YFC+COVENANT+ORIENTATION+(2009+EDITION) (1)

7/21/2019 YFC+COVENANT+ORIENTATION+(2009+EDITION) (1)

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CFCYOUTHFORCHRIST3YearPastoralFormationTrack

Year1

COVENANT

ORIENTATION

2009RevisedEdition


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2CFCYouthforChrist YEAR1:COVENANTORIENTATION(2009EDITION)

CHAPTER1

THECOVENANTORIENTATIONGUIDELINESANDDYNAMICS

A.

RATIONALE

The Covenant Orientation is the first set of pastoral formation trackteaching

given to the youthuponjoiningCFC Youth forChrist through the YouthCamp. This

specialformationtonewYFCmembers isconductedasaonedayactivitywithinthe

first3monthsoftheirYFClifeaftertheirYouthCamp.

After initially responding to Gods invitation during his/her Youth Camp, the

Covenant Orientation will help them learn how to put their faith into action by

deepeningtheircommitmenttoGod. TheCovenantOrientationTalkswillguidethem

howto

rightfully

respond

to

Gods

invitation

to

have

aloving

relationship

with

Him.

B.COVENANTORIENTATIONTALKSOVERVIEW

1.

Talk1 Loving,HonoringandServingGod

God,beingourCreatorandFather,caresandlovesussomuch.Hewantstoseeus

happyandlivefruitfullives.Itisabouttimethatweacknowledgethisandrespond

toGodbylovingHimbackwithallourheart,soulandmind.

2.

Talk

2

Loving,

Honoring

and

Serving

our

Family

OurfamilyisoneofGodsgreatblessingstousnomatterwhatsituationourfamily

maybein.OnewayofshowingloveandhonortoGodisthroughourfamily.Weare

calledtobeasourceofloveandunitytothem.

3. Talk3 Loving,Honoring&ServingourBrothersandSistersinYFC

Godextendsour familywhenHecalledustobelongtoourcommunity.Weshare

thelovewehavenotonlytoourbloodbrothersandsistersbutalsotoourbrothers

andsistersinChrist,aswellastoourfriendswhoarenotyetpartofthecommunity.

Welearntovaluethegiftoffriendshipandstrivetobegoodinfluencestothemand

beourbrotherskeepers.

4. Talk4 Loving,HonoringandServingourCountry

WebelievethatthecountrywearebornintoispartofGodsgreatplanforus.We

are called to take pride in it and to be agents of change as we help build the

kingdomofGodinourmotherland.Here,wearetaughttomakeconcretestepsto

helpoursociety,ourcommunity,mostespeciallyourpoorbrothersandsisters.


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C.

OBJECTIVES

TheCovenantOrientationaimstoachievethefollowinggoals:

1. LearnandunderstandthecovenantofaCFCYouthforChristmember.

2.

Renewand

deepen

our

commitment

with

Christ

by

understanding

and

following

our

covenantwithHim.

3. Develop a senseof identity and responsibility inour role as abelieverof faith, a

memberofourchurch,ourfamily,ourcommunityandourcountry.

4. InspiretheyouthastheymatureintheirChristianlifethroughYFC.

5. Live out the covenant of YFC through the pastoral formation and activities.

D.

SUGGESTEDSCHEDULE

8:00am

8:30

Arrival/

Registration

8:308:40 Openingprayer

8:40 9:00 Orientation/Energize

9:00 9:45 Talk1:Loving,HonoringandServingGod

9:4510:20 WorshipWorkshop

10:2010:30 WorshipProper

10:3010:40 Snacks

10:4010:50 Gathering

10:50 11:35 Talk2:Loving,HonoringandServingourFamily

11:3512:05pm Groupdiscussionfortalks1and2

12:05

1:00

Lunch

break

1:001:30 Gathering/OpeningPrayer

1:301:45 Icebreaker

1:452:30 Talk3:Loving,Honoring&ServingOurBrothers& SistersinYFC

2:303:15 Activity:AffirmationExercise

3:154:00 Amazingraceifneeded(IftheresnoGKsite,findotheractivities

thatwouldfitthe4th

talk)

4:004:45 Talk4:Loving,HonoringandServingOurCountry

4:454:55 CommitmentCeremony

4:555:00 ClosingWorship


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E.

GUIDELINESINCONDUCTINGTHEACTIVITY

1.

GENERALGUIDELINES

a.

TheCovenantofYFCshouldbegiventoeverymemberwithin3monthsafter

theirYouthCamp.

b. TheCovenantOrientationtalkscanbegivenasaonewholedayactivity.

c. LikeanyYFCactivity,theteachingsshouldbegiven ina lightatmosphere. The

talks should bemade interesting and its importance stressed (e.g. anecdotes,

jokes,stories,personallifeexperiences),makingitrealtotheyoungadult.

d.

ForCommunityBasedprogram,theCovenantOrientationPlanningshouldbe

donebytheClusterCoupleCoordinatorduringtheirclusterservicemeeting.

e.

ForYFC

Programs

(HS

and

Campus

Based),

this

pastoral

formation

track

is

conducted in the Sector Level through the SectorProgramCoordinators and

SectorProgramYouthHead/Provinciallevelimplementationforsomeareas.

f. Thetalksmustbedeliveredbyyoungadultleaderswhohavealreadyundergone

thispastoralformationtrack.Aftereachtalk,copiesoftheteachingoutlineare

distributed,andtheassemblywillbedividedintodiscussiongroups(oreveninto

their own households if possible) to further discuss the teaching (Discussion

starters areprovided in the talk outline). The household or discussion groups

allowmemberstobringupandsharemorepersonalaspectsoftheteachings.As

theyleadthegroups,thissystemalsotrainstheHouseholdHeadsinbeingtrue

Christianleaders.

2.

ROLESANDRESPONSIBILITIESOFTHESERVICETEAM

TheServiceTeamfortheCovenantOrientationasfollows:

a.

TeamLeaders/AssistantTeamLeader

The team leaders for theCovenantOrientation are theClusterCouple

CoordinatorsandClusterYouthHeads

Fortheyouthheads,thebrotherastheteamleaderandthesisteristhe

assistantteamleader.

Thecouple

coordinators

oversee

the

pastoral

content

and

needs

of

the

activity.

b.

Worshipleader/s

Worship leader/s must be properly briefed to prepare for his

exhortationpointsandhis lineupofsongs.Songsshouldbethosethatthe

new YFC members learned from their youth camp. If new songs will be


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introduced, it is important that thisbe taughtduring the teachingofsongs

beforetheworshipproper.

c. Personinchargeofthelogisticalrequirementsfortheactivitytakescareof

thevenue,physicalsetup,soundsystem,LCDwallandprojector,venue,etc.

d. Secretariat team in charge of registration, food preparation, registration

form, ids or nametags, pen and papers, firstaid kit and other materials

needed.

e. Music Ministryprepares the song sheets/PowerPoint of songs if there is

laptop and LCD projector available, songbook, guitar and other musical

instrumentsforteachingofsongsandworship.

f. Speakersandsharersforeachtalk.

3.

MATERIALSNEEDED

It issuggestedthattheteamshouldpreparethefollowingmaterialsforthe

CovenantOrientation:

a. Expandedoutlinesforthespeakersandsharers

b. Soundsystem

c. Instrumentsforthemusicministry

d. LCDprojector

e. Laptop

f. Registrationsheets

g.

