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 or you can listen to this sermon on Family Discipleship from Pastor Matt.

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Daniel’s Dream

Daniel 7

Story Point: God is the eternal King who judges the nations.

Big Picture Question: Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.

Christ Connection: Jesus is King over all things. God allows people to rule for a short time, but one day Jesus will return and set up His perfect kingdom. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be welcomed into His kingdom, and His kingdom will last forever.

Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Daniel 7 is considered one of the most important chapters in the Old Testament. This chapter and the chapters that follow describe a series of visions and prophecies about the future of God’s people. This message gave hope to God’s people in captivity.

Today’s Bible story takes place in the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign. (Dan. 7:1) Belshazzar was the son of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel encountered Belshazzar in chapter 5. Daniel was about 82 years old when he was thrown into the lions’ den; chapter 7 rewinds the clock to tell of a dream Daniel had when he was about 67.

In a vision parallel to Daniel 2, Daniel saw four beasts. Each beast represented an earthly kingdom. The first creature was like a lion but had eagle’s wings. This creature represented the kingdom of Babylon. The second creature was like a bear, and it had ribs in its mouth. This creature represented the kingdom of the Medes and Persians. The third creature was like a leopard with four wings on its back and four heads. This creature represented the kingdom of Greece. Finally, the fourth creature was strong and destructive. It had 10 horns, and this creature represented the kingdom of Rome.

Then Daniel saw God—the Ancient of Days—sitting on His throne. Daniel watched as God killed the fourth creature and took away the power of the others. As complicated as it may be, Daniel’s vision reveals an ultimate reality: “These huge beasts … are four kings who will rise from the earth. But the holy ones of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever” (Dan. 7:17-18).

Emphasize to your kids that they will see all sorts of rulers and powers and authorities in the world, but the Bible is clear: God is ruling over them all. The kingdoms of earth will last for a short time, and the kingdom of Jesus will come and last forever.

Jesus is King over all things. God allows people to rule for a short time, but one day Jesus will return and set up His perfect kingdom. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be welcomed into His kingdom, and His kingdom will last 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
    • We can talk to God.
    • Jesus will come back as our King forever.
    • God showed Daniel in a dream what would happen.
    • Daniel saw God on His throne.
    • Jesus is God’s Son and will rule forever.
  • Preschool
    • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • God showed Daniel that God’s Son will rule forever.
  • Kids
    •  Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • God is the eternal King who judges the nations.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

• • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (PS: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

NEXT WEEK

• • “Obadiah the Prophet” (Obadiah)

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Jesus Was Born

Matthew 1; Luke 2

Story Point: God came to earth as a human baby to be with us.

Big Picture Question: Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.

Christ Connection: Jesus’ birth fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy. God the Son came into the world as Immanuel. Jesus was born to be “God with us” and to save people from sin.

Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Throughout the Old Testament, God reminded His people through the prophets of His promise to one day send a Rescuer. People cannot save themselves; instead, God planned to save sinners by sending His Son. God revealed that He would come from the family of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and He would bless the nations. (Gen. 12:3; 17:19; 28:14) He would come from David’s family, and His kingdom would last forever. (2 Sam. 7:12-13) He would be born in Bethlehem to a virgin. (Micah 5:2; Isa. 7:14)

But after God’s people returned home from exile in Judah, God was silent. For 400 years, God remained quiet. The silence was broken in Luke 1 when an angel told Zechariah he would have a son—John. John would be the forerunner of the Messiah, preparing people for the Promised One. At just the right time, Jesus was born. The Old Testament whispers, “He’s coming … He’s coming … He’s coming …” and the declaration of Luke 2 is, “He’s here!”

Help your kids understand the significance of Jesus’ birth. Jesus’ birth is not just the beginning; rather, it is a pivotal fulfillment in the story of God’s rescuing sinners. God’s people could not save themselves, so God came to them. This tiny baby was the hope of the world. He would grow up to show people what God is like and to lay down His life to provide forgiveness and eternal life to all who trust in Him.

