Every 6th and 13th lesson, we pause to remember and celebrate, just as God instructed His people to do.
Old Testament Significance
Several times a year the Israelites gathered together for a feast or festival. In Leviticus 23, “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 feasts and 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). In addition, the Israelites would gather weekly to celebrate the Sabbath. These were times to remember what God had done for His people and to celebrate His goodness. They were a time for the entire faith community to gather together without the burden of work to simply worship and celebrate. During the feasts, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God.
New Testament Significance
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 anticipated the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice, and finally, the Feast of Tabernacles begins the journey to our new home in a new heaven and new earth.
Festival of Jubilee
This week we are highlighting the festival of Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee occurred once every 50 years, after seven Sabbatical years. It was a consecrated year set aside to proclaim liberty and restoration for all of the inhabitants of the land. Debts were forgiven, and those who had sold themselves to settle a debt were set free. God reminds His people that He is their Provider. Therefore, He commands His people to provide for the redemption of land and housing that was lost due to poverty or other circumstances such as these.
For more information on biblical feasts and festivals, visit http://www.shamar.org/articles/
godsplan.php; http://www.maranathalife.com/teaching/jew-hol.htm.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Parenting Moment
I experienced a parenting Ah ha this morning that I want to share with you.
My wife has been helping paint an amazing mural in our nursery area, and today she and the boys were going to ride into the church office with me. As we were waiting for her to finish getting ready, my oldest son asked if we could work on memorizing his memory verse. I of course said yes! We had been waiting on him to approach us with this!
So Rance and I sat on the couch and within minutes he was starting to quote all of 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" It was amazing to me to listen to this 7 year old, who is still learning English to be putting to memory God's Word!
We then got loaded in the van and drove the 15 minutes to the church. The entire time, Rance was talking about all sorts of things like he normally does. Never in that 15 minutes did he mention the memory verse, so I thought we would have to relearn it this evening. However, as we were walking back to the nursery, Rance started quoting the memory verse again!
He had hidden God's word in his heart in only a few short minutes. He may not fully understand what the verse means, but do we really know what it is like to be a new creation? Do we really live like we are a new creation in Christ? I saw right there in my son that God is already working in Rance to make him into a new creation!
I am so excited that he loves to read his Bible and put God's Word in his heart. Just yesterday, Rance started reading his Bible to his little brother, you can't beat that! Big brother leading the way to following Christ!
My wife has been helping paint an amazing mural in our nursery area, and today she and the boys were going to ride into the church office with me. As we were waiting for her to finish getting ready, my oldest son asked if we could work on memorizing his memory verse. I of course said yes! We had been waiting on him to approach us with this!
So Rance and I sat on the couch and within minutes he was starting to quote all of 2 Corinthians 5:17 which says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" It was amazing to me to listen to this 7 year old, who is still learning English to be putting to memory God's Word!
We then got loaded in the van and drove the 15 minutes to the church. The entire time, Rance was talking about all sorts of things like he normally does. Never in that 15 minutes did he mention the memory verse, so I thought we would have to relearn it this evening. However, as we were walking back to the nursery, Rance started quoting the memory verse again!
He had hidden God's word in his heart in only a few short minutes. He may not fully understand what the verse means, but do we really know what it is like to be a new creation? Do we really live like we are a new creation in Christ? I saw right there in my son that God is already working in Rance to make him into a new creation!
I am so excited that he loves to read his Bible and put God's Word in his heart. Just yesterday, Rance started reading his Bible to his little brother, you can't beat that! Big brother leading the way to following Christ!
Upcoming!!!
Its that time again, school has started! This also means a shift in what your kids are learning is coming too!
Right now in KidQuest, we have finished out study through the book of Acts and in the next two weeks we will be lookingn at cellebrating our future with Jesus and our jobs to spread his word. In FirstLook we are filling some time with famous Old Testament stories like Jonah and Esther.
