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 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 PROMISE TO ISAAC

In His covenant with Abraham, God promised land, descendants, and a blessing to all the nations of the earth. (Gen. 22:17-18) God would keep His promise through every generation, choosing one person to carry the line until one day, a child would be born into the family who would be the promised One. God reaffirmed the promise to Abraham’s son Isaac. Isaac was the next child chosen to carry the family line.

After 20 years of marriage, Isaac and Rebekah still did not have children. Isaac prayed that God would give Rebekah a child, and God answered his prayer. Rebekah became pregnant with twins, but the pregnancy was difficult. The twins fought inside her, and Rebekah asked God, “Why is this happening to me?”

God explained His plan for the twins. The boys’ families would become two nations (from Esau, the nation of Edom; from Jacob, the nation of Israel), one stronger than the other. And the older son would serve the younger. This was uncommon; the firstborn had a birthright—a double portion of the inheritance. But this prophecy showed God had chosen the younger twin to inherit the promise made to Abraham.

Jacob and Rebekah’s boys were born and the older, Esau (EE saw), was unlike the younger, Jacob. Esau became a hunter, and Jacob stayed at home. One day, Esau agreed to give his birthright to Jacob in exchange for some bread and a bowl of stew.

Isaac may have perceived the conflict between brothers as a threat to the covenant. But God appeared to Isaac at Gerar reaffirmed His promise of land, descendants, and a blessing to all the nations of the earth. (Gen. 26:4) He encouraged Isaac to be faithful like Abraham. God was at work in each generation. He showed grace by extending the promise to those who had no innate right to it, to those who did not deserve it.

As you share this story with your kids, remind them that God’s covenant with Abraham continued to the next generation. Esau sold his birthright, giving Jacob the right to the wonderful blessings God promised to his father Abraham. Through Jacob’s family, God would send the promised Savior to bring blessing and salvation to 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
    • God made a promise.
    • God kept His promise by giving Isaac and Rebekah sons.
    • God promised to send Jesus into Isaac’s family.
    • God always keeps His promises.
  • Preschool
    • Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
    • God reminded Isaac about His promises.

• • Elementary Kids
    • Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.
    • God’s covenant with Abraham continued with Isaac’s family.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

• • Galatians 3:29 (Galatians 3:29b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

• • “Jacob and Esau” (Genesis 27–28)

In Acts chapter 8, the church in Jerusalem was facing great persecution for their faith in Jesus. It caused the church to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. They fled from a man named Saul who was, according to Acts 8:3, ravaging the church.

These people, however, were not running out of fear; they were taking the gospel to other people. In Acts 11, these people were preaching the gospel to Jews and gentiles and they formed what would be known as The Church in Antioch.

[19] Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. [20] But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. [22] The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. [23] When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, [24] for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. – Acts 11:19–24

This church was committed to advancing the gospel. They didn’t let persecution stop them; they saw the need to take the gospel to all people. God’s hand was with them and because of their obedience, they saw many come to believe in the name of the Lord. In Acts 13, the faithfulness of this church leads to the beginning of an incredible movement.

[1] Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. [2] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” [3] Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. – Acts 13:1–3

Saul, who was ravaging the church, is now being sent out from the church in Antioch, along with Barnabas, to start churches. From Jerusalem, to Antioch, to Europe, the gospel continued to spread. The faithfulness of persecuted believers in Jerusalem led to church planting efforts around the globe.

From Antioch to Winter Haven, FL

On April 18th, 1965, a man by the name of R.D. Hodges was led by the Holy Spirit to start a church in Winter Haven, Florida. Their first gathering was in Lake Elbert Elementary School. From there, Winter Haven Baptist Church was committed to taking the gospel around the world.

In the early 1981, Pastor R.D. Hodges passed away. The church called his son, Mark Hodges, to become the Pastor. Since then Pastor Mark Hodges has faithfully served Jesus and leading WHBC to support over 50 mission works around the world.

From Winter Haven to Lake Asbury

In 2012, Pastor Hodges took a flier on a recent Seminary graduate. That graduate was me. I didn’t know it at the time, but God would use Pastor Hodges to lead me and Julie to return home to clay county to start Grace Life Church. And just like the church of Antioch sent out Paul and Barnabas, Winter Haven Baptist Church sent out Grace Life Church to reach people with the Gospel. They have supported us through prayer, encouragement, and financial resources.