ParticipantsHandout

h. CovenantCards

i. Songsheets

j. Firstaidkit

k. Otherneeds for the talks. (Talk1Timer andWhistle;Talk4 GKAudio

VisualPresentation)

l. InvitationLettertotheCFCLeaders(CFCClusterandChapterHeads)

4.

REMINDERSTOTHESERVICETEAM

a. It is very important that the team should take time and plan out for this

event.

The

Covenant

Orientation

is

very

important,

as

this

would

guide

the

YFCmemberinlivinghis/herlifeasatruefollowerofChristthroughYFC.

b. Also,a recollectionandstoryconference (briefingof theactivity,schedule,

basic content, etc.) is very helpful for thewhole team. This is one of the

thingsthattheteamleaderhastomakesurewillhappen.Itwouldreallybe

veryhelpfulthatastheteampreparesfortheevent;theirheartsarealsoset

forit.


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c. It is advised that the team leader should talk and give a briefing to the

speakers and sharers about their talk and/or sharing, also of what is

expectedfromthemtodeliver.

d. OntheCovenantOrientationDay itself,setacalltime forthewholeteam.

Haveservice

team

worship.

Give

reminders

to

the

whole

team.

e. Beforethefirsttalk,giveashortorientationabouttheactivity.

GivetheshorttalkonCovenant.(Seethetalkbelow.)

Rundowntheschedulefortheday.(Refertoschedule.)

Introducethespeakers.

f. Makesurethatasateam leader,youareabletoconnectthetalkstoeach

other,recallingtheprevioussessionsandstressingtheimportanceofeach.

g.

Take

this

opportunity

to

help

those

new

members

grow

in

worship

many

of

them stillhavent raised theirhands, clapped,danced as an expressionof

love for God or have spoken out words of prophecies in faith.Encourage

themtodoso.

F.

PROFILEOFSPEAKERSANDSHARERSThe following may be very helpful to the team leaders as they discern and

chooseGodsmessengersforeachtalk/session:

1.

Itis

highly

suggested

that

the

speaker

for

every

talk

must

be

at

least

aYFC

Household Head. We have to consider the exposure of the speaker to the

community.

Itisbelievedthatasahouseholdhead,he/shehasexperiencedhowitistolive

his/her covenantwith the Lord. (Please take note that the speakerfor Talk 1

shallalsogivetheWorshipworkshop.)

2. Asforthesharer,he/shemaybeaYFCmember(atleast6months).Onewhois

enjoyinghis/herjourneywith theLord.Since theparticipantsareverynew to

the community, they could verymuch relate to the sharing as they could see

themselvesthroughit.

3. Itisuptotheteamleadersdiscretionwhethertheywouldchooseabrotherora

sistertobethespeakerand/orsharerofeachtalk.Aslongastheyhaveprayed

anddiscernforthepersonwhowillefficientlyconveyGodsmessage.However,

itishighlyrecommendedthataYFCbrothershouldgivethefirsttalkasitalso

includestheWorshipworkshop.


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ORIENTATIONTALKYFCCOVENANTORIENTATION

EXPANDEDTALKOUTLINE

I.

INTRODUCTION

In the fifth talkofouryouth camp,Growing in theHolySpirit,weheardand

learned how we could deepen our relationship with the Lord and where we were

introducedtoaspecialrelationshipandaspecialcovenantwithourGod.

Atbirth,whenwewerebaptizedbytheSpirit,thiscovenantalreadystarted. In

the youth camp, itwas rekindled.Wewere again remindedofwhat this covenant is

about.Thissessionwillrefreshusofwhatittrulyis. Moreso,relivethatmomentwhen

westoodtosignifyourcommitmenttotheLord,tothiscommunity,andtodiscoverour

identity

as

Youth

for

Christ

and

ultimately

as

sons

and

daughters

of

God.

Weneedtounderstandmoreaboutourcovenant. Theheartofwhereweare

rightnow. Thereisaneedtoappreciatetheconcretesituationwhichallowsustolive

outourcovenantandhereinYFCwebelievethroughGod,ourfamily,ourbrothersand

sistersandourcountry.

II.

WhatisaCOVENANT?

A COVENANT is a solemn agreement between two parties/persons. It

establishesa significant familylike relationshipbetween theparties. It isnotjustan

ordinarypromise

especially

since

our

covenant

is

acovenant

with

God.

It

involves

two

importantthings:commitmentandsacrificetoremainfaithfultothecovenant.

Thetwotypesofcovenantrelationships:

1.

Covenantsbetweenpartiesequalinpowerandposition.

(Noteto the team leader:Please take time to read thefollowingverses tohavea

betterunderstandingandexplanationforthispoint.)

Genesis21:2232.AbrahamandAbimelech

1Samuel18:14.DavidandJonathan

2. Covenantsbetweenpartiesunequalinpowerandposition.

(Noteto the team leader:Please take time to read thefollowingverses tohavea

betterunderstandingandexplanationforthispoint.)

Genesis15.GodwithAbraham

Genesis31:4454.LabanandJacob


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III.

GODSCOVENANTWITHUS

Godscovenantwithusisaveryspecialone.Itisboundinapersonalway,likeof

GodtoAbraham;ofGodtous,Hissonsanddaughters.Godwantstomakeacovenant

withusandenterintoapersonalrelationshipwithus.

1. Jesuscametobringaboutanewcovenant.ReadLuke22:20.John6:56.

2. TheNewCovenant isnotmerelyamatterofobeyingasetof laws,butofentering

intoalivingrelationshipwithJesus.

OurcovenantwithGodisnotanagreementbetweenequals,andisnotdoneon

ourinitiative.ItmeansthatitisGodwhoiscallingus.ThatishowspecialwearetoGod.

HeactedfirstbysendingJesus.

1. AllthatGod isaskingfromus istofollowfromwhatGodhasalreadydoneforus.

(1John4:19)

2. GodscommandsaretakeninthelightofHisactioninJesus.John13:1534

IV.

THENATUREOFOURCOMMITMENT

A. WearetoloveandserveGod.WearetobeGodsownservantpeople.

B. Wearetoloveandserveourfamilies.Wearecalledtobeasourceofloveandunity

tothem.

C. WearetoloveandserveourbrothersandsistersinYFC.Wearenolongerourown

masters.We

are

to

lay

down

our

lives

for

one

another.

We

are

our

brothers

keepers.

D. We are to love and serve our country. We are called to live our lives in true

righteousnessandholiness tobeapeople that theLordcanuseasabody, tobe

lighttoournationandtotheworld.

V.

CONCLUSION

This iswhat thisday isallabout.Wewill talkaboutthisspecialcovenantwith

God.LetusopenheartsandlistentowhatGodwanttosayforustoday.Heinvitedusto

a

personal

relationship

during

our

youth

camp,

now

He

is

offering

a

deeper

relationship

withHimbyinvitingustoaspecialcovenantwithHim.

Aswelistentoallthetalkstoday,mayourheartsbeopenandreadytorespond

tothebeautifulofferingofGodtous acovenantofalifewithHim.


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LOVING,HONORINGANDSERVINGGODTALKONEOFTHEYFCCOVENANTORIENTATION

YoushalllovetheLordyourGod,withallyourheart,withallyoursoul,withallyourmind.

(Matthew22:37)

I. IBELIEVETHATIAMSPECIALTOGOD.

A.

Godlovesme.

