Conversation Starters: God Calls Us to Him

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: “Where did I go wrong?” We start out with good intentions, but we get lazy. Our guard drops. Sin creeps into our lives. Before we know it we are far from God. What would it take to get your attention and bring you back? In the Book of Jonah, we find a man who knew God well yet refused to listen to Him. But God got Jonah’s attention in an unexpected way. And just as in Jonah’s life, God acts to get our attention and draw us back to Himself.

Concept: God calls us to Him

Preschool

Luke 2:41-52

LIFE POINT: When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with a large group of family and friends to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. When the celebration was over, Jesus’ parents started home. Jesus stayed behind, but His parents did not know it. When His parents could not find Jesus, they became worried. They found Him three days later in the temple (church), listening to the teachers and asking questions. Jesus’ mother said, “Your father and I have been worried! We have searched for You.” Jesus replied, “Did you not know that I would be here (temple)?” Jesus went home with His parents and obeyed them always. He continued to grow strong and wise.

LIVE IT OUT: What is special about your church? Talk to your child about her favorite parts of being at church. Help her know that church is a special place to learn about God.

Kids

John 3:1-17; Romans 3:23; 5:8-10; 6:23; 8:9-10; 1 John 1:8-10

LIFE POINT: Nicodemus was an important Jewish leader. One night he came to see Jesus. Nicodemus knew that God had sent Jesus because he had seen Jesus do miracles. Jesus and Nicodemus talked for a long time. Jesus told Nicodemus how important trusting Jesus was. He said, “God loved the world so much that He sent His only son. Everyone who believes in the Son will have life forever with God.” Jesus told Nicodemus that God sent Him to save people.

LIVE IT OUT: If your child is not a Christian, this week would be a great time to talk to him about it. Carefully question him about what he knows and proceed if he is ready.

Students

Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-5,10

THE POINT: God’s call to return to Him requires a response. How does God get your attention? Discuss with your student reasons people give for not responding to God. Discuss the following quote:

“Until you have given up your self to Him you will not have a real self.”1 —C.S. Lewis

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Understand Repentance:
• Discuss with your student what he or she has learned about the difference between repentance and just saying “I’m sorry.”
• Pray with your student, asking God to show him or her how to truly live out repentance.

If he or she plans to complete Shhhh … Listen:
• Share with your student steps you take to make sure you can hear from God.

1. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Touchstone, 1996), 190.

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Conversation Starters: Deal with Conflict

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was a courageous call for our nation to pull together in unity. Years later Martin Luther King, Jr. called our nation to racial equality. Dr. King stood on the legendary shoulders of a leader who called people to a higher and nobler ground. Leaders influence others, calling them to the place God desires for them to go. At the end of his life, Moses did this for Joshua. And on the shoulders of Moses, Joshua challenged the people to new heights of love and loyalty for God. Our ultimate calling is to lead others to a place of greater commitment to God.

Concept: Lead Others to Follow God

Preschool

1 Samuel 1:1-4:1

LIFE POINT: God gave Hannah a son. She named him Samuel. When he was older, Hannah took Samuel to the tabernacle to live. Samuel helped Eli, the church helper. Each year, Hannah went to the tent church to worship God, along with her husband, Elkanah. Hannah made a new robe each year to take to Samuel. Samuel grew up in the tent church and learned to worship and serve God. One night, the boy heard a voice calling, “Samuel.” He ran to Eli, but Eli had not called him. Eli said, “Go and lie down.” Three times the boy heard a voice calling, “Samuel.” Eli understood that God was calling the boy. Eli told Samuel to say that he is listening. God gave Samuel a message. Eli knew God had spoken to Samuel. God was with Samuel as he grew. Samuel became a prophet and told the people what God wanted them to hear.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child develop an attitude of serving. Look for opportunities to include him in ministry to others. Tell him that God wants us to help others.

Kids

1 Samuel 1:1-4:1

LIFE POINT: God gave Hannah a son. She named him Samuel. When he was older, Hannah took Samuel to the tabernacle to live. Samuel helped Eli, the church helper. Each year, Hannah went to the tent church to worship God, along with her husband, Elkanah. Hannah made a new robe each year to take to Samuel. Samuel grew up in the tent church and learned to worship and serve God. One night, the boy heard a voice calling, “Samuel.” He ran to Eli, but Eli had not called him. Eli said, “Go and lie down.” Three times the boy heard a voice calling, “Samuel.” Eli understood that God was calling the boy. Eli told Samuel to say that he is listening. God gave Samuel a message. Eli knew God had spoken to Samuel. God was with Samuel as he grew. Samuel became a prophet and told the people what God wanted them to hear.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child find opportunities to serve in his church, community, or school. Tell him that serving others with a good heart glorifies God.

