Wise Men Find Jesus

Memory Verse: A Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Key Point: Jesus deserves our worship.

Faithful People Thank God for JesusLink:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/cards/brownpaper/

Follow the directions at the Enchanted Learning site to create a thank-you card for God. Write “Thank you, God, for sending Jesus” on the front of the card. Then think of ways you can each thank God and list those on the back of the card. Display your family card in a prominent spot so that you can remember to thank God daily for his greatest gift, Jesus.Link:

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thankyougifts/thankyou.shtml

Have fun trying to pronounce “thank you” in all the different languages given at this website. Let each member of the family choose two languages and practice saying “thank you.” Close with a prayer time in which each family member thanks God in the two languages he or she has learned.

Jesus is Born!

Memory Verse: A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11



Link: http://www.kididdles.com/mouseum/index.html



Enjoy learning about Canadian missionary St. Jean de Brebeuf, who composed The First Canadian Christmas Carol. Be sure to click on the graphic at the Lesson Tutor site to hear the musical presentation of the song. As you read about Brebeuf’s life, take into account how events in history contributed to his feeling toward the Christ-child and no doubt influenced his choice of words for this hymn. Find the home page of the Kididdles site and surf down the page. Check out Mojo’s Musical Mouseum. As a family, select a traditional melody that you all know. Collaborate in writing Christmas lyrics that fit the tune of the melody you select.



Sing the song and then discuss the following questions:



• What part does music play in the celebration of Christmas?

• What are other things that we can do to celebrate Christ’s birth?

Faithful People Thank God for Jesus

Parents: Ask your children why Jesus’ birth is something to really
celebrate. Encourage each person in your family to name a different
reason to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Then talk about ways your family
celebrates Jesus’ birth at Christmas, and evaluate whether or not
you’re doing a good job of celebrating Jesus’ birth in your Christmas
traditions. Come up with some new ideas you might want to carry out
to make your Christmas traditions even more about Jesus.

Pray: Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to be born. Remind us during this
busy Christmas season to remember why we celebrate Christmas and
to focus our hearts and thoughts on you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Family Discussion:
In this Christmas season, our family thanks God for. . .
If Jesus were born today, what gift would we bring to Him?

God Dwells With Us

Memory Verse: "A Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Key Point: Jesus is God

Abraham's Visitors/ Sodom and Gomorrah

Bible Point: God makes miracles happen.

Key Verse: "For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29:11

Bible Exploration: Genesis 18:1-19:29

When God made it clear that his intent was to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham was horrified. He had likely done business with people there, and his nephew, Lot, lived there with his family. So Abraham pleaded with God to spare the few who were still faithful. Notice that God’s response was not to spare just the righteous; God said the whole city would
be saved if only 50 righteous people lived there. It’s helpful to remember here God’s definition of righteous. Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith, not because of a righteous lifestyle. As Abraham voiced his pleas ever more carefully, God promised to spare the city if only 10 righteous people could be found there. However, there weren’t even 10 faithful people there.
Lot’s position at the gate to the city indicated that he was a man of influence there, perhaps even a judge. His insistence that the visitors stay at his home was almost a requirement of
the culture. The moral degradation of this city is obvious in the text, so no further comment is needed here. Lot apparently was at least somewhat involved in what was happening in the
culture, as evidenced by his offering of his daughters to the men who were seeking sex with the visitors.
God did an amazing thing in sparing the lives of Lot and his family. Lot didn’t appear to deserve it, just as we don’t deserve the grace God gives to us. But we can be thankful that God is
wonderfully merciful and still does amazing things for us.

To think about and discuss:
• Why do we so easily accept God’s miracles in history, but have such a hard time accepting his actions in our lives today?
• What kind of actions would God have to take to convince you of his miraculous power?
• What miracle have you experienced that surprised you?
• Why do miracles happen?
• Why does God use miracles in some situations, but not others?

Family Worship Challenge:
• Help your family members write a song celebrating God’s miracles. Choose a tune familiar to your children, and have them help you replace the words with words that describe God’s miracles in the Bible and in their own lives. Then sing the song together each morning to start the day with praise for God’s great power.

Abram Follows God's Direction

Bible Point: We can always trust God.

Key Verse: "We obey God rather than man." Acts 5:29

Bible Exploration: Genesis 12:1-8

“Sell everything you can’t carry with you, leave all your friends and extended family, get your wife and belongings in the car, and start driving. You’ll probably never come back here again, but don’t worry about that—I’ll show you where to go.” If God were speaking to Abram today, that might be what he’d say. What trust in God it took for Abram to leave his home, his country, and everything familiar and comfortable and set out for an unknown destination, having only God’s
command to go on!

Get a piece of paper. Draw a horizontal line in the center of the page with one dot at the left end labeled “Birth” and one on the right end labeled “Death.” Place another dot on the line to serve as a marker for the beginning of your faith. Take a look at your life. What promises has God made to you? What might he be calling you to do? When you’ve thought about that, place at least two additional dots on your line with dates and write a short explanation of what you believe God has indicated in the past and what he wants you to do today.


