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Sunday School Software's Outline & Study Guide to Actual Reality Copyright Neil MacQueen, Sunday Software

Welcome to our extensive free guide to Actual Reality. Free teaching materials are a hallmark of our ministry. If you'd like to receive information about more great Christian software go to Main Page at www.sundaysoftware.com or email us at neil@sundaysoftware.com for our free catalog.    

Also free from Sunday Software:  Professionally formatted lesson plans for Actual Reality:  http://www.sundaysoftware.com/resources/actualpdfs/

Introduction

This guide can be used in a number of ways:

1) as an handy reference for the program
2) as a leader's guide to group discussion
3) as a student guide for personal study

Actual Reality is a great opportunity for young people to explore their faith. This guide aims to help you make the most of the program and the opportunity. Depending on the opportunity, you may find yourself using Actual Reality on Sunday morning, at home, for Confirmation, in one-on-one discussion, during Fellowship, or as something you loan or give as a gift to a searching young person. The use and need of study materials may also vary depending on your circumstances. A small group with an experienced leader might be able to wing-it with minimal use of this guide. Indeed, the nature of teaching with interactive software means the leader allows for exploration. As this exploration unfolds, the leader (or "co-explorer") needs to be responsive to the interests and needs of the students. Our "comments" sections throughout this guide give you numerous discussion starting possibilities.

Actual Reality's quick hitting style should be familiar to those with youth group experience. Rather than a survey or documentary of Christian beliefs, Actual Reality could best be described as a collection of DISCUSSION STARTERS.

Age Range

While obviously targeted at teens, you'll find a lot of "teen wannabe" 5th and 6th graders interested in using the program. The same will be true for college age students and many adults (but don't tell the kids).

I've used segments of Actual Reality with students as young as 1st grade! (the preacher dude's sermonette on what it means to call Jesus "the Christ" and the clock segment in the evidence room.) They loved it.

Actual Reality's Theology

Actual Reality's theological point of view is mainstream with an occasional evangelical flavor. There is some material here that will undoubtedly trip your wire. I personally winced at the references to the devil — but that's my theological nit to pick. On the other hand, I thought the personal testimonies about Jesus very cool, though I know it may raise a few eyebrows among the frozen chosen. Certainly some of the phrases and vocabularly will sound odd to some "mainline ears." Jesus' words sounded different to his listeners too. Please remember that A LOT of our 'church speak' sounds strange to our kids. Actual Reality won't seem any stranger....but in fact may be more understandable because it is 'cool.'

Overall, most Christians have found the heartfelt expression of this CD's participants refreshing, honest and uplifting. As you talk about this CD's content, you will certainly want to express your own ideas and faith as well as those of your particular tradition. Teachers that want to shield their teens from "nits," however, aren't teachers in my book, and are missing a great opportunity for discussion. Teens WILL BE exposed to theological ideas different from your own. You need to address these ideas, not hide from them. Many teachers and pastors who have used Actual Reality have reported that their best discussions were initiated by Actual Reality's provocative style and content.

General Tips on Teaching With Actual Reality

• #1 Teaching Suggestion: Get a good student study Bible that has margin questions keyed to Bible verses. The Serendipity Bible comes to mind. Use those questions as you look up verses in Actual Reality's Verse Glossary (the VG icon located on almost every screen).
• Preview the CD with this guide in hand. Use the spaces provided for notes.
• Resist the temptation to wander through the material with students. A methodical approach to using the CD will prove more satisfying and rewarding. Pick a section to explore, such as the material in Color Blind, and stick to it.
• Resist the temptation of putting too many people in front of one computer monitor. Part of the interactive computer experience is the control over the information and enjoyment of the graphics.
• Use Actual Reality in the context of a larger lesson plan that includes other learning activities. Look for other resources that complement Actual Reality's content.
• Be prepared to loan the CD to interested students. Have a sign-out sheet. Have a couple of the audio CDs ready to loan from bands featured in Actual Reality.
  

Comments on our "Comments"

Throughout this guide you'll find numerous "comment" sections. These can be used to start discussion and help students clarify material presented in the CD. The comments can also be excerpted into a worksheet for home or lab use. As you preview the CD, record your own comments in the margins for later use.

Tips on Use in Group Discussion

One of the limiting factors in your use of this CD in a class or lab setting will be the distance of some students from the computer screen. One computer screen can handle about 4 students max with this program. If you are running multiple copies of this CD at the same time in a lab setting and have only one leader, you will want to hand out a lesson plan with instructions that define which areas to explore or not explore. These instructions can include questions they might answer along the way. Having questions to answer will help slow them down and give them time to ponder more of the content instead of excitedly blowing through the material. If you haven't taught with computer software before, I suggest you do a "dry run" with a couple of kids.