ForGod so loved theworld thatHegaveHisonlySon, so thatwhoever

believesinHimmaynotperishbutmayhaveeternallife.(John3:16)

Letusmake this statementpersonal tousas if theLord is speaking tous:

ForGodsolovedmethatHegavemeHisonlySon,sothatifIbelieveinHim,Iwill

notperishbutIwillhaveeternallife.(Speakerleadsandinvitesparticipantstosay

thisstatement

with

all

of

their

hearts.)

Godlovesusinspiteofoursinfulnature. Heacceptsusforwhoweare.

B.

Godforgivesmysins.

...for

this

is

My

blood

of

the

Covenant,

which

is

poured

out

to

many

for

the

forgiveness

of

sins.

(Matt.26:28)

Godisfullofmercy. Hewantstoforgiveoursinssowecanalwaysbeclose

toHim.

C. Iamason/daughterofGod.

Youyourselvesarenolongeraslavebutasonoradaughter;andyoursis

theinheritancebyGodsgrace.(Galatians4:7)

We were once slaves of sin, but Jesus freed us. We became sons and

daughters of God the Father and brothers of Jesus. Because of this special

relationship,GodassuresusofHisinfiniteloveandgrace.

II.

OURRESPONSE

ItisveryevidentthatGodlovesussomuch. There isnootherresponsebutto

loveHimback. As the scripture says:You shall love theLord,yourGod,withallyour

heart,withallyoursoul,withallyourmind.(Matthew22:37)


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A.

WearecalledtolovetheLordwithallourheart.

1. LovingGodwith the coreofourbeing. LovingGodwith allourheartmeans

loving the Lord with our whole being. With all our heart means to accept

totallyand liveout the idealsandprinciplesofourLord JesusChristeven if it

meansto

deny

ourselves.

a. LovingGodmeansthatweshouldalwaysincludeGodinourdecisions,may

itbebigorsmall.

b.

LovingGodmeansstrivingtobe100%FREE.

This isby livingoutatrueChristian lifethat ispleasingtotheveryheartof

God.LivingoutaChristianlifestyleisexpressinglovetoourGod.

1.

ZeroDrugsYFCsaysnotosubstanceabuse.

2.

SmokeFreeYFCsaysnotosmoking.

3.

0%alcohol YFCbelievesthatdrinkingalcohol isnotasinitselfbut as

young as we are, our bodies may not be able to handle and control

alcoholiccontent.

4. Pure Inside and Out YFC believes in purity of thought, speech, and

action.

5.

100%manandwomanYFCbelievesthatGodhascreatedspecificroles

forus

as

men

and

women.

6.

Freefrompornography YFCbelievesthatourbodiesarecreatedsacred

byGodandshouldnotbeexploitedforselfishpleasure.

7.

VirginandProudYFCbelievesthatsexisasacredgiftgivenbyGodthat

is appropriate only after marriage. YFC believes that sex in essence is

usedforprocreation.

8.

Real LoveWaits YFC believes that special romantic relationships are

Gods

gift.

Thus,

we

believe

in

the

essence

of

waiting,

as

we

prepare

ourselvestoreceivethisinHisperfecttime.

(Note to the Speaker: Should emphasize that choosing to be100% FREE is

constantlyachallenge.Theymaybestrugglinginoneoftheseareas,butitis

nevertoolatetoofferandsurrendertoGod.Thiscouldhelpthemrealizethat

even iftheyfailed,theycanstill loveGodbytryingagainandthatGodstill

lovestheminspiteanddespiteofitall.)


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2. LovingGodentailssacrificebecausesometimes,itishardtogiveupsomething

for the Lord (A bad habit, fasting, being generous with our time, talent and

treasure,etc.)

Thephrase

Putting

your

heart

into

it.

means

to

work

hard

for

something to achieve high standards. (e.g. a high grade, a. good thesis or

project). It isalso thesame in lovingGod; itentailsputtingourheart into it,

and gives all our perseverance for the Lord. We must exercise excellence

whetherservicetoourfriends,family,communityandsociety.

B. WearecalledtolovetheLordwithalloursoul.

OursoulswerecreatedbyGod,who isalsoapureSpirit.There isa longing

foroursoulstobeunitedwithGod,tobeonewithHim.(Ps.84:12)

Prayer is ameansof communicatingwithGod andbeing onewithHim.

Prayernourishesoursoulandbrings itclosertoGod.Wemustbeconsistentwith

our prayer time. Aside from our personal prayer times, here in YFC, we are

introduced toprayingwithbrothers and sisters.We call thisworship.Worship is

prayingandsingingourpraisestotheLord.

1. Decidetoprayeveryday.

2. Makeprayerahabit allocateacertainplaceandtimeforprayer.Startwitha

15minuteprayertime.

3. Makeyourprayerdynamic singsongs,readscripture,talkwithGod,praythe

rosary.

a. PracticingthesacramentsexpressesoursoulslongingforGod.

b. HearingMassnourishesoursouls.

c. ReceivingHolyCommunionisreceivingJesusHimself.

d. Going to confession, our souls are washed and polished by Jesus and

reunitesuswiththeFather.

e. SharingGodtoothersissavingsoulsfortheLord.

f. We should be eager to bring other souls to the Lord by our desire to

serveactivelyinYFCactivities,YouthCampsorchurchactivities.

C.

We

are

called

to

love

the

Lord

with

our

mind.

The mind includes our thoughts, intentions, and learning. Our mind is

powerful.Whatwethinkcanmakeorbreakus.

Sometimes,we think aboutpeoplewhowe love.We shouldpractice also

thinkingaboutJesusandthethingsHehasdoneforus.


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Countingoursmallandbigblessings.

ThankingGoddailyforeachdayandforalltheansweredprayers.

WeshouldlearnaboutHimandstudyHisteachingstogainwisdom.Wecan

achievethisbyreadingandreflectingonScriptureand/orotherChristianbooks.

Weareblessedtohave inourcommunityascripturecompanion(scripture

journal), InHisSteps, thatcouldbeveryhelpful.Weareencouraged towriteour

reflectionsonthereadingsofthedayforustodevelopadeeperrelationshipwith

GodandunderstandingofHis love.Wemustlearnhowtowitnesstootherpeople

howtheLordisworkinginourlives.

BeingsinglemindedfortheLord.

ConsultinghimonwhatHewantsustodo.

III.

THEREWILLBETIMESWHENOURLOVEFORGODWILLBETESTED

A.

Whenweexperiencesufferings,trialsanddoubts.

Inall things,weshould realize that lovingGod isnotbasedon feelingsbuton

solidcommitment.WeshouldbelieveandbefaithfultoHimnomatterwhathappensin

our lives, because amidst all our challenges, we should remember that the Lord is

faithful.

B. Whenwesin.

We feel guilty to come back to the Lord because we feel unworthy. This

dampensourloveforGod.

Solution:Go

to

confession

and

ask

for

Gods

mercy

and

forgiveness.

He

will

not

onlybehappytoseeyoucomebacktoHim,butHewillevenembraceyou.(TheParable

oftheLostSoncouldbecited.)

C. When we experience dryness in prayer or we become impatient when our prayers

remainunanswered,theLordistestingourfaithfulness. Themorewe praytoHim in

timeslikethese,allthemoreHewillbepleasedwithusandwill rewardus.

IV.

CONCLUSION

God

is

our

Creator

and

our

Father.

He

cares

for

us.

He

wants

to

see

us

happy

and live fruitful lives. He lovesusandHeconsidersusspecial.Letsacknowledgethis

andrespondtoHimbytellingHimhowspecialHeisinourlives. LetusloveHimwillall

ourheart,soulandmind.