Ask God to help you try something new that you’d be afraid to try on your own—something where you’d have to trust God in order to do it.

People Build a Tower at Babel

Bible Point: We all need God

Key Verse: "We obey God rather than man." Acts 5:29

Bible Exploration: Genesis 11:1-9

Just a few generations and only 150 to 200 years after the miraculous saving of Noah’s family
in the ark, the descendants of those ark-dwellers turned away from God. The people’s intent in building a tower was not to reach heaven, as some have suggested. They wanted to build something showy that would bring them recognition. People from all around would see the tall tower that seemed to reach into the heavens. Others would marvel at what they had done, and they would be proud. These people weren’t interested in serving God; rather they wanted to elevate their own standing before others. In essence, they tried to make themselves look
more important than God.
In the past century the human race has made dramatic technological advancements. Many people believe that as we share information and build upon what we have learned, our progresswill eventually allow the human race to solve all of its problems. The belief that the human race is self-sufficient isn’t new.

To think about and discuss:
1. Do you feel the advances we have made are positive and helpful to
mankind? Why or why not?
2. Are there areas where science and technology can go too far?
3. How do you think God feels about the advances we’ve made in the
last century?
4. If you were asked “Why do we need God?” what would your answer
be?

Family Worship Challenge:
• Teach your family to speak pig Latin. (Begin each word with its first vowel, move the initial consonant to the end of the word, and follow with an “ay” sound. For example, “cat” becomes “atcay” and “dog” becomes “ogday.”) Have everyone come up with a few sentences in pig Latin while others try to decipher them. Then talk about the story in Genesis 11 and what it would be like to wake up one morning and speak a completely different language than
your friends and neighbors!

• Play the popular Jenga table game with your family. As each person removes a piece from the “tower,” ask them to state an area of their life where people might say they do not need God. For example, “I do not need God to give me air; the trees make it.” When the tower finally falls down, talk about how foolish it is to not give God his rightful place in our lives.

God Floods the Earth

Bible Point: God's promises are always reliable.

Key Verse: "We must obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29

Bible Exploration: Genesis 7:1-8:22, 9:8-16


Adults struggle to keep commitments and promises. Campaign promises, marriage vows, and even simple promises to remember a phone call or lunch date. As we juggle commitments to family, job, spouse, and friends, we often find these commitments in conflict. And to add to the challenge, we live in a world where faithfulness is not highly valued. How many times have you said, "I'll call you," and never followed up? What we say, what we are intending to do, and what we are expected to do are often different things.

1. How do you feel about promises?
2. Can you keep a promise?
3. Can you trust a friend who makes a promise to you?

When God makes a promise, its worth is priceless and its strength unmatched. As we strive to be like Him, we should also take our word and our commitments seriously. As we model faithfulness and promise-keeping to our families and friends, we are painting a picture of a faithful God to our children.

Family Worship Challenge:

• To illustrate how difficult it is when you can’t trust what others say, ask family members to participate in the following activity. Choose a meal when the whole family is together.
  Instruct everyone that they are to intentionally say the opposite of what they mean. For example, if someone wants the potatoes they might say, “Don’t pass me any potatoes.”
  Ask family members to share how they felt about saying the opposite of what they meant.

Memory Verse Update

On order to streamline Sabbath Schools and Kid's church and help our kids learn their memory verses, we have decided to focus on one memory verse each month.
For the month of October: "We must obey God rather than men." Acts 5:29
This verse goes along with all of our stories/themes for October. Practice with your kids each night, or at least weekly, to help them learn the memory verse for the month!

Noah Builds the Ark

Bible Point: God wants us to obey.

Key verse: “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’ ”
(Acts 5:29).

Bible Exploration: Genesis 6:5-22


Obedience is no easier for adults than it is for children. But adults can better understand God’s call to obedience and how the answer to that call reflects the depth of our relationship to God.
We don’t know how often Noah was discouraged. We don’t know if his neighbors ridiculed him, but we assume they must have. We don’t know if Noah’s family thought he had lost his mind. But we do know that “he did everything just as God commanded him.” And that’s a great example of faithful obedience for all of us.

To think about and discuss:
1. How does popular culture affect your sense of right and wrong?
2. How is it possible to know what God wants when society and the media tell us that all truth is relative?
3. Give examples of what obeying God might look like in the faceof an “anything goes” society? What obstacles might you have to overcome?

Family Worship Challenge:

• Play a game of Simon Says with your children. Allow each person to have a turn being Simon. Then have familymembers discuss how following the leader in the game is like and unlike following God.
• Have each family member come up with one question they’d like to ask God about the reason for one of his rules or commands. Then have other family members tell how
  they think God might answer that question.