After Jesus was born, an angel appeared to the shepherds and said, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

Jesus’ birth was God’s gracious gift to us—God with us, for His glory and our peace.

Jesus’ birth fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy. God the Son came into the world as Immanuel. Jesus was born to be “God with us” and to save people 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
    • We can talk to God.
    • Jesus will always be with us.
    • God gave Jesus a family on earth.
    • Jesus is the Son of God, and Jesus is a man.
    • Jesus is God with us.
  • Preschool
    • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • Jesus is God with us.
  • Kids
    • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • God came to earth as a human baby to be with us.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

• • • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (PS: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

NEXT WEEK

• • • “Daniel’s Dream” (Daniel 7)

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Daniel in the Lion’s Den

Daniel 6

Story Point: God shut the mouths of the lions to save Daniel.

Big Picture Question: Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.

Christ Connection: God showed His power to rescue Daniel from the lions, but Daniel was just a small part of a much bigger story. God ultimately rescued us from a much bigger problem—sin and death—through His Son, Jesus.

Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The fifth chapter of Daniel ends with the death of King Belshazzar when the Persians took over Babylon and Darius was put on the throne. Babylon was on the decline—no longer the powerful, prosperous empire it once was. By this time Daniel was an old man, probably in his early 80s. He served the new king as one of the three leading supervisors in the kingdom.

Daniel was very good at his job—so good, in fact, that King Darius planned to put him in charge of the entire kingdom. The other supervisors and governors were jealous of Daniel. They watched for him to do something wrong so they could complain to the king. Read Daniel 6:4. Daniel was “trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.”

Through the malevolent persuasion of the king’s leaders, King Darius passed a law that no one could pray to anyone but him, the king, for 30 days. But Daniel continued to pray boldly to God.

Guide kids to imagine how Daniel might have felt. Was he worried about getting caught? Did he have nightmares about being eaten by lions? Even the king’s threat of death did not stop Daniel from praying. The jealous officials turned him in, and Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den.

As you talk with your kids, emphasize that Daniel was faithful to God—the true King—and God rescued Him. God’s protection of Daniel served to show all the people that the God of Daniel “is the living God, and he endures forever; his kingdom will never be destroyed, and his dominion has no end” (Dan. 6:26).

God also calls us to trust and obey Him no matter what. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from something much more dangerous than lions. Jesus rescues us from sin and death. Pray that through your faith, and that of the kids you lead, “may the name of God be praised forever and ever” (Dan. 2:20).

God showed His power to rescue Daniel from the lions, but Daniel was just a small part of a much bigger story. God ultimately rescued us from a much bigger problem—sin and death—through His Son, Jesus

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

• • Babies and Toddlers
    • We can talk to God.
    • Jesus rescues us from sin and death.
    • Daniel would not pray to anyone but God.
    • God kept Daniel safe from the lions.
    • God helps us make right choices even when it is hard.
  • Preschool
    • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • God saved Daniel from the lions..
  • Kids
    • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • God shut the mouths of the lions to save Daniel.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

• • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (PS: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

NEXT WEEK

• • “CHRISTMAS: Jesus Was Born” (Matthew 1; Luke 2)

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel 4

Story Point: God humbled King Nebuchadnezzar to show that He is in control.

Big Picture Question: Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.

Christ Connection: Pride steals God’s glory. God humbled King Nebuchadnezzar so he could see that God alone deserves glory. Jesus is the King of kings who humbled Himself by coming to earth and dying on the cross. Jesus saves sinners so we can live for God’s glory.

Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Babylon’s King Nebuchadnezzar had witnessed the power of the one true God when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were delivered—unscathed—from the fiery furnace. (See Dan. 3.) Daniel 4 records a proclamation from the king, a first-person account for all nations of a dream and its life-changing fulfillment.

