The Originals (Student Series)

In this series, discover the ancient stories of people who took massive risks to follow God’s lead. See how their lives provide a blueprint for navigating our own world today with faith and integrity.

Podcasts + Discipleship: Click to Learn How to Use PursueGOD

PursueGOD is a new kind of discipleship curriculum for an increasingly complicated world. We use podcasts on a variety of topics to offer no-nonsense answers to everyday questions. Then we organize these podcasts into series so you can use them to make disciples at church, home, or in the world. Here’s how it works:

  1. Pick a series from our homepage. There's plenty to choose from!
  2. Each series contains multiple lessons. Click on the numbered tabs to open each lesson.
  3. Start by listening to the podcast on your own, before you meet as a group. Take notes as needed, and listen again if it helps. Consider starting a discipleship journal to track what you're learning.
  4. Meet as a group to talk through what you learned from the podcast. Each lesson includes shownotes, talking points, and discussion questions. Click on the # tab to explore additional topics.
  5. Listen to the podcast above for more helpful tips or check out one of our many training series.
Click for Lesson

1: Overview

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Noah lived in a society that had reached a breaking point. The Bible describes a culture of rampant “wickedness,” where people were entirely focused on their own desires rather than God’s design. In the middle of this chaos, Noah stood out—not because he was a perfect superhero, but because he was “righteous” and “blameless.” This doesn’t mean he never messed up; it means he lived with integrity and stayed connected to God. When God called him to build a massive Ark to survive a coming judgment, Noah chose radical obedience over social reputation. His life reminds us that even when the world around us feels like it’s losing its way, we can choose to live differently. Ultimately, Noah’s story points us toward Jesus, who serves as our true “Ark” of safety and grace in a broken world.

 

2: The Activity

The “Cramped Ark” Challenge

  • The Concept: Noah wasn’t just dealing with a storm outside; he was stuck in a confined space with a lot of “personalities” (and animals) for over a year. This activity tests how we handle being “in the boat” together.

  • The Setup: Use masking tape to mark a square on the floor that is slightly too small for your group to stand in comfortably.

  • The Task: The entire group must get inside the taped square. Once everyone is in, they must stay inside the lines for 3 minutes.

  • The Challenge: While “on the boat,” the group must complete two tasks without anyone stepping outside the tape:

    1. Line up in order of height (shortest to tallest).

    2. Line up in order of birthdays (January to December) without speaking a single word.

  • The Point: Following God isn’t a solo mission. Noah had to lead his family and maintain peace in a high-stress, crowded environment. Being “in Christ” means we are also “in the boat” with other believers, and we have to learn to work together even when things feel cramped or difficult.

 

3: Summary Points

Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

  • Standing out for God isn’t about being self-righteous; it’s about having the integrity to walk with God even when it’s socially inconvenient. Genesis 6:9.

  • Faith isn’t just a feeling—it’s taking action on what God says, even when the “flood” hasn’t started yet. Genesis 6:22.

  • God is a judge of sin, but He is also a restorer who uses signs like the rainbow to prove His commitment to us. Genesis 9:13.

  • Just as the Ark was the physical means of salvation from the flood, Jesus is the spiritual means of our salvation from the consequences of sin. 1 Peter 3:20-21.

  • Choosing God’s way often requires us to prioritize His “well done” over the approval of our peers or the culture at large. Hebrews 11:7.

Discussion:
  1. Watch the video and read the lesson above as a group, including scripture references. What are your initial thoughts about this lesson (see video above)?
  2. Genesis says Noah was “blameless among the people of his time.” How do you define “integrity” when you’re in a group where no one else seems to care about God’s standards?
  3. Noah spent years building the Ark before a single drop of rain fell. What is something God has asked you to do (or stop doing) that feels like it’s taking forever to see the “why” behind it?
  4. In our activity, things got a little chaotic in the “square.” How can we stay focused on God’s mission when the people around us (even other Christians) are getting on our nerves?
  5. How do we balance being “preachers of righteousness” (sharing our faith) without coming across as judgmental or “holier-than-thou” to our friends?
  6. If Jesus is our “Ark” today, what are some practical things that try to pull you out of that safety and back into the “storm” of old habits or cultural pressures.
Click for Lesson

1: Overview

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Joseph was one of the most prominent figures in the book of Genesis, known for his remarkable journey from being an enslaved teenager to the second-in-command of Egypt. His life is a powerful display of God’s providence, showing how He can take the betrayal, suffering, and injustice experienced by His people and turn them into a story of deliverance, forgiveness, and hope for an entire nation. Though he was stripped of his status, falsely accused, and thrown into a dungeon, Joseph remained faithful to God. Ultimately, Joseph’s story points us toward Jesus, who went through a period of suffering to ultimately bring salvation and become the true “Bread of Life” for a broken world.

 

2: The Activity

The “Hidden Treasure” Challenge

The Concept: Joseph’s brothers only looked at the outside—their father’s favoritism, Joseph’s coat, and his bold dreams—and it drove them to jealousy. They couldn’t see the grand plan God was working on the inside. This activity tests our ability to see past the surface.