Well in September we are going to flip our Bibles back to the beginning! From September 2011 to August 2012 we will once again walk through the story of the Bible or like we call it GOD's BIG STORY!
We are so excited about this and we are praying that your kids will begin to see that God's story is huge and that it includes them!
So keep your eyes and ears open because we will soon be talking about God's creation again!
Right now in KidQuest, we have finished out study through the book of Acts and in the next two weeks we will be lookingn at cellebrating our future with Jesus and our jobs to spread his word. In FirstLook we are filling some time with famous Old Testament stories like Jonah and Esther.
Well in September we are going to flip our Bibles back to the beginning! From September 2011 to August 2012 we will once again walk through the story of the Bible or like we call it GOD's BIG STORY!
We are so excited about this and we are praying that your kids will begin to see that God's story is huge and that it includes them!
So keep your eyes and ears open because we will soon be talking about God's creation again!
August 21 in KidQuest and FirstLook
KidQuest
Jesus was with God from the beginning. When Jesus came to earth, He made Himself nothing. He became a servant. He relinquished His glorious state in heaven and instead took on human flesh. He was
humble and meek and obedient. One of the images that most vividly portrayed Jesus’ humility was His choice to enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
The Israelites longed for a day when their Messiah would appear. Their hope of the Messiah was central to their existence. But contrary to prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 that described the Messiah as “gentle and riding on a donkey,” they yearned for God to send a messiah who was strong, militarily. They expected a great king who would destroy their enemies in war. They waited for a messiah who would ride on horseback. But, of course, Jesus chose to ride a donkey. By doing this, He foreshadowed that His salvation would come by way of peace.
But the story doesn’t end there. The Son of God wasn’t clothed in modesty forever. In Revelation 19, we see a picture of our Savior riding on a white horse. In the Roman world, white symbolized victory. And we read in Revelation that God will ultimately have victory and reign as not only a military King, but also King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
When this time comes, we will see Jesus in all of His glory. He will be clothed in the majesty that He gave up for our sake. At the end of time, when God is victorious, we will see Jesus for who He is: the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. And we will know our true identity, too—children, heirs, worshippers of the King of Kings.
Just for fun, before you read The Big God Story this week, give your children some paper and crayons. Then, read together the account of Jesus coming back in revelation 1:5–18, 19:11–16, and 21:1–7, 10–23. Think of some questions that reflect on what you just read such as, “What kinds of things does God say will happen in heaven?” or “Why is there no sun or moon in heaven?”
When you have finished, invite your kids to draw a picture of what they imagine heaven will be like. Encourage them to tell you about their picture. Explain to them that, while none of us know exactly what heaven will be like, we do know we will be with God forever. It will be exciting to get there one day and discover exactly what it really is like!
Share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they will hear more in church this week about how God is the beginning and the end. Close your time together by praying and thanking God for being a victorious God who invites all of His children to join Him in heaven!
FirstLook
In The Big God Story, we see a theme repeated: God has been saving His people throughout history. In the book of Esther, there are many exciting details that make it a triumphant story. None is as amazing as the way God wove every event together to bring about His plan—His desired outcome.
After a falling-out between King Xerxes and Queen Vashti, the king commanded a search be made among all the young virgins (women of marrying age) in every region of his empire for the woman who would take Vashti’s place as queen. A young Jewish woman from Susa named Esther won the favor of the king and was crowned queen in place of Vashti. Esther continued to gain favor not only with the king, but with everyone she met.
Through a series of events, Haman, one of the king’s officials, devised a plan to wipe out all the Jewish people. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin (and the man who had raised her), implored her to act on behalf of her people and beg the king for mercy. Esther’s first response was one of fear and apprehension. Mordecai responded with a reminder for Esther of who she was. “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13–14).
Esther realized what needed to be done and went before the king. God went before Esther and the king gave her everything she asked. The Jewish people were saved and God preserved The Promise within the line of Judah.
