendedthemostgracetoyouinyourlife.Sitdownwiththatpersonandthankthemandaskthemhowyoucanbemorefullofgraceaswell.


a. PrayandthankJesusforthegraceHehasshownyoubydyinginyourplaceandofferingtotakeyou to heaven .

b. PrayandthankJesusforthosewhohaveshownyougraceinyourlife.

c. PrayandaskJesustohelpyoutobeapersonofgraceinthelivesofothers.

5. Outreach Idea

Chooseonesquareblocknearyourchurchorhomeandgoaroundtheblockofferingtoextendgracetotheresidentsbyprayingforanyrequeststhemmayhave.

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a. Whatisyourfavoritestyleofmusic?Whydoesthatstyleappealtoyou?

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b. Whatisyourparentsfavoritestyleofmusic?Whydoyouthinkthatstyleappealstothem?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)Background: HereDavidsingsasongtoGodtopraiseHimfordeliveringhimfromhisenemies.Thesamesongisfound,withminorvariations,inPsalm18.Davidusessomecrazyimageryhere...

WhatroleshouldpraiseandthanksgivingplayinthelivesofChristianadults?

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WhatroleshouldpraiseandthanksgivingplayinthelivesofChristianyouth?

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Whydoyouthinkyouthsandadultsoftensee/usemusicdifferently?

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Howcanyouhelpyouthandadultstounderstandeachother’smusicaltastesandusesbetter?

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WhydoyouthinkDavid’ssong,herein2Samuel22,picturesJesusflyingdownfromheavenridingtheonthebackofanangelbreathingfireandshootingarrowsandwithsmokepouringouthisnostrils?Doyouthingit’spossiblethatthisiswheretheideaoffire-breathingdragonsinfairytalesoriginated?It’salmostcertainlywhereC.S.LewisgottheideaforGryphons...

InwhatotherwaysisJesusdepictedinScripture?Give3examples.

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HowmanywaysdoyouthinkyouneedtopictureJesustohaveanaccurateoverallpictureofHim?

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Choose one or both:a. WhatisyourfavoritedepictionofJesus(fire-breathing,shepherd,creator,etc)?Whydoyou

think that is?

b. ThinkaboutyourfavoritewayofseeingJesusandthentrytothinkofwhichothersidesofHispersonality/rolesHehasthatyoudon’tnaturallythinkof.

c. HaveadiscussionwithyourfriendsandyouthleadersandseehowmanywaysyoucanallthinkoftodevelopawellroundedviewofwhoJesusreallyis.


a. PrayandaskJesustorevealHimselftoyouinasmanywaysaspossible.

b. PrayandaskJesusremindyoudailyofallthewaysHeisthereforyouas:comforter,protector,healer,disciplinarian,etc.

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Choose one:a. Doyouhopetobefamousoneday?Whatwouldyouliketobeknownfor?Why?

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b. Whoisthemostfamouspersonyouhaveevermet?Whatweretheyknownfor?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The Situation: DavidisnearingtheendofhislifeandhewantstohonorthemightymenwhohavestoodwithhiminbattleandcommemoratetheminthehistoryofGod’schosenpeople.

WhydoyouthinkDavidwrotePsalmsallthroughouthislifebutwaiteduntilnowtowriteabouthisfamousfriends?

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WhydoyouthinkthisisthefirstthingDavidwantstorecordafterwritingonelastPsalm?

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Whydoyouthinkitisimportanttokeepahistoryofwhathappensinlife?

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David’shistoryisfullofsuccessesandsomemistakesaswell.Whichdoyouthinkpeoplelearnmorefrom?

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WhichisyourfavoritehistoricalbookintheBible?Whathaveyoulearnedfromit?

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a. Thinkaboutyourhistorysofar.Whatdoyouthinkwouldbethemostinterestingchaptersofar?

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b. Thinkaboutwhatyouwouldlikeyournextchaptertobeandwriteaboutitinajournalsoyoudon’tforgetyourgoals.

