I teach our teen class at our Church.I want to teach on being a good christian influence in the world and not to be influenced by the world.Any good scriptures that would help me with this lesson?I teach next Sunday so any help would be appricated.Thanks and God Bless
Lessons on influence
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Coconut
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4Given I know this isnt exactly what you are asking for, but this challenge to youth by Nicky Cruz (who`s testimony impacted me as a teen) is the best possible answer I can come up with for you 
Power to Witness
The Christian does not have to live a powerless life. Jesus said, "Verily, verily I say unto you. He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12).
If you believe on Jesus, you will be filled with power, and the same miracles that Jesus performed can be performed through you. However, this is impossible unless the same Spirit (the Holy Spirit) that abides in Jesus abides in you too. For it is the Spirit that works the miracles, witnesses, and gives the power to overcome temptation - not the flesh.
Jesus told His disciples who were gathered about, powerless and confused, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Therefore, if you want to be able to witness for Jesus, to perform miracles, to have signs and wonders following your ministry, to exercise the "gifts of the Spirit" (I Corinthians. 12:8-10), then you must first receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. Everything else will follow supernaturally.
As for the problems with drugs or anything else, the 'religions' of today do not have the answers. The only answer lies in the personal, direct confrontation with Jesus Christ. You see, most "religions" are man's search for God. But Christianity is God's search for man. Once a person accepts Jesus Christ and becomes a "new creature" there is no longer any need for drugs. And when this new Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit, then even the power of temptation is broken, and the enabling power of the living Christ gives the ability to resist the old urges forever.
Tragically, most churches are afraid of any manifestations of the supernatural power of God. It may have been all right for Jesus to cast out demons in a loud voice, or for Paul to speak in tongues, or for Peter to heal the sick. but 'don't do it in this century,' the institution says. That would shatter their serenity and might even bring the dead to life, and you know how disturbing a thing like that could be.
However, I am convinced that unless today's Christians allow the Holy Spirit to take over, unless they are baptized in the Holy Spirit - the world will never know who Jesus really is. Stories alone won't release people from bondage.but the power of God will!
Do you want to change the world? Do you want to be filled with a power that will enable you to do miracles? Do you want your life to be characterized by such things as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? If so, then after you have taken Jesus Christ as your Savior, receive also the Holy Spirit.
How is this done? First of all, you must possess an earnest, sincere desire to be filled. Simply saying the words with your lips is not sufficient. You must desire, from the bottom of your heart, everything God has for you.
Second, you should confess all known sin. The Bible says if we confess our sins we will be forgiven and cleansed by God. It is only the clean vessel that can be completely filled.
Third, I suggest you submit yourself completely to God. Make yourself available to God to do anything He asks of you, seeking not the gifts, but the Giver.
Fourth, you must ask. Jesus said, "If you, then, bad as you are, know how to give your children what is good for them, how much more will the Heavenly Father [who is good] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Luke 11:13).
Fifth, you must believe you are filled and thank Him. One receives the Holy Spirit on faith, just as Christ is received on faith. The battle is often lost just at this point, for one can do everything else, but then fail to claim what God has given him.
Finally, you must exercise or appropriate the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are listed (in part) in I Corinthians 12: 11-13. You must claim the power of God in you and exercise it. There can be no word of knowledge unless you speak out what God is saying. There can be no faith unless you step out on faith alone. There can be no healing unless you lay hands on the sick, and no miracles unless you invoke the power of God. There can be no prophecy unless you open your mouth or take your pen in hand, and no tongues unless you speak the sounds of praise and prayer that God gives
.
Those early followers of Jesus believed all the supernatural power of God was available to them in signs and wonders, healing and miracles. However, there was a price to pay. To those men it was the price of losing their public acceptance. Whenever a miracle occurred in public (especially in the Temple) it brought persecution. When the Gospel was preached at Iconium and the "signs and wonders" exhibited, the community leaders ran the preachers out of town. That is a risk all Jesus' people take.
I challenge the young people of the world and their parents to forget about public opinion and become Jesus Revolutionists. You may be called a fool. You may be ridiculed. You will probably be misunderstood, especially by comfortable church members who will accuse you of turning their world upside down.
Well, praise the Lord! I think this is the calling of today's youth - to take this sorry world which has been almost destroyed by a blaspheming generation of adults - and turn it upside down.
