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Baby Bottle Campaign

Every year, we set aside time to raise collect money for First Coast Women’s Services, a local Christian agency that provides care and support that helps remove that barriers that can cause a woman to abort her unborn child. We are thankful for the opportunity to help them make an impact in the lives of women around our city.

FCWS receives no government funding so they can freely share the Gospel of Jesus. They depend solely on the generosity of God’s people for the support they need to be able to offer life-affirming solutions in a safe, confidential place.

This is how we can get involved. This past Sunday, we distributed baby bottles for you to take home and fill with change, cash, or a check to First Coast Women’s Services. Every donation helps them continue the mission of saving lives around are county. If you did not receive a bottle, be sure to grab one this coming Sunday. This is also a great opportunity to teach your children the importance of life.

It’s not just about filling a bottle with spare change, it is also a way to understand the work that FCWS does.

  • They provide options for counseling and free pregnancy related services.
  • They help others receive forgiveness and healing from participating in a past abortion.
  • They pass the baton to the next generation to learn how important it is to stand for life

Since its inception in 1994, FCWS has served over 30,000 women and saved more than 8000 babies from being aborted. You have an important part in that.

Please consider partnering in this campaign to raise money and stand for Life. Find more information about First Coast Women’s Services by going to fcws.org

We will be collecting bottles between now and the end of June.

Family Discipleship: Gideon

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:

Gideon

Judges 6-8

Story Point: God showed Gideon that victory comes from Him.

Big Picture Question: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

Christ Connection: The Israelites cried out to God because they knew they could not save themselves. Even Gideon was not enough to save them; God used Gideon to help His people, but God fought the battle for them. The people needed someone who was mighty to save. Jesus Christ came to save us from sin because we cannot save ourselves. Only God, through Christ, can save us.

Key Passage: 1 John 1:9

Dear Parents,

Last week, your kids learned about Deborah and Barak. This week, Judges 6 starts out in a familiar way: “The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord.” The period of Judges was not a good time for the Israelites. Their cycle of sin, bondage, deliverance, and peace clearly showed the law alone could not save them from sin.

The Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites, and they cried out to God for help. God chose a man to save them, and his name was Gideon. Gideon was an unlikely leader, and he knew this. Gideon said, “Please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Look, my family is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house” (Judg. 6:15).

God doesn’t need the biggest and the best to accomplish His plan. In fact, He often uses the weakest and least of people to fulfill His plans because that is what gives Him the most glory. God had a plan to empower Gideon in his weakness: “But I will be with you,” He said. (Judg. 6:16)

Gideon and an army of men assembled. God told Gideon he had too many men. God didn’t want the men to think they had the power to defeat the Midianites themselves. When the army was reduced to just 300 men, they prepared for battle. (See Judg. 7:1-7.)

The men ran toward the Midianites’ camp, blowing their trumpets and shouting. God turned the swords of the Midianites against each other. They ran away, but Gideon and his army chased after them and killed them.

God was with the Israelites when they went to battle. The Israelites did not win the battle themselves; God fought for them. As you reflect on this story with your kids this week, point out that the Israelites cried out to God because they knew they could not save themselves. Even Gideon was not enough to save them; God used Gideon to help His people, but God fought the battle for them. The people needed someone who was mighty to save. Jesus Christ came to save us from sin because we cannot save ourselves. Only God, through Christ, can save us.

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 helps us obey Him.
      • God’s people turned away from Him again.
      • God was with Gideon and gave him courage.
      • God sent Jesus to be with us forever.
    • Preschool
      • What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
      • God gave Gideon victory.
    • Kids
      • What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
      • God showed Gideon that victory comes from Him.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • 1 John 1:9 (1 John 1:9a for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Samson” (Judges 13–16)

Family Discipleship: Deborah and Barak

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:

Deborah and Barak

Judges 4-5

Story Point: God used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to rescue His people.

Big Picture Question: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

Christ Connection: God does what is for His glory and our good. (Psalm 115:3; Romans 8:28) God fought for the Israelites and used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to defeat Canaan. In a similar way, God uses people and events to not only save us from our enemies, but to teach us about our ultimate good: salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Key Passage: 1 John 1:9

Dear Parents,

This week, kids learn that the time of the judges continued after the death of Ehud. The Israelites fell into a continuous cycle of sin, bondage, deliverance, and peace. Every judge was imperfect, yet God worked through the judges. At the time when the Israelites were oppressed by the king of Canaan, Deborah was the judge of Israel. Deborah sent for Barak and encouraged him to take up an army and fight the army of Canaan and its leader, Sisera.

