FBCJ SOLID Youth

When thinking of a gift that can be used to minister to the body of Christ, the most obvious one to have the most effective impact is the one that people probably consider the least. This lesson on mercy is a very practical and sobering gut-check for us all to be compassionate towards one another within the body.

Do you know what manner of person God is seeking for? Do you know what it means to agonize in prayer? Tune in to hear some examples from scripture, and ask yourself whether you're willing to be one of the few who have stood before the Lord.

This week's lesson on "ruling" is a great compliment to last week's gift of "governments". If "governments" is concerning the behind the scenes administration of leadership, then "ruling" is the carrying out, or execution of the plan. Some people are built to be up-front leaders. Are you one of them?

Last week's lesson on persecution leads perfectly into this week's message on being steadfast and patient during afflictions. Romans 5:3 says "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience". Nowhere can we glorify God more during trials than when we suffer patiently. We are to have this attitude until the Lord comes back!

*Last week's recording on "giving" was lost, but you can download that study sheet along with this week's here*. The gift of governments is often lumped together with the gift of ruling. Today we uncover why they're distinct as well as looking at some interesting examples for those who possessed this gift in scripture.

Not for the faint of heart...James 5:1-6 shows us the bitter end to those who make their kingdom and wealth upon this earth as well as the defining characteristic of what it means to be godly. If you want to be like Christ, prepare to suffer affliction (2 Tim. 3:11-12; Heb. 11:25).

We thought we were done with James 4, but James 4 wasn't done with us. This message serves not only as a recap of our Discipleship trip to Gulfport, MS but also a passionate charge of where we're going next as a youth ministry. Like in target practice, if you want a clear sight picture of your target, you need to first align your sights prior to aiming.

Want to know what it means to be a "gap filler"? This spiritual gift is all about that. It is the epitome of what it means to have a servant's heart like Joshua, Aaron, and Onesiphorus. While this may seem like a similar gift to "helps", we'll see the primary difference between the two in today's lesson.

Today we begin our last sub-series of the Spiritual Gifts known as the "Service Gifts". Helps are usually done behind the scene and with very little recognition, but they are just as important. Much of what makes a church function properly is due to this all-important gift.

One might think they know the definition of the gift of exhortation. While they wouldn't be wrong, a simple walkthrough of the verses containing it might just reveal a surprising element that you normally wouldn't associate with exhorting your fellow brother or sister.