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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Acts 19:11-41
Preacher: Pastor Rusten Harris
Scripture: Acts 19:11-41
MAIN POINTS: 1)The Reality of Spiritual War, 2) The Powerlessness of Pragmatism, and 3) The Power of the Word of God
Pastor Rusten reminds us this week that we are all in a battle - but not one of flesh and blood. We are in a spiritual battle against Satan and his demons. Every person is either on the side of truth which is God, or the side of lies which is the devil. As Christians, we must remember the power that God has given us through his Word. Truth defeats lies. No matter how strong or scary our enemies may seem, they are no match for the one, true God who is ruler over all.
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 are your thoughts on spiritual warfare? Do you fall into either category of disbelieving the devil exists or having an unhealthy interest in him?
- How do we battle in spiritual warfare?
- How have you experienced the power of God’s Word?
- What is one way you can strengthen or equip yourself this week for the spiritual battle that is happening around 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:
- Ephesians 5:8-11; 6:10-12, 16-18a;19:10
- Matthew 7:22-23; 12:27-30
- Colossians 1:13
- 1 Corinthians 10:19-20
- 2 Corinthians 4:4b; 10:4-5
- 1 Peter 5:8-9
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:
TRIUNE: There are three persons in one God - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
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:
REPENTANCE: Spend time this week praying for your actions, that they would be kind and loving. Repent of the actions which are not.
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:
Before The Throne Of God Above
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!
Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
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:
Ephesians 6:10-11
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
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:
Questions 9-12: Review questions 9-12 that talk about the 10 commandments. To view these questions and listen to the accompanying song, download the free New City Catechism app!
