Jesus Was Baptized (Matthew 3; Mark 1)

Dear families,

What gives you hope? It seems like a simple question, and most of us who regularly attend church likely know the “right” answer to the question. However, it’s the most important question for every person who has ever lived because your answer will determine your security and eternity. Unlike the hope the world has to offer, we can have a sure and steadfast hope that will never fail. 

In the Gospel accounts of Jesus' baptism, we see John the Baptist offer words of warning that lead us back to the question, what gives you hope? 

John warned the Pharisees sternly that no family, tradition, or outward practice is sufficient to save people from the wrath of God due to them for their sin. People are saved only by the grace of God received through faith and repentance. 

The same is true today. Though we may be tempted to find our hope in the faith journey of our parents, grandparents, or even children, those experiences are not sufficient to save. Though it is a gift to have family members who have placed their faith in Christ, our hope does not come from them. 

Similarly, no tradition is sufficient to save either. Though we may uphold the traditions and practices—baptism, the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and so forth—those practices alone are not able to save from sin and secure eternity with God. 

John the Baptist made it clear that the faith that leads to repentance brings the certainty of salvation. The larger context of the New Testament reminds us that this repentance is always paired with genuine faith. When these are present, the believer will bear the fruit of the Spirit. 

What gives you hope? The only true answer is that we must put our hope in Jesus. Only faith in His finished work on the cross rescues us from sin and death, empowers us to live for Him, and promises us life with God forever.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: People are baptized to show they follow Jesus. 

• Younger Preschool: Baptism reminds us that Jesus died and came back to life. People are baptized to show they follow Jesus. 

• Older Preschool: Jesus never did anything wrong, but He was baptized like sinners are baptized. Baptism reminds us that Jesus died and came back to life. People who know and love Jesus are baptized to show they are following Jesus. 

• Kids: Jesus never sinned, but He obeyed God and was baptized like sinners are baptized. Baptism reminds us of Jesus’ death and resurrection. It reminds us that when we trust in Jesus, we turn from sin and start a new life—a life lived for Jesus. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Younger Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

• Older Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

• Kids: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

• Younger Preschool: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

• Older Preschool: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

• Kids: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

** Next week: Jesus Was Tempted (Matthew 4; Luke 4)

Jesus Was Dedicated (Matthew 2; Luke 2)

Dear families,

As the narrative of Jesus’ early days on earth unfolded, several unique people are introduced who teach us lessons about our own journey. We find the wise men who sought Jesus with persistence, Herod whose power was threatened by this newborn King, and others such as Simeon and Anna—both who demonstrated a remarkable devotion to the Lord. 

In Luke 2, Simeon and Anna are described as people who are deeply committed, faithful, and devout followers of God. Simeon is described as one who was old in years—near death—and desperately waiting for the Messiah to come. So, you can imagine the significance of that moment as Simeon saw the Christ child and rejoiced. 

Anna, also old in years, had been faithfully worshiping God through fasting and prayer in the temple for 84 years. It is easy to imagine the joy she had upon seeing Jesus in the temple and her eager desire to tell everyone about this glorious child. 

Both Simeon and Anna came upon the incredible blessing of seeing, celebrating, and worshiping Jesus because of their faithfulness to the Lord. Both were in the place the Lord wanted them to be, faithful to God over the years, and daily looking for the Lord in everything they did. 

Imagine if your daily decisions were influenced by similar factors. You were deeply committed to being in the places God wanted you to be, you were seeking to be faithful over the decades, and in all that you did you were pursuing what the Lord might have for you. What would have to change in your life, in your motivations, and in your decisions to make this true of you? In what ways would you see and experience the blessings of God’s good gifts even more? 

Faithfulness like that of Simeon and Anna doesn’t earn any additional degree of salvation before God. But it can produce more opportunities to see the work of God in your life, even if it’s only because you’re more attuned. What a blessing that would be for each of us as well.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: We can tell others the good news about Jesus. 

• Younger Preschool: We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins, and we can tell others about Jesus. 

• Older Preschool: God had promised His people that a Savior was coming. When Simeon and Anna saw Jesus, they knew He was the Savior. Jesus came to save people from sin. We can trust Jesus to save us from our sins; and like Simeon and Anna, we get to tell others the good news. 

• Kids: Throughout the Old Testament, God promised the arrival of a King who would redeem people. When Jesus arrived, Simeon and Anna knew He was the promised Messiah, God’s own Son. We can trust Jesus for our salvation, and like Simeon and Anna, we should share the good news. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

• Older Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

• Kids: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

• Younger Preschool: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

• Older Preschool: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

• Kids: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

** Next week: Jesus Was Baptized (Matthew 3; Mark 1)

Jesus Was Born (Matthew 1; Luke 2; John 1)

Dear families,

How many times have you read or heard the narrative of Jesus’ birth? When interacting with a familiar Bible story, it is easy to simply skim over it and assume we understand all there is to know about it. Rather than taking that approach, spend time this week meditating on Luke 2:1-20. 

The detailed account of His conception and birth, as well as the details between those two events provide the believer with a gift of God’s grace that is far too important to gloss over. This event preceding Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection lays the foundation for a close and thoughtful study of the Gospels. 

The details around the conception and birth of Jesus provide reason for amazement and strengthen our faith. Consider the detail of Mary having been a virgin, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. Jesus was born in the small town of Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2. He was born into the family line of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—fulfilling God’s promises in Genesis 12:3; 17:19; 28:14. 

All of this ought to cultivate a sense of wonder at the divine intervening in the human world, and an amazement at the detail to which God worked out His plan. 

Additionally, recalling the details of Jesus’ birth ought to generate affirmation in the believer’s heart and mind. The uniqueness surrounding the birth of Jesus affirms His claims of being the Son of God. 

Finally, the birth narrative should grow the anticipation of the believer. At the end of the New Testament, the book of Revelation sheds light on the end of sin and death, the final judgment of the living and the dead, and the new heaven and the new earth. These promises can seem distant or unlikely; however, the joy and gratitude that comes from understanding Jesus’ birth narrative can cultivate confidence in and anticipation of the future promises of Jesus. 

Luke 2 invites us to behold our God, who—out of His great love for us—“emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity” (Phil. 2:7). Jesus came to earth to rescue sinners. The angels’ announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 is also for us and for the nations: “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came into the world to rescue us from sin. 

