Author: MattMacNaughton

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:

Elisha and the Army

2 Kings 6

Story Point: God protected Elisha with an invisible army.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant so he could see God’s protection. God is always with us. Jesus came to earth as the visible image of our invisible God. God’s protection from sin and death is given to everyone who trusts in Jesus.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

After Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind, his successor Elisha continued Elijah’s work as a prophet to Israel. God used him, like Elijah, to perform miracles—multiplying the oil of a poor widow, raising a Shunammite woman’s son from the dead, purifying a poisoned pot of stew, and more.

At this time, Israel was ruled by King Joram. The land of Aram to the northeast (located in present-day Syria) was ruled by King Ben-hadad. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman—the commander of the army for the king of Aram—sought out Elisha for healing of a skin disease. Naaman recognized the one true God (2 Kings 5:15), but Aram was an enemy of Israel and waged war against the people.

Each time the king of Aram made plans to attack Israel, God revealed the plans to Elisha and he alerted Israel’s king so Israel could thwart their enemy’s plans. When Aram’s king discovered Elisha was to blame, he was determined to kill God’s prophet and sent an army to surround the place where Elisha was hiding. Elisha’s servant saw the enemy army and was afraid, but Elisha could see something the servant couldn’t see: an army of the Lord outnumbering the Arameans covered the mountain, ready to protect Elisha.

God blinded the enemy army, and Elisha led them to Samaria where the king of Israel could have killed them. Instead, Elisha told the king to feed the men and send them home. Those raiders did not come into Israel’s land again.

This story in 2 Kings 6 reveals that the world is not limited to what is seen. As you talk with your kids this week, emphasize that God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant so he could see God’s protection. God is always with us. Jesus came to earth as the visible image of our invisible God. God’s protection from sin and death is given to everyone who trusts in Jesus.

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 told Elisha the king of Aram’s plans.
  • God rescued His prophet from the king of Aram.
  • God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God protected His people.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God protected Elisha with an invisible army.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

“Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh” (Jonah)

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:

Elijah at Mount Carmel

1 Kings 18-19

Story Point: God chose Elisha to continue Elijah’s work as a prophet.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah so Elisha could carry out his mission as a prophet. Years later, Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. God gives believers the Holy Spirit so they can share the gospel with the world.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

Following God’s great display of power at Mount Carmel, Elijah fled for his life and traveled to Mount Horeb where he encountered God in a soft whisper. God instructed Elijah to anoint a man named Elisha as his successor. Elijah found Elisha plowing a field. Elijah put his cloak over Elisha to show that Elisha would be a prophet like Elijah. Elisha followed Elijah and served him for many years. In time, King Ahab of Israel appointed his son Ahaziah as king. When Ahaziah died, his brother Joram became king.

Elijah’s ministry came to an end, and God took him to heaven in an unusual way. First, Elijah and Elisha traveled from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho and then to the Jordan River. Elijah met with other prophets and their families. Despite Elijah’s insistence otherwise, Elisha did not leave Elijah’s side.

A group of prophets watched as Elijah parted the Jordan River by striking the water with his mantle (cloak) so he could cross. In Elijah’s final moments, Elisha requested, “Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit” (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha wanted power to continue God’s work and confirmation as Israel’s next prophet.

A chariot of fire and horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the men. Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha cried out after him. When Elijah was out of view, Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and struck the water of the Jordan River. The water parted—a sign that Elisha had received power from God. Elisha would continue the work of Elijah as a prophet to Israel.

As you talk with your kids this week, remind them that God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah so Elisha could carry out his mission as a prophet. Years later, Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. God gives believers the Holy Spirit so they can share the gospel with the 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
  • Elisha was Elijah’s helper.
  • God took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind.
  • God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God chose Elisha to be His prophet after Elijah.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God chose Elisha to continue Elijah’s work as a prophet.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

● Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

● “Elisha and the Army” (2 Kings 6)

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:

Elijah at Mount Carmel

1 Kings 18-19

Story Point: God showed that He is the one true God.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: The people who worshiped the false god Baal danced and cried out for hours to show that they loved Baal. But the one true God is not like the false gods. We do not have to work hard to show God we love Him. Instead, He showed His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus. Jesus died to rescue us from sin, and He hears us when we cry out to Him.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

Dear Parents,

King Ahab was an evil king. In fact, “Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33). God wanted His people to be faithful to Him, but King Ahab led them away from God.