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about a strong, mighty tree that was cut down. Only the stump and roots remained. God got Nebuchadnezzar’s attention. His wise men could not explain what the dream meant, but Daniel—who came to Babylon with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—was able to interpret the dream. Like the tree, Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom would be taken away. But the dream gave an element of hope to the king: His kingdom would be restored when he acknowledged God as ruler over everything.

A year later, just when everything seemed to be going right for Nebuchadnezzar, the dream came true. He was walking on the roof of his palace making prideful statements when God suddenly spoke to him. Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance and pride resulted in his humiliation. He was driven away from people, he ate grass like cattle, his hair grew long, and his nails were like birds’ claws. After some time, Nebuchadnezzar experienced complete transformation. He looked up to heaven and praised God. He acknowledge God as “the King of the heavens” (Dan. 4:37).

As you share with your kids, emphasize that pride steals God’s glory. Point out how God humbled King Nebuchadnezzar to show that God is in control. Nebuchadnezzar learned the lesson we must remind ourselves daily: God is God, and we are not. He alone deserves honor and glory. Rather than proudly seeking our own fame and glory, we seek His fame and glory.

Nebuchadnezzar was a sinful man who exalted himself, and God humbled him. Point kids to Jesus—the sinless, eternal Son—humbled Himself, and God exalted Him. We can trust Jesus as King and live for God’s glory.

Pride steals God’s glory. God humbled King Nebuchadnezzar so he could see that God alone deserves glory. Jesus is the King of kings who humbled Himself by coming to earth and dying on the cross. Jesus saves sinners so we can live for God’s glory.

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 talk to God.
    • Jesus is greater than anything or anyone.
    • Nebuchadnezzar thought he was better than God.
    • God made Nebuchadnezzar think and act like an animal.
    • We praise God because He is great.
  • Preschool
    • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • King Nebuchadnezzar learned that God is greatest of all.
  • Kids
    • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
    • God humbled King Nebuchadnezzar to show that He is in control.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

• • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (PS: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

NEXT WEEK

• • “Daniel in the Lions’ Den” (Daniel 6)

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

The Fiery Furnace

Daniel 3

Story Point: God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the king.

Big Picture Question: Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.

Christ Connection: God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire. Only He could rescue them. God rescues us too, through His Son, Jesus. Only Jesus can save us from our sin. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provided the way for us to be rescued from sin and have eternal life.

Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In 587 B.C., the Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem, and God’s people were exiled to Babylon where they would serve an enemy king for 70 years. (See Jer. 25:11.) Among the early exiles was a young man, Daniel, and three of his friends. About 20 years after arriving in Babylon, the three friends faced a test of their faith. King Nebuchadnezzar’s law gave them a choice: worship a statue (against God’s law) or face death by fiery furnace. (Dan. 3:6)

Three men from Judah—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—refused to bow down and worship the statue. They loved and worshiped the one true God. Only He was worthy of their worship. The Book of Daniel says that the Chaldeans—a group of astrologers and dream interpreters (see Dan. 2:2,4)—took this opportunity to go to the king and tell on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. But not even the threat of death could convince the three friends to renounce their loyalty to God.

Help your kids consider the possibilities: God could keep the friends from being thrown into the furnace. Or, once in the furnace, God could keep them from being harmed. Or if they perished, God would receive them into heaven. The friends’ trust in God enabled them to stand firm no matter what—even as they were tied up and thrown into the fire.

Then something miraculous happened. Nebuchadnezzar saw four men in the fire! They were walking around, unharmed! The Lord not only rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, He was with them.

On the cross, people mocked Jesus: “He saved others, but he cannot save himself!” (Mark 15:31). Jesus was not physically unable to save Himself. He chose to do His Father’s will, and His love for sinners kept Him there. Jesus chose not to save Himself so that He could save others.

