# YP Life

> Youth Pastors and Teens #1 Source


## Posts

- [Discerning and Deciding Your Influences](https://yplife.org/?p=3442): Proverbs 19:27 “Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”We must all make the decision on who influences us. Influencers may be a new word, but not a new concept. Solomon knew that his son Rehoboam was surrounded by guys his age who were wanting to give him bad advice. Sadly, for Rehoboam he didn’t listen to his father until it was too late. Rehoboam needed to discern who was influencing him and how and then decide to only be influenced by good and godly people. The same is true today, there is […]
- [I love my Youth Group](https://yplife.org/?p=3490): Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Our youth group plays a vital role in our church. In our church the make up of bus workers, junior church workers, choir members, nursery workers, soul winners, volunteers and servants is often filled with our teenagers. They play a big role in the spirit and energy of the church as well. Not only are they the next generation, but they are seeking to reach the next generation for Christ. Needless to […]
- [Wise Words](https://yplife.org/?p=3428): Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Words Matter. They matter a lot. Spoken words, written words, digital words, they all matter and they all last. In fact, Jesus said that our every word is being recorded in heaven (Matthew 12:36). We had better mind our words or at least engage our mind before moving our mouth! Physical wounds heal pretty quickly but the wounds left behind by cutting words can last a lifetime. In the wisdom that God have Solomon he refers to the “words of […]
- [The Shark Tank](https://yplife.org/?p=3328): Objective:Have the most wealth by the end of the game (not actual money) Items Needed:People, Pictures of Random\Funny\Weird\Outlandish Products Prep For The Game:You will need a list and pictures of products that your teenagers can invest in and you will need a lot of random products. (ie – Chicken arms, Rubber Chicken Purse, Self Stirring Cup, Atomic Bomb Lamp, Bacon Lip Balm, etc.) You will need to do four things with the pictures –1.) Decide how much the players should invest (Either One Or Two Fingers) for each item.2.) Pair the products up (you need two products per round)3.) Decide which products will […]
- [Reindeer Scramble](https://yplife.org/?p=3628): OBJECTIVE:Be the first team to unscramble all the reindeer’s names ITEMS NEEDED:Scissors to cut out the letters, The reindeer’s names printed on squares by individual letters – (Rudolph needs 7 squares with one letter of his name on each.) HOW TO PLAY:Each team is given a pile of tiles. On each tile is an individual letter. The teams goal then is to unscramble the tiles  to form the names of each of the reindeer’s names. The first team to finish unscrambling all 9 reindeer’s names is the winner.
- [Can Duel](https://yplife.org/?p=3588): Objective:Drink the soda before your opponent Items Needed:2 Soda Cans, 2 Candles, 2 Lighters How to Play:Two contestants are given their own lighter, candle, and soda can (unopened). The contestants are to light their candle and begin to drink their soda. They can only drink the soda while the candle is lit, but are allowed to blow their opponents candle out at any time. When one’s candle is blown out, they are to relight and continue to drink the soda. First one to drink the can of soda while the candle is still wins!
- [The Medicine Of Blessings](https://yplife.org/?p=3424): I Thess 5:18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”I recently read an article by Yale professor Laurie Santos. In the article she speaks about finding happiness in a dark time. She calls it “3 Blessings Exercise”. In her findings, Santos shows that we really can benefit from counting our blessings even when it feels like there aren’t that many blessings to be counted. Thats the fix. Whenever you are feeling down or having a bad day, just pause and write down 3 blessings that you are thankful for. Santos says, “The […]
- [What Do You Think About Me?](https://yplife.org/?p=2010): Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. ”This question is asked silently many times a day. Does anyone really care? Bro. Hyles said often if every young person knew that just one person cared about him or her that young person could make it in life. I am concerned about the young people but more and more I am concerned about the older people, the examples, the leaders—the words that come out of our mouths to the young people. I recently attempted to convey to a group […]
- [Minding My Members](https://yplife.org/?p=3554): Proverbs 4:22 “For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.”I LOVE the book of Proverbs! It is God’s College of Wisdom for the Course of Life. I really encourage you to read through it regularly, intently, prayerfully, and purposefully. What you may not know is that there are different sections of the Book of Proverbs. Take a look at the first two words of chapters two through seven. Neat huh! In these chapters Solomon is giving his son and all his children some very good advice. One really good piece of advice deals with goodness […]
- [Sculptures](https://yplife.org/?p=3422): Objective:Get your team to guess the sculpture in the least amount of time Items needed:List of things to sculpt, Playdoh, Table Directions:Each contestant is given a thing of playdoh, because they will be the sculptor that round for their team. The sculptors are then given the same word and have to try to get their team to guess by sculpting that word. Try to separate the teams enough to where the teams cannot see the other teams’ sculptors. The sculptors have 60 seconds to get their team to guess the correct word. They must not speak or point or anything. The […]
- [The Game of Skittles](https://yplife.org/?p=3420): Objective:Great Ice breaker to bring your youth group closer Items needed:Skittles and a List of Challenges Directions:With your skittle bag in hand, select one player to go first. You then blind draw one skittle to give to the player. They obviously can eat the skittle, but the color of the skittle selected will determine what they do. Play continues until everyone has a skittle. RED – They have to tell their salvation testimonyPURPLE – They have to tell their best joke – (Why does a stool used to milk cows only have three legs? – because the cow has the udder!YELLOW […]
- [Defusing the Differences](https://yplife.org/?p=3484): In the year of 1981, there was a man who was scheduled to meet with a state governor over some issues that greatly bothered him. As certain things mounted up his frustration, he was eager to meet with that governor and give him “a piece of his mind.” He was tired of dealing with certain things, like how the government was treating him with how high his taxes were, why ‘those’ people get paid so much, where was his tax dollars were going, among several others; so this man simply put together a list of all the things that irritated him […]
- [Leading By Commandment](https://yplife.org/?p=3566): Throughout my teen years, I strived to learn the essence of what it meant to be a leader. I would read books about leadership, attended school trips where they spoke about leadership, and asked countless leaders countless questions. In the world, it really is hard to put a finger on what makes a man a leader. There are numerous opinions, styles, and tactics when it comes to leadership. It is different for every occupation I found. Salesmen have their set of men they look up to, military men have their set of generals, Presidents, fighters, coaches, and on the list could […]
- [Strawless Relay](https://yplife.org/?p=3638): Objective: To break the ice for people to get to know each other. Items needed: one drinking straw for every person How to play: Have the group sit in a circle so everyone is facing each other and have them place one end of the straw in their mouth. Have everyone start at the same time to try to move the straw from one end to the other and back again without using their hands. They can only move it with their mouth and tongue. This will create a variety of facial expressions that will get the group comfortable with one […]
- [Lemon Lines](https://yplife.org/?p=3348): Objective:Get your lemon across the finish line by using a pencil or Popsicle stick. Items Needed:1 Whole Lemon Per Team, 1 Pencil or Popsicle Stick Per Team How to Play:Set up a finish line 10-15 feet away from the line of players. On the signal, the first player from each team will begin rolling their lemon toward the finish line using ONLY a pencil or a Popsicle stick. The first player to the finish line wins! Variations:This game could also be played as a relay where each team player runs the race. The first team to play all their players wins!
- [Blockhead](https://yplife.org/?p=3476): Objective:See Who can stack 4 or 5  blocks on the pan first while the pan is balanced on their head. Items Needed:Pizza Pans, Two sets of 5 building blocks How To Play:Two players race to see who can stack 4 or 5 blocks on the pizza pan while it is balanced on their head. The first to stack the blocks without them falling wins!
- [TikTok: What Parents Need To Know](https://yplife.org/?p=3438): TikTok was launched in 2016 and currently has more than half a billion users. That’s 15% of the World population that’s on TikTok. To put that in perspective, that’s almost 1 out of every 6 people in the world. At this staggering number, TikTok is the number one most downloaded app across devices in the world. “With 315 million downloads in the first three months of 2020, TikTok set a new record for the most installs by any app in a single quarter” (Business Insider, Apr. 16, 2020). So What is TikTok? Statistics The Ugly Side of TikTokTikTok is not just […]
- [Knowledge For College: Having A Strong Walk With God](https://yplife.org/?p=3538): 1 Peter 2:2 – “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The excitement of going off to college is before you! Thinking of all the details of what you need to bring, getting a job, transportation etc.… it can be overwhelming! Your success in Bible college does not depend on any of those things though. It hinges on the most important thing, your walk with God. As I found […]
- [Fruit From Canaan](https://yplife.org/?p=3584): Numbers 13:20 “And be ye of good courage and bring fruit of the land….”Everyone will have faith in something. The Bible shows us that faith comes from hearing; henceforth, we must be careful to what we listen to. Twelve spies came back from Canaan. Ten of them came back with an evil report. Notice the Bible does not say their report was inaccurate, but that their report was an evil report. Their report was accurate for there were giants in the land, walls around the land, and people stronger than they were. Their report was evil because their report lacked faith […]
- [Absolute Trust In God](https://yplife.org/?p=1952): Absolute trust in God is a quality that is rarely found.  Why can Christians Absolute trust in God is a quality that is rarely found.  Why can Christians trust God with their salvation but not their life? All of us seem to have something that we are holding back from God. Maybe it’s a possession that is dear to us.  Maybe it’s a person in our life or a dream that excludes God. Maybe it’s our thought process; we are critical of others or allow our minds to go wherever we please. Maybe it’s a sin that keeps us from being […]
- [Just Preach Jesus](https://yplife.org/?p=3562): In an era of Biblical Apostasy, a young preacher must be very careful when navigating the “Just Preach Jesus” crowd. They say a lot of spiritual things, and I must admit that at a surface glance their terminology appears to be defensible. After all, who could argue with someone who just preaches Jesus, right? I want you to examine some of the phrases that they use: Yes sir, all of those things sound appealing. After all, you would be a fool to argue that Jesus is not the center of everything that we do! These phrases are not really the problem. The […]
- [Mindful Servants](https://yplife.org/?p=3528): Little things matter. Recently a nursery director received a gift bag of thanks for her service in the church. It was not much, but just a little something to say “thank you” for directing one of the most difficult ministries in a church. She later told her pastor, “I have never gotten anything like this in the ten years I have served.” She was completely bowled over! It was not much, but some times it is just a little that some one needs.Maybe the phrase, “The devil is in the details,” comes to mind. In Arizona, an employee of Arizona Public […]
- [The Most Important Title](https://yplife.org/?p=3502): Ecclesiastes 1:1 “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.”You may wonder, to what kind of truth can be drawn from the title that Solomon gives himself? It is interesting to see the order of the title in his description. First and foremost he calls himself the Preacher. He also repeats this title in verse 12. Now I don’t know about you, but if I were a king, I think that is what I would want everyone to know me by. But Solomon realized what many Christians fail to understand. Above any job description that comes before our […]
- [A Wise Son Maketh A Glad Father](https://yplife.org/?p=3532): Proverbs 10:1 “The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: But a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”Being a Father is a big job. Having a wise child makes the job easier and more joyful. Learn how to be a wise child and make your parents glad with this advice from the Bible. Proverbs 15:20 “A wise son maketh a glad father: But a foolish man despiseth his mother.” Dad’s are under a lot of pressure. They are a husband to a wife. They are called by God to be the spiritual leader. They are tasked with […]
- [Air Control](https://yplife.org/?p=3460): Objective:Score the most points by getting the most airplanes through the portal Items Needed:Paper Airplanes, Hula Hoop How to Play:Each contestant is given 30 paper airplanes each. They must take those airplanes and throw them through the hula hoop which their teammate is holding. The holder must not move the hula hoop to try to help their teammate, but must simply hold it up so they can throw the airplanes through. The two teams compete head to head to see who can get the most airplanes through the hula hoop in 60 seconds.
- [Hot Seat](https://yplife.org/?p=3576): Objective:Guess the most correct answers Items Needed:Just A List Of Topics – ie cereal names, Bible characters starting with C, books of the Bible starting with J, etc. How To Play:Two contestants compete head to head the are seated facing each other. One is chosen to go first by a classic game of Rock paper Scissors. Once that is determined, the contestants are then given a topic ie – name a cereal starting with the letter c. The first player has 3 seconds to give an answer if it is a correct answer the second player must then guess a different […]
- [Does God have your heart](https://yplife.org/?p=3492): 1 Samuel 16:7 “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”The people at the church I Pastor laugh on the rare occasion they see me without a tie. I recently had a young man stop by my house, and all he did was stand and laugh. I asked what was wrong, and he said, “Pastor, you have a T-shirt on”. I’m 100 percent for Christians […]
- [The Real Pilot Is In Charge](https://yplife.org/?p=3446): Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with let your requests be made known unto God.”I took flying lessons in high school, and I loved it. I had amassed almost all the hours I was required to have with an instructor, and I had begun working on piling up my solo flight hours. But then came high school graduation day and that meant I was moving on to college. If you have any idea how expensive flying is, then you know the impossibility of someone working on a college students’ salary paying for college and […]
- [What Makes Life Difficult?](https://yplife.org/?p=3444): I have spent an entire year getting my license transferred. The State of Illinois is ridiculous! One day as I was lamenting my journey through the Secretary of State of Illinois to get my driving privileges set in lamination, God reached down and humbled me. I was just like the disciples in Mark 9:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? I had no idea why something so simple was being so difficult. The answer is obvious though, Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can […]
- [Like, Follow, and Subscribe](https://yplife.org/?p=3612): Social media has come a long way. YouTube and Facebook were founded around 2003, and no one could have guessed where it would be in 2021! There are literally hundreds of social media platforms. Celebrities and performers have built up huge followings of people who are in for their next post. Users can personalize their feeds and decide what content is viewed while scrolling through a favorite app through some simple choices: Like, Follow, Subscribe. Every platform has its own way of saying it. YouTube is all about ringing that bell, Twitter is about “retweeting” what another little birdy has to […]
- [By The Commandment](https://yplife.org/?p=3592): The apostle Paul always seems like a hoary headed preacher when I read the Bible. Especially as he writes to Timothy, Titus, and the churches, I believe Paul is beginning to feel the years that he has spent on the mission field. After ten years of missionary work, the apostle Paul had planted at least ten churches throughout his corner of the world. That is a lot of walking, a long time to be spent sailing, or even a lot of riding depending on how Paul accomplished this. One would think that this must have been done out of some special […]
- [The Foundations of Separation](https://yplife.org/?p=3564): As Christians, all that we do in life should come from God. He is to be our Example, Leader, and Guide in all that we do. Our knowledge of God and His will comes as we read and study the revelation that He has given us in the Bible. In John 14:6 we read that Jesus said, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life….” Truth begins with God. God is Truth. God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17). One of the reasons that God gave us His Word was to sanctify us. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is […]
- [Reaching Your Vision As A Young Preacher!](https://yplife.org/?p=3411): Acts 2:17 “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” After preaching yesterday a.m. for the 300th time in 2021, in the pulpit of the Waits Baptist Church pastor Brent Saxton , I wanted to give to young preachers, or those not so young, the principles of reaching goals, targets, and yes, even visions as a young preacher. I often say, “I’m living the dream!” Here […]
- [Just Pick it Up](https://yplife.org/?p=3440): Objective:Be the first to stack your cups Items Needed:Solo Cups, Balloons, Table How To Play:This is a great head-to-head competition. Each player is given a balloon. In front of them on the table is 7-10 solo cups. They have to stack all the solo cups inside of each other by blowing up the balloon inside of each cup then lifting it in the air with the blown balloon and placing the cup into the other cups. They cannot use their hands or anything else just the balloon. First one to stack them all is the winner!
- [Keeping The Fundamental Fun](https://yplife.org/?p=1944): Psalm 126:1-2 “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, the LORD hath done great things for them. The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” Jonathan Wells | Youth PastorParkside Baptist Church
- [Messy Bowl Quiz](https://yplife.org/?p=1915): Objective: Be the team with the cleanest record Items needed: Teams of two, Bowls, Whip Cream, Table, General Bible Questions, Pen, and piece of paper How to Play: One team member answers the questions on the piece of paper and the other team member is facing the bowl filled with whip cream. If the answered question is Incorrect, the other team member facing the bowl must dip their face in the whip cream. The team members can switch after 5 questions or each question.The team with the “cleanest” record (most correct answers) wins!
- [Joy in the Lord](https://yplife.org/?p=3600): Romans 5:11b “…we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.”Many have believed the devil’s lie that Christians are not supposed to enjoy life. To them being a Christian means adhering to a lot of “Thou shalt not” commandments. That adds up to, “Thou shalt not enjoy life.” That certainly is not true, but there are professed Christians who help Satan promote the idea by spreading gloom and despair. We should remember that Jesus was an exciting personality. Crowds thronged Him wherever he went. Even little children climbed into His arms. He once […]
- [Ignorance Isn't Always Bliss](https://yplife.org/?p=3586): 2 Corinthians 2:11 “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Suppose that, after you get your driver’s license, you decide to take a drive down a small town road. As you drive through one small town after another, you pick up speed until eventually you are going quite fast. The police officers in these small towns don’t get a whole lot of action, so they would probably notice you right away. It wouldn’t take long for them to be in hot pursuit. But you keep driving. You get your speed up to one-hundred […]
- [Plain Doesn’t Have to Be Boring](https://yplife.org/?p=3622): Genesis 13:18 – ” Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.”      Not many folks like “plain” anything. Plain vanilla ice-cream, plain rice, and especially plain oatmeal! (Can I get an amen right there!). We have been sold a myth that “plain” life is bad too. We want fun, excitement, and adventure! This also applies to our spiritual lives too. We desire to constantly experience the mountain top of spiritual victory, moving services, and the sense of the working of God in […]
- [Be Willing to Be a Building Block](https://yplife.org/?p=3634): Proverbs 10:25 “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.”The foundation is the most important part of building. As men of God, we often talk about building and buildings. “How to Build a Sunday School Class,” and “How to Have Bigger Attendance and Offerings,” are the eye-catching titles of books that sit around my own personal library. We drive through town and see the beautiful buildings of dead religion, and we think how wasted it feels that people who do not win souls to Christ have such nice buildings. We know exactly what […]
- [Paper Bag Line-up](https://yplife.org/?p=2001): Objective : Be the team to accomplish all the tasks that the game host requires in the fastest time. Items Needed :5-15 Paper Lawn Bags (I encourage you after you are done with the game to just fold them back up and use them again.) How to Play: Have a team of five to fifteen people come up to the front of the class. Each contestant receives a paper bag and places it on his head. The Game host will then ask them to line up in a certain order, (ie: Shortest to tallest, Alphabetical order, Small to large shoe size, darkest hair […]
- [Get Out of the Rut!](https://yplife.org/?p=3578): Romans 6:11-14“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”When I was younger, my sister and her husband lived on a […]
- [Friends Who Are Enemies](https://yplife.org/?p=3466): Most people desire to have a friend, to have many friends, and to have a best friend. All of these desires are natural and even can be healthy. However, having the wrong friends can be extremely dangerous and even up being your undoing. The Bible has a lot to say about friendships and the right kind of friends. However, let us first begin with the Bible principles that tell us who should NOT be our friend. We should be friendly to everyone, but not everyone should be our friend. There are some friends, that are actually your enemies. 1. Anyone who […]
- [Timeless Treasures](https://yplife.org/?p=3608): Objective:Guess The Most Treasures Items Needed:Slide Show Or Printed Pictures Of Ancient Artifacts How To Play:Divide the group into two teams. Then they teams must guess what the items are and what they were used for. Start off easy with Pictures of old fashioned radios or phones or VHS etc. Then move on to harder ones like the phonograph or the spindle or the cotton gin.  The team with the most points is the winner!