God chose Elijah to get Ahab’s attention. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah told Ahab that a drought was coming. God prevented rain in the land for three years. For Ahab, a man who worshiped Baal—the false Canaanite god of rain and fertility—the drought sent a strong message about the one true God.

When God was ready to send rain on the earth, Elijah appeared to Ahab and instructed him to gather the Israelites and the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel. Elijah challenged the people to choose: Follow God or follow Baal. They couldn’t do both.

Elijah set up a challenge to prove who is the one true God. He faced off against the prophets of Baal. They prepared a bull on an altar and called on their deity to send fire from heaven. The prophets of Baal called and cried and cut themselves, but Baal did not answer.

Elijah poured water on and around his altar. He called to God, and God sent fire from heaven. Everything was burned up! The Israelites could not deny that the God of Elijah is the one true God. Finally, God sent a great rain to end the drought.

Elijah fled from the wrath of Ahab’s wife, Jezebel. He met with God on a mountain, and God revealed Himself to Elijah in a soft whisper. God gave Elijah a friend and successor in Elisha and assured him of 7,000 people in Israel who had not turned to Baal.

The false god Baal had no power. The people who worshiped the false god Baal danced and cried out for hours to show that they loved Baal. But the one true God is not like the false gods. We do not have to work hard to show God we love Him. Instead, He showed His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus. Jesus died to rescue us from sin, and He hears us when we cry out to Him. As you talk with your kids about the Bible story this week, emphasize that only God—the one true God—has power to help His people and to save them. And He saves them through His Son, Jesus.

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
  • Elijah prayed for God to send fire.
  • God hears us when we pray to Him.
  • God showed that He is the one true God.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God showed that He is the one true God.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God showed that He is the one true God.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

“Elijah and Elisha” (2 Kings 2)

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:

The Kingdom Divided

1 Kings 17

Story Point: God provided in miraculous ways.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: God miraculously provided through Elijah to give food to the widow and life to the widow’s son. Many years later, God miraculously provided through His own Son, Jesus. Jesus is greater than Elijah. In Jesus, God provides salvation and life to everyone who trusts in Him.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

Dear Parents,

After King Solomon died, the tribes of Israel split into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam was the king of Israel, and Solomon’s son Rehoboam was the king of Judah. These two kingdoms were frequently at war with each other, and they rotated through mostly evil kings for decades. Ahab was the king of Israel when the prophet Elijah came to him.

The name Elijah means “My God is Yahweh.” We don’t know anything about Elijah’s background or family, but God chose Elijah (and later the prophet Elisha) to warn the Israelites of their future destruction. For years, God sent prophets to warn His people about the consequences their sin would bring. He wanted them to turn back to Him, but they would not.

Three significant events occur in 1 Kings 17. First, Elijah announced a drought in the land of Israel. Evil King Ahab and his wife Jezebel encouraged Baal worship, so the drought was punishment for Israel’s idolatry—according to the law of God. (Deut. 11:16-17) God provided for Elijah during the drought.

Second, Elijah visited a widow. God promised that the widow would provide for him. Lack of rain caused a famine in the land. God provided food for the widow and her son. Elijah stayed with the widow for two years.

Third, Elijah raised the widow’s son from the dead. Elijah asked God to bring the boy back to life, and God did. The woman believed that Elijah was a man of God and that his words from God were true.

Help your kids connect this story to Jesus. God miraculously provided through Elijah to give food to the widow and life to the widow’s son. Many years later, God miraculously provided through His own Son, Jesus. Jesus is greater than Elijah. In Jesus, God provides salvation and life to everyone who trusts in 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
  • Elijah said that no rain would fall in Israel.
  • God kept the widow’s flour and oil from running out.
  • Elijah’s miracles showed that God is powerful.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God took care of the widow and her son.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God provided in miraculous ways.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

“Elijah at Mount Carmel” (1 Kings 18–19)

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:

The Kingdom Divided

1 Kings 11-12

Story Point: God divided Israel into two kingdoms because Solomon sinned.

Big Picture Question: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

Christ Connection: King Solomon failed to lead God’s people perfectly. God’s people needed a better king, a perfect king! Through David’s family, God would send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be a perfect King over God’s people forever. Jesus is greater than Solomon. Jesus brings His people together and leads them back to God.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

King Solomon loved God. He received wisdom from the Lord and was dedicated to building His temple. But early on, we see hints that Solomon’s heart was not completely devoted to God. He married foreign wives who turned Solomon’s heart away from God. (1 Kings 11:4)

Solomon gradually abandoned what he had believed. Israel had a history of turning away from God, and Solomon was no exception.

