Students

In this four-week series, Smoke & Mirrors, we’re diving into the subtle and dangerous world of deception—how it creeps into our relationships, our thinking, and even our faith. Each week, we’ll explore a different way deception shows up: the lies we tell others, the ones we tell ourselves, and the ones Satan whispers to steer us off course. But we won’t stop there. We’ll also talk about what it looks like to bring those lies into the light and live in the freedom of God’s truth. This series will challenge students to get real, stay grounded, and walk in honesty with themselves, others, and God.

10/29   Wearing the Mask

We will be looking at how we deceive others—by pretending, performing, or putting on a front to hide what’s really going on. In James 2, we see how favoritism and judging by appearances can distort relationships and create division. We’ll challenge students to drop the act and live with honesty and integrity, knowing that God sees and values what’s real, not what’s polished.

11/4  Lying to the Mirror

We'll be confronting the lies we tell ourselves. James 1 calls us to be “doers” of the Word, not just hearers. It’s easy for students to nod along with truth but never let it change their lives. We’ll talk about how self-deception can sneak in and why obedience is the real test of a growing faith. Students will be encouraged to examine their hearts and respond to God’s truth with action.

11/12  The Whisper Game

We'll be exposing how Satan deceives us. In James 3, we see that not all “wisdom” is from God—some of it is rooted in envy, pride, and disorder. Satan is a master of half-truths and subtle lies, and he uses them to lead people away from God’s best. We’ll help students identify the whispers they need to reject and equip them to seek God’s wisdom instead of the world’s.

11/19  Flipping the Switch

We'll be focusing on how to bring deception into the light. James 5 shows us that confession, prayer, and community are how healing begins. When we keep things in the dark, lies grow stronger—but when we step into the light, truth brings freedom. Students will be challenged to stop hiding, speak honestly, and support others who are ready to walk in truth as well.