Conversation Starters: One Great Commitment

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: Families learn about Jesus.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: What must I do to be saved? We make decisions constantly. Many decisions require little thought, and most decisions require little long-term commitment. But the greatest decision centers on what we will do with Jesus Christ. Knowledge about Jesus is not enough. Our need for salvation is answered in Jesus, but we must each decide whether we will commit to that truth and trust Jesus.

Concept: One Great Commitment

Preschool

Genesis 6:9- 8:19

LIFE POINT: Noah was a good man who obeyed God. God told Noah to build a big boat (ark) because God was going to flood the whole earth. Noah built the boat. He made it exactly as God said. The boat
had three floors and one door. God told Noah to store food for his family and all the animals. Noah did everything God had told him to do. Finally, it was time to gather his family and the animals on the boat. Then God shut the door. For 40 days and 40 nights, it rained. Noah, his family, and all the animals were safe in the boat. After the rain stopped and the water went away, God put a rainbow in the sky to remind Noah and his family He would never flood the earth again.

LIVE IT OUT: Provide some blocks and animal figures for your child. Sit with her and help her build the ark, a zoo, or pens for the animal. Talk about the story of Noah as your play. Remind your child that God loved Noah’s family and God loves all families.

Kids

Genesis 6:9- 8:22

LIFE POINT: Noah was a man who loved and obeyed God. God spoke to Noah. “Build an ark,” God said. God told Noah exactly how to make the ark. God was going to send a flood that would destroy everything not on the ark. Noah obeyed God. God told Noah to take animals with him on the ark. He needed two of every kind of animal and seven pairs of some animals. God told Noah and his family to go into the ark. When they were inside, God shut the door and the rain began. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. Even the mountains were covered with water. But the ark floated on top of the water. God caused a wind to blow over the earth to begin to dry the water. Finally, Noah knew the land was dry. Noah, his family, and the animals out of the ark. Noah and his family had done everything that God told them to do.

LIVE IT OUT: As a family, discuss ways your family obeys God. Talk about ways your family could improve. Let your child help think of different ways your family could improve in their obedience to God.

Students 

Romans 10:1-3, 8b-13

THE POINT: I must trust in Christ alone for salvation. Where do you usually see people that are passionate but without knowledge? What is one problem with trying to earn your salvation? Why is salvation both easy and difficult for those who give their lives to Christ? Discuss the following quote:

“Without a heart transformed by the grace of Christ, we just continue to manage external and internal darkness.”1— Matt Chandler

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: Talk with your student about salvation through the confession of sins and surrendering of your life to Christ. If your student has not done this, talk with him or her about making a decision to do so.
• COMMUNITY: Invite friends of your student over who do not know Christ. Use the opportunity to reflect Christ’s love in your home and invite them to know Christ better.
• CULTURE: Discuss opportunities with your student to take the gospel to those who need it. Don’t let fear discourage him or her from big ideas and taking large leaps to further the kingdom.

1. Matt Chandler, The Explicit Gospel (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2014), 199.


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Conversation Starters: One Great Savior!

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: Families love because of Jesus.

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Why would Jesus save me? When we come face-to-face with our sin and failures, we can become despondent. A feeling of doom can settle in. After all, we have earned the wrath of God. But the story doesn’t end there. It is amazing that God—the holy, righteous God who has condemned our sin—also loves us and stepped in to save us. We deserve judgment and hell, but God offers the only way out through Christ.

Concept: One Great Savior

Preschool 

Genesis 4:1-7

LIFE POINT: Adam and Eve were the first people God made. They had two boys named Cain and Abel. As the boys grew older, Cain worked in the fields and grew plants for food. Cain saved some of his plants and food to give to God. Abel was a shepherd. His job was to take care of the sheep. He fed the sheep and kept them safe. Abel gave some of his firstborn sheep to God. God was pleased with Abel. Cain became mad when he saw that God was pleased with Abel’s offering. God told Cain to do what was right and love his brother, Abel. Adam, Eve, Cain, and Abel were the first family.