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c. Attheendofyourlifewhatwouldyouliketobesaidaboutyou?Makeplansforwhatyouneedtodotobecomethekindofpersonthatyouwanttobecome.

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a. TakesometimetopraythroughthehistoryofyourlifewithJesussofar.AsyoupraythinkaboutthetimesyouhaveseenGod’shandleadingyou.

b. PrayandaskJesustogiveyouagloriouslifejustlikeheDavid.AskhimtohelpyouavoidDavid’smistakesandtohaveevengreatervictoriesthanhedid.

c. PraiseJesusforbeingthegreatGodofhistory.

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Choose one:a. Whatistheworstpunishmentyouhaveeverreceivedfordoingsomethingwrong?Whathad

youdone?Doyouthinkthepunishmentwasfair?Why/whynot?

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b. Whatistheworstpunishmentyouhaveeverheardofoneofyourfriendsreceiving?Whathadtheydone?Doyouthinkthepunishmentwasfair?Why/whynot?

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2. Engaging the Chapter (15-20 min)The situation: DavidgotintotroubleforgoingthroughIsraelandcountinghowmanywarriorshehadthat he could rely on .

Why do you think this was such a terrible thing to do?

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DoyouthinkthatitshowsthathewastrustingmoreinhumanpowerthaninGod’spower?Why/whynot?

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WhichpunishmentwouldyouhavechosenifyouwereDavid?Why?

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Didyouknowthattherewereangelsthatwereassignedtokillpeople?Howdoyoufeelaboutthat?

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Howdoyouthinkthe“deathangel”feltaboutthejobhehadtodo?

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WhenpeoplecommitterriblesinstodayhowdoesGodpunishthem?

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Whydoyouthinkit’sdifferentnowthanitwasinDavid’stime?

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Whatdoyouthinkourworldwouldbelikeiftherewasneveranypunishmentorconsequencesfordoingwrong?

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Howdoyouthinkyouwillpunishyourchildrenwhenyouhavethemsomeday?Why?

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a. Thinkthroughyourlifeandtrytodeterminewhatkindofpunishmenthasbeenthemosteffectiveinhelpingyoutobecomeabetterperson.Whydoyouthinkthatpunishmentworksforyou?Doyouthinkitispossibletodisciplineorpunishyourselfbeforesomeoneelsehasto?Why/whynot?

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b. Talktoyourparentsandthankthemforpunishingyou.Spendsometimetalkingwithyourparentsandaskthemhowitfeelswhentheyhavetopunishyou.Letthemknowwhichpunishmentsarethemostandleasteffectiveforyou—behonest!


a. PrayandthankJesusforthetimesHehaspunishedandcorrectedyou.Bespecific.

b. PrayandaskJesustocontinuetoguideyouinyourlifeandtocontinuepunishingyouwhenyouneed it .


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Topical Index of Teachings2 Samuel

Chapter 1: Picturingepicbattles/bullying

Chapter 2: CommunicatingwiththeSupernatural

Chapter 3: Dramaoversex

Chapter 4: Betrayal/revenge

Chapter 5: Acceptance/bullying

Chapter 6: Music styles and dancing

Chapter 7: Talents and your potential

Chapter 8: DestroyingGod’senemiesandThingsthathurtorhelp you

Chapter 9: Devotionallife

Chapter 10: Dealingwithmistakes

Chapter 11: Resistingtemptation

Chapter 12: Beingapositiveinfluenceonothers

Chapter 13: Sexual desire and how we view others

Chapter 14: Grudges,revengeandforgiveness

Chapter 15: Betrayal and Listening to others

Chapter 16: Loyalty

Chapter 17: Decisions and taking advice

Chapter 18: Power/controlanddomesticviolence

Chapter 19: Reconciliation,cursesandcause&effect

Chapter 20: Being proactive and listening to advice

Chapter 21: Grace

Chapter 22: Music/yourviewofGod

Chapter 23: Theimportanceofhistory

Chapter 24: Punishment


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