This week, JUST FOR FUN, during mealtime read to your children the biblical account of God saving His people in Esther 8:3–6 and 16–17. Explain to them that the Jewish people feasted and celebrated when they were saved. Encourage them to act out the celebrating and joyous shouts the Jewish people must have made as they feasted.
After you’ve finished reading, think of questions that reflect on the passage, such as, “What did Esther ask the king to do?” or “How did the Jewish people feel when God saved them?”
Tell your children that what they just heard is true and part of The Big God Story in the Bible. They’ll hear more at church this week about how God is a God who saves and protects His people. Come together as a family to pray and thank God for the way He chooses us to complete His plans, loving and caring for us every day.
Jesus was with God from the beginning. When Jesus came to earth, He made Himself nothing. He became a servant. He relinquished His glorious state in heaven and instead took on human flesh. He was
humble and meek and obedient. One of the images that most vividly portrayed Jesus’ humility was His choice to enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
The Israelites longed for a day when their Messiah would appear. Their hope of the Messiah was central to their existence. But contrary to prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 that described the Messiah as “gentle and riding on a donkey,” they yearned for God to send a messiah who was strong, militarily. They expected a great king who would destroy their enemies in war. They waited for a messiah who would ride on horseback. But, of course, Jesus chose to ride a donkey. By doing this, He foreshadowed that His salvation would come by way of peace.
But the story doesn’t end there. The Son of God wasn’t clothed in modesty forever. In Revelation 19, we see a picture of our Savior riding on a white horse. In the Roman world, white symbolized victory. And we read in Revelation that God will ultimately have victory and reign as not only a military King, but also King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
When this time comes, we will see Jesus in all of His glory. He will be clothed in the majesty that He gave up for our sake. At the end of time, when God is victorious, we will see Jesus for who He is: the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. And we will know our true identity, too—children, heirs, worshippers of the King of Kings.
Just for fun, before you read The Big God Story this week, give your children some paper and crayons. Then, read together the account of Jesus coming back in revelation 1:5–18, 19:11–16, and 21:1–7, 10–23. Think of some questions that reflect on what you just read such as, “What kinds of things does God say will happen in heaven?” or “Why is there no sun or moon in heaven?”
When you have finished, invite your kids to draw a picture of what they imagine heaven will be like. Encourage them to tell you about their picture. Explain to them that, while none of us know exactly what heaven will be like, we do know we will be with God forever. It will be exciting to get there one day and discover exactly what it really is like!
Share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they will hear more in church this week about how God is the beginning and the end. Close your time together by praying and thanking God for being a victorious God who invites all of His children to join Him in heaven!
FirstLook
In The Big God Story, we see a theme repeated: God has been saving His people throughout history. In the book of Esther, there are many exciting details that make it a triumphant story. None is as amazing as the way God wove every event together to bring about His plan—His desired outcome.
After a falling-out between King Xerxes and Queen Vashti, the king commanded a search be made among all the young virgins (women of marrying age) in every region of his empire for the woman who would take Vashti’s place as queen. A young Jewish woman from Susa named Esther won the favor of the king and was crowned queen in place of Vashti. Esther continued to gain favor not only with the king, but with everyone she met.
Through a series of events, Haman, one of the king’s officials, devised a plan to wipe out all the Jewish people. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin (and the man who had raised her), implored her to act on behalf of her people and beg the king for mercy. Esther’s first response was one of fear and apprehension. Mordecai responded with a reminder for Esther of who she was. “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:13–14).
Esther realized what needed to be done and went before the king. God went before Esther and the king gave her everything she asked. The Jewish people were saved and God preserved The Promise within the line of Judah.
This week, JUST FOR FUN, during mealtime read to your children the biblical account of God saving His people in Esther 8:3–6 and 16–17. Explain to them that the Jewish people feasted and celebrated when they were saved. Encourage them to act out the celebrating and joyous shouts the Jewish people must have made as they feasted.
After you’ve finished reading, think of questions that reflect on the passage, such as, “What did Esther ask the king to do?” or “How did the Jewish people feel when God saved them?”
