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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Acts 11:1-18
Preacher: Brian Bailey
Scripture: Acts 11:1-18
MAIN POINTS: 1) God draws out critics from within the Church 2) Peter witnesses what only God can do 3) Results in worship to God
When Peter saw the Gentiles, or people who weren’t Jewish, receiving the Holy Spirit when they believed in Jesus, it was a profound moment. Before Jesus, Gentiles didn’t have access to God. But because of Jesus, anyone can come to God through him! It was hard for the Jews to accept this because of so many years avoiding the Gentiles. But God showed Peter in a mighty way that he was welcoming the Gentiles into the family, and Peter got to share that with the other apostles so they would accept them, too.
Family Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage? (Look back at your Sermon Notes for help remembering!)
- Think about someone who would be really hard to let into your family. How does this passage change how you feel about that?
- How does this story of Peter directly affect you today?
- What should our response be when someone comes to faith in Jesus, even if that person used to be your enemy?
- Who can you pray for this week to come to faith in 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 15:8-9
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:
COMFORTER: God is not some far away being who doesn’t care about what we go through. Jesus has suffered and been tempted in every way, so he understands our struggles. Hope in God’s promises and love for us is our greatest comfort in any circumstance.
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:
- God’s provision for a bigger building as our church continues to grow.
- For God to ambush our government leaders like he did to Saul so they may come to Christ.
- Provision and protection for families facing job loss due to our government’s unjust mandates.
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:
Doxology
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
All praise to Thee, who safe has kept
And hast refreshed me while I slept
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake
I may of endless light partake.
I would not wake nor rise again
And Heav’n itself I would disdain,
Wert Thou not there to be enjoyed,
And I in hymns to be employed
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:
1 John 1:8-9
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
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 9: What does God require in the first, second, and third commandments?
Answer: First, that we know God as the only true God. Second, that we avoid all idolatry. Third, that we treat God’s name with fear and reverence.