In the process, some will realize that the world isn't turning upside down - it's turning it right side up. And I believe if anyone on earth can do it, it is the youth of today, filled with the Holy Spirit and marching on in the name of Jesus Christ.
http://www.nickycruz.org/features/spiritual_help/qa_power_to_witness.htm
Power to Witness
The Christian does not have to live a powerless life. Jesus said, "Verily, verily I say unto you. He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12).
If you believe on Jesus, you will be filled with power, and the same miracles that Jesus performed can be performed through you. However, this is impossible unless the same Spirit (the Holy Spirit) that abides in Jesus abides in you too. For it is the Spirit that works the miracles, witnesses, and gives the power to overcome temptation - not the flesh.
Jesus told His disciples who were gathered about, powerless and confused, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Therefore, if you want to be able to witness for Jesus, to perform miracles, to have signs and wonders following your ministry, to exercise the "gifts of the Spirit" (I Corinthians. 12:8-10), then you must first receive the filling of the Holy Spirit. Everything else will follow supernaturally.
As for the problems with drugs or anything else, the 'religions' of today do not have the answers. The only answer lies in the personal, direct confrontation with Jesus Christ. You see, most "religions" are man's search for God. But Christianity is God's search for man. Once a person accepts Jesus Christ and becomes a "new creature" there is no longer any need for drugs. And when this new Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit, then even the power of temptation is broken, and the enabling power of the living Christ gives the ability to resist the old urges forever.
Tragically, most churches are afraid of any manifestations of the supernatural power of God. It may have been all right for Jesus to cast out demons in a loud voice, or for Paul to speak in tongues, or for Peter to heal the sick. but 'don't do it in this century,' the institution says. That would shatter their serenity and might even bring the dead to life, and you know how disturbing a thing like that could be.
However, I am convinced that unless today's Christians allow the Holy Spirit to take over, unless they are baptized in the Holy Spirit - the world will never know who Jesus really is. Stories alone won't release people from bondage.but the power of God will!
Do you want to change the world? Do you want to be filled with a power that will enable you to do miracles? Do you want your life to be characterized by such things as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? If so, then after you have taken Jesus Christ as your Savior, receive also the Holy Spirit.
How is this done? First of all, you must possess an earnest, sincere desire to be filled. Simply saying the words with your lips is not sufficient. You must desire, from the bottom of your heart, everything God has for you.
Second, you should confess all known sin. The Bible says if we confess our sins we will be forgiven and cleansed by God. It is only the clean vessel that can be completely filled.
Third, I suggest you submit yourself completely to God. Make yourself available to God to do anything He asks of you, seeking not the gifts, but the Giver.
Fourth, you must ask. Jesus said, "If you, then, bad as you are, know how to give your children what is good for them, how much more will the Heavenly Father [who is good] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him" (Luke 11:13).
Fifth, you must believe you are filled and thank Him. One receives the Holy Spirit on faith, just as Christ is received on faith. The battle is often lost just at this point, for one can do everything else, but then fail to claim what God has given him.
Finally, you must exercise or appropriate the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are listed (in part) in I Corinthians 12: 11-13. You must claim the power of God in you and exercise it. There can be no word of knowledge unless you speak out what God is saying. There can be no faith unless you step out on faith alone. There can be no healing unless you lay hands on the sick, and no miracles unless you invoke the power of God. There can be no prophecy unless you open your mouth or take your pen in hand, and no tongues unless you speak the sounds of praise and prayer that God gives
.
Those early followers of Jesus believed all the supernatural power of God was available to them in signs and wonders, healing and miracles. However, there was a price to pay. To those men it was the price of losing their public acceptance. Whenever a miracle occurred in public (especially in the Temple) it brought persecution. When the Gospel was preached at Iconium and the "signs and wonders" exhibited, the community leaders ran the preachers out of town. That is a risk all Jesus' people take.
I challenge the young people of the world and their parents to forget about public opinion and become Jesus Revolutionists. You may be called a fool. You may be ridiculed. You will probably be misunderstood, especially by comfortable church members who will accuse you of turning their world upside down.
Well, praise the Lord! I think this is the calling of today's youth - to take this sorry world which has been almost destroyed by a blaspheming generation of adults - and turn it upside down.
