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The word “gospel” has drifted a long way from its original meaning or has almost no meaning to today’s youth. All too often we speak of the gospel to students when they have no real understanding of the term or the theological framework it sits in. Because we, as followers of Jesus, acknowledge the transformative power of the gospel we feel compelled to make the gospel accessible to this generation.If the gospel is so powerful, what is it that makes it so? What does it mean to a student, or anyone, living in this day and age? What, if anything, makes it “good”? These are the questions that we hope to address in this curriculum as we paint a picture of the term “gospel” within its context and hold it up as beacon of hope to those living today.
We also pray that your students will go through this curriculum gaining a better understanding of the gospel for themselves, for humanity, and for all of creation. We believe that the gospel is, in an age where there are so many competing philosophies and religions, just as valid and relevant today as it was for the first won converts.
You may notice what some would see as a gaping hole in this curriculum on the gospel – the topic of hell. Though hell is scriptural, we are convinced that it has been overemphasized and mishandled by well-meaning teachers to either scare students into heaven or pressure them into evangelizing out of fear. Personally, what brought me into abundant life in Christ was not hell, but God’s incredible love and forgiveness -God’s amazing Grace. We, instead, choose to come from a Kingdom of God framework that emphasizes the overarching purpose and plan of God for humanity and the world. Ephesians 1: 9-10 (NIV) says it this way:
“…he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
We strongly recommend that you create a box where students can write down and submit questions as you go along. It’s very likely they will be addressed at some point in the series, but this way you will know where your students are at in the process and you can tailor the lessons to them.
We are sure you can add to this list. We also know that there are not pat answers to any of these questions that will satisfy students long term. The most effective way to answer them is to allow students to experience the truth for themselves through a number of means. We strongly recommend that the curriculum prompts that include scripture, prayer, and discussion be utilized, but all that is up to you.
One of our foundational beliefs is that the Holy Spirit does the work of convincing. We encourage you and your team to lean into that belief as well. Our job is not to argue anyone into the Kingdom or to berate another’s beliefs, but to present better questions, the testimony of people, and the scriptures.
This packet includes:
• Student Leadership Meeting
• Four Topical Lessons with Small Group Questions
• Slide templates for PowerPoint, Keynote, ProPresenter, MediaShout, etc
Find other great resources from Youth Cartel here!