• Younger Preschool: Jesus was born! This was very good news! Jesus came into the world to rescue us from sin. 

• Older Preschool: Jesus was born! This was very good news! Jesus was not like other babies. Jesus is God’s Son. God sent Jesus to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to rescue people from their sins. 

• Kids: The birth of Jesus was good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He is God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven. Jesus, the promised Savior, came into the world to show us what God is like and to deliver us from sin and death. 
  

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

• Older Preschool: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. 

• Kids: What did Jesus do to save us? Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and rose from the dead.
  

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

• Younger Preschool: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29

• Older Preschool: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

• Kids: John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

** Next week: Jesus Was Dedicated (Matthew 2; Luke 2) 

We Should Be Sorry for Sin (Romans 8)

Dear families,

Coming face-to-face with sin in our lives often leads to one of two responses: It may lead to feelings of guilt and shame that cause us to either run and hide or to simply stop trying and give ourselves over to a particular pattern of sin, or it may lead to a place of genuine confession and repentance followed by a deep trust in the power of God to help us walk in freedom. 

Romans 8 provides for us a warning against living according to the flesh, but it also declares a promise that we can cling to in our battle against sin. 

Romans 8:8-9 says, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to him.” 

These verses give surprising hope to the believer battling sin in his or her own life. The hope comes in the form of the Spirit of God, alive and present in the follower of Christ. 

What help is this in our battle against sin? It is everything! The promise of the Spirit of God living in a believer offers hope by way of the power of God—powerful enough to defeat the devil and raise Jesus from the dead—is alive and working to fight sin in our lives. 

Paul goes a step further, too. Not only is the Spirit of God at work in the heart of the believer allowing, us to battle against sin, but the Spirit works in such a way that we can actually please God. 

We can have hope in our battle against sin because the Lord has given us Himself in such a way that by His power at work in us, we can battle against sin and live a life pleasing to Him. “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11).

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Because Jesus died and rose again, we have forgiveness of sins and life with God forever when we trust in Him.

• Younger Preschool: Because Jesus died and rose again, we have forgiveness of sins and life with God forever when we trust in Him.

• Older Preschool: Because Jesus died and came back to life, we have forgiveness of sins and life with God forever when we trust in Him. God gives us His Spirit so we can become more like Jesus.

• Kids: God sent Jesus to take the punishment our sin deserves. Because of Jesus, we have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Through God’s Spirit, we have the power to turn away from sin and live to bring glory to God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How should we feel when we make wrong choices? When we make wrong choices, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to obey Him.

• Older Preschool: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and choose to obey Him.

• Kids: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to turn from our sin because we love Him. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: We should feel sorry when we disobey God. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Younger Preschool: We should feel sorry when we disobey God and want to obey Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Older Preschool: Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Kids: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

** Next week: Jesus Was Born (Matthew 1; Luke 2; John 1)

The People Promised to Be Faithful (Nehemiah 9–10)

Dear families,

What comes to mind when you think about confession? Do you think of sadness? Weeping and guilt? Shame and failure? What about worship? 

When was the last time you came before God in true confession? What led to your admission of failure before a holy God? 

The Bible is clear that “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Rom. 2:4). But what does the Bible say about what confession should look like? What does the Bible say should lead us to confession? 

Nehemiah 9 gives insight in how to answer that question. The Israelites had gathered and were fasting and beginning to confess their sin when the priests chimed in with an appropriate pattern for how that confession ought to progress. 

In this text, we discover that true confession of sin will never come before genuine recognition of the holiness of God. God’s people had promised to be faithful, but following their return from exile, the men of Israel intermarried with foreign women. Their were unfaithful to God, disobeying His commands. Yet God remained faithful. 

The pattern of the priests is to first recognize, exclaim, and celebrate God’s goodness, faithfulness, holiness, and righteousness. Only out of those comes the reason for confession. For it is only when we see the majesty of the holy God that we see the weight of our sin and the punishment due to us as a result. Then, and only then, will we be drawn to the altar of honest confession before God. Yes, conviction must come, but it will only come when there is first an awareness of the greatness of God. 

Set aside time to intentionally approach God to confess the sin in your life. Remember this pattern. That God wants your eyes fixed firmly on Him, even in moments of reflection and confession. For the moment we lose sight of Him is the moment we lose sight of the sinfulness of our sin, which is the moment before we lose sight of the necessity of confession.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: God does what is right even when His people do what is wrong. We have God’s kindness and love through Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins.

• Younger Preschool: God has always done what is right even when His people have done what is wrong. We have God’s kindness and love through Jesus, who died on the cross so we can have life with God forever.

• Older Preschool: God’s people remembered all He had done and promised to be faithful. God is kind and loving. God has always done what is right even when His people have done what is wrong. We have God’s kindness and love through Jesus, who died on the cross so we can have life with God forever.

• Kids: God’s people remembered all He had done and promised to be faithful. God is gracious and compassionate. All along, God has been faithful to people who are unfaithful. We experience God’s grace and compassion in Jesus, who gave His life so we can receive mercy and life forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How should we feel when we make wrong choices? When we make wrong choices, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to obey Him.

• Older Preschool: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and choose to obey Him.

• Kids: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to turn from our sin because we love Him. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: We should feel sorry when we disobey God. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Younger Preschool: We should feel sorry when we disobey God and want to obey Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Older Preschool: Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Kids: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

** Next week: We Should Be Sorry for Sin (Romans 8)

Ezra Read the Law (Ezra 7–10; Nehemiah 8)

Dear families,

Find 1 John 1:9 in your Bible and read it slowly two or three times. Many Christians are familiar with these words; perhaps you have them memorized. We agree that God wants us to confess our sins to Him. We believe that God is faithful to forgive His children by the blood of Jesus. But do you find it easy to confess your sin to God? If not, why? Do you believe the lie that keeping quiet about our sin will prevent God from knowing about it? 

In Ezra 9, leaders approached Ezra and declared to him the grim reality of the people of Israel who were caught up in devious behavior and lifestyles. Following the second return of exiles to Jerusalem, the men of Israel began to intermarry with foreign women again. It was as if they had completely forgotten God. Ezra’s response of honest confession before a holy God ought to teach us something about his character and about our need to do likewise. 