The Setup: Bring 3 boxes or bags that look identical on the outside. Inside one, hide something valuable like candy or a small prize. Fill the other two with random junk items like a rock or crumpled paper.

The Task: Have everyone take turns guessing which box contains the real treasure before revealing what is inside.

The Point: Did the outside match what was on the inside? Joseph looked like a helpless slave and a forgotten prisoner on the outside, but on the inside, God was refining a leader. No matter how unfair or messy our outward circumstances look, God is always working behind the scenes on something valuable.

 

3: Summary Points

Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

  • God’s providence transforms our pain. Joseph’s journey shows that God can take betrayal, injustice, and seasons of suffering and weave them into a grander story of deliverance and hope. Genesis 50:20.
  • Integrity matters in the dark. Whether serving in Potiphar’s house or forgotten in a dungeon, Joseph refused to compromise his moral standards, proving that true faith remains steadfast even when life feels completely unfair. Genesis 39:9.
  • Sovereignty paves the way for supernatural forgiveness. Instead of seeking vengeance against the brothers who sold him into slavery, Joseph chose grace because he trusted that God was ultimately in control.
  • Joseph’s life points directly to Jesus. From being a beloved son betrayed for silver to being falsely accused and subsequently exalted to save a world, Joseph serves as a profound Old Testament shadow of Christ. John 6:35.
  • We choose to get bitter or better. Joseph’s life is a masterclass in trusting God when life feels unfair, proving that a heart of forgiveness is the ultimate evidence of a life transformed by God. Genesis 45:5.
Discussion:
  1. Joseph’s story proves that God can turn seasons of suffering into a story of hope. When has life felt deeply “unfair” to you, and how does Joseph’s perspective on God’s providence change the way you view those painful seasons?
  2. Joseph maintained his integrity in Potiphar’s house when no one from his family was watching. What can we learn from his refusal to compromise, and why is secret integrity so critical to our faith?
  3. In our activity, the outside didn’t match the inside. Why is it so easy to judge our current circumstances by how they look on the surface rather than trusting what God is doing on the inside?
  4. Why do you think it is often much harder to forgive family members or close friends who have hurt us than it is to forgive strangers?
  5. Read Genesis 50:20. How does anchoring your heart in the truth that “God intended it for good” help you practically handle a trial, disappointment, or betrayal you are currently facing?
  6. In what specific ways do you see the life of Jesus reflected in the character and suffering of Joseph? How does Joseph’s story deepen your understanding of the Gospel?
  7. Joseph had to choose between becoming bitter or becoming better during his years of captivity. Where in your life right now do you need the Holy Spirit’s help to choose trust and forgiveness over resentment?
Click for Lesson

1: Overview

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Elijah was a bold and fiery prophet who stood for God in a nation that had largely abandoned Him for idol worship. Serving during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, Elijah challenged the status quo, performed undeniable miracles, and ultimately left this world in a whirlwind of fire. Much like Enoch, Elijah is one of the rare figures in Scripture who was taken directly to heaven by God without experiencing physical death. He arrived on the scene when Israel was spiritually bankrupt, demonstrating that God is the only true Ruler of the universe. From calling down fire on Mount Carmel to providing miraculously for a widow, Elijah’s life was a series of confrontations with the powers of this world. He wasn’t a man who sought popularity; he was a man who sought obedience, regardless of the cost. Ultimately, his story teaches us that God can use anyone who is willing to stand for the truth, even when they feel like they are standing alone.

 

2: The Activity

The “Altar of Trust” Tower

The Concept: On Mount Carmel, Elijah built an altar out of stones, drenched it in water, and trusted completely that God would send down fire. He had to rely on God’s power rather than his own human strength. This activity tests how well your group can build something under pressure while relying on cooperation.

The Setup: Gather a large pile of random objects (such as plastic cups, books, index cards, shoe boxes, or blocks).

The Task: Divide your group into small teams (or work as one big team). The objective is to build the tallest, freestanding “altar” (tower) possible using only the provided materials within 4 minutes.

The Point: Building the tower required patience, careful placement, and relying on your teammates without shouting over each other. The prophets of Baal screamed, danced, and made a chaotic scene for hours, but achieved nothing. Elijah stepped up, calmly trusted God, and watched Him do what was humanly impossible. When we face cultural pressure or difficult situations, we don’t need to panic or yell; we just need to build our lives on trust in the one true God.