Deborah reminded Barak that God would hand Sisera and his troops over to him. (Judg. 4:6-7) Barak agreed to go, but only if Deborah went with him. Deborah went, but she informed Barak that he would get no glory for the battle.

When Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men, “The Lord threw Sisera and all his army into confusion with the sword before Barak” (Judg. 4:15). Everyone in the army died, but Sisera escaped on foot.

Sisera fled to the tent of Jael, who invited him inside and gave him a drink. While Sisera slept, Jael drove a tent peg through his temple and he died.

Judges 5 records a victory song Deborah and Barak sang on that day, praising God for defeating the Canaanites. The land had rest for 40 years.

The Israelites’ sin had resulted in 20 years of defeat. God fought for the Israelites and used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to accomplish the Israelites’ victory over Canaan. As you talk to your kids this week, highlight the actions of Deborah and Barak, who willingly served God and used their gifts for His glory.

Use the Christ Connection to emphasize that God does what is for His glory and our good. (Psalm 115:3; Romans 8:28) God fought for the Israelites and used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to defeat Canaan. In a similar way, God uses people and events to not only save us from our enemies, but to teach us about our ultimate good: salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.

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 helps us obey Him.
      • God’s people asked God to save them.
      • God used Deborah and Barak to help His people.
      • God sent Jesus to rescue us from our wrong choices.
    • Preschool
      • What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
      • God used Deborah and Barak to rescue His people.
    • Kids
      • What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
      • God used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to rescue His people.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • 1 John 1:9 (1 John 1:9a for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Gideon” (Judges 6–8)

Family Discipleship: Jesus’ Death and Resurrection

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’ Death and Resurrection

Matthew 26-28

Story Point: Jesus died on the cross to pay for sin and rose again to defeat death.

Big Picture Question: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

Christ Connection: The death and resurrection of Jesus is the center of the gospel. We deserve to die because of our sin, but Jesus died in our place. Because Jesus is alive, we do not need to fear anything. Those who trust in Jesus have forgiveness and eternal life, and we can joyfully obey Him.

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 31:8

This week, kids learned that the events leading up to Jesus’ death were terrifying for the disciples. Judas, their supposed friend, betrayed their Lord. Jesus was arrested, beaten, and killed. Though Jesus had plainly told the disciples that He would die and rise again on the third day, they did not understand. In fact, they were afraid to ask about it. (See Mark 9:31-21.) They had believed that Jesus was the One who would rescue God’s people, but how could He if He was dead?

Then, on the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. When Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb, Jesus wasn’t there. An angel of the Lord appeared. The guards were so afraid, that they fainted. But the angel said to the women, “Don’t be afraid.” The angel reassured the women that Jesus’ body hadn’t been stolen; in fact, “he has risen, just as he said” (Matt. 28:5-6).

The women left the tomb with fear (perhaps because they did not fully understand what was happening) and great joy (because they had heard Jesus was alive!) to tell the disciples the news. As they were leaving, Jesus also greeted them: “Do not be afraid.”

Fear exists when there is a perceived danger or threat. When Jesus rose from the dead, He eliminated the threat of eternal separation from God for all who trust in Him. Even real dangers like suffering and persecution need not be feared because nothing—neither life nor death—can separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus. (Rom. 8:38-39)

As you talk about this story with your kids, emphasize the gospel: The death and resurrection of Jesus is the center of the gospel. We deserve to die because of our sin, but Jesus died in our place. Because Jesus is alive, we do not need to fear anything. Those who trust in Jesus have forgiveness and eternal life, and we can joyfully obey 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 is always with us.
      • People put Jesus on a cross, and He died.
      • God made Jesus alive again.
      • God sent Jesus to rescue us.
    • Preschool
      • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
      • Jesus died on the cross and is alive.
    • Kids
      • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
      • Jesus died on the cross to pay for sin and rose again to defeat death.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Deuteronomy 31:8 (Deuteronomy 31:8a for Babies and Toddlers)

Family Discipleship: Israel’s Unfaithfulness

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:

ISRAEL’S UNFAITHFULNESS

JUDGES 1-3

Story Point: God’s people repeatedly turned from Him.

Big Picture Question: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

Christ Connection:

The judges saved the people from the consequences of their sin, but not the cause of it. God’s plan was to one day send a true Deliverer—Jesus, His own Son—to be the King of His people. Jesus saves people from sin forever.

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 31:8

Following Joshua’s death, the Israelites were without a leader. They fell into a cycle of sin that can be seen during each reign of the judges. The cycle is marked by an A-B-C-D-E pattern. Let’s look at the first judge, Othniel, to see this pattern.

