Humor: ® Tickling the Universal Funny-Bone of Youth Ministry >> Trd Table of Contents Contents Main/Mild/Hot Are Listed Alphabetically by Artist

Home , BEC Recordings, Calling You Home, City on Our Knees, Ed Cash, Fireflight, For Those Who Wait

TRD COVER

Youth Leaders Only / Music Resource Book / Volume 88 / Summer 2012 Cover: TobyMac and Skit Guys

Special Edition DVD! Hilarious Videos & Discussion Guides From Tim Hawkins, Michael Jr., Skit Guys, Team INSIDE: WordPlay page 16 Comedians Roundtable page 4 Taking Humor More Seriously page 10 Modern Worship Section: Planetshakers, Bluetree page 56 Annual Music Comparison Chart Huge Poster center pull out Heart of the Artist: Fireflight page 14 Manafest page 13 Special Section! Seven TobyMac Discussion Guides page 38 & M i n s t r y M u s i c o u t h Y i n M a x i m z n g M e d i a

HUMOR: ® TICKLING THE UNIVERSAL FUNNY-BONE OF YOUTH MINISTRY >> TRD TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTENTS MAIN/MILD/HOT ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY ARTIST

4 10 11

FEATURE Wisecracking Wiseguys Taking Humor The Laughing Savior ARTICLES: Comedians Roundtable More Seriously

MAIN: 16 22 36

Artist: HUMOR DVD FIREFLIGHT PLANETSHAKERS Album Title: Tickling The Universal Funny-Bone Now Heal Our Land Song Title: Special DVD Section He Weeps Strength Of My Life Study Theme: Discussion Guides Compassion God’s Strength

MILD: 20 28 30 JIMMY Artist: BLUETREE NEEDHAM KUTLESS Album Title: Kingdom Clear The Stage Believer Song Title: Jesus Healer Clear The Stage Come Back Home Study Theme: Healing Idolatry Forgiveness

HOT: 24 26 32

Artist: FLAME FLATFOOT 56 MANAFEST Album Title: The 6th Toil Fighter Song Title: The 6th Day (feat. Chris Lee) I Believe It Never Let You Go Study Theme: Life; Purpose/Meaning Faith, Assurance God’s Faithfulness

DEPARTMENTS: 2 3 65 Letter From The Editor How To Use This Resource Reviews

CENTER PULLOUT: ANNUAL MUSIC COMPARISON CHART POSTER

MUSIC RESOURCE BOOK:

Volume 88 • Summer 2012 The Youth Leaders Only Music Direct any questions or comments to Maximizing Music & Media Resource Book is published quarterly interlínc at 1-800-725-3300 or visit in Youth Ministry by Interlínc, Franklin, TN www.interlinc-online.com >> TRD TABLE<< OF CONTENTS Page CONTENTS 1 MAIN/MILD/HOT ARE LISTED ALPHABETICALLY BY ARTIST

4 10 11 12 16

FEATURE Wisecracking Wiseguys Taking Humor The Laughing Savior Heart Of The Artist: Humor DVD Comedians Roundtable More Seriously TobyMac, Manafest, Discussion Guides ARTICLES: Fireflight

MAIN: 16 22 36 38 50 WORTH Artist: HUMOR DVD FIREFLIGHT PLANETSHAKERS TOBYMAC DYING FOR Album Title: Tickling The Universal Funny-Bone Now Heal Our Land Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Live Riot Song Title: Special DVD Section He Weeps Strength Of My Life Discussion Guides For Seven Songs Rebuild Study Theme: Discussion Guides Compassion God’s Strength Spiritual Warfare

MILD: 20 28 30 34 48 JIMMY WAYNE KERR Artist: BLUETREE NEEDHAM KUTLESS MATT BROUWER BAND Album Title: Kingdom Clear The Stage Believer Till The Sunrise Love Stands Out Song Title: Jesus Healer Clear The Stage Come Back Home Everlasting The Mirror Study Theme: Healing Idolatry Forgiveness Commitment Self-Image; Uniqueness

HOT: 24 26 32 44 46 THE WASHINGTON Artist: FLAME FLATFOOT 56 MANAFEST TRIP LEE PROJECTS Album Title: The 6th Toil Fighter The Good Life Space Time Continuum Song Title: The 6th Day (feat. Chris Lee) I Believe It Never Let You Go Take Me There Light Up The Dark Study Theme: Life; Purpose/Meaning Faith, Assurance God’s Faithfulness Heaven; Longing For Zeal

DEPARTMENTS: 2 3 65 52 62 56 66 Letter From The Editor How To Use This Resource Reviews Thematic Index Compilation re:Tuned Modern Worship Section Ministry Resource Section

CENTER PULLOUT: ANNUAL MUSIC COMPARISON CHART POSTER

MUSIC RESOURCE BOOK: STAFF:

Volume 88 • Summer 2012 The Youth Leaders Only Music Direct any questions or comments to Publisher: Allen Weed • Editor: Ken McCoy • The WriteGroup: Rick Bundschuh, Cindy Engøy, Eric Gargus, Mary Wilson, Dave McGinley, Todd Pearage, Maximizing Music & Media Resource Book is published quarterly interlínc at 1-800-725-3300 or visit Doug Ranck, Rusty Van Deusen, Jeremy White • Art Direction: Ken McCoy • Cover & Article Design: Thomas Ryan Design • Magazine Layout: Ken McCoy in Youth Ministry by Interlínc, Franklin, TN www.interlinc-online.com Production Manager: Glen Allen Green • Proofing: Dale Weed, Jeannine Ugalde, Anne Conley TRD Page Editor’s >>letter 2 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

By Ken McCoy This Ain’t No Laughing Matter

When I was a brand-spanking-new youth pastor, with a rookie’s Humor – God has hardwired us to laugh. We love funny people, dream of becoming world famous as a speaker, I had a mentor funny situations, funny photos – anything that makes us laugh! A who taught me about communicating effectively. He taught me wise communicator will be able to use “universal funny-bone of about organizing my thoughts, about stage presence, about tim- youth ministry” to break through to an audience and communicate ing, and a lot more. None of it helped me become world famous effectively. Jesus was a pro at using humor to get His message (you can’t teach talent, and I don’t have enough to be THAT good) across. Take a look at “The Laughing Savior” article in this maga- and yet I am grateful for the lessons he gave. zine for some examples.

He told me that there are three guaranteed techniques used for Of those three techniques, my favorite is humor. It works in more effective communication. I learned to evaluate how other speakers places and with more people than the other two combined. Humor used those techniques to reach their audiences. I noticed that is a powerful tool that every youth leader should use! some speakers overused one to the detriment of the And so, you have this others and that some Special Edition of Youth abused, even faked, some of Leaders Only. With this mag- those techniques in what azine is a special DVD that seemed to be a manipulation features several clips from of the audience. But the some of the funniest techniques really do work Christians we know. We’ve great, especially when they even included Discussion are delivered with authentici- Guides in this magazine for ty. Here are those three tech- those clips to help you inte- niques: grate that laughter into your programming. You also get Controversy – If you say to hear from the comedians something outrageously con- featured on the DVD as they troversial, you’re guaranteed answer questions we posed that the audience will sit up to them about their work and and take notice. I’ve heard ministry – that “roundtable more than one speaker use discussion” is captured in the old standby, “Every day, people die to a Christ-less eternity in the “Wisecracking Wiseguys” article. Hell, and you don’t give a *!@^!/. What’s sad is that you’re more concerned that I just said ‘*!@^!/’ than you are that people are Check out the other resources too – Leadsheets, reTunes, dying to a Christ-less eternity in Hell.” Sure, it’s controversial. Yes, Thematic Listing, the giant pull-out Comparison Chart, and more! it does get the audience’s attention! There is a lot here that will make you smile – or crack you up!

Intimacy – You’ve probably noticed how suddenly quiet and Godspeed, intense the audience becomes when a speaker becomes moved with emotion struggles to maintain composure. Some speakers have perfected that “sudden lump in the throat” technique when they want to make a point that is especially significant. If you want kids to really be attentive, just preface your point by whispering something like, “I’ve never really told anyone this, and I probably Ken McCoy shouldn’t be telling it to you, but…” Editor TRD << Page HOw to use 3

How to Use this YLO MUSIC Resource Book Sure, at first glance you notice how great it looks—very current, very stylish. Go ahead—flip through this book a bit. Notice the helpful design? Did you catch the organizational details? The more you look at this book, the more you will appreciate the functionality that has been built into it. Here is a quick tour…

The Cover Bible Studies Modern Worship Section Reviews If you’re like most of us, you keep What makes Youth Leaders Only more In this section you’ll find encouraging Not every available contemporary your YLO (Youth Leaders Only) books than “cheap music” are the music- and enlightening resources to help you Christian music CD can make it into stored on a bookshelf. When you want based Bible Study resources provided develop your youth’s worship ministry. the YLO box. So, we try to give you a to search for a song or video that deals for you to use in your programming. You’ll find articles from recent SPIN taste of what else is available in your with a certain topic, slide each book Finding good Christian music isn’t hard, versions of YLO or other worship local store. Since interlínc often gets out a couple of inches and read the but coming up with ways to use it in leaders and Lead Sheets of songs “pre-release” copies of upcoming CDs, themes and featured articles for each your ministry with teenagers takes time, from some of the CDs in this YLO. we can give you a “heads up” to new issue. Cool! talent, and energy. Real-world youth Although they are not really the kind releases that might be just right for you leaders write the Bible Studies; the of Lead Sheets most bands use, these and your young friends. The Index sessions are field-tested and proven pages of “lyrics with chords over them” Take a look at the index or “table of effective with real-world teenagers. are a great help when you want to teach We hope this effort helps you reach contents”—notice the colored bars? the high school praise banda new tune. and disciple more young people They represent sections in the book Thematic Listing Many youth leaders tell us that the Lead to be go-for-it Christians! and they clue you in on which albums / Not every song on every CD has a Sheets are an invaluable resource. Bible Studies are “Main,”“Mild,”or “Hot.” Bible Study written for it. That doesn’t You will notice in the Bible Studies mean you can’t use those other songs re:Tuned section that each Leader Guide / Student in your ministry with students. Take advantage of some popular Guide is color-keyed the same way. secular songs to introduce a theme, Wow! Someone’s been thinking! supplement your regula Bible Study lesson, or outreach event. Use the Featured Articles opening questions and discussion Each issue of YLO has a certain “flavor.” ideas to get your students talking Around that theme are a couple of and thinking about the theme. “Feature Articles” as well as some of the other items you have in your YLO box. These articles give you insight into the heart and ministry of some of the musicians included in the YLO box. Page TRD>> Wisecracking Wiseguys 1 4 COMEDIANS ROUNDTABLE

TH Tim Hawkins MJ Michael Jr. T Tommy (Skit Guys) E Eddie (Skit Guys) TWP Team WordPlay (Chris and Ryan)

Through the wonder of technology, we were able to assemble this star-studded cast of Christian funny people – err, funny people who are Christians… umm, Christians who make people laugh. But they weren’t in the same room at the same time. Amazing! So listen in as we try to stump them with thought- provoking questions that are sure to generate some awesome conversation.

What lets you know that a particular “concert” is gonna be talking about whatever we spoke on that session. We love torturing a good one? the youth pastors. MJ People’s stories about how they really needed laughter at that TH When people know who I am. That’s always a plus. It beats all particular time really bless me on the ride home, at my hotel those banquets I’ve performed at where I’ve had to prove I’m room, and beyond. more interesting than lasagna and cheesecake. T I guess it would depend on what kinda music you like. I’m fond of “Christian Comedy” can be kind of like “Grape Nuts” – which is nei- mostly 80’s music so I know it’s gonna be good if it’s REO Speed ther grapes nor nuts. What makes your comedy “Christian”? Wagon or Journey. Oh, and TobyMac – ’cause I’m a Christian. E When the seats are all filled up, there’s been somewhat of a line MJ I don’t know; you tell me. that has been waiting, and then the anticipation is at fever pitch. TH I kiss my finger and point to heaven after a joke goes well. You step onstage and you can do no wrong. That’s a good one. E There’s a definite message. It’s normally a “Christian” message. Our videos have really helped propel our “live” shows. People Our goal is not to be cheesy. We make no apologies about being watch these videos and they want to see us live. It’s as if we’ve “Christian”– we want it to be some of the best “Christian” stuff developed a relationship before we get to town. they've seen. T Ed, I think you misunderstood the question. T Christian audiences don’t expect much. Sad to say, but it seems TWP There are so many factors that come into play. But it’s usually not that the bar has been lowered when it comes to comedy and about numbers of people, but how they are situated. Like cold expectations in church. sores, comedy is contagious, and the closer people are packed E For too long, Christians have played it safe way too much when it together, the more the laughs seem to come. Also if, at the comes to comedy. We try to have someone sitting out in an appropriate time, the host holds up the “LAUGH NOW!” signs we audience or in front of their computer to go, “I wasn’t expecting always ship ahead, that usually helps. that!” Sometimes that’s the best compliment. MJ Most of the time if there is praise and worship beforehand, it is T We are Christians who do comedy. So that makes it Christian always a good one. And if people are laughing before I hit the comedy by default. Much like jumbo shrimp is both large and stage. And if people are laughing during the show. And if they are small because it’s – never mind. That analogy didn’t work. laughing after the show. And if I get my money. And if the TWP Our comedy is Christian because we really don’t do anything in check clears. our act that is not designed to bring students into a closer relationship with their Creator. Laughter for the sake of laughter is At the end of the evening, when you’re back in your room or great and there’s a little of that if we do an improv comedy concert in your car headed home, what makes you think, “Whoa! That but if, at the end of the day, we just made kids laugh and didn’t was GREAT!”? encourage them to grow closer to Christ, I think we’ve done them (and our ministry) a disservice. TH I don’t need to think it. I’ve actually hired a guy who sits in the car and says, “Whoa! That was great!” It’s just how I like to do it. You’ve probably figured out which audiences will respond well to T When I’m standing in the mirror sporting my Styx concert shirt. I you and which ones won’t, so fill us in. Who do you really connect usually think, “Whoa! That was great!” with, and whom do you have a harder time with? E After one of our shows, we almost always stay and sign stuff and take pictures with people. That’s when the audience shares their T Wouldn’t that be gossip? Talking about other people? stories – stories of how a particular skit, a certain phrase or sen- E Hmmmm… Amish people don’t really like us. I don’t know why. tence touched them or helped them through a difficult time. Again, Maybe because they can’t look us up at skitguys.com and see it’s the relationship we have with these wonderful folks from city to our videos. city that makes it great. T Wow! That was both gossipy and a shameless plug! T Seriously – who came up with these questions? They are E I know, right?! Seriously, we are “church boys” – we grew up in WISECRACKING confusing! the church. We know our audience. We’ve been blessed to still be TWP We love having time to interact with the audience, not only during a voice to teenagers, adults, and even – yes –grandmas and the show, but especially afterwards. Nothing makes us happier grandpas. than when students come up to us and say, “I never thought about T Our biggest fans are 9-year-olds. Mostly because we share my Christian life in that way, but your sketch really made me think.” their mentality! WISEGUYS Also when the youth pastors tell us that the kids stayed up all night © 2012, INTERLiŃC. INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM / 800.725.3300 © 2012, INTERLiŃC. INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM / 800.725.3300 Page TRD>> Wisecracking Wiseguys 3 6 COMEDIANS ROUNDTABLE

E Actually, it seems these days that we have fans from all different age groups. We always look out and see what kind of crowd we have – kids, students, adults, seniors. Knowing your audience is huge and you tweak some of your content based on the audience, we’ve learned over the years to look at each other with confidence and just go out there and “do our thing.” TH I connect with most audiences. Except for those who really like lasagna and cheesecake. TWP If we are going to be honest we need to admit that the audiences that we have the toughest time connecting with are those that don’t speak English. Also, those churches that have scriptural basis to label laughter as a great evil tend to be awkward. No, the only time we have trouble is when students think they are “too cool” to laugh, because we’re not that cool. We’re a couple of geeks, and if people can’t laugh with us, they should be able to at least laugh at us, but sometimes they won’t let down that guard. MJ I think I connect with pretty much everyone as I get to perform on late night TV shows as well as early Sunday morning services, not to mention prisons and homeless shelters. But I once did a show at a retirement facility where the manager forgot to tell the residents to bring their hearing aids. That wasn’t fun; it was, however, very funny!

When you’re home, what ministry activities are you involved in?

TH It’s called the Tim Hawkins Parent/Father Ministries. Would you like to make a donation? I also try to love my neighbor. His name is Eric. MJ Playing with my kids, writing jokes, and playing basketball – that I KISS MY FINGER is ministry, right? TWP (Chris) –I’ve been a Sunday School teacher for almost 10 years. I love studying scripture, and it often gives me ideas for new AND POINT TO sketches. I always come away learning more than I feel I teach. It’s quite a racket! HEAVEN AFTER A TWP (Ryan) – I coordinate a men’s group called “Mandate: Man Date” that brings dudes and dads off the couch and around my back JOKE GOES WELL. yard fire pit to tell lies about fishing but also to check in about --Tim Hawkins marriage, kids, and other moderately important stuff. I also am involved in my church with a program to implement the arts into Sunday morning service. E Badminton and watching re-runs of Silver Spoons. Little Ricky Schroeder is so good. T I don’t think those are really ministry activities, are they? E Nah, I guess not. Truly not trying to sound like a “cliché” but when we are home our biggest “ministry” is to our family. When we are home, we try to focus on them more than anything. T We also both help out at our home churches. We feel like our home church is our “comedy club” where we can try out new stuff. E And we watch Silver Spoons. Note to self: How do we make this a ministry?

TIM HAWKINS Since giving up his job as a grocery truck driver in 2002, Tim Hawkins has been forging the magical blend between two comedic ideals: a genuinely funny comedy show and one that caters to the entire family. Is the goal realistic? Hawkins believes so. With over 100 million views on YouTube, 120+ sold out shows every year, and a motley crew of loyal supporters, Tim has started a gut-busting grassroots revolution of multi- generational proportions. Read more at interlinc-online.com/ylohumor

Website: timhawkins.net Booking: rockshowcomedy.com/booking.html

E Actually, it seems these days that we have fans from all different age groups. We always look out and see what kind of crowd we have – kids, students, adults, seniors. Knowing your MICHAEL JR. audience is huge and you tweak some of your content based Hailed as one of today’s most gifted comedians, Michael’s entry into comedy on the audience, we’ve learned over the years to look at each was almost preordained. Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids, Michigan other with confidence and just go out there and “do our thing.” movie theater, the projector malfunctioned. The film snapped, the house lights TH I connect with most audiences. Except for those who really like came on, and acting on a dare, young Michael jumped in front of the restless lasagna and cheesecake. crowd and took center stage. When the theater manager tried to usher him TWP If we are going to be honest we need to admit that the out, the audience demanded he stay – and Michael Jr. discovered his gift. He audiences that we have the toughest time connecting with are has appeared on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, The Late, Late Show, those that don’t speak English. Also, those churches that have Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the list goes on. Michael says it well - “If I’m in a scriptural basis to label laughter as a great evil tend to be club, my material has to be clean enough to work in a church. If I’m in a pulpit, awkward. No, the only time we have trouble is when students it has to be funny enough to work in a club.” Read more at interlinc- think they are “too cool” to laugh, because we’re not that cool. online.com/ylohumor We’re a couple of geeks, and if people can’t laugh with us, they should be able to at least laugh at us, but sometimes they won’t Website: michaeljr.com let down that guard. Booking michaeljr.com/booking/ MJ I think I connect with pretty much everyone as I get to perform on late night TV shows as well as early Sunday morning services, not to mention prisons and homeless shelters. But I What would you like to see as the result of your efforts? once did a show at a retirement facility where the manager forgot to tell the residents to bring their hearing aids. That TH Exactly. wasn’t fun; it was, however, very funny! T We’re hoping for world domination. If we can reach them when they are students, then we can make them follow us when they When you’re home, what ministry activities are you involved in? are of voting age. E We believe laughter brings down walls for truth to enter. We grew TH It’s called the Tim Hawkins Parent/Father Ministries. Would you up on John Hughes movies. The writing was so well done and the like to make a donation? I also try to love my neighbor. His characters were people you knew in high school and the sound name is Eric. track was something you wish you had playing when you walked MJ Playing with my kids, writing jokes, and playing basketball – that around school – those were the movies that made us laugh – and I KISS MY FINGER is ministry, right? then there was always the moment you felt like these characters TWP (Chris) –I’ve been a Sunday School teacher for almost 10 years. were reading your mail. John Hughes had such a way to nail the AND POINT TO I love studying scripture, and it often gives me ideas for new emotion. Because we laughed, when the emotional “dip” came we sketches. I always come away learning more than I feel I teach. were moved. I hope that’s what we do with students and adults It’s quite a racket! and kids alike. We did “Gods Chisel” (one of our favorite HEAVEN AFTER A TWP (Ryan) – I coordinate a men’s group called “Mandate: Man Date” skits/videos) for an audience and this 80-year-old man came up to that brings dudes and dads off the couch and around my back me, grabbed my hand, and with tears misting up in his eyes said, JOKE GOES WELL. yard fire pit to tell lies about fishing but also to check in about “That’s one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard.” Either that guy --Tim Hawkins marriage, kids, and other moderately important stuff. I also am was Amish and didn’t get out much, or we connected with him I WANT STUDENTS TO involved in my church with a program to implement the arts into through laughter and the truth from Gods Word. Love that! Sunday morning service. T Plus, because of his age, we are one vote closer to REALIZE GOD HAS E Badminton and watching re-runs of Silver Spoons. Little Ricky world domination! Schroeder is so good. TWP We understand that many of the students that we encounter are BLESSED THEM WITH T I don’t think those are really ministry activities, are they? getting ready to move into an environment that is hostile toward E Nah, I guess not. Truly not trying to sound like a “cliché” but the gospel, whether it is high school, college, or life. Our hope is when we are home our biggest “ministry” is to our family. When that we have helped to equip them with some tools and encour- AN EQUALLY we are home, we try to focus on them more than anything. aged them to grow more confident in their relationship with Christ T We also both help out at our home churches. We feel like our so that they can weather the coming storms. VALUABLE GIFT home church is our “comedy club” where we can try out MJ I want students to see my gift at its greatest level and realize that --Michael Jr. new stuff. God has blessed them with an equally valuable gift and to fully E And we watch Silver Spoons. Note to self: How do we make utilize it for His kingdom this a ministry? If you could share the stage with anyone – a band, a speaker, another comedian, or whomever (but not the Sunday School answer) – who comes to your mind first?

TIM HAWKINS E Jesus! T That was the Sunday School answer. Since giving up his job as a grocery truck driver in 2002, Tim Hawkins MJ Steve, the dude at Starbucks. He is not very funny and not overly has been forging the magical blend between two comedic ideals: a talented, and I like all the attention I can get. Other than that, my genuinely funny comedy show and one that caters to the entire family. wife. She is brilliant, beautiful, and makes me even better. Is the goal realistic? Hawkins believes so. With over 100 million views on TH Rachel Ray. Because even if the show goes poorly, there’ll be an YouTube, 120+ sold out shows every year, and a motley crew of loyal inexpensive meal, most likely. supporters, Tim has started a gut-busting grassroots revolution of multi- TWP (Chris) I’m going to have to go with Rasputin, because while the generational proportions. Read more at interlinc-online.com/ylohumor beard may have looked kind of creepy, I just have this bizarre idea that the guy would have been killer at improv. But in all Website: timhawkins.net seriousness, I’m a big fan of Franklin Graham and I’ve heard he Booking: rockshowcomedy.com/booking.html can make his armpit sound like a circus seal.