In the process, some will realize that the world isn't turning upside down - it's turning it right side up. And I believe if anyone on earth can do it, it is the youth of today, filled with the Holy Spirit and marching on in the name of Jesus Christ.
http://www.nickycruz.org/features/spiritual_help/qa_power_to_witness.htm
Amen sister. I was trying to think of something to help 4given. But I am sure you will have filled the gap
The only thing I could bring to mind was Phillipians 4 v 8 "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things".
The only thing I could bring to mind was Phillipians 4 v 8 "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things".
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Check these sites out for some inspiration in your teachings:
http://www.ebibleteacher.com
http://sermonaudio.com
http://www.bible.org
http://www.ebibleteacher.com
http://sermonaudio.com
http://www.bible.org
Bible girl
Member
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- Aug 20, 2006
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James 1:27
James 4:4
Romans 12:2
2 Cor. 6:17
1 Cor.15:33
Is this what you had in mind? Hope it helps.
God Bless
James 4:4
Romans 12:2
2 Cor. 6:17
1 Cor.15:33
Is this what you had in mind? Hope it helps.
God Bless
chozen_girl
Member
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2006
- Messages
- 21
Maybe this will help
There are alot of teens that are depressed due to peer pressure, Here is a BLOG I posted to one of my websites I hope this will help. God Bless You and Thank you again for your reply to my post
First of all you have to realize that happiness is a choice. Whether you are rich or poor you can still be happy if you choose to be happy. If all you think are bad thoughts and about your past you will not be happy. Happiness is also giving without expecting anything in return. If you only give to get something back in return you missed what giving truly means.
Always be grateful for everything you have. There is not one day that goes by that you don't have something to be grateful for.
Even in the hard times in life your brain has stored things that you have experienced that were good things. Draw on those things that made you happy when you feel you can't find something to be happy about today.
In every situation try to find something good. Everything we do is a lesson in life. The key is how you evaluate the situation and your reaction to the situation. What we need to have is the ability to view situations in positive ways instead of negative ways. In every situation ask yourself what you can learn from it.
Set goals for yourself and every day work and do something towards those goals even if it is one baby step at a time. Write your goals in pencil so you can update and change them as the situations in life change.
Whatever your challenges are in life appreciate the opportunity to grow from them. So what if you have a challenge…God will help you through it if you let Him.
Whenever you make a mistake or seem to fail at something…get up and try again. Be resilient and celebrate your victories.
See the good in others and be nice to people. Even if someone else is not nice you try your best to live a life of do unto others as you would like to be treated.
Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised to you. All you have is this very moment. It is okay to prepare for tomorrow, but live joyfully in today.
Be thankful for your life so much that you don't sweat all the trivial things in life. Instead of worrying about all the small stuff in life appreciate and be joyful over all the good things.
An idea is to always smile when you go past a mirror…at least if all others are in a bad mood you can still smile and it will be reciprocated. You can always see a happy face.
Look at a really happy person and try to see what makes them truly happy in life. Most times we make ourselves miserable because we don't see what is truly precious to us and that makes us happy.
Try to spend time with positive people around you. Let the happiness you feel in your life be contagious as well. Learn from others.
The challenges we go through in life try to laugh even in the midst of them. Try to find some humor every day in something.
When all those negative thoughts pop into your head change your verbage and speak positive thoughts into your brain. Your brain is very powerful. Give your mind positive affirmations daily.
Many times we complain when the phone rings, someone knocks at the door, or someone wants something from us, and in those times tell yourself that you are alive and grateful for being so. You can hear the phone, be grateful. You can answer the door and have someone that cared enough to stop by, and someone wants something from you and you can show how much they mean to you by helping them.
Daily talk positively to yourself and praise God with music in your heart. Pray every day and never give up.
Write out some affirmations that come against those things that have been negative thoughts in your mind. You can even put them on a tape and listen to them, but get positive thoughts going into your mind instead of negative ones that bring you down. Go over them daily until your mind speaks good things into your life instead of bad ones.
Visualize someplace that brings you peace and take some deep breaths, shut your eyes and go to your private place. Pray and release all of the stress and tension.
Bring happiness to as many people as you can. Be a person with integrity and honor, and always do what you know God would want you to do. Don't let peer pressure bring you down, but you be the one to set the right way.
Be happy!
4Given said:
There are alot of teens that are depressed due to peer pressure, Here is a BLOG I posted to one of my websites I hope this will help. God Bless You and Thank you again for your reply to my post
First of all you have to realize that happiness is a choice. Whether you are rich or poor you can still be happy if you choose to be happy. If all you think are bad thoughts and about your past you will not be happy. Happiness is also giving without expecting anything in return. If you only give to get something back in return you missed what giving truly means.
