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Family Discipleship: Jesus as a Child

Dear Parents,

Our KidLife Preschool and Elementary Class are currently studying through the entire Bible while focusing on the Gospel. As they learn the incredible stories of Scripture, they’ll be taught how Christ is connected to all of it.

We have a deep desire to come along side you, the parent, and help you disciple your children. We want to help you teach them about God’s Word. Every week, we will send home information about the lesson your child learned. We also plan to include the lesson in our church program and post a weekly summary here, on the Grace Life Blog.

Take the time each day to go over what they learn, memorize the Scripture verse with them, and continue to show them Jesus. The greatest responsibility we have as parents is to disciple are kids and to show them how to follow Jesus. For more information on the importance of Family Discipleship, here’s a quick Facebook Live video or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

Want the weekly KidLife lesson recap and other blog post delivered right to your inbox? Be sure to signup to receive post from the Grace Life Blog.

Here is this week’s summary:

Jesus as a Child

Matthew 2; Luke 2

Story Point: Even as a child, Jesus wanted to do His Father’s plan.

Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

Christ Connection: God sent Jesus to earth with a purpose. Even as a child, Jesus wanted to honor God. God blessed Jesus as He got ready to follow His Father’s plan: to die on the cross and rescue people from sin.

Key Passage: John 1:1-2

Dear Parents,

The Gospel of Luke records just two narratives about Jesus’ childhood: His dedication (Luke 2:21-40) and His visit to the temple when He was 12 years old (Luke 2:41-52). The Gospel of Matthew includes another story: a visit from some wise men. These stories of Jesus as a child set the stage for Jesus’ ministry as an adult.

After Jesus was born, God put a star in the sky as a sign. Wise men from the east followed the star to Jerusalem, looking for a new king. They found Jesus, who was probably 1 or 2 years old, in Bethlehem and they worshiped Him as King. Later, Jesus and His family settled in Nazareth, where Jesus grew up.

In Bible times, a Jewish boy became a man at 13. His father would train him to take on all the responsibilities of adulthood—social and spiritual. Joseph was a carpenter, and he likely trained Jesus in his trade. When Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, Joseph might have taken Jesus, who was about 12, around the city to teach Him the significance of the temple and to explain the purpose of the Passover feast.

Jesus’ parents headed home after the feast. They assumed Jesus was among their traveling companions, but He wasn’t. Jesus had stayed behind at the temple. A full day passed before Mary and Joseph noticed Jesus was missing. They hurried back to Jerusalem and finally found Him at the temple. Jesus asked His mother, “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Mary and Joseph did not understand. But Jesus is God’s Son, and it was necessary that He honor His true Father. In all this, Jesus did not sin.

The Bible does not give many details about Jesus’ childhood, but we know that as Jesus got older, He grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people” (Luke 2:52). Jesus carried out God’s plan to reconcile the world to Himself. (2 Cor. 5:19)

God sent Jesus to earth with a purpose. Even as a child, Jesus wanted to honor God. God blessed Jesus as He got ready to follow His Father’s plan: to die on the cross and rescue people from sin.

Check this session’s Activity Page and Big Picture Card as well as the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

  • Babies and Toddlers
    • Jesus came to earth to do God’s plan.
    • There is no one like Jesus.
    • Jesus went to the temple to worship God.
    • Jesus knew all about God’s Word.
    • Jesus grew, and God was with Him.
  • Preschool
    • Jesus came to earth to do His Father’s plan.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
  • Kids
    • Even as a child, Jesus wanted to do His Father’s plan.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

John 1:1-2 (Preschool: John 1:1)

NEXT WEEK

“Jesus’ Baptism” (Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3; John 1)

Do not neglect to (virtually) meet together

The book of Acts is the historical account of the early church and how God used the church to take the Gospel to the nations. At the end of Peter’s Spirit-filled sermon on the day of Pentecost, 3,000 souls were added to the church. In Acts 2:42-47, we see the early church devoted to God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42–47)

From this text, we see the early church believers were committed not only to the Gospel, but to each other. They worshiped together, studied the Word together, ate together, and they served each other when there was a need. They were devoted to God and to each other because the Gospel of Jesus had brought them together. The church gathers together to worship the God who redeemed them through Jesus Christ.

