Key Verse: “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.  For you will be treated as you treat others.  The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?" -  Matthew 7:1-3

• Zack talked about joining in with his friend in making fun of other people.  How much of an issue is that at your school?  Who do they target at your school?

• Why do so many Christians get involved with talking down to other students?

Key Verse:  "Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'" -  John 14:6

• How many of your friends are looking into other religions to find answers to life?  What are they exploring?

• Why do you people follow such religions?

• What do other religions promise their believers?

• Read John 14:6.  In reference to only one faith is the truth faith, how does this verse give us hope in Christ?

• Why are people so turned off by Christianity today?

Luke Putney-High School Athlete
The Extra Mile-Feel Your Heart Beat

Key Verse: " But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."  -  2 Chronicles 15:7

• Luke went through a major brain surgery in middle school and lost his vision, but it did not hold him back.  How would you respond to such a circumstance in your life? Where would you draw your strength from?

• Luke’s wrestling coach mentioned that no one want to practice against him because he always goes all out. Is that how you practice?  What can you learn from Luke’s example?

Keyara Criner-Basketball
Perseverance-Overcoming Adversity

Key Verse: "Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." -  Ecclesiastes 9:10

• Keyara had to overcome knee surgery, the death of her parents, and brother.  How would you handle all of these things if they had happened to you?

• Keyara had great friends surround her with prayers.  Why are positive friends so important during trials and tough times in life?

Drew Brees-New Orleans Saints
One Day At A Time By Faith

Key Verse: "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?" -  James 2:14

• Drew Brees talked about his team getting beat badly in the first half, but they never gave up. Can you think of a game when your team was down by a lot of points?  How did you and the team respond?

• What characteristics do you need as a player to overcome this type of deficit? 

Colt McCoy-Cleveland Browns
Leadership-Honesty

Key Verse: "Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people." - Proverbs 11:3

• Colt talks about being honest in every situation.  Where do you struggle with being totally honest?

• Honesty and integrity are main ingredients to a successful person/athlete.  How would you define both words?

• When you get into trouble in your sport or home, why is honesty the best policy?  

Andy Pettitte-New York Yankees
Pray, Pray, Pray

Key Verse:  "Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

• Andy talks about praying at all times during his games.  Is that something you do as well when you compete?  Explain.

• As an athlete, why is it important to pray for your testimony?

• When is prayer most effective for you as an athlete/Christian?  How do you pray before, during, and after your games? 

Summary
Jake was looking at Roger’s blog and realized how alone Roger felt.  As he reads the blog it flashes back to how Roger felt about his life at school.  Roger talks through his pain and struggle of why he felt so hopeless and alone.

Verse
“My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will pull my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone and afflicted. The distresses of my heart increase; bring me out of my sufferings.” - Psalms 25:15-17

Discussion Questions

1. Many students in your school have felt like Roger did.  What are some of the warning signs you can look for?

Summary
Jake is at the funeral of Roger Dawson and recounts the last time they actually talked. After a basketball game their freshman year, Jake and Roger had made plans hang out, but Amy, pretty freshman cheerleader, invited Jake to a party instead.  Jake asked if Roger could come along, but Amy said there was only room for one more in their car.

Verse
“A man with many friends may be harmed, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.”  - Proverbs 18:24

Discussion Questions

What Is Salvation All About?

1. What are some things that motivate you to compete? What does it mean to you when you’re successful in winning a competition?

2.  How do you feel when you lose or fail to reach your competitive goals?

 How Does God Forgive Me? How Can I Forgive?

READY

Imagine that the game or match is on the line and your number is called. You make the free throw or you don’t. You make the penalty kick or you don’t. You make the hole big enough so the four yards can be gained or you don’t. You make a birdie or you don’t. If you succeed, you win; if you miss, you lose. You either become the hero or the “goat.“

1. Describe a time when you dropped the ball, fell short, or really messed up when everybody was counting on you. What did it feel like to be the “goat”? What broke down?

2. Why do you think we feel so bad when we fail or miss the mark?