Students

Joshua 24:14-18,24-26

THE POINT: Leaders encourage others to follow God. Whose example and influence pointed you to Christ? In what ways are you using your influence to point others for Christ? Discuss the following quote:

“If you are saved yourself, the work is but half done until you are employed to bring others to Christ.”1 —Charles Haddon Spurgeon

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Who’s Leading You?:
• Work with your student to make a list of the people who have been leaders in his or her life up to this point.
• Help your student see the importance of needing a leader and being a leader.

If he or she plans to complete My Ebenezer:
• Read together 1 Samuel 7:12 and talk about the ways in which God is our Ebenezer.

1. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Sermons on Soulwinning (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1994), 31.

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Conversation Starters: Learn from Failure

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: The man often lauded as the best basketball player of all time didn’t make the varsity team when he first tried out; yet Michael Jordan didn’t let that stop him. But what about when failure is more than just a missed basket or an error in judgment? What about when we fail spiritually? The failures we see in the Bible—pictures of sin against God—teach us more than just to be strong or get back on our feet when we fall. We can’t simply correct those kinds of failures; only God can remove our sin. In the Book of Joshua, God calls us to confront our sin, deal with it, and move forward.

Concept: Learn from Failure

Preschool

Judges 4

LIFE POINT: The Israelites did not obey God, so God let the Canaanites rule over the Israelites. The Canaanites’ ruler, or leader, was mean. The Israelite people prayed to God for help. Deborah was a judge in Israel. She sat under a palm tree and helped people solve their problems. A man named Barak came to Deborah. God had told Deborah that Barak should fight against the Canaanite army. God would help him win. Barak gathered an army of 10,000 men. He asked Deborah to go with him to the battle. Deborah and Barak led the fight. God helped Barak’s army win the battle.

LIVE IT OUT: Let your child help make a list of good choices for him—what to eat, when to go to bed, and so forth. Comment that God wants people to make good choices.

Kids

Judges 4

LIFE POINT: Deborah was a judge for God’s people. She listened to God, told His messages, and gave advice to the people of Israel. Deborah sent for Barak, the commander of the Israelite army. “God wants you to gather 10,000 men and go fight Sisera,” she said. Barak knew Sisera was the leader of King Jabin’s army. The huge army had 900 iron chariots. “I will go if you will go with me,” Barak said to Deborah. Deborah went with Barak. She said, “The Lord will win this battle for us. Go to battle. This is the day the Lord has given you.” God helped the Israelites. The battle was won!

LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your child about some choices he has made lately. How do these choices match up with what God wants us to do? Remind your child that God always forgives wrong choices when we ask Him for forgiveness.

Students

Joshua 7:13-15,19-21,25-26;8:1

THE POINT: Leaders learn from their failures and move on. What is one lesson Jesus has taught you through failure? In what ways can failure make you a better leader? Discuss the following quote:

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”1 —Ralph Waldo Emerson

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 No More Shame:
• Evaluate your own life. Are you a model for your student of what learning from failure looks like?
• Spend some time praying together, asking for forgiveness and strength to overcome your failures.

If he or she plans to do The Finish Line:
• Talk about who your student wants to be when he or she graduates high school.

1.” Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes,” BrainyQuote [cited 18 November 2015]. Available from the Internet: https://www.brainyquote.com.

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Conversation Starters: Lead Obediently

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: The 2010 remake of The Karate Kid is about a boy named Dre who relocates with his mom from Detroit to China. Dre was popular in Detroit, but not in China, and he soon finds himself the target of the class bully. After Dre meets a maintenance man who also happens to be a master of kung fu, he becomes enthusiastic about learning how to fight his way toward respect. But Dre learns that kung fu is not about fighting. It’s about patience, maturity, and consistency. God calls us to a life of trust and obedience, and sometimes that obedience is learned in unusual ways.

Concept: Lead Obediently

Preschool

Joshua 6:1-21

LIFE POINT: God told Joshua exactly how to take the city of Jericho. Joshua put the plan to work. Joshua directed some priests to carry the ark of the covenant. Other priests were to blow trumpets in front of the ark. Soldiers marched in front of and behind the priests. Joshua commanded the people to not say anything until he gave the signal. Every day for six days the priests and soldiers marched around Jericho one time. On the seventh day, they marched around Jericho seven times. The trumpets blew a long blast. Joshua yelled, “Shout!” The people shouted! The city wall fell! The people walked right into the city! They shouted and praised God.