LIVE IT OUT: Take time to look at family pictures in an album, especially members your child may not see often. Help your child become more familiar with those members by telling him things you know about them. Remind your child that God made his family.

Kids

Genesis 4:1-16

LIFE POINT: Adam and Eve had two sons named Cain and Abel. The two boys were different, but each grew to be a man. Cain grew up and farmed the land while Abel became a shepherd. One day, Cain and Abel each gave an offering to God. God liked Abel’s offering. He did not like Cain’s offering. Cain was angry. He asked his brother to go into the field with him. While they were there, Cain attacked and killed Abel. Soon God asked Cain, “Where is your brother?” Cain lied to God. “I don’t know,” Cain said. “Is it my job to take care of my brother?” God said that Cain would never be able to grow anything again. He sent Cain away and to wander for the rest of his life. God put a mark on Cain to keep him safe from people who might hurt him. Then Cain left God’s presence.

Students

Romans 5:6-11

THE POINT: God offers us hope and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. When was a time that you got lost and needed someone’s help? Why is it hard for us to recognize that we are helpless? What are we offered in a relationship with Christ? Discuss the following quote:

“In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus’ fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ our Lord surrendered in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him.”1—A. W. Tozer

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: Create a list with your student of people you personally know need to be saved. Post your list on the fridge, and each night as a family, pray for every name on the list.
• COMMUNITY: Share your personal testimony with your student and encourage him or her to also share.
• CULTURE: Pray with your student for the opportunity and courage to share his or her testimony. Sharing our stories of Christ can be powerful ways of bringing the gospel to those who do not yet know the truth.

1. A. W. Tozer, Preparing for Jesus’ Return: Daily Live the Blessed Hope (Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2012), 111.


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Conversation Starters: One Great Problem

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: God knew to send the Savior.
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: What went wrong? We want trouble-free lives and we might wonder: “If God created all this, why is the world in such a mess?” Life is full of problems—from the minor irritants like slow traffic to life-altering catastrophes. But what’s wrong with our lives does not arise from one of these external issues. Our greatest problem is internal; it’s a sin issue. God created us for something incredible, but we lost it because of our sin.

Concept: One Great Problem

 

Preschool

Genesis 1:26-31; 2:7, 15-24

LIFE POINT: On the sixth day when God was making the world, He made a man and a woman. He made the first man from the dust of the ground. He called the man Adam. He gave life to Adam by breathing into him. He placed Adam in the garden to work in it and take care of it. God decided Adam should not be alone, so He made a woman. Adam named the woman Eve, and she became Adam’s helper. God made Adam and Eve to take care of the fish in the water, birds in the air, and animals that walk or crawl on land. He gave them the fruit trees and plants to eat. They lived together in the garden. He looked at them and saw that it was very good. Evening came, and the sixth day was done. On the seventh day, God rested. He created everything in six days!

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child make a list of all the things she can do. Comment that God made her special and able to do many things. If you have a younger preschooler, comment as he is learning new things that God made him able to learn.

Kids

Genesis 3

LIFE POINT: God created people and placed them in a garden. They could to eat from any tree except the one in the middle of the garden. The serpent tricked the woman. She chose to disobey God and eat the fruit. Then she gave some to her husband who ate. Immediately they were ashamed. They heard God coming and tried to hide from God. God searched for the man and woman. He asked if they had eaten the fruit He told them not to eat. The man blamed the woman and the woman blamed the serpent. Neither accepted responsibility for his own choice. God loved the man and the woman. But The man and the woman left the garden. He made clothes for them from animal skins. He told them their lives would now be hard. Their names were Adam and Eve.

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child memorize Deuteronomy 5:32, the verse for this session. Discuss the meaning of turning to the right or to the left. Guide your child to write down some choices that reflect that turn away from God.

Students

Romans 3:9-12, 19-20, 23

THE POINT: Without Christ, we are condemned forever.

