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Family Discipleship: The Golden Calf

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 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:

THE GOLDEN CALF

Exodus 32, 34

Story Point: God disciplined His people for worshiping a golden calf.

Big Picture Question: What is worship? Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.

Christ Connection: God’s people sinned against God, and Moses asked God to forgive them. Moses acted as their mediator, standing for them before God. Moses could not do anything to make up for their sin, but we have a better Mediator—Jesus. Jesus paid for our sin on the cross and stands for us before God. When we trust in Jesus, our sins are forgiven.

Key Passage: Matthew 22:37-39

God led His people into the wilderness, but He did not leave them there alone. The Lord was with His people. He provided meat, bread, and water. He guided them to Mount Sinai, where He met with their leader, Moses. The Lord came down on the mountain in fire, and He spoke through thunder. The Israelites could not have ignored His presence.

But when Moses went up on the mountain and did not return for several weeks, the Israelites felt abandoned. They appealed to Moses’ brother, Aaron: “Come, make gods for us who will go before us because this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!” (Ex. 32:1)

Aaron’s response led the people to commit a terrible sin. He gathered gold from the people and made an image of a calf, and the people worshiped the golden calf. God saw what the people were doing, and He told Moses to go down the mountain at once. Moses confronted his brother. Aaron claimed that when the people gave him the gold, he threw it into the fire, and “out came this calf!” (Ex. 32:24)

God punished His people for worshiping a golden calf, and Moses returned to the mountain to ask the Lord to forgive the Israelites’ sin. Moses could not atone for the people’s sin; God said He would hold the people accountable for their sins, but the Lord did not abandon the Israelites.

Introduce your children to the concept of idolatry. An idol is anything a person puts in the place of God. Explain that idolatry is a sin. The Israelites deserved to be punished for their sin. In the same way, we deserve to be punished for our sin. Point out that God’s people sinned against God, and Moses asked God to forgive them. Moses acted as their mediator, standing for them before God. Moses could not do anything to make up for their sin, but we have a better Mediator—Jesus. Jesus paid for our sin on the cross and stands for us before God. When we trust in Jesus, our sins are forgiven.

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
    • God is holy.
    • God’s people worshiped a calf made of gold.
    • Moses asked God to forgive the people.
    • God forgives people through Jesus.
  • Preschool
    • What is worship? Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.
    • God’s people worshiped a golden calf.
  • Kids
    • What is worship? Worship is celebrating the greatness of God.
    • God disciplined His people for worshiping a golden calf.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Matthew 22:37-39 (Matthew 22:37 for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “The Tabernacle Was Built” (Exodus 35–40)

Family Discipleship: The Ten Commandments

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 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:

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Exodus 18

 

Story Point:God gave rules to show how to love Him and others.

Big Picture Question: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.

Christ Connection: God is holy and separate from sin. His law shows us what He requires—perfect righteousness. Our sin separates us from God, but Jesus came to bring us back to God. Jesus is perfectly righteous. When we trust in Jesus, He takes away our sin and welcomes us into God’s family.

Key Passage: Matthew 22:37-39

As the rescued people of Israel traveled toward the promised land, God gave them laws to guide them in how to live and to help them understand God’s perfect holiness. God’s laws covered every part of their lives and were summed up in the Ten Commandments.

The Ten Commandments can be grouped into two categories: The first four laws deal with a person’s relationship with God and the last six laws deal with a person’s relationship with others. God did not give laws for the sake of giving laws; the laws had a purpose. Not only did they show what righteous living looks like, they were part of the covenant God made with Israel, known as the Mosaic covenant. (See Ex. 19:3-8.)

God had promised Abraham that all the peoples on earth would be blessed through him. (See Gen. 12:3.) “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). God’s promise to Abraham would be fulfilled in Jesus. But God gave the law to guide people until Jesus came.