LIVE IT OUT: Play a guessing game with your child. Ask questions such as “What do you do when it rains? What do you do when you’re hungry?” Comment that God always knows what to do.

Kids

Joshua 6:1-21

LIFE POINT: God told Joshua exactly how to take the city of Jericho. Joshua put the plan to work. Joshua directed some priests to carry the ark of the covenant. Other priests were to blow trumpets in front of the ark. Soldiers marched in front of and behind the priests. Joshua commanded the people to not say anything until he gave the signal. Every day for six days the priests and soldiers marched around Jericho one time. On the seventh day, they marched around Jericho seven times. The trumpets blew a long blast. Joshua yelled, “Shout!” The people shouted! The city wall fell! The people walked right into the city! They shouted and praised God.

LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your child about ways she has seen God’s power. Remind her that sometimes God’s power is shown in the small things. Challenge her to express her ideas in a drawing, poem, or other another artful way.

Students

Joshua 6:1-5, 12-16, 20

THE POINT: Leaders keep doing what God tells them to do. How would you define “persistent obedience”? Talk with your student about a time he or she chose to persist instead of giving up. Discuss the following quote:

“Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.”1 — Jonathan Edwards

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities in. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:

If he or she plans to complete Lead on Your Knees:
• Sit down with your student and talk about the ways he or she is a leader in your home.

If he or she plans to do Everyday Lessons:
• Talk with your student about ways he or she can be more prepared to recognize God’s guidance and instruction during everyday tasks like school, sports, homework, chores.
• Take time to praise God for the unusual ways He teaches us important lessons.

1. “ Jonathan Edwards Quotes,” Goodreads [cited 18 November 2015]. Available from the Internet: http://www.goodreads.com.

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Conversation Starters: Lead with Confidence

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We all encounter opportunities to move outside our comfort zone. To do something we’ve never done before. Do you hesitate in those moments, or do you take a flying leap? Joshua was called to a difficult challenge: to lead the people across the flooded Jordan River into the land God had promised them. This was a significant test for Joshua because he had just become the leader of God’s people. He was brand new to leadership. Joshua’s response teaches us how to lead well when we’re outside our comfort zone.

Concept: Lead with Confidence

Preschool

Joshua 3:1-4:17

LIFE POINT: Joshua and the people of Israel set up their tents near the Jordan River. The people packed up their tents. God told Joshua to lead the people across the river. God would be with them. The priests went ahead of the people. They carried the ark of the covenant, a special gold-covered box that held the Ten Commandments. When the priests stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing. The priests stood in the middle of the river until all the people crossed on dry ground. Joshua told 12 men to pick up stones from the dry ground and carry them to the other side. The men obeyed. Then the priests crossed. As soon as the priests stepped out of the river, the water began to flow again. Joshua stacked the 12 stones the men brought out of the river so that the people would remember that God took care of them.

LIVE IT OUT: Read the verses in The Message translation of the Bible. Choose a verse for you and your child to memorize together. Give your child stickers to decorate the verse. Comment throughout the week that God wants us to do what He says.

Kids

Joshua 3:1-4:17

LIFE POINT: Joshua and the people of Israel set up their tents near the Jordan River. The people packed up their tents. God told Joshua to lead the people across the river. God would be with them. The priests went ahead of the people. They carried the ark of the covenant, a special gold-covered box that held the Ten Commandments. When the priests stepped into the river, the water stopped flowing. The priests stood in the middle of the river until all the people crossed on dry ground. Joshua told 12 men to pick up stones from the dry ground and carry them to the other side. The men obeyed. Then the priests crossed. As soon as the priests stepped out of the river, the water began to flow again. Joshua stacked the 12 stones the men brought out of the river so that the people would remember that God took care of them.

LIVE IT OUT: What are the qualities of a leader? Help your child research Joshua and what made him a great leader. Help your child to understand that Joshua was a great leader because he listened to God.

Students

Joshua 3:7-17

THE POINT: Lead with an attitude of confidence in God. Do you run toward or away from new opportunities? Explain. Tell your student about a time you ran toward or away from a new opportunity. Discuss this quote:

“Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you.”1 —Andrew Murray

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Dive In:
• Share with your student an area where you find it difficult to trust God. Then ask him or her to do the same.
• Pray together about your fears, asking God for strength to step into the water.