Tell your children that what they just heard is true and part of The Big God Story in the Bible. They’ll hear more at church this week about how God is a God who saves and protects His people. Come together as a family to pray and thank God for the way He chooses us to complete His plans, loving and caring for us every day.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A Question for Parents
As a young parent, I have the desire to do a good job raising my children, actually I want to be the best parent in the world, that is just how I am wired. I want people to look at my kids and say, "WOW, what a great dad Matt is!"
This quest to be the best parent in the world led me to what I believe is the most important part of being a parent. The most important thing about being a parent is not to be a perfect parent with perfect kids but rather to pass on a vibrant and transforming faith. I decided I want my children to KNOW and HEAR God's voice and be able to discern it from all the other voices of the culture around the. I pray they will desire to bey Him when they HEAR his voice.
So then the question became, how do I do that? Leading my kids to have a vibrant faith in Christ is a huge task, what if I mess up and lead them away from Christ.
That is when I found a book called Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony. I passed it on to Joe as well, and we decided that we needed to share this great info with you. So on August 26, 27, Joe and I will be hosting a Spiritual Parenting Seminar at WCC.
The cost is only $15. This price includes your copy of Michelle's book, childcare, snacks, lunch on Saturday and some great wisdom from Matt, Joe and Michelle Anthony.
We look forward to you joining us. You can register by going to www.wentzvillecc.org/parenting or sign up in the church foyer.
This quest to be the best parent in the world led me to what I believe is the most important part of being a parent. The most important thing about being a parent is not to be a perfect parent with perfect kids but rather to pass on a vibrant and transforming faith. I decided I want my children to KNOW and HEAR God's voice and be able to discern it from all the other voices of the culture around the. I pray they will desire to bey Him when they HEAR his voice.
So then the question became, how do I do that? Leading my kids to have a vibrant faith in Christ is a huge task, what if I mess up and lead them away from Christ.
That is when I found a book called Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony. I passed it on to Joe as well, and we decided that we needed to share this great info with you. So on August 26, 27, Joe and I will be hosting a Spiritual Parenting Seminar at WCC.
The cost is only $15. This price includes your copy of Michelle's book, childcare, snacks, lunch on Saturday and some great wisdom from Matt, Joe and Michelle Anthony.
We look forward to you joining us. You can register by going to www.wentzvillecc.org/parenting or sign up in the church foyer.
August 14 in KidQuest and FirstLook
The Bible is rich in examples of how God has been saving His people throughout all history. Take a look at Jonah, a prophet of God, who was given a message to take to the Gentile people of Nineveh. God said, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2).
But Jonah ran from the Lord because he was aware of the purposes behind God’s message. It seems strange that a prophet of God would flee from His clear commands—especially when the goal of the message was to bring repentance and grace to its recipients. Israel was gaining strength and enjoying their favored relationship with God. However, in this time of reprieve, the people were becoming complacent.
This complacency seems to have allowed the people to forget the call upon their nation by the Lord God. It is possible Jonah’s response was reflective of the heart of the Israelite people. Perhaps he was jealous for the relationship his people had with God and did not relish the thought of the Lord extending grace and compassion toward the enemies of Israel.
Scripture tells us a storm came when Jonah was on the boat. To solve the problems it was causing the crew, Jonah was tossed overboard. God sent a great fish to save Jonah by swallowing him alive—allowing him to contemplate his actions and turn his attention once again to the Lord. Jonah went to Nineveh and gave the message God commanded. After hearing and believing his message, the people repented and were shown grace and mercy by the Lord.
This week, JUST FOR FUN, read the biblical account of God sending Jonah to Nineveh in Jonah 1:1–6, 11–12, and 15–17 during your child’s bath time. Allow her to splash and create a “storm” in the bathtub. When you read about Jonah being swallowed by a fish, ask your child to imagine what it must have been like to be inside a giant fish.