-What do you see that points to sin as a worldwide problem? What are some ways that we try to explain away God’s judgments?

-When have you felt the weight or consequence of sin in your own life? How will sin keep us from living a life that brings praise to God?

Discuss the following quote:

“As the salt flavors every drop in the Atlantic, so does sin affect every atom of our nature. It is so sadly there, so abundantly there, that if you cannot detect it, you are deceived.”1—
Charles H. Spurgeon

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: Discuss with your student the consequences of unconfessed sin and help him or her to confess any sins that still need to be confessed and then forgiven.
• COMMUNITY: Help your student create a list of people that need to hear the truth of the gospel. Pray with your student for the people on his or her list.
• CULTURE: Discuss ways you and your student can respond to the sin in the world around you. Some starting questions include: Where do you see the brokenness of sin in your life? What ways do we try to
deal with sin apart from Christ?

 

1. “25 Christian Quotes About Sin,” What Christians Want to Know [online], [accessed 1 February 2016]. Available from the Internet: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/25-christian-quotes aboutsin/# ixzz3z1SHd8zO


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Conversation Starters: One Great Purpose

Posted by Karah

CONNECTION POINT: Praise God for His creation!

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Where do I fit in? It’s easy to fill our lives with things and activities. Busyness can drown out the quiet, nagging question that asks: What’s the purpose of all I’m doing? What have I really accomplished? God created us for so much more than what we often settle for. He created us with purpose and for a purpose. Life becomes rich and full as we discover and live out God’s purpose for our lives.

Concept: One Great Purpose

Preschool

Genesis 1:20-25, 30

LIFE POINT: On the fifth day, God said, “Let the waters be filled with living animals and let birds fly in the sky.” God made the very largest of sea animals and every other living animal that moves in the water. He filled the waters of the seas, oceans, and rivers with fish and creatures of all kinds. He made birds with wings to fly in the sky.
On the sixth day, God made all the wild animals, farm animals, and animals that crawl on the ground. He made everything that has life in it. He gave the animals food to eat from the plants He made. God had made all the different kinds of animals in two days. God looked at all the animals He had made and saw it was good.

LIVE IT OUT: Children love animals. If you have a pet, give your child some responsibility for helping care for that pet. Depending on your child’s age, he can give food and water, bathe, walk, and clean up after the pet. Remind your child that the pet is a creation of God.

Kids

Genesis 2:4-24

LIFE POINT: In just six days, God had created an amazing world from nothing. God spoke, and everything was created: light; the sky; the sun, moon, and stars; seas; dry land; every kind of animal; people. God had spoken everything into creation. But God formed man out of dust of the earth and breathed life into him. God planted a beautiful garden in Eden and placed the man in the garden. God provided every kind of tree that grew food. The garden had everything the man needed.
God knew that it was not good for the man to be alone. The man needed a helper. So God brought all the birds and animals to the man. The man gave a name to each one, but none of them was like the man. None could be the man’s helper. So God caused the man to sleep. God took one of the man’s ribs and used it to make a woman. They were the first family.

LIVE IT OUT: Discuss with your child what the term “in God’s image” means. What about the creation of people was different from all other things? List some special characteristics your child has that are special to her.

Students

Isaiah 43:1-7

LIFE POINT: We were created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
• How has God used specific moments in your life to teach you more about Himself?
• What distracts us most from enjoying God’s love?
• What does it look like to glorify God in our everyday lives?

Discuss the following quote:

“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”1—John Piper

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 this week to sit down with your student and enjoy who God is by slowing down and intentionally spending time with Him.
• COMMUNITY: Identify places in your community with volunteer needs that you and your student can fulfill. Use the opportunity to serve with your student and display the character of God toward others.
• CULTURE: Encourage your student to reread the Scripture from this week looking specifically for how it describes our relationship with Christ, and then use the message to encourage others.