Ideas for Individual Use

• Scenario One: "Here's a CD, take it home and give me a call when you've gone through it. Let's make some time to get togther and discuss it."
• Scenario Two: "Come on by after school, I think I have a CD we can look at that may get us talking about some of the issues you've raised."
• Scenario Three: "Here's the CD our group is studying. Take it home and look at this specific section. We'll be talking about it on Sunday and would appreciate your thoughts. Here are a couple of questions we'll be discussing.
• Scenario Four: "Here's a CD your doubting daughter may find helpful. It's a gift from our youth group."
• Scenario Five: "Here's a gift to you our Confirmands. We'll be discussing it in next month's Confirmation class."
• Your Scenario Here!

Tips on Confirmation Use

Actual Reality's content parallels some of the content typically found in Confirmation programs. The CD could be signed out for self-led study with the possibility of follow-up discussion as a group. Or in the case of small groups, the program could be used during class time. If your kids are coming regularly, perhaps you could carve out 20 minutes at the end of several sessions for some students to join a teacher at the computer. Offer to loan it out after the session.

Visit http://www.sundaysoftware.com/resources/actualpdfs/ and print out their free professionally formatted LESSON PLANS for Actual Reality.
These come with lesson activities and additional discussion materials/questions. A great resource!

Tips on Computer Lab Use

If you have multiple computers in a lab setting you can use Actual Reality in a number of ways.

1) Multiple Copies on Multiple Computers exploring as directed by teacher using worksheet or with teacher right by their side.

2) Using other software in conjunction with Actual Reality to complement the subject material you've selected from the CD.

 

Example: One computer can be using Actual Reality's resurrection section (Bijou Theater) while another explores the resurrection story in Disciples Diary or Walk in the Footsteps. Then groups switch.

 

Example: One computer can be using Actual Reality's Police Station material (Who is Christ?) while the other is using Lesson #1 in Life of Christ (Getting to Know Jesus).

 

3) In an Independent Study mode where students are assigned sections of Actual Reality to complete over a period of weeks. The exploration can last 20 minutes or more, followed by discussion with a mentor/teacher. The computer is typically at the church but can be the student's own computer. I'm aware of two churches which have a laptop computer which they loan to students to do home study (what a exciting idea).

 

4) Inspiteof the CD's copyright notice, Actual Reality MAY BE projected from one computer to a group for EDUCATIONAL USE only. The right to excerpt copyrighted material for educational use is clearly and unequivocally protected by US Copyright Law. Always has been. However, public performance for non-educational purposes IS prohibited. For more information about copyrights, read our article on copyrights in the Articles section at our website.

 

Thoughts on Home Use

Actual Reality would make a great discussion piece between parents and their teens, and between older and younger siblings. After taking a look at the CD together, create a plan to tackle the CD's various areas over a period of days or weeks. When you're done, pass along the CD and this guide with your notes to another family.

 

Actual Reality's "Faith Vocabulary"

Don't assume young people know all the "faith vocabulary" used in the program. Words like reconciliation, salvation, grace, and righteousness need to be defined. Make a list of the words as you encounter them during previewing. For classroom use, make a handout of this vocabulary. Our ministry has a piece of game software that teaches theological vocabulary. Call us at 1-800-678-1948 for more information.

Your students may also have been raised to express their faith differently than those in the CD and thus, may have a bit of trouble understanding some material. Translate and interpret. You might also discuss how comfortable your students are with expressing their faith like those in the CD.

Technical Notes:

Hitting the ESC key is the quickest way to EXIT the program. Clicking on quit from the main menu starts an animation before quitting.

The CD doesn't automatically install a start-up icon on your desktop. You can do this by manually creating a shortcut that points to actreal.exe on the CD.

If the VIDEOS and AUDIO don't run, or run poorly the problem could be one of two things:

1. You didn't install the Quicktime video program from the Actual Reality CD. Unfortunately the manufacturer decided to leave off an installation program to do this automatically. To install it manually, open up your file managing program and look for the QT.exe file on the CD and install it.

2. Your computer is too slow or someone has uninstalled your Quicktime video utlitity that runs the audio and video segments of Actual Reality.