TWP (Ryan) I’m so shocked that you didn’t say, “I would never want to What would you like youth leaders to know about you that they share the stage with anyone other than Ryan.” I can hardly wouldn’t be able to learn from your website or YouTube videos? breathe! Anyway, I’ll try. I have this pipe dream of bringing Team WordPlay, Skit Guys, Tim Hawkins, and Michael Jr. on stage TH I smell great. together for a cagematch-to-the-death comedy event. Okay, MJ That I’m actually Asian. maybe no bloodshed, but can you imagine? T Our website? Oh, you mean skitguys.com? E With all seriousness, when we were doing skits in school (we’ve E Ha! Shameless plug. been friends since high school), we had a friend who told us, T I learned it by watching you! “Just picture Jesus on the front row – laughing, tearing up, E We are husbands and dads first. We love what we get to do but it loving watching you two using your gifts and talents.” I’ve never will never outweigh our families. No success, money, or forgotten that. I hope we live up to that as we “share” the stage opportunities will take the place of our wives and kids. People with the One who gave us the talents. that bring us in have probably experienced a little bit of that – T We’d love to do a skit with someone like Tim Conway. We grew when we are done in a city –- we are on the first plane back to up watching the “The Carol Burnett Show.” Most of the X’ers and our families. We miss out on some great fellowship with the body Y’ers don’t know much about that type of sketch comedy that of Christ but we have our kiddos in our homes for only a short was just sooo funny and clean. time. We need to do that justice. E We get told a lot, “You two remind me of Harvey Korman and T Plus those other people can still stay connected with us at… Tim Conway.” That’s the ultimate compliment. They were class skitguys.com! acts and so funny – and the way Harvey would crack up on E Ha! You did it again! stage at Tim Conway… Tommy is always throwing in new stuff, TWP Maybe that our comedy is almost always surrounded by a good and I laugh almost every time. deal of teaching. We do very little comedy for its own sake. More T Anyone know how we could get in touch with Tim Conway? and more Team WordPlay is asked to do the teaching and the comedy at the events to which we are invited, so organizers can kill two birds with one stone. SKIT GUYS Tommy Woodard and Eddie James have been best friends since high school. Think of them as the wise guys in class who had everyone laughing and managed to make a career out of it. They’ve been teaching God’s Word using comedy, drama, and whatever category talking Action Figures fit into, for over twenty years. Read more interlinc- online.com/ylohumor

Website: skitguys.com Booking: 877-SKIT-GUYS

OUR BIGGEST FANS ARE 9-YEAR-OLDS. MOSTLY BECAUSE WE SHARE THEIR MENTALITY! --Tommy and Eddie

TWP (Ryan) I’m so shocked that you didn’t say, “I would never want to What would you like youth leaders to know about you that they Does your wife still laugh at your jokes? You make fun of stuff Christians do or think. Why is laughing at share the stage with anyone other than Ryan.” I can hardly wouldn’t be able to learn from your website or YouTube videos? itself healthy for the church? breathe! Anyway, I’ll try. I have this pipe dream of bringing Team TWP (Chris) That would imply that my wife has EVER laughed at any of WordPlay, Skit Guys, Tim Hawkins, and Michael Jr. on stage TH I smell great. my jokes. That’s actually my measuring bar for comedy – if I can MJ Because kids need their vitamins and laughter is like medicine. together for a cagematch-to-the-death comedy event. Okay, MJ That I’m actually Asian. make her crack a smile, I know the students will roll. The more we are open to laughing at ourselves, the more open maybe no bloodshed, but can you imagine? T Our website? Oh, you mean skitguys.com? TWP (Ryan) Yes, sometimes I think it’s going to be a belly laugh and it’s we are to others. E With all seriousness, when we were doing skits in school (we’ve E Ha! Shameless plug. just a chuckle. Other times it’s just the opposite. In other words, T I think the Apostle Paul said it best when he said, “A spoon full of been friends since high school), we had a friend who told us, T I learned it by watching you! I’ve still got it! Truth be told, she’s the funny one. I steal her jokes sugar helps the medicine go down.” “Just picture Jesus on the front row – laughing, tearing up, E We are husbands and dads first. We love what we get to do but it and pass them off as mine. E I don’t think that was Paul. loving watching you two using your gifts and talents.” I’ve never will never outweigh our families. No success, money, or TH Let’s just say I give her several reasons to laugh. But my jokes? T I am pretty sure it was. forgotten that. I hope we live up to that as we “share” the stage opportunities will take the place of our wives and kids. People Only when she thinks they’re funny. Her feedback is usually E That was Mary Poppins. with the One who gave us the talents. that bring us in have probably experienced a little bit of that – right-on. T She may have been quoting Paul. T We’d love to do a skit with someone like Tim Conway. We grew when we are done in a city –- we are on the first plane back to MJ She does if I look at her while I am on stage. E I don’t think so. up watching the “The Carol Burnett Show.” Most of the X’ers and our families. We miss out on some great fellowship with the body T My wife is my best friend and my biggest fan! She actually still T Okay, how about this: If we can be a mirror to our “holy huddle” – Y’ers don’t know much about that type of sketch comedy that of Christ but we have our kiddos in our homes for only a short laughs at my jokes and thinks I’m funny. all the better. was just sooo funny and clean. time. We need to do that justice. E My wife is funnier than I am. People are always commenting on E That’s better. We know that the truth may hurt but if we can laugh E We get told a lot, “You two remind me of Harvey Korman and T Plus those other people can still stay connected with us at… her Facebook page, “Now I know where your husband gets his about it and then go, “Yeah, I do that. I need to change that. God Tim Conway.” That’s the ultimate compliment. They were class skitguys.com! material.” Ouch. help me to change that.” That’s what they have going for them – acts and so funny – and the way Harvey would crack up on E Ha! You did it again! God. I guess that’s why it’s called Christian Comedy… stage at Tim Conway… Tommy is always throwing in new stuff, TWP Maybe that our comedy is almost always surrounded by a good TWP I think it is important for Christian kids to laugh at themselves so and I laugh almost every time. deal of teaching. We do very little comedy for its own sake. More that they can grow into Christian adults that laugh at themselves. T Anyone know how we could get in touch with Tim Conway? and more Team WordPlay is asked to do the teaching and the TEAM WORLDPLAY As Christians, we need to be able to laugh at ourselves in order to comedy at the events to which we are invited, so organizers can keep a humble perspective. We are far from perfect and the more kill two birds with one stone. Team WordPlay is a comedy/drama ministry team formed by Ryan O’Quinn that we can recognize that, the more that we can be accepting and Chris Woolsey who are Los Angeles-based professional actors. When and gracious of the shortcomings of everyone else in our lives. SKIT GUYS not appearing in films, TV shows, or commercials, they are committed to TH I say if you can’t laugh at yourself, laugh at other people. I think traveling the country providing top quality biblically-driven skits, improvs, the church should laugh at itself, with itself, near itself, whatever. Tommy Woodard and Eddie James have been best friends since high and sermons to churches and youth groups. Seeing this group bring Honor God and help people. school. Think of them as the wise guys in class who had everyone characters to life is something you will not soon forget! laughing and managed to make a career out of it. They’ve been teaching Read more at interlinc-online.com/ylohumor God’s Word using comedy, drama, and whatever category talking Action Figures fit into, for over twenty years. Read more interlinc- Website: teamwordplay.com online.com/ylohumor Booking: Gresham Hill 615-258-4646

Website: skitguys.com Booking: 877-SKIT-GUYS

OUR BIGGEST FANS ARE IF I CAN MAKE HER 9-YEAR-OLDS. CRACK A SMILE, MOSTLY BECAUSE I KNOW THE WE SHARE STUDENTS WILL THEIR MENTALITY! ROLL. --Tommy and Eddie --Team WorldPlay

By Doug Hutchcraft Psalm 126:2 and Job 8:21 directly link laughter The Doug and Jon Show as a result of God’s blessing. Even so, humor thedougandjonshow.com sometimes gets a bad rap in church and ministry circles because we’ve seen it used so many times in ways that don’t glorify God. When utilized within God’s boundaries though (see Ephesians 5:4 to read how much God doesn’t laugh at bathroom humor), laughter is simply too great of a gift and too powerful a communication weapon to not harness for God’s glory.

Laughter is one of God’s greatest creations. Used creatively and effectively, it can attract people from all walks of life to His truth and ultimately, the Gospel. I’ve seen God at work through humor firsthand. It’s one of the reasons more than 30,000 young people from 90 countries have prayed to receive Christ on TheDougAndJonShow.com. It’s a primary reason 115,000 Facebook fans keep us in their news feeds. Yes, we share the Gospel – but we win a young person’s trust first by sharing some laughs.

Laughs break the ice. When communicating, in some cases you’ve got maybe 30 seconds before a person, especially a young person, decides whether they relate to you and will listen to what you have to say. When you start a conversation with a shared laugh, you can break down invisible walls in an instant.

Laughs change negative perceptions. We live in a world full of people that believe Christians are all Mr. and Mrs. Judge-ingtons. Their perception is we want to yell at them because they have sin in their lives. One shared laugh at our own shortcomings can communicate we’re not all the sticks in the mud they perceive us We’ve to be. Laughs can help effectively communicate hard truths. Recently I taught at a church from Proverbs Gotta 4:23 on guarding your heart. I used a funny illustration about how there’s a stretch on Interstate 40 in Texas that assaults your nasal cavity because of all the cow farms in the Start community. Somehow though, the folks that live there don’t smell it because they’re used to it. From there I turned the corner into Christians not Taking being able to “smell” the kind of entertainment that is offensive to God because we’re so accustomed to it. I call communicating hard truths this way as “putting velvet on a brick.” You don’t Humor water down the hard truth — but you get people thinking about it on a deeper level because you delivered it in an entertaining and unexpected way.

More Not every truth in God’s Word is appropriate to illustrate with humor, but it’s wise to consider utilizing humor in ones where it works. So laugh a Seriously! little, and invite others to crack up with you! It’ll bring a bright spot into their day, and it might even give them a glimpse into the joy that comes from following such a great Savior.

I’ve seen lots of paintings of Jesus in my life. I’ve seen Him drawn as a somber person and as a suffering person. I’ve seen paintings that show Him slightly ticked off, and really ticked off. I’ve seen Him depicted with a look of compassion and tenderness.

Many times I have seen Him painted with a Some of the funny stuff Jesus said is lost in commentaries on the traits and foibles of profound or wise bearing. (I especially like the way translation. Some jokes, especially clever puns, just His followers. the old painters made Him strike a pose with His don’t come off well when translated. Some of His hands!) I’ve seen Him sketched with a gentle, warm jokes were regional in nature or dealt with local Could anyone deliver with a straight face the lines expression; and I have seen Him pictured as weak, characters or times. In spite of this, we are left with about a guy with a log in his eye trying to dig the whipped and weary far more times than I wish some powerful evidence as to the hilarious speck of sawdust out of the eye of another? One to count. comments of Christ. One might ask, “Why haven’t can almost sense the comic timing if this passage I seen any funny stuff in there?” even though he or were paraphrased just a bit; “So there’s this guy But as I thumb through the pictures that illustrate she has been reading the Bible for some length of with a gargantuan log sticking outta his eye...” the Bibles we have lying around the house, I have time. The answer is that we don’t see it because yet to see an illustration of Jesus with His head we don’t expect it to be there. When we read the letters of Paul and the rest of thrown back in laughter. I have never seen Him boys, we have to sift to find any grains of humor. painted with a sly, mischievous, practical-joker Jesus often cast things in a humorous light when Their letters do not indicate that these men were smirk on His face. I have never seen a drawing of He taught. He would use wild imagery guaranteed picklesucking Apostles. No doubt they were very Jesus that shows Him doubled over splitting a gut to have folks guffawing. He lit into the religious healthy in the wit department, but their humor — or with the giggles — or with eyes watering from leaders with stinging and uproarious satire. His didn’t slide over much into their correspondence. uncontrollable fits of hilarity. words dance with mirth and teasing. But God built us with a sense of humor. He If all I knew about Jesus came from these Consider the superb use of absurd humor and certainly must have a sense of humor — just look paintings, I would believe that He was somewhat of hyperbole when He asked rhetorically “If your child at some of the hilarious bodies wandering around a sourpuss — a serious curmudgeon with serious asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he the shopping mall.We need to laugh. In fact, human business on His mind. Always. asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on beings are the only creatures that laugh. The more his plate?” (Matthew 7:9- 10, The Message) carefree your soul, the more you laugh. That’s why One is never asked to ponder if Jesus laughed at The silliness of the statement could not have done kids, unburdened as they are by the weight of the Peter’s inability to hold his gas at a dinner party or anything but bring chuckles to the crowd. world, laugh over 300 times a day. (Compare that if He was ever asked “Knock, knock” because, as figure to the sour, debt-ridden adult laugh count of God, He would always know who’s there! Note how Jesus skewers the self-righteousness of around 15 times a day.Yikes!) the Pharisees with wry comments such as, “You’re We are told that He was like us in every way. hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! I would humbly suggest that the lighter your yoke Although He was 100% man, and 100% God, He Frauds! You’re like manicured grave plots, grass the quicker you joke. Or, put another way, perhaps never sinned. clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it’s the closer our proximity to our Lord the more we all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh.” (Matthew will be infected by the peals of Godly laughter that Artists, and many religious folk, would want us 23:27, The Message) seem to be an overlooked part of His nature. Did believe that He never laughed either. Jesus crack jokes and cause laughter simply When Jesus decided to give nicknames to His because He was human, or was He busting them Now we can’t tell for sure if Jesus cracked up at a disciples, He did it just as a buddy would do — He up because He was Divine? Perhaps both. But I good joke. But we can tell that He had a wicked (in gave a lovingly tease of a name. He called Peter wouldn’t be surprised if we meet our Lord on “the the good way) sense of humor. If He didn’t laugh at “The Pebble” and to the hotheaded, grumbling other side” and He starts the conversation with, the jokes of others, surely people were in stitches James and John He hung the title “Sons of “Hey, did you hear the one about…” at some of the stories He told. Thunder”. The names were laughable

The relationship between TobyMac and interlínc goes back a tonight. What’s going to happen tonight at the concert? long way—almost twenty years, to be exact. In fact, you How many times have I decided to do something, to walk more deeply and could call it a friendship, a partnership in using music to to be a better man? How many times have I slipped in that and let it go minister to high school kids. TobyMac has always been for a season and stopped trying? Then it’s like that old school on the leading edge of Christian music. His life analogy: I had to get back on the horse. There’s something backs up the message of his music. He has a powerful about saying, “I’m starting tonight. Everything is heart for youth leaders and a passion for young changing tonight.” (In my concert I want to tell people), people. Here is an excerpt from a conversation “You can choose to leave this night the same, or you can that interlínc President Allen Weed and decide to leave this concert different.” My hope is that TobyMac had. people always leave different.

When you guys get back on the bus after a Allen: What do you wish a youth concert, what makes you say, “That was worker would do in the two weeks AWESOME!”? before taking his or her group to one of your concerts? We look for connection, energy, the intensity of the crowd, and the crowd singing lyrics back to us. All of TobyMac: I encourage them to look for that means something, but at the end of the day all of us something more than just the party. Of course look for a connection. Diverse City is a band that is we are going to have a party and we are going to looking to connect with people’s lives. Sometimes it is drop the joy bomb, but there is something more someone looking at you while you are playing. there – if you look for it you will find it. There is Sometimes they are weeping, sometimes they are full of something deeper, joy, sometimes they are whether it’s a deeper singing along with you. pursuit of happiness, or That connection is what bringing a friend that has moves us. That is when we never heard about that know that our music is hope they can have in resonating with people’s Christ. I love when people lives. bring their friends because they may fall in love with TobyMac It’s more than just the music and that may entertainment. Sure we create an opportunity for God to do something really entertain – I want our concert to be bangin’, and I want it to cool. compete with any concert out there. I want it to be completely entertaining, but the connection with lives is what we are looking What do you hope kids will walk out the back for. We all get it a little differently, sometimes we are looking for door with at end of your concert? someone that we can see is hurting, and to lock eyes and to speak into their soul through the way we play an instrument. Other I hope that people walk out of the concert not with guys are focused on someone that is full of joy. We are the body of TobyMac’s name on their lips but with Jesus’ name on Christ, so we all do it a little differently. But, I can say the one word their lips. I hope that they decide to pursue Christ more we are looking for is “connection.” passionately, to love people more intently, and to look for a vision in their life that they can pursue. You have been at this for a while. What do you do to maintain your energy? What do you have in mind when you sing, “If you gotta start somewhere, why not here? If you gotta Having physical energy comes from staying physically fit. I continue start sometime, why not now?” to play basketball, run marathons, and stay in the game as far as sports go. The reason I say, “If you gotta to start somewhere why not here?” and “Tonight’s the night” is because (for me) it starts Also, the people around me dictate my energy level. Some people tonight. I have always believed there’s no better time to drain you, and some people build you up and energize you. I look for change than right now. I know music can’t change the world, that kind of (energizing) people in my life. but I do believe that God chooses to use music. A concert experience –that’s where everything goes down for me. That’s The ultimate thing that gives me vision is God’s Word. When I open where everything happens. That’s where I present what God up God’s Word, or a book that explains God’s Word, when I hold my is putting on my heart. That’s also my moment to flex the life up to those inspiring thoughts, I am energized. creative gifts God has given me. I look at things in light of

Check out the Rachel Chang Bible Study materials on page 40.

MANAFEST

Scott Osterbind had a chance to interact with Manafest to get some behind-the-scenes looks at this talented and popular artist. Listen in… How did you get involved in music, and – it was awesome. I also had a kid come up to me how has that brought you to where you and talk to me about losing his dad as well and are today? how to deal with it. I just said, “God, and time.” It was a really awesome moment and I was able to I’m from Toronto, Canada and live in California now. give the kid a hug and he felt really encouraged and I have been doing music full time for over eight now he can go and encourage someone else. He years. I do rock music and a lot of people compare can say, “I went through some stuff, but look at me me to the band Linkin Park or Rage Against the now. I’m doing great – and you are going to do Machine – heavy rock stuff with some big hooks. I great, too.” travel anywhere from 100 to 200 days a year and I love what I do. You have travelled to places like China and Japan. How is that different from when you What is the main theme of your new have concerts in the United States? album, Fighter? There is not really a Christian music scene outside I lost my dad to suicide when I was five years old, of the U.S. I usually have a translator when I go to a but even stemming from fighting through that and different country. With a different language you also being in the music industry I have fallen down definitely have to speak slowly and pick up a few a lot. I’ve really held onto Proverbs 24:16, “Even words of their language. In most countries I travel though a righteous man falls down seven times, he to, English is their second language. We tailor the gets up and goes again.” Sometimes, we just have messages in a way that relates to people. You don’t to get up when we don’t have anything to hold on often have a lot of time, so have to tell it to them to. Even if it’s a dream or only a small light we have real to have an impact. to keep walking towards it and keep pulling ourselves up. That’s the theme of the record – When a student listens to your album, inspiration from the tragedies and hurt that we all watches one of your music videos, or even deal with. sees you in concert, what do you want him or her to walk away with? You have toured with groups like Thousand Foot Krutch and RED. Are there any cool I want to inspire hope for them to keep going. I love stories that stick out in your mind from it when they are rockin’ out, but I love to interweave that experience? messages of realness and issues that people deal with on a real level. I want to bring resolutions to it. Trevor from Thousand Foot Krutch and I had a That’s God, love, forgiveness – and to point them really awesome devotion one day. We listened to to things like that because hate and bitterness will some worship music, read a couple of Scriptures, wreck you. and prayed. That was just a really powerful moment

interlínc’s Scott Osterbind got to pose some questions to Dawn Michele, the lead singer of Fireflight, about the heart and ministry behind the music of

What message are you hoping to convey with this new record? We can’t help but draw inspiration from their heroic struggles. Their experiences and perspectives join with our own and are woven throughout the We are hoping to inspire a movement to leaving behind the things that themes and subjects of all our songs. entangle us and reaching out to those whom God wants us to love. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy our lives and we let him do so by becoming From what I can tell, you make a huge effort to counsel and slaves to the past and our fears. With the power of God, we can break free encourage many young people that come your way. Who does that from the past and begin to impact our communities to make lasting change for same thing for you? the kingdom of God. Now is the time to make our future what we want it to be. We are blessed to have the wise counsel of the great Porter’s Call Organization You couldn’t have picked a better opening song than “ Stay Close.” of Nashville. We find it absolutely key to submit ourselves to the wisdom and Often, we allow ourselves to get stuck in our past. How does this guidance of Christian counseling as well as the wise counsel of friends, family, Nsong encouraige ynour listeneres to move forward? and mentors. We so easily get caught in a cycle of rehearsing our fears and mistakes. Before What is Fireflight most excited about this year, and how can youth we know it, our past controls our future. We have to realize that only God has leaders be praying for you? the power to help us heal from the things we cannot change. More important than anything, we have to draw close to God, and when we do, He will lead us We are most excited about the message of this new album, and we have a to freedom and growth.You often write songs that relate to your personal great desire to see it encourage as many as possible to rise to new heights in experiences, but how has your tight relationship with your fans helped inspire both their own personal freedom from bondage and in acting to impact others Lyour music?ashes through the Love of Jesus. So many people have opened their hearts and shared their stories with us – tThoeoirt hv i&c tNoraieil sR, ethceoirrd dse’ fneeawtse, satn bda mndo,s Nt iinmep Loartsahnetsl,y vtihseitier djo iunrtneerlyínsc i’ns -hboemtwee en. What is the overall theme that ties World We View together? office in Franklin, Tennessee recently. These guys are so excited to get their music into the hands of youth leaders; they have a big heart behind their hard- Basically, what you see around you is not your final destination. Dreams can core music. Here is a portion of their conversation with interlínc staffer, be achieved. Goals can be reached. Worlds can be changed. With God, all Scott Osterbind. things are possible. There are many themes throughout the songs, but this is the one that you see over and over. How did a festival promoter help you get a record deal? The name Nine Lashes is a reference to the “Cat of Nine Tails” We were just trying to get a concert scheduled. There’s a promoter who whip used on Jesus. What Scripture inspired your band name and organizes a festival in our hometown, and we sent our album to him hoping he the album’s title? would let us play. He liked the music, but the first thing he asked was, “Can you do it live?” We asked him to come to our next concert and see for himself. The Bible speaks of how Jesus’ torture was for our benefit. Everything He He came but had a prior engagement, so when he left in the middle of our set, went through was to restore us to our Father in heaven. We never want to we thought “He hated it.” Through all this we had no clue that this man had forget this. worked with Trevor McNevon from Thousand Foot Krutch, to whom he sent our album – also without our knowledge. Trevor had time to listen to it because When someone leaves your concert or listens to your album, what he was at home resting from a ruptured appendix. Long story short, God was do you hope they understand? involved and no TFK singers were harmed during the creation of this story. We want them to understand that God is a living being, that understands you, Your World We View album is a nice blend of indie, modern, hears you, teaches you, guides you, comforts you, laughs with you, cries with alternative, and even screamo rock. How excited were you to work you, and walks with you. He doesn’t want you to have the right words in your with Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter on the song, “Our Darkest Day”? prayers or the right answers for your friends; He only wants your honesty. He wants you to be real with Him and trust Him. All other things will fall into place Very excited. We were really just wishing out loud about him guest appearing when we do that. on our album. The next thing you know, Aaron Sprinkle was on the phone making it happen.

