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:

Isaiah, Prophet to Judah

Isaiah 6; 53

Story Point: The prophet Isaiah told about the Messiah.

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 planned all along that Jesus would die on the cross for our sin. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote that this would happen! Jesus is the Servant who suffered so that those who trust in Him would be forgiven.

Key Passage: 2 Chronicles 7:14

King Uzziah’s death marked the end of an era. His reign had been long and prosperous. Uzziah became king when he was 16, and he reigned over Judah for 52 years. Then Uzziah died. Under Uzziah’s leadership, God’s people had turned away from the promises of God and trusted in the promises of the world around them. God had promised to bless the entire world through Abraham’s family, but God’s people were rebellious. Instead of blessing, they set themselves up to receive God’s judgment.

But God’s plans and promises were not thwarted. God sent the prophet Isaiah to preach a message of hope. Even though God was going to correct His people through judgment, His purpose was one of grace through which God would receive glory. God planned to send a Messiah who would bring salvation to the world.

Isaiah 6 opens with Isaiah’s worshiping in the temple. God gave Isaiah a vision. Isaiah saw God sitting on a throne. The magnitude of God’s holiness made Isaiah realize the magnitude of his own sin. His response? “Woe is me!” God extended His grace to Isaiah. He took away Isaiah’s guilt, and sent him to His people.

Isaiah 53 records the fourth and final Servant song in the Book of Isaiah, describing God’s plan of redemption. We see a vision of the promised Messiah, the innocent substitute who would suffer for the sake of sinners.

Jesus fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecies of a Suffering Servant. People assumed God had cursed the Suffering Servant for His own sins. But no, Jesus was sinless. Isaiah wrote that He was pierced because of our transgressions and crushed because of our iniquities. His punishment is what brought our peace. The Suffering Servant died the death we deserve.

This week, remind your kids that God planned all along that Jesus would die on the cross for our sin. Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote that this would happen! Jesus is the Servant who suffered so that those who trust in Him would be forgiven. When we trust in Jesus, our sins are wiped away and His righteousness is credited to us.

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

FAMILY STARTING POINTS

• Babies and Toddlers
  • Isaiah saw God on His throne.
  • God told Isaiah to tell people about the Messiah.
  • Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
  • God planned to send Jesus.
• Preschool
  • How did God plan to fix what sin broke? God planned to send Jesus.
  • Isaiah told about the Messiah.
• Kids
  • How did God plan to fix what sin broke? Before He created the world, God planned to send the Messiah to save sinners.
  • The prophet Isaiah told about the Messiah.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

2 Chronicles 7:14

NEXT WEEK

“Hezekiah and Josiah” (2 Chronicles 29; 34–35)

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:

Israel Taken Captive

2 Kings 17

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

Big Picture Question: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

Christ Connection: When the Israelites disobeyed God again and again, God punished them by removing them from His presence. We disobey God, but Jesus took the punishment for our sin upon Himself. Jesus brings us into God’s presence and keeps us there.

Key Passage: 2 Peter 3:9

God’s people had a history of disobeying God. Sin separated them from God. But man was created to know and love God, and God was working out a plan to bring His children back to Himself. Like any good father, God knows that disobedience needs to be punished. “For the LORD disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights” (Prov. 3:12).

After the tribes of Israel split into the Northern Kingdom and Southern Kingdom, God sent prophets to both kingdoms to warn the people to turn from their sins and obey God. Over the course of 200 years, the prophets Elijah, Elisha, Jonah, Amos, and Hosea spoke to Israel and warned them of the consequences of their idolatry. They called for Israel to repent and turn back to God. But Israel did not listen.

God had been very patient with the Israelites. He had helped them in times of trouble and delayed their punishment because He is gracious and compassionate. (See 2 Kings 13:23.) But God knew His people would not love Him with all their hearts.

Finally, God had had enough. Evil King Hoshea ruled over Israel, and God allowed Israel’s enemies to send the people into exile. The king of Assyria attacked Israel and laid siege to Samaria. Assyria captured Samaria and forced the people to leave the city. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed and the people were scattered, just as God had said it would be. (See 1 Kings 14:15.)

Israel’s exile was God’s judgment on their sin but God was not finished working among His people. God was still working out His plan to keep His covenant promises. As you talk with your kids this week, point them to Jesus, the answer to God’s promises. When the Israelites disobeyed God again and again, God punished them by removing them from His presence. We disobey God, but Jesus took the punishment for our sin upon Himself. Jesus brings us into God’s presence and keeps us there.

