Skip to main content

1/26/22 6th gr. Axis Guide Sheet: Confession and Forgiveness

 

I don’t understand why we need to confess if we’re already forgiven…?


Topic intro

o   In confession we confront our own sin, and the forgiveness we receive comes from Jesus Christ.


Key verse

1 John 1:9 If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.


Discussion starters:

-          Share about a time you were caught doing something wrong…

 

-          Do you think it is easier to ask for permission to do something, or forgiveness (after you’ve already done it).

 

-          How can you forgive when there is no acknowledgement of wrongdoing, when someone doesn’t seem to care if they are forgiven?

-          How do you show someone you’re sorry for something you’ve done?

-          When you have been hurt, what are some meaningful ways someone can apologize to you?

-          What are some actions/sins that might seem like they don’t have any consequences? Are thoughts different from actions?

-          If God knows everything, isn’t confession a waste of time? Why don’t we just keep the bad stuff to ourselves & not have to feel bad sharing it?

-          Why is it tempting to hide our sins, even from ourselves?

 

Bible talk:

-          Have a volunteer read 1 John 1:5-10

o   Where might you have heard the words in verses 8-9 before?

o   Why do you think confessing our sins is important?

o   How might confessing our sins change us?

o   We can’t possibly know every single sin when we make confession. Do you think this matters?

o   Talk about some of the differences between confessing to someone else, directly to God, or silently in a group like we do in worship?

-          Other readings to explore & discuss

o   Psalm 145:8-13

o   Psalm 51:10-13, 16-18

 

Activity Ideas

-         Watch the movie Invictus, the true story of Nelson Mandela and the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Watch for and talk about issues of sin, confession, and forgiveness you see.

-          Make it visual – Write down sins, hurts, etc and then rip up, burn, throw these away. Write things down on a rock and throw it in a lake (if you can find open water J).


-          Make it personal – Have you been holding on to a hurt (either one inflicted by you, or one done to you). What would it take to confront that issue in hopes of finding reconciliation and healing. It’s hard to do!








Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

12/7 7th/8th grade: Paul & the early church

  7 th +8 th  grade Guide Sheet: Paul & the early church________________________12/7/22 Takeaway –  God’s conversion of Paul, & Paul’s writings & ministry, are powerful influences of our understanding of God’s grace & just how powerful the Gospel is.   Key verse –  Acts 9:15 Discussion starters: - Do you believe that people can change?   -When have you seen, or even experienced yourself, a transformation (of a person, place, etc.)?   -What does it take for you to change your opinion about something? (i.e. personal experience, another person’s story, etc.)   -How does your relationship with God/Jesus (whatever it is like right now) factor into your life? (i.e. do you consider your values in decision making, things you are involved in, etc.)   -Why is it so easy for us to get worked up about something that doesn’t really matter? What  is  worth arguing about? How do arguments affect our rel...
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome to Axis

 Hello all Axis families! Fall Calendar FORMAT for In-Person  Large Groups will be in the CLC. Again for 6th graders, at least one parent/caring adult must attend with them.  We will be masked and spaced apart. Small groups (7th & 8th grade) will meet at outdoor spaces around the building. Masks are not required outdoors but some space is still encouraged. If families volunteer & others approve, meeting at homes is allowed as well.  We ask that if you are planning to participate in Axis we ask that you contribute $25/child to help cover costs of content/supplies/materials. We are planning to video large group sessions so those that need have the ability to follow along if unable/prefer not to meet in person. We totally understand everyone has different comfort levels & abilities even still.  Axis Fall/early Winter Schedule: Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm October  6 - 6gr large group at church, 7/8gr with small groups 13 - 7/8gr large group at churc...
Post a Comment
Read more

11/16/22 6th grade: Lord's Prayer/Prayer

   6th grade Axis Guide Sheet: The Lord’s Prayer Takeaway – The words of the Lord’s Prayer empower us to approach God & the world more boldly. Communication is essential to our relationships with one another & God.  Key verse – Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:1-4   Discussion starters: -Who is someone you do/ don't  talk to a lot? What’s your relationship like? How does it feel when you do get in touch again?  -Do you pray? If so, why? - Is praying challenging for you? Why/why not?  -What would you bring on a trip that you didn’t know much about the place you were going? (While we don’t always know what life has in store for us, The Lord’s Prayer encompasses all aspects we go through.) See the "Unpacking the Lord's Prayer" below.  -So be honest, does saying the Lord’s Prayer ever just feel like empty words to you?  -Do you remember first learning it? How did it feel? What did you think about it? What do you think about it now? -Wha...
Post a Comment
Read more