Students will be reminded that God is sovereign and is able to save all that seek Him.

 

Hand each student a sheet of paper. Ask them to write down words that come to mind when they think of God. When they’re finished, ask for volunteers to share some words they wrote down.

 

Share with the group a story of an amazing rescue. You can google to find some stories. Here is a link to a sample – https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/5-rescues.htm

 

Share with the group a personal story of a time when you felt broken. It doesn’t have to be too deep or sensitive. Then share how God rescued and restored you.

 

Hand out the Student Guides. Encourage students to pay close attention to the video. Have them write down any words or phrases that catch their attention. Ask them to focus on words or phrases that speak to brokenness, despair, optimism, praise, and rescue.

 

Ask students to share the words or phrases they have written down. Ask them to explain why those phrases caught their attention. Be prepared to share your own list to give them an example.

 

Pass out Bibles. Say, “Sometimes because of life circumstances, we feel like we have no hope.” Read Ephesians 2:12. Say, “There was a time when we were separated from God and we had no hope. But that time has gone. If you have a relationship with Christ, there is always hope. The Bible tells us that God has rescued us and restored us. Look at these verses...”

• Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

• Psalm 37:39, “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble.”

• What do these verses mean to you?

 

Say, “What do you think the reference to dry bones in the song is all about?” Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. Say, “Do you now see the significance of the phrase dry bones? Before we met Christ, we were like dry bones. We had no hope and therefore no life. However, because of Christ, we now have hope and life. We can have eternal life only through Christ. In John 5:24 Jesus said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.’ And, Ephesians 2:8-9 tells ius, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

 

Say, “If we have a relationship with Christ, we go from having no hope to having eternal life. He rescues us and restores us. We no longer have to feel broken and lost. New life in Christ gives us hope and purpose for living.” Close in prayer.