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____________________________________________________

NAME

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ANNUAL CONFERENCE


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Table of ContentsIntroduction 5Level I 7

Lesson 1 8Lesson 2 10Lesson 3 13Lesson 4 16Lesson 5 18

Level II 22Lesson 1 23Lesson 2 26Lesson 3 29

Lesson 4 32Lesson 5 36

To the Filipino Youth 40Acknowledgment 42


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I remember a line from the movie Kung Fu Panda. One of the characters stated; The past is

history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift, thats why it is called a present. Youth comes but

once in a lifetime, and in our organization, you can only be a member until your 23 years old.

This years Bible Study aims to develop Christian leaders for the transformation of the world. I

believe the UMYFP are not only the future but also the present leaders of the church and the

community. Your actions and decisions today will make its mark in history and will determine our

future.

Live your life to the fullest yet anchored on Gods plan of life in its fullest. Dream big, desire for

more of Gods glory in your life, learn from our Lord and be a disciple of Christ for this is what God

wills in your lives -- to be a disciple of Jesus for the transformation of the world.

In Christ

Rev. Dexter F. CeballosNational Youth Coordinator, UMYFP


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The United Methodist Youth Fellowship in the Philippines is one of the most active layorganizations in the United Methodist Church all over the country. They are idealistic and they canplay a very important role in the total life of the local church as well as in the country as a whole. Theycan be indeed an instrument in bringing lifetowards a future with hope.

Based on the quadrennial theme, this years Bible Study material is focused on developingprincipled Christian leaders for the transformation of the world. Inspired from the text of 1 Timothy6:1-12, let us examine how Apostle Paul trained Timothy to become a dynamic, faithful, and effectiveChristian.

The lessons were divided into five sessions to prepare each delegate to look at his/herpotentials and develop these areas to become a fruitful Christian.

I. Firm FaithII. IntegrityIII. FaithfulnessIV. Living by exampleV. CommitmentIt is our hope that each lesson will empower each delegate to look at himself/herself as

persons created by God with special gifts and develop these gifts to serve and lead with Christiandiscipline in his/her local church.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Lesson I: FIRM FAITH

Game: Stumbling BlocksDivide the class into two. Prepare empty bottles. Give four bottles to each group.

Place the bottles a yard away from each other on a straight line in front of eachparticipant. Blindfold each participant and let the others from the group be the guides.

The goal is to reach the end of the line and back to the base without touching a bottle.(For added fun, remove the bottles without their knowledge.)Their progress would depend on the guidance of the other group members. The first group that

completes the race, wins!

What lessons can we derive from this game?Why is it important to put our trust to our guides?

Our Scripture: Read 1 Timothy 6: 3-21The first letter of Paul to Timothy is a pastoral letter from a mentor (Paul) to a

younger colleague (Timothy). It consists of counsel regarding Timothys ministry in

Ephesus (1 Tim. 1:3), which includes instructions about the forms of worship,organization of the church, responsibilities of members and faithfulness in maintainingthe truth amidst false doctrines.

1. Read 1 Timothy 6: 3-5a) What does it say about people who teach false doctrines?b) Do you see any connection between greed and these false doctrines?


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2. Read verses 6-8a) What does this text say about contentment?

3. Read verses 9-10a) Do you agree that the love of money is the root of all evil? Why?

4. Read verses 11-2

a. Enumerate Pauls instructions to Timothy.b. What would it take for Timothy to be able to accomplish his task?

Timothy in this passage is admonished to strengthen the believers and to remain faithful toChrist. But you man of God, avoid all these things. Paul urged Timothy to shun from the evil anddestructive practices. If it would take a firm faith for the young Timothy to make a stand and be able tocommand the rich people in the society, we also need to be firm in our faith and convictions.

Christian youths are called to seek the better way. A rooted Christian youth wont go with theflow. Instead, he/she would find a way to stand out and be differentgood differentfrom others. Weare even more blessed if we serve God while we are young. As young Christians it is never easy tomove away from the crowd. In school, in our secular organizations, we face persecution for having a

stand on our faith. God clearly told us through His Word that in order to rebut and fight against theseoppositions, we should have firm faith.

Run yourself in the race of faith and win eternal life for yourself (v.12 ). Paul acknowledgedthe fact that Christian living will meet an opposition along the waypeople, events, and sometimesour very own selfish desires. A Christian youth must strive for eternal life and remain faithful up to theend. Earlier in 1 Timothy, Paul instructed him to be an example to the believers in speech, life, love,faith and purity (4:12).

Our Wesleyan heritage:John Wesley has three simple rules, do good, do no harm and attend to the ordinances of

God or stay in love with God (Reuben Job, Three Simple Rules). These three simple rules remind usthat as Christians called Methodist, we are to practice righteousness and flee from the evils of greedand the love of money. We are to stay in love with God, which is our guard against anything that candestroy our faith.

Wesley said, By Methodists, I mean, a people who profess to pursue (in whatsoever measurethey have attained) holiness of heart and life, inward and outward conformity in all things to therevealed will of God; who place religion in an uniform resemblance of the great object of it; in a steadyimitation of Him they worship, in all his imitable perfections; more particularly in justice, mercy, truth,or universal love filling the heart, and governing the life. (Advice to the People Called Methodists) Paul reminded timothy to stand firm in his faith. In verse 11, Paul said that a man of God should fleefrom doing evil things. To flee is not only to run away but to stand firm and refute all forms of evil

deeds that would lead us to destruction (1 Timothy 6: 11-12).Firm Faith is not developed overnight. It is a product of years of struggle to make things right

and overcoming trials and temptations. It is enriched by our daily connection with god through Biblereading, meditation, prayer, and putting all these into practice.


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Group Discussion:An eagles storyThe eagle has the longest life-span of its species. It can live up to 70 years. But to reach this

age, the eagle must make a hard decision. In its 40s, the eagles long and flexible talons can nolonger grab prey, which serves as food. Its long and sharp beak becomes bent. Its old-aged andheavy wings, due to their thick feathers, become stuck to its chest, making it difficult to fly. Here, theeagle is left with only two options: die or go through a painful process that would last 150 days. Theprocess requires that the eagle fly to a mountain top and sit on its nest. There the eagle knocks itsbeak against a rock until it plucks it out; after plucking it out, the eagle will wait for a new beak to grow

back and then it will pluck out its talons. When its new talons grow back, the eagle starts plucking itsold-aged feathers. Five months later, the eagle takes its flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years.

What lesson could we learn from the eagles story in relation to having firm faith? Would you be willing to go through a pruning process to be made stronger?

Song of reflection and analysis: Jesus, Lover of my soulJesus, lover of my soulJesus, I will never let You goYouve taken me from the miry clayYou set my feet upon the rock and now I know

Chorus:I love You, I need YouThough my world may fall, I will never let you goMy Savior, my closest friendI will worship You until the very end

Application:In the light of our present situation, how can we stand firm in our faith in spite that many

Christians are not doing what is right in the sight of the Lord?

Prayer:Dear Lord, thank you for reminding us to be firm in our faith like Timothy. Although Timothy

was young, still You used him to shame the sinful deeds of the people. Lord, let me be as strong asan eagle. Give me the strength that could surpass anything. Lord, You promised in Your Word that ifwe allow You in our lives to take-over, You would be more than willing to lead us and do miracles toYour people through us. Help us keep fast in You that we will never let go of the commitment wemade. Thank you Lord! This we pray through your Son Jesus Christ, amen.

An honest man is the noblest work of God.Alexander Pope (poet)

Lesson II: INTEGRITY

Game: Candle-blowing contestMaterials needed: Candles and matches


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Make two teams with 3-5 people in each team. Give each person a candle to light.At the signaleach one tries to blow out the candles of the other team while trying to keep theirs lighted. Theplayers can move around. When a players candle is blown out he is disqualified. The winning team isthe one with the most lighted candles at the end of the game.

Object: 2 white t-shirts (1 clean; the other is spoiled and torn)Motivation:1. Ask one youth to wear the clean t-shirt. Ask another youth to wear the other.

2. Ask the two to stand side-by-side3. Ask the person wearing the clean shirt how he/she feels. each one how he/she feels wearing

the clean t-shirt4. Ask the other youth how he/she feels wearing the spoiled and torn t-shirt

Lesson Presentation:Usually, when we are looking good, we are also feeling good and we are confident with what

we are doing. If we face people in dirty shirt, we feel uncomfortable.Spiritually, if we are doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, we have nothing to fear. It is

because our conscience is clean and deep inside our hearts we are happy and peace reigns. Butwhen we have done something wrong, it seems that we are carrying a heavy burden and we are not

sure of what we are going to do.