The author of Hebrews writes on the importance of the gathering:

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24–25)

Our church functions on three distinct strategies that helps us make disciples who make disciples: Grow in the Gospel, Connect because of the Gospel, and Influence with the Gospel. Everything we do is guided by our strategy. So when we, along with the entire country, were called to practice “social distancing”, we had to find a new way to deliver on our strategy; especially when it came to connecting and gathering.

One of the key ways we connect is through weekly LifeGroups. These home groups gather to encourage one another, study the Word together, and pray together. If LifeGroups are a core component of our church, then what do we do when we cannot gather in homes? If we believe gathering is essential to the church, then we must find a way to continue gathering together.

Enter Zoom Video Conferencing. For the next few weeks, we will be gather with our LifeGroups virtually. We won’t leave our homes, but we’ll still meet to encourage, pray, and study the Word together. The early church attended the temple together, we’re going to zoom conference together. Social distancing does not mean isolation and if we believe community is essential for the Christian, then we must do everything we can to keep community while we practice social distancing.

Here’s why you should join and attend a Virtual LifeGroup:

To be an encouragement

Hebrews 10:25 clearly states not to forsake the gathering because it gives us an opportunity to “stir up one another to love and good works”. There is no greater time than now to be an encouragement to someone in your LifeGroup. You can encourage them to fear not, look to Jesus, and to stay in the Word. You can encourage them by saying they’re doing everything they can given the circumstances. It’s a unique time to love and encourage one another! 

When you leave the virtual LifeGroup, you’ll know how to pray for those in your group. You’ll know how to encourage them and to serve them. You miss this opportunity if you miss meeting with them.

To be encouraged

If we are all gathering to be an encouragement to someone, then at some point, someone will encourage us. As we share our struggles, fears, doubts, and confess our sins, we will be encouraged to repent and trust in the Lord.

Again, social distancing does not mean isolation. We need one another. This is God’s design of the church; members joined together by unity in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). We are to be physically together but when we are called to not be together, we seek the gifts of grace such as the Zoom to gather together.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said in his incredible work (available free on Cristian Audio), “The Christian needs another Christian who speaks God’s Word to him”.

To worship

We have made worship to be a reference to music when, Biblically, worship is all of life (Romans 12:1-2). Everything we do is an act of worship to God or it is an act of worship of ourselves or of something we have made an idol. So how does gathering virtually lead us to worship God?

We worship God together knowing that God is in control of all things and hearing how God is at work in the hearts of your LifeGroup reminds us of this. He is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)

We worship God together knowing that we are a family, united by the blood of Jesus. We were once enemies of God brought near to him by the death and resurrection. This is why the church gathers in celebration. It is a gift of grace to be united in Christ with other brothers and sisters.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer again states,

“It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gift of grace, a gift of the kingdom of God that any may be taken from us, that the time that still separates us from utter loneliness may be brief indeed. therefore, let him who until now has had the privilege of living a common life with other Christians praise God’s grace from the bottom of his heart. Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren”.

So don’t neglect the virtual gathering of the church. When your LifeGroup meets via Zoom on Wednesday night, join in. You need them and they need you and we will all leave worshiping God for the gift of the church.

Not in a LifeGroup? Join one at thegracelifechurch.org/lifegroup.

**Your LifeGroup leader will post a link to the Zoom Video Conference on your LifeGroup Facebook page. Reach out to them if you need help!

Family Discipleship: Jesus Was Dedicated

nformation on the importance of Family Discipleship, here’s a quick Facebook Live video or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

Want the weekly KidLife lesson recap and other blog post delivered right to your inbox? Be sure to signup to receive post from the Grace Life Blog.

Here is this week’s summary:

Jesus Was Dedicated

Luke 2

Story Point: Simeon and Anna worshiped Jesus as the Messiah.

Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

Christ Connection: 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. Today, we have faith that Jesus is God’s Son. We can trust Jesus for our salvation, and like Simeon and Anna, we should share the good news.

Key Passage: John 1:1-2

Dear Parents,

God had chosen Mary and Joseph to be Jesus’ earthly parents. Mary and Joseph named their baby Jesus, obeying God in faith that salvation had indeed come into the world. (See Matt. 1:21.) When the time came for Jesus to be dedicated and Mary to be purified, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem.

According to the law given to Moses, after a woman gave birth, she was “unclean” and would observe a period of purification. Then she would bring an offering to the priest. (See Lev. 12:1-6.) Jesus was about five weeks old when Mary and Joseph dedicated Him to the Lord and offered the required sacrifice.

Simeon was also at the temple that day, not by mere coincidence but by the Holy Spirit’s leading. (Luke 2:27) Simeon spent His life serving the Lord and looked forward to the day when God would keep His promise to comfort Israel. (See Isa. 57:18.) God promised that Simeon would live long enough to see the Messiah. That day had finally come. Imagine his joy. At last, the Savior was here!

Simeon saw the baby Jesus, took Him in his arms, and praised God. Simeon expressed prophetic praise, trusting by faith that God would keep His promise through this child: “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30). Through Jesus, everyone would be able to see God’s plan. Jesus would be a light for all the nations. He would bring honor to Israel.

Anna, a prophetess, also praised too. At well over a hundred years old, Anna began to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to God’s bringing salvation to His people.

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. Today, we have faith that Jesus is God’s Son. We can trust Jesus for our salvation, and like Simeon and Anna, we should share the good news.

Check this session’s Activity Page and Big Picture Card as well as the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

  • Babies and Toddlers
    • We can tell others the good news about Jesus.
    • There is no one like Jesus.
    • Mary and Joseph took Baby Jesus to the temple.
    • Simeon and Anna praised God for Jesus.
    • God sent Jesus to earth to be our King.
  • Preschool
    • Simeon and Anna worshiped Jesus.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
  • Kids
    • Simeon and Anna worshiped Jesus as the Messiah.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

John 1:1-2 (Preschool: John 1:1)

NEXT WEEK

“Jesus as a Child” (Matthew 2; Luke 2)

A Letter from Pastor Matt

Dear Grace Life,

A week ago, Julie and I were going over our calendar and planning for the next week. Our calendar was filled with baseball games, dinner plans, appointments, and various upcoming church activities. How quickly the calendar changed in just a few days.

I know your family is in the same situation. You’re navigating the craziness at work, finding childcare for your kids, and cancelling Spring break trips you were looking forward to with so much excitement.

In all of this, my heart hurts for you. We are dealing with disappointment, anxiety, and fear, all while not being able to gather together as a church family. As your Pastor, I want you to know that I am here for you. Call my phone and I’ll answer. Send me a text and I’ll reply. FaceTime me and I’ll be there with a smiling face. And hey! If you write me a letter, I’ll write you back. I say all of this because I love you deeply. I echo what the Apostle Paul said, “For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8).

My heart is for people; to be with people. It pains me that I cannot physically be with you, but I trust in the faithful God who is always present in my life and in yours and that He will bring us together again soon, all for the praise of His glory.

Let me give you an update on our situation and our current (3/17) plans:

  • The Grace Life Team has been in constant communication as we work to develop a plan to continue making disciples who are growing in the Gospel, connecting with others because of the Gospel, and influencing the community with the gospel.
  • Right now, we are following local and state mandates concerning use of the our normal gathering space: Lake Asbury Elementary School. If the school is open, we will gather there. If we are unable to gather at LAE, we have secured multiple locations that we can use temporarily. In the meantime, gather with us from your living room. We will be streaming our service on YouTube and Facebook and when we do gather, we plan to continue streaming.
  • This Sunday, March 22nd, we begin our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting leading up to Easter Sunday. I’m asking you to pray every day with me that God will protect us and use us to make known those around us of the wonderful riches of God’s grace. We have a unique opportunity to have Gospel conversations and how incredible would it be to hear a testimony years from now how someone in our church came to faith in Jesus Christ during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Let me give you some action points to consider:

REMEMBER: I want to remind us that the church is a people, not a building. We’re we gather, we are the church; a beautiful display of the Father’s redemption through Jesus Christ.