God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire. Only He could rescue them. God rescues us too, through His Son, Jesus. Only Jesus can save us from our sin. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provided the way for us to be rescued from sin and have eternal life.

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 talk to God.
  • Jesus rescues us so we can be with God forever.
  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego loved only God.
  • God kept them safe from the fire.
  • Only Jesus rescues us from our wrong choices.
• Preschool
  • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
  • God saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fire.
• Kids
  • Why do we pray? We pray because we trust God, and we know He hears us.
  • God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the king.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (PS: 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)

NEXT WEEK

“Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream” (Daniel 4)

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Ezekiel Gave Hope 

Ezekiel 37

Story Point: God planned to bring His people home and give them new life.

Big Picture Question: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

Christ Connection: Apart from Jesus, we are like the dry bones Ezekiel saw. God showed Ezekiel His power to make dead people alive. We see God’s power at the cross. Jesus died to save sinners. God raised Jesus from the dead, and He gives us eternal life.

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Ezekiel had a tough job: ministering to people who had rejected God and suffered the consequences. The exiled people of Judah were eager to blame God for their circumstances. “It’s not fair!” they argued. (See Ezek. 18:25.)

Ezekiel told the people that they were at fault for their exile; their faithlessness had provoked God’s wrath. The people were getting what they deserved. “I take no pleasure in anyone’s death,” God said. “So repent and live!” (Ezek. 18:32).

God gave Ezekiel a vision. In this vision, God showed Ezekiel a valley of dry bones. The bones represented Israel. Ezekiel prophesied that God would put tendons, flesh, and skin on the bones. He would put breath in them so they would come to life.

Ezekiel encouraged the exiles. Apart from God, they were dead. But God was offering them life. He would restore their future. “My dwelling place will be with them,” God said. “I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Ezek. 37:27).

We too are dead in our sin. (Eph. 2:1) Sin separates us from God because He is holy. We are apart from God’s presence. But God does not delight in our death. He is patient and wants us to repent and live!

This week, help your kids see that apart from Jesus, we are like the dry bones Ezekiel saw. God showed Ezekiel His power to make dead people alive. We see God’s power at the cross. Jesus died to save sinners. God raised Jesus from the dead, and He gives us eternal life. Hundreds of years after Ezekiel died, God’s presence came to His people through Jesus Christ, Immanuel—meaning, “God with us.” Jesus is the source of life; He offers us living water. (John 4:10,14) If we do not drink of it, we will be like the dry bones. No life will be in us.

Jesus changes that. He brings life to the spiritually dead. God saves us by grace, making us alive with Christ through the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 2:4-5)

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 showed Ezekiel some dry bones.

○ God promised to bring His people back to their land.

○ God gives us hope through Jesus.

○ God planned to send Jesus.

● Preschool

○ How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.

○ God planned to bring His people home.

● Kids

○ How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

○ God planned to bring His people home and give them new life.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

● 2 Chronicles 7:14

NEXT WEEK

● “The Fiery Furnace” (Daniel 3)

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Judah Taken Captive

2 Chronicles 36

Story Point: Judah ignored God’s prophets and was captured.

Big Picture Question: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

Christ Connection: God was right to punish His people for their sin, but He kept His promise to provide a king through David’s family. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever.

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Warnings had come from the prophets for decades. God patiently waited for His people to turn from their sin. The Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to Assyria, and the prophet Jeremiah spared few details when he warned Judah what would happen if they did not turn from their evil ways. (See Jer. 25:1-14.)

But the people of Judah did not change their ways. The kingdom had been declining for years, despite King Hezekiah’s—and later, Josiah’s—efforts to prompt nationwide repentance. When King Josiah died, the people went back to their old ways, worshiping idols and disobeying the Lord.

The time of judgment had come. God used Nebuchadnezzar—the king of Babylon—to deport the people from Judah to Babylon where they would live in exile for 70 years.