Our Scripture: 2 Chronicles 24: 1-14; Job 31:5-6Joash, the youngest king in the Bible, pleased God by doing what is right by

honestly using the taxes and temple money to Gods place. Before Joashs rule, Israelhad been under cruelty and slavery by other foreign nations due to the sin of itsprevious leaders. The two books of Kings in the Bible showed how Israelites struggledphysically and spiritually, as an effect of their leaders integrity and faith.

King Ahaz and the descendants of King Jeroboam had been very sinful in the eyes of Godand had led the people to do horrible things. They gradually forgot how the Lord saved them from theEgyptians and brought them to the promise land. All of these blessings were disregarded because of

worldly pleasures and desires. God was so angry with His people because the promises that theirkings committed to the Lord were not continually kept; and ruler after ruler, evil deeds prevailed in Hisland.

When Joash was king at seven years old, he obeyed the Lord with all he was. He orderedkilling to all those who disobeyed God and worshipped man-made golden gods. He rebuilt Godstemple and even made it almost like new. Joash even used the temple money and the peoples taxesto beautify all of the Lords sanctuary. He followed God. He had been transparent with his faith and itwas shown through his administration.

Let us examine the interrelatedness of ones lifestyle and work. During the reign of King Ahaz,he did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. The Israelites were defeated and his kingdomfell. In contrast, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Israelites prospered during his reign

and there were many improvements in his kingdom.Websters Dictionary defines integrity as the quality or state of being unblemished or

unimpaired. Thus, as Christians we have to be unblemished so as to become witnesses to thecommunity.

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, it is automatic that our lives shouldbear fruits that are pleasing to God. Integrity is not an act but a habit that we manifest as Godspeople. Before Jesus Christ went to join His Father in Heaven, He breathed unto His apostles


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the Holy Spirit in which the Lords presence remains in us. The Holy Spirit produces qualitiesand characters that make our lives worthy in His sight. Joashs life showed how God faithfullytakes care of His people especially if they follow His command.

Read Job 31:5-6a. If God shall weigh you in His scales, would He find you blameless?b. What instances in your life when you think of deceitful ways?

Our Wesleyan Heritage:Do all the good you can,By all the means you can,In all the ways you can,In all the places you can,At all the times you can,To all the people you can,As long as ever you can.

--John Wesley

Group Discussion:

Paulo is a high school student. His family is poor but he always strives to be good ineverything. One day, his teacher told the class to buy a book for their subject. Paulo tried to ask hisparents for money to pay the book but he thought that they might not be able to give him any amountdue to their situation. Paulo, while fixing some stuff at home, found a folded P100.00 bill. He washappy because he could finally purchase the book. When the time to pay came, he was so excited togive the money to his teacher. He got the book.

The next morning their teacher came to class earlier than the usual. The teacher announcedthat somebody gave a half-torn P100.00. Nobody admitted. Paulo was sure he gave a whole bill.When Paulo was almost home, his mother came rushing towards him and asked if her son found atorn P100.00. Paulo numbed. His heart pumped so fast, while sweating. For the entire night, Paulowas pondering over the money. He wasnt sure what to do.

Challenge: If you were Paulo, what should you do?

Application:1. From King Joashs and Paolos stories, how do you describe integrity?2. What do you think are the fruits of integrity?3. How is integrity seen in our Fellowship/community today? Give examples.4. How could you keep it up?

Song of reflection and analysis: This Little Light of MineThis little light of mine, I am gonna let it shine (repeat three times)Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

Hide it under a bushel, NO! I am gonna let it shine (repeat three times)Let it shine, let it shine, let it shineDont let satan blow it out, I am gonna let it shine (repeat three times) Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine


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Prayer:Dear Lord, I know it is hard to keep up integrity especially that there are so many pressures in

school, church, and home. At times we are guilty of inconsistently fulfilling our promise to You andcommit decisions that displeases You. I pray that you would always remind me of Your love and YourWord. Forgive us O God. This we pray and ask through the Mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lordand Savior, amen.

O may all who come behind us find us faithful.

Lesson III: FAITHFULNESS

Game: Whats Easier?Materials: 6 envelopes with Whats Easier written on the front; 6 papers with

following questions written on them, placed in 6 envelopes:Watching a scrap piece of paper burn in the fireplace or your favorite videogame melt?

Giving away your broken baby toy or your most-played-with toy?Throwing away a tattered old blanket or your perfectly soft sleeping pillow?Having your mom sell your bent up bike or your new scooter?Letting your brother use your old cd player or your brand new IPOD?Having your teacher confiscate your broken pencil or your cell phone?

The first person who can stand up and say a scripture verse from memory gets to come pick one ofthese envelopes. Have first child who says a verse come forward, open an envelope and answer theWhats Easier question. Repeat this process until all 6 questions have been read.

Is giving up that easy? If we were asked to give these things up, would we do it?How about if God didnt give up His son for us? What would have happened to us?

Object: CrownMotivation: Picture Analysis1. What is the picture about?2. What is the crown for?3. Who usually gets the crown?4. How does a person get a crown?

Lesson Presentation:A crown is worn by royalties, king, queen, prince and princess, especially during specialoccasions; but it is more popular now to be worn by a winning person in a beauty pageant. But beforethe person gets the crown, the person has to undergo a series of screenings. In order to win thecrown, the person has to work hard, and be faithful in abiding all the contest rules.


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Winning the crown may also represent motivation to others. In general usage, the crown doesnot only connote royalty or the monarch rule of kings and queens, unlike in the early centuries andother countries right now, but also a prize in which we ought to acquire whether we are rich or poor.

Jesus Christ has won the crown of resurrection after overcoming death at the cross. Jesus lifeand teachings have been a great motivation towards winning the same crown for eternity.

Our Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15: 58; Revelation 2: 10

Every day, our lives is like a contest. In the process of living out our faith, we arechallenged to be faithful until death. It is only in carrying out Gods work in Jesus Christfaithfully that we will be able to receive the crown of life.

Faithfulness is shown in ones life that even in hardships, sufferings, problems, rejections, andpersecutions, we cling to the promise that God will never leave nor forsake us.

Read 1 Corinthians 15:58 again.a. What does it mean to stand firm in the Lord? Give examples of events.

Read Revelation 2:10 again.a. Are there instances in your life when you consider it as suffering?

b. How is suffering for the sake of the Gospel different from worldly suffering?c. How willing are you to die because of your faithfulness to God?

Our Wesleyan Heritage:I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or

America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion withoutthe power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, anddiscipline with which they first set out, John Wesley.

Wesley urged us to be faithful to our doctrines, spirit and discipline in our service to the Lord.Dying does not only mean the death of the physical body but it could also mean dying in the spirit of

service; when we no longer share our faith to others; when we no longer do good; and contribute tothe transformation of our communities.

Group Discussion: ImagineJesus is standing with a youth. Jesus is holding the cross where He was crucified. On the

cross is an arrow sign leading to the direction where Jesus went. He asked the youth to hold thecross while He is gone for a while. The youth agreed. He held the cross. People passed and theyouth showed them the direction. He told all the people passing to follow the cross where Jesusleads. Thunder came. Heavy wind came. Earthquakes, hales and other calamities came one afteranother. The youth kept fast with the duty Jesus gave him. He tried to be faithful to Jesus. But strongstorm came, he let go. He was disheartened for he failed Jesus. He cried and confessed to Jesus

what had happened. Then, suddenly Jesus came and He reached out for the cross. He gave it to theyouth and held the youth up. Jesus embraced him and said, Child you have been faithful.

Now, Jesus is passing you the cross. Would you be faithful to keep it?


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Song of reflection and analysis: Find Us FaithfulWe're pilgrims on the journeyOf the narrow roadAnd those who've gone before us line the wayCheering on the faithful, encouraging the wearyTheir lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining graceSurrounded by so great a cloud of witnessesLet us run the race not only for the prize

But as those who've gone before usLet us leave to those behind usThe heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

ChorusOh may all who come behind us find us faithfulMay the fire of our devotion light their wayMay the footprints that we leaveLead them to believeAnd the lives we live inspire them to obeyOh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and goneAnd our children sift through all we've left behindMay the clues that they discover and the memories they uncoverBecome the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Repeat ChorusOh may all who come behind us find us faithfulOh may all who come behind us find us faithful

Application:

Share your experiences with your group when you did a work responsibly and faithfully.Read 1 Corinthians 9: 24-27a) What kind of competition is presented in this passage?b) When have you witnessed and/or participated such competition? How did it impact you?c) What impression did you get from the verse?