GATHER: Gathering is a vital part of the church. In fact, that is what the church is: a gathering of redeemed people. Gather with us online and treat it as if we are together in the same room. Sit with your kids, bring your Bible, and participate. We will sing, pray, and read Scripture. Do what we do when we are together. When we are able to come together, join us if you can. If you are not comfortable or unable to join us in person, then watch online.

STAY CONNECTED: The church was not designed to live in isolation. While we are in this time of uncertainty and fluidity, do not isolate yourself! Call someone in your LifeGroup, have your D-Group meet virtually with Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, or Zoom, or serve someone in our church or your neighbor however you can.

TRUST THE LORD: Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Our God is sovereign over all things, even a worldwide pandemic. He is faithful and by faith we trust him and follow him. He is with us, now, in the midst of the uncertain. Trust the Lord.

I will continue to keep you updated and if you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am thankful to be your pastor and love you all dearly.

By His Grace,

Pastor Matt

Family Discipleship: Jesus Was Born

Dear Parents,

Our KidLife Preschool and Elementary Class are currently studying through the entire Bible while focusing on the Gospel. As they learn the incredible stories of Scripture, they’ll be taught how Christ is connected to all of it.

We have a deep desire to come along side you, the parent, and help you disciple your children. We want to help you teach them about God’s Word. Every week, we will send home information about the lesson your child learned. We also plan to include the lesson in our church program and post a weekly summary here, on the Grace Life Blog.

Take the time each day to go over what they learn, memorize the Scripture verse with them, and continue to show them Jesus. The greatest responsibility we have as parents is to disciple are kids and to show them how to follow Jesus. For more information on the importance of Family Discipleship, here’s a quick Facebook Live video or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

Want the weekly KidLife lesson recap and other blog post delivered right to your inbox? Be sure to signup to receive post from the Grace Life Blog.

Here is this week’s summary:

Jesus Was Born

Luke 2

Story Point: Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior.

Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

Christ Connection: 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 deliver us from sin and death.

Key Passage: John 1:1-2

Dear Parents,

After the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah and predicted the birth of John—the forerunner of the Messiah—he appeared to Mary and predicted that she too would have a baby. This baby would be named Jesus, and He would be God’s Son. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High … His kingdom will have no end,” Gabriel said. (See Luke 1:32-33.) Mary visited Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John. Inside the womb, John leaped for joy in the presence of Mary’s unborn baby.

Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth. When Caesar Augustus called for a census, they traveled to Bethlehem—the very place the Messiah was prophesied to be born. (Micah 5:2) There, in a stable, God the Son entered the world as a baby.

Imagine the shepherds’ surprise when an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared. The Bible says that they were terrified! But the angel brought them good news: “Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). This Savior—the long-awaited deliverer and redeemer—had come.

Not only did Jesus come into the world as the Savior, He came as our King. Some time after Jesus’ birth, wise men came to worship Jesus. They brought Him gifts suitable for a king—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Jesus is the King who will rule forever, just as God promised King David. (See 2 Sam. 7.)

When you share this story with your kids, remind them that Jesus came because we needed Him. The purpose of Jesus’ birth was twofold: to bring glory to God and to make peace between God and those who trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is about rejoicing over the greatest gift we could ever receive. God’s own Son came to earth to be our Savior and our King.

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 deliver us from sin and death.

Check this session’s Activity Page and Big Picture Card as well as the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

  • Babies and Toddlers
    • Jesus came into the world to rescue us from sin.
    • There is no one like Jesus.
    • Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
    • Jesus is the Son of God.
    • God sent Jesus to earth to be our Savior.
  • Preschool
    • Jesus was born to rescue people from sin.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
  • Kids
    • Jesus was born to be God’s promised Savior.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

John 1:1-2 (Preschool: John 1:1)

NEXT WEEK

“Jesus Was Dedicated” (Luke 2)

COVID-19 Update

Hey Grace Life!