(Note to the speaker: At this point, the speaker shall conduct a worship

workshop.Refertotheattachedworshiptalkoutline)


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Wenowwant to strengthenandput intoexpression the ideaswehaveheard

andlearnedinthissession.WhatabetterwaytoexpressourloveforGodwithallour

heart,mindandsoul,butthroughWorship.

(Aftertheworshipworkshop,dividethegroupintotheirhouseholdsandprocess

theworship

workshop

experience.)

DISCUSSIONSTARTERS:

(Gatherasagroup.Donotforgettostartandendthegroupdiscussionwithaprayer.)

1. HowismyrelationshipwithGodaftertheyouthcamp?

2. WhatmorecanIdotoexpressmyloveforGodwithallmyheart,soulandmind?

(ChooseoneconcreteexampleinyourlifewhereyoucangrowinyourloveforGod.)


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LOVING,HONORINGANDSERVINGOURFAMILYTALKTWOOFTHEYFCCOVENANTORIENTATION

Asformeandmyhouse,wewillservetheLord. (Josh.24:15)

ACTVITYPRIORTOTHETALK:PAINTMEAPICTURE

Dynamics:

1. Theparticipantswillbedividedintogroupsof810members

2. Theywillbeaskedtoillustrateasituationorincidentsportrayingdifferentactivitiesofa

family.

3. Samplesituationsareasfollow:

a. familyinthepark

b. familywatchingTVonaSaturdaynight

c. familydoingageneralcleaningofthehouse

Note:thespeakercanincludeothersituations

4.

Theywill

be

given

1minute

to

illustrate

the

situation.

After

which,

they

will

be

asked

to

freeze.

5. TheSpeaker,togetherwiththeServiceTeamHeadandtheAssistantTeamHead (who

willactasjudges)willgoaroundtoseewhateachgroupcameupwith.

6. Thejudgeswillsignifyeachgrouptoactoutthesituation.

7. Thebestgrouptoillustratebestthesituationearnsthepoint.

8. Thegroupwithmostpointswins.

I.

INTRODUCTION

Therearenosuchthingascoincidenceonlyprovidence.IntheYouthCamp,we

realizedthatGodhasapurposeofbringingusintoYFC.ThatisbecauseHewantsusto

know and feel His love for us through this community. We did feel His love that

weekend,weexperiencedachange inour livesandwesawthingsdifferently. People

started to see the change in us and the first to witness this change are the people

closesttousourfamily.

Inthefirsttalkweembracedthecommitmenttolove,honorandserveGod.This

leads us tomaking greater and bolder improvements in our life. Today wewill face

anotherchallengethat istobewitnessestoourfamily,tohonorourspecialcovenant

withthem.

II.

THEFAMILY

Therearetwothingsthatweshouldrealizeaboutthefamily:


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A.

ThefamilyisGodsplan(Gen.1:2728;Gen.2:1824;Gen.7:1)

Godcreatedthefamilyforapurpose tobeameansbywhichHiskingdomis

established on earth. (Have speaker cite an ideal familylife loving parents,

harmoniousrelationshipbetweensiblings,etc.)

But sometimes,God has a different plan for thosewho seem to live in a

family that is being challenged (e.g. byproblems, conflicts, separation, etc.). Yet,

thereisnoreasonforustoquestionGodforputtingusinthatsituation.Weshould

stillrecognizethatourfamily isstillGodsgifttous;thatweshouldstillhonorour

fatherandmother,andlearntoforgivethem.

B.

Thefamilyisunderattack/isbeingdestroyed.

Realizingthis,theeviloneisworkingveryhardtodestroythefamilysothat

Godsplanintheworldwonthappen.

Peoplesayitisoutmodedoroutdated.Somethinkthattheconceptoffamily

nolongerexistsatthistime,asanindividualbusieshim/herselfwithhis/herchosen

careerandwouldjustbecontentinengagingtocasualrelationships.

Theworldhasdistorted themeaningofbeing a family andhadmade the

rolesof itsmembersunclear.Ex.GayMarriages,PetsasChildren,Abusiveparents,

UndertheSaya,Dysfunctionalfamily.

Somesaythatfamilyisabarriertoprogress(e.g.issueonabortionhaving

toomany

children

hinders

economic

growth,

issue

on

using

contraceptives.)

Threats

tomarriagesincreasesdivorce,separation,samesexmarriage.

Weneedtoseethespiritualsidetothis,andtakeourpart inthisbattleby

offeringourveryfamiliestotheplanofGod.Thiscanhappenwhenweplaytherole

Godhasgivenusforourfamilies.

III.

OURCOVENANTWITHOURFAMILY

A.

RelatingWithOurParents

HonorandRespect(Ex20:12) onlycommandmentwithapromiseattached

to it.We respectourparentsprimarilybecause theyareourparents. (Sir.3:115)

Theychosetoparticipate inGodsworkofcreation;this initselfshouldbeenough

reason for us to honor them. When we honor them we honor God as well. We

respectandhonorourparentsinspiteoftheirfaults,mistakes,andproblems.


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1. Show them their importance tous (e.g. standup to greet them,pleasingour

parents;surprisethemontheirbirthdaysandanniversaries.)

2. ValuingthembysayingIloveyouorkissingandhuggingthem.

3. Attitudeofgratitude:Expressourappreciation. (E.g. saying thankyouand Im

sorry.Or poand opoor anyotherwords that show respect.), gesturesof

respectmano

or

bless

by

hand.

4. Speakwellofthem/Avoidspeakingnegativelyaboutourparents.Explainthings

withrespecttothem.

5. Obedience(Eph6:1)/Acceptdirection/ listentoadvice:OurparentsareGods

stewardsonearth.

6. Acceptcorrection(Prov.13:1Awisesonpaysattentionwhenhisfathercorrects

him,butanarrogantpersonneveradmitsheiswrong)

7. Serve our parents (joyfully doing our household chores, doing well in our

studies.)

8. Spendingqualitytimewiththem.

B.

RelatingwithOurBrothersandSistersinOurFamilies

1. Seeingourfamilies(evenourbrothersandsisters)asGodsgifttous.

2. Expressingtothemtheirimportancetousandappreciatingthem.(e.g.Checking

uponthemthrutexts,thankingthem)

3. Respectingandlisteningtowhattheyhavetosayeveniftheyareyounger.

4. Lovingly correcting them. (E.g. when they use your stuff without permission

dontyellorbeangry instantly,askand remind themgently toaskpermission

fromyourfirst.)

5. Findingopportunitiestoshare.Wearefriendswiththem.

6.

Spendquality

time

together.

enjoying in helping one another out homework, school projects of

brothers/sisters.

knowandbeinterestedintheirpersonallives/lovelife.

C.

WearecalledtobeInstrumentsofHealing.

Learning thatwehave receivedGodshealingduringour youth camp, it is

abouttimethatweourselvesbecomeGods instrumentofhealingtotheperson/s

dearest/nearesttous.

a. Loving (Mt.22) lovingyourneighbor is thedirect result/effectof lovingGod.

Our closest neighbors are our families. According to 1 Corinthians 13:47 the

typeoflovethatweshouldpractice:

1.Loveispatientandkind.

2.Lovethatisnotjealousnorconceitednorproud.

3.Lovethatisnotillmannerednorselfishnorirritable.


18/35


4.Lovethatdoesnotkeeparecordofwrong.

5.Lovethatisnothappywithevilbuthappywiththetruth.