Nebuchadnezzar went to Judah when Jehoiakim was king. He put Jehoiakim in chains and took him to Babylon. Jehoiachin became king, and Nebuchadnezzar came back for him too. Many of the people in Judah were taken, along with treasures from the Lord’s temple. Nebuchadnezzar put Zedekiah on the throne in Jerusalem.

The people of Judah were unfaithful to God. Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, and God poured out His wrath on Judah. Nebuchadnezzar showed no mercy to the people of Jerusalem. The Babylonians set fire to the Lord’s temple and the king’s palace. They destroyed the wall around Jerusalem. Nebuchadnezzar’s armies carried most of the people away to Babylon as prisoners; only poor farmers were allowed to stay and work the land. The people were held captive in Babylon, serving the king for 70 years.

As you share with your kids this week, let them know that God was right to punish His people for their sin, but He kept His promise to provide a king through David’s family. Ultimately, God punished our sin through His Son, Jesus, and made Him our King forever. The prophet Jeremiah told what would happen next: “The days are coming … when I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel and Judah” (Jer. 30:3). God was going to save His people from captivity and raise up a new King—a forever King—from the line of David. (See Jer. 30:9.)

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

○ The last kings of Judah did not obey God.

○ The king of Babylon took away the people of Judah.

○ Jesus is the perfect King who obeyed God.

○ God planned to send Jesus.

● Preschool

○ How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.

○ Judah did not listen to God’s warning.

● Kids

○ How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

○ Judah ignored God’s prophets and was captured.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

● 2 Chronicles 7:14

NEXT WEEK

● “Ezekiel Gave Hope” (Ezekiel 37)

This week is our Here We Go week. We’ve spent the week handing out information about our upcoming Christmas events and this Sunday, we plan to cover the entire Glen Haven neighborhood. Tonight, our focus will be on sharing the Gospel with our families. After dinner, take the evening and talk about Jesus. Fast from tv, your phone, and anything else that you normally spend your evening doing. Spend the time as a family, celebrating the finished work of Jesus.

Here’s a plan you can follow as a family:

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-5 and Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 3:16

Ask a few questions:

• Who is Jesus? (He is the Son of God)
• What is Sin? (Disobedience to God and his standard of holiness)
• Who has sinned? (everyone! — ask your child how they have sinned)
• Did Jesus sin? (No — He lived a perfect life!)
• What did Jesus do for us? (Died and rose again three days later)
• Why did Jesus die for our sin? (So we can have forgiveness of our sins and eternal life)

Work on Memorizing John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9 

Watch these videos!

Preschool and Elementary 

• Sin Entered the World
• The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Older Elementary and Teenagers

• The Story of the Bible 

Ask each member of the family something they learned

Sing your favorite worship songs!

Pray and thank God for sending Jesus to die for us!

Spend the rest of the evening as a family. Go get ice cream, play some games, or sit outside. Take this time to encourage one another to continue following Jesus!

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Jeremiah, Prophet to Judah

Jeremiah

Story Point: Jeremiah told God’s people about a new and better covenant.

Big Picture Question: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

Christ Connection: Jeremiah told about a day when God would forgive sin and change people’s hearts. Jesus made these words come true. God forgives our sin through His Son, Jesus. He changes us and gives us power through His Spirit to obey His commands.

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Jeremiah was the son of Hilkiah the priest. He lived in Judah, just north of Jerusalem. At the time God called Jeremiah into ministry, Josiah was king of Judah.

As evidenced in the callings of Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others, each time God calls someone, He equips that person to do His work. Like Moses, Jeremiah was hesitant: “Oh no, Lord GOD! Look, I don’t know how to speak since I am only a youth” (Jer. 1:6). God assured Jeremiah: “I will be with you” (Jer. 1:8).

God called Jeremiah to be a prophet. The people of Judah had broken the covenant God made with them at Mount Sinai. The terms of the covenant are found in Exodus 19. God said through Moses, “If you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, … and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation” (vv. 5-6). God’s people responded, “We will do all that the LORD has spoken” (v. 8).