If he or she plans to complete Bad Company:
• Talk with your student about the people he or she listens to. Help him or her identify which of those influences are positive and which are negative.

1. Andrew Murray, Living a Prayerful Life (Bloomington: Bethany House, 2002), 33.

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Conversation Starters: Lead Well

Everybody leads in some capacity—everybody. And as leaders, we must always be prepared to lead well. As one who had been called to leadership, Joshua found himself standing on the banks of a body of water with his enemies waiting on the other side. He was full of questions about the role he’d been given and anxious to make the right decisions. We can learn much from Joshua about how to lead well in whatever role we’ve been given.

Concept: Lead Well

Preschool

Joshua 1:1-9

LIFE POINT: Joshua had been Moses’ helper for many years. After Moses, God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites. God said to Joshua, “I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will never leave you.” God told Joshua to get the people ready to cross the Jordan River. The time had come for the Israelites to live in the land God promised them long ago. God told Joshua to always remember the instructions He had told Moses to give to the people. God said, “Obey My instructions and you will do well in all that you do. Be strong and brave, not afraid or sad. Remember that I will be with you wherever you go.”

LIVE IT OUT: Talk to your child about what she wants to be when she grows up. Give her paper and crayons to draw a picture of it. Help her understand that God loves her and has the perfect plan for her life.

Kids

Joshua 1

LIFE POINT: Joshua had been Moses’ helper for many years. After Moses, God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites. After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua. “Get the people ready to cross the Jordan River. Take them to the land I am giving them.” God promised Joshua that no one would be able to stop the people. God promised to be with Joshua the whole way. God gave Joshua instructions. “Be strong. Do not be afraid. Obey Me. Study the instructions I gave to Moses.” God repeated His promise to Joshua. “I will be with you no matter where you go.”

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child make a list of things he would like to do when he is grown. Remind him that God has a definite plan for his life.

Students

Joshua 1:1-9

THE POINT: Leaders surrender to God’s authority and direction. In what ways do you see yourself as a leader? Discuss with your student characteristics of leaders who lead well. Discuss the following quote:

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”1 —John C. Maxwell

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Lead Well:
• Share with your student someone you look up to and how this person has been a positive influence in your life.
• Talk about the people who have been positive influences in your student’s life, and help your student see how he or she can in turn impact the lives of others.

1. “ John C. Maxwell Quotes,” ThinkExist [cited 18 November 2015]. Available from the Internet: https://www.thinkexist.com.

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Conversation Starters: Acceptance

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Some people feel like they can’t have anything to do with a person who believes differently. At the other end of the spectrum are those who say we must not only accept any differences, but we must agree with those differences. This suggests that it’s not OK to have an opposing view. We need to recapture what it means to love and accept another person, even when you don’t share the same views. The Book of Romans gives us practical direction on how we do this, especially within the body of Christ.

Concept: Acceptance

Preschool

Luke 17:11-19

LIFE POINT: One day Jesus walked into a village. He was met by ten men who were ill. The men did not stand close to Jesus because of their illness. Instead, they called out to Him. “Jesus, Jesus!” the men shouted. “Please help us. Please make us well.” The men had sores all over their bodies. No one could help them. But the men knew Jesus could make them well. “Go show yourselves to the church leaders (priests),” Jesus said. The men hurried away. As they went to the church leaders, they saw that they were made well. One man ran back to Jesus. He said, “Thank You for making me well.” Jesus was happy the man thanked Him for making him well.

LIVE IT OUT: Make the effort to make friends with a family of a different ethnicity than your own. You and your child will enjoy learning that family’s customs. Help your child learn to accept (be kind to, welcome) people who are different, just as Jesus loves everyone.

Kids

Luke 17:11-19

LIFE POINT: While traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus passed between Samaria and Galilee. As He entered a village, 10 men with skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance and called, “Jesus, have mercy on us!” When Jesus saw them, He told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” While they were walking, they were healed. One of the men, realizing that he had been healed, returned and gave glory to God. He fell at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not 10 cleansed? Where are the rest? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” Jesus told the healed man, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.”

LIVE IT OUT: Make the effort to become friends with a family of a different ethnicity than your own. Your family will enjoy learning that family’s customs. You can all learn to accept people of all nationalities.