God was angry with Solomon. He had warned him twice not to turn to false gods. God planned to discipline Solomon by taking the kingdom away from his family. God was going to take the kingdom from Solomon’s son Rehoboam—every tribe except for one. God graciously left one tribe for Rehoboam, keeping the promise He made to David. (See 2 Sam. 7:16.)

God set apart Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s servants, to become leader over 10 tribes of Israel. Parts of the tribe of Benjamin followed Jeroboam, and some followed Rehoboam. When Solomon died, all of Israel gathered to make Rehoboam their new king. They asked Rehoboam to lighten the burden of service Solomon had given them, but Rehoboam refused. In fact, he promised to make their work even harder.

Israel rebelled against Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king. Only the tribe of Judah stayed with Rehoboam. So the kingdom was divided into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom was called Israel (ruled by Jeroboam) and the Southern Kingdom was called Judah (ruled by Rehoboam).

King Solomon failed to lead God’s people perfectly. God’s people needed a better king, a perfect king! Through David’s family, God would send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be a perfect King over God’s people forever. Jesus is greater than Solomon. Jesus brings His people together and leads them back to God.

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 knows everything.

King Solomon’s sin split the kingdom.

People from David’s family were kings of Judah.

Jesus was born into David and Solomon’s family.

Preschool

What does God know? God knows everything.

God divided Israel into two kingdoms.

Kids

What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

God divided Israel into two kingdoms because Solomon sinned.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

James 1:5

NEXT WEEK

“Elijah and the Widow” (1 Kings 17)

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:

Solomon Built the Temple

1 Kings 6-8

Story Point: God led His people to build a temple where He would dwell with them.

Big Picture Question: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

Christ Connection: The temple was a place where God was with His people. The people could go there to make sacrifices and worship God. Today, when we trust in Jesus, He is with us wherever we go. We can look to Him for forgiveness and help.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

When David was king, he wanted to build a temple for God, but God did not allow him to. “When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant … and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam. 7:12-13). God said King David’s son would build the temple.

King Solomon began to gather materials to build the temple. He ordered cedar and cypress timbers from Lebanon. He gathered 30,000 men from all of Israel as laborers to excavate stone and prepare the timbers for the temple’s construction.

The temple was impressive. The entire interior was cedar. King Solomon had everything covered with gold. In all, it took seven years for the temple to be completed. Inside the temple was furniture and accessories. (See 1 Kings 7:48-50.)

The time came to dedicate the temple. All of the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem. The priests brought the ark of the Lord to the most holy place, and a cloud filled the house of the Lord. God’s glory filled the temple.

Solomon prayed and praised God for keeping His covenant with David. He recognized that God is not confined to a temple. “Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built” (1 Kings 8:27). Solomon’s prayer and speech was followed by a great offering to God.

Jesus changed everything when He died for our sins on the cross. By taking our sin upon Himself, Jesus made the way for sinners to come to God. The temple was a place where God was with His people. The people could go there to make sacrifices and worship God. Today, when we trust in Jesus, He is with us wherever we go. We can look to Him for forgiveness and help.

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 knows everything.
  • Solomon built a temple for God.
  • Solomon told the people to love God with all their heart.
  • Because of Jesus, we can worship God everywhere.
• Preschool
  • What does God know? God knows everything.
  • God’s people built Him a temple.
• Kids
  • What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.
  • God led His people to build a temple where He would dwell with them.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

James 1:5

NEXT WEEK

“The Kingdom Divided” (1 Kings 11–12)

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:

Wisdom for God’s People

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Songs of Solomon

Story Point: Wisdom is fearing the Lord and obeying His Word.

Big Picture Question: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

Christ Connection: Wisdom in the Bible shows us how to be like Jesus—in how we live, how we speak, and how we think. But wisdom cannot save us. Only Jesus, who perfectly followed God’s wise plan, can rescue us from sin.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs are three books spanning more than 50 chapters of the Bible. This week’s study follows the story of Solomon, the primary writer of these books. While three books of the Bible are certainly a lot to cover in one session, this brief overview will reveal the wisdom of God for His people as He works out His wise plan for our salvation.

