Conversation Starters: Fear Not

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: Jesus loves and helps people.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: When we read the headlines, we can easily get the impression that evil is winning. Evil is rampant, and unfortunately, evil will even present itself as good. We can still recognize evil for what it is because the truth will always line up with Jesus Christ. Evil can be deceptive, but we can avoid deception by knowing the truth—and we know the truth when we know Jesus.

Conversation Starters: Fear Not

Preschool

Genesis 13

LIFE POINT: Abram had a large family and many animals. He had helpers to take care of his animals. Lot, Abram’s nephew, had many animals, too. One day Lot’s helpers began arguing with Abram’s helpers. There was not enough grass and water for all the animals. Abram heard the helpers fighting. He knew it was wrong for his helpers and Lot’s helpers to be arguing. Abram knew that God wants families to get along and work together. Abram told Lot to choose the land where he wanted to live. Abram said that he would take the other land. This way they would both have plenty of grass for their animals. Lot chose the grassy land by the river. He moved his family, helpers, and animals to the land next to the river. Abram took his family, helpers, and animals and moved to another part of the land. God promised the land to Abram’s family forever.

LIVE IT OUT: Look at a family photo album with your child. Take time to help your child remember family members they do not see often. Remind your child that God loves families. Thank God for your family and for God’s love.

Kids

Genesis 13

LIFE POINT: Abram, his wife Sarai, and his relative Lot left Egypt. Abram took his family to a place where he had worshiped God. The land did not have enough food and water for all the people and all the animals. Lot’s servants and Abram’s servants argued with each other. Abram said to Lot, “Our servants should not argue. We are a family! We have the whole land before us. If you go to the right, I will go to the left. If you go to the left, I will go to the right.” Lot saw the Jordan Valley. It was green and beautiful. Lot chose the valley and moved there. God spoke to Abram. “Look around you. Look in every direction. I will give you a big family. I will give the land to your family. Walk from one end of your land to the other!” So Abram moved and built an altar to worship God.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child deal with problems with other family members. Discuss the problem and help your child think of solutions. Encourage your child by reminding her that God made her able to think and solve problems.

Students

1 John 4:1-6

THE POINT: We don’t need to fear evil forces when we’re in Christ.
• What are some of the most unusual phobias or fears you’ve heard about?
• Why is simply being aware of existing dangers so important?
• What practical steps can you take to discern between false teaching and God’s truth?
• How would you describe the two opposing spirits in the world today Discuss the following quote:

“Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.” (1)—John Henry Newman

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: Take time to study some verses this week with your student in which we see God as a powerful, conquering King. (See Psalm 95:3, Psalm 147:5, Joshua 22:22, and Nehemiah 9:32 to start)
• COMMUNITY: Your student is facing many fears and challenges that are different from the ones you faced in school. Pray with him or her for the power to overcome these fears and experience the power of the gospel.
• CULTURE: There are two sides fighting for power in our world. Jesus has already overcome the world, so how can He use you and your student to gain victory?

(1)“John Henry Newman > Quotes > Quotable Quote,” Goodreads, [accessed 22 February 2017]. Available from the Internet: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/562528-fear-not-that-thy-life-shallcometo-an-end


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