1. John Piper, “Christian Hedonism: Forgive the Label, But Don’t Miss the Truth,” desiringGod [online], 1 January 1995, [accessed 4 March 2016]. Available from the Internet: http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/christianhedonism


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Conversation Starters: One Great Creator

Posted by Karah

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: How did we get here? Some people wrongly assume this question only has two views: science has the answer in evolution or religion has the answer in faith. Many scientists, however, hold to neither evolution nor faith, but they believe in an Intelligent Designer. Intelligent design presents a stronger argument than the random, purposelessness found in evolution. The Bible goes beyond talking about an intelligent designer; it gives us a picture of the character of the Creator.

Concept: God Created Everything

Preschool

Genesis 1:1-19

LIFE POINT: In the beginning God made the world. The world was dark and empty. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He called the light day and the dark night. He made the first morning, the first evening, and the first day. On the second day, God separated the water. He called the space above the water sky. The night came and then a new day. On the third day, God spoke, and there was land and water gathered in place on the earth. He filled the land with all kinds of trees and plants. He made trees that grow fruit and plants that make seeds. God saw it was good. The night came and a new day. On the fourth day, God said, “Let there be lights in the sky.” He made the moon and stars to give light at night. He made a brighter light, the sun, to give us light for the day. God looked at everything He had made and saw it was good.

LIVE IT OUT: Late springs and early summer are great times for outdoor exploring. Use these times outdoors to call attention to all that God has made. Take time to pray with your child and thank God for His creation.

Kids

Genesis 1:1-2:3

LIFE POINT: The world was dark. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He called the light “day” and the dark “night.” On the second day God separated the sky from the water. On the third day, God made the dry land. Then God spoke and trees and plants of all kinds were created. God placed in the sky the sun for day and the moon and stars for night. This was His work on the fourth day. God spoke and the water was filled with every kind of fish and water creature. The sky was filled with birds. The fifth day ended. On the sixth day, God made every kind of creature that lived on the land. God made people: male and female. He created them to be in His own image—to be like Him.
Creation was complete. God saw everything that He had made and saw that it was good. And on the seventh day, God rested.

LIVE IT OUT: Talk with your child about ways to take care of God’s creation. Discuss different areas—
animals or plants—that she is most interested in. Develop a strategy together for a project your child can
complete.

Students

Psalm 33:6-9, 13-15; Colossians 1:15-17

THE POINT: God created us and knows each of us.
• How does accepting the reality of a Creator affect our lives?
• Where do we see evidence of God’s care and concern in shaping our hearts?
• How do these verses impact your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
Discuss the following quote:

“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”1—Abraham Kuyper

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: Work alongside your student to find ways that God is working all around you and in you each day.
• COMMUNITY: Humanity was designed to live in community and encourage each other to grow in faith together. Gather a group together this week to study how creation reflects God’s love.
• CULTURE: We have been made in God’s image, and as His children, we can reflect Christ’s love for the world to see. Discuss how this may look in your daily life with your student.

1. “Abraham Kuyper > Quotes,” Goodreads [online], [accessed 1 February 2016]. Available from the Internet: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/385896.Abraham_Kuyper.


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Conversation Starters: Love Gets Involved

Posted by Karah

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Anyone can be nice, and the world applauds random acts of kindness. Random acts of kindness are a good thing, but are they enough? It’s easy to be nice and kind when we feel like it, but the needs of others are not always convenient. Jesus called us to a higher standard: a standard of love that goes the extra mile. He shared a parable to illustrate what loving compassion looks like.

Concept: Love Gets Involved

Preschool

Luke 10:25-37

LIFE POINT: To help people understand the importance of helping others, Jesus told this story:
A man was traveling down a road. Some robbers hurt the man and robbed him. They left the man lying beside the road. Two different men came down the road. When they saw the hurt man, they both crossed the road and kept walking. Then a Samaritan man came along. He wanted to help. The kind man put medicine and bandages on the man. He put the man on his donkey and took him to an inn. The next day the man gave the innkeeper some money to take care of the hurt man. Then Jesus asked, “Which of the three men was kind?” The man listening to the story said, “The one who helped the hurt man.” Jesus said, “Go and help others, too.”