As you talk to your children this week, avoid presenting the Ten Commandments as a burden—a list of laws they must try to keep to earn God’s favor. God is holy and separate from sin. His law shows us what He requires—perfect righteousness. Our sin separates us from God, but Jesus came to bring us back to God. Jesus is perfectly righteous. When we trust in Jesus, He takes away our sin and welcomes us into God’s family.

Point your kids to Jesus and help them understand that God is pleased with us because He looks at Jesus, who never sinned. Because of Christ, we have a right relationship with God. He gives us power through the Holy Spirit to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” and to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37-39).

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
      • God is good.
      • God gave us rules to love Him and others.
      • People do not always obey God’s rules.
      • Jesus always obeyed God’s rules.
    • Preschool
      • What is God like? God is holy, loving, and good.
      • God gave rules to show how to love Him and others.
    • Kids
      • What is God like? God is holy, loving, and good.
      • God gave rules to show how to love Him and others.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Matthew 22:37-39 (Matthew 22:37 for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “The Golden Calf” (Exodus 32; 34)

Family Discipleship: Jethro Helps Moses

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 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:

Jethro Helps Moses

Exodus 18

 

Story Point: Moses needed help to lead God’s people.

Big Picture Question: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.

Christ Connection: Moses needed others to help him lead God’s people and teach them God’s laws. God does not want believers to follow Jesus alone. He gives us brothers and sisters of faith who can help us love God, obey God, and tell others about Him.

Key Passage: Matthew 22:37-39

Moses and the Israelites had experienced a harrowing journey from Egypt into the wilderness. They made their way toward Midian, a land familiar to Moses. As a young man, Moses had fled from Egypt to Midian after he killed an Egyptian. (See Ex. 2:11-15.) Exodus 2 describes Moses’ first interaction with Jethro (also referred to as Reuel, Ex. 2:18), the priest of Midian. Moses rescued Jethro’s seven daughters from some shepherds at a well and drew water for their sheep. Jethro invited Moses to dinner. Moses stayed with Jethro and married his daughter Zipporah.

Moses and Zipporah had two sons. Moses’ family had been staying with Jethro, and now they were coming to meet with Moses in the wilderness—at the same place where God had spoken to Moses through the burning bush. Moses told Jethro about all the good things God had done for Israel, and Jethro rejoiced.

As the leader of God’s people, Moses had the job of judging the people. Anyone who had any reason to complain stood around Moses all day, waiting to present their case. Jethro observed Moses’ long and lonely work, and he confronted Moses about it. Judging all the people was too much responsibility for one person.

Jethro gave Moses advice about leading the people. Simply, don’t lead alone. He encouraged Moses to choose trustworthy men to act as judges over smaller groups of people. These men would judge the minor cases and bring the major cases to Moses. Then Moses would not have to work so much, and the people would not have to wait so long to solve their problems. Moses followed his father-in-law’s advice.

Moses needed others to help him lead God’s people and teach them God’s laws. God does not want believers to follow Jesus alone. He gives us brothers and sisters of faith who can help us love God, obey God, and tell others about Him. As you spend time with your kids this week, emphasize the importance of cooperation and humility in wisely carrying out God’s mission of making Jesus known.

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
      • God is good.
      • Jethro came to see Moses.
      • Moses needed help to lead God’s people.
      • Moses chose men who loved God to help him.
    • Preschool
      • What is God like? God is holy, loving, and good.
      • Moses needed help to lead God’s people.
    • Kids
      • What is God like? God is holy, loving, and good.
      • Moses needed help to lead God’s people.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Matthew 22:37-39 (Matthew 22:37 for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “The Ten Commandments” (Exodus 19–20)

Family Discipleship: Bread from Heaven

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 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:

BREAD FROM HEAVEN

Exodus 15-17

 

Story Point: God provided for the physical needs of His people.

Big Picture Question: What is God like? God is holy, good, and loving.

Christ Connection: In the New Testament, Jesus said that He is the Bread of life. (John 6:31-35) God provided manna from heaven for His people’s physical hunger, and later He provided His Son, Jesus, for our spiritual hunger. The Israelites needed bread to live for a little while, but whoever has Jesus will live forever!