 

3: Summary Points

Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

  • Standing firmly for the Lord requires us to challenge the corrupt cultural status quo, proving that God remains sovereign even when an entire nation turns away.
  • True faith relies on the power of simple prayer to prompt God’s intervention, rather than the loud, chaotic, and empty rituals of the world. 1 Kings 18:38-39.
  • Experiencing fear, exhaustion, and isolation after a major spiritual victory is a normal human response, proving that even the mightiest heroes of faith deal with burnout.
  • Bypassing the grave to be taken directly into heaven is a profound testament to God’s absolute sovereignty over life, death, and the final destination of His chosen messengers. 2 Kings 2:11.
  • Elijah’s appearance with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration signals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of everything the Law and the Prophets pointed toward.
Discussion:
  1. Elijah often felt like he was the “only one left” serving God. Why do we frequently feel isolated in our faith today, and what are some practical ways we can overcome that loneliness?
  2. What does the miraculous “fire on Mount Carmel” teach us about God’s heart and His desire to display His reality to a wandering, skeptical culture?
  3. Elijah experienced severe emotional “burnout” directly following his greatest spiritual victory. How does seeing this human side of a mighty prophet change your perspective on spiritual warfare and exhaustion?
  4. In our activity, building the tower required quiet trust and focus rather than loud chaos. How can we practice “quiet trust” in our daily lives when the world around us feels incredibly loud and chaotic?
  5. Why is it highly significant for our understanding of Jesus that Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared alongside Moses to speak with Him on the Mount of Transfiguration?
  6. Elijah consistently prioritized obedience to God over his own safety and reputation. How does his life encourage or challenge you to stand up for biblical truth when your peers or the culture oppose your values?
  7. Where are you currently facing a situation that requires intense trust, obedience, or waiting on God’s timing? What would it look like for you to respond with the faith of Elijah this week?
Click for Lesson

1: Overview

Instructions: Have someone read this to the group.

Have you ever felt like you were too young, too small, or completely overlooked? If so, you have a lot in common with King David. Long before he became the most famous leader in Israel’s history, David was just a regular middle-school-aged kid tending his father’s sheep in the fields. While everyone else was looking at his older, bigger brothers, God was looking at David’s heart.

David’s life was an absolute roller coaster. He went from being a lonely shepherd boy to a national hero after taking down a giant named Goliath with just a sling and a few stones. He became a powerful king, wrote beautiful songs that we still read today in the Book of Psalms, and was even called a “man after God’s own heart.” But David wasn’t perfect—he made some massive, terrible mistakes. What made David special wasn’t that he was flawless, but that he loved God, owned up to his mistakes, and always trusted in God’s ultimate plan. Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born into David’s family line, fulfilling God’s promise to send an eternal King to rescue us all.

 

2: The Activity

The 5-Stone Sharp Shooter

The Concept: David didn’t have heavy armor or a giant sword when he faced Goliath. He relied on God’s power and the simple skills he practiced while watching his sheep. This activity tests your focus under pressure.

The Setup: Use masking tape to mark three different shooting lines on the floor: “The Shepherd Line” (easy/close), “The Warrior Line” (medium), and “The Giant Killer Line” (far away). Place a clean, empty trash can or bucket several feet away from the lines.

The Task: Give each student 5 crumpled pieces of paper (or 5 ping pong balls) to act as their “stones.” Each player gets 5 total shots to score as many points as they can. Shots made from the Shepherd Line are worth 1 point, the Warrior Line is worth 3 points, and the Giant Killer Line is worth 5 points.

The Point: David’s victory over Goliath didn’t come from fancy weapons; it came from using the simple things he had while trusting in a big God. We don’t need to look older, stronger, or different to be used by God right now.

 

3: Summary Points

Instructions: Have someone else read this to the group.

  • God cares about who you are on the inside, not just what you look like on the outside. Instead of stressing so much about your clothes, your social media feed, or trying to look cool to your classmates, focus on building good character and treating people with kindness. 1 Samuel 16:7.
  • The regular, boring days of life are actually training grounds where God prepares you for big things later. When you are stuck doing boring homework, chores, or waiting for something exciting to happen, remember that God is using these moments to teach you patience, hard work, and trust. 1 Samuel 17:34-36.
  • You can face giant problems in your life when you trust in God’s power instead of your own strength. When you face “giants” like anxiety, toxic friendships, or scary changes, don’t try to handle it all alone; pray and ask God to give you His courage. 1 Samuel 17:45.
  • Being close to God doesn’t mean you never mess up, it means you are quick to say sorry and change your ways when you do. When you get caught in a lie or hurt someone’s feelings, don’t make excuses or blame others. Admit you were wrong, ask for forgiveness, and let God help you do better next time. Psalm 51:10.
Discussion:
  1. God chose David because of his heart, even though he was the youngest and smallest brother. Why do you think humans care so much about outward appearances, and how does it feel to know God looks at your heart instead?
  2. David spent years taking care of sheep before anything exciting happened in his life. What is a “waiting room” area in your life right now where you are waiting for things to change or get better? How can you trust God in that space?
  3. David didn’t use a sword or heavy armor to fight Goliath; he just used what he knew and trusted God. What are some of the biggest “giants” (like fear, stress, or bullying) that middle schoolers face today, and how can we use our faith to face them?
  4. The Bible doesn’t hide David’s massive mistakes and sins. Why do you think it’s important for us to see that God’s heroes aren’t perfect people? How does that give you hope when you mess up?
  5. David wrote down his raw, honest emotions (like fear, sadness, and joy) in the Psalms. Do you find it easy or hard to be completely honest with God about how you are feeling? Why?
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