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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Acts 8:1-8
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Acts 8:1-8
As we’ve seen so far in the book of Acts, persecution is something the Church always has and will continue to deal with. Persecution is when someone tries to hurt you with words or actions because of what you believe. People don’t always like the truth that Jesus is Lord, but God’s plan is never hindered by persecution. The power of the Gospel is more powerful than any persecution or schemes of the devil can ever be. Jesus will always win.
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 were some ways the early Church was being persecuted?
- What are some ways churches are being persecuted now?
- How does God use the persecution in Acts to further the Gospel throughout the world?
- What are some things we can remember when someone treats us poorly because we love Jesus?
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 1:8; 4:3; 4:18; 5:18; 5:40; 6:12; 7:58
- Psalm 2:2-3
- Mark 3:27
- Ephesians 6:12
- 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
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:
PROTECTOR: God is our refuge and protection against attacks from the enemy. He shelters and preserves his people.
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 CHOICE: Come up with a prayer focus together as a family to pray for this week.
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:
Lord, From Sorrows Deep I Call
Lord, from sorrows deep I call
When my hope is shaken
Torn and ruined from the fall
Hear my desperation
For so long I’ve bled and prayed
“God, come to my rescue.”
Even so, the thorn remains
Still my heart will praise You
Storms within my troubled soul
Questions without answers
On my faith these billows roll
God, be now my shelter
Why are you cast down, my soul?
Hope in Him who saves you
When the fires have all grown cold
Cause this heart to praise you
Oh, my soul, put your hope in God
My Help, my Rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh sing, through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my salvation
Should my life be torn from me
Every worldly pleasure
When all I possess is grief
God, be then my treasure
Be my vision in the night
Be my hope and refuge
Till my faith is turned to sight
Lord, my heart will praise You
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:
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe”
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 4: How and why did God create us?
Answer: God created us male and female in his own image to glorify him.