- [God Looks On The Heart](https://yplife.org/?p=3598): The people, at the church I Pastor, laugh on the rare occasion they see me without a tie. I recently had a young man stop by my house, and all he did was stand and laugh. I asked what was wrong, and he said, “Pastor, you have a T-shirt on”. I’m 100 percent for Christians dressing the right way. The world should know there is something different about us. I’m also for us having our hearts right. David’s brothers were refused because their hearts were not right. God wants us to dress right, but He looks on the heart also. I […]
- [Depictionary](https://yplife.org/?p=3526): Objective:Get The Most Points Items Needed:Printed Pictures Of Famous Paintings, Projector, (Cluster)** not needed but helpful see bottom of article for details How To Play:Divide your youth group into two teams. Each team is then competing to make the best pictures. Except this is not Pictionary it is Depictionary, so in this game the teams don’t draw they get to depict it with themselves. Give each team a pack pictures of famous paintings. Their goal is to reenact the picture with some of their teammates as the famous people in painting. Both teams have the same list and must try to get […]
- [Jesus Cares](https://yplife.org/?p=3624): Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”       Jesus told Peter that Satan wanted to sift him as wheat, but that He had prayed that his faith would not fail (Luke 22:31-32). Jesus was concerned that Peter was going to be tempted, and He still cares when his children are tempted today. It is good to know Jesus our High Priest, and that He can give us victory over all of Satan’s temptations. Satan is in the tempting business. He […]
- [Much More Than God](https://yplife.org/?p=3336): The greatest lesson any Christian can learn is contentedness. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” It is the lesson that every person needs to learn in their life. Children need to learn it. Teens need to learn it. ADULTS need to learn it. Accepting and appreciating what you already have is great gain for the Christian; however, let me brag about the goodness of God. Our God is shown throughout the scriptures to be a God of “more”. He gave the Israelites mana in the morning and meat in the afternoon as they […]
- [Back To Better - Remain](https://yplife.org/?p=3448): When faced with troubles, trials and transitions, there is often temptation to look for a quick fix, quick flee or quick find. There is always a pressure from teens, parents, your workers and your Pastor to produce results. In this moment of desperation, many YPs turn to something other than God to help them with their problems. If we are not careful we can become like the guy who doesn’t have a job but buys $20 dollars of lottery tickets every week looking for the “big win”. Often we want quick, easy and effortless solutions to every struggle, snare or shift […]
- [Back To....Better](https://yplife.org/?p=3640): Not back to normal…Back to Better. Hebrews is the BETTER book of the Bible. It uses the word Better 13 times.1:4 Christ is Better | 6:9 Better things | 7:7 The less is Better | 7:19 A Better hope | 7:22 A Better Testament | 8:6 A Better covenant / promises | 9:23 Better sacrifice | 10:34 Heaven a better substance | 11:16 Heaven a better country | 11:35 A Better resurrection | 11:40 Some Better thing for us | 12:24 Speaketh better things Jesus, Salvation, Heaven… are all better than anything we can think of in our finite earthly minds. […]
- [3 “VOICES” I’D NOT LISTEN TO!](https://yplife.org/?p=3574): I Corinthians 14:10 “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.”There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. In I Corinthians chapter 14 we find prophecy (or preaching) is the greatest gift to both yesterday’s church and today’s church.This chapter could be effortlessly outlined like this:I. The  Admonition. (verse 1)II. The  Advantages. (verses 2-6)III. The Analogies. (verses 7-8)IV. The Alarm. (verses 9-11)V. The Assertion. (verses 12-22)VI. he  Advice. (verses 23-40) It is while the  Apostle Paul is dealing (under the direct inspiration of […]
- [Wait, What Do You Call It?](https://yplife.org/?p=3590): Objective:Guess the most correct answers Items Needed:Just A List Of Things Called By Two Different Names Commonly. (list provided at the bottom of article) Having a picture to show them for each category helps also. How To Play:It is an every man for himself game. Each player is given a piece of paper and a pen. Then the leader starts reading the list of conflicting items. The players must vote on what they call the item by pointing to the left if they call it the first word or pointing to the right if they call it the second word. For […]
- [Our Time](https://yplife.org/?p=3252): Esther 4:14 “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”Who saw the changes and challenges 2020 would bring? From online church services, cancelled Teen Camps and Youth Rallies, Zoom Sunday School Classes….The list of adjustments goes on and on. As Youth Workers, this was not what we thought this year would look like. But let me encourage you, God placed us here […]
- [New Titles From The Old Book](https://yplife.org/?p=3572): 1 Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”A man’s title is important to him. A doctor should be called “Doctor”, a judge should be referred to as “Your Honor”, and a President should be referred to as “Mr. President”. Men heap to themselves titles. There is an unspoken contest on how many letters can be placed after a name. It is understandable, because a man’s name is more valuable than riches. Jesus Christ’s name is only below God’s Word in terms […]
- [The Necessity of a Strong Will](https://yplife.org/?p=1981): We must realize that sinners can do us no harm unless we join with them.  We must realize that sinners can do us no harm unless we join with them. Joining with them means we must consent.  The easy road to walk is that of yielding to every one’s enticement.  But the wise person realizes some people must be avoided.  And having a strong will helps to avoid consenting. Living life wisely requires more than just a sincere desire; there are times when it demands a strong will.  Good intentions are just that, good intentions.  There must be a strong will […]
- [Four Important Dates](https://yplife.org/?p=1956): Isaiah 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” October 11, 1970.  My father, Robert Ross, was 30 years of age when, on this date, he surrendered to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He had been saved four years earlier.  From the day he was saved, he helped the preacher, served the church, witnessed whenever possible, soon taught Sunday School – whatever was needed he wanted to serve.   Then the day came when God tapped him on the shoulder and […]
- [What Does God Have Prepared For You?](https://yplife.org/?p=3602): Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.”God has a “plan” for your life. His plan is one that brings joy, peace and an abundance of blessings. In fact, the Bible describes it this way in Proverbs 10:22, “The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” To choose to ignore God’s plan for your life is to endure a life of regret and heartache. God puts it this way in Proverbs 13:15, “Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.” Ron Haskins’ March […]
- [Duct Taped To Jesus](https://yplife.org/?p=3450): Deuteronomy 30:20 ”That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” If you were to duct tape two people together and have them go through their day without a painful separation, three things have to happen: First, someone has to lead. If the two people are heading in different directions, it’s going to be […]
- [The Lady the Lord is Looking For](https://yplife.org/?p=3606): I guess the first time I read this statement in Ecclesiastes I was a little offended at Solomon. He said, “All women are the same. They’re all deceitful, conniving, out to use people and get their own way at the expense of others. Women are heartless and selfish. I’ve been trying to find one that’s different, but it’s hopeless. You may find a man now and then whose heart is kind and his motives are pure, but you couldn’t find one good woman if you searched through a thousand.” My first thought was,” That’s not a fair statement. He wrote that […]
- [Can Jam](https://yplife.org/?p=3474): Objective:Get the Frisbee into the trash can to score points. Items Needed:2-4 Trash Cans (that are the same), 2-4 Frisbees How To Play:Start by setting up two trash cans 10 feet apart. Then select two teams of two to play against each other. One player from each team goes behind opposite trash cans, so that one player from either team is behind both trash cans similar to cornhole. The first player throws the frisbee to the trash can on the opposite side where his teammate is standing behind. If the thrower gets the frisbee into the trash can without any help […]
- [Overflowing Wells of Water](https://yplife.org/?p=3604): Isaiah 12:3 “Therefore with joy how you draw water out of the wells of Salvation.”       This verse harks back to the preceding verse. There we are told that God is our salvation and that Jehovah is our strength. As a child of God, I can draw water from the wells of salvation.       Jesus told the woman of Samaria that if she would drink of the water that He would give, she would never thirst again (John 4:14). While Jesus was on the cross, He cried, “I thirst.” He bore our sins, and He bore our thirst. Now all […]
- [Glory of God](https://yplife.org/?p=3626): Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament sheweth his handywork.”Paul tells us that we can know that God is the creator by the things that are made (Rom. 1:20). Our text says, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” The following poem covers this subject in a wonderful way: Has anyone measured the waterContained in the Oceans and seas?Has anyone found the machineryThat creates the wind and the breeze? Has anyone weighed the mountainsOr measured the rocks piled high?Has anyone found the magnetThat holds the stars in the sky?Has anyone found the lanternBehind the lightnings flash,Or found the […]
- [“Rock-A-Bye-Baby”](https://yplife.org/?p=3632): Jonah 1:5b “But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.”It is while the prophet Jonah is dealing (under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit) with “The Ordeal” that a person finds a derelict, disobedient and DOZING believer. T. DeWitt Talmage once said about our text, “If instead of sleeping Jonah had been on his knees confessing his sins from the time he went on board the craft, I think God would have saved him from being thrown overboard.” Never forget, Brother Jonah sleeping in a boat is really no different than […]
- [Are You Horizontal Or Vertical](https://yplife.org/?p=3512): No doubt most readers of this article are somewhat or very familiar with the story of David versus Goliath. In this story, we see that David faces a giant who is nearly ten feet tall. I Samuel 17:4 – “And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.” According to my Thomas Nelson KJV Study Bible there is a section in the back that gives weights, measurements, etc during Bible times. A “cubit” is 18 inches in length and a “span” is 9 inches long. […]
- [God's Way](https://yplife.org/?p=3570): 1 Kings 11:1-8 “But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his […]
- [Complaints That Closed The Synagogue](https://yplife.org/?p=3338): One of the blessings of study is learning more and more about Jewish customs and culture. Personally, it keeps me interested in the Bible as I learn new details every year as I study for sermons and Sunday school lessons. It is interesting to think that the same issues we experience today were felt in Bible times. How do you keep people faithful? How do you stop them from following every new exciting charismatic leader? As Jesus’ ministry took off, we read He was followed by multitudes and great multitudes of people. The religious leaders of the day were jealous and […]
- [What David Did](https://yplife.org/?p=3107): Psalm 57:7 “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.”At the time of my writing, the world seems to be straight out of science fiction. There is a viral pandemic, the nation has shut down every sport, churches are told not to meet, States are ordering curfews, and people are wearing masks and gloves everywhere. During this time, Youth Pastors are certainly feeling a lot of different things. “This is what I was made to do, and I can’t do it.” Scrambling to do everything that can be done just to stay in […]
- [Reaching Teens through the Bus Ministry](https://yplife.org/?p=3568): Ezekiel 34:6 “My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” Across your city there are teenagers who would come to your teen ministry and church if they were invited and brought. The Vision: The Plan The Program The Problems Pastor Robert PophalRose Park Baptist Church | Holland, Michigan
- [When Bad Is Good](https://yplife.org/?p=3464): Jeremiah 24:5 “Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good.”I have to admit, I like it when things go my way. Like most people I am super happy when life goes according to my plans. Good thing God is on board with that, right? Well, it was good thought! In my 50+ years of living I have boiled the meaning of life down to two axioms: God is always […]
- [Stop And Smell The Roses](https://yplife.org/?p=3454): I never really understood what it meant to “stop and smell the roses.” I figured I could get a whiff of the flowers as I ran by them if I was inclined to do that. I grew up hearing that I needed to wait, to be patient, and that I “did things too fast.” If it was not worth doing quickly, it was not worth doing. As I have gotten older, I see what the big deal is. There is so much that I ran past in between sports, hanging out with friends, and living my life. I go for regular […]
- [The Almost Hero of the Bible](https://yplife.org/?p=3616): Numbers 24:13 “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?”Have you ALMOST won at something? You almost won the basketball game, football game, or the Go Fish game? To almost win means you definitely lost. I hate losing, especially when its close, and I really hate losing when it’s from my own mistake. Balaam was an ALMOST hero of the Bible. He was so close! He had a testimony of […]
- [I Gotta Hand It To You](https://yplife.org/?p=3486): Objective:Score the most points by catching the most pencils Items needed:Pencils How to Play:Each contestant holds one hand out palm down. On the back of their hand they place a pencil. They must toss the pencil in the air and then catch it with that one hand. Their hand though must not flip over they have to catch the pencil with their hand facing down. Then whoever is still in must add another pencil to the back side of their hand and toss both at the same time and they must catch both. Each time they catch the pencils, they must […]
- [10 Ways to Find a Walk with God](https://yplife.org/?p=1937): Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”Joshua 1:8 talks about “good success”. Psalm 1 speaks of being blessed, delighting, being planted, bringing fruit, not withering and prospering. Everyone wants a life like this. For the Christian a life like this begins with our walk with God. We have heard it 100 times… but how can we find a […]
- [Pink Elephants](https://yplife.org/?p=1966): Objective :The child who can successfuly get the slinky to rest on top off their head first wins! Items Needed: How to Play:
- [Turning Bitter To Sweet](https://yplife.org/?p=1963): The people of Israel found themselves at another testing ground.  They had The people of Israel found themselves at another testing ground. They had just left Egypt and watched God do many miracles. They watched God subdue their enemy, but they soon found out their worst enemy was in drinking the bitter waters of no faith in an Almighty God. They were questioning the God who had delivered them multiple times. God likes to send different situations into our lives to sharpen us and teach us for His glory. All of us have had things happen to us in life that have left […]
- [Baby Rattle](https://yplife.org/?p=1960): OBJECTIVE: ITEMS NEEDED: How to Play:
- [Are You Rapture Ready?](https://yplife.org/?p=3488): 1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Are you Rapture Ready? I mean, are your bags packed, flight booked, lose ends all tied up, and you are set to go RIGHT NOW? I remember coming home from school one day when I was in middle school only to find that the house was unlocked and no one was home. This was extremely unusual as, at that time, someone in my family was […]
- [Rise and Shine](https://yplife.org/?p=1948): Have you ever overslept your morning? You hectically get yourself out the door, hectically get through your day and spiritually you have been ill equipped to face the battles that came your way. All because you started your morning wrong. On the other hand, have you ever gotten up early? No one would argue the peacefulness of an early morning. God created this part of the day to be spent in time with Him. David speaks of praying early in the morning {Ps. 5:3; 63:1; 88:13; 119:147; 143:8} Christ himself rose up early to spend time with the Father! {Mark 1:35} […]
- [Wasted Years](https://yplife.org/?p=1934): Psalms 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” There is a myth that we all believe in our youth which is that our time is limitless. Sadly, that is not true. Our days are numbered down to the day, hour, minute and second. We have an expiration date like a jug of milk stamped on us that only God can see and the clock is ticking down second by second. Tick…Tick…Tick… I’m not writing this devotion to scare you or depress you; I’m writing this as a man who is now halfway […]
- [So You Struck Out, Go Back To The Plate Again!](https://yplife.org/?p=1907): Even those with only a causal knowledge of “AMERICA’S FAVORITE PASTIME”, know the larger than life, hitter’s name, “Babe” Ruth. He once said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next homerun.” The wisest man who ever lived, Solomon, knew this, centuries before Mr. Ruth ever put on his Baseball cleats. Winners in the sports arena and in the spiritual arena have both learned the profound truth,… “A strike out doesn’t always mean the game is lost!” There are 3 Bible truths that should inspire the SAVED young person to pick up their bat and go back to the plate AGAIN! 1. […]
- [Peculiar Preachers](https://yplife.org/?p=1904): Have you ever heard a Preacher preach, that was just different than what you are used to hearing? Maybe he is louder? Maybe he is more funny than usual? Have you ever walked away having heard a great truth, just from a peculiar source? The Bible gives us a few sermons from some peculiar preachers.. I. NOAH’S DOVE – Gen. 8:11 And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluck off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.The dove brought a message about the Promise of God […]
- [Organizing A Wednesday Night Teen Program](https://yplife.org/?p=1897): Ezekiel 34:28 “And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.” The Devil’s primary mission field is the hearts and minds of youth.  If the devil can win them while they are young he may have them the rest of their lives.  We must stand in the gap and make a difference in the lives of today’s youth; a dynamic Wednesday night Teen Ministry is one way of doing that.The Vision The Plan William DavisYouth | Assistant PastorClays Mill Baptist […]
- [Getting Your Teens On Fire](https://yplife.org/?p=1894): 1. Through Leadership– You need to be excited – YOU set the example for the right spirit 2. Through Service– Church/ Outreach – “control the buzz”… Keep them excited about something coming up! 3. Through Music– Teach them to love singing -They put the teens in the adult choir. Let them have their own choir to sing specials at church or youth meetings. It strengthens them but also the other teens watching them sing. 4. Through Souls Saved – Take them soul winning – Have a public school rally 5. Through Activities – Have fun! – Have a CHALLENGE in it. Jerry […]
- [Behold The Fire](https://yplife.org/?p=1876): Lots of things are made better by fire.  What would a flame broiled Whopper be without fire: yucky!  What would a hot and gooey s’more sandwich be without a fire crisped marshmallow: disappointing!  What would a bon fire be without the fire: boring!  What would a Christian’s life be without the fire of God: yucky, disappointing and boring.  Isaac, when he was walking with his father Abraham, up to Mount Moriah, said “Behold the fire.”  They were on their way to offer a sacrifice for God and they needed fire.  They had the fire.  Isaac could see the fire. Young adults, […]
- [The Lion Tamer](https://yplife.org/?p=1071): 2 Timothy 1-4 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” We find in 2 Timothy that Christians are called to be soldiers of Jesus Christ. Our enemy is not someone we can […]
- [Christmas Caroling](https://yplife.org/?p=1058): Activity:Go sing Christmas carols to different people. Description:Practice with your youth group for 2 to 3 weeks before you are going to go out caroling. Compile a list of people in your church that are shut-ins | in a hospital | elderly | in a nursing home | etc. After you have compiled your list of names and addresses, bring the teens to the house and sing to the folks. It is a pretty simple activity yet the people that you do it for will love the caroling and the teens singing will have a wonderful time. Below is a song […]
- [Christmas Lights](https://yplife.org/?p=1055): Recently we took our youth group to the “Lights Under Louisville” located in Louisville, KY. It gets its title for the fact that the lights are located in a cave under part of the city of Louisville. This was a very fun and unique activity, I mean how many times have you gone under ground to see Christmas lights? We had a great time of fellowship, singing Christmas carols, playing games, and getting to know members of the youth group. This activity was unique in many ways one of which was that we spent the majority of the time on the […]
- [Truth and Trade\\Mary and Martha](https://yplife.org/?p=1052): Mary & Martha – M&MThe Mary & Martha activity for our teen girls has been a huge success. My wife, Amber Ross,came up with the idea this past year as a way to connect more with our teen girls and have theopportunity to teach them things young ladies need to know. She has worked to get several ladies in our church on board with teaching recipes, crafts, and lessons to our teen girls. They have baked desserts, fixed mac-n-cheese, and prepared freezer meatloaves for theirfamilies. They have now learned to do things like how tie-dye a shirt, decorate aprons, make DIYChristmas […]