Key Passage: Matthew 22:37-39

The Israelites’ future looked bright. The Lord, through Moses, had rescued them from slavery in Egypt. He fought for them, displaying His power by parting the Red Sea and subsequently destroying Egypt’s army. God was working out His plan to bring the Israelites to the promised land, the land God promised to Abraham’s family.

But the journey from Egypt to Canaan was not direct. The Lord led His people into the wilderness. The Israelites’ bright future seemed to fade. Their dry mouths and rumbling, empty stomachs produced complaints and accusations. They doubted the Lord’s goodness.

The Israelites traveled three days into the wilderness and were unable to find water. When they found water at Marah, they must have rushed to it—only to find the water was too bitter to drink. The people grumbled to Moses. Of course, Moses had no power to change the water. But the Lord did. Moses cried out to the Lord, and He showed Moses a tree. Moses threw the tree into the water, and the water became drinkable.

Then the Israelites moved farther into the wilderness. Their hunger produced despair: “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt … Instead, you brought us into this wilderness to … die of hunger!” (Ex. 16:3).

Again, the Lord gave the Israelites what they needed. Moses and Aaron explained the purpose behind the Lord’s provision: “You will know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt” (Ex. 16:6). God sent bread from heaven and quail for the Israelites to eat. They ate manna in the wilderness for 40 years.

As you talk to your children this week, remind them that the Lord is our Provider. In the New Testament, Jesus said that He is the Bread of life. (John 6:31-35) God provided manna from heaven for His people’s physical hunger, and later He provided His Son, Jesus, for our spiritual hunger. The Israelites needed bread to live for a little while, but whoever has Jesus will live forever!

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
    • God is good.
    • God’s people traveled in the wilderness.
    • God gave His people food and water in the wilderness.
    • God sent Jesus because He loves us.
  • Preschool
    • What is God like? God is holy, loving, and good.
    • God gave His people food and water.
  • Kids
    • What is God like? God is holy, loving, and good.
    • God provided for the physical needs of His people.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Matthew 22:37-39 (Matthew 22:37 for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Jethro Helped Moses” (Exodus 18)

Family Discipleship: The Red Sea Crossing

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 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:

THE RED SEA CROSSING

Exodus 13-15

 

Story Point: God parted the Red Sea for His people to cross.

Big Picture Question: Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.

Christ Connection: Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and God provided a way for them to escape through the Red Sea. The Bible says that Jesus is greater than Moses. (Hebrews 3:3) People who trust in Jesus escape the penalty of sin and have eternal life.

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

The crossing of the Red Sea is an event in history that displays God’s grace, remembered for generations as God’s mighty redemptive act. God had clearly shown His power in Egypt through the plagues; now He was about to do something even greater.

Instead of leading the Israelites into the wilderness, God instructed Moses to turn back so that the Egyptians would think they were lost. God purposefully hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would pursue the Israelites. Why? “Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD” (Ex. 14:4).

Imagine the fear the Israelites felt as they saw the Egyptians pursuing them. They expressed it in their complaints to Moses. (See Ex. 14:11.) Moses spoke up to calm them: “The LORD will fight for you” (Ex. 14:14).

The Lord did fight for them. All night long, the Lord kept a pillar of a cloud between the Egyptians’ chariots and the Israelites. Then He instructed Moses to stretch out his hand; God drove back the sea with a powerful east wind. By faith, the Israelites passed through on dry ground! (See Heb. 11:29.) When Pharaoh and the Egyptians followed after them, the waters came back and covered the entire army of Pharaoh. None of them survived.

As you talk to your kids this week, press into their hearts that Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and God provided a way for them to escape through the Red Sea. The Bible says that Jesus is greater than Moses. (Hebrews 3:3) People who trust in Jesus escape the penalty of sin and have eternal life. God didn’t make a way of salvation for us because we deserve it but because of who He is: a gracious and loving God who created us to know and love Him.

