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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Acts 16:1-15
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Acts 16:1-15
MAIN POINTS: 1)The Call to Wisdom, 2) The Call to Discipline, and 3) The Call to Openness
As we head into the new year, Acts 16 gives us wisdom in how to navigate what God is calling us to. First, we need to evaluate our motives for our decisions and actions. We are called to love our neighbors and the world doesn’t get to dictate to us what that means. Next, we need to be disciplined to know the difference between a great opportunity and God’s plan. Sometimes those aren’t the same. And last, we need to be open to the opportunities God places before us to be faithful in preaching the Word to those around us.
Family Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage? (Look back at your Sermon Notes for help remembering!)
- What does wisdom require?
- What’s an example of adding something to the Gospel or salvation?
- Tell about a time you’ve given up what seemed like a great opportunity to do what God was calling you to do instead.
- Do you have any "Lydia’s" in your life? How can you connect with them and share the love of Jesus with them?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your normal routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose one night a week to go over all five, do a couple questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter. Model for your children how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Other Scriptures:
- Galatians 2:11-16
- Galatians 1:8
- Galatians 5:2
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. These are also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
GOOD: God is good and we are blessed by his goodness constantly. There is no filth or wrong in him at all. All that is right and true comes from God alone.
Parent Tip:
We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
CHURCH: Spend some time this week praying for our Elders as they lead our church into the new year.
Parent Tip:
Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing.
Our helper he, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
If we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God’s own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he!
The Lord of Hosts, his name,
From age to age the same;
And he must win the battle.
And though this world with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us
Parent Tip:
Each month we highlight a different song for you to sing together. Singing is an integral part of worship! Singing as a family helps teach the kids how to worship at church, and as they learn more songs, they will be able to participate more on Sunday mornings. You can practice your songs in the car, at the dinner table, when you wake up, or at bedtime! You can also check out our playlist on Spotify and sing along with your favorite worship songs.
Memory Verse:
Isaiah 40:8
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Parent Tip:
This is the same memory verse that the whole church is learning and it rotates monthly. Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
New City Catechism:
Question 12: What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments?
Answer: Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone.
