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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Matthew 25:14-30
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
MAIN POINTS: 1) The Gifts God Gives 2) The Return God Expects 3)The Judgment God Delivers
Jesus has called us to live in the darkness of Kitsap County not to sit by and watch the darkness increase; rather, he has entrusted each of us with gifts and talents meant to be used to disciple Kitsap County into the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Family Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
- What gifts have you identified that God has given you? If you are in a group, share some gifts you identify in the other members of your group.
- How are you using what God has entrusted to you for his mission in Kitsap?
- What does it look like to increase the return of the gifts you’ve been given?
- How can you grow in knowledge and usefulness of your gifts?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your regular 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 of 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
- Ecclesiastes 8:11
- James 1:17
- Proverbs 11:24
- Romans 8:18
- Isaiah 11:9
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. This is also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
GENEROUS: God is not stingy, rather he gives freely and abundantly of good gifts to his people. Every good and perfect gift is from 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:
CHURCH: Spend some time this week praying for the pastors of our church, that God would give them wisdom in decisions and strength and endurance to lead our church well.
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:
MONTHLY SONG:
On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand
On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land
Where my possessions lie.
All o’er those wide extended plains,
Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns,
And scatters night away.
I am bound (I am bound) I am
bound (I am bound)
I am bound for the promised land
I am bound (I am bound) I am
bound (I am bound)
I am bound for the promised land
No chilling winds nor poisonous
breath
Can reach that healthful shore;
Sickness, sorrow, pain and death,
Are felt and feared no more.
When shall I reach that happy place,
And be forever blessed?
When shall I see my Father’s face,
And in His bosom rest?
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 Peter 1:13 “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
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 34: Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God’s Word?
Answer: Yes, so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; and so that by our godly behavior others may be won to Christ.