Check out the Nine Lashes Bible Study materials on page 34.

© 2012, INTERLiŃC. INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM / 800.725.3300 Page >> 14 HEART HUMOR OF THE ARTIST Tickling The Universal Funny-Bone Of Youth Ministry FIREFLIGHT interlínc’s Scott Osterbind got to pose some questions to Dawn Michele, the lead singer of Fireflight, about the heart and ministry behind the music of

What message are you hoping to convey with this new record? We can’t help but draw inspiration from their heroic struggles. Their experiences and perspectives join with our own and are woven throughout the We are hoping to inspire a movement to leaving behind the things that themes and subjects of all our songs. entangle us and reaching out to those whom God wants us to love. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy our lives and we let him do so by becoming From what I can tell, you make a huge effort to counsel and slaves to the past and our fears. With the power of God, we can break free encourage many young people that come your way. Who does that from the past and begin to impact our communities to make lasting change for same thing for you? the kingdom of God. Now is the time to make our future what we want it to be. We are blessed to have the wise counsel of the great Porter’s Call Organization You couldn’t have picked a better opening song than “ Stay Close.” of Nashville. We find it absolutely key to submit ourselves to the wisdom and Often, we allow ourselves to get stuck in our past. How does this guidance of Christian counseling as well as the wise counsel of friends, family, Nsong encouraige ynour listeneres to move forward? and mentors. We so easily get caught in a cycle of rehearsing our fears and mistakes. Before What is Fireflight most excited about this year, and how can youth we know it, our past controls our future. We have to realize that only God has leaders be praying for you? the power to help us heal from the things we cannot change. More important than anything, we have to draw close to God, and when we do, He will lead us We are most excited about the message of this new album, and we have a to freedom and growth.You often write songs that relate to your personal great desire to see it encourage as many as possible to rise to new heights in experiences, but how has your tight relationship with your fans helped inspire both their own personal freedom from bondage and in acting to impact others Lyour music?ashes through the Love of Jesus. Hilarious Videos So many people have opened their hearts and shared their stories with us – That Will Have tThoeoirt hv i&c tNoraieil sR, ethceoirrd dse’ fneeawtse, satn bda mndo,s Nt iinmep Loartsahnetsl,y vtihseitier djo iunrtneerlyínsc i’ns -hboemtwee en. What is the overall theme that ties World We View together? Kids Laughing office in Franklin, Tennessee recently. These guys are so excited to get their music into the hands of youth leaders; they have a big heart behind their hard- Basically, what you see around you is not your final destination. Dreams can While Learning core music. Here is a portion of their conversation with interlínc staffer, be achieved. Goals can be reached. Worlds can be changed. With God, all Scott Osterbind. things are possible. There are many themes throughout the songs, but this is the one that you see over and over. How did a festival promoter help you get a record deal? The name Nine Lashes is a reference to the “Cat of Nine Tails” We were just trying to get a concert scheduled. There’s a promoter who whip used on Jesus. What Scripture inspired your band name and organizes a festival in our hometown, and we sent our album to him hoping he the album’s title? would let us play. He liked the music, but the first thing he asked was, “Can you do it live?” We asked him to come to our next concert and see for himself. The Bible speaks of how Jesus’ torture was for our benefit. Everything He He came but had a prior engagement, so when he left in the middle of our set, went through was to restore us to our Father in heaven. We never want to we thought “He hated it.” Through all this we had no clue that this man had forget this. YOU’RE GONNA WANT EXTRA COPIES worked with Trevor McNevon from Thousand Foot Krutch, to whom he sent our album – also without our knowledge. Trevor had time to listen to it because When someone leaves your concert or listens to your album, what he was at home resting from a ruptured appendix. Long story short, God was do you hope they understand? OF THIS SPECIAL “HUMOR” EDITION involved and no TFK singers were harmed during the creation of this story. We want them to understand that God is a living being, that understands you, Your World We View album is a nice blend of indie, modern, hears you, teaches you, guides you, comforts you, laughs with you, cries with alternative, and even screamo rock. How excited were you to work you, and walks with you. He doesn’t want you to have the right words in your YLO TO GIVE TO YOUR VOLUNTEERS! with Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter on the song, “Our Darkest Day”? prayers or the right answers for your friends; He only wants your honesty. He Videos, Discussion Starters, Comedian Roundtable, Articles wants you to be real with Him and trust Him. All other things will fall into place Very excited. We were really just wishing out loud about him guest appearing when we do that. on our album. The next thing you know, Aaron Sprinkle was on the phone SkitGuys, Tim Hawkins, Michael Jr., Team WordPlay, Bean & Bailey making it happen. Plus New Music and Bible Studies From TobyMac, Kutless, Fireflight

Check out the Nine Lashes Bible Study materials on page 34. Special Price $19.95! Plus shipping. Limited quantities. While supplies last. © 2012, INTERLiŃC. INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM / 800.725.3300 Call 800-725-3300 or email [email protected] Page >> HUMOR DVD 16 INTRODUCTION

HUMOR Tickling The Universal Funny-Bone Of Youth Ministry

By: Ken McCoy JumpStart Ministries Escondido, California [email protected]

“Dude. You should be a comedian!” I had just finished making a presentation about guy/girl relationships at a local high school and was doing the “meet and greet at the door as the kids leave” thing, when a young guy gave me that compliment. I was thrilled! But then he said, “You totally have me thinking about stuff I’ve never heard before. Thanks.” Now THERE was the compliment I was hoping for!

You can probably relate. Since you’re You’ll love the videos included on around teenagers a lot, you know that the HUMOR DVD – they come from there is nothing worse than being “boring.” some of the most-talented Christian (I love the title of a classic youth ministry comedians we know. Their styles book I have: It’s A Sin To Bore A Kid.) We range from pure stand-up comedy spend a LOT of effort to avoid “boring” to poignant vignettes. The videos – and humor is one of the best tools we are short enough for you to use to have in our toolbox. introduce a topic.

Not that every youth leader is naturally That’s where these Discussion funny. (But, a surprising proportion of us Guides will be especially helpful for did grow up as the class clown!) There’s you. We’ve put together these nine nothing quite so sad, or embarrassing, as Discussion Guides to help you to watch a youth leader trying valiantly to integrate the funny stuff into teach- be hip and funny but not quite pulling it ing your students God’s truth. Have off. And so, many of us rely on those who this magazine open to these pages as are born comedians to create the resourc- you watch the videos. You’ll see how es we can use to inject humor into our powerful humor can be! ministries. (As Tim Hawkins says, “There’s nothing different about you and me except I have a microphone – and talent.”)

discussion GUIDES 17

Tad: The Most Annoying The Skinny Things That Kid In The Youth Group On Evangelism Creep Me Out Skit Guys Skit Guys Tim Hawkins

By: Jacob Fasig By: Jacob Fasig By: Mark Pittman McKendree UMC McKendree UMC interlínc Nashville, Tennessee Nashville, Tennessee San Diego, California [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Use this video as a discussion starter with other youth- Even though others might be off-putting in the There are just some weird and creepy things in workers. The video highlights something we have all way they spread the Gospel, we can’t back down the Bible... encountered – a student who is too much to handle. from talking about Jesus. Opening Questions: Opening Questions: Opening Questions: What creeps you out? How did you first get • Have you ever had a time when you couldn’t invest • Have you ever been embarrassed by another creeped out by that? any more – when you where worn out, exhausted, Christian trying to spread the news about Jesus? spiritually drained, and emotionally gone? Describe. The Clip: • Have you ever tried to make an excuse for not We’re going to watch a really short and funny clip • What do you feel about those people with a taking time for a student that wears you out? about a horrible kids’ song. This song, when we Christian fish on the back of their cars, but who What happened? How did you feel about that? think about it, is pretty strange and creepy. cut you off on the freeway? • Have you had a kid that “cried wolf” so much that Transition: you didn’t know when to take him or her seriously? Discussion: Okay, I don’t know why a goat would have a The Clip: In this video we see different stereotypes of evan- thumb either. But there are some other creepy Say something like, “Yeah, we’ve all had ‘those’ gelists: The Strategist, The Amplified, The Liar, things in the Bible that you may want to know kinds of kids. Let’s watch a funny video about Banner Man, and the Lyricists. Each one has his about, just for fun. what really might be going on.” Show the clip. or her own way to reach people with the Gospel. Each representation is very funny, unless you are Bible Study: Transition: one of them. Show the video. (Read one or two – whatever you think your group Explain that God has a habit of using the most can handle) unlikely people to further His Kingdom. The Transition: students that we would expect to have a huge • If you where totally honest, which person are you Numbers 22:21-34 – Balaam’s donkey. Yes, just impact might disappoint us, and those that we most like? Why? like Mr. Ed, we have a talking donkey! wouldn’t expect much from might surprise us. Let’s look at one example. • How do you talk with your friends about your faith? Acts 28:1-6 – Paul is trying to make a fire and Bible Study: gets bit by a snake. How long did Paul walk Read Acts 2:14, 41. Peter, the guy who said and Bible Study: around with a snake on his hand for everyone to did what everyone was thinking – the guy who Read 2 Corinthians 9:13 and discuss: see? And what’s the best way to get a snake to let always had something say about everything – was go of your hand? the person upon which Jesus built His church. • What is the most effective way to share the gospel with other people? 1 Samuel 17:50-51 – Just like Noah’s ark, Goliath • When was a time you went into a conversation with usually ends up on the ground with a stone in his a student expecting one thing and finding out some- • Who, in your life, would you love to see confess head. Look closely at the verses – did the stone thing totally different – something life changing? Jesus as their Lord and Savior? kill Goliath? What happened to Goliath’s head? • What happens when everything gets “real”? • What will you do this week to reach out to that person? Creepy, but there was no chance of him coming back to taunt or harm the Israelites. Those are the times we all live for – they is why we do what we do. We never know when it will hap- Conclusion: Explain that we can’t let unattractive stereotypes Conclusion: pen – but when it does, we realize that God has There are things in the Bible that are just creepy, prepared this relationship for this moment. of evangelism keep us from sharing the Good News of peace with God. We just need to do it in but the great thing is that we can still see God at • How do you stay focused on what could happen the “style” that suits each of us. work. Just because something is hard or creepy with each conversation, without being sucked does not mean that we stop. We have to continue into what usually happens? to walk by faith knowing that God is bigger than our fear (or creepy-ness). Conclusion: We need to be aware that there might be something important going on in the life of a student that makes itself known in uncomfortable ways. Let’s prayerfully trust the Holy Spirit to use us as a conduit for His love into each student He has entrusted to us.

skitguys.com skitguys.com timhawkins.net

The Not-So-Family- My Testimony Friendly Bible James

Tim Hawkins Tim Hawkins Michael Jr. By: Mark Pittman By: Mark Pittman By: Todd Pearage interlínc interlínc The Gathering San Diego, California San Diego, California Dayton, Ohio [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Being content and confident in our own story. God intended the Bible to show how much He loves We are called to follow Jesus’ example and not to Understanding that we are to be a witness to what us and what He is willing to do to have a relationship compare ourselves to others. God has done in our life. with us. Opening Questions: Opening Questions: Opening Questions: Has anyone ever said to you, “Why can’t you be What is one of the craziest or freakiest news stories you Have you ever seen a car accident take place? If more like ______?” How did that make you feel? have ever seen? Was it hard to believe at first? (Make so, what did you see? sure you have one ready to share.) Which do you think Did you have to tell a police officer what you saw? Have you ever thought, “I wish I was more like people prefer: the news, or a nice movie? Why? ______?” The Clip: The Clip: Play the clip and say something like “You’re going Say, “When we read the Bible, we find some What are some of the things we compare about to watch a guy named Tim Hawkins be real (and things that are definitely not ‘family-friendly’. Let’s ourselves with others? funny) about how he lives out his story and makes watch a video and be reminded, in a funny way, mistakes in front of people.” how real God’s Word is.” The Clip: Say, We are going to watch a really funny clip by Transition: Transition: Michael Jr. as he talks about the worst compari- Ask the students to think about their own “God Yeah, maybe we don’t want Noah’s ark on our wall – son EVER! Check it out.” Show the video. story” – good, boring, or even funny. Ask them or at least leave the screaming people out. What are what makes their “God story” theirs. some other “very real” things that you can think of in Transition: the Bible that might not be “family-friendly”? Say, “Oh man, seriously – how crazy would it have Bible Study: been to have Jesus for your older brother? You John 9:1-41 – God wants us to share what He Bible Study: know how we always complain; “My parents think has done in our lives. What did the man say when Read 2 Timothy 3:16. Explain these terms: he/she is soooo perfect…” Well, Jesus WAS per- asked about his healing? (v.15) Even after the • All Scripture. Not just some of it or just the parts fect!! UGH!! He NEVER did anything wrong!” blind man’s parents are brought in, he still states we like. Tough part about “all scripture” can be only the story of what Jesus did in his life. (v.25) wrestling with God and asking, “Why is this in Bible Study: here?” Even when we engage in that question, What were the two miracles Michael Jr. used to The world (or we, ourselves) may make us feel God is pleased and will be at work to help us show that Jesus and his younger brother James that we don’t know enough to be talking about better understand His Word. were different? God. (v.16, 17, 24) How do we let pressure from • God-Breathed. This means that God breathed the world keep us from talking about Jesus? (like He breathed life into Adam/Eve) exactly what Jesus doesn’t expect us to turn water into wine, What is amazing and wonderful about the He wanted into Scripture. Sure, men wrote it walk on water, or be perfect. But He does expect simple sharing of the real things that God has down, but God was at work through them. When us to follow His example. Read these Scriptures: done in our own lives? we examine the consistency of the Bible though 1 Peter 1:13-16 and Philippians 2:3-5. the many different human authors, we see clearly Simply sharing the story, not the reaction we get, God’s “breathing” all over the Scripture. So, what are some ways we can be like Jesus? is what is important. (v.34) Although the Pharisees • Is Useful. The Bible has a purpose in our lives; threw him out, Jesus was not done with the it should do something for us and in us. A wise Conclusion: healed man. (v.35) Jesus came back to him. How high school teacher would always ask us, after It’s a simple fact that we compare ourselves would you feel if you were that guy? Jesus treats reading God’s Word, “So what?” Our job is to just about everyone we meet. We compare you the same. He comes back for you. to turn our brains on and begin (with the Holy our grades, our skills, our looks, and on and on. Spirit’s help) to discover what God wants to do in Sometimes we like how we compare to others, Conclusion: our lives through what we read. and sometimes we don’t. But when we compare God will always work in us if we let Him. There Conclusion: ourselves to Jesus, we truly see just how far away are and will always be wonderful, honest, and When we look at the Bible as a whole (and really from perfect we really are. simple stories to tell of His work in and through know what’s in there) we see some pretty messed us. We do not have to be Billy Graham or have all up people, but God is not about just painting a Jesus knows we will never measure up to His of the Bible memorized. All we have to say is, “I neat, happy picture. He wants us to see that His perfection, but He calls us to follow His example once was _____ and now I’m ______.” Your story love and grace will work with everyone. The Bible to the best of our ability. is yours for a reason – just open your mouth and is His love story. He does what’s necessary to share it! cover our sins and bring us back into the relationship with Him.

timhawkins.net timhawkins.net michaeljr.com

discussion GUIDES 19

Lizard Face The Croc Hunter Many Faces

Michael Jr. Team WordPlay Team WordPlay By: Jacob Fasig By: Jacob Fasig By: Todd Pearage McKendree UMC McKendree UMC The Gathering Nashville, Tennessee Nashville, Tennessee Dayton, Ohio [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Teaching Point: This Discussion Guide should challenge your Your students may be the only Bible someone We get exhausted running through our day and group to think about how they are reflecting their reads. Use this Discussion Starter to encourage trying to please all the different people in our lives faith each day. your students to be Jesus’ representatives. instead of just doing the one thing to please the One who loves us the most. Opening Questions: Opening Questions: • Have you ever found yourself making faces at • Do you remember who Steve Irwin was? (If they Opening Questions: people unintentionally? need some reminding try this: youtube.com/ Do you remember when you were younger and watch?v=mlDXZywedvc) you played “Make Believe”? Who did you like to • Have you ever gotten caught staring into space dress up as? but really looking directly at someone? What hap- • Steve was “over the top.” What are you are “over pened when your eyes met? the top” excited about? Today you probably don’t tie a blanket around your neck and run around the house or wear a The Clip: The Clip: princess outfit, but we all struggle with being who Say, “This clip is a segment from one of Michael Say, “This video shows Team WordPlay live at God created us to be. Jr.’s stand up routines. It’s about something we all one of their shows. We join them in this clip as they do ‘The Croc Hunter’.” Show the video. The Clip: do, and after you’ve watched it you’ll be checking Say, “Let’s watch this funny clip from Team Word- your face for days to come.” Show the video. Transition: Play that shows how ridiculous and exhausting Say, “Sometimes, being so over the top about pretending to be someone else can be.” Show Transition: the video. • Tell us about a time when you got caught staring your faith can be scary. You might be worried at someone. What did you do? about frightening people off or pushing them away, but there are things you can do to show Transition: • Have you ever made the “Lizard Face”? your faith appropriately to people you meet. • Okay, so maybe we don’t imitate presidents or • What does your “Lizard Face” look like when you Let’s take a look at what the Bible says.” actors. But, who else do we try to emulate? do it? (Show us!) • What are some of the things we copy of other Bible Study people? (Clothes, haircuts, music, etc.) Bible Study: Read Colossians 3:1-4. Paul turns the corner Read Acts 14:8-10. While Paul was teaching he from a theology lesson to practical application. Bible Study: looked directly at a man who had been lame from Discuss: Say, “We all struggle with imitating other people, birth. When Paul saw his faith, he told the man to • What are some things that are NOT honoring to but Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:1 to ‘Imitate God, stand up on his feet – and the man was healed! God? in everything you do, because you are His dear Discuss: children.’ What are some ways in which we can • What things ARE honoring to God? • Imagine that Paul turns to look at you – could he imitate God?” see your faith, or would he see a “Lizard Face”? • How can we “edit out” that which doesn’t glorify Why or why not? and honor God? “Team WordPlay also said that God made us to do • How can you let everything you say or do show one thing; do you remember what that one thing • Paul healed a guy because of that man’s faith. was?” (Bring Him glory.) Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. What if you were in the room and you didn’t get honor and glory to God? healed after Paul looked at you? What would that • If you are the only “Bible” that people will read, • What do you think “bring God glory” means? mean to you? what do you think they’re learning from watching • Does everything we do bring Him glory? • How can others see your faith this week? your example? • Do you see how imitating others instead of imitating God is not only exhausting, but also that it Conclusion: Conclusion: robs God of His glory? As you walk about, people look at you – you How can you be a better reflection of the living Christ this week? There might be ways that • What are some things we can do this week to make eye contact, you make polite comments, glorify God with our lives? and may even make gestures toward people you don’t honor God – in sports, in private, or in school. You might have places where you feel you know. All of these things can be a reflection Conclusion: of your faith. You have an opportunity with each more comfortable about sharing your faith than others. The challenge this week is to honor God in We need to stop putting so much energy into try- person you pass to show your faith, or to put on ing to act and look like other people, and instead a different or false face. Choose to reflect your ALL you say and do. Choose to tirelessly pursue honoring God with your life! focus on being who God created us to be and faith in Jesus Christ! doing what God created us to do.

michaeljr.com teamwordplay.com teamwordplay.com

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

BLUETREE KINGDOM JESUS HEALER ERIC GARGUS EXCHANGECHURCHBELFAST.COM EXCHANGE MEDIA MARIE BAPTIST CHURCH DUBLIN, GEORGIA [email protected]

utilize the blank space on the Student • What did Jesus tell them since they • How can a person experience God’s Theme Guide to jot down lyrics that grab their continued to freak out even in His love? (know Him, talk to Him, build a Healing attention. Play the song. presence? (Don’t be afraid; take cour- relationship) age because He’s there.) The cross defeated all our sickness and Objective Transition Jesus, Jesus, Healer, Be lifted up – pain, we’re ransomed by the King – Students will understand better the Ask, “What lyrics really stand out to Mark 6:53-56 Romans 5:6-11 depth of God’s healing. you in the song?” Then ask, “What do • Describe how the people acted when • What is the most helpless you’ve you think is the meaning of this song?” they recognized Jesus. (excited, ever felt? Finally ask, “Do you believe healing is relieved, desiring healing) • Would you give up your life so some- Warm Up much bigger than just the physical?” • How might seeing Jesus heal all kinds one else could live? Even your worst If, Then, Fill In – Hand out Student Challenge students to explain their of diseases affect you? Explain. enemy? Explain. Guides and pens. Either assign teams responses. Then either divide into the a statement or two to ponder and same groups your students were in • Who was healed? (all who touched • Were there any perfect people when complete, or talk through each state- for the Warm Up, or work through the Him, even the fringe of his robe!) Christ went to the cross? Explain. ment as a group. The goal is to stir Bible study section together. • What kind of response would Jesus • How does a person make friends with creativity, solve issues ranging from the get today if He walked into town? God? (talk to Him, get to know Him) trivial to the important, and get stu- Bible Study Would anyone notice? dents thinking about their concepts of • How might witnessing Jesus heal Have students read their passage, Wrap Up healing. Encourage discussion about someone else change a person’s life? discuss the questions, and then share Explain that healing comes through the students’ choices for the blanks. (belief, trust) their responses with the rest of the knowing Jesus personally. Healing isn’t group. Lyrical phrases from the song His body broken, broken for the world always physical. Every problem will Transition are in italics to begin each section. – Romans 5:3-5 eventually be healed when we go from Explain that healing is an often-mis- this world into Heaven. Jesus never His body broken, broken for the world • What are some problems that teen- understood subject. Ask, “What do said He’d remove all our problems, but – Mark 6:47-51 agers face? (stress, relationship you think of when you hear the word issues, temptation) He did say that He’d go through them ‘healing’?” Discuss. “Why do some • Describe the setting. (lake, late night, with us. We’re foolish to think that we people get physically healed while small boat, big storm) • How can these troubles make a won’t face pain and troubles since person stronger? (perspective, endur- others do not?” • How did Jesus react to the disciples’ even Jesus had to endure pain – even ance, better prepared next time) imminent danger? (walked—on unto death on the cross. • What are some huge challenges teens water—into the danger zone!) Close with this prayer: “Dear Lord, The Song might face? (rejection, physical ail- • Why would He intend to go on past remind me that You are with me in the The Irish worship band Bluetree’s song ments, money problems) called “Jesus Healer” was inspired by their boat? (Maybe to see whether His storms of life. Help me accept that when a sermon series at their church in Bel- presence in the storm calmed them.) • How might God bring healing to prob- earthly problems are not healed in this lems and challenges? (provide peace, fast—and founding member/songwrit- • Would you be calmed by Jesus being life, that you permanently heal them in be with you in the storm) er Aaron Loyd’s daughter’s battle with in the storm with you? eternity. Thank You for this amazing gift. cystic fibrosis. Encourage students to In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

BLUETREE

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

BLUETREE KINGDOM JESUS HEALER HEALING EXCHANGECHURCHBELFAST.COM EXCHANGE MEDIA

If, Then, Fill In Bible Study Below you will find several “If, Then, Fill In” state- His body broken, broken for the world – Mark 6:47-51 His body broken, broken for the world – ments plus room to write in some of your own. Enjoy! • Describe the setting. Romans 5:3-5 If ______(a food you don’t like) tasted like • What are some problems that teenagers face? ______(a food you like), then I’d eat it. • How did Jesus react to the disciples’ imminent • How can these troubles make a person stronger? danger? If I could have only one hobby for the rest of my life, • What are some huge challenges teens might face? then I’d choose ______. • Why would he intend to go on past their boat? • How might God bring healing to problems and challenges? If I could vacation anywhere in the world, then I’d go • Would you be calmed by Jesus being in the storm to ______. with you? • How can a person experience God’s love?

