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THIS WEEK:

From the Sermon: Psalm 48

Preacher: Pastor Rusten Harris
‍Scripture: Psalm 48

MAIN POINTS: 1)The City is God’s Special Possession 2) The City is Opposed by the World, and 3) The City Advances with Worship
As we look at Psalm 48, we see what it means to be citizens of God’s city. God has made his city out of his Church, people who he has called to himself to worship him and obey his commands. Our worship is both individual and corporate as we gather in honor of our Lord and King. While many will oppose us, God’s city will continue to grow and the gates of hell will not prevail. All glory and honor to the one, true KING!

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. What is the Church? How does it relate to the Jerusalem of the Old Testament
3. Why is it important to worship corporately rather than only in private?
4. How does the response of the “kings” from verse 4 after they see God’s city encourage you?
5. Read Hebrews 12:1-2. How can you apply this passage to your current circumstance?
   

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:‍

• Hebrews 12:1-2, 22-24
• Revelation 18:19-20; 21:9-10
• Deuteronomy 7:6-8
• 1 Peter 2:9
• Psalm 2:1-3
• Matthew 16:18b
  

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:

HOLY: God is set apart. He is perfectly pure and good. There is no one like God.

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 family’s time of worship through the reading of scripture and singing of songs. How can your family grow in this area?

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:

Psalm 34

I sought the Lord and He answered me
And delivered me from every fear
Those who look on Him are radiant
They’ll never be ashamed,
They’ll never be ashamed

This poor man cried and the Lord heard me
And saved me from my enemies
The son of God surrounds his saints
He will deliver them,
He will deliver them

Magnify the Lord with me
Come exalt His name together
Glorify the Lord with me
Come exalt His name forever

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good
Oh blessed is He who hides in him
Oh fear the Lord all of you saints
He’ll give you everything
He’ll give you everything

Let us bless the Lord,
Everyday and night
Never ending praise,
May our incense rise

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:

Jeremiah 17:9-10
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ‘I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.’”

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 16: What is sin?
Answer: Sin is rejecting or ignoring God in the world he created, not being or doing what he requires in his law.

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.