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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Acts 17:16-34
Preacher: Pastor Rusten Harris
Scripture: Acts 17:16-34
MAIN POINTS: 1)The Provocation to Speak, 2) The Revelation of the True God, and 3) The Challenge of Repentance and Hope
In our scripture this week, we encounter Paul in the city of Athens. Athens was a place of philosophy and intellectualism. It was also a place full of pagan worship of idols. Paul’s “spirit was provoked” and he was emboldened to preach to the people about the one true God. He urged them to give up their worthless idols for the One who could give them life. Paul was bold, respectful, and clear in his presentation of the truth of the Gospel, and some were saved!
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 do you think it was like for Paul’s spirit to “be provoked”? Have you ever experienced that yourself?
- What is an idol? What idols do we worship in our culture today?
- How did the people respond to Paul’s message of the Gospel? Are those responses similar to the responses of people today?
- Read 1 Corinthians 1:18. Try and put this verse into your own words. What does it mean and how does it encourage you?
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 1:8b
- Romans 1:16, 21-23
- 1 Corinthians 1:18
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:
MERCIFUL: The Bible tells us that the penalty for sin is death - and we are all sinners. But God chooses not to give us what we deserve and instead give us forgiveness through Jesus Christ. This is mercy!
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:
PARENT CHOICE: As a family, Life Group, or Kids’ Community group, come up with something to pray about this week and spend time in prayer together.
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.
