Lesson: Far From God

How Far Are You From God?

Circle

Form a circle so that each person's right shoulder is in the center

"Imagine that this circle is God and you are as close as you can be to him, now as I read the following sentences follow the instructions as it applies to you..... BE HONEST!!!"

1 step at a time

-If you argued with someone this week, step away

-If you covered the truth or didn't tell the complete truth this week, step way

-If you read your bible everyday this week, step closer

-If you talked about someone behind their back this week, step away

-If you prayed at least 3 times this week, step closer

- If you talked about your faith witha non-christian friend, step closer

-If you didn't, step away

-If you were honest on all these questions, step closer

"Notice where you are standing in regards to where you were when you started"

Sit down

"Were you embarrassed when you had to take a step away from the circle?"

"How did you feel when you were able to take a step closer to the circle?"

"Did you notice a difference in the size of your steps when you had to go away and then when you were able to come back? Did you take smaller ones away and larger ones towards the center?"

"What part of the circle had all the activity or movement?(outside or inside) Which part did not? How does this relate to our relationship with God today?"

NEED TWO VOLUNTEERS TO READ

1- read Mark 14:19-31, 66-72

2- read John 21:15-19"

Ask about verse 1

How do you think Peter felt when he realized what he had done?

How do we feel when we disappoint God? How do we respond to God in those times?

What's most important is not the way Peter dealt with God but rather the way that God dealt with Peter.

Ask about verse 2

How did Jesus respond to Peter's sin?

What does this show us about God's ways when we think we have disappointed him?

Bow heads/close eyes

***Think about times in the past (yesterday or 2 years ago) when you have disappointed God no matter if it was talking negative about someone behind their back or if you talked back to your mom or dad, it all disappoints God!! ***

Individual Prayer Time

Pray silently either a prayer of thanks to God for being such a loving and forgiving God

or

Pray a prayer of forgiveness in case you never asked for forgiveness for your sin

Conclusion

Peter went on to be a great leader of the church. The difficulties he faced made him stronger Christian. And so the same applies to us.........

RES