When you’ve finished reading, think of questions that reflect on the passage, such as, “What did Jonah do when God told him to go to Nineveh?” or “What happened once Jonah was thrown overboard?”
Share with your children that what they just heard is true and a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear more at church this week about how God shows His mercy and grace. Close your time by praying and thanking God for being a strong and powerful God who wants to save us.
Paul was a Pharisee, and Pharisees were some of the most revered men in Jewish society. In fact, the word Pharisee means, “set apart.” Paul received his Pharisaic training from a famous “Rabban,” a title which only seven Jewish teachers received. Paul’s father was also a Pharisee. So Paul’s training and his Pharisaic lineage gave him an important identity in an already important Jewish community.
Paul was also born a Roman citizen. Citizenship to Rome was coveted during Paul’s time because Rome was a powerful empire. Many people paid large sums of money to procure the status of a Roman citizen, and all the rights therein.
Paul proclaimed in his letter to the Ephesians that he “became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace” (Ephesians 3:7). He gloried in his new identity as a child of God.
Throughout his ministry, Paul suffered. He endured public humiliation, years of time in jail, a shipwreck, death threats, and more, but endured it all with joy because he knew the adventure of life with Christ was worth it. He knew the identities he had received from the world could never compare to his identity in Christ.
Just for fun, gather your kids together this week, and tell them you are going to share about an adventure at sea Paul had while he was following Jesus. As you read this part of The Big God Story, found in Acts 27:27–43, encourage your children to close their eyes and imagine what the shipwreck must have been like. Ask them to tell you how they think Paul felt being on that boat during such a violent storm. Remind them that the storm lasted for 14 days; and during that time, Paul could not see the sun or the stars. Ask them what they might have done if they had been there. Think of some other questions that reflect on what you just read such as, “Why did Paul tell everyone to eat?” or “What happened when the ship struck land?”
Remind your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story, and they will hear more in church this week about how God calls us to a life of adventure. Close your time by praying and asking God to reveal to each of you the adventures and journeys He has in store as you follow Him.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
ParentLink August 2011
Here is the August edition of ParentLink. There are multiple ways to watch/listen to this great parent resource.
- Subscribe to the podcast via iTunes
- Watch/Listen just below
- Listen/Subscribe on the WCC ParentLink website
- Listen/Watch on the KidQuest Facebook Page
August Parenting Resources
With the turn of a new month, we also turn the pages on our parenting resources. Here is a quick overview of the August parenting resources you will find when you go to the Parent Resource page on the WCC website.
HomeFront Monthly -- HomeFront Monthly is a resource to be used at home that coincides with what is being taught every weekend in KidQuest and FirstLook. 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.\
- Identity Focus -- This environment highlights who we are in Christ. According to Ephesians 1, we have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, sealed, and given and inheritance in Christ. This conviction allows children to stand firm against the counter-identities the world will offer to bring them destruction.
- Verses of the Month
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (elementary)
- Ephesians 1:4 (preschool)
Family Currents -- a quick newsletter type resource that gives you very practical spiritual conversation starters
- Practical Tips for praying for your child
- Heart Prep for Home
- Vampires, Werewolves and Wizards
- Sharing Jesus
ParentLink (available on Tuesday 8/2
You are the greatest influence in your child’s life. And here’s some great news, you’re also not the only influence your child needs. This month’s ParentLink talks about how to look for other trusted adults who can influence your child and help you “Widen the Circle.” You can also subscribe to this podcast via iTunes and play it on your iPod or in your homeplaylist. Click here to download from the iTunes store.
***NEW*** -- Family Fun Activities
These are some fun, printable, activities for you and your kids to do together. They provide a great starting point for you to help nurture your child on their spiritual journey.
All of these resources can be found on the Parents' Resource page on the WCC website.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Words from Other Children's Pastors
I came across this video today about what Children's Ministers across the country are saying about families spending time together and relating those times to our kids' walk with Christ.
There are some great words in here for you as a parent! Listen to what the pros say about your children.