First, the people fell into Apostasy. They turned away from God and served other gods. (Judg. 3:7) Next, they experienced a period of Bondage. God was angry with the Israelites, and He gave them into the hand of the king of Aram. (v. 8) Third, the people Cried out to God. (v. 9) Then, God sent a Deliverer to save them. (vv. 9-10) Finally, they had Ease in the land. (v. 11) Then Othniel died.

This pattern continued with Ehud. The people had again turned from God. Their apostasy made God angry. He sent them into bondage by strengthening the king of Moab to defeat Israel. The Israelites served the king of Moab for 18 years.

The Moabites were well-fed, especially the king. They enjoyed the fruit of the Israelites’ labor while the Israelites went hungry. By thrusting a sword into the king’s belly, Ehud disemboweled the king and left him dead on the floor of his room. The fat covered over the handle of the sword so that Ehud could not remove it.

After Ehud delivered Israel, the Israelites struck down the Moabites and there was peace in the land for eighty years. But Ehud would die, and they would need another judge to lead them.

As you talk with your kids this week, discuss that the Israelites needed someone better than a judge. The judges saved the people from the consequences of their sin, but not the cause of it. God’s plan was to one day send a true Deliverer—Jesus, His own Son—to be the King of His people. Jesus saves people from sin 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 helps us obey Him.

God’s people did not always obey Him.

God sent judges to rescue God’s people.

God sent Jesus to be our Judge.

Preschool

What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

God’s people forgot about Him.

Kids

What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

God’s people repeatedly turned from Him.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

1 John 1:9 (1 John 1:9a for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

Family Discipleship: Taking the Land

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:

TAKING THE LAND

Joshua 10-11; 24

Story Point: God made the sun stand still and gave His people victory.

Big Picture Question: How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.

Christ Connection: Joshua’s name means “The Lord is salvation.” God fought for Joshua and the Israelites, saving them and giving them victory over their enemies. Sinners can look to God for victory over sin and death. God brought us salvation by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise again.

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 31:8

Last week, kids learned that God fought for His people at the battle of Jericho. When Moses was the leader of Israel, God gave His people instructions about entering the promised land. Among those instructions was the command to drive out the nations living in the land of Canaan. (See Deut. 7.) These nations were corrupt, and God would judge them for their sin. (Lev. 18)

In the first battle, Israel marched around Jericho and the Lord gave them the city. As Israel moved to take the rest of the land, God pledged His presence to Joshua and reminded Israel of what He required: If you want to be successful in the land, you must obey Me. (See Josh. 1:7.) The Israelites learned from experience that disobedience to God would result in certain defeat, as Achan’s sin brought about their downfall during the battle of Ai. (Josh. 7)

During the battles the Israelites faced in Canaan, Joshua was not in charge; the Lord was. God determined whom Israel battled and how Israel would win. Joshua 10–11 describes Israel’s defeat of five kings who attacked Gibeon, an ally of Israel. Miraculously, God sent hailstones and stopped the sun. He gave Israel the victory. God was with Israel as they conquered the rest of the land. Then He gave His people years of peace and rest.

Help your kids see the bigger picture beyond Israel’s individual battles against the Canaanites. Joshua’s name means “The LORD is salvation.” God fought for Joshua and the Israelites, saving them and giving them victory over their enemies. Sinners can look to God for victory over sin and death. God brought us salvation by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise again.

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 always with us.
      • God made the sun stand still.
      • God helped His people take the promised land.
      • God always keeps His promises.
    • Preschool
      • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
      • God made the sun stand still.
    • Kids
      • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
      • God made the sun stand still and gave His people victory.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Deuteronomy 31:8 (Deuteronomy 31:8a for Babies and Toddlers)

Family Discipleship: The Battle of Jerichho

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 BATTLE OF JERICHO

Joshua 2 and 6

Story Point: God brought down the walls of Jericho.

Big Picture Question: How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.

Christ Connection: By faith Rahab believed God would win the battle, and she asked the spies to show mercy to her family and keep them safe. When the Israelites attacked Jericho, Rahab and her family received mercy and became part of God’s people. Jesus has won against sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus receives mercy and becomes part of God’s family forever.

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 31:8

The Lord brought His people into the promised land. Now they had a task set before them: conquer the people living in the land. Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, Joshua—in the way Moses had done decades before—sent scouts into the land. (See Num. 13:2-3.) The first city the Israelites came to was Jericho. God told Joshua that He had handed the city over to Israel.

The Lord’s reputation went ahead of the Israelites, creating fear in the people of Jericho. With the exception of one woman, the people of Jericho wanted nothing to do with God.