If I could banish one subject from school forever, • What did Jesus tell them since they continued to then I’d banish ______. freak out even in His presence? The Cross defeated all our sickness and pain, we’re ransomed by the King – Romans 5:6-11 If I could fix one broken thing that I own, then I’d fix ______. Jesus, Jesus, Healer, Be lifted up – Mark 6:53-56 • What is the most helpless you’ve ever felt? • Describe how the people acted when they recognized Jesus. If I could solve one world conflict, then I’d solve • Would you give up your life so someone else could ______. live? Even your worst enemy? Explain. • How might it affect you seeing Jesus heal all kinds of disease? Explain. If I could invent the cure for only two diseases, then I’d cure ______and ______. • Were there any perfect people when Christ went to • Who was healed? the cross? Explain. If I had to define healing, then I’d define it as ______. • What kind of response would Jesus get today if He walked into town? Would anyone notice? • How does a person make friends with God? If I could heal one person who is hurting right now, • How might witnessing Jesus heal someone else then I’d heal ______. change a person’s life?

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Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song:Man Up Curriculum Lesson: Study by:

FIREFLIGHT NOW HE WEEPS TODD PEARAGE FIREFLIGHTROCK.COM ESSENTIAL RECORDS THE GATHERING DAYTON, OHIO [email protected]

Theme The Song Bible Study Wrap Up Compassion Say, “Before I tell you what verse Here is the verse I want you to memo- What do Jesus’ tears teach us about you will memorize, I want to play rize: John 11:35, “Jesus wept.” Yep, our hurts and struggles? What we this new song by Fireflight for you. that’s it. It’s the shortest – but one of learn is that no matter what we face, Objective Originally from Florida, Fireflight has the more powerful – verse in the whole no matter how painful it is, we can Students will understand that Jesus been making music since 1999. Now Bible. The Bible actually records three know that God has experienced a fully understands their pain. is the band’s fourth album; their other different times that Jesus cried – each similar pain. We can know that He albums include Unbreakable (2008) time in a different place and for a differ- weeps with us. When I’m on my and For Those Who Wait (2010) ent reason. Let’s look at each of these knees and I taste defeat, He weeps, Warm Up which was nominated for Best Rock/ occasions in the life of Christ and see He weeps. More importantly, we Do You Remember? – Before your Rap Gospel Album at the 53rd Gram- just what happened to make Jesus cry. know according to Deuteronomy meeting, get a bunch of random pic- mys. What stands out the most Let’s read the stories and answer the 31:6 (and the band): If today’s your tures of nature, a city, etc. Insert those about this band is their heart and following questions: darkest day and you can’t escape the pictures into a media presentation their ministry. In interlínc’s ‘Heart of pain, don’t be afraid, He will never and show the pictures for 15 seconds. the Artist’ article, Dawn said, ‘I want- Tears Of Sadness: John 11:1-44 walk away. Once the screen is blank ask 2-3 ed to simply let you know about Fire- random trivia questions about the pic- • What caused the tears? (The death of flight’s mission: to spread the love his friend Lazarus) Let’s pray and ask for God to bring tures. (“Do you remember how many of God through music to as many comfort and peace no matter what clouds were in the sky?” or “Do you people as possible. The message • What experiences have caused you to tears you may be crying. remember what color was the car?”) we hope people will come away with cry tears of sympathy? Have the students write down the when they listen to our music is that answers and give a prize to the person they will be energized and find new Tears Of Hurt: Luke 19:41-44 with the best memory. hope to break away from the things • What caused the tears? (The rejection that have been keeping them from from the people of Jerusalem) their full potential. If we could say • What experiences have caused you Transition one thing to this generation, it would Say something like, “What this game to cry tears of sorrow? (How have you be that God loves them and wants to been hurt?) tells me is that some of you have bet- talk.’ Let’s listen to this song called ter memories than others. So when it ‘He Weeps’.” comes to memorizing a Bible verse, Tears Of Struggle: Hebrews 5:7 how are you doing? Most of us prob- • What caused the tears? (Jesus was ably know John 3:16 and Genesis preparing for his death) 1:1. Now I’m going to give you another • What experiences have caused you to verse to memorize. I have a candy bar cry tears of struggle? (What difficulties for whoever has this verse memorized have you faced?) by the end of this meeting.”

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

FIREFLIGHT NOW HE WEEPS COMPASSION FIREFLIGHTROCK.COM ESSENTIAL RECORDS

Do You Tears Of Sadness Tears Of Hurt Tears Of Struggle Remember? John 11:1-44 Luke 19:41-44 Hebrews 5:7 What caused the tears? What caused the tears? What caused the tears?

What experiences have caused you to What experiences have caused you to What experiences have caused you to cry tears of sympathy? cry tears of sorrow? cry tears of struggle?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

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24 FLAME

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

FLAME THE 6TH THE 6TH DAY JEFF WILLIAMSON CLEARSIGHTMUSIC.COM CLEAR SIGHT MUSIC UNION AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE [email protected]

• How can you know, behold, and Theme Transition Bible Study praise Him over the next 24 hours? Life; Purpose/Meaning Have one of the students read Gen- While we are all indeed a reflection of • Do these verses bring a smile to esis 1:26-31 aloud. Pull out the follow- God’s creation, there still was and is your face? ing points: disappointment. At some point, our Objective • You have heard the words – what is • We were all created in God’s image! Lego creation will be broken and that Students will be reminded of the rea- will leave some of us sad. That is the your response? son they were created: to know God, • The creation of humankind was the same thing that happened to God’s to behold Him, to praise Him. highlight of His day! creation. While He was pleased with Wrap up • As the sixth day came to a close, God what was created, there was the real- Have the students contemplate their saw everything as good! ity that His creation and humankind purpose again as you play the song. Warm Up would be broken as well. The best toy ever invented that When the song ends, encourage the students to pray silently for their own inspires creation is the Lego! Hand The Song Throughout all time, at some point, understanding of what being a “reflec- each student a pre-sorted bag of Have students listen carefully to the creation has gone from worshiping tion of His image” means to them. As Legos. The directions are simple: song. Encourage them to pay close God to worshiping idols. Take a look the song repeats, encourage the stu- “Create! Create any object, feeling, or attention to any concepts or ideas at what God had Paul write about this dents to approach the table and break event. You have a clean slate, imagi- that jump out at them about being the issue: Romans 1:21-25. nation, and no restrictions. What will highlight of God’s creation, and how out their part of the Lego creation. • Are you choosing to glorify God you create? What can you create?” they should respond to it. Have that piece of creation remind Let the fun commence! or others? them that God does indeed delight in • What nonsense are you involved in? them; that He is just as proud of them as they are of their own creation. When they are finished working, have Transition • Have you exchanged the truth of God each student describe his or her Lego Did you hear these lyrics? The cli- for a lie? creation and explain why it was cre- max of creation but ended up falling. ated and what its purpose is. When Greater than birds and beasts but Have the students answer the Think It they finish explaining, have them place we ended up crawlin’, and now our Through questions: their creations in the center of a table, viceroys are in need of a pardon. The with each next person connecting their song mentions us as being the best • Have you ever given any thought creation to the previous one. This will of God’s creation! With being the best to why you exist? How do you feel continue until there is a huge Lego came certain expectations. We were when you are told or reminded that creation in the center of the table that made to know Him, to behold Him, you were created to be a reflection will represent a visual of your students’ and to praise Him! But we are fallen of God? world and thoughts. and need His pardon and forgiveness. • You are a delight! God took pride in So whatchu living for? Are you a true creating you! In a day when image reflection of your Creator? is everything, do you see yourself as God does?

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

FLAME THE 6TH THE 6TH DAY LIFE; PURPOSE/MEANING CLEARSIGHTMUSIC.COM CLEAR SIGHT MUSIC

We were made to know God, meant to behold Him, made to praise His holy name. It’s the reason we Bible Study Think It Through were made – what a good day! As an act of love and Romans 1:21-25 grace, God sent His Son. He gave His life for us. Have you ever given any thought to why you exist? Are you choosing to ______or How do you feel when you are told or reminded that Genesis 1:26-31 you were created to be a reflection of God? ______? (vs. 21) • We were all ______in God’s image! • The creation of ______was the highlight You are a delight! God took pride in creating you! In of His day! a day when image is everything, do you see yourself • As the sixth day came to a close God saw every- as God does? thing as ______!

How can you know, behold, and praise Him over the The Song What ______are you involved in? next 24 hours? Listen carefully to the song “The 6th” by Flame. Pay (vs. 21) close attention to any concepts or ideas that jump out at you about being the highlight of God’s cre- Do these verses bring a smile to your face? ation, and how we should respond to it.

You have heard the words – what is your response?

Have you exchanged the ______Wrap Up for a ______? (vs. 25) Listen to the song again. When the song ends pray silently for your own understanding of what being a “reflection of His image” means to you. As the song repeats, approach the table and break out your part of the Lego creation. That piece of creation should remind you of this truth - that God does indeed delight in you just as you take delight in what you created. He is just as proud of you as you are of your own creation.

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26 FLATFOOT 56

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

FLATFOOT 56 TOIL I BELIEVE IT DAN SCHEWE FLATFOOT56.COM PAPER & PLASTICK FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH MONTICELLO, MINNESOTA [email protected]

• Because of God’s great love for us, Theme Transition Bible Study He saved us by grace through Jesus. Faith; Assurance Ask the students if they can think of As your students will hopefully point • God shows us His love by and any common beliefs that have been out, this song is a collection of belief through Jesus. proven false (the earth being flat, the statements. Christians have a tradi- Objective sun orbiting around the earth, Santa tion of collecting and presenting • We are saved by grace, not by what Students will affirm what they believe Claus is real, the Easter bunny lays statements of beliefs; we commonly we do. and how those beliefs tie us together. chocolate eggs, etc.) Feel free to add call them “creeds.” There are a lot of • We are called to do good things, but your personal favorites. them; the most common in our tradi- they do not save us. They flow out of tion is the Apostles’ Creed. Ask your the grace God has given us. Warm Up students to write out the Apostles’ One Fiction and Two Facts – This The Song Creed on their Student Guides. If game is best played with some note Say, “Beliefs can change over time. they are struggling with this let them Wrap Up cards. Hand each student three note While you listen to Flatfoot 56’s song work together or help them by say- Say “While some beliefs can and have cards. They are to write a statement about beliefs, try to pick out what they ing it out loud as a group. Here are changed over the years, God’s love about themselves on each of the say they believe.” Hand out the Stu- the missing words: God, almighty, remains the same. We are saved by cards – two that are true (facts) and dent Guides and play the song. creator, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, grace, through faith (belief) – not by one that is not (fiction). These can Pontius Pilate, buried, dead, rose, what we do, so we can’t say we did be experiences, accomplishments, ascended, seated, come, judge, Holy it on our own, but by what God has thoughts, physical characteristics, Transition Spirit, Christian (some versions use done for us through Jesus. This is a beliefs, or anything about them. Then Ask the students to share what they “catholic” – small “c”), communion, free gift from God. This grace pulls us go around the room with each stu- think Flatfoot believes and if they agree forgiveness, resurrection, everlasting. to share it with everyone around us. dent laying their note cards in front or disagree with any of those claims. We are inspired to do good things, but of them. The rest of the group gets to There are many places in the Bible that those acts do not save us – the won- try to figure out which ones are facts help us understand what we believe. drous grace of God does. While many and fiction. If you have a large group Ephesians 2:1-10 can be very helpful things may change, this never will: you you can ask for a few volunteers to when contemplating beliefs. Ask one are saved by grace through faith, not present their three statements. of your students to read the passage works.” Close in prayer. aloud while the other students try to pick out what it says about belief. Here are some ideas to share: • That we were dead in our sin, in the ways we used to live chasing after our own desires. • We deserved punishment for our behavior.

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

FLATFOOT 56 TOIL I BELIEVE IT FAITH; ASSURANCE FLATFOOT56.COM PAPER & PLASTICK

Beliefs Apostles’ Creed What does Flatfoot 56 say they believe in this song? I believe in ______, the Father ______, ______of heaven and earth. I believe in ______, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the ______, born of the virgin Mary suffered under ______, was crucified, died, and was ______; he descended to the ______. On the third day he ______again; he ______into heaven, he is ______at the right hand of the Father, and he will ______again to ______the living and the dead. I believe in the ______, the holy ______church, the ______of saints, the ______of sins, the ______of the body, and the life ______.

Tradition says we believe Ephesians 2:1-10 tells me

What won’t belief change?

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 28 JIMMY NEEDHAM

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

JIMMY NEEDHAM CLEAR THE STAGE CLEAR THE STAGE DAVE JONES JIMMYNEEDHAM.COM INPOP RECORDS FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MILTON, PENNSYLVANIA [email protected]

Ask, “Can going to church, read- Say, “God said that there were to Theme The Song ing your Bible, and praying become be no other gods but Him. (Read Idolatry Hand out the Student Guides. As the idols?” (Discuss answers.) These Exodus 20:3 to the group.) How song plays, encourage the students absolutely can become idols. At times, many of those activities that you to list, under the My Week heading, people go to church, read their Bible, listed under My Week indicate time Objective the activities that consume their time and even pray, all for the sake of being spent glorifying God?” Your students will realize that not all each week. seen. When this is the reason for being idols are made of wood and stone; involved in godly activities, then they many are made of the activities that fill have become idols. (Read 1 Samuel Wrap Up their lives. Transition 15:22 to the group.) Ask, “In light of Say, “Satan is the master of deceit. Say, “This song refers to the everyday this verse, what is most important to (Read Revelation 12:9 to the group.) idols that we have. Idols do not have God?” (Discuss answers.) He will use good things to ruin good Warm Up to be wood or stone. Idols can come people. Are you using the items that American Idolatry – This game is in the form of sports, relationships, Idolatry is a heart issue. It doesn’t mat- you listed under My Week to glorify simply charades of famous people. things, and even academics.” ter if someone is talking about going God, or are they leading you away Divide your group into two teams. to church, studying, playing a sport, or from God? Can you change these to Each team chooses one person to act any other activity. If the focus is on self glorify God, or do you simply need to as a famous person. The other team Bible Study and not God, then idols exist in that get rid of them?” gets to choose the famous person. Most people would not admit to wor- person’s life. The teams will alternate turns, trying shipping idols. However for many, Instruct your students to pray over to guess who their “actor” is portray- idols exist as everyday activities. For However, not every time someone their lists and to consider the ques- ing. A turn is over when the “acting” instance, if a sporting event constantly misses church, or devotions, or for- tions under Wrap Up. team guesses correctly, or a time limit takes a person away from fellowship gets to pray, means that there is idol is reached. Award one point for every with the Body, the sport could be an worship taking place. The question Offer your students the chance to correct guess. idol. If extra studying time for a test is of “habit” must be raised. A person’s meet with the youth staff to discuss gained by not reading one’s devotions, habit or routine is a good indicator any questions or confusion they may then grades could be an idol. These of idol worship activities. Ask, “If you have about something being an idol or Transition things are good, but potentially used have something planned with the not. Be sure to let your students know Say, “We may believe that there are no in a bad way. Unfortunately for many, church and something else comes that you are praying for them. idols among today’s Christian teenag- idols are a reality. Everyday activities up, will you drop the church activity? ers. However, if each person examines start to replace God and His plan for Why?” (Discuss answers.) Ask, “If you his or her own life, can the claim be our lives. have something planned outside the made that there is nothing placed church and a church activity comes before God? Can the claim be made up, will you drop the outside activity? that God has first place in every area? Why?” (Discuss answers.) If not, then there is idol worship!”

JIMMY NEEDHAM

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

JIMMY NEEDHAM CLEAR THE STAGE CLEAR THE STAGE IDOLATRY JIMMYNEEDHAM.COM INPOP RECORDS

My Week Bible Study Wrap Up In the space below, list the things that you are What does 1 Samuel 15:22 say about godly deeds? In the space below, list the idols in your life that you involved in each week. will prayerfully turn over to God. Note what changes How is idolatry a heart issue? you will make to the idols that you listed under “My Week.” Ask someone to help hold you accountable.

When is it okay to miss church, skip devotions, or skip prayer? Is it ok?

Did God really include our daily activities in Exodus 20:3?

In light of what we have studied, what is a good definition of idolatry?

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 30 KUTLESS

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

KUTLESS BELIEVER COME BACK HOME JACOB FASIG KUTLESS.COM BEC RECORDINGS MCKENDREE UMC NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Wrap Up Forgiveness Ask, “Have you ever traveled to a new Have someone read the story of the Today is an opportunity to be different place and gotten so turned around that Prodigal Son from Luke 15:11-32. Have from yesterday. Today, just like every you felt lost or helpless? Share what the students write their answers to the day, Christ is calling you home. If you Objective that felt like and how you got in that questions before you discuss them. are feeling that you aren’t as close to Provide students with the opportunity place. What did you do to get back?” • Which son can you most relate to – Jesus as you once were or feel like sin to “come back home” to refocus on the one that stays home and does has become a bigger part of your life, God in their lives and to understand what’s asked of him, or the one that then I would invite you to come home” that forgiveness is not conditional or The Song took the money and ran? (Allow the to a loving Father. No matter how far something you work for. Forgiveness is Hand out the Student Guides. Have conversation to happen.) Why? away you are, Christ is inviting you to free for all through Jesus Christ. the students listen to the song and try “come home.” to guess which story from the Bible • Have you ever done something this song seems to be about. (Answer: that made you scared to go home Spend time in prayer for people in Warm Up Prodigal Son) Be sure to have the stu- because you knew you were in your group or for friends who need to Ask, “What are you willing to forgive?” dents look at the first two questions on trouble? (Bad grade, got into trouble, “come back home.” Allow this question to lead you into their student sheet before you play the missed curfew, etc.) a game of “What If?” “What if I said song. Ask them to answer those ques- • What made you scared to go home? something mean to you? Would you tions as the song plays. (Consequences, parents’ disappoint- forgive me? What if I kicked your car? ment, punishment, etc.) Why? Would you forgive me? What if my sin were revealed to you? Would you for- • What did the one son have to do in give me? What if I left you on a retreat order to come back home? (Nothing! with the youth group? Would you He simply had to come back home forgive me?” (Come up with more on and accept his Father’s forgiveness your own – this could get really funny if and love.) you want.) Then, jump in deep! “Who’s • Maybe share a time in your own life been forgiven of something big?” (Let where this has been the case for you. the stories happen.) We might have these same kinds of feel- ings about our faith. Sometimes we can feel as though we aren’t good enough or that we are so caught up in sin that it’s better for us to simply stay away from church and God. Have you or someone you know ever felt this way? What can you do to help each other when you feel distanced from Jesus?

KUTLESS

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

KUTLESS BELIEVER COME BACK HOME FORGIVENESS KUTLESS.COM BEC RECORDINGS

As You Listen… Luke 15:11-32 Came Back Home …what images come to mind? Which son can you most relate to? What can you do when you feel far away from Jesus?

Have you ever done something that made you scared to go home because you knew you were in trouble?

Do you need to come back home today? If so, what does that mean for you? …which people come to mind?

What makes you scared?

What did the one son have to do in order to come back home?

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide

32 MANAFEST

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

MANAFEST FIGHTER NEVER LET YOU GO DOUG RANCK MANAFEST.CA BEC RECORDINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Wrap Up God’s Faithfulness Say something like, “We live in a Say something like, “God’s love and Say something like, “God is ready world of change. There are very few care for us is unchanging. Because to ‘cross over ahead’ of us in all of constant events or people. With we live in a world of change it is dif- life. The same words He gave Moses Objective all this transition comes a feeling ficult to imagine the steady character and Joshua, He gives to us.” Have the Students will discover that God of uncertainty and often anxiety. In of God who indeed will not let us group turn to the Pressing On section remains the same, and in Him they can today’s lesson we will discover that go. In the Old Testament we find the of the Student Guide. Give them a few find courage and peace. God remains the same, and in Him story of Joshua who followed Moses minutes to work through it and then we can find courage and peace.” in leading the people of Israel to the come back together. promised land of Canaan. We will Warm Up see how God reminded Joshua that Allow time for each group member to Distribute the Student Guides and The Song he would not be alone.” share his or her actions. Before pray- have the students work on the Listen to the song together and give a ing, encourage them with the words My Constant sections individu- few minutes for the students to com- Encourage the students to work on from Paul found in Philippians 3:12-14. ally. When they are finished, gather plete the Holding On assignment. the It’s On section with two to three End the time in prayer for everyone to everyone together. Have students other people and then come back have the peace of Christ and courage present their “Constants” and their together. Give the group opportunity to to hold on to the God who holds on. “Not-So-Constants.” Follow-up with Transition share their answers and then reflect a these questions: Survey the group and find out what they little more with these questions: wrote under each of the categories. The • What is good about having some • Why was Moses no longer able to things that stay the same? questions below will add more depth to the message of the song: lead them? (Age was not really the • What is difficult about change? reason. Though Moses had faith • What does “hold on” to God mean • What is great about change? in God, he had chosen to disobey to you? Him at a key moment. Check out • The lyrics say, “Never lose hope to Numbers 20:11-12. He had not sorrow, you’re closer than you know.” “held on.”) What does this tell us about our rela- • What is significant about God’s prom- tionship with God? ise to “cross over ahead of you?” • What is great about hearing that God • In what normal life situations do you will never let us go? sometimes feel afraid? • What is one of your biggest fears? • Moses reminded Joshua and the people to be encouraged. What causes you to be discouraged?