First, Ezra stood before God and the faithful of Israel, and he cried out before the Lord. Ezra didn’t point fingers as he went before God. He didn’t shift the blame or use the chance to gossip about others in his community. Ezra did precisely what we see later recorded in 1 John 1:9: he confessed his sin to God. 

Ezra truly believed that it was right to bring his sin and the sin of his community before God, to lay it all out before the Lord and to seek God’s forgiveness by faith and repentance. And not only did Ezra see the good of confession, he found reason to celebrate as he did.  

Read Ezra 9:13. Ezra recognized the necessity of confession and then celebrated that God’s grace was still enough, still active, and still effective toward His people. 

Ezra took his sin seriously and confessed it before a holy God. And Ezra confessed with hope that the God he had sinned against, had been gracious and would continue to be so.  

When we bring our sin before God, let us do so with humility rooted in our deep need for God and confidence grounded in our understanding of His amazing grace.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: The Bible helps us know the right things to do. We do wrong things, but God can help us want to obey Him. Jesus died to rescue us from sin.

• Younger Preschool: The Bible teaches us about God and Jesus. It helps us know the right things to do. We do wrong things, but God can help us want to obey Him. Jesus died to rescue us from sin.

• Older Preschool: The Bible teaches us about God and Jesus. It helps us know the right things to do. We do wrong things a lot, but God can change our hearts and help us say no to sin. Jesus died to rescue us from sin.

• Kids: God's Word is powerful. When Ezra read God's Word, the people loved God more and changed their ways. The Bible says that Jesus is "the Word." Jesus is God who came to live with people on earth. Jesus has the power to change our hearts.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How should we feel when we make wrong choices? When we make wrong choices, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to obey Him.

• Older Preschool: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and choose to obey Him.

• Kids: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to turn from our sin because we love Him. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: We should feel sorry when we disobey God. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Younger Preschool: We should feel sorry when we disobey God and want to obey Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Older Preschool: Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Kids: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

** Next week: The People Promised to Be Faithful (Nehemiah 9–10)

Nehemiah Rebuilt the Walls (Nehemiah 1–7)

Dear families,

Recall the last time you were faced with devastating news or found yourself filled with angst, worry, or fear. How did you respond? 

Anger and bitterness are common reactions to bad news. We may feel tempted to isolate ourselves from others. Grief is complex, and responses vary greatly. However, according to the Bible, Nehemiah’s response is the best response. 

Read about Nehemiah’s general response in Nehemiah 1:4. Then in Nehemiah 1:5-11, we discover the specific way that Nehemiah prayed in response to this devastating news. He recognized God’s faithfulness, requested God’s ear, confessed sin, and committed his people to the Lord’s care. 

Nehemiah began his prayer with a recognition of the faithfulness of God. He indicated his confidence that God had been and would continue to be faithful. He then requested God’s ear. Though Nehemiah was confident that God heard him, he opened and closed his prayer of dependence by begging God to listen to his request.  

Why did Nehemiah pray this way? Likely, he was further demonstrating his deep conviction that God and God alone is able to work in such a way that would bring about restoration. 

Nehemiah’s prayer also demonstrates his belief that sin has serious consequences. He confessed his own sin and the sin of his family, recognizing that God was fully aware of their sin, but also that this sin was not to be taken lightly and needed to be dealt with. 

Finally, he committed his family—the Jewish people—into the hands of this faithful and just God. He trusted God to be faithful to His word and His people. Though Nehemiah didn’t know what the outcome would be, he was confident in his God, that He would remain faithful no matter what. 

Nehemiah’s response demonstrated a deep love, trust, and confidence in God that is exemplary for each of us. When we face moments of devastation, we can—with deep dependence—turn to God and find comfort.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Nehemiah helped God’s people rebuild the walls around their city. The walls protected the people from their enemies. Jesus protects us from our enemies.

• Younger Preschool: Nehemiah helped God’s people fix the walls around their city. The walls protected the people from their enemies. Jesus protects us from our enemies.

• Older Preschool: Nehemiah helped God’s people fix the walls around their city. The walls protected the people from their enemies. Jesus protects us from our enemies. When we know and love Jesus, He keeps us safe from sin and we will live with Him forever.

• Kids: Nehemiah led the people to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem to protect them from their enemies. Jesus came to protect us from our greatest enemies, sin and death. He died on the cross and rose from the dead to rescue everyone who trusts in Him.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How should we feel when we make wrong choices? When we make wrong choices, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to obey Him.

• Older Preschool: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and choose to obey Him.

• Kids: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to turn from our sin because we love Him. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: We should feel sorry when we disobey God. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Younger Preschool: We should feel sorry when we disobey God and want to obey Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Older Preschool: Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Kids: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

** Next week: Ezra Read the Law (Ezra 7–10; Nehemiah 8)

Esther Saved Her People (Esther)

Dear families,

You may never have said it aloud before, but there is a good chance that you have thought it: “If I just had ________ [fill in the blank with your greatest desire], then following Jesus would be so much easier.” What is your greatest desire? For some it may be money; for others, possessions; for others, power or a relationship or a feeling. 

We live in a broken world and may often fantasize about what life would be like if our ideals came to pass. We may even hurt or mistreat others in pursuit of our dreams—to gain that which we believe has the greatest importance. But the reality is that even if we have all that we want, there is still a great temptation to desire more and continue seeking our own good at the expense of others. 

This sinful reality is part of what makes the events in the Book of Esther so surprising. We observe Mordecai’s journey from faithful adoptive father of a young girl in a foreign land to his becoming the king’s right-hand man. 

Mordecai was faithful. He was faithful to take in Esther, his cousin who was without father or mother. He was faithful to sit, wait, and watch every day at the gate of the king’s palace to see what God would do through this beautiful young woman. He was faithful to speak up with boldness and confidence, even at the threat of death. And he was faithful to lead beside the king in an honorable way seeking the flourishing of the kingdom. 

Mordecai rose to a position of great power and authority. Many figures in power tend to forget their roots, turning to selfishness and unfaithfulness. Mordecai, however, did not. Read Esther 10:3.

