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Family Discipleship: The Red Sea Crossing

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

THE RED SEA CROSSING

Exodus 13-15

 

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

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

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

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

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

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

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

NEXT WEEK

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

Family Discipleship: The Plagues and the Passover

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

THE PLAGUES AND THE PASSOVER

Exodus 5-12

 

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

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

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

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

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

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

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

NEXT WEEK

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

Family Discipleship: Jesus was Born

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

JESUS WAS BORN

Luke 2

 

Story Point: Jesus was born to bring peace between God and people.

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

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

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

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

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

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

NEXT WEEK

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

Family Discipleship: Moses Was Born and Called

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

MOSES WAS BORN AND CALLED

Exodus 1-4

 

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

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

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

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

    • Babies and Toddlers
      • God can do anything.
      • God kept baby Moses safe.
      • God chose Moses to bring His people out of Egypt.
      • God chose Jesus to rescue us from sin
    • Preschool
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God chose Moses to save His people.
    • Kids
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God called Moses to deliver His people from captivity.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

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

NEXT WEEK

    • “Jesus was Born” (Luke 2)

Family Discipleship: Joseph saved his Family

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

JOSEPH SAVED HIS FAMILY

Genesis 42-46; 50

 

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

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

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

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

    • Babies and Toddlers
      • God can do anything.
      • Joseph’s brothers hurt him, but God had a good plan.
      • God took care of Joseph’s family.
      • God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us.
    • Preschool
      • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
      • God used Joseph to save His people.
    • Kids
      • Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.
      • God sent Joseph to Egypt to establish a remnant.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

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

NEXT WEEK

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

Family Discipleship: Joseph Explained Dreams

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

JOSEPH EXPLAINED DREAMS

Genesis 39-41

 

Story Point: God gave Joseph power to understand dreams.

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

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

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

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

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

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

NEXT WEEK

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

Family Discipleship: Joseph Sent to Egypt

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

JOSEPH SENT TO EGYPT

Genesis 37

 

Story Point: Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery.

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

Christ Connection: Joseph’s brothers turned against him and tried to kill him, but God protected Joseph and used him as part of His plan to rescue his family. In a similar way, people turned against God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus’ death was God’s plan to rescue sinners.

Key Passage: Hosea 13:4

Jacob grew up in strife with his twin brother, Esau. He spent many years away from his family to avoid Esau’s anger. God spoke to Jacob in a dream and reaffirmed to Jacob the promise He gave to Abraham and Isaac. Finally, God called Jacob home to the land of Canaan. God blessed Jacob and changed his name to Israel.

Jacob had 12 sons. They would become the leaders of the tribes of Israel. But Jacob’s favorite son was Joseph. Joseph was the son of Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife, and Jacob didn’t hide his favoritism. He gave Joseph a gift that his other sons did not get: a beautiful coat of many colors.

Of course, this did not endear Joseph to his siblings. Neither did Joseph’s announcement that God had spoken to him in dreams—dreams that revealed that one day everyone in Joseph’s family would bow down to him. Joseph’s brothers planned evil against him, and Joseph ended up in Egypt.

Maybe Joseph felt alone in Egypt. Had God forgotten Joseph? No. Joseph’s brothers turned against him and tried to kill him, but God protected Joseph and used him as part of His plan to rescue his family. In a similar way, people turned against God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus’ death was God’s plan to rescue sinners.

Jesus experienced true loneliness and ultimate suffering as He died on the cross for our sins. God raised Jesus from the dead. When we trust in Him, God forgives our sin. Emphasize with your children that we won’t experience true loneliness because Jesus promised to always be with us. (Matt. 28:20) And compared to the weight of glory awaiting believers, our suffering on earth is a “momentary light affliction” (2 Cor. 4:17).

As you talk about this story with your kids, remind them that God is in control of our lives, and He accomplishes His plans in and through us—even as He works through the suffering and injustice we sometimes experience. We can trust God’s faithfulness. Through all circumstances, God’s will prevails—all for His glory and our good.