Cain Kills Abel

Bible Point: God wants us to love and honor our families

Key Verse: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor
one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

Bible Exploration: Genesis 4:1-16

“Family” has a wider range of meaning to adults than to children. To adults the concept
of “family” might include their own parents and siblings, or their own spouses and
children, or their spouses’ parents and siblings. Adults have more family to love—and
more potential for family conflicts. Unresolved issues from one part of the family can
spill over into relationships in another. The story of Cain and Abel shows us that the first family had many more problems than most of us have had. Yet God still loved them,
even knowing how sinful they were. He will never abandon us because of our sinful ways.

To think about and discuss:

1. How does God want us to treat our families?
2. When God already knew what had happened to Abel, why did he ask Cain where his brother was?
3. Does God expect us to be our "brother's keeper?"

Family Worship Challenge:

• Make a list of things that make you glad you’re a family. Clap for each family member as you list special qualities they each bring to your family.
• Pick a family that you see on a TV show, discuss the things about that family that God would like/dislike.

Adam and Eve Sin

Bible Point: We all sin

Key Verse: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

Bible Exploration: Genesis 3:1-24

To think about and discuss:
Sin is a problem for every human, but we sometimes allowourselves to be more open to temptation and sin than at othertimes. The Bible tells us that sin results in death. By accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sin and believing in him, we receive eternal life. However, that doesn’t mean we automatically stop all sinning. We sin because we are weak and tempted by too many pleasures of the world, including material things, sexual sin, power, and money.

1. How does God provide a way out of temptation so we can withstand it?
2. Is temptation a sin?
3. How does God want us to deal with sin?

Family Worship Challenge:

• Is there a sin that you have committed this recently that you are feeling guilty of? After confessing the sin and asking for forgiveness from God and others who may be affected, bury your guilt. Write your sin down, pray to God to give you the ability to sin no more, and then bury the paper in the ground. Thank God for your his forgiveness, grace and power, but let it die so your future can live.

God Creates Adam and Eve

Key Point: We're important to God

Key Verse: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful” (Psalm 139:14).

Bible Exploration: Genesis 2:4-22

To think about and discuss:

1. Think about a specific time you felt God was letting you know how important you were to him.
2. What does it mean that we are fearfully and wonderfully made?
3. In what way are you fearfully and wonderfully made? Name one characteristic that sets you apart from others.

Family Worship Challenge:

• Parents, talk about ways your parents or family made you feel special. Then assign each family member a special day when everyone else in the family does special things
  for that person, such as helping him or her with chores, making their favorite meal for dinner or sharing small gifts (handmade ones are best).

God Creates the World

Bible Point: God created the world.

Key Verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

Bible Exploration: Genesis 1:1-23

To think about and discuss:
The Bible describes our creator God as having spoken matter into existence in a period of six days. Some Christians believe the days are literal 24-hour periods. Others believe that God measures time differently than we do (Psalm 90:4) and took longer to mold creation. Some believe creation may have begun with a God-ordained “big bang” that took many millenniums
to come to fruition.

Whatever position we take, we must be careful not to compromise at least three clear principles from the Bible:
1. God exists and “created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
2. Without Jesus “nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).
3. Jesus sustains and supervises all that exists today (Colossians 1:17).

How does what you believe about God creating the world impact how you feel about yourself and others?

If God didn't create the world and the people in it, how would that change the way we live our lives?

Family Worship Challenge:

• Go for a nature walk around your neighborhood. Ask each family member to pick up one example of God’s creation. When your family gets home, read Genesis 1 together.
  Then ask each person to show what he or she picked up and to identify what day of creation God called that sort of object into existence.

5th Sabbath - Family Worship Week

The most powerful influence on children’s faith development is the conversations about faith that take place in the home. One of the ways that you can help develop your children’s faith and strengthen your family is by having family worship. It doesn’t have to be complicated, start by just singing, praying and reading a Bible story together.

This week at New Hope church, there's no traditional sabbath school. Instead, we'll be passing out family worship bags. Take the bags and find a place in the church or around campus to complete the activities with your family. Your kids are going to LOVE having worship with you and hopefully this will jumpstart your family worship at home too!

Esther Saves Her People

Bible Point: Everyone can serve God.

Key Verse: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Bible Exploration: Esther 2-9

Many of the lessons this quarter focus on people in the Old Testament who were surrounded by unbelievers and somehow had to stand up for God. Esther was no exception. Esther became the queen, not because God was blessing her by giving her power, wealth, or prestige. God had a plan for her being in that important position. Esther was obedient in serving God where he had placed her, and God used her actions to preserve his people! Those who follow Jesus sometimes find themselves serving in unexpected places. He writes the scripts, casts the players and offers us opportunities to be a part of his master plan.

To think about and discuss:

• How have the unique circumstances of your life positioned you to serve God?
• According to Exodus 4:14, what will happen with God’s plan if we refuse to participate? What will happen to us?