Screen Resolution Notes: Actual Reality is designed for 640x480 screen resolution and 16 bit (thousands of colors). You can run it in 800x600 but it won't fill the screen. You must set your display to at least 16 bit (thousands of) color.

Outline After the opening video a menu screen offers you the choice to explore music videos and "Stuff to Know." The main part of this guide outlines "Stuff to Know." A listing of videos can be found at the end of this guide. The VERSE GLOSSARY is also outlined at the end of this guide. The 17 topical headings of the Verse Glossary serve as a sort of "theological outline" for Actual Reality. I've cross referenced them to the main Actual Reality presentation to which they correspond.  Stuff to Know--- There are three main sections to explore in Stuff To Know: 1) The Observor Newspaper------Christian values and teen topics 2) The City--------- WHO was Jesus, WHAT was his life about. 3) Hidden------The teachings of Christianity.   1.....The OBSERVOR NEWSPAPER Headlines to explore: Sexual purity Self-help Color blind Witnesses of unique experience start sharing Today's Highlight --What is God like?   2.....HIDDEN (three doors) LEFT DOOR : GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART & INVESTING IN PRAYER CENTER DOOR: FAITH & DEVOTION RIGHT DOOR: SIN, FORGIVENESS & TEMPTATION   3.....THE CITY Le Bijou --resurrection Police Station--who is this man 57 Chevy--what others say about Jesus Saved from What? --salvation & grace One Way --atonement Ignite --3 who followed, 3 who didn't believe

 

Outline and Commentary

 

1.....The OBSERVOR NEWSPAPER

Headlines to explore:

• Sexual purity
• Self-help
• Color blind
• Witnesses of unique experience start sharing
• Today's Highlight --What is God like?

Headline: Sexual Purity

"STARTERS" hotspot

Kids talking about sex, virginity, right or wrong? What do people think about sex?

I Cor 6:18-20 (turn away from sexual temptations)
2 Tim 2:22 (Pursue the good things God has for you and find people with same goals)

Comments:
What does 2 Tim 2:22 say about the people you should date?
Is it unrealistic to say you'll only date Christians?
What do you do when God's way and your desires come into conflict?

Lesson Idea:
What do your kids think? Cut out a piece of cardboard to look like TV and pass it around to get "their videos" on the subject. Or...draw a television screen on a worksheet for their response.

 

JACI VELASQUEZ hotspot (Click on her name and hear sound clip.)

YOU KNOW MY HEART --"The Lord knows our desires."

WE GO ASTRAY -- "Try your hardest to stay on the path."

I PROMISE — "Save yourself for that one person God has intended." The three reasons you should make this promise: 1. God wants it, 2. It's a life or death health issue, 3. It's ultimately more romantic to save yourself for marriage.

THE SUFFERING ---having a baby is tough, having regrets.

Comments:
How convincing are her arguments?
What is the most convincing argument for abstinence you can come up with?
If God made us, why did he make us with these strong desires?
How does it make you feel knowing God knows your sexual feelings?
What do you suppose is God's opinion about all our thoughts?

 

Headline: Self Help Books

CONFIDENCE: I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13
A NEW YOU: ...if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation.... 2 Cor 5:17

SEE YOURSELF AS YOU REALLY ARE: ...you are no longer foreigners...but fellow citizens with God's people. You too are being built...to become a dwelling in which God lives. Eph 2:4f

CLIMB TO NEW HEIGHTS: Video or rock climbing You gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything. Click on the words printed on rock: (audio narration) "he chose us in him before the creation of the world...."

Comments:
How does God "live" inside a person?
What does it feel like to be "a new creation?" Does this mean we always feel "like new?"
What is it that Christians stand for? (Make a list).
What is it that people "fall for?" (Make a list of the "fall for" ideas/values, such as, "we fall for the idea that to be a Christian you just have to be good, you don't have to worship God.)

 

Books continued: Who can be against us? (The Supertones lyrics page)

I NEED SOMEONE: Kids feel insecure, empty, lonely.....cling to partying, drugs....they find out these things are empty.

HOW HARD I TRY: Self esteem means not being the top, it means having God who forgives us and loves us.

YOU'RE ON MY SIDE: God can guide us, God is always there for us.

I'M NOT JUST A MAN: We're created in image of God, ....God doesn't want us to beat ourselves up or feel bad.

YOU ALWAYS HELP ME OUT: God never forgets me even when I forget about him.

Comments:
Where does "the world," your friends, coaches, tell you that inner strength comes from?
Do Christians ever experience self-doubt or low self-esteem? What then are they lacking?
What's the difference between being humble and feeling like you're nothing?
How can God help restore your confidence?
What should we do when our confidence can't at times be restored when we need it?