In our temptation to seek our own pleasure, we must remember that our Savior, Jesus Christ, “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). In remembering the work of Christ, we find not only an example to follow but also the power to do the same. 

Christ in us seeks the good of those around us. No matter how high or low our rank in the world, He is always good and always desires that we seek the good of those around us, for His glory.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: God had a plan for Esther to rescue the Jews. God also had a plan for His Son, Jesus, to come into the world and rescue all people.

• Younger Preschool: Haman’s evil plan could not stop God. God had a plan for Esther to rescue the Jews. By saving the Jews, God made the way for His Son, Jesus, to come into the world.

• Older Preschool: God’s plan was to send the Messiah into the world through Abraham’s family. Haman’s evil plan could not stop God. God had a plan for Esther to rescue His people. By saving the Jews, God made the way for His Son, Jesus, to come into the world.

• Kids: God was in control over Haman’s evil plan to destroy the Jews. Like Haman, Satan wants to ruin God’s plan and destroy believers. Satan thought he had won when Jesus died on the cross, but God raised Jesus from the dead and defeated Satan once and for all. All who believe in Jesus are rescued from sin and death.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: How should we feel when we make wrong choices? When we make wrong choices, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to obey Him.

• Older Preschool: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and choose to obey Him.

• Kids: How should we feel when we sin? When we sin, we should feel sorry that we have disobeyed God and want to turn from our sin because we love Him. 

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: We should feel sorry when we disobey God. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Younger Preschool: We should feel sorry when we disobey God and want to obey Him. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Older Preschool: Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10

• Kids: For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

** Next week: Nehemiah Rebuilt the Walls (Nehemiah 1–7)

God Can Always Be Trusted (Jeremiah 31)

Dear families,

If you’re a parent or a spouse, there’s a strong likelihood that at some point you have had to say the same thing to the same person over and over to get your point across. Some things are so important they are worth repeating. And some people are so quick to forget, we must repeat. 

For example, each of my four children have gone through seasons when brushing their teeth was such a chore that you would have thought they were being asked to eat nails. My wife and I would remind them dozens of times in the morning and dozens of times in the evening to brush their teeth, and yet still we would later find evidence that it didn’t happen. I feel confident none of them were belligerent in wanting their teeth to rot, but we were loving enough to remind them that this was likely to happen if they didn’t remember to complete this menial task a couple of times a day. 

In Jeremiah 31, there is a phrase that is repeated by the Lord to the hearer of these words. The phrase, “the LORD’s declaration” occurs 10 times in these 40 verses. These words even appear at times in the middle of a thought or sentence, uniquely placed to garner great attention. In addition the phrase, “This is what the Lord says” occurs seven times. Clearly, the Lord wants the hearers to be abundantly clear from whom these words are coming. 

We are most certainly forgetful people, often forgetting the smallest of details and even the most significant of facts. The Lord knows us on the deepest level and knows how great our need is for direct reminders. 

Jeremiah 31 contains difficult truths and delightful promises. God knows that the hearer is likely to bristle at the warnings and rejoice in the hope, but he also seemingly wants to ensure that we who read these words do not forget that they are His words. 

As we read the Bible, it is crucial that we recall the voice behind the words: the voice of God. The only One of highest authority and knowledge and good. Maybe you need to remember as you read and listen to God’s Word that this is the Lord’s declaration.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jeremiah told of God’s plan to forgive sin and help people want to obey God. Jesus made God’s words come true. God forgives our sin through His Son, Jesus.

• Younger Preschool: God’s words are always true, so we can always trust God. Jeremiah told of God’s plan to forgive sin and help people want to obey God. Jesus made these words come true. God forgives our sin through His Son, Jesus.

• Older Preschool: Jeremiah’s message was good! God’s words are always true, so we can always trust God. Jeremiah told about a day when God would forgive sin and change people’s hearts. Jesus made these words come true. God forgives our sin through His Son, Jesus.

• Kids: God’s words brought hope to God’s people because His words were true. God can always be trusted. Jeremiah told about a day when God would forgive sin and change people’s hearts. Jesus’ death and resurrection provides forgiveness of sins. Through Jesus, we have new hearts and life with God forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Can God be trusted? Yes, we can trust whatever He has said.

• Older Preschool: Can God be trusted? Yes, God cannot lie, so we can trust whatever He has said.

• Kids: Can God be trusted? Yes, God cannot lie or ever be wrong, so we can trust whatever He has said.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Trust in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7

• Younger Preschool: The person who trusts in the Lord is blessed. Jeremiah 17:7

• Older Preschool: The person who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. Jeremiah 17:7

• Kids: The person who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. Jeremiah 17:7

** Next week: Esther Saved Her People (Esther)

The People Rebuilt the Temple (Ezra 2–6)

Dear families,

Imagine this for a moment: It’s late Saturday night, and you’ve been out of the house all day. You’ve gone from place to place with more to do than seemed possible when you looked at all of it on the calendar. You’ve just returned home and sat down for dinner. Suddenly you remember that tomorrow is Sunday. You quickly recall that you are scheduled to serve with preschoolers tomorrow morning, your small group is having lunch together after church, and you are yet to plan out this upcoming week—which is just as packed as your weekend has been. The thought crosses your mind, What if I just sat this one out tomorrow? 

Does this scenario hit close to home? 

In Ezra 3, as the work had begun to rebuild the temple, there was an eager desire among God’s people, leading them to anticipate what that place would afford them upon its completion. As the people worked and waited, even in the midst of their exhaustion, they made time to worship. 

Read Ezra 3:6. Not only was the temple incomplete, but the first stage of the build was not yet done. Still, the laborers did not forget or fail to keep the purpose in front. The goal was not the temple; it was the Lord. 

We often find ourselves in scenarios like the one above, ready to make excuses to not do the things that matter most because we’ve misplaced our priorities—or at least lost sight of them in the whirlwind of life. Our decisions reflect what has the seat of greatest importance in our lives. 

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” 

Understanding Christ to be our greatest purpose and prize ought to direct our paths toward prioritizing our lives around Christ and His church. Not only will this be good for us, but it will be good for the rest of God’s children as well. When we are eager to be with the Lord and His people, not only will we be productive, but we will be truly satisfied.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: God’s people rebuilt the temple where they could worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people on earth.