The example they have set before us is where we are headed. We want to be a sending church. A church willing to send people out, even our best people, so more people can hear the message of the Gospel. We are committed to church planting and we are thankful to Winter Haven Baptist Church for being committed to us. Let’s thank God for them today and let’s pray that God will use us to continue the example set by our brothers and sisters in Winter Haven.

It was an honor to have Pastor Mark Hodges speak to us this past Sunday. If you missed the sermon, be sure to check it out here.

Let’s keep making Jesus-centered disciples for his glory.

By His Grace,

Pastor Matt

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:

ISAAC AND REBEKAH

After God tested Abraham, Abraham named the place “The LORD Will Provide” (Gen. 22:14) God repeated His promise to Abraham: “I will indeed bless you and make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky … And all the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring” (Gen. 22:17-18).

God blessed Abraham’s life, and he was about 140 years old when he asked his most trusted servant to go to his relatives and find a wife for his 40-year-old son Isaac. Abraham believed God would keep His promise; he trusted that God had a wife for Isaac and that Isaac would have a family because he was the child chosen by God to carry the family line—to follow God, to lead the family, and to teach the next generation to follow God too.

Abraham’s servant asked God for a clear sign of who should be Isaac’s wife. When Rebekah appeared and agreed to give water to the servant—and also, she offered, to his camels—the servant knew God was at work. He responded with worship: “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld his kindness and faithfulness from my master” (Gen. 24:27).

Rebekah introduced the servant to her family, including her brother Laban. The servant recounted the events, and everyone agreed the Lord had chosen Rebekah to be Isaac’s wife. She traveled with the servant hundreds of miles to Abraham’s house. When she saw Isaac, she covered herself with a veil. The servant told Isaac everything that had happened. Then Isaac married Rebekah, and he loved her.

As you talk with your kids about this story, emphasize that God provided Rebekah as a wife for Isaac as part of His covenant to bless the whole world through Abraham’s family. One day, Jesus would be born into Abraham’s family as the promised 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
    • God made a promise.
    • Abraham’s servant trusted God to help him.
    • God chose Rebekah to be Isaac’s wife.
    • God kept His promise to Abraham’s family.
  • Preschool
    • Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
    • God gave Isaac a wife.
  • ● Kids
    • Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.
    • God gave Isaac a wife to keep His covenant with Abraham.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

• • Galatians 3:29 (Galatians 3:29b for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

• • “God’s Promise to Isaac” (Genesis 25–26)

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:

ABRAHAM AND ISAAC

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:

God’s Covenant with Abraham

On Vision Sunday, I had the joy of laying before you our intentional plan to make Jesus-centered disciples so we can see our community transformed by God’s grace and become passionate for His glory. If you missed Vision Sunday, listen to the sermon here or read about it here.

Here at Grace Life, our mission is simple: We exist to make Jesus-centered disciples for God’s glory.

You may wonder what that looks like for you in a practical sense, so we put our mission into action in what we call “The Discipleship Pathway.”

As a member of Grace Life, we want you to be involved in 3 specific areas of our church:

1. We want you to CONNECT because of the gospel through Sunday morning services, weekly LifeGroups, and other events.
2. We want you to GROW in the gospel through personal study of the Bible and engaging in intentional discipleship.
3. We want you to INFLUENCE with the gospel in everyday life through missions, evangelism, and volunteering.

These strategies will help us accomplish our mission of making Jesus-centered disciples. Don’t look at them as stages to your Christian life; think of them more as a self assessment. We believe every disciple of Jesus needs to live connect, grow, and influence. We also know this looks different for every disciple of Jesus. That’s why we want to do everything we can to help you take your next step. Go to thegracelifechurch.org/nextsteps and check everything that applies.

Where are you on The Discipleship Pathway? It’s time to take your next step!

VISION OFFERING

One way you can be an influence with the Gospel is by giving towards our Fall Vision Offering. Every year, we hold a special offering in the spring for global missions and a special offering in the fall for local missions and ministry equipment. Our goal for this fall’s special offering is $3000. This is above and beyond your normal giving and is a step of faith that allows us to continue reaching our community with the Gospel by purchasing supplies without breaking our budget.

