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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Psalm 68
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Psalm 68
MAIN POINTS: 1) God’s Arrival 2) God’s Justice 3) God’s Blessing
This week, we begin our Summer Psalm Series. The Psalms are a collection of songs that are meant to equip us to live faithfully with hope and joy in a world that has gone mad.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. In Psalm 68, we read about God’s arrival to dwell with His people and how that set them apart from the rest of the world. How does God dwelling in your home set your home and family apart?
3. What are some different ways God’s justice is played out?
4. Are there ways in which you take advantage of those with less power than you?
5. What are some blessings listed in this Psalm? How do these blessings apply to you today?
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 to go over all five on one night a week, 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 on 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 Samuel 6
- Amos 5:12
- Jonah 2:9b
- John 1:14
- Ephesians 4:8-11
- 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
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:
PROTECTOR God’s judgment is a protection and blessing to those who are His children. God is ‘Father to the fatherless and protector of widows.’
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:
REPENTANCE Spend some time this week repenting of the ways you’ve doubted God’s goodness.
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:
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
A mighty fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing.
Our helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
If we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing.
You ask Who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He!
The Lord of Hosts, His name,
From age to age the same;
And He must win the battle.
And though this world with devils
filled,
Should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
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:
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
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 39: With what attitude should we pray?
Answer: With love, perseverance, and gratefulness.