- [Hosting A Youth Explosion](https://yplife.org/?p=1049): A Youth Explosion is basically a one-night Youth Rally, but with church groups that are farther out thanyour own region of fellowship. This event is open to churches from anywhere within several hours. 2-3 Months before the Youth Explosion: 1. Arrange The Stage.      Find a speaker. More than anything, seek your Pastor’s counsel. Ask who the Lord would lay on his heart, or what direction he would like for you to go. It is beyond your position to find a speaker yourself (unless your pastor has given you direct permission. Even if he has, you need to have them approved […]
- [The Gauntlet](https://yplife.org/?p=1045): The GAUNTLET has long been one of the highlights of the year for our youth group! It has brought the teens closer through competition and fun. The GAUNTLET is a series of games where teams can earn points to win the competition for their team! Normal we divide the youth group up into 2 – 4 teams and have a month or two months long competition with the GAUNTLET as the final day to earn points. When we divide into four teams we separate by age groups (7th-9th girls |7th-9th boys |10-12th girls |10th-12th boys). We have also done just Guys vs Girls, or we have done […]
- [Among Us IRL](https://yplife.org/?p=1042): To play in real life, you need at least 10 players. If you have an even number over 10, you could split them into groups to take turns with each round. I. TASKSFirst, set up all the tasks throughout your church property. The more scattered the better. If all your tasks are too close, players will be trampling over each other, and your imposter won’t have any good opportunities. I laid out 7 tasks throughout the property last time we played, and found it more fun NOT to tell the players where the tasks are. They must find and complete all […]
- [Telecharades](https://yplife.org/?p=1039): Objective:Guess The Correct Word\Phrase Items Needed:A List Of Words Or Phrases That Can Be Acted Out How To Play:Separate into teams of five. The first team of five players goes to the front of the room. They all line up single file facing the same direction with enough space in between them to act. The player at the back of the line is then given a word or phrase to act out. He then must tap the player in front of him on the shoulder signaling for that player to turn around. Once his teammate has turned around the actor has […]
- [Soda Sock Swig](https://yplife.org/?p=1036): OBJECTIVE:Chug the POP (Soda) ITEMS NEEDED:Pop cans, Cheap new socks HOW TO PLAY:Once you have chosen your participants, tell them that they will be in a race against the other 5 to see who can completely finish the soda first. Let them open the soda. Start your countdown, then stop in the middle of the countdown to go and tell them that they have to used some of your socks to put over the can and drink the pop through. (These are actually brand new socks that you have just bought). First one that drinks it all is the winner. NASTY […]
- [Let's Roll](https://yplife.org/?p=1033): Objective:Get your cup to the end of the table the first or if no one reaches the end whoever gets it the furthest. Items Needed:Toilet Paper Rolls, Cups of Water, Table, Small Towel\Paper Towels, and PRIZES How To Play:Setup three rolls of toilet paper on the table unwound the length of the table, but still connected to the roll. On the end of each strand of toilet paper place a cup full of water. Three contestants come up to the table and grab a hold of the TP roll. Their objective is to get the cup that is on their TP […]
- [Rock Paper Scissors Showdown](https://yplife.org/?p=1030): OBJECTIVE:Be the last man standing ITEMS NEEDED:Teenagers HOW TO PLAY:This game is one of the easiest ways to involve everyone in the youth group in the game. The YP simply says, “Turn to the person to your right or left and when I say ‘rock, paper, scissors, shoot’ then you throw your sign and whoever is the winner advances to the next round. Once the first round is done the players find another person in their section and play again with the YP starting the rounds at the same time. The game continues until there is one person from each section […]
- [Balancing the Christian Life](https://yplife.org/?p=1027): Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” To have successful balance in our home life, family life, business endeavors, ministry, and our walk with God, we have to have a standard scale that weighs each of these areas in our life to make sure they are balanced. In Anne of Green Gables, Matthew went to the store to buy […]
- [Much More Than God](https://yplife.org/?p=1024): The greatest lesson any Christian can learn is contentedness. Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” It is the lesson that every person needs to learn in their life. Children need to learn it. Teens need to learn it. ADULTS need to learn it. Accepting and appreciating what you already have is great gain for the Christian; however, let me brag about the goodness of God. Our God is shown throughout the scriptures to be a God of “more”. He gave the Israelites mana in the morning and meat in the afternoon as they […]
- [Parental Advisory: 8 Fights Worth Picking With Your kids](https://yplife.org/?p=1021): Parenting is hard.  Parents have to choose their battles.  Here are 8 fights worth picking with your kids:The Reading Fight:Make your kids read. Because reading is tied to everything from cognitive development to the ability to focus. Make your kids read now. The Outside Fight:Make your kids go outside. The natural world teaches us things. Plus, outside there’s sunshine, fresh air, and exercise waiting for them. Most importantly, nature is full of things in short supply in our world: Discovery, wonder, peace, joy. The Work Fight:Make your kids work. I’m saddened by how many parents don’t require their kids to lift […]
- [Leading Teens To Christ](https://yplife.org/?p=1018): I enjoy recreation as much as anyone else, and I love playing games.  I’ve been to youth rallies where teenagers have eaten some strange things and been willing to do some crazy stuff.  Our youth fellowships are known for fun games and laughing until we cry.  I love it!  But one of the biggest lies Satan sells young people is they have time to eventually get serious about spiritual things; that you have time to just “enjoy” your teen years, maybe even “sow some wild oats” and do what feels good.  All of us have experienced this is a lie.  Sin […]
- [Season Pass](https://yplife.org/?p=1015): Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”Season Pass: Grants the holder access to all events for regular season events. Summer: A time when we think of SUMMER BREAK.!!! We get a chance to change our routine from school days. That time of year when we let our minds go to thinking about family vacations, camping, roasting marshmallows, and so much more. It’s a time when many will invest money in a Summer Season Pass for zoos, museums, amusement parks, their […]
- [The Importance Of Proper Thinking](https://yplife.org/?p=1012): Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Thoughts control our behavior and our attitude. If we think we are in danger, we immediately spring into action. When someone tells us we look great, that lifts our spirits. If they tell us that we do not look well, we start feeling down. Some friends of the postmaster in a small Kentucky town decided to play […]
- [Preparing To Date](https://yplife.org/?p=1009): 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”Dating can be something that carries a various range of emotions. It can be exciting, scary, and can even bring anxiety. However, it is something that is a wonderful time in a person’s life if done in a way that is pleasing to God. If you are going to be successful […]
- [What's So Funny](https://yplife.org/?p=1006): I love to laugh. My favorite part about the time I live right now are the memes. Inside jokes, unexpected twists, and perfect word play are the bread and butter of my social media. I enjoy being inspired to laugh out loud, and I hope to do the same to others. Some days it is good to just have a nice long laugh. The Bible tells us that a merry heart is good for us: Proverbs 15:15 “He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.”Proverbs 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” It is no surprise that […]
- [Cheer Up](https://yplife.org/?p=1003): Acts 27:22 “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.” In Acts 27, Paul and his shipmates were facing death. Their vessel, driven by a “tempestuous wind, called  Euroclydon” . (v. 14), was in peril of being destroyed and its passengers drowned. Then the apostle gathered them together and said, “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the […]
- [Epic Faithfulness](https://yplife.org/?p=1000): Hebrews 3:5 “And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;” Epic is a word that is currently way, way, way over used. When something is truly Epic, it means that it is so extremely huge, so extraordinary, so life altering that it will be talked about for generations to come. Jesus was Epic. World War II was Epic. The missionary journeys of Paul were Epic. By contrast the latest Hollywood movie is not epic, nor is the just-a-bit-bigger than average fun outing. Recently, I was […]
- [Where Did You Get Your Shoe Laces](https://yplife.org/?p=997): Genesis 14:22-23 “And Abram said unto the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:”In chapter fourteen of Genesis, Lot is already living in Sodom. Five kings come and raid Sodom and capture lot and his family. Abram hears what has happened, and the Bible says he arms his trained servant that had been trained in […]
- [From A Plow Boy To A Preacher Man](https://yplife.org/?p=994): I Kings 19:19 “So he departed thence and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.” In I Kings chapter 19, we find the older prophet Elijah returns and has an obvious divine appointment with the young man Elisha. It is while the unknown writer is dealing (under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit) with “Elijah alongside a field” that a person sees God tap Brother Elisha’s shoulder for sacred service. John Wesley once wrote about our […]
- [Let’s Get Uncomfortable](https://yplife.org/?p=991): Amos 6:1 “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!”Any time God uses the word Woe, He is prescribing some serious punishment consequences for whatever sin he mentions. Here He says “Woe to them that are at Ease”. God had brought the Israelites through so much – Egypt, Wilderness, Promised Land, Battles, Kings, Captivity. And now it is as if God’s people have sit down. They were just resting and relaxing. They were at ease. Sitting down, feet up, sandwich […]
- [The Most Important Thing You Can Teach Your Child](https://yplife.org/?p=279): Proverbs 23:13-14 “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” “Withhold not correction.” Correction is the act of bringing back from error or deviation to a just standard. It is to cure faults by way of discipline, chastisement or punishment. Proverbs 3:11 unites chastening and correction and clarifies that at least one of the means of correction is chastening. Proverbs 3:12 says that this chastening is an act of love, not an act of anger. The lack of male […]
- [Beach Ball Bonanza](https://yplife.org/?p=276): For a fun and exciting activity, we had a beach ball bonanza. Every game involved one or more beach balls. We had five games planned to take place during an hour and a half timeframe. We just took common everyday games and replaced the normal ball that you would use with beach balls. You start by splitting your youth group into two or more teams based upon the number of teens that you have, for this activity we had 20 teens and we split them into two teams. After teens are divided up the fun begins! Here are the games we […]
- [David - The Mature Teenager](https://yplife.org/?p=227): Jesus Christ is our ultimate example. He left us not only with what he taught as a 30 year old man, but he also gave us an insight of what should be focused on in the life of a teenager. The importance of finding a Biblical example cannot be stated enough. Paul encouraged the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Godly examples help lead us towards the high prize of Jesus Christ we should be striving to attain. Out of all the Bible teens (and there are a […]
- [The Game Of Seven](https://yplife.org/?p=175): OBJECTIVE:Be the team to make it the farthest! ITEMS NEEDED:Table, 1 Bouncy Ball (Rubber Bouncy Ball or Tennis Ball or Ping Pong ball, Etc.) HOW TO PLAY:Set up the table in the front of the room then divide the youth group into teams of two! each Duo will be working together to beat the other teams. This game is played one team at a time. Both players stand on opposite ends of the table. The object of the game is to have the ball bounce the set number of times and then come off of the end of the table! For […]
- [Wednesday with the YP - The Prayer List](https://yplife.org/?p=141)
- [How To Have A Successful Fall Program](https://yplife.org/?p=126): John 6:12 “When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.”Jesus was going through it at this point in his ministry. He had been given the news that John the Baptist had been killed by Herod, he had traveled extensively, healed many, preached often, and was to escape to a desert place to get some rest. His rest was not over. As the busy summer time ends and fall approaches, churches find themselves in the same position. The work of the year has been great, the passing faces many, and the […]
- [The Apostle Paul’s Christmas List: Especially the Parchments](https://yplife.org/?p=2031): II Tim 4:13 “The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.” Paul is in Mamertine prison. He will actually never leave. He is close to his death. He pens a letter from a wicked, lonely, dark, ungodly place to his young protégé Timothy.Verse 9 – Paul tells him to hurry up and come.Verse 10 – Paul tells of Demas forsaking him and going into the world.Verse 11-12 – Paul updates Timothy about his ministry.Verse 13 – Paul asks Timothy to bring him some things when he comes […]
- [Do You Love The God That Spanks You?](https://yplife.org/?p=3472): Job 5:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.”In Luke 11 Jesus responded to the disciple’s request, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Thus He began His model prayer with this phrase, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” To hallow something is to sanctify or venerate it. It is to revere it. What are we to hallow? It is His name. This does not only mean to revere His identification but to revere His character – His name. Your name is more than just how you are identified. Your […]
- [Made Whole or Made Holy](https://yplife.org/?p=3648): JOHN 6John 6 perfectly describes our modern-day Christianity. At the beginning of the chapter, Jesus performs a miracle by feeding a crowd of thousands with just five loaves of bread and two fish. The people were so excited about the miracle that they spoke of forcing Jesus to rule as an earthly king. Jesus then departs to a mountain to avoid this and to be alone with God. The next day the crowd comes seeking after Jesus. When they find Him, they begin to question as to why He left them. Wouldn’t you think Jesus would be excited to see that […]
- [Consulting The Dead](https://yplife.org/?p=3436): Isaiah 8:19-22(19) – “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” Isaiah was warning the people of Israel that because of their wickedness, the Assyrians were going to invade and destroy everything. We know from what we read in the Bible as well as world history, the Assyrians did just that. Isaiah predicted that when the Assyrians would invade, that some people would consult witches, wizards, mediums, etc… to try and communicate with the […]
- [The Royal Scepter](https://yplife.org/?p=3522): Objective:Be the last man standing with the scepter Items Needed:3/4 in. PVC Pipe and Pool Noodles How To Play:Get 6 PVC pipes at 4ft\5ft and cut 1 foot pieces of pool noodle and place it on the top of the pipe to add enough weight and a little bit of cushion. Select six players all guys or all girls. Not a mixed game. Each player is given a scepter. They must place one hand behind their back because they can only use one hand in this game. All players then face each other with the scepter upright in their hand. The YP […]
- [The Little Foxes](https://yplife.org/?p=3630): Song of Solomon 2:15b “… the little foxes, that spoil the vines…”Someone said, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible”. What a simple but powerful truth. Sin cannot co-exist with the working of the Spirit of God. You will either operate in your flesh or in the Spirit, but never in both. The media once covered the story of an African diamond mine where two large diamonds were extracted. They were taken to a jeweler for examination where each was to be finished into beautiful diamonds. The first diamond, when chiseled down, was […]
- [The Corn Maze](https://yplife.org/?p=1985): DESCRIPTION: Go to a corn maze with the youth dept, because it is an a”maize”ing activity for the entire youth group. Recently we went to the Devine’s cormaze and pumpkin patch. You would like to find a local maze near you, also before we go I call ahead asking for group discounts. Generally if you have a descent size group or tell them that you are a non-profit organization they will give you a descent rate. I suggest arriving from 6-9; it was a good time because we got some of the daytime and some night. It is a blast to […]
- [Tackling the Troubles that Target Timothys- SPIRITUAL ASTUTENESS](https://yplife.org/?p=1931): 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of the truth.”A sure way to stifle the stigma of youth is to saturate yourself with the Scriptures! President Theodore Roosevelt claimed, “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” Time in the study will add spiritual years to one’s ministry! There is simply no substitute for a thorough knowledge of God’s Word. The Bible commands all Christians in Colossians 3:16 to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in […]
- [Finding A Walk With God](https://yplife.org/?p=3620): Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”This verse talks about “good success”. Psalm 1 speaks of being blessed, delighting, being planted, bringing fruit, not withering and prospering. Everyone wants a life like this. For the Christian a life like this begins with our walk with God. We have heard it 100 times… but how can we find a walk […]
- [Saying vs Doing](https://yplife.org/?p=3610): Since my dad is from Minnesota and since most of his family still lives there, I have been there many times for family reunions. On one occasion, he took us kids to an old train bridge from which he and his friends used to jump into the river about thirty feet below. I had never jumped from anything that high, but, with confidence, I said I would have no problem jumping off it. But then came the test. I was standing on the rail in my swimming shorts, gazing at the water below, which felt more like sixty feet than thirty. […]
- [People Pictionary](https://yplife.org/?p=3546): Objective:Score the most points by guessing the right player Items needed:White Board, marker, pieces of paper, pens How to Play:Divide the youth group into two teams. Every player has to write down their name and three things about themselves, like what they like on the paper that can be used as clues in a game (i.e. A player would write down 2-3 things about themselves – “I Like Mustangs, Coffee, etc.). Once you have collected all the cards, shuffle them then have one contestant get a card. That person must then draw the three items on the board and get his […]
- [Christian Mindset](https://yplife.org/?p=2851): Philippians 4:7-8 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” The eyes and ears have a lot to do with what develops in our heart. Here in Philippians 4, Paul is addressing what things are good to think on. But may I remind you that what you will spend […]
- [Let Your Light Shine](https://yplife.org/?p=1866): Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Only light can drive away darkness. Jesus came to a dark world and proclaimed that He was he Light of the world (John 8:12). When we receive Him, we receive His light, and we, along with other Christians, become the light of the world (Matt. 5:14). We are not to hide our light. In the verses following our text for today, Jesus tells us that we are to be like a city on ah ill and like […]
- [Are You An Addict?](https://yplife.org/?p=3132): 1 Corinthians 16:15 “ I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)”The grip that addictions can have on people today can be heartbreaking and sometimes hard to believe. I have seen people on life support systems hanging on for dear life still taking puffs their favorite smoke through a hole in their throat. As crazy as it may seem, these people sometimes will not admit that they are controlled by a sinful, harmful substance. You see, there is something in their […]
- [Fallen... and I Can't Get Up](https://yplife.org/?p=3536): Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”The Bible’s exacting description of man’s fallen nature explains the human condition and history and is one of the myriad of evidences that the Bible is the Word of God. Genesis chapter 3 explains why man is unrighteous in his nature, why the world is filled with trouble, and why men die. The most extensive description is found in Romans 3:9-18. It teaches that all men are sinners and all are under God’s condemnation. Every son and daughter of Adam is corrupt before God. There are no exceptions. This is […]
- [Curtain Call](https://yplife.org/?p=3646): Objective:The first to say the other’s name wins that round. Items Needed:Large blanket or sheet. How To Play:Split the group into two teams, each sitting on a different side of the blanket. Have two people hold up the blanket across the groups so that they cannot see each other. Next have each group decide on one person to walk up to the blanket from each team. When the blanket is dropped there will be a person from each team facing one another. Of the two people standing, the first to say the other’s name wins that round.