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our normal routines for the foreseeable future. Just within the last few hours, there has been a confirmed case in our own county. We are monitoring local and state mandates concerning public gatherings and will inform you immediately of any changes to our schedule.

At this time (Friday Afternoon), we will not cancel, but continue to gather together at our normal time and location to sing, pray, and hear God’s Word preached. We are taking cautionary measures to ensure the safety of every attender and we are prepared to make necessary changes to our schedule/location if we are called to do so.

I read a quote this week from Pastor R.C. Sproul that has really encouraged me in the greatness of our God. He said, “If there is one maverick molecule in all the universe, then God is not sovereign. And if God is not sovereign, He is not God.” We serve a faithful and sovereign God who is in control even in the midst of uncertain times. He is aware. He is involved. His glory will be displayed.

Some things you should consider as we plan to gather together:

  • If you are sick or if there is anyone in your household who is sick, please stay home. This is best for you and for others.
  • If you need to stay home due to doctor recommendation or you are concerned for the well being of someone in your family, stay home. It’s okay!
  • If you do stay home, be sure to listen to the podcast. We plan to post the sermon as soon as we can on Sunday afternoon. You can also take advantage of our online giving, take your next step, or send in a prayer request.
  • It’s okay to not shake hands or hug, in fact, our greeters won’t be shaking your hand on your way in. They’ll extend a wave and a smile.
  • Wash you hands with soap!

Some things you should consider as you go about your week:

  • Don’t panic! Remember we serve a God who is in control. (Isaiah 41:10)
  • Share the Gospel. There are many, many people who are concerned, frightened, and very anxious during this time. Use this as an opportunity to share the good news of the Gospel. Don’t speak down on their concerns or mock them. See it as an open door for a gospel conversation. (2 Cor 1:3-4)
  • Pray for God’s mercy and wisdom for our US officials as they handle this crisis. Pray for those in our church who work in the health industry. Pray for the vulnerable. (1 Tim 2:1-2)

Thank you for your understanding in all of this. Please know that changes may be made between now and Sunday morning. We will pass long any updates as soon as we are made aware. I love you all and pray that the Lord will strengthen our hearts and use us to display the light of Jesus.

By His Grace,

Pastor Matt

Family Discipleship: John Was Born

Dear Parents,

Our KidLife Preschool and Elementary Class are currently studying through the entire Bible while focusing on the Gospel. As they learn the incredible stories of Scripture, they’ll be taught how Christ is connected to all of it.

We have a deep desire to come along side you, the parent, and help you disciple your children. We want to help you teach them about God’s Word. Every week, we will send home information about the lesson your child learned. We also plan to include the lesson in our church program and post a weekly summary here, on the Grace Life Blog.

Take the time each day to go over what they learn, memorize the Scripture verse with them, and continue to show them Jesus. The greatest responsibility we have as parents is to disciple are kids and to show them how to follow Jesus. For more information on the importance of Family Discipleship, here’s a quick Facebook Live video or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

Want the weekly KidLife lesson recap and other blog post delivered right to your inbox? Be sure to signup to receive post from the Grace Life Blog.

Here is this week’s summary:

John Was Born

Luke 1

Story Point: Jesus was born to prepare the way for Jesus.

Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

Christ Connection: When Zechariah believed God’s word, he praised God. John was born to prepare the way for Jesus. John would point people to Jesus, and they would praise God for keeping His promise to send the Savior.

Key Passage: John 1:1-2

Dear Parents,

Some of the last words of the Lord recorded in the Old Testament are found in Malachi 4—“Look, I am going to send you the prophet Elijah … he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers” (vv. 5-6). The Book of Malachi was written more than 400 years before Jesus was born. For centuries, God’s people did not hear from Him. They were back in their homeland but were subject to other ruling nations. Eventually, the Romans took over.