But Judah was deep in idol worship and other sins. God punished the unfaithfulness of Israel by sending the Northern Kingdom into exile. Now God’s judgment was coming for Judah, and Jeremiah’s job was to warn them.

This week, share with your kids that along with the warnings, Jeremiah brought a message of hope. Jeremiah told God’s people about a new and better covenant. Jeremiah told about a day when God would forgive sin and change people’s hearts. Jesus made these words come true. God forgives our sin through His Son, Jesus. He changes us and gives us power through His Spirit to obey His commands. Jesus did not come to get rid of the law. (See Matt. 5:17.) Through His sinless life, Jesus fulfilled the demands of the old covenant. When we trust in Jesus, we are credited with His righteousness and our changed hearts enable us to want to follow in Christ’s footsteps and obey God as well.

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
  • Jeremiah was a prophet to Judah.
  • God made a new promise to forgive His people.
  • God sent Jesus to forgive His people forever.
  • God planned to send Jesus.
• Preschool
  • How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.
  • Jeremiah told about a new and better covenant.
• Kids
  • How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.
  • Jeremiah told God’s people about a new and better covenant.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

2 Chronicles 7:14

NEXT WEEK

“Habakkuk the Prophet” (Habakkuk)

Dear Parents,

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

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

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

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

Here is this week’s summary:

Hezekiah and Josia

2 Chronicles 29; 34-35

Story Point: Hezekiah and Josiah led the people back to God.

Big Picture Question: How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.

Christ Connection: Hezekiah and Josiah loved God and wanted to follow His commands. They wanted God’s people to love God and obey the law too. When Jesus came to earth, He fulfilled the law by obeying it perfectly.

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14

After God’s people split into two kingdoms—the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah—each nation was ruled by a series of kings. The Southern Kingdom of Judah was ruled by mostly bad kings (like Ahaz who worshiped idols and did not respect God, God’s law, or God’s prophets) and a handful of good kings. Hezekiah and his great-grandson Josiah were two notable reformers who had a lasting impact on Judah.

Hezekiah took the throne after evil Ahaz. During Hezekiah’s reign, the kingdom of Israel—which had endured more than 200 years of bad kings—was captured by Assyria and ultimately destroyed. Hezekiah “did what was right in the LORD’s sight just as his ancestor David had done” (2 Chron. 29:2). He destroyed the places of idol worship and cleansed the temple. The Lord was with Hezekiah, and Hezekiah prospered.

Then Hezekiah’s son Manasseh became king. For 55 years, he led the people of Judah away from God, essentially reversing the progress Hezekiah had made. Manasseh’s son Amon followed in his father’s evil ways but was assassinated by his own servants. The people of Judah made Amon’s son Josiah king when he was just 8 years old.

Unlike his father, Josiah began to seek God. He tore down the altars and idols of false gods, and he initiated the repairing of the Lord’s temple. During the temple repair, the discovery of the book of the law of the Lord led Josiah to make a covenant to follow God and obey His commands. Those who heard the law vowed to do the same. When Josiah died, he was remembered as the greatest king in Judah. (2 Kings 23:25)

As you talk with your kids this week, remind them that Hezekiah and Josiah loved God and wanted to follow His commands. They wanted God’s people to love God and obey the law too. When Jesus came to earth, He fulfilled the law by obeying it perfectly.

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
  • Hezekiah and Josiah loved God.
  • Judah obeyed God when the king obeyed Him.
  • Jesus helps His people obey God.
  • God planned to send Jesus.
• Preschool
  • How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.
  • Hezekiah and Josiah led the people back to God.
• Kids
  • How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.
  • Hezekiah and Josiah led the people back to God.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

2 Chronicles 7:14

NEXT WEEK

“Jeremiah, Prophet to Judah” (Jeremiah)