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

  • Babies and Toddlers
    • God can do anything.
    • Joseph’s brothers sent him away to Egypt.
    • God had a plan for Joseph in Egypt.
    • God had a plan to send Jesus.
  • Preschool
    • Is there anything God cannot do? No, God can do all things.
    • Joseph’s brothers sent him to Egypt.
  • Kids
    • Is there anything God cannot do? God can do all things according to His character.
    • Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery.
  • UNIT KEY PASSAGE
    • Hosea 13:4 (Hosea 13:4b for Babies and Toddlers)
  • NEXT WEEK
    • “Joseph Explained Dreams” (Genesis 39–41)

Family Discipleship: Jacob’s New Name

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:

JACOB’S NEW NAME

Genesis 32-33

 

Story Point: God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, the name of God’s covenant people.

Big Picture Question: Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.

Christ Connection: God changed Jacob’s life and gave him a new name, Israel. Jesus came so that we might have a changed life, forgiven of sin. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Jesus’ death and resurrection provided sinful people the way to be adopted into God’s family. When we are adopted into the family of God we also receive a new name—children of God (John 1:12).

Key Passage: Genesis 28:15

Jacob found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place. After stealing his older brother’s blessing, he fled his home to escape Esau’s anger. He spent time with his uncle Laban, got married, and fathered many children. Overall, Jacob prospered. God blessed him, but Jacob’s time with his uncle Laban did not end well. Laban’s sons accused Jacob of taking their father’s wealth.

God was with Jacob and when He told Jacob to leave, Jacob did not hesitate. He gathered his family and all of his possessions and headed home to Canaan with Laban in pursuit. But uncertainty awaited Jacob in his homeland. His brother Esau was there. The last time Jacob saw Esau, Esau wanted to kill him.

God had reaffirmed to Jacob the promise He gave Abraham and Isaac, and He had promised to be with Jacob. But with Laban behind him and Esau before him, how could Jacob possibly survive?

Jacob tried to prepare for his meeting with Esau. He strategically divided his family into separate groups. He sent gifts ahead of them to appease Esau. That night, Jacob anxiously awaited word from Esau, and that is when he encountered the Lord.

Did Jacob win the wrestling match? Was he stronger than the Lord? The victory was ironic; Jacob did not win by strength (God proved His power by crippling Jacob with just a touch) but by confessing his dependence on God’s blessing.

Jacob had nowhere else to turn. He could not succeed by his own strength. Jacob held onto God and would not let go. God poured out His grace on Jacob. He blessed Jacob and gave him a new name, Israel. From Jacob’s descendants—from the nation of Israel—God would bring into the world His Son, Jesus.

As you talk with your kids about this story, emphasize that God changed Jacob’s life and gave him a new name, Israel. Jesus came so that we might have a changed life, forgiven of sin. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Jesus’ death and resurrection provided sinful people the way to be adopted into God’s family. When we are adopted into the family of God we also receive a new name—children of God. (John 1:12)

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 keeps His promises.
      • God told Jacob to go back home.
      • God gave Jacob a new name: Israel.
      • God sent Jesus through the people of Israel.
    • Preschool
      • Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises.
      • God changed Jacob’s name to Israel.
    • Kids
      • Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
      • God changed Jacob’s name to Israel, the name of God’s covenant people.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Genesis 28:15 (Genesis 28:15a for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Joseph Sent to Egypt” (Genesis 37)

Family Discipleship: Jacob and Rachel

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:

JACOB AND RACHEL

Genesis 29-31

 

Story Point: Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah and Rachel.

Big Picture Question: Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.

Christ Connection: Nothing could stop God’s plan for the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even though Jacob did not love Leah, God loved her and used her in His plan. Through the family of Jacob and Leah’s son Judah, God would show His love for the world by sending His Son to be the Savior He promised.