The Roman emperor installed Herod as a leader over Judea and surrounding regions such as Samaria and Galilee. To gain the people’s favor, King Herod replaced Zerubbabel’s temple in Jerusalem with a beautiful marble temple constructed by 10,000 workers. This was the temple in which Zechariah, a priest from the family of Abijah, served the Lord. This was the temple in which God, through the angel Gabriel, broke His silence after so many years.

Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, were both “righteous in God’s sight” (Luke 1:6), living by faith in God’s promise to send a Messiah. Like Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18, they were getting along in years and did not have any children. Elizabeth’s barrenness was a point of disgrace for her among the community (Luke 1:25) and God graciously answered this couple’s prayers.

An angel appeared to Zechariah in the temple sanctuary and delivered good news: “Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son.” Echoing Malachi’s prophecy, the angel declared this son would “turn the hearts of fathers to their children” (Luke 1:17)

For his doubting, Zechariah was rendered mute until the promise came to pass. When Zechariah believed God’s word, he praised God. John was born to prepare the way for Jesus. John would point people to Jesus, and they would praise God for keeping His promise to send the Savior.

Check this session’s Activity Page and Big Picture Card as well as the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

  • Babies and Toddlers
    • We can praise God for sending Jesus.
    • There is no one like Jesus..
    • An angel told Zechariah that Elizabeth would have a baby.
    • John was born to get people ready for Jesus.
    • Zechariah praised God for His plan to rescue people.
  • Preschool
    • John was born to get people ready for Jesus.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
  • Kids
    • John was born to prepare the way for Jesus.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

John 1:1-2 (Preschool: John 1:1)

NEXT WEEK

“Jesus Was Born” (Luke 2)

Family Discipleship: From Adam to Jesus

Dear Parents,

Our KidLife Preschool and Elementary Class are currently studying through the entire Bible while focusing on the Gospel. As they learn the incredible stories of Scripture, they’ll be taught how Christ is connected to all of it.

We have a deep desire to come along side you, the parent, and help you disciple your children. We want to help you teach them about God’s Word. Every week, we will send home information about the lesson your child learned. We also plan to include the lesson in our church program and post a weekly summary here, on the Grace Life Blog.

Take the time each day to go over what they learn, memorize the Scripture verse with them, and continue to show them Jesus. The greatest responsibility we have as parents is to disciple are kids and to show them how to follow Jesus. For more information on the importance of Family Discipleship, here’s a quick Facebook Live video or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

Want the weekly KidLife lesson recap and other blog post delivered right to your inbox? Be sure to signup to receive post from the Grace Life Blog.

Here is this week’s summary:

From Adam to Jesus

Matthew 1; Luke 3; John 1

Story Point: Jesus’ family line proved He is the Messiah.

Big Picture Question: Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

Christ Connection: Jesus came to earth as a human. Jesus had earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, but His true Father is God. Through Jesus, God kept His promises to Abraham and David. Jesus saves people from their sins and adopts them into God’s family.

Key Passage: John 1:1-2

Dear Parents,

The prophecies concerning Jesus’ birth are numerous, and many of them refer to Jesus’ lineage. Old Testament prophecies tell of the promised Messiah being born from the seed of a woman (Gen. 3:15); from the seed of Abraham (Gen. 22:18), Isaac (Gen. 21:12), and Jacob (Num. 24:17); from the tribe of Judah (Micah 5:2); from the line of Jesse (Isa. 11:1); and from the house of David (Jer. 23:5). The prophecies said He would be born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14) and would be the Son of God (1 Chron. 17:13-14; Ps. 2:7). Jesus fulfilled all of these prophecies.

In Bible times, Jews took great care to record family genealogies accurately. The family a person belonged to was directly linked to property rights. Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 both chronicle the genealogy of Jesus. The account in Matthew presents Jesus as the king of the Jews—the legal heir to the throne of David. The account in Luke was written to Greek Christians and focuses on Jesus’ descent from Adam.

Jesus was born as a baby in Bethlehem. He had earthly parents—Mary and Joseph—but His true Father is God. Jesus is fully God and fully man.