6.Lovethatnevergivesup;anditsfaith,hopeandpatienceneverfail.

b.

Witnessing

1.

Beforgiving,

patient

and

loving

towards

your

brothers

and

sisters.

2. Initiatehealing findwaystoreconciledifferenceswithinthefamily.

3. Prayingandintercedingforfamilymembers

4. Initiateafamilyprayertime.

5. ServingGodwithourfamilywheneverpossible

(Speaker mentions how she/he can serve together (e.g. CFC, Parish, etc.)

IV.

CONCLUSION

HowcanwerefertoGodasFather ifwedonothaveagoodrelationshipwith

ourparents?Havingagood relationshipwithour familydefinesour relationshipwith

ourGod.

There isanattackonthefamily. AsYFCmembers,weneedtotakeastandto

protectandbuildthefamilybecomewitnessesandahopetootherfamiliesandtake

ourpartinourvisionofFamiliesintheHolySpiritrenewingthefaceoftheearth.

DISCUSSIONSTARTERS:

1. HowcanIgrowinmyrelationshipwithmyparents?

2.

Howcan

Igrow

in

my

relationship

with

my

brothers

and

sisters?

3. WhatconcretestepscanIdotoimprovemyrelationshipwithmyfamily?


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LOVING,HONORINGANDSERVINGOURBROTHERSAND

SISTERSINYFCTALKTHREEOFTHEYFCCOVENANTORIENTATION

Howgoodandpleasantitiswhenbrothersliveinunity. (Ps.133:1)

I.

INTRODUCTION:LOVINGYFCASAFAMILY

Blood relations are often the strongest type of relationships. Families have

strong tiesbecauseof the same bloodwe share.Comrades in arms/soldiers feel a

closebondamongthemselvesaftertheyhavesacrificedandshedbloodtogether.

ThebloodthatunitesusisgreaterthananyofthesethebloodofJesusChrist.

(Jn.3:16)HehasmadeusGodschildrenwearebrothersandsisters.Becausewearea

family,we

should

relate

to

one

another

in

ways

afamily

should.

II.

CHARACTERISTICSOFFAMILYTYPERELATIONSHIPS

A.

Commitment

1. Consistencyinourrelationships beingcommittedwhetherwefeellikeitornot.

(e.g.attendingYFCmeetingsfaithfullyandpunctually)

2. Beingreadyandwillingtobeinconveniencedonbehalfofabrother/sister.(e.g.

brothergivinghisseatforasister,makingsureeveryonehastheirshareoffood

beforeeating.)

3. Beingabrother/sisternomatterwhathappens.

4.

Choosingto

be

loving

in

spite

of

misunderstandings.

B.

Unity (Ps.133:1)

1. Avoidbeingexclusive.

2. Beingabrothertoall

3. Beingabrother/sistereventothoseyouarentcloseto.

4. Gobeyondyourchapter,program,sector,andarea

5. Decidetogrowinyourrelationshipwiththebrother/sister.

6. Gooutofyourwaytogettoknowallbrothersandsisters.

7. PrayforunityalwayswithinYFC,theCatholicChurch,andallChristianchurches.

(Jn.17:20

23)

C.

Loyalty

1. Protectthebrothers/sisters.

2. Protectingthecharacterofbrothers/sisters.

3. Refusetobelieve/listentogossipaboutbrothersandsisters.

4. Loyaltymeanscorrectingabrotherorsisterwithloveandrespect.


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5. Protectingthebrother/sisterphysically.

(e.g.makingsureasistergetshomesafely,havingconcern/lookingoutforone

another)

6. ProtectYFCasabody/community.

7. KeepyourselffromdoingthingsthatwilldestroythenameofYFC

D. Love

Loveshouldalwaysbepartofourrelationshipasbrothersandsisters.Ifwe

loveGod,wemustloveourneighbor(Matt.22:39)

1. We love by showing honor and respectgiving importance (Rom 12:10) (e.g.

greetingoneanother, listeningtooneanothers ideasandopinions) It isGods

commandthatweloveoneanother.(Jn13:3435)

2. 1Cor.13:47expressesthekindofloveweshouldhave.

E.

Service

1. Likeanyfamily,loveandloyaltyisexpressedthroughservice.HaveaWhatcanI

give?attitudeasopposedtoWhatcanIget? (Theattitudeofservanthoodis

moreimportantthantheactualservice).

2. Beopen/willing and ready to serve in anyway (e.g. speakers,musicministry,

householdheads,facilitators,cleanupcommitteeetc.)

III.OBSTACLES THAT HINDER US FROM GROWING IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR

BROTHERSANDSISTERS

A.

FearofRejection

We should draw our confidence from knowing that the King of Kings has

accepted and lovedus aswe are.Rejection fromotherswont affectus asmuch

because of this fact. We should then grow in confidence in relating to our

brothers/sisters.Letusbetheonesreachingouttoothers.

B.

Pride

Takeon theattitudementioned inPhil.2:3. Loveothersand reachout to

othersbecauseGodlovedyouevenifyoudidnotdeserveit.

IV.

OUR

LOVE

FOR

GOD

AND

OUR

YFC

FAMILY

SHOULD

ALSO

BE

EXTENDED

AND

BE

EXPRESSEDINOURSCHOOLS

Wedothisbybeing:

A.

Witnesses

1. Beingresponsiblestudents.

2. BeingthebestwecanbefortheLord.

3. StrivingtoliveaChristianlifestyle.Letusliveoutour100%Freelifestyle.


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4. Beinggoodexamples toourclassmates (bynotcheating, respectingschool

authoritiesandproperty,participatinginnationbuildingactivities).

B. Evangelistic

1. Invitingourclassmatestoyouthcamps.

2.

Sharingour

faith/service

in

YFC

to

our

classmates.

3. Helpingestablish/sustainYFCinyourschool.

V.

CONCLUSION

IfweloveGod,thenitfollowsthatweshouldloveoneanother(1John4:20). As

Gods family, each of us is called to love, honor and serve one another, building up

Godscommunityasawitnesstoall.

(Notetotheteamleader:Inlieuofthediscussiongroup,theactivitybelowcould

beused.)

AFFIRMATION

EXERCISE

(Tobegivenafterthetalk)

Dynamics:

1. Afterthetalk,thespeakershallinstructthegrouptodividethemselvesintohouseholds.

TheAffirmationExerciseshallbeintroduced.

2. Theywillbeaskedtoformtwolines[line1andline2]facingeachother.

3.

Atthe

sound

of

the

whistle,

each

line

makes

astep

line

1to

the

right,

line

2steps

to

the

left.

4. Facingpartners,eachwillhaveaminutetohonorandshareanareaofaccountabilityto

thepersoninfrontofhim.

5. Thespeakerclapshishand tosignal the reversalofroles, it is theothersturnnowto

honorandshareforaminute.

6. Atthesoundofthewhistle,bothlinesmustmoveonestepline1totherightandline2

totheleft.

7. Repeatuntileveryonegetstohonorandshareanareaofaccountabilitytoeachother.


22/35


LOVING,HONORINGANDSERVINGOURCOUNTRYTALKFOUROFTHEYFCCOVENANTORIENTATION

Youarethelightoftheworld...letyourlightsoshinebeforemen,thattheymay see

yourgoodworksandgiveglorytoyourFatherinheaven. (Mt.5:14,16)

I.

INTRODUCTION

As Christians, we dont believe in coincidences. We know that God has a

purposeforeverything. Godhasplaceduswhereweare,forapurpose.