Prayer:Sing the suggested song once again without any musical instrument and make it as your

prayer before ending the lesson.


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"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing."

Benjamin Franklin

Lesson IV: LIVING BY EXAMPLE

Game: The Changing BallForm a big circle and pass a ball. The leader will blow his whistle and say, Pass

the dumbbell. The person holding the ball must pass the ball to the next person and actas if s/hes holding is a dumbbell. The person to receive the dumbbell must be ready incase the leader changes the name of the ball, e.g. ballpen, box, glass, etc. Each playermust be ready to receive the ball according to the most recent description the leaderannounced.

How is changing ball seen in our lives?Do people really see Christ Jesus in us or are they seeing a different one?

Object: Mirror

Motivation: Mirror reflection analysis1. Look at the mirror in front of you. What do you see?2. Remove the mirror in front of you. What do you see now?3. Look at the mirror again. What message would you like to tell to the person in the mirror?

Lesson Presentation:What we see in the mirror is the reflection of our own self. But as Christians, Jesus is also

reflected in our lives through our thoughts, words, and deeds.1. As a Christian, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is shown in our everyday life. That is,

knowing and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.2. We should develop the gifts that God gives us. The primary gift is to relate with people and

become agents of transformation through the kind of life, people see in us.3. Christians should be willing to learn so we can develop our full potential as persons created inthe image of God.4. We should also be willing to change. Change begins when we open our eyes, minds andhearts to new ideas.

Our Scripture: 1 Timothy 4: 12In this passage, Paul tells Timothy not to allow others despise him because he is

young, and encouraged him to set an example for the believers through speech, andconduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

Here, we see how Paul has encouraged the youth to take action on issues athand. The whole text of 1 Timothy chapter 4 talks about the false teachings in Timothys time.Timothy, a young prophet is being asked to shine and speak Gods Word among the people. Timothyis still young but Gods Spirit is using him to shame the adults who continually commit sinful acts.Clearly, hope is seen among Gods people through the you th. If it is hard to correct the adults, then itis the best time to educate the youth. Our society now has slowly accepted the great role of the


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younger generation as the hope of today. Youth now is involved in decision- and policy-making of theworld. No longer are we the future change but of the present.

Youth now, like Timothy, should set as an example of our church in bringing about unity andpeace in times of conflict and disagreements. The youth is recognized as movers of the land. It is avery big advantage for the youth to get involved in the ministry as early as now. God can use anyone,regardless of age, to do His ministry among the people. Timothys life is a good example of howChristian youth should live their lives not only during Sundays but in every second. Our life is atestimony and we reflect what we haveif the Holy Spirit is in us, it will show.

The vision of a hope for a new future is concluded with Gods assurance. It is God himself whospeaks: I have promised that I would do thisand I will. I, the Lord, have spoken. (Ezekiel 37: 14b)God is the source of hope and life. Gods word is the source of empowerment and renewal.

Our Wesleyan Heritage:The Methodist revival was started by John and Charles Wesley at a time that industrialization

is gaining momentum in England. People from rural areas flocked to the urban areas to find job ascoal miners and industry workers. Nevertheless, economic progress has benefited only the rich. Sideby side with industrialization was the continuing marginalization of the poor.Spiritual life during the beginning of the Methodist movement was declining. The Anglican Church

during Wesleys time has lost its power to shape the spiritual life of the people. It has becomeirrelevant to the present realities of the society.

Wesley and the early Methodists sought to become a beacon of hope in England by igniting arevival that would transform the lives of countless individuals and of England as a country. In theirtheology and practice, they emphasized the importance of both personal conversion and the need forreform within the society. No other individual has exhibited a creative balance between individualtransformation and social reform in the way that John Wesley did. He believed that Godstransforming grace is real in the life of the individual and of the society. That conviction led Wesley tovigorously combine evangelistic work with ministries that would alleviate the suffering of the poor,orphan, workers, the sick and needy. Bishop Reuben P. Job states: The gap between the rich andthe poor was a constant source of irritation and pain to John Wesley. He was convinced that the

scripture taught that there was enough for everyone and that it was the responsibility of those whohave to share with those who have not. (The Wesleyan Spiritual Reader, p. 30).

Methodist revival has spread not only in England but in the entire globe. It served as agent ofhope and new life by transforming the lives of millions of individuals and of different societies whereGods life-giving power was proclaimed in word and deed by the Methodist peoples.

Group Discussion:Gareth Bolton has been going around the world, sharing the Gospel. Gareth has served God

for over 20 years now since he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Gareth, beforecommitting full time into missions, worked as a school teacher. During his teaching career, he hadhad worked with a very unlikely person. Gareth, every morning, regularly greets everybody in school,

including the school janitress and one gloomy co-teacher. The gloomy teacher only worked in theschool for one year and then resigns from the job and left. Gareth didnt remember talking to thatteacher.

A year after, Gareth found a post card from someone. In it says, Thank you very much! If itsnot for you, I might not have known Jesus Christ. The letter was from the gloomy teacher. Gareth,startled, couldnt believe what he read. He saw the teachers face in the picture full of joy while doingmissions with her missionary husband. Gareth thought over the thank you card from his former co -


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teacher. Then he remembered one instance. It was a regular day in school. While the faculty waseating lunch, Gareth was busy doing something for his class. He came in late for lunch, which is whyhe had to wash all the dishes (as a policy among the faculty). While washing, he was singing a hymnand smiling when the gloomy teacher passed by. The co-teacher stopped and asked Gareth why heis so happy. Gareth answered, because I have Jesus Christ in my life.

The gloomy teacher went back to her classroom and thought about what Gareth said. At thatmoment, she decided to know Christ. She resigned and went into missions. Months later, she met amissionary and they married.

Challenge: Have we been a good example to others? Are we living our lives worthy to befollowed?

Song of reflection and analysis: Make Me A ServantMake me a servant, humble and meekLord, let me lift up, those who are weak.And may the pray'r of my heart always be;Make me a servant, make me a servant,Make me a servant, today.

Application:

In what ways can we live by example?What do the following passages say about our lifestyle?

1. Proverbs 10:322. Romans 12: 143. 1 Peter 2: 14. Matthew 22:37-395. 3 John 11

Prayer:Dear Lord, forgive me for all the wrongdoings I have done. Forgive me if my actions made

others stumble in their faith. Let me your light shine through me O God that in everything that I do,

Your love will be seen and not my own. Thank you for living in me, through Jesus Christ our Lord,amen.

I run towards the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. Philippians 3: 14a

Lesson V: COMMITMENT

Game: Grease ballMaterials: Volleyball lined with grease or vegetable oil to make it slippery. One

person is the thrower, and everyone else stands as a group a few meters away fromhim.


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The thrower tosses the ball towards everyone and announces a number starting with 50 up to500 in increases of 50 (50, 100, 150, 200, ).

If a player catches it, he earns the points shouted by the thrower. If he drops it, he loses thesame number of points (negative scores are possible). The first person to get 500 points wins andbecomes the thrower for the next game.

Object: SwordMotivation: Picture Analysis

1. Identify the object.2. What is that for?3. Who usually uses the sword?

Lesson Presentation:The sword is one of the primary weapons used by soldiers in the Old Testament times and

even during Jesus times. It is used to fight the enemy and defeat them. Enemies can only bedefeated if the fighter fights with commitment. We can say that a fight is a good fight if:

1. It is being fought. A fight can only be considered a fight if an action occurs.2. It is fought for a worthy cause. Soldiers fight in defense of the country and to maintain peace

and order.

Our Scripture: Ephesians 6: 10-18; Nehemiah 4: 16-18Paul reminded Timothy to fight the good fight of faith. As UMYFPs, we are alsochallenged to do as what Timothy was advised. Serving God is like fightingit needscommitment that would last for a lifetime, seeing a future with hope.

In the book of Ephesians Paul is reminding Christians to stay on guard against the spiritualenemynot the flesh but the spiritual world. After we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, weare expected to follow His steps and commands from His word. God has provided us the tools toprotect ourselves against spiritual attack. Paul gave concrete weapons: belt of truth, breastplate of

righteousness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.Sword of the Spirit. When Nehemiah was leading the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, he

instructed the workers to hold one arm with hammer and the other with a sword. There were leaderswho opposed Nehemiahs move and so they were trying stop the construction by sending soldiers todestroy it. So to be on guard, workers in Jerusalem, while building the wall, is ready to defend the citywith their sword on the other hand.