LIVE IT OUT: Clap hands with your child and say the following chant: “H – E – L – P; I can help.” Ask your child to name a way he can help. Continue to clap and chant and encourage your child to name ways he can help.

Kids

Luke 10:25-37

LIFE POINT: An expert in the law asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered by telling a story.
As a man came down the road, robbers attacked him. They robbed him, beat him, and left him almost dead. A priest came by. Then a Levite came. When each saw the hurt man, he crossed to the other side of the road and kept walking. Then a Samaritan man came along. He wanted to help. The Samaritan put medicine and bandages on the man. He put the man on his donkey and took him to an inn. The next day the man gave the innkeeper some money to take care of the hurt man. Then Jesus asked, “Which of the three men was kind?” The man listening to the story said, “The one who helped the hurt man.” Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

LIVE IT OUT: Guide your child to choose someone and show Jesus’ love to that person. He could provide lunch for a homeless person or invite a new friend to a play date. Encourage him to reach out and form a new relationship.

Students

Luke 10:25-37

THE POINT: Love for God includes a costly love for others. When have you seen a random act of kindness?
• What is the relationship between loving God and loving others?
• What prevents us from taking action to love others rather than just talking about it?
• How do we move from random acts of kindness to an intentional lifestyle of costly love?
Discuss the following quote:

“Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.”1 — Andrew Murray

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do the Live It Out Activity for the week. Here is
a suggested way to help your student:

If he or she plans to complete the Daily Reading:
• Take time to discuss your student’s scripture readings from this week.

1. http://www.christianquotes.info/quotes-by-topic/quotes-about-fellowship/


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Conversation Starters: Give Generously

Posted by Karah

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: There is great value and virtue in working hard, earning money, and managing it well without waste. But our money is not for ourselves alone. The Bible calls us to be generous. We belong to God and, therefore, all we have belongs to Him. We are to earn, use, and manage our money wisely, but our money is ultimately for His glory. We express our trust in Him and further His kingdom by meeting the needs of others.

Concept: Give Generously

Preschool

Luke 21:1-4

LIFE POINT: One day Jesus and His helpers were at the temple. Jesus was sitting by the boxes where people gave money. He watched as people dropped their money into the boxes. Some rich people put in a lot of money. The coins made a loud sound as they fell into the boxes. Then a poor woman walked up to a box. Jesus watched as she put two tiny pieces of money into the box. These coins hardly made a sound as they fell into the box. Jesus said to His helpers, “This woman gave two small coins. She gave more money than anyone.” Jesus’ helpers probably wondered what Jesus was saying. How could the woman’s two coins be more than all the money given by the rich people? Jesus explained that the rich people had only put in some of their money. The woman had given all the money she had.

LIVE IT OUT: Does your child see you giving an offering at church? Begin to foster a giving attitude in
your child by giving him money each week to give in Sunday School or put in the offering plate in worship. Remind your child that God wants people to give money to help the church.

Kids

Luke 21:1-4

LIFE POINT: As Jesus was teaching in the temple, He watched the rich people there. Many came and dropped money into the temple treasury. They had much money. The coins made a loud noise as
they dropped. Then, a poor widow came. She dropped in two very small coins. The coins made very little noise. Jesus turned to His disciples. He said, “This poor widow has put in more than all of the people.”
The disciples may have been surprised. The rich people had dropped a large amount of money into the offering jar. Jesus said, “The rich people gave from their extra money. This widow put in all she had to live on. She gave everything!”

LIVE IT OUT: Elementary and preteen kids are able to give to church, especially if they have an allowance or part-time job. Explain to your child that giving to help God’s work is one way to obey Him.