As fully God, “the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ” (Col. 2:9). As fully man, Jesus has a human body, human mind, and human emotions. (See Luke 2:7,52; Matt. 26:38.) He is our sinless representative (2 Cor. 5:21), sympathetic high priest (Heb. 4:15), and substitute sacrifice (1 John 4:10).

Use this Bible story to review Jesus’ ancestors and their stories in the Old Testament. Help your kids recognize that God had been working out His plan to send Jesus over hundreds of years—through Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Rahab, Ruth, David, and others. God sent His Son to earth to save people from their sins.

Jesus came to earth as a human. Jesus had earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, but His true Father is God. Through Jesus, God kept His promises to Abraham and David. Jesus saves people from their sins and adopts them into God’s family.

Check this session’s Activity Page and Big Picture Card as well as the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

  • Babies and Toddlers
    • Jesus rescues us and makes us part of God’s family.
    • There is no one like Jesus.
    • God promised to send Jesus to earth.
    • Jesus is God’s Son, and Jesus is a man.
    • God sent Jesus like He promised.
  • Preschool
    • Jesus had a family.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? Jesus is both fully God and fully human.
  • Kids
    • Jesus’ family line proved He is the Messiah.
    • Is Jesus God or a human? As the Son of God, Jesus is both fully God and fully human.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

John 1:1-2 (Preschool: John 1:1)

NEXT WEEK

“John Was Born” (Luke 1)

Family Discipleship: Malachi the Prophet

Dear Parents,

Our KidLife Preschool and Elementary Class are currently studying through the entire Bible while focusing on the Gospel. As they learn the incredible stories of Scripture, they’ll be taught how Christ is connected to all of it.

We have a deep desire to come along side you, the parent, and help you disciple your children. We want to help you teach them about God’s Word. Every week, we will send home information about the lesson your child learned. We also plan to include the lesson in our church program and post a weekly summary here, on the Grace Life Blog.

Take the time each day to go over what they learn, memorize the Scripture verse with them, and continue to show them Jesus. The greatest responsibility we have as parents is to disciple are kids and to show them how to follow Jesus. For more information on the importance of Family Discipleship, here’s a quick Facebook Live video or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

Want the weekly KidLife lesson recap and other blog post delivered right to your inbox? Be sure to signup to receive post from the Grace Life Blog.

Here is this week’s summary:

Malachi the Prophet

Malachi

Story Point: God’s people repented and promised to be faithful.

Big Picture Question: Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything in heaven and on earth.

Christ Connection: 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.

Key Passage: 1 Peter 5:10

Dear Parents,

After many years living as prisoners in Babylon, God’s people had returned to Judah. They had worked hard and overcome opposition to rebuild the temple and the walls around Jerusalem. Surely God would restore them … finally! But nothing happened. As they waited, they faced drought and economic uncertainty. God’s people probably didn’t feel like God had blessed them at all.

“It is useless to serve God,” they said. “What have we gained by keeping his requirements?” (Mal. 3:14). Did God still care? It wasn’t long until God’s people fell back into the same patterns of sin that led to their exile in the first place: idolatry, covetousness, hypocrisy, arrogance, and abuse of the poor.

But God did still love His people. He had been working out His divine plan of redemption, and He never gave up on them. God sent a message to His people through the prophet Malachi.

Malachi was the last of the Old Testament prophets. He spoke to God’s people approximately 100 years after the end of the Babylonian captivity. Malachi’s message from God was a wake-up call.

God communicated through Malachi that the people’s lack of blessing didn’t mean that God didn’t care. God exposed His people’s sin and made clear that their actions merited a curse. God’s people needed to repent and turn back to God. “But for you who fear my name,” God said, “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings” (Mal. 4:2).

Explain to your kids that 400 years of silence followed Malachi’s prophecy; God did not communicate to His people. This period brings us to the New Testament, when the silence would be broken by the last prophet before Jesus, John the Baptist. His words about Jesus in John 1:29 offered hope to all who heard: “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

Malachi was a messenger—a prophet—who told God’s people to repent. Malachi also told about another messenger God would send. This messenger, John the Baptist, would call people to repent and get them ready for a final Messenger, Jesus Christ. Jesus would bring good news of salvation.