We can see how committed the workers were with their responsibility. They were dedicated toaccomplish the task Nehemiah gave them. They were encouraged to finish the work because of theirhope to live peacefully in a land without war and conflict; a land where their children could freely playand learn.

We Christians should also manifest that hope, found only in Christ Jesus. We should strive to

hold on to our faith, stay fast in the Lord, and bring the message to the peoples of the earth so thatwhen the day comes that Jesus would come back, we will achieve that future of eternal joy.

As Christians, what does it mean to go to the battlefield?What are we expected to do when we encounter evil forces?How would you rank your commitment to the cause of Gospel?


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Our Wesleyan Heritage:The Methodist revival was started by John and Charles Wesley at a time that industrialization

is gaining momentum in England. People from rural areas flocked to the urban areas to find job ascoal miners and industry workers. Nevertheless, economic progress has benefited only the rich. Sideby side with industrialization was the continuing marginalization of the poor people.

Spiritual life during the beginning of the Methodist movement was declining. The AnglicanChurch during Wesleys time has lost its power to shape the spiritual life of the people. It has become

irrelevant to the present realities of the society.Wesley and the early Methodists sought to become a beacon of hope in England by igniting a

revival that would transform the lives of countless individuals and of England as a country. In theirtheology and practice, they emphasized the importance of both personal conversion and the need forreform within the society. No other individual has exhibited a creative balance between individualtransformation and social reform in the way that John Wesley did. He believed that Godstransforming grace is real in the life of the individual and of the society. That conviction led Wesley tovigorously combine evangelistic work with ministries that would alleviate the suffering of the poor,orphan, workers, the sick and needy. Bishop Reuben P. Job states: The gap between the rich andthe poor was a constant source of irritation and pain to John Wesley. He was convinced that thescripture taught that there was enough for everyone and that it was the responsibility of those who

have to share with those who have not. (The Wesleyan Spiritual Reader, p. 30).Methodist revival has spread not only in England but in the entire globe. It served as agent of

hope and new life by transforming the lives of millions of individuals and of different societies whereGods life-giving power was proclaimed in word and deed by the Methodist peoples. If not for theWesleys commitment, such revival would never happen.

Group Discussion:Imagine your small group as the only Infantry Battalion (soldiers) tasked to attack the enemy of

the other camp to save mankind. The General divided you into two separate groups as strategy, andbefore you left the General asked you to keep one promise, which is to come back safe andcomplete. While camping out, the second group went secretly to the enemys base to make a surprise

attack. However, that group didnt know that the enemy has been observing them too, and so theywere captured and brought to the enemys camp. Early the next morning, your group found a letterattached to an arrow thrown from the enemys camp. The letterstated their soon victory aftercapturing some soldiers. You were scared; first, in keeping your commitment to the General, andsecond, in saving your own lives.

Challenge: What would you do to keep your covenant and at the same time, save your lives?

Song of reflection and analysis: A charge to keep I have (UMH)A charge to keep I have,a God to glorify,a never-dying soul to save,

and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,my calling to fulfill;O may it all my powers engageto do my Master's will!


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Arm me with jealous care,as in thy sight to live,and oh, thy servant, Lord,prepare a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,and on thyself rely,assured, if I my trust betray,

I shall forever die.

Application:How is commitment shown in the life of our church?

Read the following passages:1. Ezekiel 25: 18 What can you say about Ezekiels commitment?2. Acts 16:22-23; 2 Timothy 4:6-7 How would you describe Pauls commitment?

Prayer:

Lord, I give myself to You, whatever the cost may be. Take every aspect of my life and useme for Your Kingdom to glorify Your Name. I'm not here on earth to do my own thing, to seek myown fulfillment or my own glory. I'm not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, toimpress people to be popular, to prove I'm somebody important, or to promote myself. I'm not here toeven be relevant or successful by human standards. I'm here to please You. To live like this, I yieldmyself to You, to know You, to love You, to obey You, and to grow in your Holy fear. I desire tobecome a person who understands and lives in reverent awe of You. I'll do anything that You wantme to do, go anywhere that You want me to go and say anything that You want me to say. Father,there isn't any gift that You have for me that I don't want. If You want to use me in a way that I'm notused to, I yield myself to that. Today, I affirm my love for You, my God, and I choose to live andminister in Your way. I trust You, Lord, to do that which I cannot do for myself. Teach me, guide me,

and empower me to fear Your name.In the Name of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, for the glory of the Father, I pray, Amen.

(http://worldmissionary.org/AboutUs/CommitmentPrayer/tabid/1099/Default.aspx)

About the writer

REV. IRENIA RESPUESTO is presently the District Superintendent of Central VisayasDistrict- Visayas Philippines Annual Conference since 2006. She earned a degree in ElementaryEducation in 1992. In 2000, she graduated Master of Divinity at Union Theological College. In 2001 to

2002, she was appointed as Annual Youth Coordinator for the UMYFP. She is a faculty of the Schoolfor Christian Youth Development in the annual level since 2006, leading Hermeneutics, Sermon.Now, she is the administrative pastor of Valencia UMC, Negros Oriental. She is blessed with twolovely children: Jarred, 14, and Ira, 10.


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Song of Reflection and Analysis:

What Faith Can Do

by Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes

Gotta find the strength to rise

From the ashes and make a new beginning

Anyone can feel the ache

You think its more than you can takeBut you're stronger, stronger than you know

Dont you give up now

The sun will soon be shining

You gotta face the clouds

To find the silver lining

Ive seen dreams that move the mountains

Hope that doesnt ever end

Even when the sky is falling

Ive seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered

Broken hearts become brand new

Thats what faith can do

It doesnt matter what youve heard

Impossible is not a word

Its just a reason for someone not to try

Everybodys scared to death

When they decide to take that step

Out on the water

Itll be alright

Life is so much more

Than what your eyes are seeing

You will find your way

If you keep believing




Ive seen miracles just happenSilent prayers get answered



Overcome the odds

You don't have a chance

(Thats what faith can do)

When the world says you cant

Itll tell you that you can!




And Ive seen miracles just happen

Silent prayers get answered



That's what faith can do!

Even if you fall sometimes

You will have the strength to rise

Lesson I: A ChristiAn youth living in gods wAy

Introductory ActivityWrite a check on the blank before each number if the description applies to you. Write an X if it is not.

_______1. Texting while the worship service is going on._______2. Listening carefully during the sermon._______3. Giggling when someone makes a mistake._______4. Wakes up early to attend the Sunday Worship.


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_______5. Leads the UMYF visitation and Bible studies._______6. Donates old clothes and other items for church relief operations._______7. Active in the district activities but inactive in the local UMYF chapter._______8. Participates in ministries and non-governmental organizations on social justice and peace.

Our Scripture:Read I Timothy 6: 9-14

Pauls First Letter to Timothy is one of the so-called Pastoral Letters. It is an olderpastors (Paul) advice to a younger pastor (Timothy), his co-worker. It contains practicalinstruction to Timothy about his responsibilities.In this certain passage, Paul urged Timothy to stop the false teachers whose lives were

characterized by foolish arguments and immorality. Timothy is admonished to strengthen thebelievers and to remain faithful to Christ. But you man of God, avoid all these things (v. 6:11).Paulurged Timothy to shun from the evil and destructive practices he mentioned in verses 3-10: jealousy,disputes, insults, evil suspicions, constant arguments, making business out of religion, and love ofmoney.

Christian youth are called to seek the better way. Maintaining a righteous life does not meanthat we will not associate with or befriend other people. Jesus himself ate with sinners. But living with

sinners does not mean living like sinners. We should not withdraw ourselves from the societywhere we live in. Rather, we should seek to transform the societies where we belong by faithfullyliving out the way of Jesus Christ. It is not impossible to live with others, including the non-believers,while remaining faithful to the Christian standards of morality and ethics.

For some, it is easier to live the way most people live. Simply go with the flow and life will becomfortable. When we faithfully live out our Christian faith, we will find ourselves at odds with thestandards of the society. Often, young people who strive to make a difference are called kill joy. Buta Christian youth should strive to make a difference not simply to be different. Our faith in JesusChrist calls us to live a holy life even when others do not.

