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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17
MAIN POINTS: 1) Stand Firm in our Election 2) Stand Firm in our Doctrine 3) Stand Firm in our Good Works
Paul’s words to the Thessalonians are important for us to hear and heed today. God has chosen his people for his purposes, and we must stand firm in the truth he has given us in his Word. Where those around us are tempted to waver and bend, we must be anchored on the steadfast Word of God. And in that, our lives will more and more be characterized by obedience to Christ rather than by sin.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. What is the alternative to the doctrine of election? How does this doctrine shape your understanding of the gospel?
3. What areas of scripture are most difficult for you to stand firm in?
4. Where do you struggle the most with obedience?
5. How are good works and salvation related? Can you have one without the other?
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:
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8
- Romans 8:29
- 1 Corinth 1:9
- Ephesians 1:4
- Philippians 1:29
- Colossians 1:27
- 1 Thessalonians 1:4
- 1 Timothy 3:15; 6:12
- 2 Timothy 1:9; 2:1-2; 4:1-4
- Titus 1:1; 2:1
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:
TEACHER: God guides and gives understanding to his people through the Holy Spirit.
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:
COMMUNITY: Spend some time this week praying for the unbelievers in our community.
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:
Through The Valley And The Shadow
I must walk through the valley and the
shadow,
But I’ll journey in my Savior’s care;
He hath said He will never, never leave
me,
with His staff He will comfort me there.
When I walk through the valley and the
shadow,
All the weary days of toil will be o’er;
For the strong arms of Jesus will enfold
me
And with Him, I shall sorrow no more.
Through the valley, through the valley
Through the valley and the shadow I
must go;
But the dark waves of Jordan will not
harm me,
There is peace in the valley, I know
Though I walk through the valley and
the shadow,
Yet the glory of dawn I shall see;
I shall join in the anthems over Jordan,
Where my loved ones are waiting for
me.
I shall walk through the valley, and the
shadow,
I shall follow where my Lord has gone
before;
Through the mists of the valley, He will
lead me,
Till I rest on the evergreen shore.
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:
Matthew 22:39-40
“And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
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 27: Are all people, just as they were lost through Adam, saved through Christ?
Answer: No, only those who are elected by God and united to Christ by faith.
