KidQuest
In 1 Corinthians 9:20–22, Paul declared, “To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law … so as to win those under the law … I have become all things to all men so that … I might save some.” Paul lived out this conviction when speaking to the Athenians at the Areopagus (Acts 17).
Paul was from the city of Tarsus—one of the foremost intellectual cities in the ancient world. Because of this, Paul was an intellectual match to the members of the Areopagus, who were mainly Epicureans and Stoics (ancient religious sects). He understood their history, literature, philosophy, and religion, and he used this knowledge to his advantage.
By declaring God is the Creator, Paul attacked the Epicurean and Stoic belief that nothing was created. By asserting that God rules over the world, Paul assailed the Epicureans’ belief that there might be a creator, but he does not interact with the world (v. 24). By quoting one of their poets, “In him we live and move and have our being” (v. 28), Paul refuted the Stoic belief that the divine lives within us. By “becoming” like a Stoic or an Epicurean, Paul strove to win these people to the cause of Christ.
Each of us, whom God has called to proclaim His truth to others, strive to become “All things to all men so that … [we] might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). We strive to tell the Truth that God wants to be known and can be known through faith in His Son, Jesus. We rely on the Truth that “God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21b).
Just for fun, this week invite your children to pretend they are Paul, and have them read Acts 17:22–31 to you while standing on a chair or a small stool. Explain to your children that Paul took a bold stand for God and taught many people in this passage. Afterward, think of a question that reflects on what they just read such as, “Who did the people of Athens build an idol to?” or “What kinds of things does Paul tell the people about God?”
Explain to them that there are situations in our lives when God wants us to be bold with His Truth. Talk to them about what some of these situations might be and what they might look like.
Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they will hear more at church this week about how God can be known. Close your time by praying and asking God for the courage and wisdom to proclaim His Truth when He needs you to.
FirstLook
God is able to protect even when our circumstances seem impossible. In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem and overtook the city (Daniel 1:1). He took items from the temple of God, people from the royal family, and the nobility of Judah with him back to Babylon. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among those who were taken away from their home and birthright.
Upon arriving in this pagan land, each was renamed. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They were to be educated in the Babylonian language, literature, and the ways of the empire in order to serve within the court of the king. Regardless of the food they ate, what their names were, or the pagan practices of this new society in which they were forced to be members, these young men would not be stripped of their knowledge of God and the truth of who He is. These young men knew from birth the calling on their lives to be and live as God’s people. Knowing God was primary to their lives. Every decision, every practice was based on their knowledge and relationship with God. Regardless of the consequences, these young men were not going to turn from what they knew was true and the God they worshipped.
Our children are facing a similar cultural climate. Society is continually rejecting the truth and knowledge of God. As we teach children the truth of who God is and as they know Him, they will be able to stand regardless of an environment that is hostile to the Lord. They will know what is true and that our God is able to protect them in any situation.
This week, JUST FOR FUN, we suggest building a fire with your children. You can build a fire in your fireplace, go outside and sit by a fire pit, or simply light a few candles. Then read to your children the biblical account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:12–14, 16–20, and 24–30.
After you’ve read the passage, encourage your children to look at the flames and describe them to you. Remind them how amazing it is that God could protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from being hurt at all when they were standing in the midst of flames. Think of a question that reflects on what you just read, such as, “Why was King Nebuchadnezzar mad at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?” or “Who was protecting them in the furnace?” Share with your children that God is always with us and He is able to protect us in all situations.
Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear more at church this week about how our God is able to protect. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and ask for God’s protection in the circumstances of their everyday lives.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 17 in KidQuest and FirstLook
This Month's Memory Verses:
They also embraced the symbol of the fish as a way of identifying their fellow Christian brothers and sisters from persecutors. At the time, Christianity had many connections to fish or fishing (for instance, Jesus used two fish to feed five thousand people, and He called His disciples to be fishers of men).