Before Iformedyou inthewomb, Iknewyou,beforeyouwereborn Isetyou

apart;Iappointedyouasaprophettothenations.(Jeremiah1:5)

Godcallsustobealighttothenations. Weshouldbeabletodothatwherever

itis

that

He

has

placed

us

our

own

countries.

II.

TOLOVE,HONORANDSERVEOURCOUNTRY

Our love forGod isshownbythewaywe loveourcountry.Wecando thisby

howweshowourlove,honorandrespecttoit.Ascitizensofourcountrywearecalled

todothefollowing:

A.

TOPROTECT.EnsuringthecontinuityofGodscreation.

1. Godentrustedtoustheplacewherewearelivingrightnow.

2.

Itis

our

responsibility

as

stewards

of

His

creation

to

take

care

of

our

environmentandourcountrysresources.

3. Takingcareofourmountains,trees,riverandseasbynotthrowinggarbage

andcleaningupourownarea.

4. Wehelpincleanupdriveandtreeplantingactivitiesinourarea.

5. Letusnotlitter asifwecanflushdownourdirtinoursurroundings.

6. Wedontvandalize.

B.

ADVOCATE.Takingprideinourheritage.

1. Takeprideinnationalsymbols(flag,nationalanthem).

2. Learnaboutyourheritage(Ifyourparentsmigrated,learnaboutthecountry

theymigratedfrom. Keeppositiveaspectsofthatculture)

C.

PROMOTE.Takeapositiveattitudeaboutourcountry.

1. We avoid jokes or negative comments about our country, culture, and

government.

2. Wepatronizelocalproducts,localtalentsandtouristspots.


23/35


III.

SERVINGOURCOUNTRY BEINGMODELCITIZENS(Rom13:18)

A. Weobeythelawsoftheland.

1. Followingthetrafficlaws,pedestriancrossings.

2. This includes the lawsand regulationsofour schools. (Wedonot look for

loopholesto

cheat

in

school

we

come

to

class

at

the

time

the

school

says

weshould).

3. Weshouldhelp infurtheringthevisionandmissionofourgovernmentand

schools especially if our school is Catholic/Christian. (However, this also

means thatwehave to speakupwhenour country/governmentbegins to

adoptunchristianpoliciesthatareagainst life,familyandGod likeabortion,

divorce,etc.)

B. Beawareandactivelytakepartintheaffairsofourcountry.

1. Bevigilantinwhatishappeninginourcountry.Beproactive.

2. Ifweareofvotingage weshouldexercisethisrightateveryopportunity.

3. Condemn corruption in government and society without condemning the

governmentandsociety itself.Wecouldalwaysbepartofthesolutionand

notadd to theproblemof society,bybeingagentsof change through the

simplewaysofnotengagingtobriberyoftrafficenforcers.

4. Beupdatedofthecurrent issuesofthecountryandtakepart incomingup

withsolutionsratherthanstayingonthestreetsrallyingforauselesscause.

5. Use our talents, time, skills, and abilities to serve our country. We could

alwaysvolunteerinourbarangayswhenevertheyneedhelpintheactivities

oreventstheyareorganizing.Thethingswelearninourcommunitycanbe

sharedtoourneighborsaswell.

IV.LOVINGOURCOUNTRYALSOMEANSLOVINGTHEPOOR.

Mt.22:39Loveyourneighbor.

A.

Lovingthepoor.

1. LovethepoorlikeJesusdid.

Asweallknow,thepoorisverydeartoJesus.Wecanreadfromthe

biblethatJesusHimselflivedamongthepoor.Heevenchosethepoortobe

His disciples, shared His teachings to the poor and even allowed them to

witnessthemiraclesHeperforms.

2.

Love

the

poor

by

not

treating

them

as

second

class

citizen.

Eachpersonbearsthe imageofGodand is lovedbyGod. Ifwe love

God,wemustlovethosewhomHeloves.(1John4:20)

B.

Servingwiththepoor.

InCouplesforChrist,CFCANCOP(AnsweringtheCryofthePoor)isourway

ofservingwiththepoor.Ourworkwiththepoorupholdsthevaluesofstewardship,


24/35


thepathofpeace,love,sacrifice,humilityandhardwork.Asadvocatesofourwork

weliveoutourloveforthepoorby:

1. Livingasimplelifestyle.(Lessforself,moreforothers,enoughforall)

2. Sharingourresourcestohelpthepoorhelpthemselves.

3.

Spendingat

least

4hours

in

amonth

to

serve

in

aGK

site

or

other

work

with

the

poorprogram(GKBuild,SocialMinistries,etc.).

4. Sharing my love for the poor with my family, friends and areas of influence.

Our love for all those that God loves, namely our country should give us a

greaterdesiretoevangelize.(Mt.28:1820)

IV.

CONCLUSION(Mt.22:15)

Godhasplaceduswhereweare,accordingtoHispurposes,sothatwecanuse

thecircumstances that surroundus tobewitnesses forHim. Aswedo this,wealso

becomewitnessestothenations,bygivingtoourcountrythelove,honorandrespectit

deserves,asresponsiblecitizens,andgivingtoGodourwhole livesastruechildrenof

God.

Whenwehonorourcountry,wemusthonorthepoor,whenwehonorthepoor

wehonoredourpurpose.Helping thepoorpeople ishelping this country to the first

world.ItiswritteninthebiblethatFaithwithoutactionisdead.AswebelieveinGod

wemust alsodoHiswill. It isnotenough thatwepray.What abetterway to livea

ChristlikelifebuttobeJesustootherpeople.Shareourlivestothem.Shareourtime,

talentandtreasuretothem.Wemustallowourfaithtobeexpressedinthewaywelive

ourlives.

DISCUSSIONSTARTERS:

1. WhatarethethingsamIdoingthatisshowingdishonor/disrespectforthecountrythat

Godhasplacedmein?HowcanIcorrectthese?

2. WhatconcretedecisioncanImakethatwillhelpmelove,honorandservemycountry

better?


25/35


CHAPTER3

THECOVENANTOFACFCYOUTHFORCHRISTMEMBER

A.

DYNAMICSOF

THE

COMMITMENT

CEREMONY

1. Atthispoint,theparticipantsarenowreadytoreceivetheircovenantcards.

2. After the 4th

talk, the team leader will now lead the group to the commitment

ceremony.

3. The team couldprepareanAVP thatwould showconcretewaysof livingout the

covenant.

4. ThemusicthatcouldbeusedfortheAVPasareflectionsongcouldbeSONGOFA

SERVANTorISURRENDER.Thecovenantcardscouldnowbedistributed.

5. Bythistime,theparticipantshaveaclearerpictureofwhattheircovenantwithGod

is.(The

reflection

song

could

still

be

played

during

this

time.)

6. The team leadercouldadvice theparticipants tosign theircardsandask them to

standjust likeduringtheyouthcampwhentheparticipantsacceptedGod intheir

livesonceagain.

7. The team leader reads aloud the main points of the covenant, leading to the

PRAISEFEST.


26/35


B.

SAMPLEOFTHECFCYFCCOVENANT

IV.APPENDICES

I.PARTICIPANTSHANDOUTS

THE COVENANT OF A CFC YOUTH FOR CHRIST MEMBER

1. I am special because I am a son / daughter of God.

* I will spend time in prayer where I can grow in loving, honoring and serving Him.* I will learn and grow in living out these ideals and principles of my Lord Jesus.* I believe that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.* I will not dishonor the Lord through drunkenness, drugs or immorality.* I will participate actively in the life of my Church.