Rahab was unique among the inhabitants of Jericho. She wanted to be on God’s side. Hebrews 11:31 says that by faith, Rahab “welcomed the spies in peace.” Rahab didn’t hide the spies and help them escape from the city because she was especially courageous or because she had a strong desire to live; Rahab acted by faith. By faith Rahab believed God would win the battle, and she asked the spies to show mercy to her family and keep them safe. When the Israelites attacked Jericho, Rahab and her family received mercy and became part of God’s people. Jesus has won against sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus receives mercy and becomes part of God’s family forever.

Rahab wasn’t the only one trusting in God. The Israelites fought the battle of Jericho by faith. (See Heb. 11:30.) Israel did not focus on what was going on inside the city of Jericho; they focused on doing what God had instructed. They obeyed even when it seemed nothing was happening. On the seventh day, the troops shouted, the trumpets sounded, and the wall around Jericho collapsed.

Joshua gave the people specific instructions to destroy everything in the city except for Rahab and her family. The Israelites were not to keep anything for themselves. The Lord would provide for all of their needs, so they had no reason to plunder Jericho. When the Israelites attacked Jericho, Rahab and her family were safe. They joined God’s people. (Josh. 6:25) By faith, we believe Jesus has defeated sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is safe and becomes part of God’s family 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 always with us.
      • Rahab hid the spies.
      • God made the walls of Jericho fall down.
      • God used Rahab’s family in His plan to send Jesus.
    • Preschool
      • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
      • God brought down the walls of Jericho.
    • Kids
      • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
      • God brought down the walls of Jericho.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Deuteronomy 31:8 (Deuteronomy 31:8a for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Taking the Land” (Joshua 10–11; 24)

Preparing for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

In just a few days (April 1), we’ll begin our annual 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting leading up to Easter Sunday. It’s a time for us to come together as a church family and seek God. It’s a time to set a side the distractions of life and focus in on the atoning work of Jesus Christ that we celebrate not just on Easter Sunday, but every Sunday.

Heading into a time of prayer and fasting can be both exciting and intimidating. Many of us have never been on this journey and don’t know where to begin. 21 Days is intended to be a time of focus, a time to draw close to God in prayer and being in his Word. It’s a time to let go of some things that may hinder your walk with God or give up something for a season so you can grow closer to him. It’s a time of dedicated prayer, confession, and repentance.

To make sure that this time is everything it is intended to be, it is best to prepare now, while there are still a few days until we start. Here are three ways to prepare for our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.

Prepare your time

Don’t fall into the trap of “I’ll read and pray sometime today”. Find a designated time and place for you to get into God’s Word and pray. This should be a time with little to no distractions. It may mean waking up a little earlier or when the kids take a nap or in the evening with your spouse. Be strategic and intentional in planning your time.

One way to make the time more intentional is by journaling what God is doing in your life throughout our 21 Days. Find a notebook, a good pen, your Bible, and maybe a cup of coffee and find a place and time where you can have time alone with God.

Prepare your heart

The purpose of this 21 Days is to draw our hearts closer to God, but this doesn’t mean we can’t do this today. If there is unconfessed sin in your life, confess it today. Repent of your sin today and turn to Jesus. Forgiveness is available everyday. 1 John 1:9 says. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Preparing your heart for the 21 Days means going into it with a clean heart. You’re preparing yourself for a time of growth, so now is the time to dig out the weeds. 1 Peter 1:13 says “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 

Prepare for attack

During your 21 Days, you’ll be spiritually attacked. Ephesians 6 describes that our fight against sin and our Enemy is like warfare. But by God’s grace, he as equipped us to fight. You need to prepare for the attack. You’re going to be tempted to quit or question the value of participating in a fast. You’ll question your identity in Christ and you’ll be tempted to give into that sin that consistently brings you down. Prepare now for this not to be an easy task. Satan hates it when we pray and when we study God’s word. Between now and March 11th, I encourage you to read Ephesians 6 and to prepare your heart to fight.

Here’s where our encouragement comes from. In Matthew 4, Jesus, after spending 40 days in the desert fasting and praying, was approached by Satan and was tempted. Jesus stood against Satan by using Scripture and despite being physically weak, did not give into Satan’s attack.

As you head into 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting and as you begin to see the attacks, remember Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

My prayer for our church during this season is that God will move our hearts towards Christ and use us to reach our community with the Gospel.

By His Grace,

Pastor Matt

Family Discipleship: Crossing the Jordan

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:

CROSSING THE JORDAN

Joshua 1-4

Story Point: God held back the Jordan River for His people to cross.

Big Picture Question: How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.

Christ Connection: God went ahead of Joshua and the Israelites into the promised land. He showed His power to them so they would trust in Him. When Jesus came to earth, He showed His power so people would trust in Him and be saved from sin.