It is not enough to avoid every kind of evil. Paul admonished the young Timothy to strive forrighteousness, godly life, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Similarly, the three simple rules of

Wesleyan way of living does not end with the admonition to do no harm or evil. Wesley goes on bysaying that we should do what is good. Christian life is not simply about donts. As we avoid evil, weshould not also fail to do good works. We may avoid all kinds of vices or we avoid hurting people butto remain passive to the need of others still constitutes a sin. We have to zealously do acts of charity,compassion and justice to other people.

Run yourselfin the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself (v. 6:12).Paul acknowledgedthe fact that Christian living will meet an opposition along the waypeoples, events and sometimesour very own selfish desires. A Christian youth must strive for eternal life and remain faithful up to theend.

Our Wesleyan HeritageJohn Wesley and the members of the Holy Club, and later of the entire early Methodist

movement struggled to live out Pauls admonition to Timothy to live a holy life and make a differencein the world where they lived. Methodists were expected to do no harm, do good, and attend upon allthe ordinances of God.

Wesley advised all Methodists to live out the spirit of Scriptural Christianity. In his sermon,The Marks of a Methodist, Wesley described a Methodist as someone who has the love of God in


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his hearthe prays without ceasing, pure in heart, whose will is not his own but Gods will, whokeeps the commandments of God, and does good to other people. In another sermon, he stated tha tMethodism is no other than love, the love of God and of all mankind , (Sermon 132).

Wesley said: By Methodists, I mean, a people who profess to pursue (in whatsoever measurethey have attained) holiness of heart and life, inward and outward conformity in all things to therevealed will of God; who place religion in an uniform resemblance of the great object of it; in a steadyimitation of Him they worship, in all his imitable perfections; more particularly in justice, mercy, truth,or universal love filling the heart, and governing the life(Advice to the People Called Methodists).

Bishop Rueben Job, in his book A Wesleyan Spiritual Readerstates that the early Methodistswere easily recognized by people because of their lives. Other persons will recognize us asMethodists and say I see youre a Methodist,when we live a holy and loving life. How about theUMYFers? Have you experienced someone telling you: I see you are a UMYF?

A meaningful and relevant Christian youth engagement starts with a transformed personal liferooted in the Christian faith and guided by Gods Word.

Our ContextJosh is an active UMYF enrolled in a famous university in Baguio. Since childhood, Christian

discipline is his way of life. He was taught to abstain from gambling, drinking and smoking. Despitestrong pressure from friends and classmates to drink alcohol, try smoking, and other practice that

contradicts Christian lifestyle, he was able to faithfully adhere to Christian ethical and moralstandards.

A recent report from the Department of Health (DOH) revealed that there is a significantincrease in number of young people affected by HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases(STDs). The report further stated that this is due the ever-rising number of young people engaged inpre-marital sex.

Some young people succumb to the temptation to go with the flow in order to gainacceptance in their respective groups and communities. For some, it is matter of survival. They haveto do what others are doing in order to avoid insults or being ridiculed as self-righteous or having aholier than thou attitude. How about you?

Points of Reflection Are there prevailing social and personal lifestyles that contradict the Christian faith? What

would you do about them? How is Pauls advice to Timothy being lived out by the UMYFers today? How can we live our Christian convictions faithfully in a hostile community without being

labeled as self-righteous or perceived by others as having a holier-than-thou attitude? Is John Wesleys description of Methodists and of Methodism fits the way we United Methodist

Christians act and behave today? How can you live up these descriptions? Why is it that some UMYFers today are more attracted to fraternities, groups and other non -

church events/organizations than the church fellowships and activities? What does thisindicate about the influence of the Christian faith to our young people?

How does our faith in Christ affect our conduct and the way we relate with other people in thecommunity?

Personal Reflection:Reflect on your self evaluation above and compare it with Pauls advise to Timothy.

What weaknesses do you find in yourself? ____________________________ What strengths do you have? ________________________


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What should be changed in your life? _____________________________

To live in Christ is to give all that we are, have and hope to become to Gods direction. Bishop Reuben P. Job (The Wesleyan Spiritual Reader)

Prayer:O Lord, this solemn prayer comes from deep desire, may our lives be as pure as candle fire. Let

our every breath dispel the worlds gloom; let our spirits glow so brightly that darkness meets its

doom. May we be faithfully drawn to learning as the moth is drawn to the candles burning. May ourlived be devoted to serving the needy and to loving a sorrowful, ever suffering humanity. Lead usaway from the path of temptation. O Lord, let truth alone be our destination. Amen. (The UnitedMethodist Book of Worship, 522)

Lesson II: YOUTH ENGAGE

Introductory Activity: In every item, check the column which applies to you.Situation Engaged Not

EngagedTree PlantingActive in Sangguniang Kabataan

Evangelistic CrusadesStudent Body OrganizationWorking with the poor and abusedFeeding programsDisaster Response TeamJail and Hospital Ministries

Our Scripture: Daniel 1:1-7, 3:1-30The story about Daniel and his friends was a depiction of the lives of thousand Jewish

refugees exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon as captives during the rise of power of Babylonian King

Nebuchadnezzar.Although the Jewish captives were minority and suppressed people during that time, thesituation they were facing was not too bad. They were given a good bit of social freedom andeconomic opportunity. In fact, Daniel and his friends were given a chance to develop themselves andto live with prosperity. They were made not as caregivers, salesmen or laborers in a construction sitebut as scholars to serve in the royal court of Babylon. It was a good opportunity for them to survive inthat foreign land.


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The most serious adjustment for Daniel and his friends in Babylon, though, was the religion. AsJews, their faith had been oriented in the land of Palestine, the inheritance Yahweh had given them;and to the Temple in Jerusalem, the place where Yahweh dwell in the midst of worshipping people.They had grown up as typical Jews who had been brought up with the teachings of the Torah and theProphets. But now, they were brought to a pagan world, a country which cultures and practices areabsolutely strange to them. The actual challenge: The king ordered them to worship a gold statue, aman-made goda paltry idea absolutely contrary to the Jewish belief that it is God who madehumans, not otherwise.

However, they are now facing that difficult situation. Whether they like it or not, they need toengage. They need to decide for themselves and to do something! Are they to obey the kings orderto disregard their faith in Yahweh or to stay loyal to their treasured Jewish faith and be thrown into theblazing furnace? The situation they were facing is both political and religious. The order came fromthe king, a political figure, but the order is a religious one. The real options given to Daniels friendswere not Yahweh or the gold statue but rather it was either Yahweh or the King!

Daniels friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, stood on their faith to Yahweh in dealingwith the government. They were steadfast and unshakable despite of the assured punishment ofbeing thrown to the blazing furnace. They know that to obey God means disobeying the king and toobey the king means disobeying God. Nevertheless, they chose to follow God and remained faithfulto him.

Our Wesleyan Heritage:John Wesley lived and ministered at a time when England was in turmoil due to poverty and

spiritual decay. Yet he said: I look upon the entire world as my parish. He proclaimed the good newsby preaching the Word and engaging in social actions. He fought against gambling, drunkenness, andprostitution in Bath City, England. Gambling lords, vice madams, and liquor dealers went to the BigBoss of Bath, Beau Nash to drive John Wesley away from the city but they failed. The Goliath ofBath was defeated by John Wesley and his companions for winning the sympathy of the majority ofthe crowd.

Frances E. Willard was a child of a Methodist home. At home and in the Methodist church she

gained a deep religious experience and conviction. She started as a school teacher and later becamea valiant Christian of the fight against liquor traffic and the long battle for womens rights. She was apresident of the Womens Temperance Union, an organization dedicated to the abolition of liquortrade, and her wide influence is recognized by having a bust placed in the Hall of Fame in 1923. At acity in the US in the late 1890s, she had just finished speaking to a large audience which had satcaptivated by her eloquent attack on alcoholic liquor traffic, a big man, the saloon keeper came up toher in a belligerent mood, and while wagging his finger and shaking his fist, commanded her, Youmind your own business! Frances looked at him with curiosity, but she was not afraid of the man.She replied in her soft voice: I am minding my own business. Men, women, and children are mybusiness because they are Gods business. Anything that tramples on them, degrades them, andbrings poverty, disease and shame to them, is the business of God their Father, and of Gods Church.

You mind the Devils business and yours, and I will mind Gods business and mine! Several United Methodist brothers and sisters show us a fine example of an engaging faith

during the Martial Law years. They believed that social justice is the business of God and GodsChurch. The UMC Philippines centennial bookaptly states: The worsened peace and order situationwould seem to deter the mission thrust of the church, as clashes between the government forces andcommunist rebels increased and restrictions in gatherings, imposition of curfew, the many incidenceof strafing of communities discouraged church activities. Developments in the church, however,


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showed that the church broke out of this delicate situation and engaged in vigorous activities ofchurch mission. Though assailed by the repression of the military regime and endangered by attacksof communist rebels in the countryside, the church carried on the evangelistic activities.