There are some great words in here for you as a parent! Listen to what the pros say about your children.
August 7 in KidQuest and FirstLook
While the adults will be celebrating the past 50 years of Wentzville Christian Church, here is what your elementary (KidQuest) and preschool (FirstLook) students will be learning about! But first, let me introduce you to the new memory verse and remind you that the newest editions of HomeFront Monthly and Family Currents are available for download now, by clicking here.
Be sure to look today for other fun family activities on our website.
KidQuest
Paul wanted the Ephesians to know that they were God’s own. In chapter one of his letter, he encouraged them to rejoice in their identity. In chapter two, he asked them to remember where they came from (what they had been saved from). In chapters three through five, he encouraged them to live as “children of light”—to live up to the calling they had received. In the sixth chapter, he asked them to remember that the enemy would try to break them down, destroy the unity of the body of Christ, and make them stray from the glorious calling they have received in Christ.
Because of the Roman fascination with Greek culture, Ephesus was Hellenized (turned Greek) under Roman rule. Temples dedicated to Greek gods were built, and much of Greek culture and philosophy was incorporated into Ephesian life. The Ephesians believed that the Greek goddess Artemis presided over theatre, athletics, and even banking. Her temple was so opulent that it was one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Because they were surrounded by Greek customs, the Ephesians were well rooted in the lifestyle and culture of pagan worship. Adherents to the cult of Artemis practiced magic, prostitution, and conjuring of mystical visions. The Ephesian Christians would have to constantly be on guard so that their minds and hearts did not stray back to their pagan origins.
God gave Paul the words to speak the truth about who we are in Christ: “dearly loved children” chosen “before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Ephesians 1:4). These words not only spoke to the Ephesian church, but also resonate today. It is still astounding that through Christ we are children of light, able to “live as children of light.”
Just for fun, take a few minutes this week to read Ephesians 1:1–11 to your kids before they go to school. Make a list of all the things the Ephesians were blessed with in Christ. Explain to your children that in Christ we are blessed, too. Have each person circle the blessing that means the most to her right now.
Now reread verses 3–11 to your children, substituting their names wherever the passage reads “us” or “we.” Remind them that as they go about their day, no matter what anyone else says, their identity is as a chosen and beloved child of God.
Share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story, and they will hear more in church this week about how God calls us His own. Close your time by praying and thanking God for giving each of you the identity of being His chosen child.
FirstLook
Scripture tells us the Persian officials serving under King Darius were looking for ways to bring Daniel to his demise. They went before the king requesting an edict: Prayers to any god or gods would need to be channeled through the king. Knowing Daniel was faithful to the law of his God, the satraps (Persian officials Daniel oversaw) believed he would immediately violate this law and could then be put to death.
The king tried everything he could to save Daniel, but he was unable to reverse the edict. “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you,” the king told Daniel just before he was thrown into the pit of lions. Daniel spent the night there. The king was so deeply disturbed that he was unable to eat or sleep. As soon as morning came, King Darius rushed to the place where Daniel had been placed. To his delight, he found Daniel alive with not one mark on his body. The king called for the officials who had falsely accused Daniel. He had them, along with their wives and children, executed.
King Darius then blessed Daniel and proclaimed praise to the one true God, saying, “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. ‘For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions’” (Daniel 6:26–27).
In the face of great opposition, Daniel did not waver from who he was. He was a follower of the Most High God. This relationship superseded any human law or decree. Daniel trusted what was true. God is the living God.
This week, JUST FOR FUN, read the biblical account of Daniel and the lions’ den in Daniel 6:10–12, 16–23 right before bedtime. Share with your children that you’re going to read a part of The Big God Story where someone had to stay overnight in a scary place, and God protected him.
After you’ve read the passage, reflect on what you just read with questions like, “Do you think Daniel was afraid?” or “Who shut the mouths of the lions?” or “Do you remember a time when you were afraid and God protected you?”
