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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Daniel 4
Preacher: Pastor Rusten Harris
Scripture: Daniel 4
MAIN POINTS: 1)The Counsel of the Prophet, and 2) The Repentance of the Great King
Once again, Nebuchadnezzar has an unsettling dream that no one can interpret for him except Daniel. But this time, it was the king himself who needed humbling. God, in his mercy, made Nebuchadnezzar like the beast of the field until his eyes looked up to heaven for salvation. Then God in his grace restored the kingdom to him and prompted this chapter to be recorded in his Holy Word for us to read and learn from. Pride will always separate us from God.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. Are there truths about God that you shy away from or cringe at? Why do you think that is?
3. What does it feel like to have light shine on your sin? How do feelings act as a barrier to seeing the truth?
4. What does Daniel’s attitude toward Nebuchadnezzar’s dream teach us about Christian resistance?
5. In what ways does pride creep up in your heart?
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:
- John 3:19-20
- Romans 2:3-4
- 1 Corinthians 10:12
- 1 Peter 5:6-7
- Acts 4:12b
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:
MERCIFUL: God, in his mercy, does not give us the punishment we deserve for our sin. Rather, he sent Jesus to take that punishment in our place.
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:
YOUR CHOICE: Ask God to show you what to spend time in prayer 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.
**For further study on the book of Daniel, you can purchase a helpful book in the foyer by Jon Nielson, Daniel: Faith Enduring through Adversity.
THIS MONTH:
All Glory be to Christ
Should nothing of our efforts stand,
no legacy survive,
Unless the Lord does raise the house,
in vain its builders strive.
To you who boast tomorrow’s gain,
tell me what is your life?
A mist that vanishes at dawn,
all glory be to Christ!
All glory be to Christ the King!
All glory be to Christ!
His rule and reign we’ll ever sing,
All glory be to Christ!
His will be done, His kingdom come
on earth as is above,
Who is Himself our daily bred,
praise Him the Lord of love.
Let living water satisfy
the thirsty without price.
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
all glory be to Christ!
When on the day the great I AM,
the faithful and the true,
The Lamb who was for sinners slain
is making all things new.
Behold our God shall live with us
and be our steadfast Light!
And we shall ere His people be,
all glory be to Christ!
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:
Isaiah 40:31
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
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 22: Why must the Redeemer be truly man?
Answer: That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin.
