Introduction:

Face recognition, it's the latest technology. Ever since September 11, 2001, there has been an increasing demand for enhanced security. The need for security is seen especially in our nation's airports, and it is encroaching into other areas of life itself. Face recognition technology is the next logical step.

Officials at airports across the country are clamoring to implement additional safety measures to protect travelers and employees against potential terrorist threats. Some security experts, who believe better high-tech surveillance systems could have prevented the September 11 attacks, have said they are optimistic about the use of face recognition technology and other so-called biometric security devices. But civil rights advocates worry that out-of-date photos and poor lighting could result in numerous misidentifications.

It is abundantly clear that the security benefits of face recognition surveillance would be minimal to nonexistent, for a very simple reason. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the technology simply doesn't work. They cite a report from the Department of Defense that claims there is a high margin of error in pinpointing potential terrorists.

Iain Drummond, Chief Executive Officer of biometric company, Imagys, said that despite concern, the public would eventually accept face-scanning devices as the norm in airports. Imagys is providing face recognition software to Oakland International Airport.

No doubt Drummond is correct. One needs to look back only twenty years or so, and one can recall a time when there were no X-ray machines at airports. Travelers have gotten used to them. While people grumble about the long lines and the time delays, people have accepted the increased security as a necessary step in protecting the flying public. It's only a matter of time before face recognition technology is perfected and operational in spite of the protests by civil rights groups. —Stephanie Olsen and Robert Lemos, Can Face Recognition Keep Airports Safe? CNET News.com

Face recognition technology points out how important identity of people is. We all have our individual identity, and because of that we are known by Jesus. He not only knows our face, He also knows what is in our hearts and minds. Therefore, it is important for the Christian to seek His face. To seek Jesus' face is not merely to identify Him as an historic individual. It is to know Jesus on a personal level as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. To seek the face of Jesus also means to lead other people to identify Him as their Lord and Savior so that they know their sins are forgiven and their salvation is assured. These lessons are intended to equip and empower Christians to seek Jesus in much the same way as He has sought them out and identified them as His own. The themes for the lesson are:

Lesson 1 .................................................................................. Hang a Face on It

Lesson 2 .................................................................................. The Face of Mission

Lesson 3 .................................................................................. The Face of the Hungary

Lesson 4 .................................................................................. The Face of Life

Lesson 5 .................................................................................. Facing the Music

Lesson 6 .................................................................................. Facing the Facts

Lesson 7 .................................................................................. Facing Forward

Lesson 8 .................................................................................. The Face of Love

Lesson 9 .................................................................................. The Face of Grace

Lesson 10 ................................................................................. The Face of Evil

Lesson 11 ................................................................................. The Face in the Mirror

Lesson 12 .................................................................................... Let's Face It

As always, these lessons come to you in two packets. One is the Learner's guide, and the other is the Leader's guide. They are designed to be covered in approximately one hour. However, the degree of discussion in your small group may shorten or lengthen the time you spend on each lesson.

This study has been designed for use in small groups and led by someone from within the group. Spiritual growth and increased knowledge will take place through discussion and Bible study. The leader may be the same person throughout the study, or others may share the leadership role within the group. Whoever the leader is, it is important that the leader be an attentive listener to ensure that all participants have an opportunity to contribute.

Leaders are encouraged to consider the following before leading each session:

If your group is pressed for time, PLEASE DO GIVE OUT the Leader's Guide. By doing this you will facilitate discussion more quickly.

Although each lesson has a different theme, they all share a common format. The format is: Opening and Introductions; Bible Base and Discussion; Challenge; Closing Thoughts and Prayer.

May God bless you through this study.