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 people of Israel would not obey God.
  • Assyria captured Israel.
  • When Jesus comes back, He will bring people together.
  • God’s plans are good.
• Preschool
  • Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.
  • Israel did not listen to God’s warning.
• Kids
  • Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.
  • Israel ignored God’s prophets and was captured.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

● 2 Peter 3:9

NEXT WEEK

● “Isaiah, Prophet to Judah” (Isaiah 6,53)

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:

Hosea, the Prophet to Israel

Hosea

Story Point: God is faithful to His people even when they do not love Him.

Big Picture Question: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

Christ Connection: 54

Key Passage: 2 Peter 3:9

Hosea was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel for at least forty years. God sent Hosea to tell Israel of God’s hatred toward sin and of His coming judgment. (See Hos. 4:1,6.) God also sent Hosea to bring a message of love—a love that never gives up. (See Hos. 11:7-9.)

To get the message across to the Israelites, God used Hosea’s own life to show Israel what a never-gives-up kind of love looks like. Hosea obeyed God’s instructions to marry a prostitute. Hosea loved Gomer as his wife, even though he knew she would not be faithful to him. Gomer gave birth to children who were conceived with other men. Can you imagine Hosea’s grief each time he realized his wife’s unfaithfulness?

It would have been easier for Hosea to end his marriage covenant—to throw up his hands and say, “Enough! I’m done with you!” Yet God’s people were no different than Gomer. They were spiritual adulterers. Their hearts chased after other lovers by loving and worshiping idols.

It would have been easier for God to end the Mosaic covenant—to throw up His hands and say, “Enough! I’m done with you!” But God’s love never gives up. God gave Hosea a love for his wife that compelled him to buy her back from the slave market after all she had done. In the same way, God sought after His unfaithful people even after all they had done. God paid a high price—the life of His Son, Jesus—to bring them back to Himself.

Remember to talk about the story of Hosea with your kids in an age-appropriate way. God used Hosea’s unfaithful wife to show the people of Israel that they were unfaithful to Him. God gave Hosea a deep love; Hosea was willing to buy back Gomer even after all she had done. God’s love is deep, and it never gives up. He goes after His people and paid a great price to get us back. Even when God’s people worship false idols, He is ready to forgive those who turn back to 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
  • The people of Israel stopped loving God.
  • Hosea’s life showed Israel how much God loved them.
  • Jesus’ life shows how much God loves us.
  • God’s plans are good.
• Preschool
  • Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.
  • God loves people who do not love Him back.
• Kids
  • Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.
  • God is faithful to His people even when they do not love Him.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

● 2 Peter 3:9

NEXT WEEK

● “Israel Taken Captive” (2 Kings 17)

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:

Jonah, the prophet to Nineveh

Jonah

Story Point: God loves all people and showed mercy to the Ninevites.

Big Picture Question: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

Christ Connection: God called Jonah to go to his enemies and call them to turn away from their sin, but Jonah refused. Instead, he ran away. Later, God sent Jesus to His enemies to call us to repentance. Jesus willingly obeyed. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin.

Key Passage: 2 Peter 3:9

Jonah lived during the time Jeroboam II was king over Israel, mere decades before the Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed. Jonah was a prophet—and while he is best known as the man who was swallowed by a big fish when he tried to run away from God, his story continues beyond chapter 2 to reveal what Jonah knew all along: God is “a gracious and compassionate God” (John 4:2b).

Jonah’s account centers around the compassion of God, not only for the people of Israel but for people throughout the earth—even Israel’s worst enemies!

Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, and the rulers of Nineveh were notoriously evil and cruel. That was the very reason God called Jonah to go to them: “their evil has come up before me” (Jonah 1:2). God is the Judge of all the earth (Gen. 18:25), and He is sovereign over all the nations.

Jonah discovered that no one can flee from God’s presence. (Ps. 139:9-10) Through a storm and some time in the belly of a fish, God got Jonah’s attention, and Jonah went to Nineveh. For three days, Jonah walked around the city. His message to the Ninevites was brief: “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!” (Jonah 3:4)

The people of Nineveh immediately repented, and God withheld His judgment. “Jonah was greatly displeased and became furious” (Jonah 4:1). God rebuked Jonah. He left Jonah—and the reader—with a question to consider: “May I not care about the great city of Nineveh?” (Jonah 4:11).

Emphasize to your kids that Jesus is greater than Jonah. (Matt. 12:41) God called Jonah to go to his enemies and call them to turn away from their sin, but Jonah refused. Instead, he ran away. Later, God sent Jesus to His enemies to call us to repentance. Jesus willingly obeyed. Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from sin. God shows His mercy in the gospel, forgiving those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. God sends us out, like Jonah, to share the good news of salvation.