In June 26, 1974, Rev. La Verne Mercado, former national president of the Methodist YouthFellowship and the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)during the Martial Law years, and others were arrested following the NCCPs issuance of a strongstatement condemning the US military presence in the Philippines.

Our ContextWe are currently on the period of transition from GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) to P-Noy

(Benigno Noynoy Aquino, III) Administration. People have high hopes and expectations from thenew administration which is taking pride of bringing the country towards a daang matuwid.

The world is the place where God appointed us to serve. We are church people but we are notconfined inside the four corners of our church building. The Church exists in and for the world. We arepart of the world and our mission is in the world. Our biblical, Christian and Wesleyan heritageteaches us to engage our faith to the realities of our time. The stories above are clear indication thatthe religious faith of the Methodists has generated power for social action and human welfare. TheChristian faith is personal, but it is never private.

Points of Reflection: The ABS-CBN program Ako ang Simula encourages many Filipino Citizens to do changes

which is beneficial to their local communities. As UMYFers, what actions, projects, andpolicies can you start in your organization, local churches, districts, communities thatcontribute change?

The 1987 Philippine Constitution has a provision regarding Church and State Relations. InArticle II, Section 6, it states that The separation of the Church and the State is inviolableTheState should not favor any denomination above the others, and the Church should not controlthe political affairs of the country. How can we consider these vis-a-vis our call to engage?

When a certain government policy or law contradicts with your Christian faith, which one

prevails in your life? What are you going to follow? What prevents you from faithfully living your call as agents of change in the society? What social issue concerns you? What specific action you can do in response to it?

For personal reflection:When Christians are caught in the midst of an event in which they have to choose between

their faith in God and their loyalty to the civilian/government authorities/policies, some will choose towithdraw from the situation and remain confined to the four walls of the church. Some find it easier toremain silent in order to avoid confrontation. For others, it is better to conform than to suffer. Yetthere are those who believe that our loyalty to God is above our loyalty to all other authorities. Howabout you?

______________________________________________________________________________

What matters in life, is not great deeds, but great love.St. Therese of Lisieux

Prayer:O God of all times and places, we pray for your Church, which is set today amid the

perplexities of changing order, and face to face with new tasks. Baptize her afresh with the life-giving


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spirit of Jesus. Bestow upon her a great responsiveness to duty, a swifter compassion with suffering,and an utter loyalty to your will. Help her to proclaim boldly the coming of your kingdom. Put upon herlips the ancient gospel of her Lord. Fill her with the prophets scorn of tyranny, and with a Christ-liketenderness for the heavily laden and downtrodden. Bid her cease from seeking her own life, lest shelose it. Make her valiant to give up her life to humanity, that, like her crucified Lord, she may mount bythe path of the cross to a higher glory; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The UnitedMethodist Book of Worship, 504)

Lesson III: CALLED TO BRING LIFE

Opening Activity:Life is complete when ____________________

Our Scripture:Read John 10:7-15In Greek, the term used for life is zoe. It means the divine life that God gives. A personwho receives Jesus will experience the joy, peace, and abundance of life that Godgives.

In the Gospel of John, life, particularly eternal lifedoes not only mean the life after death thatwill be spent in heaven in eternity. John 3:16 is clear; Whoever believes in me will not perish buthave eternal life. This means that this life starts at the moment a person believes in Jesus Christ.Eternal life therefore means the quality of life in God joy, peace, salvation, righteousness, and lovewhich starts and can be experienced in the present life. It is primarily the quality, not the quantity oflife.

John 10:10 is part of Jesus discourse where he presented himself as the good shepherd whogives life to his sheep, contrary to a thief who comes only to steal, kill, anddestroy. As a shepherd,Jesus protects, feeds and nurtures his sheep. Throughout His ministry He has shown us concretelife-giving examples:

- Willingness to offer His life for people;- Caring for people;- Feeding the hungry, healing the sick;- Forgiving the sinners, loving all kinds of people, and proclaiming the Good News.

The supreme example of Jesus self giving and life-giving love is his sacrifice in the cross.However, long before his crucifixion and death, Jesus already gave his entire life in loving andserving the people.

The task of bringing life starts with our very own experience of the life-giving grace and love ofGod. It is manifested in a life dedicated in Gods service. I t is a life committed to enabling others toexperience the fullness of Gods love.


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Our mission is to bring life to the world, and bring life means bringing Gods love by our worddeed. Bishop Joseph Schnase said: The stories, teachings and parables of Jesus consistently pointtoward Gods love for the poor, the sick, the outcast, and those most vulnerable to oppressions ofsocietythe life of service flows naturally and inescapably from the teachings of Jesus Christ, and nocongregation or disciple can avoid the direct gift and demand of Gods call to love and serve others.

Our Wesleyan Heritage

Christian ministry calls us to look beyond ourselves and to leave our comfort zones in order tobring Gods healing love to others. Sometimes, the task of bringing life comes with the realization thatwe need to lose our own lives in order for others to live.

Throughout its more than 200 years of ministering to people around the globe, Methodists havebeen involved in various ministries that enabled people to experience Gods gift of life. In thefootsteps of Jesus our savior and of John Wesley our founder, Methodists preached the good newsfed the hungry, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, took care of the orphans, built hospitals,fought for justice, opposed wars and established communities of faith.

John Wesley would have been contented with his present status as a clergy of the AnglicanChurch. With all his academic expertise, he would rather stay as a teacher at the University of Oxford.As an ordained Anglican priest, he has a guaranteed parish appointment. But his life-changing

experience of Gods grace led him to lead the Methodist movement that would later shape the life ofEngland and the entire world. Wesley left his comfort zones and went to the streets to preach thegospel. He went begging for financial assistance to the poor children and the widows. He lived a verysimple life, because he does not want to live in extravagance while the poor are dying of hunger. Healso made sure that the income from his books will benefit the poor, including the indigent preachersand their families.

Our Context: Woman feeds the hungrySUMMERVILLE -- The woman sat in her truck crying before she went in. Sixty-four years old,

never out of a job, now she was about to ask for help with food from a small, rural church she doesn't

attend.Inside she is greeted by the light in Gladys Edge's eye. Quit it, Edge tells her, only half-kidding.

"You come into here crying and you cause me to cry."The next person into God's Kitchen at Murray United Methodist Church stumbles a moment at the

door. Edge turns and shakes her head.Gladys Edge packs a box in God's Kitchen at Murray United Methodist Church. About helping

others, she said 'That's what God wants us to do, isn't it?'"Anybody who trips over something coming into the church, I have to charge them $10," she says,

gently ribbing. The woman looks up almost frightened, then smiles. People keep coming in, carrying atoddler, leaning stiffly on a cane, shuffling with eyes squinting sightless and hands out in front.Sometimes the line stretches out the door.

Edge leads them one by one into the food pantry, where she and other church volunteers stock abox of food. She thinks about the food store that turned down her plea for supplies, telling her foodbanks make people lazy.

"You know," she says, "therere some people in Summerville who don't think hunger is going on."Edge won't tell exactly how old she is. She doesn't drive, so day after day she gets rides to storeslooking for sales or donations, or to other churches, to ask members for their help. Maybe the mostremarkable thing about her is, she's not all that unusual.


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She is the sort of everyday person who makes up the soul of the Lowcountry -- quietly doingwhat they can to meet a need that grows in the recession as the means to help shrinks.

"I don't know that anybody would recognize she is a hero in the community. But golly day, if wehad more people like her everyone in the community would be much better," said Art Rooney, aBethany United Methodist Church member, in Summerville, who came to help at the kitchen with hiswife, Helen.

Edge is down to earth. She lives with "the meanest dog in the world, but he's got a lawyer," ina home that might be more modest than the homes of some of those asking for help. "You're here

today. I may be here tomorrow," she says. She can be abrupt and no-nonsense, looking someone inthe eye who's lying about their need and telling them off.

But she won't say no. She makes sure a modest food and clothes pantry in an off-to-the-sidechurch keeps a big hand out to people in her community.

"Whatever it takes. She's an extraordinary person. She always there," said fellow churchmember Sara Grant.