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

MANAFEST FIGHTER NEVER LET YOU GO GOD’S FAITHFULNESS MANAFEST.CA BEC RECORDINGS

My Constant A “constant” is something that does not change or vary. It is regular. When scientists do experiments they try to identify what is constant so they can compare it to what changes. Take a few minutes and list all the “constants” in your life (i.e. “we go on vacation to the same place”). Then take a few more minutes and list the things that change but that you wish wouldn’t change. Constants The Not-So-Constants

Holding On Listen to this song by Manafest and complete the following, using short phrases. What the lyrics ask us to do: Who God will be:

It’s On Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Describe the situation in these verses: A summary of what God told Moses: A summary of what Moses told Joshua: What this tells us about God when He sends us to do something: Pressing On Identify two ways you are going to take the peace of God and the courage He gives you in a more practical way into everyday life:

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 34 MATT BROUWER

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

MATT BROUWER TILL THE SUNRISE EVERLASTING DAVE FELTS MATTBROUWER.COM BLACK SHOE RECORDS INDIAN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS [email protected]

Theme Transition Transition Wrap Up Commitment Point out that most of us have a few Lead students to discuss their Instruct students to write the answers things that others don’t know about us. answers. This song has some clear to this question under I Will Follow We can keep some things from being and bold challenges for us to com- on the Student Guide: “If God were Objective widely known, but what can we keep mit our lives to God. The central idea searching your heart right now, what Students will identify areas that need hidden from God? Matt Brouwer has comes directly from Scripture. would He find that you am concerned to be opened to God’s inspection so written a song that deals with this. about?” Then lead them to discuss they will be free to follow His leader- whether those things are more tempo- ship in living for eternity. Bible Study ral or eternal. The Song Have a student read Psalm 139:23-24 Instruct students to answer the ques- aloud while the others follow in their Ask them to consider how their day Warm Up tions in the Search Me section as they own Bibles. Point out that Matt based would look different if they were really Two Truths and a Lie – Hand out the listen to the song. his lyrics on these verses. Instruct following God’s leadership. Lead the Student Guides. Have the students • What could you or I do or say to students to answer the questions in group in a prayer of commitment to be write three facts about themselves deserve or be worthy of God’s love? The Word section. followers of the everlasting way. under Do You Really Know Me? (Nothing) • How do I let God search my heart? Two of those statements should be true and the other false (not in that • Where can I go that God cannot find • Why are “anxious thoughts” a order). Ask for volunteers to read me? (Nowhere) problem? (They show that we their statements and have the other • What does he ask God to search? don’t trust Him.) students try to guess which ones are (His heart) • The Psalmist also asks God to “see true and which is the lie. If the group • What does Matt say he has “lost sight if there is any offensive way in me.” is large, you may ask only a few stu- of” at times? (What God has done What does that mean to you? dents to read theirs. for him) • How would you define the “way • Did God abandon him in those times? everlasting”? (Be sure to point out (No, He never let go and surrounded and explain the difference between him with His love) living for temporal things like money, possessions, fame, etc. • He wants God to lead him in what? and living for eternal things like (“The way everlasting”) integrity, love, hope, etc.)

MATT BROUWER

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

MATT BROUWER TILL THE SUNRISE EVERLASTING COMMITMENT MATTBROUWER.COM BLACK SHOE RECORDS

Search Me The Word I Will Follow As you listen to the song, answer these questions: Read Psalm 139:23-24 and answer these questions: If God were searching you heart right now, what What could you or I do or say to deserve or be wor- How do I let God search my heart? would He find that you are concerned about? thy of God’s love?

Where can I go that God cannot find me?

Why are “anxious thoughts” a problem?

What does Matt ask God to search?

What does he say he has “lost sight of” at times? The Psalmist also asks God to “see if there is any offensive way in me.” What does that mean to you? How would your day look different if you were following God’s leadership? Did God abandon him in those times?

He wants God to lead him in what? How would you define the “way everlasting?”

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 36 PLANETSHAKERS

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

PLANETSHAKERS HEAL OUR LAND STRENGTH OF MY LIFE PAUL TURNER PLANETSHAKERS.COM INTEGRITY MUSIC PLEASANT GROVE ASSEMBLY PLEASANT GROVE, ALABAMA [email protected]

God will strengthen you when you Theme Transition Bible Study need it. (Judges 16:18-30) Earlier in God’s Strength Ask if anyone has heard a story of Explain that in the song, “Jesus Loves the story of Samson, Samson was someone getting their gas siphoned Me” is the line, “ I am weak, and He flaunting his strength and daring oth- out. Wouldn’t you hate to show up to is strong.” This line is not just a good ers to fight with him. This was certainly Objective your vehicle, which you filled with gas motto or phrase – it’s the truth. God is a misuse of God’s power. In the end, Students will learn to rely on God’s the night before, only to find it empty? stronger than we are. Stronger in every Samson was a blinded, whipped foe, strength instead of their own in time of Frustrating, right? way. Whose strength do we rely on in but not beyond God’s strength or weakness. tough times, ours or His? Let’s take a reach. Samson had been siphoned look at Samson’s life as someone who of his power, but he prayed, and God The Song let others siphon his strength. gave him the strength he needed to Warm Up Hand out the Student Guides. As the defeat his foes. Like Samson, we The Siphoning Game – You will need song plays, have the students consider Everyone wants to know your secret. waste our strength instead of using four empty milk jugs (or four large con- some of their weak areas where they (Judges 16:4-5) People may hate Tim it to serve others. We need to know tainers) and two large straws. Students feel as though the world or the devil Tebow for always talking about God, that when we are weak, without any will have to suck the liquid (of your has siphoned their strength. Have but he never denies or dances around strength of our own, God will strength- choosing) out of one container and them write their thoughts on the Stu- the issue, he says it straight. If you en us when we need it. God is faithful, blow it into the other. You could have dent Guide. do not want to be zapped of spiritual even when we are not. this done in teams to make it go faster. strength, be honest and open about where your strength comes from. Samson lied three times and offered Wrap Up no credit to God. All this toying around Hand out blindfolds to everyone. Ask siphoned his patience. them to put them on. Say, “We are all Samson blinded by our mistakes Share your weakness with those who and misuse of God’s power. If you love you and can help. (Judges 16:17) are weak tonight, God will make you Samson trusted the wrong people strong. Ask for forgiveness; then ask with his weakness and because of for strength for the battle you are that, they turned on him, exploited his going through.” weakness, and took his strength. If we do not want to be zapped of spiritual strength, we should share our struggles with those who are willing to pray with us, not those who are looking to siphon us.

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

PLANETSHAKERS HEAL OUR LAND STRENGTH OF MY LIFE GOD’S STRENGTH PLANETSHAKERS.COM INTEGRITY MUSIC

WEAK STRONG Us this acronym to share a weakness you have for each of these areas. Everyone wants to know your ______. (Judges 16:4-5) Willpower I am weak because I cannot control ______and I give in.

Emotions I am weak because I let ______change my mind or heart. Share your ______with those who love you and can help. (Judges 16:17)

Attitude I am weak because I keep having this attitude towards ______.

God will ______you when you need it. (Judges 16:18-30)

Knowledge I am weak because I don’t know what God says about ______.

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page >> Tobymac 38 discussion GUIDES

Boomin’

Paul Turner Hueytown, Alabama [email protected]

Think of some things that you like to be loud. Music, concerts and fireworks probably come to mind – but what about your faith? How loud is your faith? Is it turned way down so low only you can hear, or is it turned so loud it’s hurting the ears of those around? Faith, like music, can lose its quality if played too loudly. What is the right place on the dial to set your faith? Let’s look at some “boomers” from the Bible to get an idea.

• Jesus Boomin’ At The Well (John 4:1-40) Jesus shared His faith in everyday opportunities. His conversation with a woman at a well started a chain of events that affected an entire community. Who are some people you know that seem insignificant, but if touched by God could make an impact? Pray for God-given influence with ordinary people and you may see a God-ordained impact! • Paul Boomin’ At The Palace (Acts 26) Paul was brought in chains before King Agrippa to present his testimony in that highest court. What opportunities do you have to share about what God has done in your life? If it’s a short list, pray that you will be able make the most of the opportunities you do have. • A Widow Boomin’ At The Temple (Luke 21:1-4) A nameless widow’s small offering caught the attention of the Son of God. Jesus watched her give all she had while the rich and elite gave only a part of their abundance. How’s your giving? I’m not just talking money. How about time? Service? Whose attention do you want to get – people, or God? Give your best.

People know the message of Christ generally. They know we make a big deal about Christmas and Easter, that there is church involved, and that we all want a lot of people to join us – or else! Our role is to clear up the foggy points so that others can see and hear a loud and clear (but not dis- torted) Good News. Set your volume knob and live your faith loud enough for others to hear but low enough that the message is clear.

City On Our Knees Ignition Lose My Soul

Jeff Bachman Joel Van Dyke Joel Van Dyke Costa Mesa, California Guatemala City Guatemala City [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Explain that most people have some idea of what Have you ever been to a big-time car race? As a kid, What are your priorities? What really, really matters to heaven looks like, but rarely are those ideas Biblical. I frequented a local racetrack with my dad on Saturday you? What would you define as the “sacred center” of Myths, fairy tales, and old Simpson’s shows have nights, and I’ll never forget the voice coming over the your life – the thing you would almost sell your soul for? painted a picture for most of us. Use a whiteboard or loudspeaker to declare the beginning of the race. As I Popularity? Wealth? Fame? Recognition? Or maybe it large pieces of paper for students to describe (and recall those words, the excitement oozes through my is something more material like a certain car, a girl- draw) their pictures of heaven. Say something like, “The veins as if I were sitting there again on the edge of my friend/boyfriend, or maybe even a video game? place you have drawn looks great, and I am sure parts seat at the track. In sharing about this song, tobyMac said that when of them are true. Let’s listen to this song about Heaven As I reflect on that experience now in light of toby- he was a kid he once saw the back of his dad’s busi- and the picture it gives of what all of God’s followers will Mac’s song “Ignition”, I cannot help thinking of the ness card that said, “What good will it be for a man if be doing with one voice of worship.” irony of those races. When I refer to irony, I am point- he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” Toby Say, “There is only one way to get a glimpse what ing to the disparity that existed between my dad and stated that he never lost that image from his mind. Heaven will be like: God’s inspired word. Let’s talk a me and the hundreds of other spectators sitting in That experience drew him to write this song. look at what Scripture has to say about Heaven and the stands and watching the actions of a handful of Toby shared that he wanted this song to communi- what we can anticipate.” Have your students look gutsy drivers putting their lives on the line simply for cate that when a person surrenders everything to up these verses and discuss the different aspects of a chance to see a checkered flag. God, he or she gains everything in return. The song Heaven that the Scriptures describe. Isn’t that the way life is? Most people sit and watch exemplifies one of the great paradoxes of life: you • Matthew 6:9 – Who will be there? (God our Father) others live life. Isn’t that why reality shows are so get when you give. • Revelation 4:8-11 – Who else will be there (Angelic popular? We are preoccupied with other people’s Jesus taught of life from an upside-down-and- creatures) lives. The same thing happens in the church – 80% backwards perspective. He said that if we want to of the people sit around watching 20% of the people • Matthew 5:20 – Who is allowed into Heaven? (The be great, then be a servant of others. He taught that doing all the work. This is what tobyMac is trying to poor in spirit) to be first, we must strive to be the last. Spiritually, get at with this song. He hits a very personal nerve • Isaiah 6:3 – What will the praise be like? (continual, the people who give freely to the needs of others are when he writes: Come spark the parts in me that all God-focused) the wealthiest. Those who loosen their grip on their but died, Jump start my heart and wake the sleep lives are the ones who experience the abundant life • Revelation 21:11, 18, 19, 21 – What will heaven inside. Have you ever felt this way? Do you have that Jesus died to provide. Take a look at Matthew be made of? (Jasper, Gold, Pure Glass, Precious parts in you that feel “dead”? Could your heart use a 16:24-26 you listen to “Lose My Soul”, and then Stones, Jewels, Pearls, etc.) jump start? Are you asleep on the inside? answer the questions below. • Psalm 23:6 – How long will we be in Heaven? (Forever) • Revelation 21:4 – What will not be there? (Sickness, As you listen to “Ignition”, take a look at James • Jesus mentions three things a person must do to pain, crying) 1:22-25 and then answer the questions below. follow Him. What are they? • Do you have trouble doing what you know God is • Describe what those things mean for you. How do Say, “So, some of what you may have drawn is true. you do them? Heaven is a beautiful place where God and angels telling you in His word? If so, you are in very good dwell. There is joy, worship, and much beauty. I company. Read about Paul’s struggle in Romans • Rewrite the “lose life to save it” paradox in your own am glad that we have had this time to spend talk- 7:14-24. Can you relate to Paul’s struggle? How? words. How could Jesus make such a contradictory ing about Heaven and what it holds for those who • Do you sometimes forget what you look like? What statement? believe. Before we finish, I need to mention that if you does James mean when he writes that a man can • As you grow older, you’ll be very tempted to try don’t know Christ, your excitement about Heaven look in a mirror and then go away and immediately to “gain the whole world” in your life and career; is misplaced. Jesus said, ‘Unless one is born again, forget what he looks like? you’ll be encouraged to believe that success he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” (John 3:3) Use • What does this verse have to say about the mes- means wealth and power. How would you counter some of these Scriptures to present the Gospel: sage you heard and the energy you felt in the song? this assumption with the truth of Jesus’ life and testimony? • Psalm 139:13-16 – God made us unique. • Do you want to live your life as a driver of a car on • John 3:16 – God loves us, sacrificed Himself for us. the racetrack or as a spectator in the stands? • Many people believe that God rewards faithfulness • Romans 3:23 – All have sinned. with success. Does this quote teach differently? Why or why not? • Romans 6:23 – What we have earned and God’s gift to us. • Ephesians 2:8-9 – How we are saved and what we can do (nothing) to earn salvation and Heaven.

Made To Love No Ordinary Love Tonight

Dave Weiss Rusty Van Deusen Jeremy White Reading, Pennsylvania Anacortes, Washington Vacaville, California angelparty1@aolcom [email protected] [email protected]

Did you ever have one of those days when nothing I asked a barista friend to take a little survey for me. We wanna rise / We wanna touch the other side / We major goes wrong, just a bunch of annoying little She tracked the sizes of drinks her customers asked wanna reach out for more. Have you ever felt that things pile up? Maybe an offhand comment from a for when they were given the choice of a “Tall” or way? Have you ever stopped dead in your tracks friend that just didn’t sit quite right, a mistake at work, a “Mongo-ElGuapo-Vente.” What do you think she and wondered why you sometimes feel discontent or a bad grade on a test. Nothing fatal, just a whole found? Right! Who wants a teeny-weenie “Tall” when with even the best this life has to offer? bunch of junk that steals your joy and makes you they can have the brontosaurus of coffee drinks?! Read Ecclesiastes 3:11 together aloud. Discuss wonder, “What’s the point?” I’ve determined that God must be a coffee drinker. these questions as a group. TobyMac seems to have experienced with that kind Everything He does is vente. • Why do you think God would create people with a of day. He says, Whatever happened to a passion I The best example of the vente nature of God is His yearning for the eternal? could live for? What became of the flame that made extraordinary love expressed to us through the life me feel more? You can probably relate. • The verse tells us that humans cannot fathom the and sacrifice of Jesus. There is nothing ordinary ways of God from beginning to end. What does this Read the lyrics to this song; God might use them to about the Son of God emptying Himself, taking the really mean? bring you some focus. There is a point to life. You form of a servant, choosing to share in our human- • How “knowable” is God? were made to love and to be loved by God. God has ness, and humbling Himself to the point of death on a purpose for your life – and yes, even for the annoy- the cross. • When you think about eternity – what concepts and ing situations you face. Check out these Scriptures: ideas flow into your mind? The love God expressed to us in the sacrifice of • Ephesians 2:10 – There is a reason He made you. Jesus is extraordinary, beyond comprehension, • In his famous book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis Even at your worst moments, God is still in control. unthinkable, and yet personal. Amazingly, we are said: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience all invited to enter into the love of God through in this world can satisfy, the most probable explana- • James 1:2-4 – Easier said than done, right? But tion is that I was made for another world.” consider this: the trials of life prepare you for your trust in Jesus. mission. If you never faced trials, you wouldn’t be TobyMac has written a cool song about the extraordi- Contrast Solomon’s words about our inability to fully prepared to face life. nary love of God. Listen to “No Ordinary Love”; then understand God with the words of Hebrews 11:1. Scripture implies a contrasting but simultaneous • Hebrews 12:7-9 – Sometimes what you face is the read the verses and answer the questions below. reality for followers of Jesus: a tension between both result of your own actions. Even then God is show- wonder and confidence. On the one hand, God has ing His love. Philippians 2:5-8; Ephesians 2:3-7; Romans 5:6-8 programmed us with a yearning for eternity that will • Romans 8:28 – God can make any situation work • Have you ever thought deeply about the God’s love never be fully satisfied until we get there. On the other out for good. You were made to love Him and to be and how it might affect you? hand, we can walk in total confidence as people deeply loved by Him! • Have you ever been profoundly loved? If so, how loved by God and redeemed by Christ. Have students • Romans 8:38-39 – Hold on to that and make today were you affected? consider these questions that reference Romans 8:30. a better day. • How would you compare God’s love, expressed by • Reflecting on the lyric from the song, do you think Jesus, and the “best” of human love? you can, in some sense, “touch the other side” of • In what way is God’s love extraordinary? eternity in the here and now? Explain your thoughts. • What could God be trying to teach you? • What kind of response does His love create in you? • We know that we won’t be fully “glorified” until we • Did you do anything to cause this situation? If so, reach the other side – that is, Heaven. And yet, this what steps can you take to avoid this situation again? verse speaks of us being “glorified” in the past • Project your current trial into the future. How could tense. What do you think this means? God use this trial for good? Wrap up the discussion with these questions: • How could this trial change your attitude • Are you or someone you know in a place of search- toward others? ing for “something more”? • Remember, nothing can separate you from God’s love! • Could God be showing you that HE is that “something more”? • If you are already a Christian – how are you bringing elements of the “other side” into the “here and now”?

New studio album from TobyMac coming August 28

Follow @therealTobyMac on Twitter for more updates

44 TRIP LEE

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

TRIP LEE THE GOOD LIFE TAKE ME THERE EVERETT HORNBOSTEL REACHRECORDS.COM REACH RECORDS SOUTHERN HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH BOLIVAR, MISSOURI [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Wrap Up Heaven: Longing For Say something like, “While those 1 Corinthians 15:32-34 – Paul repeat- Our lives are full of influences that tell places are great to visit, they all pale edly asserts in his Epistles that if us how we should live, what types of in comparison with the awesome Christ has not risen then there isn’t a things we should pursue, and how to Objective destination that Christians will one resurrection of the dead and therefore get the most “pleasure” out of those Scripture speaks of the glory of the day reach. In this lesson we will look our faith is futile and the Gospel col- pursuits. Instead of focusing on indi- Heavenly realm. Students will look at at this eternal destination spoken of in lapses. This passage emphasizes the vidual pleasure, maybe we should what Scripture says about eternity for Scripture.” absurdity of pursuing individualistic focus, as Christ did, on making the those who have Christ in them, and pleasures that are outside the realiza- Kingdom of God a reality on Earth. understand that situations on earth are tion of the resurrection. Ask, “What Biblical scholar N.T. Wright said, only temporary. The Song activities do we participate in that may “Heaven is great, but it isn’t the end of Play the song. Ask students to sketch not seem absurd to us but considering the world.” Close in prayer. how they picture Heaven will be. They the truth of the resurrection, become Warm Up can do this by drawing or writing meaningless?” (e.g., drugs, alcohol, Hand out the Student Guides. Discuss words to describe it in the blank area sexual immorality) some “ famous” vacation spots (i.e. under The Song on the Student Guide. Disney, Hawaii, beaches, etc.) and 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 – Ask stu- have students share the excitement dents to list the differences between they have felt or would feel if they went Transition what is “sown” and what is “raised” in or could go to one of those places. Discuss what was heard in the song this passage. Ask, “Who is the ‘First and the images drawn or described. Adam’? Who is the ‘Second Adam’? What is the difference between being ‘natural’ and ‘spiritual’?”

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Ask, “How does this passage challenge you to live? With the truth and hope of the resurrection and understanding that life is not about pursuing individualistic pleasures (as society and media would lead you to believe), what activities would you eliminate? Will you?”

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

TRIP LEE THE GOOD LIFE TAKE ME THERE HEAVEN; LONGING FOR REACHRECORDS.COM REACH RECORDS

Warm Up The Song Bible Study Wrap Up What are some great vacation destina- As you listen to the song, draw a pic- Our lives are full of influences that tell 1 Corinthians 15:32-34 tions you have been to or would like ture in the space below to represent us how we should live, what types of What activities do we participate in to go to? what you think Heaven might look things we should pursue, and how to that may not seem absurd to us but like. If you prefer, you can also write a get the most “pleasure” out of those considering the truth of the resurrec- description. pursuits. Instead of focusing on indi- tion, become meaningless? vidual pleasure, maybe we should focus, as Christ did, on making the 1 Corinthians 15:42-49 Kingdom of God a reality on Earth. Biblical scholar N.T. Wright said, What differences do you see between “Heaven is great, but it isn’t the end of what is “sown” and what is “raised” ? the world.”

Who is the first Adam?

Who is the second Adam?

What is the difference between being “natural” and “spiritual” ?

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 How does this passage challenge you to live?

With the truth and hope of the resurrection, and understanding that life is not about pursuing individualistic pleasures (as society and media would lead you to believe), what activities would you/will you eliminate?”

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46 THE WASHINGTON PROJECTS

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

THE WASHINGTON PROJECTS SPACE TIME CONTINUUM LIGHT UP THE DARK JOEL VAN DYKE WASHINGTONPROJECTS.COM SAVE THE CITY RECORDS STRATEGY OF TRANSFORMATION GUATEMALA CITY, GUATEMALA [email protected]

rubbed into that which it is intended to Theme Transition Bible Study preserve. To preserve a piece of meat Zeal Turn on the lights and blow out the Read Matthew 5:13-16. The “Prime with salt, you have to rub the salt into candles. (Be careful, your fire alarm Directive” of our postmodern world the meat. How can your students be might go off!) Discuss what they just demands that we do not force our “rubbed into” the lives of their friends, Objective experienced. Hand out the Student convictions or ideas of how to live on neighborhoods, families, and schools Students will be challenged to lay it all Guides and talk through the Prime anyone else. Our world tries to force as an agent of preservation? on the line for Jesus and thus to make Directive questions. the church to become an island of their lives count as sources of light in separation as opposed to a bridge of LIGHT has one purpose: to dispel the midst of the constant darkness influence. darkness. Light dispels darkness around them. The Song because it can never contribute to it! Play the song. Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. What Christ is the true light and we are His is Paul’s idea of the influence we moons – and a moon has no light of Warm Up are to have on the world around us? its own. It can only reflect the light of Pass out individual candles (like those Transition What does “spread everywhere the the sun. How tight are your students’ used for your Christmas Eve service) Ask your students about their general fragrance of the knowledge of Christ” orbits around the SON? to the students as they arrive. Turn impressions of the video. What mean? Do your students “smell” like off the lights and get your room as imagery caught their attention the Jesus? In the figures of “salt” and This is what Washington Project is dark as possible. Ask the kids to sit in most? What stood out most to them “light” are two different characteristics trying to get at with “Light Up The complete silence. Then, light a candle from the lyrical content? What would of influence. Darkness.” We ARE Salt; we ARE in the middle of the room. Read a few they have done differently if they were light. This is not a suggestion or a verses of Scripture that have the word in charge of producing this video? SALT: In the Roman world, aside from request, but an identity statement of “light” and sing a song or two that has the sun, nothing was more valuable who we actually are. Let us live into the same theme. Have the students than salt because of its use as an the fullness of what we have been take their candles up to the lit candle, agent of preservation. Salt was the created to be! light their own candles, and then return first century refrigeration system. The to their seats. When all the candles disciples would have understood, have been lit, read Matthew 5:13-16. when being compared to salt, that Wrap Up they held a very prestigious position Discuss what the ultimate purpose in the world. Salt stood for something is living Jesus’ “Prime Directive” of high value and importance. They that proclaims us as the Salt of the would have heard from Jesus that they Earth and the Light of the World. were to be the salt that prevents the Close in prayer. entire earth from degenerating faster than it already is. Salt slows down the rotting process, not by being nearby in the salt container, but by being

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

THE WASHINGTON PROJECTS SPACE TIME CONTINUUM LIGHT UP THE DARK ZEAL WASHINGTONPROJECTS.COM SAVE THE CITY RECORDS

You are about to listen to “Light Up The Dark” by The Washington Projects. Before listening to the song, read Star Trek’s “Prime Directive” and consider the Bible Study questions that follow it: Matthew 5:13-16; 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. Prime Directive SALT: As the right of each sentient species to live in accordance with its normal cultural evolution is considered sacred, no Star Fleet personnel may interfere with the healthy development of alien life and culture. Such interference includes the introduction of superior knowledge, strength, or technology to a world whose society is incapable of handling such advantages wisely. Star Fleet personnel may not violate this Prime Directive, even to save their lives and/or their ship unless they are acting to right an earlier violation or an accidental contamination of said culture. This directive takes precedence over any and all considerations, and carries with it the highest moral obligation.