This special offering will go towards:

• Supplies for KidLife such as toys, puzzles, a new printer, and bases for the play panels.
• Discipleship material
• Supplies for Lake Asbury Elementary and Lake Asbury Junior High
• Our Movie in the Park

Please consider giving towards the Vision Offering. You can give two ways:

Online at thegracelifechurch.org/give and select “Special Offering”

– or –

In Person; be sure to use an Offering Envelope and write “Vision” in the space next to “other”.

Let’s continue to work together and make disciples so we can see our community transformed by God’s grace and become passionate for his glory.

By His Grace,

Pastor Matt

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 SUFFERING OF JOB

Why would we hear the story of Job while studying stories from Genesis? Most biblical authorities believe, based on subject matter and language, that Job was a contemporary to the patriarchs. Job fits chronologically into this period in history.

Job was a wealthy man who loved God. At the beginning of the book, God allows Satan to test Job’s faithfulness. Job lost everything, and he asked God why these things were happening. God answered Job, and His response reveals that God alone is all-powerful, sovereign, and good.

“Have you ever in your life commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place?” (Job 38:12). God has. He is all-powerful. “Does the eagle soar at your command?” (Job 39:27). It does at God’s. He is sovereign. “Who provides the raven’s food when its young cry out to God?” (Job 38:41). God provides. He is good.

Everyone suffers—those who follow God and those who don’t. While the Book of Job speaks volumes to the problem of human suffering, it is also an important picture of how a suffering person should relate to God. Job didn’t understand his suffering and he even doubted God, but Job’s suffering ultimately brought him closer to God. God is always in control, even when His people can’t see the reason behind the suffering God allows.

As you share with your kids this week, help them see that following Jesus is worth it. God is good, present, and in control. We can trust Him even when we don’t understand the pain we have to endure. At the cross, God used the ultimate pain to bring about the ultimate good: our future and final salvation from sin.

Job learned that God is all-powerful, sovereign, and good. When we face suffering, we can hope in God. God sent Jesus, the only truly innocent One, to suffer and die so that everyone who trusts in Him can have forgiveness and eternal life.

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

• • Babies and Toddlers
    • God made everything.
    • Sad things happened to Job, but he loved God.
    • God is in charge of everything He made.
    • God sent Jesus because He loves us.

• • Preschool
    • Who is God? God is our Creator and King.
    • Job learned that God is always good.

• • Elementary
    • Who is God? God is our Creator and King.
    • Job learned that God is good, even in suffering.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

• • Colossians 1:16b-17 (Colossians 1:16b for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

• • “God’s Covenant with Abraham” (Genesis 12; 15; 17)

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.

Here is this week’s summary.

THE TOWER OF BABEL

Genesis 11

MAIN POINT: People tried to build a tower to glorify themselves instead of God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is God? God is our Creator and King.

CHRIST CONNECTION: People chose to give glory to themselves instead of God. They ignored God’s plan, so God confused their language and scattered the people all over the earth. One day, Jesus will gather together all of God’s people—people from every tribe and people who speak all kinds of languages— and they will worship Him together. (Revelation 7:9-10)

KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:16b-17

NEXT WEEK: The Suffering of Job (The Book of Job)

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.

Here is this week’s summary.

NOAH AND THE ARK

Genesis 6-9

MAIN POINT: God punished sin but chose to rescue Noah and his family.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is God? God is our Creator and King.

CHRIST CONNECTION: God rescued Noah and his family from the flood. The story of Noah points ahead to a greater rescue. God’s Son, Jesus—the only perfectly righteous One—came to take the punishment for our sin. By trusting in Him, we are saved from the punishment our sin deserves.

KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:16b-17

NEXT WEEK: Tower of Babel (Genesis 11)

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.

Here is this week’s summary.

SIN ENTERED THE WORLD

Genesis 3

MAIN POINT: Adam and Eve broke God’s law, and their sin separated them from God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Who is God? God is our Creator and King.

CHRIST CONNECTION: Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, all people have been sinners. Our sin separates us from God, but God still loves us. God promised a Rescuer would come from Eve’s family. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God.

KEY PASSAGE: Colossians 1:16b-17

NEXT WEEK: Noah and the Ark (Genesis 6-9)