Historians tell us that upon meeting another person on a path, early Christians drew an arc in the sand with their toe. If the other completed the image of a fish by drawing a second arc, both were assured of their brotherhood. This gave them a sense of safety and camaraderie in the midst of great persecution. Early Christians also wrote the word ichthus (which means fish in Greek). The word ichthus formed an acrostic (a word composed by the first letter of several other words) that meant “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.”
Even today, the ichthus is an icon for the modern church, though now more commonly known as the “Jesus Fish.” It is still widely used to identify fellow brothers and sisters, the “Christ Ones,” who still spread the good news that God wants everyone to know Him.
Just for fun, find a place this week outside the front of your home (it could be the front yard, the front porch, the front of your apartment building, etc.) to read together the biblical account of the first Christians in Antioch in Acts 11:19–30. Then think of a question that reflects on what you just read, such as, “Who were these people telling the good news to?” or “Why were they called Christians?”
After you have finished, reread verse 29, and explain to your children the disciples’ hearts had been changed because they knew God. Out of that heart change came tangible actions that displayed God’s love. Look around your neighborhood, and talk about ways you
might be able to provide help to your neighbors.
Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story, and they will hear more at church this week about how God wants everyone to know Him. Spend some time praying for people who live in your neighborhood. Pray God would continue to show your family how to live out the good news and love your neighbors.
After three years, God revealed His plan to end the drought. Once again, the Lord sent Elijah to challenge King Ahab. The king was to gather the people of Israel and the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah (a Canaanite goddess) who associated with Queen Jezebel, and meet him on Mount Carmel. Elijah prayed, asking God to show the people that He was, in fact, the Lord Almighty. Scripture tells us that immediately God responded to Elijah’s prayer. The fire of the Lord fell down, consuming not only the sacrifice, but the wood, the stones, and the soil, and licking up every drop of water around the altar. When the people saw this, they fell on their faces professing that the Lord was God!
Elijah seized the false prophets of Baal and executed them. Then, God sent rain upon the parched land. Jezebel, after hearing all that had happened, made an oath to have Elijah killed. Elijah fled in fear. Elijah was tired and discouraged, and asked God to take his life. While he slept, God sent an angel to care for him. After his time of rest, Elijah journeyed to Mount Horeb, or the mountain of God (also referred to as Mount Sinai, where Moses met with God and was given the Law for the people). There, the Lord spoke to Elijah in a whisper. God spoke truth over Elijah and helped him to know Him and trust Him to be his safe place.
This week, just for fun, ask your children what their “safe spot” is in your home—the place where they feel most comforted and protected (for example, it could be their bed, your bed, a soft corner on the couch, etc.). At this “safe spot,” read together the biblical account of Elijah fleeing from Jezebel in 1 Kings 19:9–18.
After you’ve read the passage, explain to your kids that, just like they might feel safe in your bed or under their covers, Elijah was kept safe by God at the mountain. Ask them to share with you about things that are scary in their lives right now.
Tell your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear more at church this week about how God is their safe place. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and invite God into those scary places in their lives.
FirstLook -- Isaiah 6:3
"Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."KidQuest -- Romans 10:9
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."July 17 in KidQuest
The disciples were called “Christians” for the first time in Acts 11 (before this, they were known as followers of “The Way”). The word “Christian” came from the phrase, “Christ Ones.” The title was given to them by outsiders to identify (or perhaps mock) them. But early Christians felt the name was fitting and adopted it.They also embraced the symbol of the fish as a way of identifying their fellow Christian brothers and sisters from persecutors. At the time, Christianity had many connections to fish or fishing (for instance, Jesus used two fish to feed five thousand people, and He called His disciples to be fishers of men).
Historians tell us that upon meeting another person on a path, early Christians drew an arc in the sand with their toe. If the other completed the image of a fish by drawing a second arc, both were assured of their brotherhood. This gave them a sense of safety and camaraderie in the midst of great persecution. Early Christians also wrote the word ichthus (which means fish in Greek). The word ichthus formed an acrostic (a word composed by the first letter of several other words) that meant “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Savior.”
Even today, the ichthus is an icon for the modern church, though now more commonly known as the “Jesus Fish.” It is still widely used to identify fellow brothers and sisters, the “Christ Ones,” who still spread the good news that God wants everyone to know Him.