• What were the implications of this “Prime Directive” for the Star Ship Enterprise as they encountered and interacted with other worlds and other cultures?

• What do you think the idea behind the “Prime Directive” has to do with the title of LIGHT: the The Washington Projects’ “Light Up The Dark?”

• Does the world around you place any kind of “Prime Directive” on your life? If yes, describe it.

• Jesus gave a Prime Directive of His own. He said, “You are the salt of the earth and you are the light of the world.” What does Jesus’ “Prime Directive” say to you about the way you should interact with the world around you?

• What were the implications of being the “salt of the earth” and “the light of the world?”

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 48 WAYNE KERR BAND

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

WAYNE KERR BAND LOVE STANDS OUT THE MIRROR KIRK MOORE WAYNEKERRMUSIC.COM MERCY BOOKSHELF RECORDS ST PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS [email protected]

Theme Transition Bible Study Wrap Up Self Image; Uniqueness Ask: What did you feel when giving a Read together these Bible passages “The Mirror” expresses hope that compliment? How does hearing com- and discuss the questions: everyone will realize that God sees Objective pliments about you make you feel? Matthew 9:9-13 him or her as beautiful, wonderful, • What do you think of when you hear and precious. No matter who you Students will learn that God has made the word “righteous”? are, what you’ve done, or what you each one of them a masterpiece. The Song will ever do in life, God loves you and Hand out the Student Guides. Play • How about “sinner”? calls you a masterpiece. “The Mirror” from the Wayne Kerry • What do you think Jesus was trying to Warm Up Band. While the song plays have stu- communicate to the Pharisees? Closing prayer: Thank You, God, for Compliments – Write on a display dents write as many complimentary • What do you think “I desire mercy, not seeing me as precious. Thank You for board several words that express words or sentences that describe sacrifice” means? seeing me as valuable. Thank You for positive attributes of a person. them or any of their friends. seeing me as someone worth loving. Some words you might use include: • What does any of this have to do with Please help me to feel that about generous, kind, funny, strong, help- how God sees, values, and loves myself. Please help me to feel that ful, beautiful, loyal, friendly, loving, Transition every person? about everyone. Amen. and warm. Go around the room and Say, “‘The Mirror’ asks what you see ask each person to use one of the when you look in the mirror. The song 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 words to describe the person to wonders if you see something you • “I always thank God for you…” How their left. Ask them to express their don’t like. It wonders if you know that do you feel when know that someone compliment in this way: “(Name) there is so much more to you than thanks God for you? you are a ______person.” what you can see. It also expresses After everyone has offered a com- that God has beautifully made only • These verses communicate that God pliment about the person on their one you. What do you think of the enriches, strengthens, and provides. left, reverse the order and have message of the song?” How does God do that for you? How each person do the same for the do you think that He doesn’t? person on their right. • What do these verses have to do with how God sees, values, and loves every person?

Matthew 10:30 • How many hairs do you think you have? • What does this sentence communicate about how God sees, values, and loves you?

WAYNE KERR BAND

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

WAYNE KERR BAND LOVE STANDS OUT THE MIRROR SELF IMAGE; UNIQUENESS WAYNEKERRMUSIC.COM MERCY BOOKSHELF RECORDS

Write as many complimentary words or sentences that describe you or any of Matthew 9:9-13 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Matthew 10:30 your friends. What do you think of when you hear “I always thank God for you…” How How many hairs do you think you the word “righteous”? do you feel when know that someone have? thanks God for you?

How about “sinner”? What does this sentence communicate about how God sees, values, and loves you? These verses communicate that God enriches, strengthens, and provides. What do you think Jesus was trying to How does God do that for you? How communicate to the Pharisees? do you think that He doesn’t?

“The Mirror” expresses hope that everyone will come to know that God What do you think “I desire mercy, not sees him or her as beautiful, wonder- sacrifice” means? ful, and precious. No matter who you What do you think of the message are, what you’ve done, or what you will of the song? ever do in life, God loves you and calls What do these verses have to do you a masterpiece. with how God sees, values, and loves every person? Closing prayer: Thank You, God, for What does any of this have to do seeing me as precious. Thank You with how God sees, values, and for seeing me as valuable. Thank You loves every person? for seeing me as someone worth loving. Please help me to feel that about myself. Please help me to feel that about everyone. Amen.

interlinc-online.com / 800.725.3300 Page Leader Guide 50 WORTH DYING FOR

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Study by:

WORTH DYING FOR LIVE RIOT REBUILD PAUL TURNER WORTHDYINGFOR.COM AMMUNITION RECORDS PLEASANT GROVE ASSEMBLY HUEYTOWN, ALABAMA [email protected]

own disciples against Him (Matthew advantage over you. (Colossians Theme The Song 26:14-16; Luke 22:48). But Jesus 1:13) Without Christ we are still in Spiritual Warfare The video has a very Hunger Games did not run; He made his stand in the the domain of Darkness, and Dark- feel to it. If you’ve seen the movie, feel Garden of Gethsemane because He ness will always have the advan- free to make any comparisons. It does knew God, His Father, would raise tage. If you claim to be a Christian Objective feel as though we are being hunted by Him from the dead. We can have that and you hate others, Darkness Students will be inspired to live their darkness, but we have the advantage same confidence. has the advantage. (1 John 2:11) lives in the light of Christ. in Christ. You can leave the Darkness any Darkness does not know God’s plan, time you want. Jesus calls us to but we can. – There is a line from the His light. No matter how dark your Warm Up Transition video that says, “Like we stepped world becomes, God will always Divide the room into two sides or two Say, “The battle of Light and Dark out in darkness, and then there was have the upper hand. The question teams: Light and Darkness. Choose a seems never ending, but God knows light.” When we accept Christ as our is: who has the advantage right now few simple one-on-one games such as how the story ends.” Savior, we receive the Holy Spirit. in on your life? Light? Or Darkness? who can balance a broomstick longer We become the light of the world on his or her hand, except give the because we have the light of Christ. Dark side an unfair advantage, such Bible Study The darkness has no idea what this Wrap Up as using a smaller stick or using two Be sure to look up the lyrics to the means (John 1:5). Jesus took great This visual image of the video is very hands. The group will begin to see in song, as we will use them in this study. pleasure in sharing God’s plans with strong. You might want to consider each competition that Darkness has an At the beginning of the video, we see His disciples (Luke 10:21). God having one side of the room dark and unfair advantage. Light being hunted by Darkness. Ask enjoys revealing His plans to us and one side with a host of candles. As the students, “Do you ever feel that enjoys confusing the darkness in the you call students to Christ, let them Darkness is hunting you down? Let me process. We have the advantage over come to the side with the candles and Transition share a few thoughts on why you don’t the darkness because we, like Jesus, light one. As students come and light Say, “The devil would like you to think have to run from the Darkness, but can have the confidence in the end of candle, the light will shine on the whole that he has some unfair advantage how you can face it.” the story. We can have confidence in room. Share some closing thoughts over you and over God. He is a liar and the face of darkness that everything and end with prayer. the Father of Lies. He has no advan- Stand against the darkness, don’t run will turn out the way God wants. tage over you in any way, and we have from it. – The video says, “Darkness to know that to take full advantage of realized its days were numbered. The Darkness has lost its advantage. our position in Christ.” kingdom of love was now near.” The – There is a great line in the video devil knew of God’s intent to save that says, “So Darkness made its the world by sending his Son, and attempts to attack the Light, but I he knew he had to try to stop Jesus. have news for darkness: it shoulda Satan tempted Jesus in the desert killed you when it had a chance.” (Matthew 4:1-11), used the Phari- Here’s the thing: if you do not know sees to bully Him, and even used His Christ, the Darkness still has the

Artist: Album Title & Record Company: Song: Theme:

WORTH DYING FOR LIVE RIOT REBUILD SPIRITUAL WARFARE WORTHDYINGFOR.COM AMMUNITION RECORDS

Stand, Don’t Run Darkness Does Not Darkness Has Matthew 4:1-11; 26:14-16; Luke 22:48 Know God’s Plan, No Advantage Can you share a time when you felt like the darkness But We Can Colossians 1:13; 1 John 2:11 of life was (is) hunting you down? John 1:5; Luke 10:21 How does living in Christ’s light give you the upper hand over darkness? List those advantages here. What advantage is there to being a Christian?

Did you run or stand in those moments?

Why do you think Jesus was so happy to share with His disciples?

Is running easier than standing your ground? Why?

Do you think God still likes sharing His thoughts with us? Why?

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52 THEMATIC LISTING

These are the themes represented by all the songs in ten for them. The page number for these studies are web browser to the “What The Bible Says About...” this volume of Youth Leaders Only. The songs listed listed after the artist’s name. For a comprehensive (http://wbsa.logos.com) and type in the theme. in red type have complete Bible study sessions writ- list of the Scripture verses for each theme, point your

Appearance Difficulties; Comfort In Evangelism Forgiveness Flatfoot 56 Wayne Kerr Band Worth Dying For Fireflight Toil Love Stands Out Live Riot Now 6’ 10” Greatest Day Ever Love Riot Prove Me Wrong

Backsliding Difficulties; Hope Evangelism; Urgency Flame Flatfoot 56 Within Flame The 6th Toil TobyMac The 6th Let Go Brother Brother Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Against The World Hold On Kutless / pg. 30 Bible; Inspired Evangelism; God’s Believer Flame Difficulties; Trials Representatives Come Back Home The 6th Flatfoot 56 Bluetree Scripture Alone Toil Kingdom Freedom Live Or Die Trying Shine Fireflight Commitment Now Matt Brouwer / pg. 34 Discipleship; Cost Of Evangelism; Ignite Till the Sunrise Flatfoot 56 Everlasting Witnessing Trip Lee Toil Flame The Good Life Work For Them The 6th Matt Brouwer Robot Show Out Till the Sunrise TobyMac / pg. 39 One For Another Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Faith; Assurance Worth Dying For Lose My Soul Flatfoot 56 / pg. 26 Live Riot Complacency Freedom Is Rising TobyMac / pg. 39 Toil Distractions I Believe It Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Flame Friendship; Support Ignition The 6th Faith; When weak Manafest The Great Deception Flame Fighter Compassion Pushover Fireflight / pg. 22 The 6th Encouragement Devil’s Bread Now Kutless Glorifying God How He Weeps Believer Faithfulness Planetshakers Hero Flame Heal Our Land they Confidence; In Christ No One Like You Trip Lee Eternal Life The 6th The Good Life Running are Bluetree Planetshakers One Sixteen listed: Kingdom Family; Conflicts Heal Our Land Conversion Destined To Reign Manafest You Have It All TobyMac / pg. 40 Eternal vs Temporal Fighter Theme Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Throw It Away God’s Power Jimmy Needham Planetshakers Artist Tonight Album Title Clear The Stage Family; Love For Heal Our Land Song Desperation The Only One Jimmy Needham Supernatural Fireflight Clear The Stage Now Flatfoot 56 Daddy’s Baby Girl God’s Blessing Planetshakers Stay Close Toil The Rich, The Strong, and The Fear Heal Our Land Determination, Poor Fireflight Good To Me Now Diligence Eternity Escape Flatfoot 56 Flatfoot 56 Toil Toil Strongman I’ll Fly Away Devotion; Seeking God Planetshakers Heal Our Land Running To You

God’s Faithfulness God’s Nature God’s Strength Holy Spirit Manafest / pg. 32 Wayne Kerr Band Planetshakers / pg. 36 Worth Dying For Fighter Love Stands Out Heal Our Land Live Riot Never Let You Go You Are Strength of My Life Spirit Of God

Planetshakers God’s Patience God’s Sufficiency Hope Heal Our Land Kutless Bluetree Fireflight Do It Again Believer Kingdom Now Gravity You Are My Rock Rise Above God’s Forgiveness Kutless God’s Plan Kutless Manafest Believer Kutless Believer Fighter Believer Believer Carry Me To The Cross Not Alone Even If God’s Glory Kutless Idolatry Bluetree God’s Power Believer Jimmy Needham / pg.28 Kingdom Planetshakers Carry On Clear The Stage Glorious Victorious Heal Our Land Clear The Stage Power TobyMac God’s Greatness Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Trip Lee How Jimmy Needham God’s Presence Captured The Good Life Clear The Stage Jimmy Needham iLove they Clear The Stage Rock Bottom Wayne Kerr Band Stay Love Stands Out Jesus’ Death; are God’s Leading All I Really Want Is You Bluetree God’s Promises The Cross listed: Kingdom Trip Lee Worth Dying For The Good Life Grace Live Riot Lightens Up Jimmy Needham For My Good Never Look Back Theme Clear The Stage Artist Jimmy Needham If I Ever Needed Grace Jesus’ Lordship Clear The Stage God’s Provision Album Title Kutless Song Arrows Kutless Believer Healing Believer Bluetree / pg. 20 Need All Yours God’s Love Kingdom Fireflight Jesus Healer Now God’s Pursuit Worth Dying For Dying For Your Love Jimmy Needham Live Riot Clear The Stage Heaven; Longing For Savior TobyMac / pg. 39 I Will Find You Fireflight Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Jesus’ Resurrection Now City On Our Knees Worth Dying For Keeping Me Alive God’s Representatives Flame Live Riot The 6th Trip Lee / pg. 44 Risen From The Grave Kutless Try Me The Good Life Believer Take Me There Jesus’ Return I’m With You God’s Revelation Kutless Trip Lee Believer TobyMac / pg. 40 The Good Life If It Ends Today Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Know Me No Ordinary Love

Worth Dying For Live Riot One Love

Worth Dying For Live Riot Power Of Your Love

54 THEMATIC LISTING

Jesus’ Sacrifice Life; Purpose/Meaning Perseverance Rest Bluetree Flame / pg. 24 Fireflight Bluetree Kingdom The 6th Now Kingdom It Is Finished The 6th Day Now Rest

Kutless TobyMac / pg. 40 Flatfoot 56 Restoration Believer Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Toil Flame This Is Love Made To Love Winter In Chicago The 6th He Did It Again Trip Lee Love Manafest The Good Life Wayne Kerr Band Fighter Matt Brouwer Love On Display Love Stands Out Fighter Till the Sunrise Love Stands Out Thornside Wayne Kerr Band Manafest Love Stands Out Love; Romantic Fighter Sacrificial Love For Love Matt Brouwer Come Alive Wayne Kerr Band Till the Sunrise Love Stands Out Worth Dying For One in a Million Prayer; Intercessory Love Song Live Riot Planetshakers Higher Matt Brouwer Heal Our Land Salvation; Redemption Till the Sunrise Heal Our Land Matt Brouwer Joy Till the Sunrise Till the Sunrise Wayne Kerr Band Prodigal Tonight Love Stands Out Matt Brouwer Matt Brouwer Feel Good Song Till the Sunrise Till the Sunrise Salvation; Wish You Were Here Someone Else’s Arms Sanctification Worth Dying For Trip Lee Live Riot Love; Sacrificial Relationships The Good Life The World Can’t Take It Away Jimmy Needham Wayne Kerr Band New Dreams Clear The Stage Love Stands Out Latchkey Children In The Middle Back To You Self-Denial Flatfoot 56 Matt Brouwer How Toil Marriage Relationships; Till the Sunrise This Time Trip Lee Forgiveness Love Can Find a Way they The Good Life TobyMac are Life Good Thing Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Self-Examination Trip Lee Start Somewhere Matt Brouwer listed: The Good Life Money Till the Sunrise Beautiful Life Flame Renewal Outside, Inside The 6th Flatfoot 56 Theme Trap Money Toil Self; Identity In Christ Artist Take Hold Again Kutless Album Title Peace; Spiritual Believer Song Matt Brouwer Repentance Identity Till the Sunrise Manafest Ocean Fighter Self-Image; Heart Attack Uniqueness Wayne Kerr Band / pg. 48 Love Stands Out The Mirror

Sin; Confession Of Surrender Weariness Worship; Praise Manafest Worth Dying For Flatfoot 56 Bluetree Fighter Live Riot Toil Kingdom Human Closer Toil Exalt Him

Sin; Repentance Testimony Planetshakers Bluetree Manafest Flame Heal Our Land Kingdom Fighter The 6th Hold On To Me You Were You Are Prison Break Devil’s Bread (Intro) Worldliness Planetshakers TobyMac Manafest Flame Heal Our Land Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Fighter The 6th Hallelujah To The Lord Get Back Up Will You Catch Me Man Planetshakers Sin; Struggle With Transformation Worship; Call To Heal Our Land Trip Lee Flame Wayne Kerr Band It’s You The Good Life The 6th Love Stands Out Fallin’ Christ Alone Come As We Are Wayne Kerr Band Love Stands Out Sin; Temptation Trip Lee Worth Dying For Broken Vessels How Flame The Good Life Live Riot The 6th I’m Good Arise Wayne Kerr Band they Caught In The Lights Love Stands Out Truth Worth Dying For Extraordinary Love are Trip Lee Flatfoot 56 Live Riot The Good Life Toil listed: Send Your Glory Down Worth Dying For Fantasy Terrorizing Truth Live Riot Victory Light A Fire Theme Trip Lee Artist The Good Life Bluetree Kingdom Zeal Album Title Heart Problem TobyMac / pg. 38 Song Under My Feet Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Spiritual Warfare Boomin’ Fireflight Jimmy Needham Now Clear The Stage TobyMac Stronger Than You Think My Victory Dubbed and Freq’d: A Remix Project Showstopper Trip Lee Worth Dying For The Good Life Live Riot The Washington Projects / pg. 46 War Taking Back Space Time Continuum Light Up The Dark Worth Dying For / pg. 50 Live Riot Rebuild

Adopting A Kingdom Viewpoint DESTINED TO REIGN Through Praise and Worship Bluetree

By Neil Smith Intro: Planetshakers City Church G, C, Em, C

Verse 1: Jesus gave the model for prayer in Luke 11:2, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. G Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” Let’s examine that prayer. Grace abounds, so deeply with me Grace abounds so deeply within me First, you’ll notice that it begins with “Our Father.” Worship allows us to get into a Kingdom viewpoint. D C D Psalm 34:3 says, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” When you magnify Accepted in, as Jesus is, His righteousness, God, He becomes everything to you. You think like the Father thinks, you see like He sees, you talk C like He talks. So, praise and worship is critical for bringing you into that atmosphere or space with God a gift so free where you’re making an intimate connection and where you’re operating with a Kingdom viewpoint.

The prayer continues, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” Notice the Lord’s Prayer doesn’t start with your problems; it starts with “Our Father” and then goes to “Thy king- Chorus: dom come.” Worship creates a “Heaven atmosphere.” G C We’re destined to reign, and shine, What’s Heaven like? It’s full of worship, twenty-four-seven. Psalm 22:3 says that God is “enthroned” on Em G/B C the praises of Israel. So, it’s not just about singing the songs or going through the motions. It’s about and live a life of love within new life literally encountering or expressing our God, thinking like He does, and getting into that zone where we G C operate with a Kingdom point of view. Through the power of Christ, our King, Em D C In the darkness let there be light. In the sorrow let joy arise. As Your kingdom fills the earth. We’re more the conquerors in everything God our Savior, giver of new birth. Let all sickness bow its knee to Christ our Savior, our vic- G tory. By His death at Calvary I’m forgiven, I have been set free. Hallelujah to the Lord… Lift We’re destined to reign Him higher above all things. Christ our Savior King above all Kings. – “Hallelujah to the Lord” Verse 2: Praise and worship are vital. In Judges, the Tribe of Judah, the tribe of praise, led Israel into battle, Hope abounds byYour Spirit in me, because praise sets up the victory. Jesus has won, and when we praise, we step up into what He has Hope abounds by Your Spirit in me done for us. As a church, whenever we enter into praise and worship, it isn’t so that we can create a Accepted in, as Jesus is, His righteousness, cool part of the service. No! These are times to encounter and experience God. They are times of the Kingdom’s viewpoint being extended into our lives. a gift so free

Bridge (x4): D C D Let it be, unto me, not by works C D But Your unfailing and unchanging Word

EXTRAORDINARY Everlasting EXALT HIM LOVE

Matt Brouwer Bluetree Wayne Kerr Band

Into: Verse 1: Intro: G-C G-C A E/G# ||: F# | D#m B :|| F# | F#sus4 | Verse 1: Christ in love came down, Verse 1: G A C#m F# D#m B There is nothing I could ever do written on the Cross Taken by surprise by an extraordinary love D F#m E A#m B A#m B To deserve the love I’ve found in You Was His love for me, You take me as I am, You take me as I am Em Bm F# D#m B There is nothing I could say Exalt Him Yours is anything but an ordinary love C G D A E/G# A A#m B A#m B Nothing I could say to be worthy Christ has paid it all, C#sus4 G C#m Don’t leave me as I am, Don’t leave me as I am If I rise upon the wings of the dawn now I stand redeemed D F#m E Chorus: If I settle in the depths of the sea Ransomed by the King F# G#m F#/A# Em Bm All glory praise and honor, All glory praise and honor Even there Your light will shine Exalt Him B D#m C# C All glory praise and honor are due You There Your hand will guide PreChorus: G#m F#/A# B C# G D D F#m E I’m taken by surprise, by an extraordinary love You will find me, find me This is where we see what love is Interlude: ||: G#m D#m B | C# :|| D F#m E Re-Intro: ||: F# | D#m B :| Chorus: This is how we know what love is C G D Verse 2: Search my heart O God Chorus: Jesus crucified was an extraordinary love, You Em A took away my sin, Atonement for all men, I’ll drink And know my anxious thoughts Exalt Him, hung on the tree, the living water and I will not thirst again, My true C G D A/C# and dearest friend, Revive in me again Em C My Savior broken for me Chorus / Interlude And lead me in the way everlasting, everlasting D E A But death could not hold Him there Bridge: G - G - C - C A A/C# F# F#maj7 Exalt Him, risen and conquering Savior At the cross just for me Bridge: D E A G#m F#IA# B C# ||:Am, Em, G, D:|| Nothing can stop Him, coming back again How could I repay the debt that was paid to set me free? F#/A# Bsus4 Verse 2: Verse 2: I’ve become overwhelmed There are times when I have turned away When Christ shall return, tears and pain will cease G#m F#/A# B C# Lost sight of what You’ve done for me And all the saints will sing, Exalt Him When I close my eyes and count the blessings from above Still You never let me go G#m F#/A# B C# Your love has taken hold, Bridge: I’m taken by surprise by an extraordinary… You surround me, surround me D E F#m G#m F#/A# B C# It is done, It is done, Yours is all we need, extraordinary love D E A Outro: Death is defeated now, It is done I G#m D#m B | G#m D#m B | C# | D E F#m I G#m D#m B | G#m D#m B | C# F#/A# I B It is won, It is won, D E A the battle is over now, it is won.