Family Worship Challenge:

• Do you know what good works God has created you for? What are your spiritual gifts? Spend some time this week asking friends how they’ve already seen God working in your life, and see whatcommon threads come up. You could even do a spiritualgifts
  inventory—This one oneline is pretty easy to use: http://archive.elca.org/evangelizingchurch/assessments/spiritgifts.html

Nehemiah Rebuilds the Wall

Bible Point: God helps us face challenges

Key Verse:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

Bible Exploration: Nehemiah 2:11-6:19

To think about and discuss:

1. Which character traits of Nehemiah helped him to face challenges so well?

2. Why did God help Nehemiah and the other Jews?
3. If you were suddenly placed in Nehemiah’s shoes, which truths about God would be important to remember?

Family Worship Challenge

• Have family members brainstorm about challenging situations in which people need to pray and ask God for strength, wisdom, and protection. After brainstorming, have each person mention a difficult situation he or she is facing (or has recently faced), and talk
  about ways to plan ahead for the next challenge and what it means to rely on God.

Nehemiah Seeks God's Forgiveness for Israel

Bible Point: When we turn to God, he restores us.

Key Verse:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Bible Exploration: Nehemiah 1:1-29

To think about and discuss:
All of us have experienced the devastation that comes from sin. But God has good news for us. He offers us forgiveness and restoration. Today we’re going to explore the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem after the exile. This story will help us discover that
when we turn to God, he restores us.
Do you need God to restore an area of your life? Nehemiah envisioned
the restoration of a damaged city, and he asked the king for permission to begin the work. Find a quiet place and pray this prayer: “God, I want to begin the work of rebuilding [describe the area that needs restoration]. Thank you for hearing my prayer and helping to restore what is broken between us.”

Family Worship Challenge:

• After a family meal, try this simple activity to help children
  understand the meaning of the word repentance. Have
  everyone stand and face the same direction and begin
  walking. As they walk, have people call out sinful things
  they sometimes do, such as lie, pick on siblings, or disobey
  parents. After family members continue for a few steps,
  call “stop.” Have everyone turn around and face the other
  way. Explain that to repent means to turn around—to
  change direction from what is wrong and head in the right
  direction. Use this time to pray together and humbly ask
  God for forgiveness and the strength to walk in the right
  direction in family relationships and other areas of life.

God Promises to Restore Israel After the Exile

Bible Point: God guides us

Key Verse:
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11) .

Bible Exploration: Jeremiah 29:4-14

The people of Judah had strayed from God, and as a result Judah fell to the nation of Babylon and the people of Judah were captured and held in exile for many years. We’ll look at Jeremiah 29 and see what God had to say to his wayward children. We’ll discover that despite Judah’s rebellious nature, God still had a loving plan for the people. God always guides his people.

To think about and discuss:

1. What do you think about this promise God made: “I know the plans I have for you” in Jeremiah 29:11? How does it make you feel? Why?
2. Why is it important for people to believe that God really does have plans to give them “hope
and a future”? (See Jeremiah 29:11b.)
3. Would you say that you are seeking God passionately right now? Why or why not?
4. Are there some things in your life that are keeping you from seeking or serving God? If so, what
will you do about them?
5. Have you ever felt as if God had forgotten about you? If so, how did you respond toward him? If not, what kept your eyes focused on him?
6. Is it ever too late for people to draw closer to God and seek his will for their lives? Why or why
not?1. Why do you think God reminded the exiled Jews about his current
and future plans for them?

Family Worship Challenge:

• As a family, decide to go on a special outing—perhaps tothe zoo, the desert, the mountains, or a museum in thecity. Rather than doing much of the preparation workyourself, assign family members specific tasks, such as packing sandwiches, cleaning out the car, planning theroute, and making sure everyone is wearing appropriateclothing. After you return from the outing, discuss why itwas so important to plan your trip, and use that discussion
  to transition into the wonderful plans that God is making for his people. For example, we may not always see whatGod is doing, but we can know for sure that he is making plans for us to spend eternity in heaven with him if wehave invited Jesus into our lives.

God Protects Daniel in the Lions Den

Bible Point When we trust God, we find peace.

Key Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Bible Exploration: Daniel 6:1-23


Daniel faced significant hardship, and he endured because of his strong relationship with God. All of us face difficult situations. The question is, how will we respond? God delivered Daniel from the lions because Daniel trusted in God. How did that trust develop? Obviously Daniel had often presented requests to God and received answers. The more this young man came to know God, the more intensely he sought God. Daniel knew that God could be trusted, so he made it a point to give his anxieties to God.

To think about and discuss:

1. Why do many Christians continue to be anxious about their situations? (They don’t realize that God really is in control; we just reflect what the rest of the world does.)

2. Would you say that most people today are peaceful? Why or why not? How does a person receive God’s peace according to the Key Verse?

3. How willing are you to trust God completely today, no matter how difficult a situation may be?

4. How much does your view of God affect your willingness to trust him with even the most difficult challenges in your life?

Family Worship Challenge:

• Identify something you’ve given too much time and worry toward. Resolve to put it away—either mentally or literally, depending on what it is—for a week. Talk about what inner peace is and where it comes from.