- [Chopped](https://yplife.org/?p=3642): Objective:Get the highest score by the judges for what you have created Items Needed:Baskets (Large Bowls),Random food items (same random items for each team List at bottom of article)Kitchen Items per team (spoons\knives\forks, mixing bowls, Toothpicks etc.)An Assortment Of Food Items Teams Can Use Every Round – peppers, onions, sprinkles, frosting, butter, etc. as much or little as you wantA Plate per team to present the final product on. How To Play:Divide into teams of 4-6 players. This game can play 2-4 teams at a time, but for this example we will use 2 teams of 4. Teams are given a covered bowl. In the each team’s bowls […]
- [The Poison of Pornography](https://yplife.org/?p=2037): Psalm 101:3 “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.”Let’s imagine this scene, you and some friends are at the mall and this dirty, nasty, smelly guy walks up to you and offers you a bottle of drain cleaner. He promises you that it’s AWESOME; it will rot your teeth, burn your stomach, make you bleed and will eventually kill you. Best of all, he will keep giving it to you for free until you are dead. Anyone interested? Why not? Because you know it’s stupid […]
- [When God Does Great Things](https://yplife.org/?p=3520): Psalms 126:1 “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.”Psalms 126:2 “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them.”When you go from captivity to freedom you can begin to dream again. Hope returns, excitement bubbles up within and you can’t help but to laugh, smile and sing! During this pandemic we can see that statement rings true, “The Lord hath done great things for them.” I have seen God do some great things for other individuals. In particular […]
- [Cereal Race](https://yplife.org/?p=3614): Objective:Be the first team to eat all the cereal without using any hands. Items Needed:Bowls, Cereal, and Spoons. How to Play:Place a table with 2 bowls of cereal on one side of the room or stage. Form 2 teams of 2 players each. Choose 2 of the players to be “feeders” and stand beside the table. Give them each a spoon. Have the remaining two players stand on the opposite side of the room across from their partner. These 2 are the “eaters.” On “go” the feeders must carry a spoonful of cereal to their team-mate by holding the spoon handle […]
- [God’s Approved Social Media List](https://yplife.org/?p=3390): Here it is! With recent censorship and big tech problems, I sought the Lord for exactly what His plan would be for social media. FaceBook has only been around for 17 years, but it has amassed a huge 2.7 BILLION users! After FaceBook, there are hundreds of social media platforms out there to involve yourself. The question we should all be asking though is this: What social media does God want me to use? God designed man and woman with the need for socializing. Fellowship is what our heart and minds crave. After making man in His own image, God said, […]
- [What Killed The Dead Sea](https://yplife.org/?p=3644): 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” Have you ever wondered why the Dead Sea is “Dead”? The Dead Sea is surrounded by Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, and is 10 times more salty than the […]
- [Backpack Christianity](https://yplife.org/?p=2014): Galatians 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden.”We were getting ready as a family for an exciting trip together to New England last summer for a vacation. As always, my youngest son Jordan was eagerly packing everything he thought he might possibly need for the trip. His back-pack was about to explode, it was so full of toys, games and candy that when he went to carry it he could barely lift it. My son’s seven year old logic drove him to pack more than he could handle, but he didn’t care about the weight because we were going on […]
- [Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude for God](https://yplife.org/?p=1973): Acts 27:25  “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” I enjoy American history.  I believe every born again Christian should study the history of the good old U.S.A.  American history is full of tremendous stories of people who sought God and fought great enemies. I really enjoy the story of Captain James Lawrence who during the War of 1812 gave his dying command, “Don’t give up the ship.”  Glory to God! I love America!  We need to be thankful for what God has done for us and the […]
- [The Lies YPs Tell](https://yplife.org/?p=3458): Exodus 20:16  “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”Col 3:9-10 “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” We are currently going through the 10 Commandments in Sunday School. The commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness” is a great study. As I was preparing my lesson for our teens, I began to think about lies that we as YP’s tell. I am not referring to habitual dishonesty, I mean those […]
- [God's Got Your Back](https://yplife.org/?p=3416): Psalm 11:1 “In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?”Logan C. was a year and a half older than I. We were on the same baseball team, and he was the best pitcher in the league. He had a killer curve ball! One day we played a team, and it was different than normal. As the night progressed, Logan seemingly couldn’t throw a single strike. He was walking kids around the bases! Coach put at least two other guys in to pitch, but nothing worked. The umpire wasn’t calling any […]
- [When God Drops the Mic](https://yplife.org/?p=3596): Deuteronomy 12:28 “Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.”You’ve seen it, maybe a few times: the speaker speaks and then BOOM they drop the mic and walk away. The point is they are making is that it’s settled, its finished. Right now, there are lots of people working very hard to pick up the mic and change a lot of things that God has dropped the mic […]
- [The I.F.B. That Will Keep You IFB!](https://yplife.org/?p=3524): II Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” As we read the exhortation by Paul to young Timothy we find the command to continue. In verse 13 we see that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” There is no question about it, we are living in these last days! It is important for us to continue in the things we have learned! I am going to assume that the vast majority of my readers are Independent Fundamental Baptists. I […]
- [Lessons Learned from Longing](https://yplife.org/?p=3504): I Sam 1:10-11, 27 “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” “For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:” August 16, 2017 […]
- [Offensive Armor](https://yplife.org/?p=3516): Ephesians 6:13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  I have always loved our military. Had God not called me into the ministry, then very possibly, I would have joined one of our branches of service. I have read a lot of books describing what our soldiers go through, and it humbles me to see the sacrifices they are willing to make. Our military is composed of the absolute best fighters in the world; yet, even as tough and trained as the […]
- [One Bad Shot](https://yplife.org/?p=3498): 2 Chronicles 26:16a “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the LORD his God…” Have you ever played the game of croquet? My wife’s family loves the game and they are very good at it. I, on the other hand, have not played it much and so I am not the greatest at it. In fact in the sixteen years that I have been married to my wife, I have only won one croquet game when playing against her family. Sad, so very sad! I have learned one very important life lesson […]
- [Stumbling Blocks](https://yplife.org/?p=3550): Mark 9:38-50In the latter part of Mark 9, we read one of the more obscure sections of Mark’s Gospel account. It is does, however, reveal something of what was happening in the mind of Jesus’ disciples. Verse 38 informs us that they had encountered an individual who was casting out devils in the name of Jesus. The Scripture is silent on the identity of this man, but it is possible that he was one of the seventy who were sent out two by two as is recorded in Luke 10. It is, however, apparent that this guy was actually casting demons […]
- [Trials Have Purpose](https://yplife.org/?p=2027): Have you ever gone through a difficult time in your life?  Did you ask Have you ever gone through a difficult time in your life?  Did you ask God to take that problem away?  Did He take away your problem immediately? Sometimes, it is God’s Will to take a difficult circumstance away or heal a sickness immediately, but many times, it is not God’s Will to do that.  It is through difficulties, or “trials,” that God tests us and molds us into who He wants us to be, so we can bring honor and glory to Him and accomplish His Will. […]
- [Wondering Why?](https://yplife.org/?p=1900): Just recently, I had the opportunity to ask a well-known evangelist if he had any advice in directing teenagers. What he shared with me was very helpful by realizing something that most YP’s miss today. Maybe this can be a help to you like it was to me. “What has always worked for me is that if I shoot straight with them, they greatly appreciate that. Teenagers today just want someone who will be honest with them. They want someone who will be real, not fake” Later, the evangelist explained to me that when preaching to teenagers today, they think that […]
- [Summer Jeopardy](https://yplife.org/?p=3560): Objective:Get the most points Items Needed:White board, Markers, Questions How To Play:Game is played as normal Jeopardy. Divide your youth group into two or three teams. Read a question the first person standing AFTER the question is FULLY READ will be called upon to answer. If it is correct their team is given the points if incorrect their team is deducted that amount of points. Teams are only allowed to answer once per question. If that team gets it right they then choose the next category and how many points. Here are the questions and answers for a Complete Summer Jeopardy […]
- [Victory Over The World](https://yplife.org/?p=3386): Matthew 5:12 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”When the Bible speaks of the world in the context of oppostition to you, it is not referring to God’s creation but to the world system that is opposed to the things of God. Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world. Satan’s temporary kingdom is of this world. Ephesians 2:2 states, “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air.” Upon identifying our enemy, […]
- [The Devil's Deal Part 2](https://yplife.org/?p=3482): 2 Kings 19:1 And it came to pass, when king Hezekiah heard it, that he rent his clothes, and covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the house of the LORD.If you didn’t read yesterday’s devotion, take a minute to scan it over so you are all caught up. Yesterday we learned that the Devil wants to make us a bad deal and ruin our lives. Now please understand that the devil is not going to come to you and say, “Now listen, I’m the Devil ok, and if you agree with me this is going to trash your life and leave […]
- [What Did You Say?](https://yplife.org/?p=3413): James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”Our world is filled with an enormous variety of different languages, but a Christian’s speech ought to be different from the lingo of the world no matter what language you speak. The world can tell if you’re a true Christian or not. If you recall the Apostle Peter, who was used by God to preach at Pentecost, was accused of being one […]
- [Ordinary](https://yplife.org/?p=3542): 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” Edward Kimball was nothing special in the eyes of most men. He was not a pastor, missionary, business-owner, or CEO of a large company. He was a layman in the church where he happened to be a Sunday school teacher. God burdened his heart […]
- [10 Decisions Of The Spiritual Leader](https://yplife.org/?p=3552): Psalms 116:9 “I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”A spiritual leader must live by spiritual decisions. I’m going to the let the Psalmist write the devotion today. This was a spiritual man, and he lays out for us in Psalm 116 Ten Spiritual decisions. I encourage you to read each verse in its fullness to understand what he is saying. The spiritual leader will decide: A spiritual leader must live by spiritual decisions Pastor Robert PophalRose Park Baptist Church | Holland, Michigan
- [A String Of Surprises](https://yplife.org/?p=3426): Objective:Pull the string with the prizes, but be careful you may get a surprise! Items needed:Prizes (some cash, snacks, etc.), String, Plate, Tape, Solo Cup Whipped Cream, Scissors, Directions:Setup: this takes a few minutes to setupCut the bottom of the solo cup halfway off then put it on the table with the cut bottom side up. Cut one piece of string per plate you have for the round. Tape one end of the string to each plate. Then take the other end of the string and run them through the end of the cup that is faced down all the way […]
- [If You Can’t Play Hurt, Don’t Expect to Get Much Playing Time!](https://yplife.org/?p=2019): Genesis 32:31 “And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.” Jack Dempsey competed in the professional Boxing arena from 1914 to 1927. He held the title WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION from 1919 to 1926. One of his ring nick names was, “Manassa Mauler”. He once said, “A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t.” One of my favorite scenes in Scripture, is Jacob of old, after an all night wrestling match with Heaven, seeing the sun rise in the eastern sky and he limps into his last remaining days, HURTING BUT STILL […]
- [Blind Artist](https://yplife.org/?p=3500): Objective:Have The Best Drawing, While Not Looking At Paper. Items needed:Paper, Pen, Books. How to Play:Each contestant gets a piece of paper, a pen, and a blindfold. Have someone tie the blindfold on them. Each player contestant must then draw the same item without being able to see in 1-2 minutes. After the timer is over show the crowd the drawings and have them vote to see whose is the best one. Mix up the drawings so its not just a popularity contest but an actual whose is the best. Sometimes the best wins and many times the goofiest looking one […]
- [The Devil's Deal](https://yplife.org/?p=3518): 2 Kings 18:31 “Hearken not to Hezekiah: for thus saith the king of Assyria, Make an agreement with me by a present, and come out to me, and then eat ye every man of his own vine, and every one of his fig tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his cistern:” We have two kings: One very good, Hezekiah of Judah (read verses 1 to 7), and the other very evil, Sennacherib of Assyria. Sennacherib wanted Hezekiah to cave to his demands by making him a really sweet sounding offer. The problem was that it was a lie. Sennacherib […]
- [To Get Wisdom](https://yplife.org/?p=3452): Proverbs 1:2 “To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;”Young people are constantly bombarded with the pressure to learn. Pushed to their limits of their bodies, their minds, and their emotions many times as they try to balance school, sports, activities, friends, family, and everything else they want or need in their lives. Every young person is different in this regard too. Some love the busy nature of the teen years, while others try to tone it down. Some are not challenged at all at school while others work day and night to make the grade. The Bible says […]
- [Sowing the Seeds of Great Rejoicing](https://yplife.org/?p=3510): I did not have to play basketball my whole life in Indiana for me to know about basketball. It is a culture that seeps into everyone in the Hoosier State. Basketball was emphasized, the teachers were coaches, and everyone attended the home games. I played as a teen, and I have watched “Hoosiers” a hundred times. Looking back, I have learned some of the administrative keys to success for a ball program. 1. Teach them young.2. Keep them interested.3. Parents are key. I remember an older man describing in detail why our school had a good run for a number of […]
- [Are You Really Stubborn?](https://yplife.org/?p=3558): I Samuel 15:23 “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”How many times have you heard a person say “Well I’m just stubborn”? I have many times (it has even been ascribed to this author a few times). I used to accept the label of “stubborn” as a compliment. After all, that means I will be stubborn enough to resist the Devil and sin too, right? It wasn’t until my morning devotions several months ago that I came across this shocking discovery: the word “stubborn” has no good association in the Bible! There are 7 […]
- [Drop and Load](https://yplife.org/?p=3548): Objective:Load the Egg Carton Items Needed:Empty Egg Cartons. Plastic Eggs How To Play:The player must load up the egg carton by dropping eggs into the twelve slots in the egg carton. Set the egg carton at the player’s feet, and give him the bag of eggs. The player will keep dropping eggs into the carton until all 12 spots are filled, or until time expires
- [Five Years From Now](https://yplife.org/?p=3544): James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”Where will you be five years from now? To answer the question is impossible because only the Lord knows the future. Not knowing where we will be in five years does not mean we cannot plan for the next five years. Our church will soon begin building a new education building that will include over twenty thousand square feet of Sunday school classrooms, a fellowship hall, kitchen and more. How does […]
- [Is Your Fun Making You Filthy ?](https://yplife.org/?p=1928): Let me ask you a very direct question today, have you ever, with your Let me ask you a very direct question today, have you ever, with your own eyeballs, seen a murder or violent assault? I’m not talking about in TV or movies, I’m talking about live and in person, you have witnessed a violent act of crime. How about an affair? Has an unmarried couple ever come into your home and, right in front of the entire family, been immoral? No, I didn’t think so. Yet all these things and much worse have been played out over and over […]
- [Future Glory](https://yplife.org/?p=3582): 2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” God’s people are on a journey. Unexpected trials are often encountered along the way. Multiplied thousands have comforted themselves in times of trial by thinking of the glory that awaits them at the end of the journey. The songwriter, Charles D. Tillman, put it well when he wrote, “And the toils of the road will see nothing, when I get to the end of the way.” A missionary served in Africa for many years. While there he buried […]
- [Why Good Things Happen](https://yplife.org/?p=3530): Luke 17:14 “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.”Jesus heals 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19. They cried for mercy in verse 13, Jesus answered them in verse 14, and it says after Jesus answered in verse 14, “And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.” Miraculous! An amazing things happened to these 10 lepers. Their life was changed completely in just 2 verses of scripture. Today the world is crying out for mercy. Truth be told, a book could be written about all the bad things happening, but I want to focus […]
- [Follow Your Elijah](https://yplife.org/?p=3618): 2 Kings 2:5-6 “And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, here; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on.”We all know the story of Elijah and Elisha. The choosing of an heir. The passing of […]
- [Get Off Of The Couch!](https://yplife.org/?p=2390): This is an activity that we did six years ago and are planning to do in September. Recently we had a Teen Department reunion and many of our graduated teenagers mentioned this as their favorite activity. I hope it helps. Enjoy! Items Needed:1 Couch Per team, 1 Truck per team or way to haul couches. Objective:To take as many different pictures with your teams couch!This is a great team game to get your teenagers to work together! This another game that your teenagers will never forget and the pictures will make great memories. Remind every one to have fun and get […]
- [The Biblical Beginner’s Guide to Business](https://yplife.org/?p=3534): 1. Define Business BiblicallyBusiness – 1. Deputyship; ministry; generally employment or work; 2. Speed, eagerness, earnestness;There are hundreds of ways to look at or define “business”. If we are to be successful in life as Christians, we need to define everything in our life according to the Bible. Business is not just a name or a place, but it is a huge part of our life. Even a self-defining part of our life. At a certain time in history, people were named for their profession. Thatcher was the roof-thatching family, Smith was the blacksmith’s family, Carter, Tailor, Hayward, Baker, Fisher, and […]
- [When A 21st Century "Demas" Introduces Himself](https://yplife.org/?p=3556): 2 Timothy 4:10a. “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world,”As the Apostle Paul is giving us his “swan song” in 2 Timothy chapter 4 he mentions a casualty because of carnality, who’s name was, “Demas”. From that day to this minute, every faithful man of God knows the sting, sorrow, and severity of a deserter of not only the gospel ministry, but also the Fundamental faith. Here are the 7 sure signs of a 21st century “Demas”: 1# LIVES WITHOUT ANY STANDARDS WHATSOEVER. –  Jude 4b. “turning the grace of God into lascivious, and denying the only Lord God, […]
- [Shall Not Prevail](https://yplife.org/?p=3330): Ephesians 6:12 “ For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” On December 7, 1941, the United States was surprise attacked by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. The result of this attack was devastating. The USS Arizona was destroyed, the USS Oklahoma was capsized, and the lives of 2,400 men were lost. Today we face an enemy far greater than the Japanese at Pearl Harbor, we are in a battle for the eternal souls of men. Isaiah 5:14 tells us “Therefore hell […]
- [Never Surrender](https://yplife.org/?p=3514): 2 Kings 22:19 “Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake…, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.” The eight square miles of the black volcanic sands of Iwo Jima made up an extremely important piece of land during World War II, for it contained a strategic airfield. The Allied forces determined that it was necessary to conquer the island – it would give their crippled airplanes a safe place land, and it would give the Allies a base from which they could effectively attack […]
- [Fahrenheit 451](https://yplife.org/?p=3366): A universal fact is that everyone enjoys a good fire. There is just something captivating about watching the flames pop and crackle as the wood burns up. Fire has so many purposes in our life. It provides warmth, it provides power, and it provides light. Not everyone knows personally what it feels like to sit in front of a warm fire place, but we all can imagine how nice it feels. It was said of John the Baptist that he was a “burning and a shining light” John 3:35. Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the light of the world.” […]
- [The Path Away](https://yplife.org/?p=3636): Luke 15:13 “And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” Notice the phrase – “Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.” First, I want you to notice the tone in which he asked, “Father, give me…” Young people, who do we think we are demanding things of our parents? It doesn’t take you very long in this story to pick up that the path away to sin is usually initiated and led by rebellion, but listen to the […]
- [When Vision Dies](https://yplife.org/?p=3494): Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass as it is this day, to save much people alive.”The story of Joseph is a story of a dream, a dreamer and the disappointments and disastrous journey to fulfillment. Joseph’s original dream was one where he was exalted above his brethren and even his father. Instead, Joseph finds himself beaten by his brother’s, bought by Potiphar, and banished to prison.  WOW. What a sequence for one with such a lofty dream. Exalted to Extinguished. His dream was dead. Have you […]
- [The Bible Verse That Won The Super Bowl](https://yplife.org/?p=1870): Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”  After the 2015 season the Denver Broncos put a banner in the locker room with a Bible verse on it. Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron”. This became the team motto as everyone worked to make everyone around them better. In 2016 the Broncos won Super Bowl 50 by sharpening each other. “Iron Sharpeneth Iron. -It’s like a knife and a stone. The stone, though tough on the knife, makes the knife a SHARPER object. Someone rubs the knife against the stone creating friction which in turn sharpens […]
- [I Am An Idea](https://yplife.org/?p=2004): I am an idea. I came to visit your mind. You held me for a moment and planned to capture me. You told me to wait for awhile while you did something else. I tired of waiting and took my flight. It is too bad, for I perhaps could have even changed your life or maybe I could have even changed the world or your family or your church. Maybe I was important or maybe I was unimportant, but you will never know, for you are too busy to lodge me. I do not ask for a large place to reside– […]
- [Seven Suggestions For Starting a Youth Department](https://yplife.org/?p=3346): At this years Church Growth Conference, I was asked the question “How do I start a Youth Ministry?” I met with many of the Youth Workers who had come for training and was encouraged by the hunger to reach teenagers. Yet there were still so many questions, “we only have a few teens in our church, how can we have a Teen Department?”  “Where do you find teens?” “How do you get them to church?” Others had recently started and had found a few teenagers but had a strong desire to grow and impact their church and community for Christ. When […]
- [Balloon Shooting Contest](https://yplife.org/?p=5001): Objective:Score the most point by hitting the balloons as they fall Items Needed:One bag of balloons (Dollar Tree), One sheet/tarp/or cover, Wooden Frame, Rubber bands (Dollar Tree) How To Play:Starts with just a little prep. Blow up 11 balloons. I recommend getting the assorted variety pack at DT because it has different shapes and you can make the different shapes worth different point values if hit. You will need some kind of thing to stand behind to where the contestants cannot see you as you are holding the balloons and letting them fall. That way they will not know when or […]
- [My Cup Of Team](https://yplife.org/?p=4947): Churchwide Scavenger Hunt Structure:Each team is assigned a color and x amount of cups in that color (we did purple and blue cups from Dollar Tree) Before the activity, hide the cups throughout whatever the “arena” is; we did the entire church building (minus a few “off limits” areas). Hide them in pairs (one of each color), but not in the exact same location (ie: a purple cup in a microwave but a blue in the refrigerator) this way teens could not shadow the other team and get free finds.  They could know there’s a cup somewhere in the nearby vicinity […]
- [Oh Taste and See](https://yplife.org/?p=4938): Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.Thought: When was the last time you did something for the first time for the Lord? Psalm 34 is an uplifting chapter of the Bible that we often overlook the circumstances surrounding it. The Psalmist is full of such joy! V1 He is continually praising God.V2 Gladness.V4 Deliverance from fears.V7 The angel of the Lord is near him.V9 Needs are provided.V10 His wants are met.V15 The attention of God is on his life. These blessings, all of this goodness, all of this blessedness […]