Share with your children that what they just heard is true and part of The Big God Story in the Bible. Tell them they’ll hear more at church this week about how we can trust in our one true God. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and thank God for being our living God, who is always listening to our prayers.
Be sure to look today for other fun family activities on our website.
KidQuest
Paul wanted the Ephesians to know that they were God’s own. In chapter one of his letter, he encouraged them to rejoice in their identity. In chapter two, he asked them to remember where they came from (what they had been saved from). In chapters three through five, he encouraged them to live as “children of light”—to live up to the calling they had received. In the sixth chapter, he asked them to remember that the enemy would try to break them down, destroy the unity of the body of Christ, and make them stray from the glorious calling they have received in Christ.
Because of the Roman fascination with Greek culture, Ephesus was Hellenized (turned Greek) under Roman rule. Temples dedicated to Greek gods were built, and much of Greek culture and philosophy was incorporated into Ephesian life. The Ephesians believed that the Greek goddess Artemis presided over theatre, athletics, and even banking. Her temple was so opulent that it was one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Because they were surrounded by Greek customs, the Ephesians were well rooted in the lifestyle and culture of pagan worship. Adherents to the cult of Artemis practiced magic, prostitution, and conjuring of mystical visions. The Ephesian Christians would have to constantly be on guard so that their minds and hearts did not stray back to their pagan origins.
God gave Paul the words to speak the truth about who we are in Christ: “dearly loved children” chosen “before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (Ephesians 1:4). These words not only spoke to the Ephesian church, but also resonate today. It is still astounding that through Christ we are children of light, able to “live as children of light.”
Just for fun, take a few minutes this week to read Ephesians 1:1–11 to your kids before they go to school. Make a list of all the things the Ephesians were blessed with in Christ. Explain to your children that in Christ we are blessed, too. Have each person circle the blessing that means the most to her right now.
Now reread verses 3–11 to your children, substituting their names wherever the passage reads “us” or “we.” Remind them that as they go about their day, no matter what anyone else says, their identity is as a chosen and beloved child of God.
Share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story, and they will hear more in church this week about how God calls us His own. Close your time by praying and thanking God for giving each of you the identity of being His chosen child.
FirstLook
Scripture tells us the Persian officials serving under King Darius were looking for ways to bring Daniel to his demise. They went before the king requesting an edict: Prayers to any god or gods would need to be channeled through the king. Knowing Daniel was faithful to the law of his God, the satraps (Persian officials Daniel oversaw) believed he would immediately violate this law and could then be put to death.
The king tried everything he could to save Daniel, but he was unable to reverse the edict. “May your God, whom you continually serve, rescue you,” the king told Daniel just before he was thrown into the pit of lions. Daniel spent the night there. The king was so deeply disturbed that he was unable to eat or sleep. As soon as morning came, King Darius rushed to the place where Daniel had been placed. To his delight, he found Daniel alive with not one mark on his body. The king called for the officials who had falsely accused Daniel. He had them, along with their wives and children, executed.
King Darius then blessed Daniel and proclaimed praise to the one true God, saying, “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. ‘For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions’” (Daniel 6:26–27).
In the face of great opposition, Daniel did not waver from who he was. He was a follower of the Most High God. This relationship superseded any human law or decree. Daniel trusted what was true. God is the living God.
This week, JUST FOR FUN, read the biblical account of Daniel and the lions’ den in Daniel 6:10–12, 16–23 right before bedtime. Share with your children that you’re going to read a part of The Big God Story where someone had to stay overnight in a scary place, and God protected him.
After you’ve read the passage, reflect on what you just read with questions like, “Do you think Daniel was afraid?” or “Who shut the mouths of the lions?” or “Do you remember a time when you were afraid and God protected you?”
Share with your children that what they just heard is true and part of The Big God Story in the Bible. Tell them they’ll hear more at church this week about how we can trust in our one true God. Close your time by inviting your children to pray and thank God for being our living God, who is always listening to our prayers.
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