Daniel's friends are Safe in the fiery furnace

Bible Point: Stand up for God.

Key Verse: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of
courage; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Bible Exploration: Daniel 3:1-30

To think about and discuss: 1. Everyone knew that Shadrach,Meshach, and Abednego worshipped God because of they refused to bow down to the giant idol. Why is it so important for Christians to stand up for God wherever they are?

2. If you haven't been put in a situation where you have had to stand up for God, do others even know that you are a Christian? If they know that you are Christian, do you feel like people watching are watching the way that you act and the choices that you make?

Family Worship Challenge:

• Share with your kids about a time when you obeyed God even when people were pressuring you to do something you knew was wrong? What did you learn?
  
• or tell them about when you didn’t stand up for God, If you could go back in time, what would you change?

Daniel Chooses to Follow God

Bible Point: God's ways are best

Key Verse: “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like thedawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun”(Psalm 37:5-6).

Bible Exploration: Daniel 1:1-20


You might wonder what would have been so bad aboutDaniel and his friends eating the king’s food—undoubtedly the best in the land. There were probably at least two problems with it: It may have been offered to idols, and it certainly was not prepared according to Old Testament
guidelines for the Hebrew people. It may also have included meat from animals that were prohibited by God in the law of Moses. It took courage for Daniel to stand up and ask for
permission to not eat foods that would go against his beliefs. And when the official first denied the permission, Daniel remained levelheaded and suggested a test that could work out well for both the Hebrew men and the Babylonian leader. Daniel knew what the Babylonians didn’t—that following God’s ways would always be best. Of course we know how the test turned out. God gave Daniel and his friends better health than that of those eating the best of the king’s food!

To think about and discuss:

• What pressures and influences could have deterred Daniel and his
  friends from following God’s ways?
• As an introvert, I know I dont' like standing out in a group of people. But there have been times when I have stood out - as a Christian and/or as an Adventist. I wasn't risking my life, but I was risking my anonymity. Have you been in a similar situation?
• How does risk play a part in deciding whether we’ll obey God’s instruction?
  

Family Worship Challenge:

• Take the 10 day vegetarian challenge with your family. Cook and eat vegetarian meals for 10 days and see if you feel healthier and stronger. As you eat as a family, discuss how your diet can affect your mood, energy level, attention and overall health.
  

God Calls Isaiah

Bible Point: Respond to God's holiness with worship.

Key Verse: “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).

Bible Exploration: Isaiah 6:1-8

To think about and discuss:

• How did Isaiah respond to what he saw and heard? Why do you think he said what he said? Isaiah was awestruck; he immediately knew that he was insignificant and unworthy; he instantly recognized God’s glory and worth; he thought he was ruined—he must have thought that to see God would kill him.
• What did a seraph do to Isaiah, and why was that necessary? The seraph touched Isaiah’s mouth with a hot coal to cleanse his sin; fire purifies; the coal represented God’s wrath; the coal symbolized purification; we have to be holy to be present before a holy God.
• How can we balance our need to revere God’s holiness with our desire to see God as a close friend? We need to remember that while God loves us, he’s still God; we need to have God’s holiness in our own lives as well.
• If we really recognized God’s holiness, what difference would it make in how we view our sins? in how we respond to God? in how we respond to other people? in our church services? in our worship time? We would better understand how our sins grieve God, and we would seek his love and forgiveness even more; we would take God’s presence in our lives and our church more seriously.

Family Challenge:

• Gather together and talk about what life would be likeif everyone was perfect and never sinned. (You mighttalk about serious things, such as how people wouldn’t hurt other people and all family members would always get along. Or you might talk about funny things, such as nobody would ever yell at the family dog.) Then think about God—how he is perfect and has never sinned. Explore how God feels when we sin and why God wants usto remember his sinlessness and glory and why we should humble ourselves before him.

Jonah Complains About God's Compassion

Bible Point:
Have compassion for people who don’t know God.

Key Verse:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some
understand slowness. He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Bible Exploration: Jonah 3:10-4:11

Many people are hostile toward God. Some people think that the
Bible is just another book, that they can find God in their own way,
that everyone will go to heaven, that God causes evil, and so on.
Some of these people go out of their way to be rude and hostile
to Christians. Yet, as we’ve seen during our lesson today, Jesus
not yet come back to earth because he wants everyone to have
opportunity to repent of their sins and receive him as Lord and
Savior. He doesn’t want anyone to spend eternity in hell.

To think about and discuss:

• Why is God so patient with people?
• When each of us realizes that God has compassion for all of us— Christians and non-Christians—what difference should that make in our lives today?
• Why do you think it’s hard for some Christians to keep reaching out with the love of Christ to people who seem to want nothing to do with God? Is there a limit to your love and patience with non-Christians?

Family Challenge:

• “Interview” a non-Christian friend. Get his or her perspective on what Christians are “really” like. Just listen, and try to understand why your friend has these perceptions. Ask God to give you insight on how you can best represent Jesus to others.