Edge hasn't had it easy. She was forced to retire early from work at a center for mentally andphysically disabled people when she was attacked by a client and severely injured. All her life,though, she has wanted to work helping to feed people. She helped form God's Kitchen after an olderacquaintance took in six grandchildren at the death of their mother, then half-starved herself to carefor them.

Edge's persistence helped turn the pantry from a tiny, congregation-stocked effort to acommunity-wide endeavor. When someone coming for help tries to thank her, she turns it gentlyaside.

"You know, I get thanked every day when I get up, because God gets me up," she says.Christians are called to cultivate a culture of life by promoting peace, solidarity, equality, justice andreconciliation. (Story from www.umc.org)

Points of Reflection:1. What is your understanding of eternal life? Compare/contrast it to the meaning of eternal life

presented in this lesson.2. Identify the outreach ministries in your local church? What are the concrete impacts of these

ministries in the life of your community?3. What have you done in the last 3 months to make a positive difference in the life of others?4. What are your comfort zones that you need to leave in order for you to respond to the call to

serve others?

For Personal Reflection:On the blank below, write your personal reflection on the following statement:

Life finds its fullness only when it is shared to others.A fulfilled life is a life lived in the service of our neighbors.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Prayer:O God, help me to live everyday to your glory, to give my life in the service of the needy, and

to make my whole life an answer to someones prayer. Amen.


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Lesson IV: HOPE IN THE MIDST OF Despair

Opening Activity:Discus the following: Have you ever seen a skeleton? Where? How did it make you feel?

Our Scripture:Read Ezekiel 37:1-14Ezekiel lived as an exile in Babylon before and after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC.His message was addressed to the Israelites who were exiled in Babylon and to the

people of Jerusalem.One of the reasons why Israel was led into an apostasy (turning away from God and following

other gods), and later into exile is because of the evil precepts and example of their political leaders.Ezekiel 34:2-9 describes the rulers of Israel as people who care for their self interests whileneglecting the needs of the people (v. 2), they benefit from the people, but they never tend them (v.3), they have not taken care of the weak, sick, the ones that are hurt, those who wandered and lost.Instead, they treated them cruelly (v. 4).

The Israelites were forced to leave the land God gave them. They were forced to live in aforeign land, abused and suffered all kinds of oppression, which adversely affected their dignity asindividuals and as a nation. As captive in a foreign land, the Israelites were longing for a time whenthey can return to live in their home, to freely cultivate their vineyards, tend their flocks, worship in theTemple and live freely as a community. They were not certain whether Israel will be restored again asa nation, or if God will bring them back home. In the midst of such desperate situation, Ezekielproclaimed his hope for the renewal of the life of the nation, which is currently in a state ofdestruction, apostasy and hopelessness. The vision of dry bones is meant to illustrate how Israel,which is seemingly hopeless, would be revived and restored.

Let us look at the main parts of our texts closely:Very many bones and that they were very dry(v. 2). It indicates that it had been a long time

since they were alive. It is possible that this term emphasizes the hopelessness of restoration forIsrael. This is explained in verse 11, where God himself likened Israel to these bones: dried up, nofuture and no hope.

Mortal man, can these bones come back to life?(v. 3). This question heightens theimpossibility of restoration from the human point of view. It reflects the growing hopelessness of theIsraelites to return in their own land.

Tell these dry bones to listen to the word of the Lord (v. 4-6). Verses 4-6 contain Godspromise of restoration for Gods people. The bones will be covered with sinews and muscles and becovered with skin. God will put breath and bring them back to life.

Verses 7-10portrays the fulfillment of Gods words. The bones were joined together; theywere covered with sinews, muscles and skins. Wind was breathed into the bodies, and the bodiescame to life and stood up. In the Hebrew language, ruachis the tem used for wind (v. 9) and spirit(v. 14). Ruachsymbolizes the divine power that gives life. This is the same term used in Genesis 2:7when God breathed into the human beings the breath of life. God did not simply put an air or oxygenin Adams lungs, but God imparted life to him. In both texts (Gen. 2:7 and Eze. 37:9, 14), ruachdoes


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not simply mean an air or oxygen, but the divine life imparted by God, the life-giving power of God. Infact, the process of restoration of life to the bones is similar to the two ways human being wasoriginally created (Gen. 2:7). The same God who created man out of the ground is the same God whowill restore life to Israel. The same breath of life from God that gave life to human beings is thesame spirit which will bring hope and new future for Israel. Gods people will be restored into life,brought home, and they shall live again in their own land.

The vision of a hope for a new future is concluded with Gods assurance. It is God himself whospeaks: I have promised that I would do this and I will. I, the LORD have spoken (v. 14b). God is

the source of hope and life. Gods word is the source of empowerment and renewal.

Our Wesleyan HeritageThe Methodist revival was started by John and Charles Wesley at a time that industrialization

is gaining momentum in England. People from rural areas flocked to the urban areas to find job ascoal miners and industry workers. Nevertheless, economic progress has benefited only the rich. Sideby side with industrialization was the continuing marginalization of the poor people.Spiritual life during the beginning of the Methodist movement was declining. The Anglican Churchduring Wesleys time has lost its power to shape the spiritual life of the people. It has becomeirrelevant to the present realities of the society.

Wesley and the early Methodists sought to become a beacon of hope in England by igniting arevival that would transform the lives of countless individuals and of England as a country. In theirtheology and practice, they emphasized the importance of both personal conversion and the need forreform within the society. No other individual has exhibited a creative balance between individualtransformation and social reform in the way that John Wesley did. He believed that Godstransforming grace is real in the life of the individual and of the society. That conviction led Wesley tovigorously combine evangelistic work with ministries that would alleviate the suffering of the poor,orphan, workers, the sick and needy. Bishop Reuben P. Job states: The gap between the rich andthe poor was a constant source of irritation and pain to John Wesley. He was convinced that thescripture taught that there was enough for everyone and that it was the responsibility of those whohave to share with those who have not. (The Wesleyan Spiritual Reader, p. 30).

Methodist revival has spread not only in England but in the entire globe. It served as an agentof hope and new life by transforming the lives of millions of individuals and of different societies whereGods life-giving power was proclaimed in word and deed by the Methodist peoples.

Our ContextWhen one looks at the situation of Israel during Ezekiels time, one would readily identify

similarities with the current Philippine situation. This biblical passage offers us some salient points ofreflection on our Christian faith in the light of the story of Israel and our contemporary Philippine andchurch setting:

1. Political Situation

Like Israel during Israels time, our nation today is in dire need of Christians who areconcerned with the needs of the people. Christians who would not tolerate corruption in all ranks;would not allow another anomalous ZTE-NBN deal, the overpriced Diosdado Macapagal Avenueproject, the Fertilizer Fund scam and other questionable transactions, dubious deals and midnightappointments which occurred during the reign of President Arroyo.

We need Christians who have the moral ascendancy to govern, Christians who manifest theirtrue power by protecting the weak, sick and the poor, Christians who will not perpetuate extra-judicial


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killings of activists, journalists and other innocent civilians, and Christians who will uphold and defendthe national patrimony.

President Aquino campaigned with the slogan Kung walang kurap, walang mahirap and Ditona tayo sa daang matuwid and earned the mandate of the people during the May 2010 elections. Hepromised a politics of change. The ball is now in the hands of the present administration to prove thatit is much better than the past administration by fulfilling its promise to the people.

Similarly, the church is in desperate need of principled Christian leaders. The GeneralConference includes the development of principled Christian leaders as one of the four areas of focus

of the ministry of the UMC. In both local and national leadership, are we successful in showing thatchurch leadership and politics is better than the secular politics? We love to use the term holyconferencing for our assemblies and conferences, but during business sessions and deliberationswe act and speak otherwise. We treat people whose point of view and interpretation of the Book ofDiscipline differs from ours as opponents, not as brothers or sisters. Personal interests destroy thesanctity of the sacred office in different levels. We focus our time, efforts, and wealth in destructivechurch politics, while neglecting our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformationof the world.

A bright future can only be achieved in our country and in the church when our political andecclesiastical Christians embody the true essence of servant leadership, justice, peace, nationalfreedom and truth. It is only then that our church and the country can rise up from decaying situation.

2. Signs of Death and HopelessnessMore and more people are getting desperate and do not find any signs of hope in our country.

