Category: Uncategorized

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)

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)

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)

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)

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