HM - Bible study

May/June '06 Issue #119

Project 86 Feature (Pg. 54)
The descriptions of growth, both spiritually and as people, that Andrew gives insight to throughout Project 86’s journey, is inspiring and enough to base a whole Bible study on in and of itself.

One of the main things that we can learn from this feature is that our plans are not always going to be God’s plans. Unfortunately, we often choose to learn that the hard way – despite so many testimonials warning us otherwise. Project had their career planned out, their direction sold…but God had different plans. Andrew says the band was so set on stardom that they forget their calling in the process, their attitude of worship, and when they tried to do thing on their own, everything fell apart. How ironic that their life changing record was a concept album whose “one theme was hopelessness?”

See Proverbs 28:20, as well as Psalm 84:11-12.

Check out what Jeremiah 21:9 says about the plan that God has for us.

Check out what Psalm 37:4-5 says about the joys that come with submitting ourselves to that plan.

~ Various other discussions that could be derived from this feature
• Does God really allow us to fall into hardship so that we can learn to trust him to pull us out? Expand on that by discussing the development of patience, perseverance, and character that God works in us through those trials. What are you learning through your trials? What might you be ignoring that God wants you to learn through your trials?
• James 1:2-4
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
• Romans 8:35-37
• Discuss humility in admittance of pride. Andrew talks about a “humbling climb” back into the place God has for the band in music. For verses on humility, see:
• Psalm 69:32
• Proverbs 15:33
• Proverbs 29:23
• Luke 22:26
• James 1:9

Bleeding Through Feature (Pg. 57)
It was awesome to discover that Derek Youngsma, drummer of Bleeding Through, is a professing Christian in the midst of his surroundings. Jesus calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. In the interview, Doug commends him for “Excelling his craft out in the world and not necessarily hiding in the ghetto of the evangelical subculture or behind the church walls.”

What do you think about that? Jesus was looked down upon in the religious community for associating himself with the world, and yet it was the Pharisees that he called such names as “hypocrites” and “brood of vipers”.

How important is your outreach? Certainly there is nothing wrong with Christian fellowship, as we are family in Christ, growing with one another in the Spirit, but do you take time to love those who aren’t on the same page, do you take time to be a witness for Jesus in a world that doesn’t know him?

Check out Matthew 5:13-16 for a portion of Jesus Sermon on the Mount, and read for yourself what part of our calling as his followers is.

(You might want to read the intermission article directly following this interview, Chris Yamber and the Simpsons, as it correlates in subject matter.)

Skylines (Pg. 24)
One of the questions that arise in the interview with Skylines is on the topic of music as ministry. Their take on it is this:

“It’s solid conversations with kids before and after. It’s in those conversation where the band can share what their relationship with God is doing in their own lives and thus give hope and purpose through relationships with the kids.”

What does Scripture say about living out our lives as an example for Christ – about “walking the talk” so to speak? What Skylines is able to do with the fans is beautiful, because it gives people a chance to see and experience if the band members truly reflect the message they bring on stage.

Scripture calls us to be in the world and not of it. Jesus calls us to be holy as he is holy. We’re to live as an example…

Check out 1 John 3 for an apostle’s take on living as children of God, and the joys that come with following in his presence.

Is your life a reflection of Christ’s? Do you want it to be? That chapter in 1 John talks a lot about loving one another, and certainly one of Jesus’ greatest points was stressing that we love each other as he loved us.

It’s my prayer that whether it be a band like Skyline who shares their love with kids at shows, or a student that reaches out in love at school, or a friend that is closer than a brother – may our love be more than noticeable. May it be so prevalent that it is almost tangible.

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