True wisdom comes from God. (See Prov. 2:6.) God made Solomon the wisest man who had ever lived, and people came from all over to listen to his wisdom. (See 1 Kings 4:29-34; 10:1-9.) He wrote most of the Book of Proverbs, which offers practical advice for living wisely. Solomon ruled Israel with great wisdom, but he still turned away from God and pursued His own desires.

Israel needed someone greater than Solomon. God’s plan included that: “Something greater than Solomon is here!” (Matt. 12:42; Luke 11:31). Jesus not only taught God’s wisdom, He displayed it perfectly.

The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches us to think carefully about how we should live our lives. Solomon was searching for something to give meaning to his life. In the end Solomon discovered that following God was—and is—the only way to find real happiness.

Finally, King Solomon wrote Song of Songs, which reveals God’s wisdom for relationships—specifically, between a husband and a wife. In the New Testament, the book of Ephesians says that Jesus loves the church as a husband loves his wife. (Eph. 5:22-28)

These books are the inspired words of God. The wisdom offered is not merely suggestions for living; it is part of God’s plan for our sanctification. Wisdom in the Bible shows us how to be like Jesus—in how we live, how we speak, and how we think. But wisdom cannot save us. Only Jesus, who perfectly followed God’s wise plan, can rescue us 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 knows everything.
  • God made Solomon very wise.
  • Solomon wrote that wisdom comes from loving God.
  • Jesus always did what was wise and good.
• Preschool
  • What does God know? God knows everything.
  • Wisdom is loving God and obeying His Word.
• Kids
  • What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.
  • Wisdom is fearing the Lord and obeying His Word.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

James 1:5

NEXT WEEK

“Solomon Built the Temple” (1 Kings 6–8)

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:

Solomon Asked for Wisdom

1 Kings 2-3

Story Point: God gave Solomon wisdom to lead His people.

Big Picture Question: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

Christ Connection: Solomon was a wise king who wanted to do God’s plan. Solomon wasn’t perfect, but God had a plan to give His people a greater and wiser king—His Son, Jesus. Jesus completely trusted God. Jesus surrendered His own life to die on the cross for our sin.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

The downfall of David’s kingdom was propelled by David’s sin with Bathsheba. Amid the pain of losing their firstborn son, God showed David and Bathsheba that He still loved them. Bathsheba gave birth to Solomon. God chose Solomon to be Israel’s next king. (See 2 Sam. 12:24-25; 1 Chron. 22:9-13.)

David spoke to his son from his deathbed, giving specific instructions: “Keep your obligation to the LORD your God to walk in his ways” (1 Kings 2:3a). After 40 years of reigning over Israel, David died and Solomon became Israel’s king.

Early in Solomon’s reign, God appeared to him in a dream. “What should I give you?” God asked. Solomon’s response set him apart from many other kings. His God-honoring qualities were apparent. First, Solomon humbly acknowledged his lack of experience in leading God’s people. Then he said, “Give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).

If you were a king or queen and God offered to give you anything you asked for, what request would you make? Ask the kids you teach what they would ask for if they could receive anything their hearts desired. One might assume that a king would ask for power or for victory over his enemies. Perhaps he would ask for riches or to live a long life. Solomon asked for none of these. Instead, he asked God to make him wise. God was pleased with Solomon’s request, and He agreed to give Solomon a wise and understanding heart.

Solomon’s heart was surrendered to God. Solomon was a wise king who wanted to do God’s plan. Solomon wasn’t perfect, but God had a plan to give His people a greater and wiser king—His Son, Jesus. Jesus completely trusted God. Jesus surrendered His own life to die on the cross for our 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 knows everything.
  • King Solomon asked God to make him wise.
  • God gave Solomon wisdom to lead God’s people.
  • Wisdom is loving God and obeying His words..
• Preschool
  • What does God know? God knows everything.
  • God gave Solomon wisdom.
• Kids
  • What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.
  • God gave Solomon wisdom to lead His people.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

James 1:5

NEXT WEEK

“Wisdom for God’s People” (Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Song of Songs)

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:

David’s Psalm

Psalm 23

Story Point: David wrote a psalm to praise God.

Big Picture Question: How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over the universe as the King of kings.