 

Books continued: How to be a leader: (text only)

Proverbs 1:10-19 Do not give in to sinners or go along with them.

 

Headline: Are you color blind? (note: this is one of the best sections of the CD)

ONE IN CHRIST: Clark Kellogg (video of sports star) ...God thinks we're all important...neither jew nor Greek, slave nor free....all one in Christ.

CREATED: (Video preacher) What does it mean to be created in God's image--God made.

IS GOD COLOR BLIND?

• Video preacher: God doesn't care about color of my skin. If I couldn't see anyone, would I care what color they were?
• Video preacher: **Click on three silhouettes to hear voice and guess race (!)
• Video preacher: DID GOD MAKE US DIFFERENT INSIDE? We all make decisions differently but all have capacity to love.
  

CHURCH OF RHYTHM: (videos & lyrics)

• HE SEES ME INSIDE: Talk about giving out stuff to poor mexican kids. "God let me see people the way he sees people!"
• LORD HELP ME LOVE: Some people are easier to love than others. Loving those who are hard to love. God come in to help.
• COMMON GROUND: I looked at a gangbanger, and saw what we had in common.
• GAVE UP LOVE: When I argue with someone, I forget they need to be love.
  Most important thing is their need to be loved.
• JUDGING: Growing up in white community, judging people by the way they look.

 

COMMON PEOPLE (Church of Rhythm): Audio of lyrics.

LOOK INSIDE: Videos of teens talking about judging others. (Fear, trust, friendship, listen, stop, understanding, get to know, inside, God's people)

Comments: (This is a big section. Think about breaking into two lessons.)
Why do people judge one another harshly at times?
Do you have a personal story of feeling someone's prejudice or being prejudiced?
Who is looked down upon in your school? How do people look down on you?
What are some steps to take to see people the way God sees them?
How can you overcome prejudice against yourself? ...against others?

 

Headline: Witnesses of Unique Experience Start Sharing

MONGOLIA (sign) what the Great Commission is: you have something to share.
Matt 28. "You want to tell people about it (the gift of salvation)." (Singer John James)

CHRISTOWN: What happens when Gospel is presented to somebody... 2 Thess 2:14
(Singer John James)

NEIGHBOR: scripture only-- "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith.
Philemon 1:6

NEWSBOYS (Click on downed spaceship to go into it to Newsboys area for interactive lyrics:)

GOD IS NOT A SECRET-- audio clip and videos of Newsboys discussing lyrics:

• YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND (1): God is love, he can relate to us.
• DROP THE GOD: its hard to share/witness because of peer pressure.
  How to share, act real and show love.
• GOD IS NOT A SECRET: Araid to share about Christ....speak the truth in love...
• YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND (2): same as 1
• CROSS OFFENDS: (what does offensive mean??) Make excuses for God? Show love and be an example.
• IF WE KEEP SILENT: worry about what to say? ...then follow the great example (Jesus) it was the way he carried himself, not always what he said.

Comments:
Can you be a Christian and keep your faith to yourself?
How does your church share its faith? ...keep it under raps?
Describe times you shared your faith with ...your family, a friend, a stranger.
How easy or hard was it?
What's "offensive" about the cross?
Can you remember when someone shared the Gospel with you?
How did it make you feel? Is there a "right way" and "wrong way" to share Christ's message? (If you're in a group, you might want to break these questions up among small groups for discussion then sharing with larger group.)

 

Headline: Today's Highlights: How to find person you want:

TV IN ROOM.....TV has video clips answers to "Is there a God?" "What is he like?"

WORLD WIDE MESSAGE TRIBE: Lyrics (click on ball to hear music and read along)

• REAL THING: Definition of church. "...it isn't boring when it gets into you."
• JOY: "Christianity isn't a guarantee for joy. Joy defined. Christianity isn't a way out of tough times."
• USE IT: "I want to give you the joy I've got inside my life."
• EVERYDAY: "I have different problems. God has something new to say everyday."
• LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST: "People will let you down. God's love makes you feel secure."

Comments:
What does faith feel like inside?
When you don't "feel" your faith (God) inside, what does it mean?
How can a person listen to God everyday?

Lesson Idea:
Pass around a cardboard TV cutout and answer the question, "Is there a God?" and "What is he like?"
If God has something new to say to you everyday, how do you think he is saying it? ...through whom, through what?
What's the definition of church according to Real Thing.