Students

Romans 14:1-4,13-19

THE POINT: Strong relationships are not hindered by differences of opinion. How do you respond when someone disagrees with you? Ask the Lord to help you love others even when you don’t see eye to eye on certain opinions. Discuss the following quote:

“It’s OK to disagree, but it’s not OK to be mean.”1 —Kid President

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Let Love Be Your Guide:
•Encourage your student to ask for your input about the different opinions he or she is surrounded with daily.
•Pray for your student to have discernment and to always show the love of Christ.

If he or she plans to complete Reputations Matter:
•Talk about how to be a peacemaker and love others without compromising convictions.
•Remind your student that his or her actions matter.

1. “Kid President on the 20 Things We Should Say More Often,” Huffington Post, 22 November 2013, [cited 14 September 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://www.huffingtonpost.com.

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Conversation Starters: The Holy Spirit

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We come to faith in Jesus when we realize we cannot come to God on our own. We are powerless to save ourselves. Yet, after coming to Christ, we often try to live for Jesus in our own power. Jesus has physically left the earth, but He has not left us alone. We can live for Him, we can do what’s right, and we can face whatever life throws at us because He has sent His Holy Spirit to us.

Concept: The Holy Spirit

Preschool

Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:1-2,6-11,14,22,37-41

LIFE POINT: Peter and the other helpers (disciples) of Jesus were staying together in a house. They heard a sound like a strong wind. People gathered outside the house after hearing the sound. Then the helpers went out to tell the people about Jesus. Each person heard the men speak in his own language. Then Peter stood up and talked to all the people. “Listen to me,” Peter said. “I have an important message to tell you about Jesus.” Many people listened to the message that Peter spoke that day. “What should we do?” the people asked. “Start making right choices,” Peter said. Many people believed in Peter’s words and believed in Jesus.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child say today’s Bible verse. Play a game by alternately saying each word of the verse with your child. Remind her that Jesus loves her and He wants her to love Him.

Kids

Acts 1:4-11

LIFE POINT: After Jesus’ resurrection, He spent time with His disciples. It was soon going to be time for Jesus to leave this earth and go up to be with His Father in heaven. But He was not going to leave the disciples alone. He would send the Holy Spirit to be with them. The disciples asked Jesus if He was going to restore the Kingdom of Israel now. Jesus replied that it was not the disciples job to know the days or the times God the Father has set. But they could rest assured by the fact that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit. The disciples would be witnesses for Jesus all over the world! After Jesus said this, He was taken up into heaven. They watched Him disappear into the clouds. Then suddenly, two men dressed in white appeared beside them. These men asked the disciples, “Why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus will come again.”

LIVE IT OUT: Challenge your child to memorize John 3:16 and say it in sign language. (See videos of signs on the Internet.) Comment that God’s love involved sacrificing His own Son for us.

Students

Acts 1:3-11

THE POINT: Jesus ascended to heaven but did not leave us alone. How does the Holy Spirit guide you in your daily life? In what ways does the Holy Spirit teach, encourage, correct, and convict you? Discuss the following quote:

“The Holy Spirit illuminates the minds of people, makes us yearn for God, and takes spiritual truth and makes it understandable to us.” 1 —Billy Graham

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Plugged In:
•Read through the book of Acts with your student.
•Discuss ways the Holy Spirit works in the lives
of believers .

If he or she plans to complete He’s Coming Back:
•Talk with your student about how your family can live expectantly for the return of Christ.
•Pray for your student to sense the urgency of sharing the gospel with others.

1. Billy Graham, “The Holy Spirit,” Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, [cited 14 September 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://billygraham.org.

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Conversation Starters: Christ’s Teaching

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: When a person wants to learn a certain skill or profession, there are certain schools or universities that come to mind. They have the best teachers in that area of study. But where do we go when we want to learn about life? Although many people see Jesus as a religious figure, He didn’t come to earth to teach us religious things; He came to show us and teach us about how to live life.

Concept: Christ’s Teaching

Preschool

Mark 10:17-23, 27

LIFE POINT: One day as Jesus and His helpers (disciples) started on a journey, a man came up to ask Him a question. “How can I go to heaven?” the man asked Jesus. Jesus said, “You know all the commandments. Do not kill. Do not lie. Do not steal. Honor your father and mother.” The man said he knew and obeyed these commandments since he was a young boy. Jesus looked at the man and felt love for him. “There is one more thing you must do,” Jesus said. “Sell everything you own, give it to the poor, and follow Me.” When he heard this, the man was sad. He wanted to follow Jesus, but he did not want to give up all that he owned. Jesus told His helpers, “With men it is not possible to go to heaven. But with God, everything is possible.”