Key Passage: Deuteronomy 31:8

You and your children have been learning about the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness. Forty years later, it was time for the next generation to enter the land. Only one geographical barrier separated the Israelites from the promised land of Canaan: the Jordan River. When the Israelites arrived, the Jordan River was flooded due to spring rains and snowmelt. Any other time, the river would have been manageable, but crossing the swollen river would have been as daunting as crossing the Red Sea. (See Josh. 4:23.)

The Israelites had mourned Moses’ death for 30 days (Deut. 34:8), but now this new generation looked to Joshua to lead them into the promised land. God had chosen Joshua and promised to be with him. Joshua prepared the people to cross the Jordan River, and they agreed to obey him as they obeyed Moses.

God gave Joshua a promise and a command. First, He promised to go before them and drive out all the people of the land. Then God commanded him to tell the priests to carry the ark of the LORD (a symbol of God’s powerful presence) into the waters of the Jordan. Then the waters of the river would be cut off from flowing, and the waters coming down from above would stand in one heap. When this happened, all of Israel would know that God was with Joshua.

All of the people passed over on dry ground. Joshua set up 12 memorial stones as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel safely across the Jordan into the promised land.

The Israelites could do nothing apart from God. He was with them, and He was going to fight for them. In John 15:5, Jesus said, “You can do nothing without me.”

As you go through this week, emphasize with your kids that God was still at work with His people. God went ahead of Joshua and the Israelites into the promised land. He showed His power to them so they would trust in Him. When Jesus came to earth, He showed His power so people would trust in Him and be saved from sin. The cross is our reminder of what Jesus has done for us: a miraculous saving we could never do for ourselves.

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 always with us.
    • God promised to be with Joshua.
    • God made the Jordan River stop.
    • The people set up stones to remember what God had done.
  • Preschool
    • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
    • God led His people through the Jordan River on dry ground.
  • Kids
    • How can we glorify God? We can glorify God by loving Him and obeying Him.
    • God held back the Jordan River for His people to cross.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Deuteronomy 31:8 (Deuteronomy 31:8a for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “The Battle of Jericho” (Joshua 2; 6)

Family Discipleship: Moses’ Farewell

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’ FAREWELL

Deuteronomy 31-34

Story Point: Moses reminded the people to keep God’s covenant.

Big Picture Question: What does it mean to sin? To sin is to think, speak, or behave in any way that goes against God and His commands.

Christ Connection: Moses was a good leader for God’s people. No other prophet in Israel was like Moses—until Jesus came. The Bible says Jesus deserves more glory than Moses. Jesus is our perfect leader. He died and was raised so that Moses and every believer in all of time can enter the promised land of God’s kingdom.

Key Passage: Exodus 15:2

Decades had passed since God used Moses to rescue the Israelites from slavery and lead them toward the promised land. The Israelites had not trusted God then and had refused to enter the land.

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were once again at the edge of the promised land. But this time, it was a whole new generation of Israelites—many of whom had not even been born when the people left Egypt and came to this land the first time. Their leader, Moses, was 120 years old.

Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy to tell the people all that God had done for them and to repeat the laws and instructions that God had given His people. At the end of the book, God told Moses that Moses would soon die, never setting foot in the promised land because of his disobedience. (See Num. 20:12.) Instead, God chose Joshua to lead Israel into the land.

God also revealed to Moses that even though Israel had just endured 40 years of punishment for not trusting Him, the people would abandon God again. Having the laws written out would not be enough to keep the Israelites from breaking their covenant with God. Moses emphasized that obedience would lead to blessing and life, but disobedience would lead to curses—namely, exile from the land.

Moses went up to a mountain where he could see the land that God had promised to give to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then Moses died there.

Emphasize to your children that Moses wasn’t perfect, but Moses was a good leader for God’s people. No other prophet in Israel was like Moses—until Jesus came. The Bible says Jesus deserves more glory than Moses. Jesus is our perfect leader. He died and was raised so that Moses and every believer in all of time can enter the promised land of God’s kingdom.

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

    • Babies and Toddlers
      • We can trust God.
      • Moses led God’s people to the promised land.
      • Moses reminded God’s people to love and obey God.
      • God promised to be with His people.
    • Preschool
      • What does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands.
      • ○Moses reminded the people of God’s promise.
    • Kids
      • What does it mean to sin? To sin is to think, speak, or behave in any way that goes against God and His commands.
      • Moses reminded the people to keep God’s covenant.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Proverbs 3:5-6 (Proverbs 3:5 for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Crossing the Jordan” (Joshua 1–4)