Here are the discussion questions from this morning (we didn’t get to all of them):

FOREWARD

• Chuck Norris writes in the foreward, “Today we live in a culture that promotes comfort, not challenges.” What are the comforts that you are most drawn to? What are the challenges you most seek to avoid?  How does our culture communicate this to us?  Have you ever been surprised when someone was surprised at the responsibilities you have as a teenager?

CHAPTER 1: MOST PEOPLE DON’T…

• On page 4, Alex and Brett write, “We believe our generation is ready to rethink what teens are capable of doing and becoming.” Dream big for a moment. What do you think your generation is capable of doing and becoming?
• Read the questions on pages 5-6. What are some of the freedoms that your generation enjoys? What does our culture say is the purpose and potential of the teen years?
• On page 7, Alex and Brett write, “And if you’re a Christian, we’re certainly not telling you that if you work harder or make yourself uncomfortable on purpose, God will love you more. He will never—could never—love you more than He does right now.” Why do you think it is important that Alex and Brett explain this truth?
• Read pages 229-230. How do these pages help answer the question: “Why do hard things?” List some verses that describe the gospel motivation that makes it possible for us to Do Hard Things.

Assignment for next time:

• Read Chapter 2 and the Appendix.
• Start a list of 3-5 things that are hard for you to do that you think God may be calling you to do. Bring it with you next week.

Categories: Discussion Questions, Summer Reading '08
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As I recently announced, I am starting a Do Hard Things book club this summer. It begins on Sunday morning. Of course this is totally optional, but I am using this to replace the usual Summer Reading Challenge. So if you want a challenge, get yourself out of bed and get over here on Sunday.

Here are the details:

• Starts at 8:30am. (Yes, that is early! Do Hard Things!)
• I’m not providing breakfast. (Make your own at home! Do Hard Things!)
• Bring your Bible, Do Hard Things Book, pen and paper.
• All rising 7th - 12th graders and their parents are invited.
• It’s ok if you’re going to miss a couple for vacation (I am, too!).

Here is the schedule with the reading assignments if you need it:

Finally, please come prepared to discuss the following questions:

• What are the easy things in your life that you like to do most?
• What are the hard things in your life that you like to do least?

Categories: Summer Reading '08
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“Do Hard Things” is more than just good advice.

Alex and Brett Harris (twin younger brothers of Covenant Life Church Senior Pastor Josh Harris), have turned this simple slogan into a book, a blog, a conference, and a way of life for a generation of young people.

Branding themselves and their hard-thing-doing cohorts “The Rebelution”, the Harris brothers are fomenting “a teenage rebellion against low expectations.” That’s from the cover of their book. Here is what they mean by that:

Do Hard Things “is a challenging book for teens by teens who believe our generation is ready for a change. Ready for something that doesn’t promise a whole new life if you’ll just buy the right pair of jeans or use the right kind of deodorant. We believe our generation is ready to rethink what teens are capable of doing and becoming.” (p. 4)

What these guys are calling for is Biblical, commendable, and completely counter-cultural. We need to join them. I’ve read Do Hard Things, and though I’m definitely not a teenager, I was provoked and inspired to do hard things for the glory of Christ and the good of others. They’ve received highly favorable reviews by everyone from World Magazine to Dr. Al Mohler. I want to tell you about two opportunities we have to learn to Do Hard Things.

DO HARD THINGS — BOOK CLUB

New this summer: rather than simply issue a Summer Reading Challenge as I’ve done for the past several years, I want to invite the students (and parents) of five15 to a weekly book club. The idea here is not just to read the book, but to discuss it and put it into practice.

Details:

• What: Do Hard Things Book Club
• Who: students and parents of five15
• Where: Room 204
• When: Sunday mornings, 8:30am. BYOC/D/B&CC*.
• Reading Schedule:
  

  

DO HARD THINGS — CONFERENCE

The Harris boys are taking their show on the road and they are coming to Covenant Life in Gaithersburg. This is one of our summer events.

• What: Do Hard Things Conference
• Who: five15 Students and parents
• Where: Covenant Life Church, Gaithersburg, MD
• When: Saturday, July 26, 9am-5pm
• How much: Register early to save money! Before May 31, $25 for teens, $15 for adults; then $30/$20 until July 19th, then $35/$25 until July 26th.
• How to get registered: register here.

Categories: Announcements, Events, Summer Reading '08
4 Comments »