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THIS WEEK:

From the Sermon: Psalm 46

Preacher: Pastor Brandon Johnston
‍Scripture: Psalm 46

MAIN POINTS: 1) The God who Preserves 2) The God who Protects, and 3) The God who is Present
Psalm 46 paints a picture for us that isn’t quite so hard to imagine in our tumultuous world today. The earth gives way and the mountains are moved into the heart of the sea; yet, we trust and fear not for our God is present and he is our refuge. Instead of the judgment of a flood, he offers us a "river whose streams make glad the city of God" through salvation in Christ Jesus.

Family Discussion Questions:‍

1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage? (Look back at your Sermon Notes for help remembering!)
2. Where does it seem like there is a "flood" in your life and how are you turning to God as your refuge?
3. Are you comfortable with the truth that God is a mighty warrior? Why or why not?
4. Are you ready to endure being hated by the world for being a Christian?
5. What is the one command in Psalm 46? How are you obeying this command?
   

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:‍

• Genesis 6:5-7
• Psalm 69:1-3, 14-15
  

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:

REFUGE: Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, our souls are forever protected. Though bad things happen in this life, nothing can separate us from God. We can rest and take refuge in his promises and know that they will come to pass.

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 repenting of laziness. Ask God to show you areas in your life in which you need to stop being lazy and start being obedient.

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:

Nothing but the Blood

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Oh precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

For my pardon, this I see
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
For my cleansing this my plea
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

This is all my hope my peace
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Glory! Glory! This I sing -
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
All my praise for this I bring -
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

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 6:14-17
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

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 15: Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose?
Answer: That we may know the holy nature of God, and the sinful nature of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior.

Parent Tip:
We are making our way through the New City Catechism with a new question every month. You can practice catechism questions anytime throughout the day! For the complete list of questions, answers and songs, download the free app “New City Catechism” on your device.