- [Actions of Maturity](https://yplife.org/?p=4993): Matthew 5:44 “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Thought: How mature are you? Do you have habits in your life that express your growth not only as a person but as a Christian?The sermon on the mount is powerful. Jesus teaches all those who would wander up the mountain to sit at his feet for 3 chapters in Matthew. He challenges the attitude and actions of those that believe the Word of God. Jesus deals with […]
- [Pick Up Your Mess](https://yplife.org/?p=3342): Objective:Get the most points while trying to stop the other team from scoring Items Needed:40 Solo Cups How To Play:*** This is a guys on guys\girls on girls game!Divide the play area into two sides. Then give each team 20 cups. There will be two teams of three people. Each team sets all 20 of their cups spaced apart on their side top down. When both teams have set their cups the YP can start the round. There is a 60 second timer for this game. The goal of the game is to flip the cups on the other team’s side top up. […]
- [As It Is Written](https://yplife.org/?p=3344): Matthew 4:1-4 “Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted 40 days and 40 nights, he was afterward an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”Jesus repeats himself in  verse 7, “Jesus said unto him  It is written.” and again in verse 10, “Then […]
- [Left or Right](https://yplife.org/?p=4973): Objective:Be the last man standing by quickly guessing the correct side Items Needed: Left or Right Questions(attached to the bottom of the post), Masking Tape, People How To Play:Divide the room with the masking tape. The whole group stands on the line. The YP then explains that the students must pick a side whichever side they think is the correct side and go to that side. For Bible version (New Testament vs Old Testament) make sure you emphasize or have signs saying which side is OT and which side is NT. The last person to choose a side is eliminated. go until […]
- [Getting Teens to Talk](https://yplife.org/?p=3350): I Kings 12:6-8 “And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:” […]
- [Do I Know You?](https://yplife.org/?p=3354): Objective:Score the most points by guessing the correct answers Items Needed: Filled out questionnaires (attached to the bottom of the post), Paper, Pens How To Play:You can begin prepping for this game 2 weeks in advance. Send all your youth workers the same questionnaire and let them fill out the answers and send it back to you. The two weeks is so you don’t have to rush them, and they can get creative and have time to think about their answers. They need to fill out all the questions. NO YOU WONT GO THROUGH all the questions in one game time, but make sure […]
- [Supply Chain Woes - Workforce](https://yplife.org/?p=3360): Matthew 9:36-38 “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Several months ago I was in Springfield, Ohio, on a hunt for something to eat. We had just finished church, and I was famished! I drove to a Raisin Cane’s Chicken, eager to chow down. It was very disappointing when I walked […]
- [YPS I Have Known](https://yplife.org/?p=3358): I have been a YP for 9 years now. I have seen so many different types of YPs. I have worked for the past 9 years to revamp the image of the YP. Most people think the YP is just the church babysitter, the most carnal or youngest staff member. I have watched YPs and took notes. I know that the church goes as the youth group goes… And the youth group goes as the YP goes. Each type of YP produces a type of Teenager. For example: 1.) Former Sports Star YP-Plays sports with the teens, promotes sports with the […]
- [In Church Scavenger Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=3368): Scavenger Relay Structure:Split up into 2 teams (3 or 4 teams if larger group of 25 plus). All teams are located together in a central location. Each team then receives a bucket or container filled with slips of paper (each team has the same items). Upon “go!”, the first person on each team draws a slip of paper and must go retrieve the item on that slip (ie: a songbook from the church auditorium). Once the first player on the team has returned to the central location with the item, the next person in line for that team can draw a […]
- [Who's Pulling The Strings?](https://yplife.org/?p=3370): Objective:Get your team to guess the correct answer Items Needed:List of things to act out How To Play:Divide your youth group into two teams. Each team sends up two people. They must stand in front of their team and if possible out of sight of the other team’s guessers (That way the teams have to look at their actors and not get help by looking at the other teams actors). One of the two players on each team is shown a word or phrase. The other player is not shown it, and cannot say or do anything – for they are […]
- [The Not So Secret Ingredients To Spiritual Success](https://yplife.org/?p=3376): Proverbs 4:4 “He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.”In Proverbs 4 we have a really interesting look into the private home life of King David with Solomon his son.  I want you to get a picture in your mind of King David sitting down with his son Solomon and having this private conversation on some of the most important truths in life. David gives to Solomon the key ingredients to spiritual success in life, they are: 1. Lean In (4:1)   David says: “Hear ye children…attend to know…” If you want to […]
- [When Your Youth Group Wants to Stone You](https://yplife.org/?p=4927): 1 Samuel 30:6 “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” David had come a long way from the cave of Adullam. He started off as a young man with no weapon, no bread, and no place to go. Now he has a city, and he has a troop that is known abroad as the “Might Men of David.” However, success does not mean that he is without problem. A […]
- [Noodle Alley](https://yplife.org/?p=4922): Objective:Score the most points for your team by not being hit Items Needed:Pool Noodles and masking tape How to Play: Mark off a section(alley) of two long lines with your masking tape, each side being 20-30 feet from the center point (total 40-60ft wide). this should give you a good alley which the players can run down. When done you should have a 40-60Ft wide X 20-40Ft long alley. If you have a classroom and dont want to move all the chairs, just make your center isle bigger and make the end of the rows your boundary. IF you are in […]
- [Fruit Basket](https://yplife.org/?p=4912): Objective:Be the last man standing! Items Needed:Chairs and Teenagers How to Play: Form two circles – one for the girls and one for guys This game gets intense and shouldn’t be played with guys and girls together, but they can play at the same time if you use two circles of chairs. The chairs are circled facing each other and each player must sit in their chair. Once every one is in a chair go around the circle and give every player a fruit name to remember (Either apple, orange, banana, or strawberry). Once everyone is assigned a fruit make one […]
- [Two Boxes And A Carrot](https://yplife.org/?p=4905): Objective:To get the carrot in your box! Items Needed:Two Boxes and a Carrot – (A table to set the boxes on) How to Play: Two contestants come to the center and stand face to face on either side of the table with two boxes on it! Inside only one of the boxes you have placed a carrot. ONLY one of the contestants gets to look inside the box that is in front of them. The Other contestant is not aloud to look inside either box! Once the player has looked in the box the timer starts. Both players are aloud to […]
- [Noodlepalooza](https://yplife.org/?p=3372): Here’s a youth activity that can be done simply and cheaply. Credit for this activity can be shared with my Brother-In-Law, Lucas Arnold, YP in West Virginia. We took a silly idea, brainstormed, and came up with an activity that is sure to please your youth group. Noodles! Everyone loves noodles! And there’s so many to choose from! Spaghetti, Ramen, Rigatoni, Macaroni, you get the idea. Noodlepalooza is a themed activity around this versatile food. All activities, games, and food revolve around noodles! Games“What games can you play with noodles?”, you may ask. Of course with pool noodles, anything is possible! […]
- [The Perfect Storm](https://yplife.org/?p=4900): Nahum 1:3 ”…the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.“ Living in Florida all my life, I’ve been pretty accustomed to storms. Thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Hurricanes especially, are feared without a doubt, but they are normal to us Floridians. Especially category 1-3’s. (Cat. 1 is the weakest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, whereas Category 5 is a deadly storm with very high winds.) A Category 4 is when you begin to panic. I recall as an 11 year-old boy, Hurricane Charley in 2004, which was a deadly […]
- [Balloon Volleyball](https://yplife.org/?p=3382): Objective:To have the least amount of balloons on your side when the time ends. Items Needed:Balloons, *OPTIONAL* A Large tarp or plastic sheet to form a net\barrier between the sides. You can just have no barrier except an invisible line down the middle of the room between the two teams both work. How to Play: Blow up as many balloons as you want and divide them evenly between the two teams. Each team must stay on their side of the middle barrier. No player may go to the other team’s side. Start the timer and give them from 2-5 minutes. The […]
- [Let’s Not Bark Up The Wrong Tree ](https://yplife.org/?p=4888): Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” The phrase “Barking up the Wrong Tree” means to […]
- [A Good Thing](https://yplife.org/?p=3388): Psalm 84:11 ‘“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”Today’s devotion isn’t going to make you want to pump your fists in the air or charge the burning gates of Hades with a squirt gun in Jesus’ name, but I do hope that it will help you get through one of life’s really toughest valleys: when God says something is not a good thing for you.   You will notice in the key verse above that God says, “No good thing will he […]
- [How To Handle The Haters](https://yplife.org/?p=3392): I Tim 4:12-16 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them […]
- [It's A Wrap](https://yplife.org/?p=3398): Objective:Be the team with the best wrapped present at the end of the timer. Items Needed:Table(s), wrapping paper, scissors, tape, smaller boxes, small items to be the presents, bows, ribbon. How to Play:Teams of two are called up to the stage behind the table. Only two teams per table so you can play with more than two teams but you will need more tables. Each teams has set before them all the items they need to package and wrap the present. A timer is started and the teams must race to see which team can wrap the present the best in […]
- [Read Through The Entire Bible](https://yplife.org/?p=3408): 1. Read the entire Bible in 2024, from Genesis to Revelation. This method is likely the most common one to complete, and you can do it by reading a little more than 3 chapters per day. It’s good to read the Scripture from beginning to end. 2. Plan to read the entire Bible in 2024-25. This plan slows the process down (a little less than two chapters per day), but it still helps you finish the entire Bible in two years. 3. Read Certain Books Everyday. Read one New Testament, one Old Testament, one Proverb and one Psalm everyday. You will read the Bible […]
- [I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day : the story behind the song](https://yplife.org/?p=1891): Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an artist of literary genius, wrote many influential masterpieces. Whether in short story, book, or poetry, Longfellow captivated his readers with his amazing knack for story-telling, but one day this great artist was struck by a tragedy that would change his life forever. July 9, 1861, Longfellow was sleeping at his house when He was awakened by screaming in the next room. His wife, who was fixing their daughters hair, had somehow caught her dress on fire and was engulfed in fire. He rushed to her aid trying desperately to put out the fire. The fire killed his […]
- [Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=3404): It’s that time of year, where money and tight and schedules are packed, but that does not mean you can’t have a teen activity. On the contrary, it’s a great time of year to get together with your teens for an evening of fun! The Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt is simple. Divide your youth group into teams. You can do Two groups (Guys vs Girls) OR Four groups (7th-9th Guys vs 10th-12th Guys vs 7th-9th Girls vs 10th-12th Girls). Each group needs a chaperone and a vehicle to fit the team in. They are given a list of Christmas things to […]
- [Jingle Bell Wars](https://yplife.org/?p=2877): Objective:Knock the other person’s bells off of the table Items Needed:Table, Silver Bells, PLASTIC Christmas Ornaments!!! How To Play:Two teams line up single file at either end of the table. The bells are lined up on the edges of the table five a piece. The teams then take turns rolling a Christmas ornament at the other teams bells. One team rolls then the other team, until all the bells are knocked off of one side.
- [Grinches That Steal Your Christmas](https://yplife.org/?p=3394): Matt 2:1-4, 16Herod attempts to kill all of the boys that would be born trying to rid himself of the possibility of Jesus. He tries to “steal Christmas” like the Grinch. Imagine if Herod had been successful.  No calendar. No America. No schools. No Hospitals. No lights. No trees. No Santa… Herod tried to steal Christmas away from us… just as the Grinch… There are things in your life that can become Grinches that try to steal Christmas from you. I. The Grinch of Discontentment In the season where so many are giving and getting, many will allow the Grinch of […]
- [The Drunk Mind](https://yplife.org/?p=4851): 1 Peter 5:8 “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” We often hear the world use the word sober. Of course, sobriety is a keeping away from alcohol, but its meaning goes a bit deeper than that. When someone is under the influence of alcohol, they act without thinking. When someone is drunk, they cannot contain themselves emotionally or physically. In that same word, we see Christ speaks to Christians to be sober minded.  How do we have a sober mind? 1. Soberness is being vigilant, to be […]
- [The Meaning Of Christmas](https://yplife.org/?p=2889): The birth of a little Child the Christian world at this season celebrates. Christmas Day is a holy and happy day when we commemorate the coming of God’s Son into the world—the incarnation of God by way of the virgin birth. Never too happily can we sing. Never too eagerly can we ring the bells.  With the coming of the “dayspring from on high,” morning broke upon the world’s darkness—in Bethlehem—while men and women, bruised and bleeding, were in a darkness unlighted by flickering philosophical tapers and sputtering Judaistic lamps. What is the meaning, we ask, of Christmas to the world? […]
- [Christmas Cards](https://yplife.org/?p=3400): Objective:Score the most points by guessing what your team is acting out Items Needed:3×5 Cards Prep Time:5-15 minutes Directions:Write down on each 3×5 a different word or phrase to do with Christmas. You will want to at least have 20 different things written down – one on each 3×5. Divide the youth group into two teams. One player from each team stands in front of their team – this is the guesser. Show both teams the same card with a Christmas Phrase on it. after both teams have seen it say go, and let the teams act. The whole team besides […]
- [Stocking Stuffer](https://yplife.org/?p=3406): Objective:The first team who fills their stocking wins! Items Needed:Stockings, spoon for each team, plus small objects such as jingle bells, smaller wrapped candy, larger wrapped candy, and one larger item per team(like a small nerf football or something that would be hard to pass with the spoons but not impossible) Directions:Divide players into as many teams as you have stockings. Each player gets a spoon. each team lines up in a line shoulder to shoulder with their teammates. The first player in the line is given a bucket full of the various items. That player must scoop out one thing […]
- [Peculiar People](https://yplife.org/?p=4818): Titus 2:13-14 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”God purchased and saved us to make himself a people that were set apart from any other people. Peculiar is a word not often used in casual conversation. Often, we say things like, “strange,” or “weird.” The idea of peculiarity is like when you suddenly see someone or something that obviously sticks out. In the Midwest, a relatable […]
- [Are You Possessed?](https://yplife.org/?p=3430): Luke 12:15 “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”Thought that title would grab your attention! Let me clarify: Are you possessed by your possessions? We are all “possessed” or under the control and influence of something in this life. One almost universal pitfall that must be avoided is being possessed by our possessions, that is being consumed with what we have and what we want. We live in a consumer society that says the more we have and the more we get and the more we consume the […]
- ["Fall"ow Me Scavenger Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=4760): Objective: Work as a team to guess the next clue in a series of acts Items Needed: A list of clues to act, Tape, Paper How To Play: Divide the group into 2-4 teams. Each team starts with a clue, but they cannot read the clues out loud! One player from the team and ONE PLAYER ONLY can read the card\paper but not out loud. They read it to themselves and must act out the clue without making any noise. The goal is to get the team to guess where the next clue is by acting out the first clue. Once […]
- [Pumpkin Bowling](https://yplife.org/?p=2505): Objective: Be the person with the Highest Score! Items Needed: Pumpkins, anything that can be a pin unless you have pins (ie 2 liters, boxes, etc.) How To Play: Each Player gets a pumpkin. They have two chances to knock the pins down. Scoring goes just the same as bowling. You have to play this outside. the contestants roll the ball toward the pins and knock them down. BE careful though, or your pumpkin might brake!
- [Pumpkin Ring Toss](https://yplife.org/?p=2517): Objective: Get the most points by ringing the pumpkins Items Needed: Rings (Glow necklaces or hula hoops), Pumpkins How To Play: Line up the pumpkins in a bowling formation 1 pumpkin, 2 pumpkins, 3 pumpkins, and then 4 pumpkins. The contestants must throw the rings onto the stem of the pumpkins. Each ring equals one point. A twist you can put on it is keep the pumpkins in that setup just farther apart. Now the contestants can throw the same rings onto the stems or you can make them throw hula hoops over the pumpkins.
- [Blind Buffet](https://yplife.org/?p=4740): Objective: Eat all of the food before the other team does Items Needed: Table, Blindfolds, Trash Bags, Food Items (Jello, Whipped Cream, Cookies) How To Play: Two teams of two are selected to compete head to head. They are brought up front behind the table and then all four are given blind folds and a trash bag (with a cut out hole for their head) to put over them to cover their clothes. Once you start, the teams must grab the food items from the table and eat them but they cannot feed themselves the food they must feed their teammate […]
- [Actual Factu"bowl"](https://yplife.org/?p=4715): Objective: Don’t have your fact guessed as yours. But Guess everyone else’s fact. Items Needed: Bowl, Paper, Pens How To Play: Everyone take one or two strips of paper (make all strips about the same size) and writes an unknown/unique, but TRUE, fact about themselves on each strip of paper. If you have a large group just do one fact\strip per person. For smaller groups do two. Players are not allowed to discuss what they wrote on the paper, and they should not write their name on the paper – just a fact about them. Once all have written the facts, […]
- [Traveling Ping-Pong Ball](https://yplife.org/?p=3352): Objective:Move the ping-pong balls from one bowl to another Items Needed:Package of ping-pong balls, plastic straws, plastic bowls How to Play:Take a package of ping-pong balls and put them in a bowl. Give each contestant a straw and an additional bowl. Using only the straw, have the contestants transfer the balls from one bowl another by suction  through the straw. First person to complete wins!** This game may be played as a team by using multiple bowls. Have the team transfer the balls to each other’s bowls until all the ping-pong balls are in the final bowl.
- [The Long Snapper](https://yplife.org/?p=3434): Objective:Score the Most points by getting the TP through the Hula hoop Items needed:Toilet Paper, Hula Hoops How To Play:Two teams of two compete head to head. One player stand ten feet back from the snapper with a hula hoop in hand. The snapper must then try to hike the Toilet Paper Rolls through his legs into the hula hoop. Each team is given a pile of TP at the beginning. Once you say go they have 45 seconds to get as many TP rolls through the hula hoop. The hula hooper is not to move the hula hoop. Which team […]
- [Human Bingo](https://yplife.org/?p=4706): Objective: To break the Ice and get to know your youth group Items Needed: Pens, Bingo Sheets(attached below) How to play: This game is a great Ice breaker! Every student get a bingo sheet and a pen. When you start they must go around to other people and find fill out the bingo sheet with people’s names. You can add rules like you can only use someone one time or maybe only use the someone two times. The first person to completely fill out the sheet and brings it to you wins the game and a Prize!
- [Paint Sample Scavenger Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=4701): Objective: Find the most things that match the color samples Items Needed: Paint Sample Swatches How to Play: Split the group into 2-4 teams. Each team is then given the same amount and same colored swatches of paint sample things. Start the teams in the same room and tell them that they must find something the same color as each of the paint sample swatches. Once they find something the same color as the swatch, the team must then take a picture with the swatch next to the thing to prove it is the same color. Give each team at least […]
- [You Were So Close](https://yplife.org/?p=4644): Objective: Get the closest answer to the real answer Items Needed: Papers, Pens, A List of questions and answers (some provided Below) How To Play: Each player is given a paper and pen. They must write down an answer for every question that is posed to the group. When the real answer is read out loud the player who thinks that have the closest answer can stand up and read their answer. Whoever has the answer closest to the correct answer (WITHOUT GOING OVER) wins that round\point. Whoever has the most points at the end of the time is the winner. […]
- [Multitudes of Influence](https://yplife.org/?p=4694): Proverbs 11:14 “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Thought: There are many multitudes seeking to influence the course of your life. Determine now what multitudes will influence you in what ways! The statement that there are a multitude of influences on teenagers today would be a huge understatement. There are at any time thousands of influences bombarding teenagers no matter where they go. Music is played over every speaker, advertisements are shown on every surface, and people are seeking at every opportunity to gain some sort of influence over the life […]
- [Yes God Can!](https://yplife.org/?p=4654): Matthew 17:27 “Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.” This entire passage is full of the Miracles of the Master! The question is asked of Peter by those who collected the temple tax if Jesus payed His taxes. This sets in motion an amazing series of miraculous events. Peter comes to bring the issue to Jesus, but Jesus already knows […]
- [Picture This - Scavenger Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=4691): Objective: Get your team to correctly guess where each location is in the picture Items needed: Printed Pictures, Papers, Pens, Phones How To Play: Split up into as many teams as you want. It can be 1-10 teams depending on if you want teams to have alot of players or you want smaller groups. Each team will be given a paper, pen, and package of pictures (which they cant open right away). Start all the teams at the same time. When they start they may take the pictures out of the package. The goal is to find as many of the […]
- [3 Friends A YP Needs](https://yplife.org/?p=3470): Prov 27:17 “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend”There are no lone ranger success stories. We all have had those who have impacted and affected our lives to help mold and make us who we are today. Whether they be older, younger or our peers, these “friends” help us to grow in a healthy manner. It has been said that men would rather do life shoulder to shoulder than face to face. Many times our relationships never develop much depth. However, we need different types of friends in our lives to keep us balanced. A 2019 study […]
- [What Are You Saying](https://yplife.org/?p=3480): Objective:Get your team to guess the most phrases in sixty seconds Items needed:Marshmallows, flash cards (with Phrases on them) How to Play:This is a classic twist on the game fluffy bunny! Write several words or phrases on flash cards and divide into teams. Then have one team member fill his or her mouth with 1-2 giant marshmallows and try to communicate the word or phrase to the rest of the team. Whichever team can decipher the most words\phrases in the time limit is the winner. Phrases:1. Don’t move! There’s a gigantic spider behind you!2. For Christmas this year, I’m asking Santa […]
- [Protect The President](https://yplife.org/?p=4651): Objective: Get the other team’s president out while protecting your own Items Needed: Dodgeballs, Gym (large space) How To Play: This game is played the same as dodgeball but there is a twist. Both teams line up on either side of the court. Both teams select a president for their team and two secret service men. The game is played with the same rules as dodgeball (catches are outs, hits are outs, floor then hit is not an out, boundaries, etc.) the game ends when all the other teams players are eliminated or if a president is eliminated! NOW THE TWIST […]
- [What You Miss In The Will Of God](https://yplife.org/?p=4648): Luke 15:13 “And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.” One of the greatest hinderances to people living in the will of God fully is their spiritual fomo, or spiritual fear of missing out. They have this fear that by giving God all their heart they will miss out on something exciting. Our Bible passage in Luke 15 is a familiar one of what is called the Prodigal Son. He was a young man that got OUT of the will of God. […]
- [Leaf Blower](https://yplife.org/?p=3432): Objective:Get your leaf to the finish line Items needed:Straws, Leaves, Tables Directions:For this game you can play 4 players per table. Each Player is given a straw and a leaf. Using only the air that they blow through the straw the player must blow the leaf from one end of the table to the other. If the leaf falls off of the table on the side the player must start OVER at the beginning! Whoever reaches the end first is the winner!