Headline: Today's Highlights continued....

REBECCA ST. JAMES: I know God is personal and loving, I've seen miracles. God provided food and furniture and car. (!! ???)

GOD IN A BOX: — Think piece (text) "...when you keep God limited to certain areas of our loves it doesn't allow us to see Him as He really is." Look up Eph 3:16-19 ......(Ask: What are have you kept him limited to? Sunday?)

CRUTCH FOR THE WEAK (click on couch)-- Think piece (text) "...Is God an excuse for people who can't stand on their own. Is faith some empty thing....?" Look up 2 Cor 12:10

Comments:
What's down side of this idea?
What should we think about a God who doesn't intervene to prevent tragedies?
What do the Bible passages say in these preceding sections?
How do you keep God in a box in your life?

Lesson Idea:
Pass around a box and write on it how you keep God boxed up.

2...HIDDEN (three doors)

• Left.... Two areas to explore: GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART & INVESTING IN PRAYER
• Center....EXPRESSING FAITH & DEVOTION
• Right....SIN, FORGIVENESS & TEMPTATION

LEFT door: HIDING GOD'S WORD IN YOUR HEART (about the Bible) & INVESTING IN PRAYER

***Note: Some of the material in the two areas through the LEFT door contain theology and an understanding of scripture that many churches may not agree with. This is NOT to say, however, that these areas should be avoided. There is much in these reas to be commended and plenty of fodder for discussion, especially Investing in Prayer.

HIDING GOD'S WORD...(Out of Eden)

Ps 119 "How can a young man keep his way pure?"

Out of Eden video: Times I needed to hear God's word ...learned I needed to start reading the word and putting it (hiding) it in your heart....like a seed....the devil can't take away.

Ps 40:1-2 "I waited patiently upon the Lord and he...."

Video: "My mom made me read the Bible."

2 Tim 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and useful..."

Video: "I think the Bible is most useful in humbling (us).

1 Peter 5:8 "Be self controlled and alert."

Video: "Bible is a helpful tool ...how Jesus resisted the devil."

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet..."

Video: Word of God is about daily living. God is my friend and father. Bible is how I get to know him.

Acts 17:11

Video: "You have to know the Bible when you talk to people." "How do you know God is real (they ask)....You have to have scripture to back up.

Comments:
Do you really need scripture to "back up" what you say about God? What are the pros and cons of this idea?
In what ways is scripture getting into your life?
Can you remember a verse that's important to you?
How could knowing several verses help you?
What is your church's "understanding of the Devil?"

Lesson Idea:
Come up with a list of 25 verses from the Bible. Ask students to pick two that speak the word they need to hear most in their life right now. Come up with a way that verse could be in front of them everyday for a while.

 

INVESTING IN PRAYER ...(Christafari)

VIDEO PREACHER: Prayer Defined

THE LORD'S PRAYER:

Our Father...

God as Creator, then provider.

Your Kingdom come...

...struggling with God's will versus my will.

Give us today...

I've been far away from God..

Forgive us...

I've fought against my parents, ...forgiveness brought closure....

Lead us...

Satan is like a roaring lion. We have victory... God is on our side.

Comments:
Ok....the Video Dude is once again cool, but Christafari's comments didn't do it for me especially bringing in Satan during the "Lead us..." part of the presentation. Can't expect to win them all, I guess. Here are some questions to ask.....
What is the definition of prayer given in this section?
What are the disadvantages of NOT praying?
How does forgiveness bring "closure?"

Regarding the devil.... I've always found this quote provocative:
"That there is a devil there is no doubt. But is he trying to get in? Or is he trying to get out?"
Discuss your church's understanding of the 'the devil' and the nature of evil. It's a hot teen topic.

CENTER Door: Two areas to explore:
1) DEVOTION
2) DISCOVER YOUR FAITH

1) DEVOTION ...EXPRESSING OUR PRAISE TO GOD (T-Bone screen)

3 ways to praise God:

1) Sing to the Lord a New Song ....video of worship
2) Love the Lord with all you heart....video of prayer
3) So whether you eat or drink...do all for the glory of God.
Video of building a house

One of the reasons Sunday School Software Ministries puts out this guide as a web page is so that we can update it with insights from others. Not long after this guide first went up, Sue --a friend of our ministry, emailed me with the translation of what the people are singing in these videos. She had been a missionary there -in Papau New Guinea and said they were singing in Pidgeon English. Here is Sue's translation:

Clip #1: "Jesus, your name speaks to us in many ways today."
Sue notes that people in Papau New Guinea often have to travel very far to attend worship.
Clip #2: "One day Jesus will come to take us to heavena and there you will see paradise."
Sue notes that volunteers from many faiths come to help the people improve their lives. Praying together is very important to them.
Clip #3: "God sent Jesus to die for us, to heal our wrongs."

