<<Download as a PDF>>
<<See previous weeks>>
THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Daniel 8
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Daniel 8
MAIN POINTS: 1) The Divine Inspiration of the Scriptures, and 2) The End
We continue on in chapter 8 of Daniel with another vision of the future. More nations rising and falling, ending with the destruction of the Jewish age. Daniel’s vision was so disturbing that he lay in bed sick for days after. The details of Daniel’s vision would come to pass many years later just as it was foretold. God’s Word is reliable and divine. It can be trusted. Even when God’s Word is confusing or scary, we can trust that God’s plan is the best plan and he will never leave our side.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. What areas of scripture are you tempted to overlook or skip?
3. How should we approach passages in scripture that are highly debated?
4. Regardless of what you believe “the end” means, what should our posture be regarding the future?
5. What specifically do you need prayer for regarding your relationship with God’s Word?
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:
- 2 Timothy 3:16
- 1 Peter 1:19-21
- Mark 13:14
- Luke 21:20
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:
GENTLE: God is in both the tempest of the storm, and the tickle of the breeze. The Lord knows and cares about our everyday lives and gently leads and guides us.
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 our church finances and budget.
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:
Bound for Glory
This world is not my home
I’m here but for a moment
It’s all I’ve ever known
But this world is not my home
The fight is not my own
These burdens aren’t my future
The empty tomb has shown
I am bound for glory
I am free because I’m bound
I am bound for heavens gate
Where my feet will stand on holy ground
I am bound for glory
The saving work is done
Death is not my ending
My God has overcome
I am bound for glory
All my pain, hurt and shame
Gone when Jesus calls my name
Endless joy endless praise
All when Jesus calls my name
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:
Romans 8:31 “What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
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 24: Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die?
Answer: Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God.