Key Passage: Genesis 28:15

When Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob away from his home in the promised land of Canaan to escape the wrath of his brother Esau, Rebekah expected him to be gone for a few days—just until Esau calmed down. (Gen. 27:44) But days and then weeks and then months passed; Jacob was with Laban for twenty years. (Gen. 31:38)

Before Jacob left home, Isaac blessed him and instructed him to find a wife among his relatives. And that’s what Jacob did. On his way to Laban’s house, God appeared to Jacob at Bethel in a dream and gave Jacob the same covenant He gave to Abraham. Jacob believed God had chosen him as an heir of the promise—to follow God, to lead the family, and to teach the next generation to follow God too.

This meant Jacob would have a family. He arrived in Haran and saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban. Jacob loved Rachel. He agreed to work for seven years for Laban if Laban would let him marry Rachel. After seven years, Laban deceived Jacob. Instead of giving him Rachel, Laban gave him Rachel’s older sister, Leah.

Jacob was angry. Laban demanded that Jacob work another seven years if he wanted to marry Rachel. So Jacob worked seven more years. Jacob’s own plans for his life were not lining up with the Lord’s plans. He wanted to have children with Rachel, but she was barren. His first four sons came from Leah. Finally, Rachel had Joseph and Benjamin.

In time, Jacob fathered twelve sons—Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. This week, help your kids understand nothing could stop God’s plan for the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even though Jacob did not love Leah, God loved her and used her in His plan. Through the family of Jacob and Leah’s son Judah, God would show His love for the world by sending His Son to be the Savior He promised.

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 keeps His promises.
      • Laban tricked Jacob.
      • God kept His promise to give Jacob a big family.
      • God sent Jesus through Jacob’s family.
    • Preschool
      • Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises.
      • Laban tricked Jacob.
    • Kids
      • Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
      • Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah and Rachel.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Genesis 28:15 (Genesis 28:15a for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Jacob’s New Name” (Genesis 32–33)

Family Discipleship: Jacob and Esau

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:

JACOB AND ESAU

 

Story Point: Rebekah and Jacob tricked Isaac into blessing Jacob.

Big Picture Question: Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.

Christ Connection: The promises for Abraham and Isaac also became the promises for Jacob. At Bethel, God showed that His plan was to continue the covenant through Jacob’s family and eventually a whole nation, leading to the birth of Jesus—the promised Savior.

Key Passage: Genesis 28:15

Jacob and Esau were rivals before birth. They struggled in the womb, and Jacob was born grabbing onto Esau’s heel. Even though he was younger, Jacob convinced Esau to sell him his birthright for some stew. When Isaac was old and blind, the time came for Isaac to bless Esau. With the blessing came the privilege afforded to the firstborn—leadership over the family. With Rebekah’s guidance, Jacob deceived his father and stole his brother’s blessing.

In his anger, Esau planned to kill Jacob. Rebekah sent Jacob away to her brother Laban until Esau calmed down. Isaac blessed Jacob before he left and told him to find a wife among his relatives.

Jacob had a 500-mile journey ahead of him. Along the way, he stopped and camped under the stars. He used a rock as a pillow and fell asleep. That night, Jacob dreamed and saw a stairway from the ground to the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it.

The Lord stood beside him and said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac” (Gen. 28:13). God promised to give Jacob’s family land and numerous descendants, and He promised they would be a blessing to all the nations of the earth.

In the morning, Jacob set up the stone as a marker and poured oil on it He named the place Bethel, which means “House of God.” He vowed to follow God if God kept His promise to be with him and take care of him. Then Jacob continued on his journey.

As you share with your kids, remind them that Jacob 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. The promises for Abraham and Isaac also became the promises for Jacob. At Bethel, God showed that His plan was to continue the covenant through Jacob’s family and eventually a whole nation, leading to the birth of Jesus—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 keeps His promises.
    • God promised to bless Jacob.
    • Jacob made a wrong choice to trick Isaac.
    • God sent Jesus through Jacob’s family.
  • Preschool
    • Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises.
    • Jacob tricked Isaac.
  • Kids
    • Does God keep His promises? God always keeps His promises because He is faithful.
    • Rebekah and Jacob tricked Isaac into blessing Jacob.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

    • Genesis 28:15 (Genesis 28:15a for Babies and Toddlers)

NEXT WEEK

    • “Jacob and Rachel” (Genesis 29–31)