© 2012 Unlearning Music Pub / ASCAP / Administered by Ryan Griffith, © 2011 Exchange Church Media Ltd / Wayne Kerr, © 2010 Kerr Music Made Music, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission. Exchange Church Belfast. Used by permission.

If I Ever Good To Me HIGHER Needed Grace

Bluetree Worth Dying For Jimmy Needham

Intro: Intro: Verse 1: ||: G D | A Bm | G D | A Bm :|| C#m - E/G# - B - F#m E B It still feels like yesterday Verse: Verse 1: C#m E/G# G D A Bm G C#m E A lifetime of empty days From the rising of the sun, to where it sets Jesus Your name is more than a name A E D A Bm Amaj7 F#m My hungry heart was desperate for a meal I will give You praise It’s given me hope, it’s given me life E B G D A Bm G C#m E I feasted on the Bread of Life And in every circumstance, You are good Jesus Your name be lifted high C#m E/G# D A Bm Amaj7 F#m Forgiveness pierced me like a knife So I will give You praise No other name but Jesus saves A E Your breath filled up my lungs and I could feel PreChrous: Chorus: F#m E/G# B G A Bm C#m B/D# E I was broken and all I could say was I know I’ve got nothing to fear in Your love Your name is higher, is higher Bm F#m9 C#m B/D# E Chorus: Your love is holding me Your name is high above all C#m A E G A E7 F#m9 Amaj7 F#m9 If I ever needed grace, it’s now So I’ll give, I’ll give You all of me Your love is greater, is greater C#m A B C#m B/D# E You are strong when I am weak, somehow Chorus: Your name has conquered it all C#m B Bm G A Verse 2: I am weak enough to see You are so good to me Jesus Your life poured out for all, You ransomed F# Bm G A my heart and you rescued my soul, King over all I need You to cover me With everything I am I’ll give You praise coming again, Death could not hold You, Forever A B C#m Bm G A You reign, You reign (Amaj7) If I ever needed grace, it’s now You’re better than life to me G E7 Chorus Verse 2: With everything I am I’ll give You praise I met the woman of my dreams, Wanted to give her Bridge 1 (4x) everything, Then fear came like a thief in the night, ||:D, D ,C# ,C ,B – A, A, G, F, E, D||x2 C#m E2/G# But my journal pages prophesy, That one day I’d Nails couldn’t keep You down make her my bride, Soon my best friend was wearing Bridge: A2 F#m white, With our lives ahead all I could say was D5 The grave couldn’t keep You in Thank You Jesus, You are faithful C#m E2/G# Bridge: Thank You Jesus, Your love is better than life Hell couldn’t keep You out A E Thank You Jesus, You are faithful A2 F#m (last time - Amaj7 / / / ) In every joy and pain Thank You Jesus, Your love is better than life You reign, You reign F# (4 times) Whatever comes my way B Chorus God I need Your grace

Bridge 2 (4x) Verse 3: C#m B/D# E F#m Nine short months ‘til she arrived, Little hands and Whoa------Whoa------lions eyes, And I’m so scared I don’t have what (4 times) it takes, But I hear Your voice Sunday morning, Father give me eyes to see, All I need’s the power Bridge 1 (2x) of Your name

Andy Harrison & Joth Hunt, © 2012 Planet Shakers Minis- Micah Berteau, Christy Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Sean Jimmy Needham and Ed Cash,© 2011 Needhim Music tries Int’l. Used by permission Loche, Josh O’haire, Nathan Parrish, & Henry Seeley, © (ASCAP) / First Company Publishing (ASCAP) (All rights obo 2012 Ammunition Records. Used By Permission. Needhim Music and First Company Publishing adm. by 21 Songs, LLC) / Alletrop Music (BMI) (admin. by Music Services

IT IS FINISHED JESUS HEALER My Victory

Bluetree Bluetree Jimmy Needham

Verse 1: Key: Bb (Capo 3 - G) Verse 1: A C F Christ the Servant King, man yet God in true humil- Verse: Never turning back to the way things were ity C G/B Am F D On the Cross, blood and water flowed I’m stronger now than I was before You came to serve this world in love, C G/B C F A The Son of Man, was lifted high I hear the sound that freedom brings You showed us how to live in love C G/B Am A His body broken, broken for the world It’s ringing loud Christ the wondrous King, Word made flesh yet C D (2nd verse only) F C F still divinity This is love, this is love Now I am free to lift my eyes D Am F The only way, the truth the life, Chorus: For grace is alive A G D You showed us how to live this life Jesus, Healer, Jesus Chorus: Em Bm Em D C Chorus: Be lifted up, be lifted up You are the hope that broke the dark in me A Bm A/C# G D Am G D Your Kingdom come and your will be done forever You are the light that shines when I can’t see It is finished, it is finished, the cross has done it Em D C G (last time) F C A Bm Come be lifted up, today You are, You are, You are my victory The work is over, my God is risen A/C# D Bridge: Verse 2: For Christ he lives in me D My weakness Yours, Your mercy mine, My God A A/C# D By your stripes and wounds we are made whole You’re not the leaving kind, I sing this song that It is finished, it is finished, the cross has done it G freedom brings, It’s ringing loud, Now I am free to F#m E By your death we live lift my eyes, My God is alive The work is over, my God is risen D D The cross defeated all our sickness and pain Bridge: For Christ is Lord indeed C G Am Weʼre ransomed by the King In times of trouble Verse 2: C Christ the Savior King, with arms held out for all When I’m not able this world to see G Am You hold this world within Your hands, you hold my You are my God, You are life within your hands F Christ the risen King, defeated sin and death, now My chains are broken hell must flee C Your resurrection brings me life, your resurrection Your gates are open bought us life G Hallelujah Bridge: D E If God is with us, who can stand against us? D E If God is with us, who can stand? D E If God is with us, who can rise against us? F#m E Our God is faithful, to the end.

Aaron Boyd, © 2011 Exchange Church Media Ltd / Aaron Boyd, © 2012 Exchange Church Media Ltd / Jimmy Needham, Ed Cash, and Matt Armstrong, © 2011 Needhim/ Exchange Church Belfast Used by permission. Exchange Church Belfast. Used by permission. First Company Publishing (ASCAP) admin by 21 Songs, LLC / Alle- trop Music (BMI) Admin by Music Services / Universal Music – Brent- wood Benson Tunes/Countless Wonder Publishing/FOTS Music (SESAC) Admin by: Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Tunes

RISEN FROM Strength Of THE GRAVE My Life TAKING BACK

Worth Dying For Bluetree Worth Dying For

Chorus: Intro: Opening/Bridge 1 (3x): B F#6 G#m F, Am, C, D C#m A Wonderful, my Healer Through Your victory, I can finally sing Emaj7 Verse: E G#m Giver of grace ’cause You have risen from the grave F Am C D I’m taking back what the enemy’s stolen from me B F#6 G#m You set my heart ablaze with Your holy fire Faith’s my sight, You’re my might F Am C D Chorus: Emaj7 And now I stand amazed by Your love and favor A C#m B Impossible is slain ’cause You have risen from the grave Freedom has been won PreChorus: A C#m B |G#m// F#/A# |B///|C#m/G#m/|F# ///| Am G Death is over - come Verse 1: I don’t know where I would be A C#m B G#m F#/A# B F Victory is ours and we’ll keep singin’ You sent Your Son I don’t know what I would do now C#m G#m F# Dm7 Bridge 1 (x2) To come to the rescue of all If Your love hadn’t saved me G#m F#/A# B Am G Bridge 2 (x2): Arms held high You are the strength of my life C#m A F I’m taking back what the enemy’s stolen from me PreChorus; and I’m eternally grateful E G#m C#m9 B/D# I’m taking back what the enemy’s stolen from me Rising faith, for we have been saved Chorus: Emaj7 F#sus / F# F Am G Am (play Chorus / Bridge 1 two times / Bridge 2 six Let Your power live in me Great are You Lord o - ver all we will declare, times, and end on Amaj7 chord) Chorus G/B C 1st time: |G#m// F#/A# |B///| (to verse2) Lord You are faithful 2nd time: | G#m F#6 Emaj7 B | G#m F#6 Emaj7 B | | F Am G G#m F#6 Emaj7 B | G#m F#6 Emaj7 C#m9 | F#sus Great are You Lord o - ver all, / F# / | (into Bridge) F Am C Great are You Lord, Verse 2: F Am C The curse broken, Forever my soul is changed, Great are You Lord Praise on high F ( G Am ) C ( G Am ) F ( G Am ) ( Dm7 C/E ) (F G ) Bridge (3x): G#m F#6 Emaj7 B Bridge: And I’ll dance with You ’til my knees go weak F G Am G#m F#6 Emaj7 B You are the strength of my life Lord And I’ll sing ’til I can’t sing anymore C G Am G#m F#6 Emaj7 B It doesn’t matter what may come my way And I’ll lift my hands ’til they fall asleep F G Am G#m F#6 Emaj7 C#m9 F#sus - F# You are the strength of my life Lord Just to show You Lord, You’re the One I adore Dm7 C/E F G Chorus I’m hold - ing on to You (Go right into bridge ; play it strong three times, with a drum break the second time; end) (Optional reprise of bridge)

Bobby Livingstone & Sean Loche, © 2012 Ammunition Joth Hunt, © 2012 Planet Shakers Ministries Int’l. Micah Berteau, Christy Johnson, & Sean Loche. Records. Used By Permission. Used by permission. © 2012 Ammunition Records. Used By Permission

YOU WERE, YOU ARE YOU ARE YOU ARE MY ROCK (CAN’T CONTAIN)

Wayne Kerr Band Bluetree Bluetree

Verse 1: Intro: Verse 1: F C G A, C#m, D, D A A/F# You’re the Father to the orphan, Highest Heavens, sunset sky, F C G Verse: E You’re the healer to the broken A F#m Ocean deep, mountains high, sing Your praises F C G F Above the storms of life, above the raging seas D E You’re the river and the ocean, You are A/C# D And can’t contain You Above all earthly things, you are good A A/F# Verse 2: A F#m Every nation, tribe and tongue, You’re the whisper in the evening, You’re the counsel When trials come in time, I stand on what is right E to the grieving, You’re the first song, and the song A/C# D Every creature, and living thing, bow before You yet to be That Your unfailing love, still remains D E And can’t contain You Chorus: PreChorus: F C G Am G F D E PreChorus: You are You are all these things and more What heights of love D E D E C G/B Am G F F#m E How mighty, are Your ways, how awesome, is Your You are You are all of these and more What depths of peace name C Gsus4 G Am G/B C D F#m A E Gsus4 G Chorus: Your glory cannot be contained You are You are, But the greatest thing by far, A A/C# You are You are my Rock, You’re my guide Chorus: D A Interlude: ||: F C | G :|| You’re my ever-present shelter You were, You are, You always will be A A/C# D E Verse 3 & 4: You are my hope, You’re my song First, the last, You’re so amazing You are loving, not because I ever loved you in D A D E return, You are Holy, You are Mighty, You are I will trust in You alone, unfailing God Glorious, God of everything You are faithful to the faithless, You are jealous for F#m us all, You’re the one who never changes, You are Bridge: You’re far beyond, all understanding D F#m D A E Chorus/Interlude Amazing love, Amazing love, Amazing love ! Measureless, in all Your glory, God you were, you A D E Bridge: That you love me ! You’ll always be D F, C, G One day every tongue and tribe will sing Verse 2: D For your glory, for your fame, every knee will With one voice we’ll magnify the king Bow at the name of King Jesus, confessing you as Lord Guitar Solo: F, C, G – F, C, G – F, C, G – Am, G/B, C, G Bridge: D E D E Interlude Even rocks cry out, even rocks cry out D E A Verse 5: Even rocks cry out Your praise Not to your hands are we looking, nor a blessing do we seek, Just another moment near You, we need

Chorus / Interlude

Wayne Kerr, © 2010 Kerr Music Aaron Boyd, © 2011 Exchange Church Media LTD by Aaron Boyd & Ryan Griffith, © 2011 Exchange Church Exchange Church Belfast. Used by permission. Media Ltd / Exchange Church Belfast. Used by permission.

Unavoidable. Pervasive. Inescapable.Inescapable. Secular pop music is everywhere. ideas to take advantage of some of the most popular secular songs. EvenEven if you can get your young ChristianChristian friends to switch their listen- Use the opening questions, the thematic concepts and discussion ing habits from secular to sacred, they are still going to hear the top ideas to spice up your Bible study, Sunday School lesson, camp/retreat popular songs everywhere they go. InIn this section we provide you some meeting or outreach event message.

Artist: Artist: Artist: Carrie Underwood Deadmau5 Gotye Song: Good Girl Song: The Veldt Song: Somebody That I Used To Know Album: Good Girl - Single Album: The Veldt – Single Album: Making Mirrors By: Jeremy White By: Chris Keating By: Cindy Engøy [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Teaching Point: Character, Dating, Relationships Teaching Point: Teaching Point: The Veldt is a short story written by Ray Bradbury in Opening Questions: This song is about heartache, lost love, and dis- 1950 about a family that lives in a house that does appointment. Jesus is the constant, the anchor • In your opinion, is today’s “dating scene” a wise everything for them. It cooks, cleans, and has an in a sea of uncertainty and dissatisfaction. system for finding and choosing a future mate? amazing children’s nursery – it allows the kids to imagine anything they want and the nursery creates • Have you ever wanted to date a person you Opening Questions: it. The parents become concerned when the nurs- knew wasn’t good for you? Have you ever been in love? Have you ever been ery is stuck on one virtual conception of an African • If you are willing, share about that struggle. disappointed by someone – hurt, not just by a veldt where they can see lions off in the distance boyfriend or girlfriend, but by someone you thought eating the remains of what they assume is a zebra. Discussion: was a true friend? Have you ever been talked about A psychologist friend tells them to leave the house, Carrie Underwood’s single “Good Girl” is a song of behind your back? Have you ever said or heard immediately. The children beg for one last visit warning to a girl who seems “blind” to the danger someone say, “I just don’t know him/her anymore?” to the nursery, and the parents oblige. When the of being in a relationship with a guy who everyone or, as the title of this song says, you’re just, “some- parents come to gather them, the children lock the else knows isn’t good for her. It’s a fun, upbeat body that I used to know”? song with a serious message: beware of whom you parents in the nursery with the lions and the parents realize that they were what the lions were eating. choose to be in a relationship with. The message Discussion: When Deadmau5 was working on a new song, his of the song can apply to all your close friendships – Heartache and disappointment are universal feel- fans begged him to write the song around this story. but is especially focused on dating. ings. Sometimes you are the one on the receiving • Describe some “wise things to consider” when a Opening Questions: end of a disappointment. Sometimes you are the person is choosing who to date… • Would you like to live in a house that did everyone that caused the heartache. Either way, some- • Decide whether you agree or disagree with the thing for you? Why or why not? one gets hurt. following statement: “Other than your relation- • What are the positives of living in a house that ship with Jesus, choosing a mate is the most took care of your every want and need? That’s a depressing thought. So, having a broken important decision you will ever make.” Explain. • What disadvantages can you come up with? heart or being disappointed in someone’s actions – the anger, hurt, rejection, frustration – is just a • Decide whether you agree or disagree with the Discussion: fact of life. Is there anything or anyone that we following statement: “Every date should be The Veldt is a story of abandonment, alienation, can trust and give our heart to without fear? thought of as a potential future mate.” Explain… and retribution. This song does give that sense. • How does living for comfort and convenience 1 Corinthians 13:8 says that love never fails. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 talks about not being change a person? “unequally yoked” with unbelievers, and Really? The ex just said it was over, or that they • What happened to King David when he was lazy found someone new, needed space, or any num- 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “…bad company in 2 Samuel 11? corrupts good character.” ber of excuses. Or, as the song says, “Well, you said that we would still be friends.” When love is • How do these two ideas apply to the friends you The story takes a chilling turn when the kids, figu- over, nothing is the same and love sure seems to choose? How do they apply to dating? ratively abandoned by their parents in the care of a virtual babysitter, turn against their parents. have failed. The person you loved, trusted, and • What are some of the reasons why students The Bible tells us to obey our parents. (Deuteron- gave your heart to now becomes someone that who should know better are tempted to com- omy 5:16) Parents provide for us (Matthew 7:9- you don’t recognize – or as the song says, “But promise their own values to be in a relationship, 11), teach us (Psalm 78:5-7), and discipline us you treat me like a stranger and I feel so rough.” whether it’s dating or close friendship? (Proverbs 3:11-12). • How do we balance God’s call to reach out to If love never fails, then what is love? 1 John 4:16 Conclusion: those who need the Gospel with making sure we says that God is love. Since God is love and love Most of us would love to have a house that met are wise in the friends and close relationships never fails, God never fails, and His love never all our wants and desires immediately. The only we choose? fails. He is the constant in our lives. problem to that is that we can become selfish Conclusion: and self-centered like the children in the story. Conclusion: God wants us to bring the Gospel to all people. The root to all this is pride – not the kind of pride Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same However, choosing our close friends wisely is for a job well done, but the kind where you feel yesterday and today and forever.” We can trust extremely important – and maybe most important in that you are owed something and that you should that Jesus will always be there for us. He will dating, since emotions play such a significant role. be able to have whatever you want. This kind of never change. He will never treat us like “ some- Have you committed your dating life and future to pride is bad, and the Bible condemns it. Read body that I used to know.” the glory of God? If not, what would that look like in James 4:2. Instead, we need to follow Jesus’ practical terms? example found in Philippians 2:3-8.

Artist: Artist: Artist: John Mayer Katy Perry One Direction Song: Shadow Days Song: Part Of Me Song: What Makes You Beautiful Album: Born and Raised Album: Teenage Dream [The Complete Confection] Album: Up All Night By: Doug Ranck By: Dan Schewe By: Eric Gargus [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Sin, Repentance Teaching Point: Beautiful goes much farther than a profile picture. People may hurt you, fail you, and abandon you, Opening Question: but God never will. Opening Questions: Finish the following statement, “I hate being • Do people look different in person than in their wrong about ______.” Opening Questions: online profile picture? Explain. Discussion: • Have you ever been abandoned or hurt by • What defines “beautiful” on YouTube? We don’t like to be wrong. “Rule #1: I am always someone you cared deeply about? • How is a person’s beauty judged at your school? right. Rule #2: If I am wrong, please see Rule • Do you take issue with how today’s culture #1.” Being wrong is no fun, and we get stubborn • When a couple breaks up, what happens to their defines beauty? about admitting we could fail – and even more group of friends? Discussion: important, recognizing we need to not just say Simon Cowell’s latest boy band, One Direction, is we are sorry but actually take steps to show we Discussion: giving goosebumps to teenage girls all across America want to change. As your students probably know, Katy released this song shortly after her divorce. Sadly, we all now with their clean looks and catchy harmonies. John Mayer writes about this struggle when he experience broken relationships; people break “What Makes You Beautiful” is a song that delves into sings, “Did you know that you could be wrong up, get divorced, and hurt each other. When this guy/girl attraction with a hint of appreciation for what’s and swear you’re right? Some people been happens, those we think we can count on aren’t on the inside too. It’s a lyrically simple pop song with a known to do it all their lives, but you find yourself always there for us. couple of strong statements to pair with scripture. Let’s alone, just like you found yourself before, like I check them out. found myself in pieces on the hotel floor. Hard • Who has been there for you in a difficult time? Being the way that you are is enough. – Read times have helped me see…” How did he or she help you? Genesis 1:26-28 and discuss: He goes on to say that he realized he was a • When life falls apart around, what do you want • Whose image are you made in? “good man” and “had to let it go” now that his to do? • Do you believe God considers you beautiful? Explain. “shadow days are over.” Our default as sinful • Does God see people differently than people see beings is to wallow in the defeats we experience. • How do you stay positive in the times of hurt each other? While we would never say we enjoy the feeling and heart-wreck? • How hard is it to be content with how you look? of failure, we do find it hard to, with the power • How do you protect yourself from being hurt? Now read Psalm 139:13-16, then ask: of God, make the necessary changes to have • What do you think is the part of herself that Katy • Has God ever made an error? a healthy relationship with Christ. We allow our would never let someone take away? What • What makes people dislike certain parts of their stubbornness to build a wall and help us to justify might that be for you? appearance? our behavior as being right. • How would it help someone to listen to God over The Bible reminds us there is a better way. In the We have to admit that we have all failed those we other people about his/her looks? book of Hosea, the people of Israel are called to care the most about. We miss birthdays and are You don’t know you’re beautiful, that’s what makes “return to the Lord.” (6:1) The prophet invites the too busy when our friends lives are falling apart. you beautiful – Read 1 Peter 3:3-5. people “to press on and acknowledge them.” (6:3) We hurt and are hurt by those closest to us. The • How much is too much for you with accessories, God says, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and Bible reminds us that this is not the case with bling, or whatever you call it? acknowledgment of God rather than burnt God. In Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8 we are remind- • According to this passage, what does God want offerings.” (6:6) In their obstinacy the people had ed that God goes with us. He will never leave us you to accessorize yourself with? forgotten about God and had tried to forge their or abandon us, especially in our times of greatest • How does God define “beauty?” own path. They offered the token sacrifice but were need. Jesus reiterated this for us in the Great unwilling to live for God in their actions. Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) He told us that Conclusion: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of Guys/girls will say anything to get your attention if In the same way God calls to come before Him the age.” Paul reminds us in Romans 8:38-39 they are attracted to you. But is it just an outward in honesty and take strategic steps to let our light that nothing can separate us from God’s love. infatuation? Or, is there something about your shine through the words of our mouth and the personality and your character that they are attracted choices we make. As John Mayer says, “It does Conclusion: to? The next time you hear this song, be reminded ‘hurt to be real’.” People, even those with the best intentions, will of two things: Conclusion: hurt, fail, and abandon you, but God will never • God made you in His image, and He doesn’t Are you willing to let your good intentions forsake you. He is always there for you in your make mistakes. become actions? Who do you need to help you best and worst times. • If a guy/girl shows interest in you, make sure it’s as you take those next steps? for more than just your great looks.

