St. Bronislava Catholic Church Youth Ministry  

The Book of Deuteronomy

SAY IT!   Some things are important enough to say two or three times. Like reminding your parents you have plans for Friday night.  Or reminding them that they promised to take you to the mall. 

 

Deuteronomy means "second law."  This book contains teachings Moses felt were important enough to repeat.  Sort of like a TV rerun.  Deuteronomy repeats the Ten Commandments.  And it reminds you that love prompted God to choose his people.  And love prompted God to give them his law.  Why is that important?  Because rules made by someone who loves you will have your best interest at heart.

Did you know?

Look it up!

Grab your Bible and Can YOU Relate?!

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9

Moses told God's Old Testament people to love the Lord and live by his words.  Then as they sat at home or walked along the road or stretched out to relax, they talked about those words of God that shaped their lives.  This is still the best way to share your faith with others.  Have an answer to prayer?  Mention it to your friend when you're riding the bus to school.  Do you have a different outlook on sex?  Tell your friends the choice you've made, and why.  You don't have to argue.  All you have to do is talk naturally about the place God has in your life.

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 8:10-18

You just got all A's on your report card, the guy you like finally asked you out, and your dad just said you can get your license as soon as you turn 16!  God?  Who needs him now?  But maybe this is the time you need God most.  The Bible warns that when things go well there's a danger the "then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 8:14).  and if you forget God, you'll probably soon be in trouble.  Why not write yourself a note?  Remind yourself that when something really great happens, enjoy.  Then stop a moment to thank God and give him credit for the good things in your life.

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 13:16-11

What if an acquaintance asks for the answer to a test question?  You sake your head no.  But he whispers, "I was sick last night and couldn't study.  Help me just this once."  Would you still say no?  What if he was a close friend?  When it comes to doing wrong, the person who asks may be "your son or daughter, or the wife you love, or your closest friend"  (Deuteronomy 13:6).  It makes no difference.  This Bible passage says, "Do not yield to him or listen to him" (Deuteronomy 13:8).  Acting on your convictions rather than giving in to peer pressure is tough.  But it's an important part of becoming a mature adult and a mature Christian.

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 14:28-29

Do you ever wonder what happens to the money people give at church?  Probably some goes to pay for the building and the pastor's salary and educational materials.  But what else?  In Old Testament times 10 percent of the harvest was set aside to support the temple and the priests.  But every third year the tithe was kept in the village to feed "the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns" (Deuteronomy 14:29).  Many churches show the same concern for the needy people in their communities.  Helping others is a priority with God.  Why not check out what your church does?

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 16:16-17

Many families plan a Christmas gift for Jesus.  Some have jars for loose change, and at Christmas they count it up and give it to missions.  There are many ways to make your "holidays" true "holy-days," but one of the best is to show gratitude my making a special, extra gift to the Lord.  Three times a year God's people were invited to great national holidays where "no man should appear before the Lord empty-handed.  Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you."  What a good reminder that God is the source of all our blessings.  And what a good way to say, "Thanks!"

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 21:18-21

Dad says, "Be home at 10:00."  And you get home at 10:45.  Mom says, "No MTV."  And you sneak in a music video while she's in the kitchen.  Even though your parents might not be too happy with you, chances are you won't get grounded --- much less stoned to death.  But what about open rebellion?  Dad says be in by 10:45, and son is gone all night.  Every day Mom says, "Get up and go to school," and every day daughter rolls over and ignores her.  Now that's disobedience.  Is it serious?  Check out this passage and never think rebellion at home is minor sin.

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 26:16-19

Does it bother you when kids who go to church regularly swear or tell dirty stories at school?  When an officer in your youth group cheats on tests?  Or when a teen who is oh-so-pious at church mocks Christian kids at school?  Maybe you wonder if they're real Christians at all.  That question is one you and I can't answer.  But in real Christians, walk and talk are supposed to be the same.  Maybe you can't judge whether another person is a real Christian or not.  But you can make sure that no one has any doubts about you!  If you say you're a Christian, live a Christian life at school, at home, everywhere!

Can you Relate? DEUTERONOMY 29:19-21

You check out one test answer in the book and get caught.  Jimmy cheats regularly and nobody catches him!  Life sure isn't fair.  To Jimmy.  Actually, the worst thing that can happen to a person is to get away with doing wrong.  Jimmy smirks when you get hauled up in front of class.  He thinks he'll never get caught.  The longer people get away with doing wrong, the more they think they'll never get caught.  Eventually they do something serious and come face to face with disaster.  If you're caught and punished when you step out of line, don't complain.  God is being more fair to you.  It's Jimmy, not you, who's in trouble!