To prepare: Read the whole lesson including the bible verses at the side.

The debate topic will either be ...

1) Non-Christians can live a good moral life. Do you agree?

2) Is human nature good or bad?

I have not decided.. am open to suggestions.

After we hear their reasons, I will wrap up, and close by asking them what they think the difference between Christians (C) and non-Christians (NC) is. The answer will can found in the book.

Skip (the introduction) and go straight to question 1, 2, 3. Don't spend too much time on them, but make sure you have their attention. After going through these questions, ask them again what the difference between Christians and non-Christians is. They should be able to articulate an answer now... Namely, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Then go through questions 4 and 5 which talk about how C and NC are different. Again, don't spend too much time on the questions.

Sum up with the Heart of the Matter, and after that, ask them whether they can tell that they themselves are different (from say their NC friends). Not a intellectual understanding of the difference but a practical, discernible difference. If they behave differently, is it because of God? Do they really trust that God provides? Experience God as described in questions 4 and 5? This is the most important part because you are getting them to critially engage with what you have been telling them. I suggest you go one round and share so that you can hear each of them out. You can guide them with 3 options... can tell, cannot tell, cannot really tell.

If they cannot or cannot really tell the difference between themselves and NCs, ask them to ask themselves why. The most likely reason is because they don't understand the significance of Jesus dying on the cross. And so we don't desire to be perfectly united with God. We read about Jesus supplying all our needs (Php 4:19) but still don't fully believe it. Another reason is because of sin hardens our heart (Psalm 97:10). If so we need to repent, to change our minds and turn to God. Either way, we must trust in God's grace and wait on God for his transforming work in our lives... This is important even for those who can tell the difference between themselves and NC.. or someday they may no longer be able to tell.

Close in prayer for your kids instead of asking them to pray. Pray that they will know that they know the Lord, and whatever else the Holy Spirit leads.