T-Bone lyrics

• KEEP PRAISIN: When I'm going through struggles....I get in presence of God
  Some do drugs. God fills my emptiness.
• TO LIVE AS CHRIST: Christ changes my life....serving him every day.
  ....scared to die...now I can't wait to die....walk them streets of gold.
• FRIENDS: Jesus is best example of true friend. Some friends don't reach out to you but God does.
• REACH THE THUGS: My homeboys started dying....my best friend got shot.
• TUPAC'S DEATH: ....he had a lot of hurt inside...doesn't matter who you are....
• STAND IN THE GAP: .....kids dying spiritually and physically ....gang violence...drugs...I want to do something to help. God didn't say "stay in the church."

Comments:
What is T-Bone's definition of friendship? What's yours?
Why was he scared to die?
Why isn't he scared to die anymore? (Need to illuminate the fact that T-Bone doesn't have a death wish, he's talking about his eternal destination.)
What is the message of the 1,2,3 videos?

2) DISCOVER YOU FAITH.... Click on Audio Adrenaline to hear song.

RAM ICON......Abraham was walking example of faith he trusted God.

BOAT ICON.....Noah had faith that God would fulfill his promise.

BIBLE ICON....If you're uncertain how to build your faith...ask God.
Look up Matt 17:20 Faith as small as a mustard seed!

COMPUTER ICON....If someone were to dig up evidence of your life, would they see that you were a person of faith? In what way has God personally asked you to show your faith to him.?

VIDEO: Audio Adrenaline's Walk on Water lyrics

• I'LL LEAD YOU: ...It's hard being away from home with the band....God helps.
• TRUSTED: ...I've given my life to God but....trusting is hard.
• EYES ON JESUS;....my problem with confidence in myself.....now it comes with Jesus. God's in control.
• SIDE BY SIDE:....I came from broken family...Jesus is like my best friend to hang out with. Hanging with Jesus!"
• THE WAVES:......my sister got Leukemia....made me wonder about God's goodness. She is now cured. We learned a lot through this struggle.

Comments:
Which of the artists spoke to you the most?
Answer the question asked in the Computer Icon, "If someone were to dig up evidence of your life, would they see that you were a person of faith? Why or why not?
What do you think about the one video star whose sister was healed?
What would have happened to him if she hadn't been?
What is your belief and your church's teaching about miracles and faith healings?

RIGHT Door: Two areas to explore:

1) NOT GUILTY- SIN AND FORGIVENESS as told by Caedmon's Call and

2) EXPOSING TEMPTATION

1) NOT GUILTY....

A= ACCEPTANCE ....."For it is by grace you have been saved..." Eph 2:8 Video: God is a loving God.

D= DECLARE: ...."That if you confess...Jesus is Lord...you will be saved."
Rom 10:9 Video: The devil can comes against you saying your salvation experience wasn't real.

I= INTERNALIZE...."Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world...."
Rom 12:2 Video: Christ is transforming me. He's in me. What separates us from the world. ((((define "world") ))) We're seeking to have relationship with our creator.

P= POSITION:....For all have sinned and fall short of glory of God." Rom 3:23
Video: we can't be as holy as God. His standard is way above.
He has to give us his favor.

Comments:
The letters spell PAID ....what does this mean?
Define "genuine experience" as used in DECLARE.
How do you know when God is moving in your life?
What are the signs?
Define "the world" as used in INTERNALIZE.

Lesson Idea:
Now would be an excellent time to share personal stories of how teachers/pastor/students came to believe in Jesus.

2) EXPOSING TEMPTATION (click on right wall)

TEMPTATION IS: video clips of teens/college
It's not wrong to be tempted....you have a choice....don't make excuses....

THE LIE --THE TRUTH

Nobody has faced...like this. ------All temptations are common

God is not going to help me this time -------God is faithful

Its more than I can handle.------ He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

There's no way out so I'll give in. ----God will provide a way out!

It's all a losing battle. ----You can win anytime you choose.

Comments:
What do you think temptation is? (the people in the video give their answers).
Come up with your own "lie and truth" chart on other subjects like prejudice, going to church, cheating, drinking, sex.