Christ Connection: David compared God’s love, protection, and guidance for His people to that provided by a shepherd for his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He laid down His life to save people from sin. Because of Jesus, we have hope that one day we will live with God forever.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

The Book of Psalms contains 150 psalms—poems, songs, and prayers—from a time in Israel’s history spanning from Moses (about the 1400s BC) to Israel’s exile to Babylon (about the 500s BC). Nearly half of the psalms are attributed to King David.

David wrote Psalm 23, one of the most well-known psalms in the Bible. David’s background as a shepherd equipped him to use the imagery of a sheep and shepherd to describe the Lord’s guidance and care for His people. When Saul went to Jesse to anoint one of his sons, David was with the sheep. (1 Sam. 16:19) David’s experience protecting his father’s sheep gave him confidence in the Lord’s ability to deliver. (1 Sam. 17:37)

A shepherd leads his sheep to pastures where they can find food. He watches over his sheep to protect them from danger. He cares for them, lifting a fallen sheep from a pit and ensuring not one is lost.

This was David’s experience of the Lord. He provided for David’s needs. He led him to places of peace and rest. He guided him on the right paths. The Lord was with David, and He is with us.

Jesus had compassion on the crowds who were “like sheep without a shepherd” (Matt. 9:36). Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Jesus laid down His life to save people from sin. He assured His disciples that when He returns, He will gather His sheep from among the nations and welcome them into His kingdom. (Matt. 26:32-34)

David compared God’s love, protection, and guidance for His people to that provided by a shepherd for his sheep. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He laid down His life to save people from sin. Because of Jesus, we have hope that one day we will live with God 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
  • Jesus is our King.
  • David wrote a song about God’s kindness.
  • David said God is like a shepherd.
  • God shows His goodness and faithful love to us.
• Preschool
  • How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over everything.
  • David wrote a song to praise God.
• Kids
  • How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over the universe as the King of kings.
  • David wrote a psalm to praise God.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Psalm 145:13

NEXT WEEK

“Solomon Asked for Wisdom” (1 Kings 2–3)

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:

David Sinned and was Restored

2 Samuel 10-11, Psalm 51

Story Point: David repented and God forgave him.

Big Picture Question: How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over the universe as the King of kings.

Christ Connection: When David sinned against God, God forgave him, but sin always comes with a price. God spared David’s life, but David’s son died. When we sin, we deserve death. But we can receive God’s forgiveness because God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

The Ammonites were no strangers to the Israelites. They often fought over the region of Gilead, which stretched east of the Jordan River. David had tried showing kindness to the Ammonites, but they humiliated the Israelite ambassadors. (See 2 Sam. 10:1-5.) Thus began a war between the Israelites and Ammonites. This context sets the scene for the story of David’s sin and restoration.

David had experienced a season of blessing from God and success on the battlefield. The tribes of Israel united under David. But the upward trajectory of David’s life did not continue much longer.

One evening, David looked from his rooftop and saw Bathsheba bathing. He found out that she was the wife of Uriah, one of David’s elite soldiers. Her married status alone made her off-limits to David, but he nevertheless called for her and slept with her. David probably assumed his sin would go unnoticed, until Bathsheba told him she was pregnant. With Uriah gone to war, it was obvious the baby was not her husband’s.

David called Uriah home from the battle and encouraged him to be with his wife. But Uriah refused. Uriah didn’t think it was fair for him to be with his wife while other men were at war.

So David instructed his army commander to position Uriah in the most violent part of the battle so he would be killed. This time, David’s plan worked. Uriah was killed, and David took Bathsheba as his wife.

God knew David’s sin and sent Nathan the prophet to confront David. David’s confession is recorded in Psalm 51. God wanted David’s heart to change so he would not want to sin again.

Like David, we need more than a changed lifestyle to be made right with God; we need new hearts. Jesus died to satisfy God’s wrath against sin so that we could be made alive in Him.

When David sinned against God, God forgave him, but sin always comes with a price. God spared David’s life, but David’s son died. When we sin, we deserve death. But we can receive God’s forgiveness because God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sin.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

• Babies and Toddlers
  • Jesus is our King.
  • David made a wrong choice.
  • David asked God to forgive him, and God forgave David.
  • Jesus came to forgive us from our wrong choices.
• Preschool
  • How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over everything.
  • God forgave David.
• Kids
  • How is Jesus the perfect King? Jesus perfectly rules over the universe as the King of kings.
  • David repented and God forgave him.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Psalm 145:13

NEXT WEEK

“David’s Psalm” (Psalm 23)