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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Acts 16:16-40
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Acts 16:16-40
MAIN POINTS: 1) Economic Disruption, 2) Civic Disruption, and 3) Family Disruption
A main theme we’ve seen throughout Acts is that the Gospel disrupts. In this passage, Paul cast a demon out of a slave girl which caused economic disruption for her owners. They in turn went to the magistrates and police who threw Paul and Silas in jail - only to share the Gospel with the jailer who got saved! There was civic disruption. And finally, we see that the Gospel disrupts entire families in the best way as God loves to bring whole households to Jesus as he did with the jailer.
Family Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage? (Look back at your Sermon Notes for help remembering!)
- Where are you tempted to accept or earn money in a way that’s not honoring to God?
- In what ways would our country be different if it used money in a God honoring way?
- What is the difference between willingly laying down your personal rights and having those rights taken away by political leaders?
- How has the Gospel disrupted your family from generation to generation?
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:
- Acts 2:38-39; 11:14; 16:15, 31 & 34
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:
GENEROUS: God has lavished upon us more than we deserve and more than we can ever even realize. His ultimate gift was sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.
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:
FAMILY: Spend time this week praying for your siblings (biological and those in Christ).
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.