- [How Parents Produce Missionaries](https://yplife.org/?p=3356): Through both attitudes and activities, moms and dads introduce their children to the world of missions as no one else can. Several methods may be used to create missionary interest in the home. William Davis | Youth PastorClays Mill Baptist Church | Lexington, KY
- [1 Corinthians 13 For YPs](https://yplife.org/?p=3468): I do not condone altering the scriptures. To change God’s Word is a serious offense, (see Revelation 22:18-19). That was not my goal or intention for writing. Rather, I would hope that you see this written work as a practical paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 as it is applied to the Youth Pastor. Though I preach every week, a well thought out sermon for which I have studied hours on end, and have not love, I am just another lecturer. And though I have the gift of creativity, and a sense of humor, so that I could make the coldest heart […]
- [Guess Who](https://yplife.org/?p=4621): Objective: Guess the Correct person Items Needed: Nothing How To Play: This is a fun icebreaker type of game! The YP goes first and thinks of a person in the room. Once he figures out who he wants to be the game begins by hi saying, “I am a Person.” Then the players (everyone in the crowd) take turns asking YES or NO questions about the person trying to guess who the YP is thinking about. They can only ask yes or no questions. If a player think that he knows the correct answer he must stand up, at which point […]
- [Who Are You?](https://yplife.org/?p=3402): I Corinthians 15:9-10b “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God (I am what I am).”I love what Paul is saying here: “I am not worthy, but by God’s grace I am what I am.” Young people, do you know who you are? Why are you a Christian? Why are you a Baptist? Why are there so many versions of the Bible? Does the Bible contain errors? What makes your church different from other churches? Why is Jesus so important? […]
- [Hot "Pie"tato](https://yplife.org/?p=4611): Objective: Don’t Get PIED! Items Needed: Paper Plates, Whipped Cream or Shaving Cream – Whipped cream tastes better but it smells later when it stays in clothes while shaving cream does not smell and is not bad for clothes. How To Play: You can play this game with as many contestants as you want. Line up the contestants in a line shoulder to shoulder so the crowd can see them. Then hand the first contestant the pie. The music starts then and the players pass the pie. When the music stops the player holding the pie is not out! The player gets to […]
- [3 Base Kickball](https://yplife.org/?p=4159): Objective: Score the most points each inning Items Needed: Kickballs(Different colors), Bases, Field or gym How To Play:The game is played very similar to normal kickball except it involves three teams going at the same time!!! The field is set up as shown below… How To Play CONT.:Divide into three teams. One team starts in the field. Their goal is to get 3 outs from both other teams. the other two teams are the first two kicking teams. The game is self pitch to where you have a player from your team pitch to your team. The kicking teams keep kicking […]
- [Hide and Go Bake!](https://yplife.org/?p=4069): Looking for an activity that gets the entire youth group involved, then you should try Hide and Go Bake! This activity combined a classic scavenger hunt with a bake-off and kept our teens active and involved the whole evening! This was a fun challenge that made them work together to achieve their goal. You will need to select what your teens will be baking; we chose three different cookie recipes that all had the same number of ingredients (This was to ensure the mixing process would take approx. the same amount of time per team). You could easily choose just one […]
- [The Importance Of Summer Camp For Teenagers](https://yplife.org/?p=4066): Camp has always held a dear place in my heart as I have been going to camp since I was a young kid. I always loved the outdoors, activities, preaching, and yes our camp had good food also! Growing up I made so many important life decisions at camp! Now as I have grown older I have the privilege of working at the camp I went to – Circle C Baptist Ranch. I have also been able to take our teens in the youth group to camp. I have seen the impact of camp on my personal lie but I also […]
- [Pedal To The Medal](https://yplife.org/?p=3478): Objective:Get the Prize Items needed:Boxes of cereal with prizes in them How to Play:Choose two contestants to play head to head. They are both given a box of cereal. Their task is to open the box and get the prize out, but they can only use their feet! The first one to get the prize out is the winner! They only have 60 seconds to complete this task.
- [Steal the Bacon](https://yplife.org/?p=4042): Objective: Score the most points by getting the “Bacon” back to your team’s side without getting caught Items Needed: An Object(the bacon) to steal i.e. (a cone, flag, stick, ball, etc.) How To Play: Divide the group into two teams. Have each team stand in one line facing the other team. Assign each person from each team a number. Place your object (the Bacon) in between the two teams. The Game host randomly calls out a number and when the number is called the players (one from each team) who have been assigned that number, race to grab the bacon and […]
- [I Can't Control It!](https://yplife.org/?p=4016): James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”Our world is filled with an enormous variety of different languages, but a Christian’s speech ought to be different from the lingo of the world no matter what language you speak. The world can tell if you’re a true Christian or not. If you recall the Apostle Peter, who was used by God to preach at Pentecost, was accused of being […]
- [VICTORY COMES BEFORE THE BATTLE](https://yplife.org/?p=3128): Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”Everyone enjoys winning. There are not hall of fame speeches given by perpetual losers. We do not erect statues to those who have underachieved and failed. The world likes a “winner.” As children of God we’ve been promised a life of victory. We sing “On the Victory Side”, but more than a song, that is to be our life’s theme. I am convinced that many Christians trudge through life defeated. They have abundant life, but they are abundantly missing out on it! […]
- [Saved To Serve](https://yplife.org/?p=3456): Exodus 8:1 ‘‘And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.”SAVED to Serve.  Sometimes I think we miss the big picture of being saved.  We tend only to look at it from our side of the deal.  We see that we get our sins forgiven, and we get to go to Heaven. Yeah for US! What a GREAT deal!  But have you ever considered God’s side of the deal?  He provided the ONLY means of true salvation through Jesus, and He provided it to […]
- [The Difference Between the Wise and the Foolish Teenager](https://yplife.org/?p=3994): Matthew 7:25-29“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: […]
- [But I'm Stuffed](https://yplife.org/?p=3991): Objective: Make your teammate the most stuffed before the timer runs out! Items Needed: Baloons, XXL or XXXL tshirts, and Timer How To Play:Game play is pretty simple. Call up two to three groups of 4 people. One person puts the large tshirt on, and their job is simple – wear the tshirt. The contestant wearing the tshirt can not help their teammates they must simply get the tshirt stuffed. The other three contestants per team are given a bunch of balloons. When the timer starts they must start blowing up balloons and stuffing them in the giant tshirt on their […]
- [Choose Your Weapon](https://yplife.org/?p=3985): Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Every day we have to make the choice of how we will fight through our day and our lives. Will we choose the tools our flesh offers us or the armor God does? One of my favorite hobbies is target shooting. My dad taught me gun safety and responsibility when I was a kid. We started with a BB gun (sometimes inside the house!) and grew to shoot rifles, shotguns, and […]
- [And The Winner Is...(Mini Game Mayhem)](https://yplife.org/?p=3981): Objective: Win the most minigames and guess the most winners! Items Needed: People, List of 10 quick games, Items Needed for the games List of 10 challenges (Items needed):1. Closest to 10 seconds on a stopwatch (Phone Stopwatch)2. First to land a bottle in bottle flipping (four water bottles)3. First to correctly write the four answers (Papers and pens _ All answers must start with the letter W – A boys name, A snack food, A car, A state)4. First to finish the math problem (Papers and Pens)5. Farthest balloon (Balloons)6. First to say Alphabet backwards (Nothing needed)7. First to make […]
- [It's "Toe"tally Pictionary](https://yplife.org/?p=3968): Objective: Make the best picture! Items Needed: Paint and small brushes, Paper, Painters tape, Card board, Chairs How To Play: Set up by putting a piece of paper on your card board pieces. Tape them to the card boards on the edges of the paper so that it is easy to take off once they are dry. Four players go at the same time and sit in the chairs. Placed in front of them on the floor is the card board with a piece of paper on it. They are then given a paint brush which they must place in their […]
- [Stinko De Mayo](https://yplife.org/?p=3971): Objective: Have Fun, and don’t pick the stinky bags Items Needed: Brown paper lunch bags, Nasty\weird foods(drinks) , good foods(Drinks) A TRASH CAN!!! How To Play: Buy a bunch of dollar store foods\drinks. Buy 50% good and 50% bad. Then place one food or drink in each brown paper bag and close the tops. You will want to have one bag per student and worker that is in your youth department. Players are then called up one at a time. They must chose a bag at random without looking or smelling in the bag, and whatever it is in the bag […]
- [One Question You MUST Ask God](https://yplife.org/?p=3950): Acts 9:6 “And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.“ Question: Who is going to set the direction for your life? We really only have four options: God, Satan, Self, or Society (friends and influencers). Truth be told the direction of our lives is usually a mix of one or more of these. Second Question: Have you ever asked God what He wants from you and your life? Our Bible passage is the […]
- [Blind Fold Bottle Flip - Record Breaking Games](https://yplife.org/?p=3956): Objective: Flip the water bottle the most times CONSECUTIVELY while blind folded. Items Needed: Blind Folds, Tables, Water Bottles, (World Record Award\Frame) How To Play:Contestants step up to the table and find the bottle. They then must put the blindfold on. When you say go they must try to flip and land the bottle while never taking the blindfold off. The goal is to get consecutive lands. The more they land in a row the better whoever has the most consecutive lands is the winner. A FUN TWIST:You can hype this game up and make it a lot more fun than it already […]
- [Being An Ananias Christian](https://yplife.org/?p=3947): Acts 9:10 “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.” Are you an Ananias Christian? There are three different men in the New Testament, all in the Book of Acts, that are named Ananias. It is important to know that these were different men and of the three only one was a good and godly man. That man was Ananias of Damascus. We find him only in Acts 9:10-22. He was the Christian that God sent to meet, baptize, and help […]
- [Noodle Hockey](https://yplife.org/?p=3944): Objective: Score the most points for your team by getting the Wiffle Ball to the end of the line. Items Needed: Wiffle ball (or tennis ball\small dodgeball\etc.), 2 different colored pool noodles, chairs, scissors How To Play:Set up your chairs one per person in two rows facing each other (Even amount of chairs even if an un even number). This is your boundaries for the game. Cut pool noodles into three equal parts for however many people you have playing. One noodle can be cut into three sections which saves money PTL! So for a group of thirty you would only need 10 […]
- [3 Translations To Accept By Faith](https://yplife.org/?p=3939): Psalms 119:89 “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.”We trust, by faith, God came to earth to die, raise from the dead, and is able to take us to Heaven; therefore, there is no reason to trust by faith God inspired and preserved the Bible for us today. There are currently over 100 translated versions of the Bible to be found in English. Christians can be often confused by the choice set in front of them leaving everyone asking the question: which is to be accepted? The determination of what Bible to use is often made as a teenager. […]
- [Tennis Ball Corral](https://yplife.org/?p=3911): Objective: Score the most points for your team by placing tennis balls in the trash can. Items Needed: Tennis Balls (pingpong\paperwads\plastic balls), Trash can, Tape (Large Hula Hoop), Balloons How To Play:This is a one player game! Tape off a circle area about 4ft in diameter. Place the trash cans in the middle of that circle. Then scatter the balls all over the circled area. The player must get all the balls into the trash can. They cannot leave the circle, and their knees cannot touch the ground. While they are grabbing all the balls to place them into the trash can they […]
- [Recipe Of A Carnal Decision](https://yplife.org/?p=3908): Decisions are made every day by everyone. We decide what we wear, what we listen to, where we go, if we study for the test or not, and the list could go on. Every day we are faced with hundreds of decisions, and if you make decisions in the flesh they will be fleshly decisions, but if we make decisions in the spirit then we will make Spiritual decisions. We’ve all been called upon to make major spiritual decisions in our lifetime. Looking back the decisions I made that were poor were often because I followed the recipe below.  The Recipe […]
- [Top Ten Youth Activities](https://yplife.org/?p=3508): #10 – YP’s HouseHave the teens over at your house for food, fun, and fellowship! Provide snack type foods, games such as catch phrase, charades, and win, lose, or draw, or a variety of “minute to win it” style games. Materials• Your home, food, and games Benefits• Gives a great opportunity for the teens to visit with the YP and YP wife at their home, and also provides a low cost activity that is bound to have lots of laughs and great memories! #9 – Minor League Baseball GameTake the teens to a nearby minor league baseball game for a fun […]
- [The First Law Of Holes](https://yplife.org/?p=3856): 2 Samuel 12:13 “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” The First Law of Holes states, “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging”.  We often find ourselves in “holes” of our own making, things that we have done, or poor decisions we have made. So, the question is, how do we get out of the holes we dig? We find the solution to David’s problem here in 2 Samuel 12. In verse 13, we see that David ACCEPTED HIS […]
- [Dust In The Wind](https://yplife.org/?p=3364): The wisest men in the Bible hold out some heavy questions for God and man: Job 7:17 “What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? And that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?”Psalm 8:4 “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?”Psalm 144:3 “Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! Or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!” God lives by a different timeline than we do. He is eternal and always existent. Paul describes God as such in 1 Timothy 1:17 “Now unto […]
- [What’s Your Heart Set On?](https://yplife.org/?p=3848): 1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God; arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of the LORD.“ We have to keep our heart set upon something. I believe God is someone we ought set out hearts on 24/7. When people are in the NFL they have their sights on the super bowl, while a teacher must have their heart set on having […]
- [God's Great Love](https://yplife.org/?p=3842): Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬‭ “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God loves you so much, He sent his son to die on the cross so that we might have eternal life. “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭God’s Love in Unconditional and Perfect, because He is Perfect. ‭“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect […]
- [Trash Can Ball](https://yplife.org/?p=3835): Objective: Score the most points for your team! Items Needed: Paper wads, Clipboards (or cardboard pieces that are the same size), Trash Can How To Play:Divide into two teams of 10. The trash can is then set in the middle of the room and the teams line up on either side. They then pair off in sets of two so there will be five sets of two per team. Each set is given a clipboard and a wad of paper. This game will be run in a relay style. The first pair from each team goes first. They must work together to get […]
- [Not Slothful In Business](https://yplife.org/?p=3496): Romans 12:11 “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”The goal of every Christian should be to serve the Lord! Ecclesiastes 12:13 says that the whole duty of man is to “Fear God, and keep his commandments.” Paul said in Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Psalms 150:6 says “Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord!” If it is God’s intent for EVERY man to praise, fear, and obey Him, then it should be more evident in we who are saved! Ephesians 2:1 says “And you hath he quickened, who […]
- [Chair Basketball](https://yplife.org/?p=3795): Objective: Score the most points for your team without leaving your seat! Items Needed: Ball, Chairs, Trash Cans How To Play:Divide into two teams (These can be a variety of sizes depending on how many people are in your youth group and how much space you can use). Team one has seven players and team two has seven players. The game starts by every player standing up holding onto their chair. The teams are then given 30 seconds to space their team out between the two baskets (trash Cans) which are on either side of the room. Once the time is […]
- [Crowd Surfing](https://yplife.org/?p=3790): Objective:Get your player on the inflatable to the back of the room before the other team. Items Needed:Inflatables How To Play:Divide your youth group into two sections, or your youth rally into two to four sections. One boy is picked from each team to ride on the inflatable. It would be wise to pick younger or skinnier boys to ride the inflatables, because they are going to be pushed over the crowd. This game begins at the front of the room where the teams hold up the player on the inflatable. Once the YP says go teams must then just push […]
- [Turning Temptation Into Triumph](https://yplife.org/?p=3374): Genesis 39:7“And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.”Today I would like to rip the lid of one of Satan’s greatest weapons against us: Temptations. Temptations are powerful, we all have trouble with them.  There are some patterns to temptations and when we see them and know them, we can be better prepared to turn temptations into triumphs like Joseph did: 1. The Persistence of Temptations – This means they come, and they come back, and they keep coming back.  Joseph had to fight off this temptation […]
- [Super Bowl Party](https://yplife.org/?p=1912): Items Needed: Ability to watch the game, Snacks, TeenagersObjective: To have fun and enjoy the super bowl in a Christian environment. There are somethings that are done in the secular world that are can be enjoyed by Christians in a right manner. Football is exciting and enjoyable to watch, but many times the Super Bowl parties are wicked and include lewd behavior and liquor. This is why it a great idea to have a super bowl party! Not only does it keep your teenagers from the bad environment, it shows them that you are able to enjoy life in the work […]
- [Musical Statues](https://yplife.org/?p=3362): Objective:Be the last team standing Items Needed:People, a list of things to act\pose How To Play:Divide the youth group into teams of two people. Guys with guys and girls with girls. Once they have paired off the contest begins. This game is meant to be a fun ice breaker. Form two circles (an inner circle and outer circle) by making one player from each team be in a circle. The inner circle starts walking clockwise and the outer circle starts walking counterclockwise. Once you say go the music starts (someone starts playing the piano or you hum\whistle). When the music stops […]
- [Seven Spiritual Things To Do Each Day](https://yplife.org/?p=3594): Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” God has given us a great gift of life. In Psalm 90 God says we need to number our daysso that we can apply our hearts to wisdom. When we are young it seems life will go on forever and it doesn’t matter what we do each day because there will always be another one tomorrow. What we will have to show for the one life we have to live is determined by what we do each day, so every day is important. God has […]
- [How To Have An Awesome Youth Rally](https://yplife.org/?p=2034): 1 Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order.”Coming off of our summer Youth Conference, and answering some questions for some YPs about how we put things together. These ideas could be used for VBS, Youth Rallies, Conferences and any other special meetings. Here are some ideas about “How to Have an Awesome Youth Rally” I.   Set Your DatesThe first thing you will need to decide is what time of year to plan your meeting: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter. This will vary based on your ministry.Secondly: What night of the week? Every church is different.  In our […]
- [The Rebel](https://yplife.org/?p=2007): I Sam 25:10 “And Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.” We all know that one teenager who always seeks to find a reason to rebel against authority. Whether in deed, word or just heart, rebellion is dangerous. Rebelling is fueled by selfishness and pride. When someone thinks they know more, can do more or have become more than the authority, they rebel. One preacher said, “There is never a man so empty who is full of himself”. […]
- [Battles Baptists Brave](https://yplife.org/?p=1998): II Timothy 4:1-7, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of […]
- [Scavenger Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=1988): Objective: To get your youth group to work together, and the first team to finish all the riddles and bring back all of the cards with clues is the winner! Items Needed: List of riddles\clues, tape, multi-colored 3×5 cards or multi-colored printing paper How To Play: We just did this with our teenagers this past Wednesday and they had a blast! Most of your work happens before the game. Simply go throughout the building you have your teen service in, and look for good places to leave clues. I recommend taking pictures of the rooms it will help you later when […]
- [Angry Birds](https://yplife.org/?p=1976): Objective: Items Needed: How to Play: Two teams have a set time they get to build there fortress for the pigs. As soon as the time is up, have teams shoot their “Angry Birds” at the opposing teams pigs. Once all of the pigs have been knocked out the game is over. Make sure different people on the teams get a chance to shoot. You don’t want the same person doing the firing all the time or it will become a one on one instead of two teams. Keep the game exciting for everyone by involving everyone. Mick Hall | PastorHeritage Baptist […]
- [Your YES Decides Your NO](https://yplife.org/?p=1969): Philippians 3:8 “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Life if full of choices. We make our choices and then our choices make us, so choose wisely! Paul was living for himself until he met Jesus, oh man what a day that was! You can read about it in Acts 9. From that moment and onward Paul had to make a choice: live for Jesus or live […]
- [Secondhand Damage](https://yplife.org/?p=3068): Ephesians 6:16 Above, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Look beyond your target. Know where your firearm is pointed. These are two important lessons of handling and use of a firearm. The user needs to understand and know that when they shoot […]
- [God's Divine Detour](https://yplife.org/?p=3070): 1 Samuel 17:15 “But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem.”One of the greatest challenges for all youth is P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E: waiting on God’s plan and timing for their life. This is especially true when it involves taking a Divine Detour into obscurity for a time. David had just such a […]
- [Thank You For Being Like Jesus](https://yplife.org/?p=3080): Philippians 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”I was MAD! Where did my BRAND NEW signs go, that I just put out an hour ago? I left home at 6:30 am […]
- [Say Yes To Jesus](https://yplife.org/?p=3084): Romans 6:13 “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” For far too long, the Bible subject of sanctification has been focused on all the things we are NOT supposed to […]
- [Lock Your Tongue](https://yplife.org/?p=3190): Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall ear the fruit thereof.”James 1:26 “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.”The Doctor often says to us, “Let me see your tongue.” He […]
- [What To Do On A Bad Day](https://yplife.org/?p=2999): Psalm 70:1 “Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD.”It was Thursday night of a super busy week. On Monday I had spent time with family, and worked overnight finishing a job. Tuesday I met with the Governor and elected officials at a Pastor’s Forum. Wednesday I taught two […]
- [How to Build Unbreakable Teens](https://yplife.org/?p=3116): Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 “There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it […]
- [Jumpstarting Your Junior High](https://yplife.org/?p=3120): I Thessalonians 5:11 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”Many times when the new 7th graders come into the Youth Department, there is a scary, inadequate, unsure feeling among them. Sometimes that first semester and even year is the hardest for them in Sunday School and ministry. It is […]
- [The Protection of a YP](https://yplife.org/?p=3099): 1 Samuel 17:35 “And I went after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth…” David had a responsibility, which was to take care of the sheep. He took that responsibility so seriously that he made sure every single sheep was protected and cared for. He was even willing to give his […]