Artist: Artist: Artist: Skrillex Train Walk Off The Earth Song: Weekends!!! (feat. Sirah) Song: Drive By Song: Somebody That I Used To Know Album: Weekends!!! (feat. Sirah) - Single Album: California 37 Album: By: Dave McGinley By: Mary Wilson By: Jeff Williamson [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Teaching Point: Three things to look for in good healthy Christian Supernatural power is required to love others for You will never be somebody who used to be friendships: conduct, encouragement, and sacrifice. the long haul in this broken world. known. Opening Questions: Opening Questions: Opening Question: • Do you hang out with the same people every • Who was your best friend five years ago? Are you Once you accept Christ, will He never forget you? weekend? still friends with him or her? Why, or why not? Discussion: • What things do you and your friends have in • Are you more of a “ drive by” or a “ long haul” Well it finally happened. The one that you loved common? kind of friend? became a person that you used to know! Life • How do you determine if you will hang out with Discussion: was great, love was in the air, and there were someone for the weekend? “Drive By” is about a guy/girl relationship in which smiles all around. Then came that moment, Discussion: the guy, by his own admission, gets overwhelmed, something happened, and “BAM” – love was “Weekends!!!” is a simple song that uses the scared, and—leaves. The girl then moves away, lost! That has happened to all of us; if not, then same phrase over and over: “You and my friends “’cause you moved to west LA, or New York, or be prepared – it will. should hang out on the weekend.” That makes Santa Fe, or wherever to get away from me.” Now, • How did you feel when what was once your only us wonder how we determine whom we should the girl is back and, according to the guy, “I didn’t love was suddenly gone? hang out with. We should have a standard of leave you ’cause I was all through. Oh, I was over- whom we are around, and we should be reach- whelmed and frankly scared as [heck], because I • Where do you turn when you are cut out of ing out to new people to show them the love of really fell for you.” In fact, he now professes his love someone’s life? Christ. So, we find a balance that needs to be is real, has gone viral, and he will be there for her. None of us really want to live that way. We achieved or a standard that we will hold our- This is not a “drive by.” don’t want to wonder when our relationships selves to. Here are three concepts that could be Broken promises, broken hearts, broken people will end. We spend a lot of energy searching for a great start to setting some standards for the should be expected in a broken world. Jesus tells that perfect relationship. We spend time look- people that we hang out with on the weekends. us, “In this world you will have trouble.” But He ing for someone who will not fail us, someone Conduct – (Psalm 119:63; Proverbs 12:26, 22:24- goes on to say, “Take heart, because I have over- that will accept us, and who love us just as we 25; Exodus 23:2; 1 Corinthians 15:33-34) This is a come the world.” (John 16:33) What does that are. That relationship is possible! It is found in good first standard to have, but there is a caution: mean, exactly? How did He overcome the world? our acceptance of Christ and the relationship we can become judgmental with others and how Jesus took on flesh and blood and skin and He wants with us, His creation! they act. The Bible tells us to be careful who we are experienced the same brokenness, heartache, Then, the question becomes: once you accept around, especially our friendships, because those and disappointments that we face. Yet, He chose Christ, will He ever forget you? Simply put: NO! people influence our walk with Christ. to love – in spite of, and in the midst of, the brokenness. He chose to die, some say of a broken Psalms 139:15-16 (MSG) You know me inside Encouragement – (Proverbs 27:17; 1 Thessalo- heart, so He could be with you—forever. and out, you know every bone in my body; You nians 5:11; Ephesians 4:2; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how Friends should encourage each other. Too often How can we overcome the world with all its broken- I was sculpted from nothing into something. we settle for friendships that are unhealthy and ness and hurt? How can we be more like Jesus – Like an open book, you watched me grow from are all about putting others down. A good Chris- showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, good- conception to birth; all the stages of my life were tian friend looks to encourage others. We should ness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? The spread out before you, the days of my life all have friends who encourage us in our Christian Bible tells us that these characteristics are the fruit prepared before I’d even lived one day. walk because this is what we were created for. of the Spirit. Does a tree force itself to grow fruit? We can’t force ourselves to produce spiritual fruit – John 15:13 (HCSB) No one has greater love Sacrifice – (John 15:13; Philippians 2:3-8) When the Holy Spirit brings them about in our lives as we than this, that someone would lay down his life we look for standards in friendships we should lean on and seek Him. for his friends. look at how Jesus treats us. He sacrificed His life for us. As Christians, we understand that life is Conclusion: Conclusion: When you find yourself in the not all about us – we sacrifice for others. You may not be in a romantic relationship like the revolving door of relationships and you seem one in the song, but a “ drive by” mentality can to be living as the one that used to be known, Conclusion: apply to family, co-workers, or friends. Take a look remember that Christ will never forget you! In Since our friends are important influences, we at your relationships and rank yourself on each of light of past failures, current failures, and future should be wise about the people we choose to the fruits of the Spirit. If you are struggling to love failures, the Lord your God will not forget you. He hang out with. Set some standards that you are others, to be kind, or be patient, perhaps what you will not leave you. He will always know you and looking for, but never forget that you are created to need is more time with Jesus so He can cultivate love you, no matter what! be a Christian and share God’s love with everyone. those traits in you.

Not every available Christian music album can make it into the Youth Leaders Only box, so we try to give you a taste of what else is available in your local store. Since interlínc often gets “pre-release” copies of upcoming CDs, we can give you a “heads up” to new releases that might be just right for you and your young friends. Artist: The individual or group of musicians. Title: The name of the album or project. Label: The company behind the album or project. Genre: The general musical style of the album or project. TIYL: “Try If You Like” – a comparison of similar musical artists. @: The internet web address of the musical artist. By: The name of the person who wrote the review. David Crowder Band Album Title: Label: @: Genre: TIYL: By: Give us Rest sixstepsrecords davidcrowderband.com Modern Worship Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Jeremy White Band, Johnny Cash [email protected] As a youth ministry veteran, seeing a respected artist’s ministry to students and young adults come to an end can be rough. Such is the case (at least for me) with the final offering from the David Crowder Band. Crowder has radically impacted the realm of modern worship, and this farewell album leaves us with an impressive collection of fresh material. The double album kicks off with a mellow unpredictability (typical of Crowder) and we are treated to a musical and lyrical roller- coaster ride, with some of the band’s most honest and bold lyrics yet. Songs that would be particularly conducive to corporate worship include the upbeat anthem “Let Me Feel You Shine” and the modern hymn-like “After All (Holy)”. Songs like “Fall On Your Knees”, “Sometimes”, and “Oh My God” are also songs that youth bands will be eager to play. “Why Me” (a Johnny Cash-like cry for perspective in the midst of suffering) is an excellent discussion starter. Several other songs convey searching for the answers to life’s deepest questions while continually pointing the listener to the One who is the Answer. Among the 34 tracks, there is a 7-song sequence of music-driven, largely lyric-less songs simply called “Sequence 1-7”. A loop of this music could easily set the mood for a worship night or be played lightly in the background for a night of corporate prayer. Crowder brings fresh, creative lyrical and musical genius to a genre of music than can easily become stale and predictable. He does this while maintain- ing the distinct sound and passion that we’ve grown to expect from the Texas-based band. The album is full of variety and BRITT NICOLE thoroughly Christ-centered. If you have even a mild affinity for the DCB, you won’t be disappointed! Album Title: Label: @: Genre: TIYL: By: Gold Sparrow Records brittnicole.com Pop Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Glen Allen Green Madonna [email protected] Back around 2007 I had the chance to meet an aspiring new female artist, Britt Nicole. She had come to interlínc’s office to do a “meet and greet” with us. She shared a little about herself and her dreams for her then just-beginning musical ministry career. I was impressed with her honesty and lack of pretension. She was earnest and serious about her music and calling, but totally humble and almost shy! I remember being impressed with her music and her attitude. Listening to her third album, Gold, I can’t help but smile. The young, shy, country girl has truly come in to her own! Britt’s voice is note-perfect pop and the quality reminds me of Stacie Orrico. Sort of like Katy Perry – if Katy had a little better voice! The songs are catchy, with excellent production values and a good mix of ballads with upbeat songs. The lyrics are not extraordinary, but they fit like your beloved, well-used but comfortable Nikes. Not flashy or groundbreaking but perfect for delivering nuggets of God’s truth. Britt’s voice is the star here and the production does a good job of letting her shine. This is not to bad-mouth the lyrical messages – just to give credit to her God-given instrument! My personal song favorites: “Gold”, “Breakthrough”, and “Stand.” (I really love when she breaks into “The Solid Rock” in “Stand”!) Your kids who identify with female pop singers should love this album. Here’s a secret: a lot of your guys will love it too! I’m a definite Britt Nicole fan! KJ-52 Album Title: Label: @: Genre: TIYL: By: Dangerous BEC Music kj52.com Hip Hop/Rap Eminem, Fort Minor Doug Ranck [email protected] KJ-52 has been working his hip hop/rapper style for over ten years and now into his eighth album. Many with his experience could easily settle into a routine, yet he has chosen to keep being a student of the culture and stay out on the edge. The title Dan- gerous is indicative of both his artistic approach and spiritual perspective. KJ-52’ songs most often deal with rescue from sin. His style is both celebratory and challenging. With songs like “It’s Goin’ Down” and “Do the Bill Cosby” one cannot help but be glad for our freedom in Jesus. “Dangerous” reminds us of the powerful consequences of sin, while “Facemelt” presents Christ who comes into our lives and rocks our world. As a youth pastor, I find many uses for this album. It can easily be used as youth room “entrance” and “exit” music providing an upbeat and energetic setting for the time to come. Several of the songs lend themselves to excellent Bible study material. For a study on unity, “They Like Me” challenges the listener to remember “We’re different but the same, we covered by the blood of the King.” Focusing on our need for heroes, KJ-52 offers “Superhero” to take us back to Jesus who is the One and Only. For youth who have friends struggling with doubt or leaving the faith, “So Far Apart” paints the picture of one who has done the same. For a fun worship song, the leader can use the bonus track “Go” – a cover of the Hillsong original. Finally, “Brand New Day” may be landing in the song list of a presentation I’m doing to celebrate high school students who are stepping into the next chapter of their lives. FOR KING & COUNTRY Album Title: Label: @: Genre: TIYL: By: Crave Word/Warner/Curb forkingandcountry.com Rock Coldplay, The Fray Glen Allen Green [email protected] For those of you who’ve not heard, FK&C is comprised of Joel and Luke Smallbone, the younger brothers of Rebecca St. James. On Crave – their first full-length album – they definitely acquit themselves and make the family proud! Their family moved from Australia in 1991 and you can still detect a bit of accent in their voices AND their music. The music and production is definitely tinged with a euro-pop feel with lush strings and expansive, reverberating mixes. As to the vocals, you can detect a little Coldplay; maybe some Fray with an underlying quality of “edginess.” There is a sense that the brothers are vocally skating just on the edge, but always under control. There is definite angst and urgency in the vocal delivery but it sounds genuine, never manufactured or fake. One feature of their music is very high vocal harmonies. Since they are brothers, their voices will sound similar but the harmonies are really very tight; almost as if the same voice is doing lead and harmony – very cool! The songs are catchy without being lightweight, fluffy, or clichéd. Themes include overcoming depression, Christian and romantic love, personal relationships, brokenness, surrender, and sacrificial living for Christ. If you love honest Christian themes, “euro-type pop”, earnest, edgy vocals and broad musical backdrops, please take Crave for a spin – you’ll like it very much indeed. If your kids are particularly wary of “Christian-sounding” music, put this album in their hands. They’ll be glad you did! ©2012, interlínc / interlinc-online.com / 1-800-725-3300 Hailed as one of today’s most gifted comedians, Michael’s entry into comedy was almost preordained. Years ago in a crowded Grand Rapids, Michi- gan movie theater, the projector malfunctioned. The film snapped, the house lights came on, and acting on a dare, young Michael jumped in front of the restless crowd and took center stage. When the theater manager tried to usher him out, the audience demanded he stay … and Michael Jr. discovered his gift.

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INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM The interlinc website is the best online resource for your ministry when it comes to music and media! You can listen to samples of all the music included in each volume of Youth Leaders Only, watch video clips from the Music Video Loops and read artist interviews and bios. You can also download articles on how to use music in your ministry, scope out NEED2KNOW EZINE our up-to-date Music Comparison Don’t miss out on free resources, Chart and check out other downloads and more in our every- amazing resources to keep your other-week e-newsletter. You’ll get youth ministry rockin’! “Heart of the Artist” interviews, music and video downloads, event information and more—all delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at interlinc-online.com/email

YOUTH LEADERS ONLY Youth ministry's original low cost music subscription service. Get all the tools you need to use music and media to connect with students. YLO Original: 36 CDs each year plus DVDs, posters, chord charts, music videos and Bible studies all for just $279.95 plus $40. shipping. YLO Works: 56 CDs each year plus DVDs, posters, chord charts, music videos and Bible studies all for only $429.95 plus $70. shipping. YLO Access: 60 songs on 4 compilation CDs with corresponding Bible studies, DVDs, posters and chord charts for just $75.95 plus $24. shipping. Find out more at interlinc-online.com/ylo

TO ORDER CALL 1-800-725-3300 OR GO ONLINE AT INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM SURVIVING MIDDLE SCOOL BOOK ATRDND MUSIC SOUNDTRACK VERSION 2.0 MORE RESOURCES FROM INTERLíNC Middle School (some people know it as “Junior High”) is a whole new world full REGIONAL PROMOTION of new people, new schedules, weird interlínc is all about relationships. situations and bizarre relationships. It’s That's why we have three regional a time of life when “transmogrification” directors: Mark Pittman in the takes place in kids’ bodies, homes, SouthWest Region (San Diego friendships, and brains. Middle School Office), Troy Hargrave in the is when they learn to navigate the SouthCentral Region (Dallas Office) important issues of life. and Chris Renzelman in the INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM NorthWest Region (Seattle Office). Surviving Middle School Version 2.0: They are long-term youth The Book & 9-Song Soundtrack has a ministry guys who love kids and are plethora of tips, tunes, advice and passionate about helping you use wisdom to guide the middle schooler. music in your ministry. Contact them Family Force 5, Relient K, and Stellar for all your youth ministry music Kart join surfer-author Rick Bundschuh needs. Mark: mpittman@interlinc- in bringing the wisdom—and the fun! online.com Troy: thargrave@interlinc- online.com Chris: crenz@interlinc- online.com

INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM CONGRADULATIONS! Book, New recycled paper The interlinc website is the best MUSIC-MEDIA-GIFT BOOK Personalizable Gift Package, plus online resource for your ministry With over 1.2 million copies given Class of 2012 Wristband. Also when it comes to music and to graduates by 25,000 churches, includes Ministry Resource Website media! You can listen to samples ConGRADulations! is the #1 grad (transition ministry weblinks, grad of all the music included in each gift of this decade. BRAND NEW devotionals). volume of Youth Leaders Only, for 2012 it is a New Music (CD or watch video clips from the Music Download 21 powerful songs from CLICK.LOOK.LISTEN. ORDER Video Loops and read artist the top names in Christian music - GRAD2012.COM interviews and bios. You can also Switchfoot, Tobymac, Lecrae, download articles on how to use Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Newsboys), music in your ministry, scope out NEED2KNOW EZINE New Media (DVD or Download our up-to-date Music Comparison Don’t miss out on free resources, artist, author, and grad video Chart and check out other downloads and more in our every- greetings and advice, grad books, amazing resources to keep your other-week e-newsletter. You’ll get online Bible), New 48 Page Gift youth ministry rockin’! “Heart of the Artist” interviews, music and video downloads, event information and more—all delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at interlinc-online.com/email

TO ORDER CALL 1-800-725-3300 OR GO ONLINE AT INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM YLO SPECIAL EDITIONS Several recent volumes of Youth TRD Leaders Only are available as Special Editions. Topics include Shelf Ad building and training your worship team (Rock'N U), evangelism (How To Bring It Up Without Throwing Up), middle school ministry (Making Impressions While The Cement’s Still Wet), the new sexuality (The Naked Truth: The New Sexuality and Youth Ministry). You can get each DVD, Bible studies and discussion starters, plus 15+ songs and corresponding Bible studies for only $29.95 plus $7.00 shipping. Call 1-800-725-3300 to order.

FCA AND INTERLÍNC’S PUMP’D WORKOUT AND PRE-GAME MUSIC PUMP’d #1 and #2 are aggressive, powerful collections of songs that prepare athletes and coaches for competition — and fans for the big game. All songs are original recordings by the top names in Christian music. Special pricing as low as $7.95.

INSIDERS GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL The Insiders Guide to High School Version 2.0 is a great gift for new kids coming into your ministry as well as for freshmen and sophomores! Multi-Media Disc features: seven great songs from top Christian bands, video student testimonies, Biblical answers to questions like, “Where do I fit in?”, clear Gospel presentation, and powerful Columbine High School video clip.

Special pricing as low as $2.99

TO ORDER CALL 1-800-725-3300 OR GO ONLINE AT INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM YLO SPECIAL EDITIONS Several recent volumes of Youth JOIN YOUTH LTRDEADERS ONLY Leaders Only are available as AND YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE YOU! Special Editions. Topics include Shelf Ad building and training your worship YLO ORIGINAL MEMBERSHIP (360+ SONGS ANNUALLY) $279.95 plus $40.00 shipping team (Rock'N U), evangelism Make the style of my membership: ____ Hot ____ Mild ____ Alternating (How To Bring It Up Without DIGITAL $279.95 plus $20 shipping— Throwing Up), middle school Make the style of my membership: ____ Hot ____ Mild ____ Alternating for digital Canadian orders add additional $70 USD s/h; all other countries add add’l $120 USD s/h ministry (Making Impressions While The Cement’s Still Wet), the YLO WORKS MEMBERSHIP (560+ SONGS ANNUALLY) $429.95 plus $70.00 shipping new sexuality (The Naked Truth: DIGITAL $429.95 plus $20 shipping— The New Sexuality and Youth Canadian orders add additional $70 USD s/h; all other countries add add’l $120 USD s/h for digital Ministry). You can get each DVD, YLO ACCESS MEMBERSHIP (50+ SONGS ANNUALLY) $75.95 plus $24.00 shipping Bible studies and discussion Canadian orders add additional $52 USD s/h; all other countries add add’l $88 USD s/h starters, plus 15+ songs and TOTAL ANNUAL YLO MEMBERSHIP: ______corresponding Bible studies for only $29.95 plus $7.00 shipping. Call 1-800-725-3300 to order. Other Great Resources from interlínc

PURCHASE A SINGLE BOX OF YLO (extra shipping outside US) YLO ORIGINAL SINGLE BOX choose: ____ Hot ____ Mild $72.50 plus $10.00 shipping YLO WORKS SINGLE BOX $110.00 plus $17.50 shipping FCA AND INTERLÍNC’S YLO ACCESS SINGLE BOX $29.95 plus $7.00 shipping PUMP’D WORKOUT AND PRE-GAME MUSIC PUMP’D OR PUMP’D 2 WORKOUT CD (circle one) PUMP’d #1 and #2 are Order 1–4 CDs for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $4 s/h = ____ TOTAL aggressive, powerful collections Order 5–19 CDs for $8.95 each ____ x $8.95 = ____ + $6 s/h = ____ TOTAL of songs that prepare athletes Order 20+ CDs for $7.95 each ____ x $7.95 = ____ + $10 s/h=____ TOTAL and coaches for competition — G O T I N E R L C - . M and fans for the big game. All Transition Tools for Your Students O R songs are original recordings by CONGRADULATIONS! CLASS OF 2012 CD, DVD AND GIFT BOOK the top names in Christian Order 1–9 CD, DVD and Gift Book Sets for $12.95 each ____ x $12.95 = ____ + $4 s/h = ____ TOTAL music. Special pricing as low Order 10–19 CD, DVD and Gift Book Sets for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $8 s/h = ____ TOTAL F R A N K L I , T 3 7 0 6 8 - 4 • as $7.95. For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 or go to grad2012.com CONGRADULATIONS! CLASS OF 2012 “ADD A HARDBACK BIBLE” PACK Get the ConGRADulations! Class of 2012 CD, DVD and Gift book PLUS a Hardback The Message Remix: Bible ______or NIV Student Bible ______. Order 1–9 CD, DVD, Gift Book + Bible Packs for $23.95 each ____ x $23.95 = ____ + $15 s/h = ____ TOTAL Order 10–19 CD, DVD, Gift Book + Bible Packs for $21.95 each ____ x $21.95 = ____ + $30s/h=____ TOTAL C A L 1 - 8 0 7 2 5 3

For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 or go to grad2012.com : . O B X 6 8 0 4 S P N •

INSIDERS GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL CD O I

Order 1-9 CDs for $5.99 each ____ x $5.99 = ____ Order 10-24 for $4.99 each ____ x $4.99 = ____ T P

Order 25-99 for $3.99 each ____ x $3.99 =____ Order 100+ for $2.99 each ____ x $2.99 = ____ O

+ $0.50 each s/h; max of $20 ____ x $0.50 = ____ s/h TOTAL = ______G N I L L I

SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL BOOK AND CD SOUNDTRACK Version 2.0 I N T E R L Í C B Order 1–9 Book and CD sets for $12.95 each ____ x $12.95 = ____ + $4 s/h = ____ TOTAL Order 10–19 Book and CD sets for $10.95 each ____ x $10.95 = ____ + $8 s/h = ____ TOTAL R INSIDERS GUIDE TO O

For orders of 20 or more, please call 800-725-3300 S

HIGH SCHOOL R E

The Insiders Guide to High School D

TOTAL ORDER COST: ______R Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Prices subject to change.

Version 2.0 is a great gift for new O

kids coming into your ministry as ABOUT YOU: D R well as for freshmen and Name Church Name Denomination A C

T sophomores! Multi-Media Disc I

Church Mailing Address City State Zip D

features: seven great songs from E R

top Christian bands, video C Church Shipping Address City State Zip , student testimonies, Biblical S N

Church Phone Church FAX Church Website O

answers to questions like, I T

“Where do I fit in?”, clear S Email Give us your email address and we’ll make sure you get additional resources and tools delivered straight to your inbox! E

Gospel presentation, and U Q powerful Columbine High , E C School video clip. How many students are in your group? (circle one) I V

A. 0-25 B. 26-50 C. 51-99 D. 100-199 R E

E. 200-499 F. 500-999 G. 1000+ S

Special pricing as low R as $2.99 E

What is your position or title? (circle one) T Full Time Paid Youth Leader Volunteer Senior Pastor Sunday School Teacher S A F Part Time Paid Youth Leader Parent Para-church Leader Other: ______R O R E T U N H I S F O M ( A C P Y ) L G W K : F D M - Y L B K

TO ORDER CALL 1-800-725-3300 OR GO ONLINE AT INTERLINC-ONLINE.COM TRD Back cover Bible Studies Alphabetically Listed By Themes

The Bible / 18 Tim Hawkins / The Not-So-Family-Friendly Bible

Commitment / 34 Matt Brouwer / Everlasting

Compassion / 22 Fireflight / He Weeps

Compassion / 17 Skit Guys / Tad

Complacency / 39 TobyMac / Ignition

Conversion / 40 TobyMac / Tonight

Discipleship; Cost Of / 39 TobyMac / Lose My Soul

Evangelism / 17 Skit Guys / The Skinny On Evangelism

Evangelism; God’s Representatives / 19 Team WordPlay / The Croc Hunter

Evangelism; God’s Representatives / 19 Michael Jr. / Lizard Face

Faith / 17 Tim Hawkins / Things That Creep Me Out

Faith; Assurance / 26 Flatfoot 56 / I Believe It

Forgiveness / 30 Kutless / Come Back Home

Glorifying God / 19 Team WordPlay / Many Faces

God’s Faithfulness / 32 Manafest / Never Let You Go

God’s Love / 40 TobyMac / No Ordinary Love

God’s Strength / 36 Planetshakers / Strength Of My Life

Healing / 20 Bluetree / Jesus Healer

Heaven; Longing For / 39 TobyMac / City On Our Knees

Heaven; Longing For / 44 Trip Lee / Take Me There

Idolatry / 28 Jimmy Needham / Clear The Stage

Life; Purpose/Meaning / 24 Flame / The 6th Day

Life; Purpose/Meaning / 40 TobyMac / Made To Love

Self-Confidence / 18 Michael Jr. / James

Self-Image; Uniqueness / 48 Wayne Kerr Band / The Mirror

Spiritual Warfare / 50 Worth Dying For / Rebuild

Testimony / 18 Tim Hawkins / My Testimony

Zeal / 38 TobyMac / Boomin’

Zeal / 46 The Washington Projects / Light Up The Dark

1-800-725-3300 interlinc-online.com