Just for fun, find a place this week outside the front of your home (it could be the front yard, the front porch, the front of your apartment building, etc.) to read together the biblical account of the first Christians in Antioch in Acts 11:19–30. Then think of a question that reflects on what you just read, such as, “Who were these people telling the good news to?” or “Why were they called Christians?”
After you have finished, reread verse 29, and explain to your children the disciples’ hearts had been changed because they knew God. Out of that heart change came tangible actions that displayed God’s love. Look around your neighborhood, and talk about ways you
might be able to provide help to your neighbors.
Share with your children that what they just heard is part of The Big God Story, and they will hear more at church this week about how God wants everyone to know Him. Spend some time praying for people who live in your neighborhood. Pray God would continue to show your family how to live out the good news and love your neighbors.
July 17 in FirstLook
The Lord sent His prophet Elijah to the evil King Ahab. His message was clear: Not one drop of rain or moisture would fall on the land until He sent word ending the drought. After Elijah delivered the message, the Lord sent him into hiding. He provided for Elijah by directing the ravens to bring him bread and meat.After three years, God revealed His plan to end the drought. Once again, the Lord sent Elijah to challenge King Ahab. The king was to gather the people of Israel and the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah (a Canaanite goddess) who associated with Queen Jezebel, and meet him on Mount Carmel. Elijah prayed, asking God to show the people that He was, in fact, the Lord Almighty. Scripture tells us that immediately God responded to Elijah’s prayer. The fire of the Lord fell down, consuming not only the sacrifice, but the wood, the stones, and the soil, and licking up every drop of water around the altar. When the people saw this, they fell on their faces professing that the Lord was God!
Elijah seized the false prophets of Baal and executed them. Then, God sent rain upon the parched land. Jezebel, after hearing all that had happened, made an oath to have Elijah killed. Elijah fled in fear. Elijah was tired and discouraged, and asked God to take his life. While he slept, God sent an angel to care for him. After his time of rest, Elijah journeyed to Mount Horeb, or the mountain of God (also referred to as Mount Sinai, where Moses met with God and was given the Law for the people). There, the Lord spoke to Elijah in a whisper. God spoke truth over Elijah and helped him to know Him and trust Him to be his safe place.
This week, just for fun, ask your children what their “safe spot” is in your home—the place where they feel most comforted and protected (for example, it could be their bed, your bed, a soft corner on the couch, etc.). At this “safe spot,” read together the biblical account of Elijah fleeing from Jezebel in 1 Kings 19:9–18.
After you’ve read the passage, explain to your kids that, just like they might feel safe in your bed or under their covers, Elijah was kept safe by God at the mountain. Ask them to share with you about things that are scary in their lives right now.
Tell your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear more at church this week about how God is their safe place. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and invite God into those scary places in their lives.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
New HomeFront Monthly Now Available (July)
HomeFront Monthly is a resource you will receive for parents every four weeks. This is a magazine-like publication stuffed with great ideas about how to create spiritually forming times in the home. It has articles and activities on everything from marriage to family, and food time to blessing. This resource is all about equipping parents with really practical ideas about how to create space for the Holy Spirit to spiritually form their kids.
HomeFront Monthly ties to the lessons and HomeFront Weekly through the common thread of the Environment. Therefore, there is only one HomeFront Monthly for both FirstLook and KidQuest with ideas for engaging both age levels. This is also where you will find the children’s remember verses. They will be learning one verse over four weeks to help them truly hide God’s Word in their hearts.
In this month's edition you will find great articles and activities about the environment of KNOWING.
- Family Food Time -- A Recipe for Beef & Bok Choy Stir Fry
- Game Time
- God's Word
- The "After Church" Question
- And a Great article on Marriage!