- [Role Player](https://yplife.org/?p=3101): 1 Corinthians 12:11-12 “But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” There are different ideas you may have […]
- [How To Be A Successful Teenager](https://yplife.org/?p=5648): Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13–14 “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;…Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of […]
- [What The YP Says About The TV](https://yplife.org/?p=3105): “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Pro. 22:6) TV has become an ally of so many former enemies. TV is a MAJOR influence on our Teens. You may not have cable, but if you have a streaming service and movie […]
- [What Is that To Thee?](https://yplife.org/?p=3109): John 21:21-22 “Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” Jesus has just risen from the dead and is going around showing Himself to His disciples. He is giving […]
- [You Can Always Go Fishing](https://yplife.org/?p=3134): John 9:4 “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”   I’ve never been a fishing kind of person.  I’m not patient enough, and I have other hobbies I enjoy far more.  My dad was a single parent, so he was ok […]
- [3 Decisions Every 7th Grader Should Make](https://yplife.org/?p=3136): Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”I had a lot going on when I was in 7th grade.  I started playing basketball that year, I played baseball that summer, and I began playing with the high school band.  (At my school, […]
- [Not Your Ordinary Dodgeball](https://yplife.org/?p=3062): OBJECTIVE:Be the last team standing ITEMS NEEDEDDodgeballs Tape/cones (to mark off the boundary lines) HOW TO PLAY:Game rules are the same as you play normal dodgeball with, except in this game, there are four teams. Mark off the area of play in a cross shape where each team has a starting place. Balls are placed […]
- [13 Things to Turn up the Talks with your Teenagers](https://yplife.org/?p=3188): 1 Kings 12:8 “But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:”Have you ever tried to talk to your Teens? Let me guess, it goes something like this…“How was school?” you ask. And the answer… “Okay.” Maybe sometimes you’ll […]
- [Put The Pedal To The Medal](https://yplife.org/?p=3078): OBJECTIVE:Get the Prize ITEMS NEEDED:Boxes of cereal with prizes in them HOW TO PLAY:Choose two contestants to play head-to-head. They are both given a box of cereal. Their task is to open the box and retrieve the prize, but they can only use their feet! The first one to get the prize out is the […]
- [The Heart of the Matter](https://yplife.org/?p=3170): Proverbs 23:26 “My son, give me thine heart…”We serve a God who is all sufficient. He is in and of himself sufficient. God does not have any needs at all. He owns all things. He created all things. By him, all things consist. God does not have needs, so I cannot meet his needs, but I […]
- [HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?](https://yplife.org/?p=3118): OBJECTIVE:Get the tape measure to read 7 ft. ITEMS NEEDED:Tape MeasureBlindfold HOW TO PLAY: One player is blindfolded and then handed a tape measure. His only task is to pull the tape out and place his finger or stop pulling exactly on the 7-foot mark. The contestant closest to the 7-foot mark is the winner! […]
- [Pass the Water](https://yplife.org/?p=3184): OBJECTIVE:Get the Water into the bucket ITEMS NEEDED:Two buckets of water per teamCups (pieces of gutter) HOW TO PLAY:Each team gets two buckets. Teams are to line up shoulder to shoulder. One bucket is full and starts at the front of the line, and the other bucket is empty at the end of the line. […]
- [There Is No Fun in the Far Country](https://yplife.org/?p=3164): Luke 15:13 “And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.”This parable is a story of two brothers. Both were in the same home, had the same training and the same opportunities. Both were heirs to a substantial […]
- [Water Shoes](https://yplife.org/?p=3182): OBJECTIVE:Get Your Shoes and Socks Off Before the Other Team ITEMS NEEDED:Bucket of Water HOW TO PLAY: GUYS only game!!!Two teams of ten guys each are picked (If you have fewer than twenty guys in your teen group, just divide them evenly). The teams must lie on their backs in a circle with their feet […]
- [What is the Will of God](https://yplife.org/?p=3166): 1 John 2:15-17 “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the […]
- [Bubble Gum Sculpture](https://yplife.org/?p=3176): OBJECTIVE:Whoever makes the best sculpture in a limited time frame wins. ITEMS NEEDED:Lots of bubble gumPaper Plate HOW TO PLAY:Split the group into teams of 3-5. Give each team an equal amount of bubble gum. On “go,” have the teams begin chewing the gum. Their goal is to create a sculpture on their paper plate. […]
- [The Main ingredient is loyalty](https://yplife.org/?p=3168): Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?”1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath not temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make […]
- [Haman's Big Hang Up](https://yplife.org/?p=3202): Esther 5:13 “Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”Do not allow one problem to ruin many blessings. Haman had it all: wealth, power, a huge family, and direct access to the king of Persia, the greatest and most vast empire the world had seen […]
- [Who is the Young Person in your Pew](https://yplife.org/?p=3196): I Samuel 16:7 “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”In anointing the next king of Israel, Samuel the Prophet […]
- [The Old Men Know What They’re Talking About](https://yplife.org/?p=3220):  I Kings 12:8a “But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him,”We were lost, and I knew it. I didn’t want to, but there was no other choice. I broke the “man code” and stopped to ask for directions. I walked into the gas station, and the young girl running […]
- [Human Stratego](https://yplife.org/?p=3192): OBJECTIVE:Capture the other team’s flag (LOOK at Stratego board game rules) ITEMS NEEDED:People, painters’ tape, Gym or Parking lot, pieces of paper with a piece number on it HOW TO PLAYSet up your board just like the board game scenario with the painter’s tape. Divide your youth group into two teams and then give each […]
- [Things That Have Fallen](https://yplife.org/?p=3222): Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.The Bible tells us that if we don’t pay attention, some things or some people can slip away from the truth. God is the Author of the Truth and […]
- [Say What](https://yplife.org/?p=3194): OBJECTIVE: Guess the Song Title ITEMS NEEDED:Google Translate Hymn Lyrics HOW TO PLAYFind lyrics to famous hymns. Next, using Google Translate, translate the lyrics from English to another language. After you have done that, take the words from the foreign language and translate them into another foreign language. Continue translating into new languages until you […]
- [Spiritual PPE](https://yplife.org/?p=3224): Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” We have heard a lot about PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) this year. Masks, gloves, and face shields are all intended to help protect us from the assault of infection. There is another, more important […]
- [Ice Cube Curling](https://yplife.org/?p=3074): OBJECTIVE:Score the most points ITEMS NEEDED:Table, Ice cube trays, Food Coloring, marker, or tape HOW TO PLAY:Start by mixing blue food coloring in a couple of trays and freezing it. Then, red food coloring in other trays and freezing them. These will be the two teams’ curling stones. Mark or tape a target circle at […]
- [Seemingly Insurmountable](https://yplife.org/?p=3082): Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Most of the inspiring sports stories we hear today go something like this: “Against seemingly insurmountable odds, the athlete persevered and won an astounding victory.” Whether it was their poor upbringing, a nagging sickness or injury they were forced to endure, or just a […]
- [Keep Your Dog Tags](https://yplife.org/?p=3200): OBJECTIVE:Be the last team with Dog Tags ITEMS NEEDED:Yarn, small blade or hot glue, Alka Seltzer tablets, 4 trash cans, water, and solo cups HOW TO PLAYTo set up this game, either poke holes in all the Alka-Seltzers to string the yarn through, or you can hot glue the yarn to the Alka-Seltzer, which is […]
- [How To Win A Coworker To Christ](https://yplife.org/?p=3232): Philippians 1:27:  Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; I can’t tell you how many […]
- [Can You Feel It](https://yplife.org/?p=3206): OBJECTIVE:Guess what you’re standing in ITEMS NEEDED:4 Throw Away Trays/Pans, 4 Blindfolds, 8 towels, Coffee Jar of raw Horse/Cow Manure (Yes, you read that correctly), 4 small supplies of the following foods/items: ice, Jello, peaches, mashed potatoes PREPERATIONLine up all of your trays next to each other with the foods/items separated into each tray. Make it […]
- [Charades](https://yplife.org/?p=3218): OBJECTIVE:Guess what your teammate is acting out ITEMS NEEDEDBible things written on 3×5 cards HOW TO PLAY:Divide your youth group into two teams. Each team’s goal is to guess what one of their teammates is acting out. One player from each team is called to the front, and both are shown the same word. They […]
- [Sparking A Spirit Of Thankfulness](https://yplife.org/?p=3250): Colossians 4:2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”The Bible tells us that we are to be quick to give thanks to God. “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;” tells us that we are to watch in the spirit of Thanksgiving as we pray continually, but that is not […]
- [Cracking The Code](https://yplife.org/?p=3226): OBJECTIVE:Crack the code and guess the phrase by guessing the Bible words ITEMS NEEDEDBible codes HOW TO PLAY:This is sword drills on steroids! Before the game, determine the phrase you want the teams to get (ie, The Lord is Good). Then search for those words in the Bible. Write down where you find them, and then mark down which […]
- [How Did Jesus Handle Money?](https://yplife.org/?p=3326): John 13:29 “For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.” You may have never thought about this subject, but it is very important. As you grow up […]
- [Split Decision](https://yplife.org/?p=3268): OBJECTIVE:Be the first to rip the apple apart with your hands ITEMS NEEDED:apples HOW TO PLAY: Teach them how to rip the apple in half with their hands, then have them compete to see who can be the first one to split one. 
- [The Path Back](https://yplife.org/?p=3270): Luke 15:17 – “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto Him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,” Vs 15 – Notice […]
- [Baby Bird](https://yplife.org/?p=3278): OBJECTIVE:Get the most worms ITEMS NEEDED:Chairs, gummy worms, chopsticks, bowls, tables HOW TO PLAY: Teams of two compete to see who can get the most worms. One player is seated in a chair as the baby bird. The other player stands behind that player and has to feed that player gummy worms. The feeder has […]
- [Go After It](https://yplife.org/?p=3272): Joshua 3:3 “And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it.” The people of Israel were on the brink of a brand-new life. They were about to cross […]
- [From Tragedy To Triumph](https://yplife.org/?p=3274): 1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”Throughout the Word of God, there are similar […]
- [VolleyBomb](https://yplife.org/?p=3288): OBJECTIVE:Be the last team standing ITEMS NEEDED:Volleyball, Volleyball net HOW TO PLAY:Two teams of 10-20 people get on opposite sides of the net. One team starts the game by throwing the ball over the net. They can serve the ball from behind the middle line on their side of the court. The ball must then […]
- [Youth Ministry Winter Olympics](https://yplife.org/?p=5394): OBJECTIVE:Have your Team score the most points in each event ITEMS NEEDED: People, List of 10 quick games, Items Needed for the games List of 10 challenges (Items needed):1. Speed Skating – Tissue Boxes, Start and End Lines2. Curling – Water Bottles (frozen is optional) You can also use colored Ice cubes to slide, also […]
- [Don't Waste Your Wilderness](https://yplife.org/?p=5388): Exodus 3:7 “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry… for I know their sorrows.” I remember playing a story-driven video game with plot twists around every corner. Midway through, the hero gets captured. It looked like total defeat. I almost […]
- [Pop It Or Don't](https://yplife.org/?p=5378): OBJECTIVE:Be the last man standing by popping your balloons at the right times. ITEMS NEEDED:Balloons (Several Different Colors)Tables HOW TO PLAY:This game will have everyone in suspense. It is super easy to setup and play. Have 4-6 Contestants come to the front of the class. Each contestant has the same number of balloons and same […]
- [PREPARING TO BE A PASTOR](https://yplife.org/?p=3292): I Timothy 3:1 “This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.”Nowhere in the Bible do you find the term “Youth Pastor”. We know the New Testament Baptist church has only two offices, “Pastor” (a.k.a. Bishop and/or Elder) and “Deacon”. When we use the term Youth […]
- [Aerial Assault](https://yplife.org/?p=5356): OBJECTIVE:Score the most points by getting the frisbees to your player in the safe zone! ITEMS NEEDED: Linked are the best prices I could find for eachFrisbees – https://amzn.to/45OehGRCones – https://amzn.to/3HPT73iLarge Field or gym HOW TO PLAY:This is an action packed game that anyone can play. The athletic kids and the nonathletic alike will enjoy […]
- [Human Rocket League](https://yplife.org/?p=5352): OBJECTIVE:Score the most points by getting the ball into your goal ITEMS NEEDED: Linked are the best prices I could find for eachBumper balls – https://amzn.to/45Rka7v,Cage ball – https://amzn.to/47yKRyXLarge Field or gymGoals HOW TO PLAY:This game we play at Circle C Baptist Ranch, a camp where I run the activities all summer. You begin by […]
- [That Sounds Apeeling!](https://yplife.org/?p=3284): OBJECTIVE:Eat the Banana ITEMS NEEDED: Linked are the best prices I could find for eachBananas, chairs HOW TO PLAY:Divide your youth group in teams of 7-10. A team should consist of only girls or only guys. Then give each team a banana. The team must then line up in age order with the youngest being […]
- [Getting More From God](https://yplife.org/?p=3282): Luke 17:11-19 “And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on […]
- [Pointing Teens to the Pastor](https://yplife.org/?p=3276): Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”The problem with America and pretty much the world today is that everyone has […]
- [A Message from a Young Donkey](https://yplife.org/?p=5316): Luke 19:30 “Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.” Can you imagine being included in the Bible? What an absolute honor and privilege! At least if it is for a […]
- [Flour Dodgeball](https://yplife.org/?p=5310): OBJECTIVE:Normal dodgeball but in an epic manner! ITEMS NEEDED: Linked are the best prices I could find for eachFlour – https://amzn.to/4jdRIA6 – $7.65 for 15lbsNylon Socks – https://amzn.to/4mvjv26 – $15 for 200 socksLarge Field Cones for boundaries – https://amzn.to/3YTgbDL – $20 for 60 cones ANY ASSORTMENT OF THESE – 5 gallon buckets, Trash cans, 17-Gallon […]
- [Give It A Minute](https://yplife.org/?p=3286): Ecclesiastes 7:8 “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” The computers we have now are amazing. They are so fast, so small, and so versatile! It does not seem to matter how fast they get, because no matter what we […]
- [Don't Get Caught!](https://yplife.org/?p=5295): OBJECTIVE:Score the most Points by not getting caught by the JUDGE ITEMS NEEDED:Table, 5 Boxes (All the same type is best), Weights or songbooks, 100% Lemon Juice, Water, cups HOW TO PLAY:This game is played with five contestants at a time! They stand on the stage or in the front of the class so that […]
- [A Warning For Parents About AI](https://yplife.org/?p=5286): Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” 2 Timothy 3:1-7 | 13-17 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to […]
- [Ratted Out](https://yplife.org/?p=3304): OBJECTIVE:Teams: Build the tallest tower.RAT: Dont Get CAUGHT, and successfully sabotage the other teams tower. ITEMS NEEDED:3×5 cards, Table, Uncooked spaghetti noodles, Marshmallows, PRIZES HOW TO PLAY:Two teams of 6 compete at the same time to build the tallest tower in the time limit. Call 12 people up to the front. Then hand each a 3×5 card […]
- [Tic Tac Throw](https://yplife.org/?p=3294): OBJECTIVE:Win the Game by getting three in a row ITEMS NEEDED:Cups, Table, Tape How to Play:Tape out the tic tac toe board on the table. Contestants are given two different colors of cups. They must stand at the ends of the table and flip the cups onto the spots of the tic tac toe board. […]
- [5 Friendly Reminders For The New YP](https://yplife.org/?p=3302): Tis the season of transition. With the end of the school year and Bible College graduates heading into the ministry, there will be many NEW Youth Pastors out there this summer. This transition can be difficult on the teens, the church, the Pastor and especially the new YP. I went back in time to when […]
- [There Is No One Like Jesus](https://yplife.org/?p=5275): John 7:46 The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. At some point you are probably going to have to deal with the issue of doubt about God, Jesus, and the Bible. For sure you will meet people who completely doubt or deny everything we believe to be true and hold sacred. The fact […]
- [Reverse Charades](https://yplife.org/?p=5272): Objective:Get your partner to guess as many clues in the time limit! Items Needed:Chair, List of things to act out How To Play:Divide into teams of two. These two are going to work together to guess as many correct clues as possible in a certain time limit (1 minute). One player gets to give the […]
- [Chain Linked](https://yplife.org/?p=3298): Objective:Guess the CHAIN before the other team does! Items Needed:White board (dry erase marker\eraser), Word Chains – Example Below How To Play:Divide the youth group into two teams. The teams will compete to see who can guess the word chain correctly. a word chain is 7 words that connect to each other by connecting to […]
- [What Type Of Friend Are You?](https://yplife.org/?p=3308): Psalm 35:14 “ I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother…”A friend is someone that can make a difference in your life. A friend can either help you or hurt you depending on what kind of a friend they are. That is why choosing the right kind of friend is one […]
- [There is ONE Greater](https://yplife.org/?p=3310): Matthew 12:6 “But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.”Job said: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” You need and I need someone Greater than our Troubles! We face uncertain times; we need someone Greater than our Times and Uncertainty! […]
- [Finger Flicking Good!](https://yplife.org/?p=5251): OBJECTIVE:Knock down the other teams cups before they knock yours down ITEMS NEEDED:Table(s), Solo cups, Sling Shot Chickens (link attached below 32 chickens for $10) HOW TO PLAY:Set up the cups along the edge of short edge of a table – then two players compete by trying to shoot the other teams cups off of […]
- [Where’s My Water](https://yplife.org/?p=3322): OBJECTIVE:Be the first to get your water to the pool ITEMS NEEDED:4 kiddy pools, 2 hoses, Large Cups, Buckets, slight hill HOW TO PLAY:The two teams of four play head to head. Each team has two pools and one hose. One pool is set up the hill the other pool is far enough away that […]
- [The Secret Task Scavenger Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=5232): Objective:Score the most points as a team, but also accomplish your secret missions along the Way! Items Needed: – THE GAME COMES COMPLETELY READY TO PRINT AND PLAY FOR ALL YPS, YOUTH WORKERS, SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS, BUS CAPTAINS, AND YOUTH WORKERS! – Just email theyplife@gmail.com and tell us your name, church\school, title, and years of […]
- [Peep Warz](https://yplife.org/?p=2106): Objective:Be the first team to knock the other teams peeps off. Items Needed:1 box of peeps, 1 table How to Play:There are two rows of peeps in each box. Each team gets a row. Take four of the five peeps in each row and line them up on the edge of the short side of […]
- [Egg-Streme Flashlight Hunt](https://yplife.org/?p=3340): Objective:Find the most Easter Eggs in the dark! Items Needed:  Teens, Flashlights, Plastic Shopping Bags, Easter Eggs (filled) Game Preparation Items: Lots of Easter eggs filled with candy (if your church is planning an Easter egg hunt, see if you could get a separate amount for the youth department for this particular activity.) *For select […]
- [Flour Power](https://yplife.org/?p=5181): OBJECTIVE:Get the most flour into the bowl! ITEMS NEEDED:Flour, Bowls, Uno Cards, Tables, goggles (optional but good) HOW TO PLAY:Divide into two teams of five players each. They line up shoulder to shoulder and are each given an uno card. they must place this card in their mouth and not touch it for the rest […]
- [Don't Waste This Year Just Cause You Need Some TLC](https://yplife.org/?p=5164): What do People do when they need some TLC? Here is a top 20 list of things people do when they need some TLC – That is a pretty comprehensive list, and to be honest we do one or many of those for ourselves. Truth is we all need some R&R and some TLC. Cause […]
- [The Blood](https://yplife.org/?p=3312): HEBREWS 10:12 “he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever,…”In the Old Testament, before Jesus Christ came in the flesh on earth to pay redemption’s cost for all mankind once and for all; the Old Testament saints would offer up animals as an atonement or covering for their sin. The high priest would go […]
- [Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego](https://yplife.org/?p=3324): DANIEL 3:12 “There are certain Jews…”In chapter three of Daniel, king Nebuchadnezzar is going to reveal this huge statue to represent him that he wants everyone to bow down and worship. So he calls everyone in to bow down down to this idol. He give the command, that when the music plays, everyone should bow […]
- [Always Forward](https://yplife.org/?p=3380): Genesis 26:13 “And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:” Isaac has just made a huge mistake. He lied. He said his wife was his sister. The King figured him out and called him out on his lie. Isaac comes clean, and the King lets him live. Verse […]
- [Get Goals](https://yplife.org/?p=3320): 1 Corinthians 9:26 “I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:”Paul went to the Colosseum of Rome to watch sports. As he writes this, he has in his mind two sports: “boxing” and “racing”. He is saying: “If I’m going to run, I need to know where […]
- [Solo Slide](https://yplife.org/?p=3306): OBJECTIVE:Be the first team to score! ITEMS NEEDED:Solo Cups, Table, TapeSetup: Tape 1 solo cup off of each end of the table. Tape it to where something can fall into the cup HOW TO PLAY:The two teams of 6 play. Each player is given a solo cup. Each team’s goal is to slide the cup […]
- [Fishers!](https://yplife.org/?p=3314): Matthew 4:19 “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”Jesus begins His Ministry by going down to the lake. He finds two sets of brothers working on their boats. They had returned from a fishing trip. Jesus tells the fishermen to follow Him and He would make them “…fishers […]
- [A Balanced Growing Youth Department](https://yplife.org/?p=3318): There are youth departments which are large in number because they are willing to compromise in certain areas of standards, music, and even preaching of the Bible. However, independent Baptist Youth Departments of the past and those of the present are those which established some very important principles that not only enhanced their growth but […]
- [Is It Me?](https://yplife.org/?p=5132): Sometimes our choices bring our own problemsEsther 4:7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.I assume you are somewhat familiar with the Book Esther, if not, it’s a […]
- [Codenames: Classic Game on a Large Scale](https://yplife.org/?p=5117): Objective:Be the first team to correctly guess all of the clues Items Needed:CODENAMES BOARD GAME (link below), Projector or TV How To Play:Divide into two teams. Both teams will send one person to be the clue giver. The clue giver’s job is to give their team one word hints connecting the words that they are […]
- [Human Tic-Tac-Toe](https://yplife.org/?p=5112): Objective:Be the first team to get three people in a row. Items Needed:Chairs, 2 Different Colors of Paper, Area How To Play:Divide into two groups. It doesn’t matter the number just so they are even or close as possible.(We divided into four groups 2 guys groups and 2 girls groups, but for sake of illustrating […]
- [Hand Made Masterpieces](https://yplife.org/?p=4755): Objective: Have your team win by making the best pictures! Items Needed: Downloadable Document (bottom of page), Paper, Pens\Sharpie How To Play: Setup the game by printing the downloadable document at the bottom. Then divide the group into four teams. There will be several rounds played in the game. For the first round let everyone […]
- [Top Ten Teen Thanksgiving Activities](https://yplife.org/?p=5087): 1. Volunteer at a food kitchen or food bank. 2. Take kids to visit someone who lives at a nursing home or is confined at home because of poor health. 3. Buy some (or all) of the holiday-dinner groceries for a family in need in your community. 4. Have teens go through their winter clothes […]
- [Where Are All the Teenagers?](https://yplife.org/?p=5093): Luke 13:8 “And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:”The common question throughout America seems to be one variation or another of the title: Where are all the teenagers? It can be difficult for ministries to capture their attention. Many ministries […]
- [Uno Kickball](https://yplife.org/?p=5080): Objective:Get the most points at the end the innings! Items Needed:Field, Bases, Kickball, and Uno Cards How To Play:Game is played as normal Kickball. Innings, Outs, Field size, etc. is all the same. The DIFFERNCE is what makes it crazy! Every time a kicker gets up to kick, they must first draw a random card […]
- [Pick It Up And Preach](https://yplife.org/?p=5070): This game it literally one of the funniest games you will ever try! If you like it share it and subscribe to the YOUTUBE channel for more great content.
