MONTHLY ARCHIVES: September 2017

Conversation Starters: Unstoppable Community

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: Families can love Jesus together.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Companies spend millions of dollars each year creating experiences that leave people excited and wanting to come back. The early church was known for a culture that was far richer than anyone could create. They were known for their love—a love that reflected Jesus Christ. People experienced a culture within the church saturated in true community and love. Their example in Acts 2 is a challenge to continue that reputation and be a church immersed in a culture of love.

Concept: Unstoppable Community

Preschool

Genesis 26:1-6, 12-33

LIFE POINT: God told Isaac to stay in the land, and Isaac did what God said. Isaac planted many plants in the land, and these plants provided the food he and his family needed. Not only did Isaac have lots of food, but he also had many animals. He had so much food and animals that some people did not like him. These people filled the wells with dirt so Isaac would not have water. Isaac needed the water for his family, plants, and animals. Isaac moved to another area and dug another well. Again, some people stopped up his well. Three times Isaac moved, but those who didn’t like him filled the well with dirt each time. Isaac moved again, and this time no one bothered him. Isaac met with the people who did not like him, and they agreed to be kind to each other. Now Isaac had water in the wells again.

LIVE IT OUT: Briefly tell your child about the story of Isaac being kind to his neighbors. Ask your child how your family could be kind to one of your neighbors. Use his ideas to perform a kind deed for a friend. Remind your child that God helps people be kind to others.

Kids

Genesis 25:27-34; 27:1-45; 32:1-23; 33

LIFE POINT: Isaac had twin sons named Jacob and Esau. One day Jacob was cooking some stew. Esau came in from hunting and was really hungry. He traded the birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. Years later, Jacob and his mother tricked Isaac. Isaac gave a special blessing to Jacob! When Esau found what had happened, he was so angry that He wanted to kill Jacob. Jacob ran away to his uncle’s house in another land. After many years, Jacob wanted to go home. Jacob sent his brother a message that he was coming home. He told Esau that he wanted to be forgiven. Esau went to meet Jacob. Jacob thought his brother might harm his family. Jacob prayed, asking God to rescue him. When Esau saw Jacob, he hugged Jacob and kissed him. Esau accepted the gifts from Jacob. Jacob was forgiven!

LIVE IT OUT: God loves every member of your family. Help your child understand how much God loves
families. Help your child write about treating family members with respect. Use the first part of Ephesians 4:32 as every other line.

Students

Acts 2:41-47

THE POINT: Christian community is a powerful reflection of God’s love. What aspects of church life have been meaningful to you? When have you seen the power of prayer in your life? How can being generous with those around us be a part of our lives and not something we keep separate? Discuss the following quote:

“The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he designed.”1— Paul David Tripp

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to take practical steps to take his or her faith and Live It Out. Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live out their faith with Christ personally, in community, and in their culture:
• CHRIST: Encourage your student to develop a prayer list for family, friends, and teachers and pray with them each day.
• COMMUNITY: Set aside time with your student to help develop godly community in your home that leads to serving one another, safety to be honest about struggles, and times to celebrate and value them the way Christ does.
• CULTURE: Discuss how your student can be intentional about living in community this week. How will your student live out his or her faith by intentionally living in community?

 

1. Paul David Trip, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2002).


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Protecting Your Children on Their Smartphone

Posted by Karah

For more information go to:  https://www.tigermobiles.com/2015/05/how-to-protect-your-children-on-their-smartphone/


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Conversation Starters: Unstoppable Message

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: You show God love when you love and respect each other.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: There are many good groups and organizations in our communities seeking to benefit society in some way. The Church, however, is unique. Many organizations today are short-lived or diminish as the need they seek to meet is realized. Or they change when the leadership changes. The Church is different. Christ gave His Church one unchanging message to proclaim: the message of salvation in Christ.

Concept: Unstoppable Message

Preschool

Genesis 25:19-28

LIFE POINT: Abraham and Sarah’s son, Isaac, was now a man. He married a woman named Rebekah. Rebekah and Isaac could not have children, so Isaac prayed to God for a baby. God answered Isaac’s prayer and gave them two babies—twins! God told Rebekah the younger son would be stronger than his older brother. The time came for the boys to be born. The first twin was born, and his parents named him Esau. Right after him, the younger brother was born, and his parents named him Jacob. Even though the two brothers were twins, they were different. Esau loved to spend time outdoors hunting. Jacob was quiet and stayed around the tents and his family. Isaac and Rebekah took care of their boys
and loved them.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child make a book. Fold two sheets of paper together to make a book shape. Print, or help him print, God Gave Me a Family on the front of the book. Give your child a picture of each family member to glue on the pages. Print the family member’s name under each picture.

Kids

Genesis 26:1-6, 12-33

LIFE POINT: Isaac moved to the land of the Philistines. God spoke to Isaac. God promised to be with Isaac and to bless him in this land. Because God blessed him, Isaac became rich. He had sheep, cattle, and servants. The Philistines around him were jealous that Isaac was rich. They began stopping up wells that Isaac’s father had dug. Abimelech asked Isaac to leave. Isaac moved away. He reopened other wells his father had dug. Then Isaac’s workers dug in the valley and found more water! Each time the Philistine herdsmen argued that the water was theirs. Isaac never argued. He moved and dug other wells. God told Isaac, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid because I am with you. I will bless you.” Isaac and Abimelech promised not to hurt each other. That day, Isaac’s workers dug another well and found water!