3...THE CITY

• Le Bijou --resurrection
• Police Station--who is this man
• 57 Chevy--what others say about Jesus
• Saved from What? --salvation & grace
• One Way --atonement
• Ignite --3 who followed, 3 who didn't believe

Le Bijou -- Raised from the Dead

(Rebecca St. James talks about resurrection "theories." Very humorous "stop motion" video clips using GI Joes and Ken dolls to depict various theories.)

STOLEN BODY: Disciples overpowered guards.

MIRACULOUS RECOVERY THEORY: Jesus unwrapped himself, moved stone

MISTAKEN GRAVE: self explanatory.

HE IS RISEN: "the theory that makes sense." This is what my whole life revolves around. I know he is here. God rocks.

Comments:
How could you better describe the HE IS RISEN theory?
How could you describe the meaning of the resurrection in two sentences?

Who is this Man? ---(Police Station)

OPENING VIDEO CLIP: Who was Jesus? Historical, good man, prophet? Did he exist?

LINE UP:
1. Jesus the Party Animal....friend of sinners
2. The Convict....arrested for rebellion
3. The child scholar....discussed theology with priests
4. Blue Collar Worker....carpenter.
5. Man of Color.....dark hair and dark skin.
6. The Enforcer.....he had harsh words for Pharisees.

Comments:
Are there any other images?
How about Jesus the hippie? Jesus the religious fanatic? Which one appeals to you? Why?
How could Jesus be all these things?

PAPERS ON TABLE: Go to another room with clock on wall and book on table:

CLOCK: Story of Jesus' birth and its impact on history. "If one many can change the way we tell time, isn't it worth getting to know a little bit more about him?"

BOOK: Preacher dude! Who do you say I am? What Messiah means.

Lesson Ideas:
Make an advertisement echoing the Clock story message.
Come up with a list of names that describe Jesus (Lord, friend, God, martyr, miracle worker, etc.) and then have students select two that are closest to their feelings about Jesus.

57 Chevy

OPENING ANIMATION: You want some historical proof? Prophets foretold Christ. Jesus wasn't just a man but the complete expression of God.

TACHOMETER: Islam thinks about Christ as prophet.

SPEEDOMETER: Hindus consider Jesus to be revelation of God.

GAS GAUGE: Buddhists consider Jesus enlightened.

Honk the HORN: What Christians believe --Jesus is the ONLY incarnation, ONLY way to eternal life.

Comments:
Why doesn't everyone believe in Jesus?
Is it possible that God is reaching out to other cultures through other religions?
Why do Christians affirm Christ as the only way to God?
If somebody asked you to defend why you believed in Jesus, what would you say?

RADIO CHANNELS in 57 Chevy
1: Playwright George Bernard Shaw (not a Christian) but impressed by Jesus.
2. Flavius Roman Historian: Jesus was a wiseman and teacher of truth.
3. Napolean---we built empires on force, Jesus founded his empire on love.

Saved from What? (click on window)

TV: Videos of people talking about need to be saved. Saved from what?

SAVE 100%: Text of John 3:16

FREE GIFT: text of Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved..."

REDEEM COUPONS HERE: text-- "For he has rescued us from ...."

THIRD DAY LYRICS: "Forever" (song) Third Day audio

• REACHING OUT: I feel I can have a relationship anytime. Can't hear audible voice
• WAYS: Get rid of things in our life for God. God is here to give, however.
• THE SAME: We blow it with everyone but God loves us completely all the time.
• LOOKING: We have something missing and we try to fill it with things of this world. We're searching for more. We're searching for relationship with God.
• SINNERS: I can never be perfect. Jesus is the way to be brought back to God.

Comments:
What does it mean to be "saved" according to your church?
What words does your church use to describe this idea?
What is it that people are searching for? You? There are several variations of "salvation theology" within the mainstream of Christianity.
What does your church think about the ideas of everyone is saved by the Grace of God, and only those who have faith in Christ are saved by Grace?

One Way--The Way

RED LIGHT Verse: All have sinned and fall short..

YELLOW Verse: wages of sin is death...but gift of God is eternal life.

GREEN Verse: God demonstrates his own love ....while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

GREEN ARROW Verse: ...confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord...be saved."

Click on One Way sign to hear Jason Carson of Supertones

PRICE HAS BEEN PAID: ....let him into your life. How to do it.

Comments:
What does Jason mean when he says "God can't look at you through Jesus unless you have Jesus in your life."
What will Jason stake his life on?
How is God is faithful and awesome?