2. My family is Gods gift to me.* I will love, honor and respect my parents in spite of whatever state or circumstances they arein,* I believe that my blood brothers and sisters are Gods gift to me.*I will strive to grow in unity and understanding towards them.* I will be a source of healing to whatever brokenness or hurt.

3. It is my privilege to be studying in my school.* I will show love and loyalty to the Lord and to my school by being a good student.* I will take responsibility in my studies.* I will respect school authorities.* I will serve my classmates and build good relationships in school.

4. I belong to the bigger family of CFC Youth for Christ.* I will relate in love and loyalty to the brothers and sisters from other schools, cities,provinces, states and countries.* I will serve the Lord in YFC in whatever way I can, whenever / wherever the Lord chooses tocall me.* I will follow the directions of my elders and leaders in YFC.

5. God has a special purpose in allowing me to be born / live in this country.* I commit to love and serve my country with all my heart.* I will honor our culture, our traditions and our values.


27/35


Loving,Honoring&ServingGod

Talk1oftheYFCCovenantOrientation

ParticipantsHandout

I. IbelievethatIamspecialtoGod.

A.God

loves

me

(Jn.

3:16)

B. Godforgivesmysins(Mt.26:28)

C. Iamason/daughterofGod(Gal.4:7)

II.GodissospecialtousthatHeenablesustoloveHimmorethananythingelse.

(Mt.22:37)

A. LovingGodwithallourheart

1. Heartmeanscore. WelovetheLordwiththecoreofourbeing

Includesouridealsandprinciples,anddecision

2. LovingGodentailssacrifice

B. ...withalloursoul

1. OursoulslongforGod(Ps.84:12)

2. PracticingthesacramentsexpressoursoullongingforGod

3. Eagernesstoserve

C. ...Withallourmind

1.Includesourthoughts,intentionsandlearning

2.WeshouldgrowinourknowledgeofScripture/booksabouttheLord

3.WemustlearnhowtowitnesstoothersabouttheLordsworkinourlives.

III.Wewillgothroughtimesoftesting.

A. Sufferings,trialsanddoubts

B.Sin

will

make

us

feel

guilty

C. Wewillexperiencedrynessinprayer

DiscussionStarters:

1.HowisyourrelationshipwithGodaftertheyouthcamp?

2.WhatmorecanIdotoexpressmyloveforGodwithallmyheart,soulandmind?

MemoryVerse:

You

shall

love

the

Lord

your

God

with

all

your

heart,

with

all

your

soul

and

with

all

your

mind. (Mt.22:37)


28/35


29/35


Loving,Honoring&ServingourbrothersandsistersinYFC


ParticipantsHandout

I. LovingYFCasafamily

A.Blood

relations

are

often

the

strongest

type

of

relationships.

B. ThebloodthatunitesusisthebloodofJesusHimself.

II.Characteristicsoffamilytyperelationships

A.Commitment

B. Unity

C. Loyalty

D. Love(Mt.22:39)

E. Service

III.Obstaclesthathinderusfromgrowinginourrelationshipswithbrothers/sisters

A. Fearofrejection

B. Pride

C. Cliquishness

IV.OurloveforGodandYFCshouldextendandbeexpressedinourschools

A. Beingwitness

B. Beingevangelistic

C. Lovingourneighborourclassmates

MemoryVerse:

How

good

and

pleasant

it

is

when

brothers

live

in

unity.

(Ps.133:1)


30/35


Loving,Honoring&ServingGod


ParticipantsHandout

I.Introduction

Gods

Purpose

(Jer.

1:5)

II.Loving,HonoringandServingOurCountry

A. Showingourcountryhonorandrespect.

1. Avoidtreatingourcountrylikeonebigtrashcan/toilet.

2. Takeprideinourheritage.

3. Takeapositiveattitudeaboutourcountry.

B. Servingourcountry beingmodelcitizens.(Rom13:18)

1. Obeyingthelawsoftheland.

2. Beingawareandactivelytakingpartintheaffairsofourcountry.

C. Lovingourcountrymeanslovingthepoor. (Mt.22:39)

1. LovethePoorasGodlovesthem.

2. ServethePoorthroughGK

3. Thedesiretoevangelize.(Mt.28:1820)

MemoryVerse:

You

are

the

light

of

the

world

...

let

your

light

so

shine

before

men,

that

they

may

see

your

good

works

and

give

glory

to

your

Father

in

heaven.

(Mt.5:14,

16)

DiscussionStarters:

1. Whatarethethingsthatam Idoingthatshowsdishonorordisrespecttothecountry

thatGodhasplacedmein?HowcanIcorrectthese?

2. WhatconcretedecisioncanImakethatwillhelpmelove,honorandservemycountry

better?


31/35


APPENDIX

WORSHIPWORKSHOP

I.

INTRODUCTION

Startthesessionwithjustasimpleprayerafterpracticingsomesongs.

Chooseaslowworshipfulsongforthisactivity. Makesure itsasongthatpeople

knowwellenoughoriseasyenoughforpeopletosingwithoutlookingatthewords.

(Note: SlowsongsmakeiteasierforpeopletofeelthepresenceofGodmoreandas

sucharemoreeffectiveforthisactivity).

Explain the words of the song / Help people understand what it means and

encouragethemtopraythesongastheysingit. Inordertohelpparticipantsfocus

evenmore,askthemtoclosetheireyes. Worship,inasense,transportspeopleinto

GodspresenceintoHiscourtsifwemayreferitinthatwayencouragepeople

totakenoteofhowtheyperceivethatinthevisionthattheywillseeintheirminds.

Singthesong(Forthespeaker,makesurethatyouyourselfareprayingthesong)

Getfeedback. Findoutwhatimagestheysawintheirminds. WastheLordpresent

in thepictureoftheirmindseye? Wherewere they?Were theystanding,seated,

kneeling,handsoutstretchedorclasped?

Sing

the

song

one

more

time,this

time

challenging

the

participants

to

allow

their

physicalbodiestoexpresswhattheyseethemselvesdoingintheirminds. Helpthem

realizethattheirwholebodieswanttoprayalso,andthatiftheyintendtogivetheir

lives to the Lord, at the very least, it begins with surrendering their bodies as

expressedbyaraisedhand,outstretchedarmsorbendedknees.

Feelfreetosinginthespiritorintonguesorsingasecondsong,astheSpiritleads.

Get feedback on what they experienced. Find out if somemay have received

propheciesorvisions.

II.

UNDERSTANDINGWORSHIP

A.

Worshipisthecentralpointofourgatherings

1. Itssupposedtobe inspiringandshouldbuildupthebody.Worshipshouldbe

nourishingandspiritfilled.


32/35


2.

Recently, however, much of our worship has been dry and sometimes

perceived as a waste of time. This is so because many times, our worship

leadersareunable to leadpeople toworship. Many timesourworship isnot

worshipatall.

B.

Worshipis

being

able

to

honestly

say

You

are

God

and

I

am

not,

and

THAT

IS

GREAT!!!

NJBPsalms150:16

1.Alleluia! PraiseGodinHisholyplace,praiseHimintheheavenlyvaultofhis

power,2.PraisehimforHismightydeeds,praiseHimforallHisgreatness. 3.

PraiseHimwithfanfareoftrumpet,praiseHimwithharpandlyre,4.PraiseHim

withtambourinesanddancing,praiseHimwithstringsandpipes, 5.PraiseHim

with the clamour of cymbals, praise Him with triumphant cymbals, 6. Let

everythingthatbreathespraiseYahweh.Alleluia!

