Conversation Starters: Share God’s Love
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We love … everything. Think about all the things we use this four-letter word about during a given week. We love burgers, puppies, ice cream, fall days, vacations, action movies, and lots of other things. But Jesus is calling us to something more. As Jesus’ followers, we are called to love in the way He does—unconditionally.
Concept: Share God’s Love
Preschool
Esther
LIFE POINT: The king of Persia chose Esther for his queen. Esther was a Jewish girl who lived with her cousin, Mordecai. Haman, one of the king’s helpers, did not like Mordecai or the Jewish people. Haman wanted to hurt Mordecai and all the Jews. “Go and ask the king to help us,” Mordecai told Esther. “Tell
him you are Jewish and that Haman wants to hurt us.” Esther asked the Jews to pray for her for three days. Then God helped Esther be brave enough to go and talk with the king. Esther went to see the king. The king was happy to see Esther and listened to what she wanted. He helped Esther and Mordecai. The king punished Haman for trying to hurt Mordecai and the Jews. God helped Esther and the Jewish people.
LIVE IT OUT: Print your child’s name in the center of a sheet of paper. Offer crayons and stickers to decorate the paper. Tell your child that she is special to God.
Kids
Esther
LIFE POINT: Esther was now the queen. Her people were in danger. Haman wanted to kill them! For three days, Esther and her maids prayed. Then Esther went to the king. He had not called for her. If he did not raise his scepter to her, Esther would be killed. Esther walked toward the king. He raised his scepter to her! “What do you want?” the king asked. “Come to a banquet feast. Bring Haman,” Esther said. The king came. Then Esther asked the king to bring Haman to another banquet feast! At the second feast the king asked, “What do you want? “Save my people,” Esther said. “Haman wants to kill them!”
The king gave orders for Haman to be taken away. He told Esther to save her people.
LIVE IT OUT: With your child, make a list of people special to your family. The people could be other family members or friends. Remind your child these people are special to God. Commit to pray for them every day.
Students
Acts 8:26-35
THE POINT: It’s time to share the gospel with the world. When did a change in plans lead to something better? Who is God calling you to share His love with? Discuss the following quote:
“But then I realize there is never going to be a day when I stand before God and He looks at me and says, ‘I wish you would have kept more for yourself.’ I’m confident that God will take care of me.”1 —David Platt
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Mission:
• Help your student understand the urgency of the gospel, and then lead by example. Find a time sooner
than later to go “on mission” with your student, whether local or international. Discuss what short-term
missions and living “on mission” looks likes in the life of Christian.
If he or she plans to complete Daily Reading:
• Read Matthew 28 and Acts 1 together throughout the week. Spend time discussing how to live out Jesus’ call to make disciples among the nations.
1. “Radical Quotes,” Goodreads [online], [accessed 17 July 2015]. Available from the Internet: www. goodreads.com/work/quotes/9657002-radical-taking-back-your-faith-from-the-american dream.
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