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child think of things he knows about God, such as He loves us, He knows everything, and He made the world. Read together stories in the Bible that tell about those traits.

Kids

Luke 19:28-40; Mark 11:1-10

LIFE POINT: After Jesus went to Jerusalem. As He came near a town called Bethany, He told two of His disciples to go into the city and bring a donkey to Him. If anyone asked what they were doing, the disciples were to say that the Lord needed it. They brought the donkey to Jesus. They put their own coats on the donkey, so Jesus could ride it. People began to lay their coats on the path for the donkey to walk on. When Jesus started to come down the Mount of Olives, the crowd began joyfully praising God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen! Some of the Pharisees in the crowd were upset by what was happening. They told Jesus to rebuke the disciples. Jesus responded to the Pharisees by saying if the disciples kept quiet, the stones would cry out!

LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your child about some of her favorite ways to praise Jesus, such as Bible reading, singing, praying, and so forth. Incorporate those ways into a family devotion.

Students

Mark 1:21-22, 10:17-22

THE POINT: Jesus teaches us how to live and calls us to follow Him. What’s one of the lessons Jesus has taught you about how to live? How has Jesus helped you live out the Christian life? Discuss the following quote:

“Radical obedience to Christ is not easy…It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world…But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And He is more than enough for us.”1 —David Platt

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Let It Go:
•Evaluate your own life. Are you a model for your student of what following Jesus looks like?
•Discuss the motivation of the rich young man in this story.

If he or she plans to do Walking in Authority:
•Talk with your student about what it means for Jesus to be Lord of our lives.
•Encourage your student to evaluate whether he or she is truly surrendered to the Lordship of Christ.

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Conversation Starters: Christ’s Work Today

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Many of us live segmented lives. We try to keep our home lives separated from school. Recreation and hobbies go in another silo, and we often do the same with church. One area of life often does not impact the others. Life in Christ is not simply another segment of life—it is our life. Christ is exalted over all things; consequently, following Him means we honor Him as Lord of every aspect of our lives.

Concept: Christ’s Work Today

Preschool

Genesis 6:9- 8:19

LIFE POINT: Noah was a good man who obeyed God. God told Noah there would be a flood over the earth. God told Noah to build an ark to protect his family and many animals. God told Noah exactly how to build the ark. He built it from cypress wood and put sticky tar on the outside. He built rooms and stalls inside on three floors. He put a roof and a window on the top floor and a door on the side. Noah gathered and stored food in the ark. God sent every kind of animal. Finally, God shut the door. Rain fell for 40 days. Water covered the tops of the mountains. The ark floated on the water. The rain stopped. Noah and his family waited. God sent a wind, and the water went down. The ground appeared again. When it was dry, Noah, his family, and all of the animals left the ark.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child build an ark of blocks. Add some animal figures to the ark. Talk about the Bible story. Comment that when God told Noah to build the ark, He showed Noah exactly what to do.

Kids

Genesis 6:9- 8:19

LIFE POINT: God saw that the people had become wicked. He decided to destroy the people on the earth. But Noah found favor with God. God told Noah to build an ark that was 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high with three decks and rooms on the inside. God said He would cause a great flood and that everything on the earth would die; however, Noah, Noah’s family, and the animals that Noah would bring onto the ark would be safe. Building an ark was hard work, but Noah did it, just as God told him. He collected the materials and built the ark by hand. When Noah’s family and the animals were finally on the ark, God closed the door. Rain fell for 40 days and 40 nights. The earth was flooded, but the ark floated on the water. When the land was dry, God brought Noah, his family, and the animals out of the ark.

LIVE IT OUT: Ask your child to name the jobs he performs. Discuss what he thinks God’s purpose is for that job. Emphasize that God’s work always has a purpose.

Students

Ephesians 1:7-10, 18-23

THE POINT: Honor Jesus as Lord. How do you honor the Lord with how you live your life? How can you bring glory to God in your family, work, friendships, and church involvement? Discuss the following quote:

“The whole life of a Christian should be nothing but praises and thanks to God.”1 — Richard Sibbes

LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged 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 Remain:
•Create your own list of things that distract you from Jesus as your student completes his or her list.
•Pray your student would learn to abide in His presence.

If he or she plans to complete Alignment:
•Ask your student to evaluate where he or she needs to grow. Invite your student to share what he or she learned during this self-evaluation process.
•Pray over your student in the areas he or she wants and needs to grow.

1. Richard Sibbes, The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes, Volume 7, (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1864), 185.

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