Jonah Learns a Lesson

Bible Point:
Following God’s direction is always the right choice.

Key Verse:
"The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in
them, but the rebellious stumble in them”
(Hosea 14:9b).

Bible Exploration: Jonah 1:1-3:10

Many of us are familiar with the story of Jonah. Jonah knew specifically what God
wanted him to do and made a very conscious choice to rebel against God and go the
other way. Sound familiar? Adults so often say, “If only I knew what God wanted me to
do…” But in reality, we often do know, and we often choose our own path rather than
God’s. Rebelling against God’s good plans for us is never a good idea! Today’s lesson
will help adults realize that following God’s direction is always the right choice, and it’s
also always the best choice for us.

To think about and answer:
• According to Jonah 1:1-10, what did God tell Jonah to do? How did Jonah respond?

• According to Jonah 3, how did the Ninevites respond to what Jonah said? How did God then respond to the Ninevites?

• Why do you think God gave Jonah another chance?

• What did these verses reveal about what happens when we don’t obey God?

Family Worship Challenge:
• Play Follow the Leader with your children. Have family members participate in lots of fun activities, such as sliding down the stairs and eating ice cream. Then talk about what it
was like to follow a leader in this game. Use this time to begin a discussion about what it means to follow God’s direction. Talk about the things we do that God doesn’t want us to
do. Then talk about God’s willingness to forgive us after we sin, and draw pictures of happy people who have asked for—and received—God’s forgiveness.

Wilomina Grace Dixit

Kumar and I are happy to announce the birth of Wilomina Grace Dixit. Born 5-28-08 at 9:19am and weighing in at 6 lbs .5 oz, we are very happy another baby girl in our lives. Jaelin and Eli are ecstatic to be big siblings and we now we are settling in at home.

For those of you who have been emailing and calling with your good wishes and prayers, thank you sooo much! We feel so loved by our church family and can't wait to show her off in person real soon. -Rej

Paul Describes Genuine Love

Bible Point: God teaches us how to love


Key Verse: “Love is patient, love is kind. it does not envy, it does not
boast, it is not proud. it is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs”
(1 Corinthians 13:4-5).


Bible Exploration: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13


We all need love. This truth shouldn’t be surprising, since God is love—and he created
us! But the word love today has little meaning to many of us. One person says, “i love
you.” Another person says, “i love the color of your sweater.” A third person says, “i love
the snow.” All around us, the word love is used in sexually oriented ways and to sell
products. But the Bible is clear about what love is. Paul wrote about it in 1 Corinthians
13—the “love chapter.”


To think about and discuss:

• Why do you think God wants us to love other people with this kind
  of love?


• Do you think we can develop this kind of love on our own? Why or
  why not? If not, where does this kind of love come from?


• If we don’t choose to express this kind of love toward other
  people, what will happen? What attitudes and actions will we
  develop? How will others be aff ected?


• If we are not expressing this kind of love, what can we do to get
  back on track?

Family Worship Challenge:

• If you were going to draw a picture of love, what would
  you draw?


• Have each family member list two ways in which eachother member shows love to them. Then have family members come up with a huge list of things family members can do for one another to show love. Write this list together on a large sheet of paper, and attach it to the refrigerator. Encourage family members to read the list daily and do one or more of the listed actions for another person as often as possible.

Paul Comforts Others in a Storm

Bible Point: Our faith in God can encourage others.

Key verse: “In everything set them an example by doing what is
good” (Titus 2:7a).

Bible Exploration: Acts 27:1-44


Paul was able to encourage his shipmates’ faith because he had the
encouragement of being connected to Jesus. Christians experience Jesus’ love and power
and have the ability to communicate peace and encouragement to others.


To think about and discuss:
• What prevents us from from comforting others?
• Where do non-Christians turn to find comfort or encouragement?
• Which is easier, comforting someone or being comforted? Explain.


Family Challenge:
During a meal, ask each family member to shape or rearrange a food item into the name or the initial of someone he or she would like to encourage in the Christian life. When the names have been made, have them tell why they want to encourage the people they’ve
chosen. As family members share, have them each eat the food-created name and then tell one way that he orshe will encourage the person in the coming week.

Paul Explains Christians' Relationship With Christ

Bible Point: God's Power saves us by his Grace

Key Verse:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not
by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Bible Exploration: Ephesians 1:15-2:10


Ephesians 2:8-9 is probably the most commonly
referenced passage in the Bible when talking about salvation
by grace through faith. The following acrostic quite nicely
states what grace really is:

G od’s
R iches
A t
C hrist’s
E xpense

Other religions, and even many people in our own culture, tend to manufacture ways that they think will get them to God. Most often such methods involve doing good works.
However, Paul pointed out that there’s nothing we can do to work our way to salvation.
God, in his great power and love, gave us the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. The good works we do in our lives are not to win God’s favor, but instead to fulfill what God created us to do.