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
  • Jonah did not want to go to Nineveh.
  • God showed mercy to Jonah and the Ninevites.
  • God sent Jesus to show us mercy.
  • God’s plans are good.
• Preschool
  • Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.
  • God loves all people.
• Kids
  • Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.
  • God loves all people and showed mercy to the Ninevites.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

● 2 Peter 3:9

NEXT WEEK

● “Hosea, Prophet to Israel” (Hosea)

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:

Elisha and the Army

2 Kings 6

Story Point: God protected Elisha with an invisible army.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant so he could see God’s protection. God is always with us. Jesus came to earth as the visible image of our invisible God. God’s protection from sin and death is given to everyone who trusts in Jesus.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

After Elijah was taken to heaven in a whirlwind, his successor Elisha continued Elijah’s work as a prophet to Israel. God used him, like Elijah, to perform miracles—multiplying the oil of a poor widow, raising a Shunammite woman’s son from the dead, purifying a poisoned pot of stew, and more.

At this time, Israel was ruled by King Joram. The land of Aram to the northeast (located in present-day Syria) was ruled by King Ben-hadad. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman—the commander of the army for the king of Aram—sought out Elisha for healing of a skin disease. Naaman recognized the one true God (2 Kings 5:15), but Aram was an enemy of Israel and waged war against the people.

Each time the king of Aram made plans to attack Israel, God revealed the plans to Elisha and he alerted Israel’s king so Israel could thwart their enemy’s plans. When Aram’s king discovered Elisha was to blame, he was determined to kill God’s prophet and sent an army to surround the place where Elisha was hiding. Elisha’s servant saw the enemy army and was afraid, but Elisha could see something the servant couldn’t see: an army of the Lord outnumbering the Arameans covered the mountain, ready to protect Elisha.

God blinded the enemy army, and Elisha led them to Samaria where the king of Israel could have killed them. Instead, Elisha told the king to feed the men and send them home. Those raiders did not come into Israel’s land again.

This story in 2 Kings 6 reveals that the world is not limited to what is seen. As you talk with your kids this week, emphasize that God opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant so he could see God’s protection. God is always with us. Jesus came to earth as the visible image of our invisible God. God’s protection from sin and death is given to everyone who trusts in 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
  • God told Elisha the king of Aram’s plans.
  • God rescued His prophet from the king of Aram.
  • God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God protected His people.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God protected Elisha with an invisible army.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

“Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh” (Jonah)

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:

Elijah at Mount Carmel

1 Kings 18-19

Story Point: God chose Elisha to continue Elijah’s work as a prophet.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah so Elisha could carry out his mission as a prophet. Years later, Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. God gives believers the Holy Spirit so they can share the gospel with the world.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

Following God’s great display of power at Mount Carmel, Elijah fled for his life and traveled to Mount Horeb where he encountered God in a soft whisper. God instructed Elijah to anoint a man named Elisha as his successor. Elijah found Elisha plowing a field. Elijah put his cloak over Elisha to show that Elisha would be a prophet like Elijah. Elisha followed Elijah and served him for many years. In time, King Ahab of Israel appointed his son Ahaziah as king. When Ahaziah died, his brother Joram became king.

Elijah’s ministry came to an end, and God took him to heaven in an unusual way. First, Elijah and Elisha traveled from Gilgal to Bethel to Jericho and then to the Jordan River. Elijah met with other prophets and their families. Despite Elijah’s insistence otherwise, Elisha did not leave Elijah’s side.

A group of prophets watched as Elijah parted the Jordan River by striking the water with his mantle (cloak) so he could cross. In Elijah’s final moments, Elisha requested, “Please, let me inherit two shares of your spirit” (2 Kings 2:9). Elisha wanted power to continue God’s work and confirmation as Israel’s next prophet.

A chariot of fire and horses of fire suddenly appeared and separated the men. Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha cried out after him. When Elijah was out of view, Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and struck the water of the Jordan River. The water parted—a sign that Elisha had received power from God. Elisha would continue the work of Elijah as a prophet to Israel.