Always be grateful for everything you have. There is not one day that goes by that you don't have something to be grateful for.
Even in the hard times in life your brain has stored things that you have experienced that were good things. Draw on those things that made you happy when you feel you can't find something to be happy about today.
In every situation try to find something good. Everything we do is a lesson in life. The key is how you evaluate the situation and your reaction to the situation. What we need to have is the ability to view situations in positive ways instead of negative ways. In every situation ask yourself what you can learn from it.
Set goals for yourself and every day work and do something towards those goals even if it is one baby step at a time. Write your goals in pencil so you can update and change them as the situations in life change.
Whatever your challenges are in life appreciate the opportunity to grow from them. So what if you have a challenge…God will help you through it if you let Him.
Whenever you make a mistake or seem to fail at something…get up and try again. Be resilient and celebrate your victories.
See the good in others and be nice to people. Even if someone else is not nice you try your best to live a life of do unto others as you would like to be treated.
Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised to you. All you have is this very moment. It is okay to prepare for tomorrow, but live joyfully in today.
Be thankful for your life so much that you don't sweat all the trivial things in life. Instead of worrying about all the small stuff in life appreciate and be joyful over all the good things.
An idea is to always smile when you go past a mirror…at least if all others are in a bad mood you can still smile and it will be reciprocated. You can always see a happy face.
Look at a really happy person and try to see what makes them truly happy in life. Most times we make ourselves miserable because we don't see what is truly precious to us and that makes us happy.
Try to spend time with positive people around you. Let the happiness you feel in your life be contagious as well. Learn from others.
The challenges we go through in life try to laugh even in the midst of them. Try to find some humor every day in something.
When all those negative thoughts pop into your head change your verbage and speak positive thoughts into your brain. Your brain is very powerful. Give your mind positive affirmations daily.
Many times we complain when the phone rings, someone knocks at the door, or someone wants something from us, and in those times tell yourself that you are alive and grateful for being so. You can hear the phone, be grateful. You can answer the door and have someone that cared enough to stop by, and someone wants something from you and you can show how much they mean to you by helping them.
Daily talk positively to yourself and praise God with music in your heart. Pray every day and never give up.
Write out some affirmations that come against those things that have been negative thoughts in your mind. You can even put them on a tape and listen to them, but get positive thoughts going into your mind instead of negative ones that bring you down. Go over them daily until your mind speaks good things into your life instead of bad ones.
Visualize someplace that brings you peace and take some deep breaths, shut your eyes and go to your private place. Pray and release all of the stress and tension.
Bring happiness to as many people as you can. Be a person with integrity and honor, and always do what you know God would want you to do. Don't let peer pressure bring you down, but you be the one to set the right way.
Be happy!
This is a wonderful posting . I was in tears when I was reading it. Why ? It is so true .
I like these two lines.
Always be grateful for everything you have. There is not one day that goes by that you don't have something to be grateful for.
Whatever your challenges are in life appreciate the opportunity to grow from them. So what if you have a challenge…God will help you through it if you let Him
Life in Talk Jesus is spiritually uplifting. Thank you Chad , the moderators , this beautiful sister and to all of you out there.
We have Jesus to be happy about .
Be happy ! GBU
I like these two lines.
Always be grateful for everything you have. There is not one day that goes by that you don't have something to be grateful for.
Whatever your challenges are in life appreciate the opportunity to grow from them. So what if you have a challenge…God will help you through it if you let Him
Life in Talk Jesus is spiritually uplifting. Thank you Chad , the moderators , this beautiful sister and to all of you out there.
We have Jesus to be happy about .
Be happy ! GBU
stephen said:
--------------------------------------------------------------
A Word From Billy Graham
“Christians are to rejoice. To do that, you need only to think of the great things God has done for you. Then we are told not to be anxious, but in our prayers to make our requests known to God. In your biggest problems you have One to whom you can go; and before Him you can pour our your heart with the assurance that He will not leave you without an answer to that great problem.
Then we are to fill our minds with those things that are good. They are mentioned in the Scriptures as being things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, of good report and of virtue. It is upon these things we are to think. Live positively, not negatively. Once you learn that secret, God will have given you the victory.”
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