Even though we know we can’t earn our friendship with Jesus, we often try to anyway. Maybe it’s because we spend so much time trying to impress each other. In what subtle ways are you trying to earn God’s love or impress Jesus? It’s wasted energy. Take a moment to thank God for loving you without any strings attached. The more you celebrate God’s grace, the easier it is to stop trying to earn his favor.

Family Challenge:
In what ways can you show grace to each other this week? Maybe you can do something special for someone, even when they don't deserve it. Point out someone of the things you do for your family as a model for how God uses his power to love us unconditionally.

Paul Teaches in Athens

Bible Point: God is the Creator of heaven and earth

Key Verse: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth”(Isaiah 40:28a).

Bible Exploration: Acts 17:16-31

In New Testament times, idols were prevalent in Athens. In the United States today, one might argue that consumerism and selfishness are the idols of our generation. When I think of this passage as a story in modern times, I can imagine Paul preaching at the mall or at Best Buy, asking people what they are worshiping?

If you were to tell people what the value is in worshiping God, over worshiping this world, what would you say about Him. Think about specific things you absolutely, without any doubt, believe about God. You may think of a few things or many. Then think about the sources of your ideas. Maybe your ideas about God came from friends,parents, books, or teachers. Maybe you grew up in a Christian home and simply believe what your parents taught you. Maybe you are struggling to discover God and aren’t sure what you believe. Maybe you know a great deal about God, yet don’t feel you really know God. Maybe you have many reasons to back up what you believe.

• Family Challenge:
  For the next week, keep a journal of God-sightings—places
  you’ve seen God at work. Stop to thank God after each
  entry you make. At the end of the week, share what you’ve
  seen with someone else who doesn’t know God.
  

Christians Care for One Another

Key Point: God wants Christians to treat each other with loving care.

Key Verse: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another—and all the more as you see the
Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Bible Exploration: Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23

The early believers did their best to live together in peace. The way they lived wasn’t just important for their little community, it was important for their witness to those who were watching.

To discuss:

• Think about your closest friends - What are some of the things that you have in common? Do you reject/prevent others from joining your group of friends because of religion, race, socioeconomics, age, etc...
• What are some of the benefits of meeting with other Christians? Are there any negatives to meeting/being friends with people who are like you?
• Do you feel like meeting with others encourages you to do good deeds?

Family Challenge:

• Spend an evening writing friendly notes to church
  members who your family is acquainted with. You may
  choose people you don’t get along with or people you
  simply don’t talk to much.

Stephen Forgives His Accusers as They Stone Him

Bible Point: We share our faith in Jesus with words and actions.



Key Verse: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).



Bible Exploration: Acts 6:8-7:60


Though we don’t see it often in the United States, people in other
parts of the world are killed every day for their beliefs. Stephen’s
death was key in the life of the early church and a signi cant
moment in biblical history. It was one of the most visible examples
and earliest depictions of a person dying for telling others the truth
about Jesus.

To think about and discuss:
What role does relationship play when sharing God’s love?

Is there ever a time when it’s not appropriate to talk about your
faith? Why or why not?

Realistically, what can people learn about your faith if you don’t
say a single word?

Family Challenge:

• Think of five people you’d like to come to know Christ.
These could be work associates, family members,
neighbors, or friends. Write their names down somewhere
on this paper and commit to praying for them each day.
Look for opportunities to share.

Jesus Returns to Heaven

Bible Point: God wants us to tell the world about Jesus

Key Verse: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the
very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Bible Exploration: Mathew 28:16-20, Acts 1:1-11

The story today is about the Great Commission. Jesus clearly wants us to be his witnesses—to share our faith, so that others can have a personal relationship with him and to let them know that Jesus will return from heaven one day.

So why don't we share our faith with others? These are some of my excuses:
I'm an introvert.
I don't want to be a Bible banger and make people uncomfortable.
My friendships with non-Christians are mostly superficial - we talk about the weather or TV, not deeper issues like life and death or religion.

What are yours?


Family Challenge:

• Bring clothes and food to a local homeless shelter or
  volunteer some time to a charity organization.
  Get to know the people you’re serving, and learn more about
  what needs you—and Jesus—can help meet.
  

Peter Explains Belief in Jesus

Bible Point: Jesus gives us hope.


Key Verse:
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we
know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).


Bible Exploration: 1 Peter 1:3-9


This week's lesson is about persecution and having hope. Have you ever felt hopeless? For the pessimists out there, you may often feel hopeless. For you optimists, maybe you think/feel like things will always get better, sick friends or relatives will be healed, you will miraculously have enough money, time, or energy to do something and it doesn't work out. Obviously, it isn't realistic to expect good things to happen all of the time. But what can you do to keep hoping that good things will happen eventually...here on earth and in heaven? Live without hope and I bet you have a very sad and pitiful existence. So what can you do to increase your own sense of hope?


Family Challenge:

• Make a list of things that you are happy about now, and save it in a place that you can take it out when you are feeling sad or hopeless.

Jesus Rises From the Dead

Key Point: Jesus is Alive

Key Verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in
the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”
(Galatians 2:20).