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
      • God can do anything.
      • Moses brought God’s people out of Egypt.
      • God split the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk across.
      • No one is more powerful than God.
    • Preschool
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God led His people through the Red Sea on dry ground.
    • Kids
      • Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.
      • God parted the Red Sea for His people to cross.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Hosea 13:4 (Hosea 13:4b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Bread from Heaven” (Exodus 15–17)

Family Discipleship: The Plagues and the Passover

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 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:

THE PLAGUES AND THE PASSOVER

Exodus 5-12

 

Story Point: God delivered His people and proved that He is the one true God.

Big Picture Question: Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.

Christ Connection: By His grace, God spared the Israelites from judgment by requiring the blood of a lamb. Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. His death was the ultimate sacrifice, and those who trust in Christ are under His saving blood and will be passed over in the final judgment.

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

Two weeks ago, kids learned about Moses’ birth and his calling. God had a plan to rescue the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt. He chose and called Moses for the task and allowed Moses’ brother, Aaron, to help him.

Moses and Aaron faced a huge obstacle in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, and his name was Pharaoh. Pharaoh did not recognize the Lord’s authority: “Who is the LORD that I should obey him by letting Israel go?” (Ex. 5:2) Pharaoh hardened his heart against the Lord, but all of this fit into God’s plan to reveal to Pharaoh—and all of Egypt—who He is.

First, God sent a series of plagues that wrecked Egypt. The plagues were acts of judgment designed to show the Egyptians who God is—and the Egyptians learned their lesson. Read Exodus 8:19; 9:20,27; and 10:7.

The tenth plague was the most severe and had the greatest impact on the Egyptian people. God told Moses that around midnight, every firstborn male in Egypt would die. But God gave specific instructions to the Israelites. They were to slaughter a lamb or goat and put its blood on their doorposts. The blood on the doorpost would be a distinguishing mark. When God saw the blood, He “passed over” the house.

The Israelite people were sinful, and they deserved death just as much as the Egyptians did. But God graciously provided a way out. By marking their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, they were spared from the judgment and death they deserved. The lamb was killed instead. The heart of the gospel is found in the story of the Passover: Jesus never sinned, but He was crucified for our sins. We deserve death, but He died instead.

As you talk to your kids this week, highlight that by His grace, God spared the Israelites from judgment by requiring the blood of a lamb. Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. His death was the ultimate sacrifice, and those who trust in Christ are under His saving blood and will be passed over in the final judgment.

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
      • God can do anything.
      • Pharaoh would not let God’s people go.
      • God showed He is more powerful than anyone.
      • God kept His people safe from the last trouble.
    • Preschool
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God rescued His people.
    • Kids
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God delivered His people and proved that He is the one true God.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Hosea 13:4 (Hosea 13:4b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “The Red Sea Crossing” (Exodus 13–15)

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 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 bring peace between God and people.

Big Picture Question: Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.

Christ Connection: The birth of Jesus was good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to bring peace between people and God. He came to save people from their sins and to be their King.

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

We are taking a break from the chronological journey through the Bible to focus on Christmas. From the moment sin entered the world, its consequences were obvious. God’s people were separated from Him; they did not enjoy the intimate relationship with their Creator for which He had created them. People were affected by sickness and pain. Corruption spread quickly throughout the earth. The situation seemed hopeless, yet God did not leave His people without hope.

It was into this hopelessness that God spoke. Hundreds of messages came through the prophets concerning a coming Messiah—One who would rescue people from their sins. But when would this Promised One come? How would He come? Would the people recognize Him?

The prophet Isaiah—who lived hundreds of years before Jesus was born—spoke specifically of the Messiah’s birth. Isaiah told King Ahaz what the Lord would do. “The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). He described the birth of a “Prince of peace”—a Son of David who will reign forever. (Isa. 9:6-7) Isaiah said that He would be a King! (Isa. 11:1-5)

Everything God said about Jesus’ birth came true. Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born into the world. After Jesus was born, Mary laid Him in a manger. A king in a manger! It was so unlikely. But Jesus was no ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, sent in the most humble of positions, “not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28).