LIVE IT OUT: Give your child construction paper, markers, and other art materials. Guide him to write Romans 12:18 in the center of the paper. Talk about the verse and how it can be implemented each day.
Encourage him to decorate the page and display it in his room.

Students

Acts 2:22-24, 32-33, 36-38

THE POINT: Jesus died for our sins, was resurrected, and reigns as Lord. What can we learn from Peter’s approach to sharing the gospel? When we recognize Jesus as Lord, how does that affect our daily life? How can we share the gospel with the goal of bringing conviction rather than condemnation? Discuss the following quote:

“Outside of the cross of Jesus Christ, there is no hope in this world. That cross and resurrection at the core of the gospel is the only hope for humanity. Wherever you go, ask God for wisdom on how to get that gospel in, even in the toughest situations of life.”1—Ravi Zacharias

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to take practical steps to take his or her faith and Live It Out. Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live out their faith with Christ personally, in community, and in their culture:
• CHRIST: Encourage your student to serve in your local church. Serving as a family is also an excellent opportunity to challenge your student to grow by setting godly priorities.
• COMMUNITY: Guide your student to make wise decisions in how he or she uses social media. It is one of the broadest platforms to reflect the gospel.
• CULTURE: Discuss how your student gave their life to Christ, and how he or she can share with others this week. Some starter questions include: How did Christ change your life?; Why is it important to others?

1. Ravi Zacharias, “Baccalaureate Address” (presentation, Liberty University 40th Commencement Ceremony, Lynchburg, VA, May 10, 2013).


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Conversation Starters: Unstoppable Mission

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: God helps families.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Living the Christian life on our own is impossible. Thankfully, when the Holy Spirit came, He empowered the disciples for an unstoppable mission. From one small dot on a map, they took Christ’s message across the world, and we continue this mission today. Christ never expected us to live this life on our own power. Jesus lived His earthly life connected to and empowered by God. Jesus lived and died in a way that no person could, so we can live in the freedom of His grace and power.

Concept: Unstoppable Mission

Preschool

Genesis 15; 21:1-6

LIFE POINT: Abraham and Sarah were married and very old. They did not have any children. They wanted a family, but God had not given them a child. One day God told Abraham he would have a son. Abraham and Sarah were old enough to be great-grandparents, but Abraham believed God. Abraham and Sarah had to wait and trust God. When the right time came, Sarah discovered she was going to
have a baby. God gave them the baby they had been waiting for. They named their son Isaac. Sarah was so happy. God kept His promise to give a child to Abraham. Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac were a family.

LIVE IT OUT: Talk to your child about what happens when a new baby comes into the family. If you have or know someone who has recently had a baby, let your child be involved in the care of that baby. Remind your child that babies are a gift from God and God loves her family.

Kids

Genesis 22:1-19

LIFE POINT: God asked Abraham to take his only son Isaac to a certain mountain. Isaac was to be a special offering. Isaac would die. Abraham loved Isaac, but he also trusted God. Abraham took his servants and his son with him to the mountain. When they reached the mountain, Abraham told the servants, “Wait here with the donkey. Isaac and I will go up to worship.” Isaac carried the wood. Abraham carried the fire and a knife. Isaac mentioned that they had wood and fire but nothing to
sacrifice. Abraham replied that God would provide the sacrifice. Abraham and Isaac arrived at the place of sacrifice. Abraham built the altar and arranged the sacrifice. The Angel of God told Abraham not to hurt Isaac! He provided a ram to use instead of Isaac. The Angel of God blessed Abraham for his obedience.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child memorize Jeremiah 29:11. Show him that this verse shows a promise that
God always has the best plans for His children, and we can trust Him to protect us.

Students

Acts 1:4-8, 12-14

THE POINT: The Holy Spirit empowers us to spread the gospel. What are some promises we wait for in life? What does it look like to wait on the Lord? Why is the order of Jesus’ promise so important (Receive Power, Be Witnesses, Tell Everyone)? Discuss the following quote:

“Christ said it is better for us that the Spirit came, and I want to live like I know that is true. I don’t want to keep crawling when I have the ability to fly.”1—Francis Chan

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to take practical steps to with his or her faith and Live It Out. Here are some ways you can encourage your students to live out their faith with Christ personally, in community, and in their culture:
• CHRIST: Encourage your student to set aside time to read and study God’s Word. Help them select a Bible reading plan in the Bible app.
• COMMUNITY: Create a prayer list as a family about what you’re asking God to do in your family, city, nation, and world. Pray together as a family over that list to be unified and growing together in prayer.
• CULTURE: Discuss how the different promises of the Holy Spirit will change your student’s daily life this week. How will your student live out His or Her faith confidently because of the power and promise of the Holy Spirit?

1. Francis Chan, Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2009), 37


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