The Human Mattress

Video: http://goo.gl/B5ZQ9

Topic: Conforming to God’s way

Bible: Romans 12:2

Discussion Starter:
Two weird things went through my head when I watched this video. First, someone would have had to contact the Guinness Book of World records to find out the current record for Human Dominoes. Second, someone must have sent out a hilarious email asking for volunteers to participate in this. Can you imagine the subject line?

A key to the whole thing working was all 850 conforming to the pattern so that each human domino fell in the right order at the right time. In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul says what we all know in our souls. We are all conforming to some sort of pattern. Paul’s challenge for us is to give up conforming to the world’s pattern, but to instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds around Christ. In other words, we aren’t born conforming our lives to the right things. Jesus has to intervene and help us get a brand new mind.

3 Questions:

• Would you rather be the person who set this up or one of the people who got to be a domino?
• What are some patterns of the world that you’ve noticed?
• Why does it matter that Jesus can renew our minds? (HINT: Check out the second half of Romans 12:2)

Chew on This:
So many people in our lives challenge us to step up and be a leader. What if being a leader is conforming to the patterns of this world and Jesus is calling you to something else?

Fishers of Men

Video: http://goo.gl/1naCW

Topic: Take Action

Bible:Matthew 4:19

Discussion Starter:
For most of us that was the only time in our lives we’ve heard the words “fishing” and “athletic move” in the same sentence. But you have to admit it was really cool. He was desperate to land that fish. And jumping out, getting wet, and jumping back in, was just the price he had to pay to catch it.

If you listen to the commentator in the video you’ll hear that the fisherman’s actions actually saved the fish’s life. If he hadn’t gone after it the hook and extra line may have been snagged on something and killed the fish. But a fish caught in the competition would be released.

For Christians, Jesus asks us to do the same thing. Matthew 4:19 says, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Jesus invites us to jump out of the safe, dry boat and do whatever it takes to fish for people.

What can we learn from this video? When it comes to fishing for people sometimes you have to make a desperate move.

3 Questions:

1. Would you have gone after that fish?
2. Have you ever heard of someone taking desperate measures to reach someone?
3. What’s one way you could fish for people this week?

Chew on this:
When Jesus used the example of fishing, those fishermen sold or ate their catch. Do you think that analogy applies to the Christian life?