The continuing rise of number of people who wants to work abroad is a clear indication that ourpeople could no longer hope for a bright future in their very own land. Corruption is considered usualand ordinary news. There is a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Unemployment rate isgrowing. Our country, just like any other third world country continue to suffer because of the unfaireconomic policies imposed by World Trade Organization (WTO), General Agreement on Tariffs andTrade (GATT) and other economic policies that favors the rich and powerful countries at the expenseof the weaker and poor ones. And the list goes on.

3. God breathes his spirit and brings life in our lives and into the nation.Like Israel, we can see signs of hope and restoration in the midst of hopelessness, because

God is a god of life. Ezekiels vision of hope speaks well to our situation as Filipino people. There ishope in Gods promises.

However, the prophet Ezekiel played an important role in the restoration of hope and life forIsrael. He was Gods instrument in proclaiming Gods word for his people. He was an agent oftransformation. Gods program includes the people like Ezekiel who are willing to proclaim the Godswords. The faithfulness of Gods messengers is vital in the restoration of hope and new life for Godspeople.

Habang buhay, may pag-asa is a famous Filipino idiom. But Dr. Melanio Aoanan, formerprofessor at Union Theological Seminary said: Habang may pag-asa, may buhay. Hope keeps us

alive. For Christians, hope is not something like a wish upon a star. It is a sure and living hopegrounded in Gods promise and embodied by the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Points for Reflection When did you feel like a dry bone, hopeless and no future? What problems and crises situation

prevent you from hoping for a bright future? Identify the similarities of Israel during Ezekiels time and the Philippines during our time.


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What are the signs of hope you can see today in our country today? What areas of church or youth ministry would you like to see the dry bones come to life? What ministries had been initiated and maintained by your local church to help people face the

difficult problems in life like poverty, broken relationships, and the like? How can the Church become a sign of hope in the society?

For personal reflection:Write down 5 things that you can do in the next 30 days that can help hopeless peoples in your

community. ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________

Prayer:Eternal God, you raised from the dead our Lord Jesus and by your Holy Spirit brought life to

your Church. Breathe upon us again with your Spirit and give new life to your people, through thesame Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. (The United Methodist Book of Worship, 375)

Lesson V: a future with hope: gods vision, our mission

Our Scripture:Read Text: Revelation 21:1-8

The book of Revelation is often associated with the popular belief about the endof the world. Armageddon is one of the movies inspired by this book.

Some believe that this book gives us a glimpse of how the world will end, to be preceded byseries of punishments from God. It is not surprising that many young people consider the message ofthis book as something to be feared. On the contrary, Revelation speaks about a future with hope.Yes, it is a book of hope!

Revelation was written at a time that Christians were becoming increasingly hopeless becauseof severe persecution in the hands of the Roman Empire. Because of their faith in Jesus Christ asLord and Savior, they were treated as criminals, imprisoned, condemned and killed by the Romanforces. Hence, the primary intention of the writer is to give hope to his audience and to encouragethem to remain faithful and steadfast in the midst of suffering and persecution. But why were theypersecuted? One reason is that the Christians refused to believe the Roman Emperor as a god,hence they do not want to participate in the worship of the emperor as decreed by Emperor Domitian.Their only loyalty is to Jesus Christ. Also, the Christians would not serve in the imperial army,because military life involved honoring pagan gods. The writer of Revelation wants to assure thepersecuted Christians that through Jesus Christ, God will finally conquer all forces of evil and death,and Gods reign will be established in their midst and tha t all faithful people will be rewarded.


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Before we study our text, let us look carefully at the literary style of Revelation. It is calledapocalyptic literature. The numbers, images and visions are symbols of truth and should not beinterpreted literally but in the light of the above mentioned context. Apocalyptic literature is written inresponse to the troubled times, particularly persecution and suffering. It focuses on two main ideas:the ultimate defeat of evil and the ultimate triumph of righteousness. It is written in highly symboliclanguage, partly because he wants to ensure that only his audience/readers (the persecutedChristians) will be able to understand his message. Apocalyptic literature is also concerned with thelast things, meaning the end of the evil age and with the better life in the future age to come. The

writer seeks to explain the overwhelming presence of evil and strongly encourages Christians that inthe face of evil, they have to maintain complete loyalty to God while waiting for this ultimate defeat ofevil.

Our study will focus on 21:1-8.Verses 1 3 speak about the vision of a new heaven and new earth. It signifies the renewal of

all things. In Christ, the reign of greed, injustice, poverty, greed, war and destruction as embodied bythe Roman Empire will be put to an end, and Gods kingdom of justice, abundant life, sharing andpeace will reign.

The Holy City of Jerusalem coming down from heaven. Jerusalem is considered the city ofGod. Therefore, New Jerusalem symbolizes the manifestation of Gods presence and reign. God

dwells with his people, and the inhabitants of the city are to be Gods peoples. Gods presence willbanish all sorrow and death. The writer does not deny the present reality of evil, but powerfullydeclares that everything will be renewed by God. This passage also speaks about the kingdom ofGod. We usually associate kingdom of God with the future, as something out there, and we will onlybe able to enter that kingdom after death. Our lesson clearly states that Gods kingdom is notsomewhere out there in heaven, but right in the very midst of his people. God himself will dwell wherethe people of God are. The kingdom of God is a present reality when Gods righteousness will reign inthe midst of all people. Gods kingdom is primarily a state or condition where Gods purpose and rulewill be fulfilled in our midst.

Behold, I will make all things new. Gods presence and reign will replace the Roman Empiresreign of terror and death. God will conquer all evil forces. God will renew the earth and bring life to his

people. Genuine change can only happen through a radical transformation of our social order, whenall injustices are eliminated, and all forces of death are conquered by the grace of God.

This passage contains Gods promise that God makes all things new and that his dwellingplace is with Gods faithful human creatures. The true focus in the New Jerusalem is on what itmeans to be in Gods presence, to be bound to him in the new age. It tells us of a bright future, thatthe place of Gods presence is a place of perpetual joy. To be in Gods presence is to be in a state ofperpetual joy. That is to be made new!

Our Wesleyan HeritageThe vision of a future with life and hope as set forth in the book of Revelation is relevant not

only for the early Christians but even in our world today. In the midst of a desperate and brokensituation, where evil seem to be the order of the day, where news of injustice, oppression and povertyare regarded as normal and usual, Revelation gives us a reason to hope for a bright future in thesame way that the early Christians were assured that Gods rule of peace and justice will reign.

However, the biblical vision does not mean that we are simply to wait for its realization.Christian youth are called to engage themselves in Gods vision of renewing all things and toparticipate in the realization of Gods reign in our present society.


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Our United Methodist Service of Baptismal Covenant includes Renunciation of Sin andProfession of Faith. In this rite, candidates for baptism, parents and sponsors, and those renewingtheir baptismal vows make an affirmative answer to the following:

Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the powers of this world, and repentof your sin?

Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression inwhatever forms they present themselves?

Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to

serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church that Christ has opened to people of all ages, nationsand races?

In our baptism, we are called to faith in Jesus Christ, but inherent to that faith is thecommitment to reject all sin, evil forces, injustice and oppression wherever we are.

John Wesley said that the mission of the Methodist movement is to reform the nation and tospread scriptural holiness in the land. John Wesley expects all Methodists to experience thetransforming power of Gods grace in the lives, but this experience should lead them into an activerole of transforming the society where they belong. Wesley and the early Methodists were ardentopponents of slavery and vigorously fought for its abolition. They opposed alcoholism. Wesley himselfwas a prophetic voice during his time. In his sermons, he strongly denounced the businessmen,doctors and the powerful people who are taking advantage of the poor. He established schools for

poor children and helped alleviate poverty in different ways.Our Book of Discipline states: The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ

by proclaiming the Good News of Gods grace and by exemplifying Jesus command to love God andneighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of Gods reign and realm in the world. The fulfillment of Godsreign and realm in the world is the vision the Scripture holds before usThis mission is our grace -filled response to the Reign of God in the world announced by Jesus (2004 Book of Discipline, par.121). We are persons empowered by the Holy Spirit; we are called by God to make the vision areality, to become Gods agents in healing the world.

Our ContextThe story of Palacapac East UMC in Candon City, Ilocos Sur (Ilocos South District-Northwest

Philippines Annual Conference) is a story of hope and a vision realized. Like in any other place in thecountry, huetengwas a rampant and destructive vice in barangay Palacapac, Candon City. Inaddition to the 24 hours hueteng, tong-its and other illegal card games were played during wakes andother occasions. Years before, the Ilocos South District approved a legislation that discourageschurch members to allow card games during wakes. Inspired by the UMC anti-gambling position,which declares that gambling is a menace to the society, dea

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