Ignite: (grill and flame)

SARA MASSEN: God's message does polarize. Jesus is either nuts or he is who he says he is.

STUMBLING BLOCK: ...the message seems foolish because it focuses on others not self. Find life by giving your life away.

WISDOM: ...the message is wise because it's foolish. We're not in control like we think we are.

Comment:
How does Jesus force you to make a decision about him?
How do you find your life by giving it away?
Why is the message of Jesus seen as "foolish" and "a stumbling block?"
What are some of the stumbling blocks that keep you and other teens from believing and trusting in Jesus more fully?

The BILLBOARD above Sara Massen in the Ignite section:

Will you follow Jesus?

NO:

• PHARISEE.....Jesus was another zealot who thought he had all the answers. He flaunted our rules.
• THIEF ON CROSS: Jesus has power??? What I would have done if I had been the Son of God.
• RICH YOUNG RULER: I'm disappointed....being good isn't enough.

YES:

• ZACCHEEUS... the outcast tax collector tells his story.
• SAMARITAN WOMEN: surprised Jesus even spoke to her. He didn't condemn her and made her feel like she had value.
• DR. LUKE: an educated man who had trouble accepting Jesus. It was his life and words that made sense. Drawn because he cared.

Comments:
Summarize the NO and YES arguments.
Add in your own thoughts. Why did Jesus pick Zaccheus out?
Of the six characters, which one are you most like? ...want to be like?
Note: The thief on the cross makes the same kind of comments I've heard from many teens, ie, "Why didn't Jesus just....."

 

Verse Glossary Outline

The Verse Glossary is organized into 17 theological or subject sections. When you're in an Actual Reality presentation and click on "VG," it takes you to the proper glossary section associated with the topic of the presentation. Each glossary section provides multiple verses to illuminate the subject.

I've matched the subject heading with the area of Actual Reality which covers that subject. Some subjects may be covered in more than one area. Many, many other theological ideas are presented in Actual Reality. The following list should not be read as the only subjects covered.

Christ -- The City, most areas
Historical -- The City (the historical Jesus), particularly in the 57 Chevy.
Resurrection -- The City, Le Bijou
Ignite a Response -- The City, up on the roof
Saved -- The City, click on the window
The Way -- The City, click on the One Way sign

Know the Scriptures -- multiple areas
Prayer -- Hidden
Faith -- Hidden
Temptation -- Hidden
Sin and Forgiveness -- Hidden

Peer Pressure -- Hidden and Newspaper
Personal God of Love -- Newspaper
Sexual Purity -- Newspaper
Evangelism (aka 'sharing the good news')-- Newspaper, Newsboys
Love One Another -- Newspaper, Witnesses section
Self Esteem -- Newspaper, Bookshelf

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Music Video Clips:

• Newsboys---Take me to your leader...."They don't know why we care...They don't know what's out there..."
• Church of Rhythm---Not Perfect
• Third Day --Alien....I am just like the alien, fatherless and widow.
• Audio Adrenaline--Never Gonna be as Big as Jesus....What does he mean when he says, "Mission work through music."
• Rebecca St. James--God....I can't explain any other way, cause it's God.

• Caedmon's Call--Not the Land
• Sara Masen--All Fall Down
• Jaci Velasquez--On My Knees..... "I doubt know how but there's power in the blue skies"
• Steven Curtis Chapman---Lord of the Dance.... I need the Lord of the Dance.
• Point of Grace --Circle of Friends

• World Wide Message Tribe--The Real Thing (What is it?)
• T-Bone--- Lyrical Assasin --
• Christafari--Valley of Decsion "This is no game, people have to die in his name."
• Out of Eden--More than you know "We want to show complete alternative to what the world has to offer. "
• Grits---See Ya Mind "Set ya mind at ease from the pressure..."
• I.D.O.L. King --Christsyde.... "There be trouble like the Hubble."

• Plank Eye--B.C.
• Common Children--Drought ....."Our words are dried up, what's wrong?"
• Guardian --Bottle Rocket
• Blackball--Doesn't Matter..... "I only wish you'd help me ease my mind."
• Foldura--Ember
  
• Supertones--Adonai
• Five Iron Frenzy--A Flowery Song..... "We represent the joy of the Lord..." "
• Have fun along the way."Plumb--Unforgiven..... "I feel afraid."
• Reality Check— Masquerade..."It's such a shame the game you play. I'd like to know what lies behind the mask you live."
• Fred Haring--Wear White to my Funeral..... "Everybody's insecure."

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