As you talk with your kids this week, remind them that God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah so Elisha could carry out his mission as a prophet. Years later, Jesus told His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. God gives believers the Holy Spirit so they can share the gospel with 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
  • Elisha was Elijah’s helper.
  • God took Elijah to heaven in a whirlwind.
  • God gave Elisha the same spirit that was in Elijah.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God chose Elisha to be His prophet after Elijah.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God chose Elisha to continue Elijah’s work as a prophet.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

● Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

● “Elisha and the Army” (2 Kings 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:

Elijah at Mount Carmel

1 Kings 18-19

Story Point: God showed that He is the one true God.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: The people who worshiped the false god Baal danced and cried out for hours to show that they loved Baal. But the one true God is not like the false gods. We do not have to work hard to show God we love Him. Instead, He showed His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus. Jesus died to rescue us from sin, and He hears us when we cry out to Him.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

Dear Parents,

King Ahab was an evil king. In fact, “Ahab did more to provoke the LORD God of Israel than all the kings of Israel who were before him” (1 Kings 16:33). God wanted His people to be faithful to Him, but King Ahab led them away from God.

God chose Elijah to get Ahab’s attention. In 1 Kings 17, Elijah told Ahab that a drought was coming. God prevented rain in the land for three years. For Ahab, a man who worshiped Baal—the false Canaanite god of rain and fertility—the drought sent a strong message about the one true God.

When God was ready to send rain on the earth, Elijah appeared to Ahab and instructed him to gather the Israelites and the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel. Elijah challenged the people to choose: Follow God or follow Baal. They couldn’t do both.

Elijah set up a challenge to prove who is the one true God. He faced off against the prophets of Baal. They prepared a bull on an altar and called on their deity to send fire from heaven. The prophets of Baal called and cried and cut themselves, but Baal did not answer.

Elijah poured water on and around his altar. He called to God, and God sent fire from heaven. Everything was burned up! The Israelites could not deny that the God of Elijah is the one true God. Finally, God sent a great rain to end the drought.

Elijah fled from the wrath of Ahab’s wife, Jezebel. He met with God on a mountain, and God revealed Himself to Elijah in a soft whisper. God gave Elijah a friend and successor in Elisha and assured him of 7,000 people in Israel who had not turned to Baal.

The false god Baal had no power. The people who worshiped the false god Baal danced and cried out for hours to show that they loved Baal. But the one true God is not like the false gods. We do not have to work hard to show God we love Him. Instead, He showed His love for us by sending His Son, Jesus. Jesus died to rescue us from sin, and He hears us when we cry out to Him. As you talk with your kids about the Bible story this week, emphasize that only God—the one true God—has power to help His people and to save them. And He saves them 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
  • Elijah prayed for God to send fire.
  • God hears us when we pray to Him.
  • God showed that He is the one true God.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God showed that He is the one true God.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God showed that He is the one true God.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

“Elijah and Elisha” (2 Kings 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:

The Kingdom Divided

1 Kings 17

Story Point: God provided in miraculous ways.

Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

Christ Connection: God miraculously provided through Elijah to give food to the widow and life to the widow’s son. Many years later, God miraculously provided through His own Son, Jesus. Jesus is greater than Elijah. In Jesus, God provides salvation and life to everyone who trusts in Him.

Key Passage: Isaiah 42:8

Dear Parents,

After King Solomon died, the tribes of Israel split into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam was the king of Israel, and Solomon’s son Rehoboam was the king of Judah. These two kingdoms were frequently at war with each other, and they rotated through mostly evil kings for decades. Ahab was the king of Israel when the prophet Elijah came to him.

The name Elijah means “My God is Yahweh.” We don’t know anything about Elijah’s background or family, but God chose Elijah (and later the prophet Elisha) to warn the Israelites of their future destruction. For years, God sent prophets to warn His people about the consequences their sin would bring. He wanted them to turn back to Him, but they would not.

Three significant events occur in 1 Kings 17. First, Elijah announced a drought in the land of Israel. Evil King Ahab and his wife Jezebel encouraged Baal worship, so the drought was punishment for Israel’s idolatry—according to the law of God. (Deut. 11:16-17) God provided for Elijah during the drought.

Second, Elijah visited a widow. God promised that the widow would provide for him. Lack of rain caused a famine in the land. God provided food for the widow and her son. Elijah stayed with the widow for two years.

Third, Elijah raised the widow’s son from the dead. Elijah asked God to bring the boy back to life, and God did. The woman believed that Elijah was a man of God and that his words from God were true.

Help your kids connect this story to Jesus. God miraculously provided through Elijah to give food to the widow and life to the widow’s son. Many years later, God miraculously provided through His own Son, Jesus. Jesus is greater than Elijah. In Jesus, God provides salvation and life to everyone who trusts in 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
  • Elijah said that no rain would fall in Israel.
  • God kept the widow’s flour and oil from running out.
  • Elijah’s miracles showed that God is powerful.
  • There is one God.
• Preschool
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • God took care of the widow and her son.
• Kids
  • How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • God provided in miraculous ways.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

Isaiah 42:8

NEXT WEEK

“Elijah at Mount Carmel” (1 Kings 18–19)

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 Kingdom Divided

1 Kings 11-12

Story Point: God divided Israel into two kingdoms because Solomon sinned.