Bible Exploration: Matthew 27: 27-56, 28: 1-10

Think about the principal players in these stories, and what were their
reactions to what happened:

Jesus suffered but knew he had to for our sakes;

the priests were glad to be rid of Jesus and mocked him;

the soldiers also enjoyed mocking and torturing him;

Joseph took action to make sure Jesus was given a proper burial;

Pilate took care to make sure no one stole the body;

the guards were terrified at the appearance of the angel;

the women who followed Jesus were first overwhelmed with grief, then overwhelmed with joy and fear.

Why was the Resurrection such a significant moment for the
people in these passages? What did the Resurrection prove to
them?

To discuss:

Whose job or reaction did you most relate to? Would you be grieving, doubting or believing?

Family Challenge:

• Have family members imagine they were present at the
  Resurrection. Ask each person to share one personal
  reaction to seeing the empty tomb or being confronted by
  the risen Christ.

Crowds Welcome Jesus to Jerusalem

Bible Point:
Jesus, the Lamb of God, deserves our praise.


Key Verse:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and
wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory
and praise!” (Revelation 5:12b)

Bible Exploration: Read Matthew 21:1-11


It would have been great to be there as Jesus entered Jerusalem.
But we don’t have to go back in time to praise Jesus—it’s possible
to praise Jesus right now. Praising Jesus keeps us focused on him.
Without praise we become self-centered and forget what Jesus has
done in our lives. Let’s explore that now.

To think about:
Close your eyes and imaginethat you’re in the presence of Jesus. Take a few moments to think about what that would be like.
Were you standing or sitting in Jesus’ presence? Who was talking, Jesus or you? Did you feel anything? smell anything? What were the surroundings like? Was there singing or silence?

To discuss:
Are their specific times throughout the year or throughout life
when you praise God? What are some ways that you praise God for
all of the great things he has done for you.

Challenge:
Set a personal goal, either of how many times a day you’re
going to praise God or of praising God for so many new
things each day. Keep track of when you praise God, and
for what. At the end of the week, look over your list and
praise God for that, too!

Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

Bible Point:
Jesus gives us hope of eternal life.

Key Verse:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies’ ” (John 11:25).



To get started, think about:

• When does time fly for you? When does it drag?

• Suppose that you knew that either something completely delightful or devastatingly dreadful
would happen in the next year. Do you think time would go slowly or quickly?



Bible Exploration: Read John 11:2-45


• Would Jesus have brought Lazarus back to life if Martha had not believed? Why or why not? Why is believing in God—who he is, what he can do—so important to us and to God?

• How did the hope of eternal life change for the people in this story before and after Lazarus was brought back to life?

• How do you think the way these people lived their lives and thought about their lives was different after Lazarus was raised from the dead?



To Discuss and apply to life:

• Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist? Why do you think you lean that way? How has hopefulness—or hopelessness—affected your life? Does the hope or fear of heaven affect your optimistism or pessimism?

Family Challenge:

• Gather together as a family. Make a list of people you know who would be willing to answer the question, What do you think will happen to you after you die? Later, spend time
  sharing and discussing the answers you heard. Spend some time together creating a poster titled “What Heaven Will Be Like.” Have family members add illustrations, simple pictures, or words to describe what life might be like in heaven—or what they wish it will be
  like.

Jesus Tells About the Good Samaritan

Bible Point: Jesus says to love others as ourselves

Key Verse: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each others, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Luke 10:25-37

To think about:
• Were you surprised that the priest and the Levite in the parable
responded the way they did? Why or why not? What are some
modern-day illustrations of this type of response?
• What did the Samaritan in the parable reveal about himself?
• If you were the expert in Mosaic law, how might you have felt at
the end of Jesus’ parable? Why?

To discuss:
• Is it easy for you to ask God to meet your needs? Why or why not?
• Think quietly about a time you really needed help. How did you feel during that time?
Did you find it easy to ask someone else for help? Why or why not?
• Why do you think we sometimes avoid people who have obvious
needs—such as people who are angry, who ridicule God, or those
who are mentally or physically challenged?

Family Challenge:

• Come up with one random act of kindness you’ll commit
  to this week for a co-worker, neighbor or someone with an obvious need, either anonymously or not. Write an uplifting note, take him or her out for lunch, be creative!Come up with a plan, then do it!

The Israelites Cross the Jordan River

Read Joshua 3:1-4:24


Bible Point: Remember What God has Done

To think about and discuss:

• How do we anticipate that God will do amazing things? Do you anticipate that he will answer your prayers or do you prepare for the negative answer? Is it dangerous to feel too positive or too negative about a prayer request?
• What kind of treasures do you have that reminds you of the amazing things that God has done for you? What in your home can prompt your children or visitors to ask about the meaning?

Family Worship challenge:

• Put a bowl on the dining table and encourage each member in your family to put something in it that reminds them of what God has done for them. Each night at dinner, talk about an item and let your prayer before the meal focus on thanking God.