• Younger Preschool: God’s people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people on earth.

• Older Preschool: God’s people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people on earth. Jesus gave us something better than the temple; He gave us Himself. Jesus is with us wherever we go.

• Kids: God's people rebuilt the temple so they would have a place to worship God. Years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be with His people. Now, God does not dwell with His people through the temple. Instead, God dwells directly with His people through His Spirit. Jesus provided something better than the temple; He gives us Himself.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Can God be trusted? Yes, we can trust whatever He has said.

• Older Preschool: Can God be trusted? Yes, God cannot lie, so we can trust whatever He has said.

• Kids: Can God be trusted? Yes, God cannot lie or ever be wrong, so we can trust whatever He has said.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Trust in the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7

• Younger Preschool: The person who trusts in the Lord is blessed. Jeremiah 17:7

• Older Preschool: The person who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. Jeremiah 17:7

• Kids: The person who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. Jeremiah 17:7

** Next week: God Can Always Be Trusted (Jeremiah 31)

Zechariah Gave Hope (Zechariah 13–14)

Dear families,

Peace and security are words often heard in the whirlwind of our news cycles. They are used as ideas or desires that require work to achieve. They are used in the negative sense of not being a current reality. They are used as the aim, answer, or solution to the world’s problems.

Though the idea of peace and security are not foreign to our vernacular, they are most certainly foreign to much of our world’s reality. It is hard to find a pocket of the earth that might be described with these terms. Rather, what is most found is chaos and fear.  

When we understand the true impact of sin on the world, this comes as no surprise. It’s not shocking to see the news of war and violence. It does not bring amazement to hear of murder and strife. There is no astonishment at the experience of disappointment or pain. Because we know that we live in a world riddled with sin and its implications. 

Read the words of Zechariah 14:11. What comes to mind? “People will live there, and never again will there be a curse of complete destruction. So Jerusalem will dwell in security.”

Are you struck by the thought of such a place that could be described as secure? Are you left longing for that to be your reality? Are you doubtful that this could ever be a reality? 

Ultimately, this is a promise that is sure to happen. This promise is reiterated in Deuteronomy 7:7-9:

“The LORD had his heart set on you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors, he brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps his gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commands.” 

This promise was for God’s people then, and it is for all who follow Jesus today as well. This peace and security is ours in Christ. As sure as Christ has come, lived, died, and risen, so can we find rest that this promise is true and this day will come.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King—Jesus. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.

• Younger Preschool: Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.

• Older Preschool: Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.

• Kids: Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Can God be trusted? Yes, we can trust whatever He has said.

• Older Preschool: Can God be trusted? Yes, God cannot lie, so we can trust whatever He has said.

• Kids: Can God be trusted? Yes, God cannot lie or ever be wrong, so we can trust whatever He has said.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

God’s People Were Taken Captive (2 Chronicles 36)

Dear families,

Throughout 2 Chronicles 36, it is easy to see that God is the one who raises up and removes kings and rulers and all who are in authority. But this reality can sometimes shake us in profound ways. It may cause us to ask why. This question is fair considering that we often see rulers who don’t love God making decisions that display their lack of belief in God, and it is hard to imagine that God is the One who placed them in leadership.

Why would God allow bad leaders to be in charge? This is a tough question, but Scripture speaks to it in several ways. For one, Romans 13:1-2 remind us to submit to those in authority since they are instituted by God himself. Therefore, to resist authority is to oppose the commands of God, so long as the authority doesn’t demand disobedience to God.

Another place we see this principle play out in Scripture is with Daniel. We find Daniel rebelling against the king’s demand to worship something other than God. But we also find Daniel willfully subjecting himself to the king’s leadership in other circumstances that do not demand his disobedience. Further, we find Daniel actually praying to God and confessing that He is the One who changes brings about the rise and fall of leaders.

Daniel 2:21 says, “He changes the times and seasons; he removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.”

The Bible teaches us that God stands sovereign over all things, even the rise and fall of leaders. That includes the most godly of leaders and even those that are most opposed to the things of God. The Lord, in His good purposes may be seeking to wake us up, bring consequence, or refine His people, but His purposes are always good.

God is always working in all times and seasons. And though we may wonder about His purposes in certain circumstances, we can trust that they are always ultimately for His glory and our good, even when that is hard to understand or believe.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus took the punishment for our wrong choices.

• Younger Preschool: God was right to punish His people because they sinned. Many years later, God sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus took the punishment for our sin.

• Older Preschool: God was right to punish His people because they sinned. But God still loved them, and He was going to give His people a good king, just like He said He would. Many years later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to be our King forever. Jesus took the punishment we should get for our sin.

• Kids: God was right to punish His people for their sin, but He kept His promise to provide a king through David’s family. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What makes people special? People are special because God made us.

• Older Preschool: What makes people special? People are special because God made us in His own image.

• Kids: What makes people special? People are special because we are made in God’s image, as male and female, to know Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: God made me. Psalm 139:14

• Younger Preschool: I will praise God because He made me. Psalm 139:14

• Older Preschool: I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

• Kids: For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:13-14

** Next week: Every Person Matters (Psalm 139)

Nahum Warned of God’s Judgment (Nahum)

Dear families,

Our hyper-vigilant culture is full of warnings: warnings of what will happen if you take certain medicines, warnings not to use forbidden words in particular places, authoritative warnings against actions deemed inappropriate or illegal, and many more.

Though at times these warnings may feel harsh, unnecessary, or far too limiting, they exist to guide people to right decisions that are often best for them and the people around them.

The same is true with the warnings we find in the Bible, both those directed toward people in a particular place at a particular time and those generally made for all readers of all times. They exist as God’s reminder to us of what is ultimately for our good.

The warnings of Nahum fit this bill as well. These warnings come as stern and even harsh language through the prophet, intended to wake up a group of spiritually sleepy people who had again turned to their wicked ways. Nahum warned of a coming judgment and painful punishment. He warned of devastation and destruction as a consequence for sin.

Yet, these warnings stood as God’s gracious gift to rebellious people. Through the prophet Nahum, God told these people of His holiness, their sin, His pending consequences, and the urgency with which they ought to take heed to these warnings.

