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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Psalm 60
Preacher: Pastor Rusten Harris
Scripture: Psalm 60
MAIN POINTS: 1) The Severe Mercy of Discipline, 2) The Banner for God’s Beloved 3) The Hope that Leads to Courage
Psalm 60 is a song of worship for when it appears that God’s people have been rejected and the enemy is winning. It teaches us how to bring our complaints to God and how to hope and take courage during tribulation. The book of Psalms gives us the proper direction for what to do with our honest complaint, while simultaneously, our pessimism is corrected by the promises of God.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. Describe a time in your life when the rejection of or disobedience to God resulted in chaos?
3. How does discipline lead to restoration?
4. How is the fear of God different than the fear of man? What are the practical effects of each in your daily life?
5. How is fear of God and courage related?
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:
- 1 Samuel 15:26
- Hebrews 12:6
- 1 Chronicles 17:9-10, 12-13
- Colossians 2:13-15
- John 16:33
- Matthew 16:18
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:
IMPARTIAL: God is holy, and we are sinners. God does not show favoritism to us based on anything we have done, rather, our salvation is in Christ alone.
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 local charities doing the work of God in your 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:
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 promises 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:
Psalm 119:1-2
“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart...”
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 28: What happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith?
Answer: They will be cast out from the presence of God, into hell, to be justly punished, forever.