As you celebrate Christmas with your children, remind them that the birth of Jesus was good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby. He was God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven. Jesus came into the world to bring peace between people and God. He came to save people from their sins and to be their King.

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
      • God can do anything.
      • People waited a long time for Jesus to be born.
      • Jesus is God’s Son, the Prince of peace.
      • God loves us and sent Jesus to earth to forgive us.
    • Preschool
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • Jesus brings peace between God and people.
    • Kids
      • Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His nature.
      • Jesus was born to bring peace between God and people.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Hosea 13:4 (Hosea 13:4b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

“The Plagues and the Passover” (Exodus 5-12)

Family Discipleship: Moses Was Born and Called

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 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:

MOSES WAS BORN AND CALLED

Exodus 1-4

 

Story Point: God called Moses to deliver His people from captivity.

Big Picture Question: Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.

Christ Connection: God saved Moses’ life and called him to rescue God’s people from slavery. The calling of Moses points to a greater calling and rescue—the call of Jesus to come to earth to save God’s people. Jesus gave up His life to save us from slavery to sin.

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

Moses was born into a culture that hated his people. If you remember, the Israelites—descendants of Israel (Jacob)—had set up their home in Egypt when a famine forced them to seek out food. They became so numerous that Pharaoh felt threatened and forced them into slavery. But their families still grew, and Pharaoh instituted an unimaginable method of population control: kill all of the baby boys.

Moses’ story is a clear picture of God’s sovereignty. Not only was Moses’ life spared by the Egyptian princess, Moses’ mother was able to care for him. Moses grew up in Pharaoh’s house and then spent years shepherding in Midian before God called him to his task.

Imagine the encounter between God and Moses at the burning bush. God drew a curious Moses to Himself and then spoke: “Moses, Moses!”

God identified Himself as the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. He testified to His own grace: “I have observed the misery of my people … and I know about their sufferings … I am sending you … so that you may lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt” (Ex. 3:7-10).

God revealed His name: “I AM WHO I AM.” The most basic and important fact about God is that He exists; He always has and always will exist. God does not change. God revealed to Moses who He is so that the people would trust in Him.

Help your kids understand that God saved Moses’ life and called him to rescue God’s people from slavery. The calling of Moses points to a greater calling and rescue—the call of Jesus to come to earth to save God’s people. Jesus gave up His life to save us from slavery to 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
      • God can do anything.
      • God kept baby Moses safe.
      • God chose Moses to bring His people out of Egypt.
      • God chose Jesus to rescue us from sin
    • Preschool
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God chose Moses to save His people.
    • Kids
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God called Moses to deliver His people from captivity.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Hosea 13:4 (Hosea 13:4b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Jesus was Born” (Luke 2)

Family Discipleship: Joseph saved his Family

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 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:

JOSEPH SAVED HIS FAMILY

Genesis 42-46; 50

 

Story Point: God sent Joseph to Egypt to establish a remnant.

Big Picture Question: Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.

Christ Connection: God had a plan for Joseph’s life. He allowed Joseph to suffer to rescue a whole nation. In a greater way, God planned for Jesus to suffer so that many— people from all nations—would be saved from sin.

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

Last week, kids learned that God had a plan for Joseph’s suffering. The land of Egypt enjoyed seven years of plenty before a famine struck, just as Pharaoh had dreamed. During that time, Joseph gathered all the excess food and stored it in the cities. The famine was severe in every land, so Joseph opened the storehouses and sold grain to everyone who needed it.

Jacob and his family lived in Canaan, and Jacob sent his sons to Egypt for grain. Jacob still felt the sting of losing Joseph. He did not allow his youngest son, Benjamin, to go for fear of losing him too. But Joseph wasn’t dead. He was in Egypt and had been elevated to a position of authority. As his sons headed to Egypt, Jacob had no idea that the journey would lead to a family reunion.