I can imagine that these people could have received these in much the same way that we often receive warnings today: frustrations with the limitations, severity, and apparent inconvenience they present; however, as we see throughout the pages of Scripture, these warnings serve as an invitation to people far from God to turn to Him for hope, joy, and peace that can only be found by His grace.

The next time you read the warnings of Scripture, celebrate the hope they bring as they demonstrate His good grace to show us a better way, the way to Him. Remember, God doesn’t desire devastation but true repentance that results in ultimate deliverance.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: One day, Jesus will take away all bad things.

• Younger Preschool: Nahum told God’s people good news. He said that God loves His people and takes care of them. Jesus also has good news for people who know and love Him. One day, Jesus will take away all bad things.

• Older Preschool: Nahum told God’s people good news. God loves His people and takes care of them. Jesus has good news for people who love and trust Him. All of the enemies of God and His children were defeated at the cross. One day, Jesus will take away all bad things.

• Kids: Nahum brought a message of comfort to God’s people, reminding them that God loves His people and will protect them from their enemies. Jesus also brought a message of comfort, salvation, and peace to His people. All of the enemies of God and His children were defeated at the cross. One day, God will finally judge all evil.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What makes people special? People are special because God made us.

• Older Preschool: What makes people special? People are special because God made us in His own image.

• Kids: What makes people special? People are special because we are made in God’s image, as male and female, to know Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: God made me. Psalm 139:14

• Younger Preschool: I will praise God because He made me. Psalm 139:14

• Older Preschool: I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

• Kids: For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:13-14

** Next week: God’s People Were Taken Captive (2 Chronicles 36)

Jonah Warned of God’s Judgment (Jonah)

Dear families,

If we spend time contemplating what it means to belong to Jesus, the reality is a mystery. How can we who are sinners be forgiven and redeemed? The more we recognize the depth and darkness of our own sin, the greater we understand the magnitude of God’s gift to us: Through His Son, He reached down to display His great love and mercy. Because of Jesus’ wounds, we can have full and forever forgiveness.

The Book of Jonah demonstrates this powerful truth on at least two occasions. One is highlighted in Jonah’s prayer in the midst of his desperation. After running from God and being hurled into the sea, fully expecting to die at the bottom of the ocean, Jonah is swept up and swallowed by a great fish. It is from there that he cries out, “I called to the LORD in my distress, and he answered me” (Jonah 2:2). Jonah, knowing the extent of his own sin and the issue of his own disobedience, cries out in desperation to the Father and finds great comfort in a loving God receiving His desperate plea.

Later, in Jonah 3, we find a similar movement of God’s reaching down and bringing about repentance among the people of Nineveh. In His grace, He relented from the looming punishment they deserved in light of their change of heart.

In both instances, the mercy and grace of God to withhold punishment due to vile sinners brought hope, and this hope ought to be ours today as well.

Isaiah 59:1 says, “Indeed, the LORD’s arm is not too weak to save, and his ear is not too deaf to hear.”

Though much has changed in our world since Jonah’s day, the Lord has not changed. He is not too weak nor too distant to save. No matter how far you or someone you know has strayed, no matter how distant the Lord might feel, His arm is not too short to save. His love can reach down to even the darkest and vilest of all sinners. Praise be to God.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus obeyed God’s plan.

• Younger Preschool: God told Jonah to go tell people to stop making wrong choices. Jonah did not want to go. Later, God sent His Son, Jesus, to tell people to stop making wrong choices. Unlike Jonah, Jesus wanted to obey God.

• Older Preschool: God told Jonah to go to his enemies and tell them to stop sinning. Jonah did not want to go. Later, God sent His own Son, Jesus, to go to His enemies and tell them to stop sinning. Unlike Jonah, Jesus wanted to obey God. He died on the cross to save us from sin.

• Kids: God called Jonah to go to his enemies and call them to turn away from their sin, but Jonah refused. Instead, he ran away. Later, God sent Jesus to His enemies to call us to repentance. Jesus willingly obeyed. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What makes people special? People are special because God made us.

• Older Preschool: What makes people special? People are special because God made us in His own image.

• Kids: What makes people special? People are special because we are made in God’s image, as male and female, to know Him.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: God made me. Psalm 139:14

• Younger Preschool: I will praise God because He made me. Psalm 139:14

• Older Preschool: I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:14

• Kids: For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well. Psalm 139:13-14

** Next week: Nahum Warned of God’s Judgment (Nahum)

Why we do what we do

I’d love to take the opportunity to highlight some important information about our Kids Ministry.

Our kids’ classes are more than just child care and our activity sheets are more than busy work!

It's our job as parents and members of the Christian community to show what it means to follow Christ. Kids joining us for singing, communion, and hearing God's word can be a very impactful way to do this. Family Worship Sundays are an integral part of our regular rhythms as a congregation because we love giving kids the opportunity to participate fully in service. 

It's a wonderful experience, but we know it's hard for kids to stay engaged and the sermon content is often beyond their comprehension. This is where our Sunday morning kids programs come in. Providing age-appropriate Bible classes for our children allows them to learn about the Bible in an engaging, easy-to-understand way. They are able to see adults, other than their family, excited about sharing God’s love for them.

The fact that our kids "age out" of Sunday classes does not mean we stop investing in their spiritual development. Age-appropriate activity sheets and short age-appropriate Bible study sheets are available for older kids who regularly join us for worship. There are Bible verses to memorize, study guides to help kids learn to follow along with a sermon, short devotionals so kids can study on their own if a sermon is difficult to understand, and more. The sheets have been carefully selected to teach kids how to engage with God's word independently. This is another step towards owning their own faith! 

Although we understand there may be times when you need to keep your child with you, we hope you'll regularly take advantage of kids' classes if your child has one. 

We also understand that some weeks it was all you could do to get your older child to come to church and a phone or iPad may be the only way for YOU to be able to participate in worship. On regular weeks, though, we'd love you to help your child get more involved in the service by helping them select activity sheets and encouraging them to fill them out.

If you find your child is regularly missing their class or is regularly needing “digital help” during the service please let us know!! We would love to help you come up with a plan to help Sundays go smoother for you and your child so you can BOTH fully participate in what’s available for you Sunday mornings.

If you have any questions or would like more information please feel free to reach out to me!

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to partner with you in the journey!

