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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Colossians 4:2-6
Preacher: Pastor Rusten Harris
Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6
MAIN POINTS: 1) Pray and be Watchful in Thankfulness, 2) Pray for those who Preach the Gospel, and 3) Answer Outsiders Graciously with Wisdom
This week, Paul caps off his directions to the church by encouraging them in prayer and in their participation in the mission of God through evangelism. In order for the good news of the Gospel to be preached, we must first understand the bad news of our sin and the graciously undeserved gift of salvation. If we have been brought into God’s Kingdom, then his mission is also our mission which is to preach his truth throughout the world.
Family Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
- What does it mean to be steadfast in prayer and watchful with thanksgiving?
- What specific role has God called you to in regards to evangelism?
- What aspect of the Gospel is most challenging for you to share with others?
- How can you grow in your gospel interactions with outsiders?
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:
- Colossians 1:12-14
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
- Luke 11:10-13
- Ephesians 2:1-2
- 2 Corinthians 2:16-17
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:
GOOD: Everything God does and says is right and true. We can trust that what he does is for our best.
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:
FAMILY: Spend some time this week praying for all the things you are thankful for.
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:
We Will Say In That Day
You will see there a highway from God’s own hand
That will lead back the lost to the Promised Land
And the voice of the Savior will call us friends,
Saying, “Join in the song of the Lord!”
We will call back our armies: “Return from war!”
And we’ll make into plowshares our useless swords
Very soon to forget what they once were for
When we join in the song of the Lord!
We will say in that day, “To the Lord, give thanks!”
We will not be afraid, for He comes to save.
We will shout; we will call: “Every tribe and race:
Come and join in the song of the Lord!”
You will see there a banquet for sinners spread
Where we’ll sit with the Lord at the table’s head
And our Shepherd Himself is our wine and bread
And we’ll join in the song of the Lord!
When the remnant return to the promised land
When the highway of God brings us home to Him
We’ll be welcomed with love by our Savior friend
And we’ll join in the song of the Lord!
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:
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
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 19: Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s favor?
Answer: Yes, God reconciles us to himself by a Redeemer.
