This is a quick recap of our meeting tonight. I’ll hit the basic points, but keep in mind, a big part of our time together is our discussion and comment time during the lesson. This post won’t capture that part of our evening, but should give you an overview of our time together.
Opened tonight during our social time with a few funny videos. The “Dubstep Cat” was the favorite of the night:
This one of the boy with the cymbals was one I couldn’t help but think about Seth Easler when I watched.
Three minute countdown before we begin…
After announcements and discussing our departure plans for Winter Retreat this weekend, we begin the lesson with the song “Monster” by Eminem.
Main lesson point:
As you have probably noticed in the song, Eminem seems to be struggling with what he calls “The Monster.” For him, the monster takes several forms in life. But one thing rings true over and over again: he’s befriended the monster instead of overcoming it. Given the popularity of this song, many of us, if not all of us, can relate to Eminem’s problem. We all have consistent struggles and the Bible makes it clear that our struggle is with our fallen nature, and Jesus Christ is the only solution to the destructive ‘monster’ that lives inside us.
- Romans 7:18-25 (The Message)
If the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
What I hoped you learned was this: every monster can be overcome by the power of Jesus, but no monster can be overcome by our power alone. That’s why it’s so important for us to place our full hope and trust in Jesus.
As we finished up, we presented you with a Christian alternative to Eminem. The artist we chose was Andy Mineo. Here is an interview and a sample of his music.
Thanks for shnriag. Always good to find a real expert.