Scripture Memorization
Titus 3:3-5
OPENING PRAYER (5 to 10 minutes)
GROUP BUILDING (15 minutes)
Have a round table discussion on how the kids in the group combat negative peer pressure; topics could include how to avoid risky behaviors such as smoking, drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Discuss the value of positive peer pressure.
GETTING STARTED (10 minutes)
Abortion Facts
• In 2005 there were 1.2 million abortions in the United States
• From 1973 to 2005, 45 million legal abortions occurred
• 22% of all pregnancies end in abortion
• There are approximately 46 million abortions worldwide each year
• There are approximately 126,000 abortions worldwide each day
General Discussion:
1. Do these numbers surprise you? Why/why not?
2. How do the statistics make you feel?
As we tackle a tough topic today, it’s important to keep a couple of things in mind. First, abortion is wrong. No matter how you slice it, God is against abortion. Secondly, abortion is forgivable. Many people who have had abortions have turned to Christ afterwards and been given grace. We should not judge those who have had abortions, because we have all sinned. It is important, though, that we are informed about this hot-button issue.
DIGGING IN (30 minutes)
What does the Bible say about abortion? Nothing, technically, but here are some verses that apply.
Read Psalm 139:13-16
Discussion Questions:
1. Who makes us, according to this passage? (God)
2. How did God make us? (fearfully, wonderfully)
3. When are our days counted, according to this passage? (before one of them comes to be)
4. How does this text relate to abortion? (it seems that our lives are created and ordained by God from the moment we are conceived…the implication is that to interrupt that is wrong, it’s “playing God.”)
Read Exodus 20:13
Discussion Questions:
1. This is a verse you’ve heard a hundred times. How does it relate to abortion?
2. Do you consider abortion murder? Why/why not?
Whether or not it is murder, it is legal in our country. Since 1973 and the Roe vs. Wade decision, it has been legal to have an abortion early in a pregnancy.
89% of abortions happen in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, the child in the womb is more developed than you might think. Before the 12-week point (that’s the first trimester) the following has already happened:
• The baby’s heart is beating
• The baby has arms and legs
• The baby has facial features
• The baby has fingers and toes
• The baby even has fingernails and toenails
• That baby is 3-4 inches long
• The baby can sometimes cry (silently)
• The baby can feel pain
General Discussion:
1. When you hear about abortion in this way, is your opinion changed? How so?
2. Did you learn anything you didn’t know?
3. How does hearing these methods make you feel?
4. How do you think it makes God feel?
MAKING IT REAL (10 minutes)
Let’s revisit some of those numbers we talked about at the very beginning.
Remember:
• In 2005 there were 1.2 million abortions in the United States
• From 1973 to 2005, 45 million legal abortions occurred
• 22% of all pregnancies end in abortion
• There are approximately 46 million abortions worldwide each year
• There are approximately 126,000 abortions worldwide each day
At some point these statistics and stories of abortion have to capture our attention and cause us to change the way we think. Break it down like this:
• Every minute in the United States there are 2 abortions.
• Each hour there are over 120.
• When you lay your head on the pillow tonight, about 3000 unborn babies will have died.
General Discussion:
1. What can you do? (be informed, participate in a right to life organization in your community, etc.)
2. How do you think you should respond to women who have had abortions?
There are two victims in every abortion—the unborn baby and the mother. The mother may not realize it, but she’s hurting herself. Certainly in the spiritual sense the woman is worthy of being ministered to.
Read Titus 3:3-5
Discussion Questions:
1. How could these verses be applied to someone who has had an abortion?
2. Can people who have had abortions be given mercy by God?
3. In your opinion, if God is willing to show them mercy how should Christians treat them?
Chances are if you don’t now you will meet someone who has had an abortion. It is okay to take a strong stance against the practice while still loving those who have made that mistake. In fact, both are equally importantLet’s pray that God will help us understand and live out this difficult truth.
CLOSING PRAYER (2 minutes)
We’re going to have a special prayer time where we beg God to intervene and stop this great genocide. Around the world, in just one minute, 87 babies will be aborted. Let’s have one minute of silence where we pray for those 87 babies, the 87 mothers, and that the practice of abortion could stop.
(After the moment of silence, close your group in prayer)