Melissa

Zephaniah Warned God’s People to Repent

Dear families,

The Book of Zephaniah serves as a stern rebuke of God’s people and a warning regarding a failure to return to Him faithfully. It also serves as a reminder of God’s expectation of holiness and a description of what that looks like when faithfully lived out among God’s people.

Zephaniah 2:3 offers a call to repentance and a promise of hope for this restoration of the faithful. “Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who carry out what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be concealed on the day of the LORD’s anger.” Through Zephaniah, the Lord provided a glimmer of hope amidst His stern rebuke and graphic warning. But He didn’t stop there. Zephaniah ended his prophecy with more than a glimmer of hope, a promise that likely warmed the weary souls of God’s people.

Beginning with Zephaniah 3:9, we find a beautiful picture of God’s fully-restored people. It’s a remarkable image of faithfulness, satisfaction, joy, and mutual benefit that ignites a desire for this reality. It may even ignite in the reader a desire for what could be called “a return to Eden.”

Zephaniah 3 describes an environment of pure speech where all are calling on the name of the Lord. There is also painted a picture of generosity, humility, meekness, joy, singing, celebration, healing, praise, and fortune. Zephaniah also describes an end to failures, arrogance, rebellion, dispersion, lies, wrongdoing, and fear. Following a terrifying warning for God’s people to repent, this wonderful image of restoration leaves the reader with great hope.

The Bible is full of stern reminders of God’s expectation of holiness among His people, but it is always chased by a beautiful and redemptive reminder of His promise to restore all things and the hope that this promise offers to those who repent of their wicked ways and hope in Christ.

Spend some time today asking God to work out the message of Zephaniah’s prophecy in your own heart, to confront you with His holiness and a rebuke of the sin in your life, and to follow that with a reminder of the hope that belongs to all who trust in Christ for the restoration of their soul—and ultimately, all things in the heavens and the earth.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will make everything right.

• Younger Preschool: Zephaniah told the people about a special day when God will punish sin and Jesus will return. Jesus will make everything right.

• Older Preschool: Zephaniah told the people about a special day when God will punish sin and Jesus will return. Jesus will make everything right.

• Kids: Zephaniah prophesied about the Day of the Lord—a day when God will judge the world for its sin and Jesus Christ will return. Jesus will make everything like new, and everyone who trusts in Him will be safe.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is choosing to stop making wrong choices and choosing Jesus.

• Older Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

• Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Turn away from your wrong choices. Acts 3:19

• Younger Preschool: Turn away from your wrong choices. Acts 3:19

• Older Preschool: “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19

• Kids: “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19

** Next week: We Are to Repent of Sin (Matthew 3)

Isaiah Warned of God’s Judgment (Isaiah 22; 48)

Dear families,

The judgment of God can be found all through the Bible among people who turned from God to their own ways and sought to make a name for themselves or, at the very least, to satisfy themselves at the cost of their disobedience.

In Isaiah 22, we find a warning from God regarding the selfish ambitions and pursuits of God’s people. Though many strong, knee-shaking statements are made by God in this rebuke, one statement captures the heart of the rebellion of God’s people: “You made a reservoir between the walls for the water of the ancient pool, but you did not look to the one who made it or consider the one who created it long ago” (v. 11).

God’s people had set their hope in themselves and forgotten the Maker and Sustainer of all the good that had come to them. God was reminding them that every ounce of provision, every victory won, and every bit of directional clarity had come from Him. God was rebuking them for neglecting to remember that He was the one behind it all.

We are easily blinded by pride. After all, when we experience great accomplishments, unlikely victories, and significant provisions, it is difficult to not assume our own great work. But, as God reminds in Isaiah 22:23-25, He is the one who raises up and tears down leaders. And in Isaiah 48:11, He will not share His glory with another. Finally, as Isaiah 48:17-18 reminds us, He teaches us the way we should go, if only we would listen.

God is the author of all that is good in our lives, God is the giver of all that is good in our lives, and God is the sustainer of all that we need. When we believe the lie that it is any other way, we deceive ourselves. But when we embrace the reality of God’s goodness and provision, we will find great rest and hope. We will walk more humbly and confidently through the mountains and the valleys of life, knowing from whom every good and every perfect gift comes.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be safe from judgment.

• Younger Preschool: God sent Isaiah to warn the people of Judah. A day is coming when God will judge sin one last time. Everyone who repents of sin and trusts in Jesus will be safe from judgment.

• Older Preschool: God sent Isaiah to warn the people of Judah. A bigger day of judgment is coming when God will judge sin one last time. Jesus came to rescue sinners. Everyone who repents of sin and trusts in Jesus will be safe from judgment and have life with Him forever.

• Kids: God sent Isaiah to warn of His coming judgment. A greater day of judgment is coming when God will judge sin for a final time. Jesus came to die on the cross and rise again. Everyone who repents of sin and trusts in Jesus will be safe from God’s judgment and have eternal life.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is choosing to stop making wrong choices and choosing Jesus.

• Older Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

• Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Turn away from your wrong choices. Acts 3:19

• Younger Preschool: Turn away from your wrong choices. Acts 3:19

• Older Preschool: “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19

• Kids: “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19

** Next week: Zephaniah Warned God’s People to Repent (Zephaniah)

Joash Wanted to Obey God (2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24)

Dear families,

Judah’s King Joash became king at age 7. He redirected all silver that was given at the temple to the workers rebuilding the temple rather than to the priests, and his servants conspired against him, ultimately killing him while traveling on a road trip. Over his 40-year reign, it seems that both Joash’s experiences and influence were significant.

People who do significant things are often remembered for their accomplishments, their victories over powerful enemies, and other prominent moments recorded when people likely stood in awe of their wisdom or greatness. But one incredible detail about King Joash is how he is described in 2 Kings 12:2: “Throughout the time the priest Jehoiada instructed him, Joash did what was right in the LORD’s sight.”

Of all of his great feats and brilliant decisions, Joash was faithful when he listened to the counsel that God had put in his life.

Isn’t this true of all of us? When we listen to the wisdom of the people God has strategically placed in our lives, we are equipped to make better decisions. When God gives us opportunities to lead, though there may be a temptation to lean on our own insight or abilities alone, we will be far better equipped when we use the peripheral resources that God knows we need and thus has provided.