Big Picture Question: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

Christ Connection: King Solomon failed to lead God’s people perfectly. God’s people needed a better king, a perfect king! Through David’s family, God would send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be a perfect King over God’s people forever. Jesus is greater than Solomon. Jesus brings His people together and leads them back to God.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

King Solomon loved God. He received wisdom from the Lord and was dedicated to building His temple. But early on, we see hints that Solomon’s heart was not completely devoted to God. He married foreign wives who turned Solomon’s heart away from God. (1 Kings 11:4)

Solomon gradually abandoned what he had believed. Israel had a history of turning away from God, and Solomon was no exception.

God was angry with Solomon. He had warned him twice not to turn to false gods. God planned to discipline Solomon by taking the kingdom away from his family. God was going to take the kingdom from Solomon’s son Rehoboam—every tribe except for one. God graciously left one tribe for Rehoboam, keeping the promise He made to David. (See 2 Sam. 7:16.)

God set apart Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s servants, to become leader over 10 tribes of Israel. Parts of the tribe of Benjamin followed Jeroboam, and some followed Rehoboam. When Solomon died, all of Israel gathered to make Rehoboam their new king. They asked Rehoboam to lighten the burden of service Solomon had given them, but Rehoboam refused. In fact, he promised to make their work even harder.

Israel rebelled against Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king. Only the tribe of Judah stayed with Rehoboam. So the kingdom was divided into two kingdoms—the Northern Kingdom was called Israel (ruled by Jeroboam) and the Southern Kingdom was called Judah (ruled by Rehoboam).

King Solomon failed to lead God’s people perfectly. God’s people needed a better king, a perfect king! Through David’s family, God would send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be a perfect King over God’s people forever. Jesus is greater than Solomon. Jesus brings His people together and leads them back to God.

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 knows everything.

King Solomon’s sin split the kingdom.

People from David’s family were kings of Judah.

Jesus was born into David and Solomon’s family.

Preschool

What does God know? God knows everything.

God divided Israel into two kingdoms.

Kids

What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

God divided Israel into two kingdoms because Solomon sinned.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

James 1:5

NEXT WEEK

“Elijah and the Widow” (1 Kings 17)

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:

Solomon Built the Temple

1 Kings 6-8

Story Point: God led His people to build a temple where He would dwell with them.

Big Picture Question: What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.

Christ Connection: The temple was a place where God was with His people. The people could go there to make sacrifices and worship God. Today, when we trust in Jesus, He is with us wherever we go. We can look to Him for forgiveness and help.

Key Passage: Psalm 145:13

Dear Parents,

When David was king, he wanted to build a temple for God, but God did not allow him to. “When your time comes and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up after you your descendant … and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam. 7:12-13). God said King David’s son would build the temple.

King Solomon began to gather materials to build the temple. He ordered cedar and cypress timbers from Lebanon. He gathered 30,000 men from all of Israel as laborers to excavate stone and prepare the timbers for the temple’s construction.

The temple was impressive. The entire interior was cedar. King Solomon had everything covered with gold. In all, it took seven years for the temple to be completed. Inside the temple was furniture and accessories. (See 1 Kings 7:48-50.)

The time came to dedicate the temple. All of the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem. The priests brought the ark of the Lord to the most holy place, and a cloud filled the house of the Lord. God’s glory filled the temple.

Solomon prayed and praised God for keeping His covenant with David. He recognized that God is not confined to a temple. “Even heaven, the highest heaven, cannot contain you, much less this temple I have built” (1 Kings 8:27). Solomon’s prayer and speech was followed by a great offering to God.

Jesus changed everything when He died for our sins on the cross. By taking our sin upon Himself, Jesus made the way for sinners to come to God. The temple was a place where God was with His people. The people could go there to make sacrifices and worship God. Today, when we trust in Jesus, He is with us wherever we go. We can look to Him for forgiveness and help.

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 knows everything.
  • Solomon built a temple for God.
  • Solomon told the people to love God with all their heart.
  • Because of Jesus, we can worship God everywhere.
• Preschool
  • What does God know? God knows everything.
  • God’s people built Him a temple.
• Kids
  • What does God know? God knows everything about the past, present, and future.
  • God led His people to build a temple where He would dwell with them.

UNIT KEY PASSAGE

James 1:5

NEXT WEEK

“The Kingdom Divided” (1 Kings 11–12)