Although Joseph recognized his brothers immediately, they did not recognize him. When Joseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers, they must have been in awe that the brother they sold into slavery was now a powerful leader in Egypt! Would Joseph use his authority to rescue his family from the famine? Or would he avenge his brothers’ evil against him?

What Joseph’s brothers intended for harm, God intended for good. Joseph invited his family to come to Egypt where they could thrive. God clearly used Joseph to provide for Jacob’s family and establish a remnant. As Jacob made his way to Egypt, God spoke to him in a vision and repeated the promise He first made to Abraham: “I will make you into a great nation” (Gen. 46:3).

Joseph and his father’s family stayed in Egypt. Before he died, Joseph reminded his brothers of God’s promise to their family. (See Gen. 50:24.) Despite Egyptian oppression, Jacob’s descendants multiplied. God kept His promise, and through the nation of Israel and the tribe of Joseph’s brother Judah, God worked out His plan to provide His Son, Jesus Christ to redeem people from sin.

Emphasize to your kids that God had a plan for Joseph’s life. He allowed Joseph to suffer to rescue a whole nation. In a greater way, God planned for Jesus to suffer so that many—people from all nations—would be saved 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
      • God can do anything.
      • Joseph’s brothers hurt him, but God had a good plan.
      • God took care of Joseph’s family.
      • God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us.
    • Preschool
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God used Joseph to save His people.
    • Kids
      • Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.
      • God sent Joseph to Egypt to establish a remnant.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Hosea 13:4 (Hosea 13:4b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “The Plagues and the Passover” (Exodus 5–12)

Family Discipleship: Joseph Explained Dreams

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 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:

JOSEPH EXPLAINED DREAMS

Genesis 39-41

 

Story Point: God gave Joseph power to understand dreams.

Big Picture Question: Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.

Christ Connection: God sent Joseph to Egypt and blessed him so that he rose to a position of great authority. God used Joseph to help Joseph’s family and many others. When Jesus came to earth, He gave up His position of honor in heaven to be the Savior of the world.

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

This week, kids learned what happened after Joseph’s brothers sent him to Egypt. Jacob had recognized his favorite son’s bloody robe and concluded that his 17-year-old son had been torn apart by a vicious animal. He was devastated by the news of Joseph’s apparent death. No one could comfort Jacob. (Gen. 37:33-35)

For the next 20 years, Jacob lived with the grief of losing a child. But Scripture shows us what Jacob couldn’t see: God was with Joseph, making him successful and blessing him in Egypt. Joseph worked for Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh, but when Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attacking her, Joseph ended up in prison.

God gave Joseph the ability to interpret dreams. Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker were also in custody when they each had a dream on the same night. “Interpretations belong to God,” Joseph explained. Then Joseph told them what the dreams meant. The cupbearer would be restored to his position, but the baker would be executed.

Two years later, Pharaoh had a dream which no one could interpret.  But the cupbearer remembered Joseph and his ability to interpret dreams, and Pharaoh summoned Joseph. God revealed what would happen: there would be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine.

Pharaoh took action, putting Joseph into a position of power to help prepare Egypt for the future. He recognized that Joseph was wise and that God was with him. God sent Joseph to Egypt and blessed him so that he rose to a position of great authority. God used Joseph to help Joseph’s family and many others. When Jesus came to earth, He gave up His position of honor in heaven to be the Savior of the world.

As you talk to your kids, point them to our God who is with us and blesses us. He blessed us in the greatest way by sending His Son, who gave up His position of honor, to be the Savior of the world. He calls us to action in sharing the gospel with the whole world.

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
    • God can do anything.
    • God helped Joseph tell people about their dreams.
    • God used Joseph to rescue many people.
    • Later God sent Jesus to rescue us.
  • Preschool
    • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
    • God showed Joseph what would happen.
  • Kids
    • Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.
    • God gave Joseph power to understand dreams.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Hosea 13:4 (Hosea 13:4b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Joseph Saved His Family” (Genesis 42–46; 50)