1.

Justasweexperiencedatthestartofthistalk,worshipisbeingabletocome

into that loving, healing and mighty presence of God and being able to

acknowledgethatHEALONEISGODloving,healingandmighty!

Atthesametime,weareblessedbythehealinggraceofHispresenceandbythe

merefactthatthissameGODholdsusasspecialandinspiteofoursinsand

imperfectionsseesusasthegemofHiscreation.

2.

Worship ispaying homage toour trueKingandCaptain. In the sameway

thatsubjectsinancienttimeshavetoregularlyvisittheirrulerandpaytribute

orhomage

or

tax

(in

more

modern

terms).

We

come

to

pay

homage

admittingthateverythingwehaveisHis. Atthesametime,wearegratefulthat

HEgivesalloftheseourbodies,ourminds,ourmoney,ourpropertyforusto

freelyuse,and thatHeneverpunishesusaswedeservewheneverwemisuse

thesethingswhicharerightfullyHIS.

3.

Worshipisoneoftheveryfewtimeswhenweareabletohaveatasteofhow

itwasandaforetasteofhowitwill. Itsthetimewhenweinourfallensinful

humannaturesareabletoconnecttoGodinspiritthewayitwasmeanttobe

beforeoursinmadeitimpossibleforustocontinuallybeinGodspresence(as

Adam

and

Eve

were).

It

allows

us

a

foretaste

of

the

kind

of

relationship

we

will

havewithGodwhenwearemadeperfectinheaven.

4. Therearethreelevelsthatweusuallygothroughwhenwereallyworship:

a. ThefirstiswhenwestartspeakingwordsofPRAISEorwhatwemightbe

likentoasintroductionsinanyaudience.ThisiswherewehonorGodand

acknowledgeHisgreatness.


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b. ThesecondisWORSHIPthisiswhenwestartsayinghowwefeelandwhen

webegintotrulyrealizeGodsgreatness.Inthislevel,peoplestarttooffer

themselvestoGodsayingIbelongtoyoumylifeisyours.

c. ThethirdisGLORYthisiswhenweactuallycomeintotheholypresenceof

God.It

is

at

this

level

that

God

speaks,

we

listen

then

we

respond.

This

is

where we receive prophecies, visions, where we cry at the realization of

Godsloveandmercy,whereemotionalandphysicalhealingtakesplace.

Sadly,mostworshipleadersarenotawareofthisnordotheystrivetoreach

theselevelsofworship. Wesingalotofsongs,wesayalotofwordsthat

includethewordLordandAmenbutfewoftheseareabletomakeactual

worshiptakeplace.Maybe,thisiswhytherearelessandlessofthespiritual

gifts(tongues,prophecies,visionsetc.)duringourworshipsandactivities.

Every worship, whether it is alone in your own prayer time, a household

meeting,ateaching,assemblyorPraisefestshouldreachthisthirdlevel. Any

worship leader who does not have this as their goal for worship misses the

wholepoint,andmayhavenotactuallyleadpeopletoworship.

Beforewestarttothinkthatleadingworshipisnexttoimpossible,weneedto

realizethattheeffortisalmosttotallyoutofourhandsandintheverycapable

handsofGodHimself. Godwantsus to connect toHimmuchmore thanwe

wantforourselvesandforourmembers. Thistakesahugepressureoffofour

shouldersbecauseworship thendoesnotdependonoureloquenceoron the

dynamicsortoneofourvoicesbutratherdependsonandsimplybeginswithan

honestdesire

to

be

in

Gods

presence.

III.

SOMEIMPORTANTATTITUDESREGARDINGWORSHIP

A.

Everyworshipshouldstartwithanexhortation.

Exhortationisgivingpeoplereasontoworship.Itshouldbeabletoinspirethemto

comebeforetheLordinjubilantpraise.Itcaneitherbeapersonalsharing,astoryor

a bible verse. An exhortation need not be long but should be encouraging and

acknowledgesGodsgreatnessinourlives.

B.

Youneedtoworshipinordertoleadworship

Avoidjust singing songs. Enter into Gods Holy presence, raise your hands and

meanit. Prayintongues.ListentoGod.

Dontbetooconsciousofthewordsyouwilluse,justspeakexactlywhatisinyour

heart. TalktotheLordas ifHewere infrontofyou,becauseHe is. Avoidmaking


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your prayer a wellrehearsed speech with words Lord at the beginning and

Amenattheend.

C. Worshipisanexpressionofyourlife

Worshipis

very

important,

but

is

only

an

expression

of

the

even

more

important

realityyouareliving. BecarefulinsayingwordslikeLordJesusWeEnthroneYou

orRefinersfire,myheartsonedesireistobeholyifitsnottrueinyourlife,ifyou

doonlywhatyouwantinyourlifeinotherwordsyouarecallingtheshots.

Worship especiallyleadingworshipisdifficultifthereisseriousunrighteousness

inyourlife(e.g.premaritalsex,cheating,gambling,stealingetc.)

Thisdoesntmeanthatyoushouldchoosenottoworshipordeclinefromleading

worshipsinceafterall,noneofusareworthybecauseallofusaresinful. Rather,

itsinalwayshavingagenuinerepentantattitude.ComebeforeGodspresenceand

humblyaskforHismercy.

BeRealandHonest.ComebeforeGodintotalhumility.SurrenderandallowGods

spirittoflowthroughyou.Neverfakeit.

Beknowledgeable.Know the songsbyheart.Know theirmeaning, the right tune

andknowhowtoleadpeopleintosinginginthespirit.

D.

Avoidanythingthatdistracts

Avoidanything

that

distracts

you

or

the

people

you

are

leading

from

focusing

on

Godwhoafterallistheobjectofourworship.

Dont

use

action

songs

during

the

worship

proper.

Trytomakeeverythingclearannouncesongtitlesandnumbers.Announcewhere

thesongisheaded(nextlineorverse).

IV.

CONCLUSION

NJB

Exodus

34:29

33

29.WhenMosescamedownfromMountSinaiwiththetwotabletsoftheTestimonyin

hishands,ashewascomingdownthemountain,Mosesdidnotknowthattheskinofhis

facewasradiantbecausehehadbeentalkingtoHim33.OnceMoseshadfinished

speakingtothem,heputaveiloverhisface.

NJB2Corinthians3:18


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18.Andallofus,withourunveiledfaceslikemirrorsreflectingthegloryoftheLord,are

beingtransformed intothe imagethatwereflect inbrighterandbrighterglory;this is

theworkingoftheLordwhoistheSpirit.

LikeMoses,whenpeople arebrought intoGodspresence, theyare changed from

onedegree

of

glory

to

the

next.

This

is

the

privilege

we

have

to

help

people

experience thepurejoy andecstasyofGodspresence inworship. It shouldbeour

intention toalwaysbringpeople into this levelofcommunionand reconciliationwith

Jesusinspiritandourownjoytoseethemsomehowchanged.

Note: End the session by leading thewhole group intoworship. Encourage them to

expressthemselvesfreelyastheyworshipinspiritandtruth. Encouragethemto

raisetheirhands,tokneeldown,toclap,toprayintonguesandanyothermeans

theyfeeltheywillbeabletotrulyworshipandenterinthepresenceofGod.

YFC+COVENANT+ORIENTATION+(2009+EDITION) (1)

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