- [Fall Jeopardy](https://yplife.org/?p=5076): Objective:Get the most points Items Needed:White board, Markers, Questions OR Posted below is the link we used with the questions and allows you to use the How To Play:Game is played as normal Jeopardy. Divide your youth group into two or three teams. Read a question the first person standing AFTER the question is FULLY […]
- [Stop The Bus!](https://yplife.org/?p=5055): Objective:Score the most points of the two teams! Items Needed:A Piece of Paper and Pen Per Team How To Play:Divide into teams of 2-4. All teams are given the same list of five things categories each round  Round one – animal – book – person – dead person – car – etc Then the MC picks a random letter, yells the letter then says start the bus. The first […]
- [Dunk Contest](https://yplife.org/?p=3332): Objective:Get the most chocolate on your doughnut Items Needed:Blindfolds, Doughnuts, String\Yarn, Sticks (broomsticks\poles\etc.), Bowls, Chocolate syrup, Table. How To Play:This game takes only a little prep! Cut yarn strands about three feet long and then tie them to the end of the poles. Place three bowls on an 8ft table filled with chocolate. Three people […]
- [Christians Mingle](https://yplife.org/?p=5051): Objective:Be the last team standing! Items Needed:Nothing! Just People How To Play:Variation of Musical Chairs. Separate into guys and girls sides. The players must stay on their sides and mingle around. They cannot stay in the same spot! Once the music stops or once you decide to stop the round, THE MC yells “GROUP of ____” […]
- [Healing The Wounds](https://yplife.org/?p=5045): Many are living in a dark place of deep hurt right now. If that is you, please know you are NOT alone! God cares about you, and there are caring people God has placed around you to help heal the hurts in your life. BEWARE of pouring out your heart to people on social media […]
- [3 Object Kickball](https://yplife.org/?p=5039): Objective:Score the most points of the two teams! Items Needed:Large Space (gym or outside), Kickball, Football, Frisbee, (Other Objects *See Bottom for clarification), Bases or cones for bases, and a bucket How To Play:The game is played just like kickball one team kicks and one team fields. Score, innings, base running and setup is the […]
- [How to Enjoy Fishing](https://yplife.org/?p=5021): Many of the distractions and discouragements against soul winning or attending church have nothing to do with church at all. Create the right environment and making the right decisions will be easier. It does not matter who you are or where you are – everybody likes fishing. You could stop me right there with an […]
- [Doughnut Fishing](https://yplife.org/?p=5024): Objective:Be the first person to eat the doughnut Items Needed:Doughnuts, String\Yarn, Tape, Chairs, Blindfolds, Poles (broom sticks\wood pole\etc.) How To Play:Two teams of two compete against each other to be the first team to devour their doughnut! One player holds the fishing pole and stands behind the other teammate who is sitting on a chair […]

## Pages

- [Secret Scavenger Hunt Downloadable Content](https://yplife.org/?page_id=5237): Here is how you can fold each task the stamps are included in the downloadable content above – to give a cool mysterious feel…
- [YP Store](https://yplife.org/?page_id=3720)
- [FREE RESOURCES](https://yplife.org/?page_id=880): SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON DOWNLOADABLE FLIERS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PATTERNS  THE SEVEN YOUTH DEPARTMENTS  ASSURANCE   THE HOLY SPIRIT   FAITHFULNESS CREATION JONAH HOW DEEP ARE YOUR ROOTS? CHARACTERS OF CHRISTMAS LIVING THE FULL CHRISTIAN LIFE TIMOTHY MISSIONS WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR THE SIN OF WORLDLINESS DOWNLOADABLE FLIERS CLICK TO DOWNLOAD I LOVE MY PARENT […]
- [YP Sermons](https://yplife.org/?page_id=302): Currently Playing The Why William Davis 2021 NYFC The Why William Davis 2021 NYFC 00:37:00 When Israel Lost Their Gun Rights Jeff Fugate 2021 NYFC 00:35:17 How to Please The Father Chris Dallas 2021 NYFC 00:32:49 Dreaming Dr Jorgensen 2021 NYFC 00:32:49 Stay In The Saddle Dave Smith 2021 NYFC 00:32:49 High Noon At The […]
- [My account](https://yplife.org/?page_id=183)
- [Checkout](https://yplife.org/?page_id=182)
- [Cart](https://yplife.org/?page_id=181)
- [YP Store](https://yplife.org/?page_id=180)
- [](https://yplife.org/?page_id=135): edit post Youth Truth David – The Mature Teenager by PlayDecember 15, 2022 edit post Games 4 Today The Game Of Seven by PlayDecember 15, 2022 edit post 4 The Yp Wednesday with the YP – The Prayer List by PlayDecember 15, 2022 edit post 4 The Yp How To Have A Successful Fall Program […]
- [](https://yplife.org/?page_id=109): edit post Games 4 Today The Game Of Seven OBJECTIVE:Be the team to make it the farthest! ITEMS NEEDED:Table, 1 Bouncy Ball (Rubber Bouncy Ball or Tennis Ball or… Read more prev next edit post Games 4 Today The Game Of Seven December 15, 2022
- [YP Activities](https://yplife.org/?page_id=105)
- [YP Wife](https://yplife.org/?page_id=103)
- [YP Store 2](https://yplife.org/?page_id=101)
- [Youth Truth](https://yplife.org/?page_id=99)
- [Home](https://yplife.org/): 4 The Yp 13 Videos Games 4 Today 5 Videos Youth Truth 12 Videos YP Activities 7 Videos YP Wife 6 Videos RECENT ARTICLES edit post Youth Truth Put Down Your Dukes by Play December 28, 2022 edit post Games 4 Today Easter Games by Play December 28, 2022 edit post 4 The Yp The […]

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- [It Is Well - A play written to portray the true story of Horatio Spafford](https://yplife.org/?product=it-is-well-a-play-written-to-portray-the-true-story-of-horatio-spafford): This is a downloadable Script for a play about the life of Horatio Spafford and the Song It Is Well. Here is the link with the Complete Play dramatized by the Teenagers of the Clays Mill Christian Academy
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- [YP Flashdrive From NCGC](https://yplife.org/?product=yp-flashdrive-from-ncgc): The Youth Pastor’s Flashdrive given out at the National Church Growth Conference! It has 2000+ Sermons and outlines, Games and how to play them, 10 Sunday School Lesson Series, 226 Sunday School Lessons, All the NCGC Sermon Audios, NCGC Session outlines from 2023, All the Youth Pastor Sessions from NCGC ’14-’23
- [Unto The Uttermost](https://yplife.org/?product=unto-the-uttermost): Unto The Uttermost is a 365 day Devotional. It was written by pastors, pastors’ wives, youth pastors, youth pastors’ wives, and missionaries around the world! Every day has a devotional written to stir young people to go unto the uttermost parts of the world with the Gospel! It also has a Bible reading Schedule, Prayer […]
- [Ten Years of Sermons from the NYFC](https://yplife.org/?product=ten-years-of-sermons-from-the-nyfc): This is a collection of 70 sermons from past 10 years of the National Young Fundamentalist Conference. Sermons from fiery preachers such as, Pastor Jeff Fugate, Bro. William Davis, Evangelist Chris Dallas, Bro. Derek Young, Bro. Brad Braudis, Evangelist Justin Cooper, and Dr. Jim Jorgensen.
- [Works of the Holy Spirit](https://yplife.org/?product=works-of-the-holy-spirit): Pastor Carl Hatmaker was a hero of mine. There were several men whom I’ve considered “Great Men” and were heroes to me. My Fundamental Preacher Heroes included men like my father Sam Fugate, Lester Roloff (My first airplane ride was with Brother Roloff in his personal airplane); Jack Hyles of Hammond, Indiana, of whom I […]
- [Victory In Jesus: Teacher's Edition](https://yplife.org/?product=victory-in-jesus-teachers-edition): THE PURPOSE FOR THE VICTORY IN JESUS ADDICTION OUTREACH PROGRAM IS TO HELP THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN, OR ARE CURRENTLY, STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION. THIS TWELVE-WEEK PROGRAM IS MADE UP OF BIBLE-BASED LESSONS THAT WILL HELP EACH INDIVIDUAL GROW IS THEIR WALK WITH GOD. THE FOCUS OF THIS MINISTRY IS TO TURN TOWARD GOD. IN A […]
- [Victory In Jesus: Student Edition](https://yplife.org/?product=victory-in-jesus-student-edition): THE PURPOSE FOR THE VICTORY IN JESUS ADDICTION OUTREACH PROGRAM IS TO HELP THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN, OR ARE CURRENTLY, STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION. THIS TWELVE-WEEK PROGRAM IS MADE UP OF BIBLE-BASED LESSONS THAT WILL HELP EACH INDIVIDUAL GROW IS THEIR WALK WITH GOD. THE FOCUS OF THIS MINISTRY IS TO TURN TOWARD GOD. IN A […]
- [VISION: Seeing Life Through God's Eyes. A 365 day devotional](https://yplife.org/?product=vision-seeing-life-through-gods-eyes-a-365-day-devotional): Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision the people perish…” Pastors and Youth pastors from around the nation have collaborated to challenge teenagers to see life through the eyes of God. He has a plan for your life that far exceeds what you can see; a life greater than you ever imagined! Sit down for […]
- [The Driver's Manual](https://yplife.org/?product=the-drivers-manual): The drivers manual is a 52 week Bible reading plan with three different levels of reading for Bible reading beginners, those who have been reading for a little while, and those who have been reading for years! It has Devotions written by pastors, Hymns and the stories behind them, Prayer list pages, 52 pages of […]
- [Ten Times Better Devotional](https://yplife.org/?product=ten-times-better-devotional)
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- [YPLife hoodie](https://yplife.org/?product=yplife-hoodie): Everyone needs a cozy go-to hoodie to curl up in, so go for one that’s soft, smooth, and stylish. It’s the perfect choice for cooler evenings! • 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester • Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²) • Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling • Double-lined hood with matching […]
- [YPLife Mug](https://yplife.org/?product=yplife-mug): Whether you’re drinking your morning coffee, evening tea, or something in between – this mug’s for you! It’s sturdy and glossy with a vivid print that’ll withstand the microwave and dishwasher. • Ceramic • 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.85″ (9.8 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter • 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (12 […]
- [YPLife Adidas Hat](https://yplife.org/?product=yplife-adidas-hat): Ace a sporty, casual look with the adidas Performance Golf Cap. The unstructured cap has a pre-curved visor that will shield your eyes from the sun and a self-fabric strap closure for maximum comfort and a great fit. Order it now and hit the streets in style! • 100% brushed cotton twill • Product weight: […]
- [YPLife 2 chronicles](https://yplife.org/?product=yplife-2-chronicles): Made from 100% organic ring-spun cotton, this unisex t-shirt is a total must-have. It’s high-quality, super comfy, and best of all—eco-friendly. • 100% organic ring-spun cotton • Fabric weight: 5.3 oz/yd² (180 g/m²) • Single jersey • Medium fit • Set-in sleeves • 1 × 1 rib at collar • Wide double-needle topstitch on the […]
- [YPGames Pacman tshirt](https://yplife.org/?product=ypgames-pacman-tshirt): This t-shirt makes for a great staple piece in any wardrobe! It has a classic fit with thick cotton fabric. • 100% cotton • Ash is 99% cotton, 1% polyester • Sport Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester • Fabric weight: 6.0 oz/y² (203.4 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk • Boxy fit • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping • Seamless […]
- [YPGames Hoodie](https://yplife.org/?product=ypgames-hoodie): Everyone needs a cozy go-to hoodie to curl up in, so go for one that’s soft, smooth, and stylish. It’s the perfect choice for cooler evenings! • 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester • Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²) • Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling • Double-lined hood with matching […]
- [YPGames Duffle Bag](https://yplife.org/?product=ypgames-duffle-bag): This duffle bag is the perfect companion for every occasion—take it with you when traveling, running daily errands, or going to the gym. The bag is spacious and will keep all your stuff neat and organized with its multiple pockets, including one with a zipper for your most valuable possessions. Adjust the padded shoulder strap […]
- [YP WHITE and BLUE HAT](https://yplife.org/?product=yp-white-and-blue-hat): Ace a sporty, casual look with the adidas Performance Golf Cap. The unstructured cap has a pre-curved visor that will shield your eyes from the sun and a self-fabric strap closure for maximum comfort and a great fit. Order it now and hit the streets in style! • 100% brushed cotton twill • Product weight: […]
- [YP WHITE LOGO](https://yplife.org/?product=yp-white-logo): Ace a sporty, casual look with the adidas Performance Golf Cap. The unstructured cap has a pre-curved visor that will shield your eyes from the sun and a self-fabric strap closure for maximum comfort and a great fit. Order it now and hit the streets in style! • 100% brushed cotton twill • Product weight: […]
- [YP Polo](https://yplife.org/?product=yp-polo): Combine style and class with this 100% cotton polo shirt! The detailed embroidery is a great conversation starter, and thanks to the pre-shrunk fabric, the shirt will maintain its shape after washing. • 100% ring-spun cotton pique • Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton pique, 10% polyester • Fabric weight: 6.3 oz/yd² (213.6 g/m²) • […]
- [White Adidas YPLife Cap](https://yplife.org/?product=white-adidas-yplife-cap): Ace a sporty, casual look with the adidas Performance Golf Cap. The unstructured cap has a pre-curved visor that will shield your eyes from the sun and a self-fabric strap closure for maximum comfort and a great fit. Order it now and hit the streets in style! • 100% brushed cotton twill • Product weight: […]
- [Unisex Hoodie](https://yplife.org/?product=unisex-hoodie): Everyone needs a cozy go-to hoodie to curl up in, so go for one that’s soft, smooth, and stylish. It’s the perfect choice for cooler evenings! • 50% pre-shrunk cotton, 50% polyester • Fabric weight: 8.0 oz/yd² (271.25 g/m²) • Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling • Double-lined hood with matching […]
- [Teal YPWife Someone has to keep him out of trouble cup](https://yplife.org/?product=teal-ypwife-someone-has-to-keep-him-out-of-trouble-cup): This 17-ounce, double-walled stainless steel water bottle is perfect for your daily outings. It will keep your drink of choice hot or cold for hours. It also features an odor- and leak-proof cap. Throw it in your car’s cup holder on your way to work, take it with you on hikes, or toss it in […]
- [THE YP Life](https://yplife.org/?product=the-yp-life): You’ve now found the staple t-shirt of your wardrobe. It’s made of 100% ring-spun cotton and is soft and comfy. The double stitching on the neckline and sleeves add more durability to what is sure to be a favorite! • 100% ring-spun cotton • Sport Grey is 90% ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester • Dark Heather […]
- [Pink YPWife Logo Cup](https://yplife.org/?product=pink-ypwife-logo-cup): This 17-ounce, double-walled stainless steel water bottle is perfect for your daily outings. It will keep your drink of choice hot or cold for hours. It also features an odor- and leak-proof cap. Throw it in your car’s cup holder on your way to work, take it with you on hikes, or toss it in […]
- [It's a Bad Day Let's Build Something](https://yplife.org/?product=its-a-bad-day-lets-build-something): In an evil day where the entire world was so wicked that God decided to destroy the earth, there was a man named Noah who decided to continue in the things of right and decided to build something. This pamphlet by Bro. Justin Cooper tells how Noah built things for his Father, family, and the […]
- [Fire Starters](https://yplife.org/?product=fire-starters): Written By: Dr. Justin Cooper “Fire Starters” is a compilation of outlines, devotional thoughts and Bible truths from my personal Bible study that God has used to stir my heart for Heavenly things. I believe the contents of this book will serve as kindling for the Christian who desires to stay on fire for God. […]
- [Embraced by Grace](https://yplife.org/?product=embraced-by-grace): Miss Jodi is a testimony of the sufficient grace of God. It has been my privilege to serve as her pastor since 2001. Although she has suffered through many trials in her life, her faith in God has been evidence in her living and is certainly experienced as you read her writing. Few people have […]
- [Don't Let The Devil Get Your Right Eye](https://yplife.org/?product=dont-let-the-devil-get-your-right-eye): The Devil is out to get your right eye because with out your right eye you lose the ability to fight. Pastor Fugate warns of the price of compromising and encourages us to fight for the salvation for lost souls, the preaching of the Word of God, truth and right, and for our families.
- [Destination: my Journey Across The Globe](https://yplife.org/?product=destination-my-journey-across-the-globe)
- [The 30 Most Requested Sermons Of Pastor Jeff Fugate's 30 Years As Pastor - Plus A Bonus Track](https://yplife.org/?product=the-30-most-requested-sermons-of-pastor-jeff-fugates-30-years-as-pastor-plus-a-bonus-track): Product Details Pastor Jeff Fugate has been the pastor of the Clays Mill Baptist Church for 30 Years! We have compiled the 30 most requested sermons from his tenure of Pastoring. This CD has all thirty of those sermons plus a bonus track from The Patriotic Rally hosted by Clays Mill at a packed Applebee’s […]

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