We live in a world that denies absolute Truth and yet God’s Word offers
just that. As we create an environment that upholds and displays God’s
Truth, we give children a foundation based on the knowledge of God, His
Word, and a relationship with Him through Christ.
just that. As we create an environment that upholds and displays God’s
Truth, we give children a foundation based on the knowledge of God, His
Word, and a relationship with Him through Christ.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
July 10 in KidQuest and FirstLook
I hope you had a happy 4th of July this past weekend! As we come off that celebration in our country, we are going to remember and celebrate a Jewish festival this week in KidQuest and FirstLook; here is a little bit more of a look into what your kids will be hearing about this weekend!
Several times a year the Israelites gathered together for a festival. In Leviticus 23:2, the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed feasts … which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” These seven festivals are: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths). They were times for the entire faith community to gather together to simply worship and celebrate. During the feasts and festivals, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God.
The Feast of Passover was fulfilled by the death of the Messiah, the Feast of Unleavened Bread was fulfilled by His sinless sacrifice, and the Festival of First Fruits was fulfilled by the resurrection of the Messiah. The Feast of Harvest began with a great harvest of three thousand souls by the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, who continues to harvest souls today. The Feast of Trumpets will announce Christ’s return, the Day of Atonement will usher in His judgment of the nations, and finally, the Feast of Tabernacles begins the journey to our new home in a new heaven and new earth.
FEAST OF TABERNACLES WILL BE OUR FOCUS THIS WEEKEND
This feast was celebrated to remember God’s blessings in the wilderness as well as His continued blessings in their lives. For seven days they lived in tents or temporary shelters that they decorated with colorful ornaments. The New Testament significance of this reminds us that this life is temporary, and all our lifelong dreams, hopes, and aspirations will one day be fulfilled in our future home and inheritance with Jesus.
JUST FOR FUN
During mealtime this week, ask your children to think about some things they know to be true about God (e.g., His love, His mercy, His righteousness). Then go around the table and have each person share.
Talk with your children about the festivals God’s people celebrated in the Bible and how they spent time together remembering and celebrating God’s goodness. Share with them that one way the Israelites remembered was by thanking God for His many blessings. Then, read Ephesians 5:2–21. After you have read this portion of Scripture, spend some time as a family praying and thanking God for His goodness, His everlasting grace, and for bringing us into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, in whom we receive redemption and forgiveness of our sins.
Remind your children that they will remember and celebrate God’s blessings with their friends at church this week.
Several times a year the Israelites gathered together for a festival. In Leviticus 23:2, the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed feasts … which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” These seven festivals are: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths). They were times for the entire faith community to gather together to simply worship and celebrate. During the feasts and festivals, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God.
The Feast of Passover was fulfilled by the death of the Messiah, the Feast of Unleavened Bread was fulfilled by His sinless sacrifice, and the Festival of First Fruits was fulfilled by the resurrection of the Messiah. The Feast of Harvest began with a great harvest of three thousand souls by the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, who continues to harvest souls today. The Feast of Trumpets will announce Christ’s return, the Day of Atonement will usher in His judgment of the nations, and finally, the Feast of Tabernacles begins the journey to our new home in a new heaven and new earth.
FEAST OF TABERNACLES WILL BE OUR FOCUS THIS WEEKEND
This feast was celebrated to remember God’s blessings in the wilderness as well as His continued blessings in their lives. For seven days they lived in tents or temporary shelters that they decorated with colorful ornaments. The New Testament significance of this reminds us that this life is temporary, and all our lifelong dreams, hopes, and aspirations will one day be fulfilled in our future home and inheritance with Jesus.
JUST FOR FUN
During mealtime this week, ask your children to think about some things they know to be true about God (e.g., His love, His mercy, His righteousness). Then go around the table and have each person share.
Talk with your children about the festivals God’s people celebrated in the Bible and how they spent time together remembering and celebrating God’s goodness. Share with them that one way the Israelites remembered was by thanking God for His many blessings. Then, read Ephesians 5:2–21. After you have read this portion of Scripture, spend some time as a family praying and thanking God for His goodness, His everlasting grace, and for bringing us into the kingdom of Jesus Christ, in whom we receive redemption and forgiveness of our sins.
Remind your children that they will remember and celebrate God’s blessings with their friends at church this week.
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