Students

Proverbs 11:23-29

THE POINT: Use what you have to invest in the lives of others. What’s the most generous act you’ve witnessed? What moves you to be generous? Why is it vital for Christians to be known as generous?
Discuss the following quote:

“Nothing that you have not given away will ever be really yours.”1 —C.S. Lewis

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do the Live It Out activity. Here are
some suggested ways to help your student:

If he or she plans to complete the Daily Reading:
• Take time to discuss your student’s scripture readings from this week.

1. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperCollins, 1952).


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Conversation Starters: Invest Resources Wisely

Posted by Karah

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” The origin of that phrase is at least 400 years old, but the principle is far older. Even the Bible speaks to the wisdom of diversifying our investments. That may not seem like a “spiritual” matter, but the Bible call us to be good stewards, and therefore, it calls us to be wise in all aspects of our life and finances.

Concept: Invest Resources Wisely

Preschool

Acts 18:1-4, 11, 18-19, 24-28

LIFE POINT: Paul went many places teaching people about Jesus. While Paul was in the city of Corinth, he met a man named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. They loved Jesus and wanted to learn more about Him. Aquila and Priscilla invited Paul to stay at their house. During the day, Aquila and Priscilla worked to make tents. Paul knew how to make tents, too. Paul worked together with Aquila and Priscilla to sew tents while he was staying at their house. Aquila and Priscilla traveled to another city with Paul to help
him tell people about Jesus. Aquila and Priscilla met Apollos. He loved Jesus. Aquila and Priscilla invited Apollos to come to their house where they taught him more about Jesus. Apollos was very glad to learn more about Jesus. Apollos then began traveling to other cities to tell people all he had learned
about Jesus.

LIVE IT OUT: Ask your child’s teacher to share a picture or story of your child working with someone in
her class. Show the picture to your child or share the story with your child at home. Congratulate your
child for working with others to help care for the church.

Kids

Matthew 25:14-30

LIFE POINT: A man was going on a trip. He gave one servant five talents, a second servant two talents, and a third servant one talent. Then the owner left. The first two servants used their talents to make more. The third servant took his one talent and buried it! When the owner came back, he asked for his money. The first two servants showed the money he had. The owner said, “Very good. You have done well with a little. I will put you in charge of more things.” The third servant said, “I was afraid. I took the talent you gave me and buried it. Here it is for you.” The owner was not happy. “You are lazy and wicked. At least you could have put the money in a bank. Give this man’s talent to the servant with ten talents! Take this man away from me.”

LIVE IT OUT: Does your child understand how to use money wisely? If she has an allowance, begin teaching her to save and give in addition to spending her money.

Students

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

THE POINT: When it comes to your resources, plan and use them wisely. What are different ways people respond to the uncertainty of the future? How have you reacted to misfortune in the past? In what areas of life do you feel uncertain about the future? Discuss the following quote:

“The world asks, ‘What does a man own?’ Christ asks, ‘How does he use it?’”1 —Andrew Murray

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to study Ecclesiastes 11 this week. Take time to find a few study materials for your student to use as they read this scripture.


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Conversation Starters: Live Productively

Posted by Karah

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Everyone wants income, but not everyone is willing to work—or work hard—for it. An entitlement mind-set leads some to believe that they should have all the needs and luxuries of life without necessarily working for them. The Book of Proverbs paints a different picture. Work is not a bad thing. Work is not always easy, but it is a noble—and Christ-honoring— thing to work and earn the money we need for daily living.

Concept: Live Productively

Preschool

Matthew 20:1-16

LIFE POINT: Jesus taught people about God through stories. He knew that everyone understood that people work to make money, so He told this story:
There was a man who owned much land and grew grapes on that land. He needed people to work the land. He agreed to pay workers to help him. At the beginning of one day, he agreed to pay a group of
workers a certain amount of money. Later that day, the man brought in more workers to help. He agreed to pay them the same amount of money as the workers who started at the beginning of the day. The workers who started first were not happy. However, the owner reminded them that he had kept his promise and paid each of them what he had said he would.

LIVE IT OUT: Ask your child if she knows the meaning of the word promise. Help her understand that
a promise is something someone says he will do. Guide your child to make a promise to you. Follow up
to make sure she keeps.