Check this session’s Activity Page and Big Picture Card as well as the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

    • Babies and Toddlers
      • Nothing can stop God’s good plan.
      • Jesus came to give us good news.
      • Malachi told people God’s words.
      • God promised to send a messenger before the Messiah.
      • Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah.
    • Preschool
      • Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything.
      • Malachi said a messenger would get people ready for the Messiah.
    • Kids
      • Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything in heaven and on earth.
      • Malachi called God’s people to repent to prepare for the Messiah.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • 1 Peter 5:10

NEXT WEEK

    • “From Adam to Jesus” (Matthew 1; Luke 3; John 1)

Family Discipleship: God’s People Repented

Dear Parents,

Our KidLife Preschool and Elementary Class are currently studying through the entire Bible while focusing on the Gospel. As they learn the incredible stories of Scripture, they’ll be taught how Christ is connected to all of it.

We have a deep desire to come along side you, the parent, and help you disciple your children. We want to help you teach them about God’s Word. Every week, we will send home information about the lesson your child learned. We also plan to include the lesson in our church program and post a weekly summary here, on the Grace Life Blog.

Take the time each day to go over what they learn, memorize the Scripture verse with them, and continue to show them Jesus. The greatest responsibility we have as parents is to disciple are kids and to show them how to follow Jesus. For more information on the importance of Family Discipleship, here’s a quick Facebook Live video or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

Want the weekly KidLife lesson recap and other blog post delivered right to your inbox? Be sure to signup to receive post from the Grace Life Blog.

Here is this week’s summary:

God’s People Repented

Nehemiah 8-13

Story Point: God’s people repented and promised to be faithful.

Big Picture Question: Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything in heaven and on earth.

Christ Connection: 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.

Key Passage: 1 Peter 5:10

Ezra was a priest in Babylon at the end of the exile. More than 50 years after the first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem and completed and dedicated the temple, Ezra led a second group back to Jerusalem.

Just as God had been with Nehemiah, He was with Ezra—granting him favor with the Persian king. The king gave Ezra permission to go to Jerusalem. He provided Ezra with a letter and access to resources to ensure safe travel. (See Ezra 7:11-26.)

Ezra traveled to Jerusalem with a purpose. God’s people had spent 70 years in exile, and they needed to be reminded how to live. As a scribe, Ezra was an expert on the law of Moses, and he had “determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

Under Nehemiah’s leadership, the people had rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls. They gathered together at the Water Gate to hear the law of Moses. Men, women, and children—anyone who could understand—came to listen to the reading of God’s Word.

From early morning until midday, Ezra read from the book of the law of Moses. He stood on a high wooden platform where everyone could see and hear him. Ezra opened the book of the law, and everyone stood up. The Levites helped the listeners understand the words of the law. The people reacted strongly to hearing and understanding the law of Moses. Verse 9 says the people wept. The law revealed their sin, and they repented.

The law reveals our sin and how short we fall of meeting God’s standard. As you share with your kids, help them recognize that we cannot meet God’s requirements. We need a Savior. God sent Jesus to obey the law perfectly and die for our sins. We can trust in Him for salvation.

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.

Check this session’s Activity Page and Big Picture Card as well as the Gospel Project for Kids Family App for ways to interact with the Bible content this week.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

    • Babies and Toddlers
      • Nothing can stop God’s good plan.
      • The Bible tells us God’s plan to rescue us.
      • Ezra read God’s words to the people.
      • The people heard God’s words and turned back to God.
      • The Bible is God’s words to us.
    • Preschool
      • Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything.
      • God’s people promised to obey God.
    • Kids
      • Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything in heaven and on earth.
      • God’s people repented and promised to be faithful.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • 1 Peter 5:10

NEXT WEEK

    • “Malachi the Prophet” (Malachi)