Often, the only thing that would prevent us from listening to and receiving the counsel of those wise people that God has put around us is our own pride. It can be a real shot to our self-reliance to listen to the insight of others as we are navigating different situations in our lives. Especially those that we are seen as the leader. But God has placed those people in our lives for a particular purpose.

God doesn’t ever put us in situations without the resources to walk through them. And often the form that those resources take is the wise counsel of those around us. So, look up, see the people whom God has placed around you, and seek their wisdom, trusting that God often speaks to us through other people.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: When we trust in Jesus, He helps us want to live for Him.

• Younger Preschool: Joash wanted to obey God. He did what was right at first, but then he turned away from God because of sin. When we trust in Jesus, He helps us want to live for Him.

• Older Preschool: Joash wanted to obey God. He did what was right at first, but then he turned away from God because of the sin in his heart. Jesus wants to change our hearts. When we trust in Jesus, He gives us new hearts that want to live for Him.

• Kids: Joash wanted to obey God. He honored God at first, but in time, his actions showed that there was still sin in his heart. Jesus wants to change our hearts. When we trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, He gives us new hearts that want to live for His glory.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is choosing to stop making wrong choices and choosing Jesus.

• Older Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

• Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Turn away from your wrong choices. Acts 3:19

• Younger Preschool: Turn away from your wrong choices. Acts 3:19

• Older Preschool: “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19

• Kids: “Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” Acts 3:19

** Next week: Isaiah Warned of God’s Judgment (Isaiah 22; 48)

We Are to Worship God Alone (Isaiah 44)

Dear families,

Many agree that sin is often, if not always, contrived from selfish ambitions. We can see how our actions, thoughts, and words that disregard God’s instructions for our lives develop from our desire for more, better, or different than what we currently have. Our sin is a statement that we believe that our ways are better than God’s and that we ultimately know better than Him.

The implications of our selfishness in sin don't stop there. They don’t only disregard God’s instruction, God’s authority, and God’s design for us. They don’t only seek our own pleasure and comfort. Our sinful actions, thoughts, and words also tell a story to those around us of what we believe is most important and where we find direction for our lives.

Sin is always problematic and self-serving, but it also has an impact on others far greater than our circumstances often reflect.

When we build or follow an idol (something we put in the place of God), we are actually confusing the world around us. Our desire for something else to take the place of God in our lives.

Isaiah 44:9 reads, “All who make idols are nothing, and what they treasure benefits no one. Their witnesses do not see or know anything, so they will be put to shame.”

Our love of things other than God testifies to the world around us that God is not good enough, that He does not satisfy, and that He won’t do what He says He will do. For an ambassador of Christ, this is not the message the dying world should hear from us.

The next time you think that your love of something other than God is just a personal problem, reconsider how it may very well be proclaiming to those around you a gospel of hopelessness. And remember that God does satisfy, He is enough, and He always does what He says He will do.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: We are to worship only God. God sent Jesus to save us from our sins.

• Younger Preschool: We are to worship only God. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and save us from our sins. We can turn from our sin and celebrate because God saves.

• Older Preschool: We are to worship only God. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and save us from our sins. We can turn from our sin and celebrate because God saves.

• Kids: God alone is worthy of our worship. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and save us from our sins. We can turn from our idolatry and evil ways to rejoice in the God who saves.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What is idolatry? Idolatry is loving something else more than God.

• Older Preschool: What is idolatry? Idolatry is loving something else more than God.

• Kids: What is idolatry? Idolatry is a sin of the heart in which we love and value something else above God.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Love the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 6:5

• Younger Preschool: Love the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 6:5

• Older Preschool: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

• Kids: “Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5

** Next week: Joash Wanted to Obey God (2 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 24)

Elisha Performed Miracles (2 Kings 4–6)

Dear families,

Miracles are often found in Scripture as a means of God doing what nature cannot explain to show His own power and authority over all things. This portion of 2 Kings 4–6 is no different. But these miracles don’t just teach us about God; they also demonstrate our human nature—to doubt when circumstances appear to leave us with little to no control.

Many of the miracles performed by Elisha in 2 Kings 4–6 come in moments when the human dilemmas of sin, death, fear, worry, and lack are realized and people are overtaken with doubt.

Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever felt as if your back was against the wall, your limits had been reached, and there was no way and no reason for hope in a particular situation? If so, you’re not alone. We all have moments when it seems as if we’re done and there’s no way out.

The reason we all experience these things is because we are humans. Our limitedness leaves us lacking and in moments where that lack prevents us from saving ourselves, we cannot help but feel doubtful.

But God.

It is often in these moments that we are reminded of just how self-reliant we tend to be and just how God-dependent we truly are.

God in these moments of doubt becomes our only hope, our beacon, our help. And though we ought to have some sense of confidence in this all the time, the reality is that we often lose sight of how deeply we need the Lord until He is our only way out.

What if we lived dependent on God to this degree all the time? What if we lived knowing that our only hope was God’s provision, even when it doesn’t feel like we need it? What if we saw that even our own ability to find a way out of a dire situation was a gift from Him?

The mystery that God wants to make known to those around us is this: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). Is your confidence so firm in the Lord as provider and sustainer that it demonstrates the hope of Christ to those around you? If not, be reminded today that He isn’t just your help from time to time, but your only hope time and time again.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: Jesus’ miracles show that He is the Son of God.

• Younger Preschool: Elisha’s miracles showed that he was a prophet of God. Jesus’ miracles show that He is the Son of God.

• Older Preschool: Elisha’s miracles showed that he was a prophet of the one true God. In a greater way, Jesus’ miracles show that He is the true Son of God.

• Kids: Elisha’s miracles showed that he was a prophet of the one true God and that God’s words were true. In a greater way, Jesus’ miracles show that He is the true Son of God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: What is idolatry? Idolatry is loving something else more than God.

• Older Preschool: What is idolatry? Idolatry is loving something else more than God.

• Kids: What is idolatry? Idolatry is a sin of the heart in which we love and value something else above God.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Love the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 6:5

• Younger Preschool: Love the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 6:5

• Older Preschool: “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

• Kids: “Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5

** Next week: We Are to Worship God Alone (Isaiah 44)