Kids

Matthew 20:1-16

LIFE POINT: Jesus told this story to His followers to help them understand what heaven is like:
A man had a vineyard. Early in the morning, he found men to work. “I will pay you one denarius if you work all day for me.” Later in the morning, at noon, at three o’clock, and at five o’clock the owner found more men to work for him. At the end of the day, the men got paid. Everyone received one denarius. The men who started early wanted more than the ones who started later in the day. “Didn’t you get what you agreed on?” the owner asked. “Are you jealous because I was generous to the other men?” Jesus said, “The last will be first and the first will be last.”

LIVE IT OUT: Remind your child that everything she has comes from God. Encourage her to thank
God for the generous gifts God has given her.

Students

Proverbs 6:6-11

THE POINT: Our work reflects our relationship with God. What’s the toughest job you’ve ever done What is the is the most difficult job for you to complete with excellence? How is laziness a spiritual
problem? Discuss the following quote:

“Laziness may look inviting, but only work gives you true satisfaction.”1 —Anne Frank

LIVE IT OUT: Take time to discuss your student’s scripture readings out of Matthew 20:1-16 and Proverbs 6:6-11 from this week.

1. Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl (New York: Doubleday, 1991) 325.


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Conversation Starters: Handle Money Wisely

Posted by Karah

THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: Earning a paycheck is one thing; budgeting and using that money wisely is another thing. Many of us live from paycheck to paycheck. The example of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 and the writings of Paul to Timothy give us an example on managing the money and assets we’ve been given.

Concept: Handle Money Wisely

Preschool

Acts 16:1-4; 1 Timothy 6; 2 Timothy 1:1-5, 3:14-17

LIFE POINT: A young boy named Timothy grew up with his mother and grandmother. They taught Timothy about God. They taught him verses from the Bible. Timothy listened carefully to the Bible stories they told him. Timothy learned to love God. When Timothy was older, a man named Paul came to his town. Paul was a missionary. He traveled from town to town, telling people that God loved them. Paul wanted Timothy to help him. So Timothy became Paul’s helper. Paul and Timothy traveled to
many towns telling people about Jesus. After Timothy had stopped traveling with Paul, he got a
letter from Paul. Paul reminded Timothy how his mother and grandmother had taught him verses and stories from the Bible. Paul told Timothy to always remember what he had learned. Paul reminded Timothy that the Bible would help him.

LIVE IT OUT: Play a game about right and wrong choices with your child. Name some things your child
may do or be tempted to do. Help him identify which are right choices and which are wrong.

Kids

1 Timothy 6

LIFE POINT: Dear Timothy,
Teach others about Jesus. Teach them to live as God wants and teach them to be content.
I want to warn you, Timothy. People who want to get rich may be tricked into thinking money is everything. Loving money is the beginning of all kinds of evil. When people want money more than anything, they may forget about God.
Stay away from greed. Live with faith and love. Work to live the right way. Keep the commandments.
Teach people who are already rich not to trust more in their money than in God. They can hope in God who gives everything.
Teach people to be generous. Teach them to share with others.
Grace to you.
Paul

LIVE IT OUT: Help your child understand the danger of greed. When a person is not satisfied with what he has, he may choose any means necessary to achieve more. Pray for your child to trust in God and be content with what he has.

Students

Proverbs 31:13-21

THE POINT: Managing your resources well now, will pay off later. How does being a Christ-follower
impact how we view and manage our money? When have you been most tempted to spend money
impulsively? What obstacles hinder us from acting responsibly with what God has given us? Discuss the following quote:

“If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost
every other area in his life.”1 —Billy Graham

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do the Live It Out activity for the week. Here are
some suggested ways to help your student:

If he or she plans to complete the Daily Reading:
• Take time to discuss your student’s scripture readings from this week.

1. http://thinkexist.com/quotation/if_a_person_gets_his_attitude_toward_money/296915.html


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