David Played for Saul (1 Samuel 16)

Unit 10, Session 5

Dear families,

In 1 Samuel 16, we see how the newly anointed future king of Israel served his predecessor with humility and grace. Though David was promised the throne of Israel, his time had not yet come. Therefore, David returned to his life as a shepherd. God would use the period of waiting and the trials for David’s good and to point us toward the Suffering Servant, Jesus, in whom we place our ultimate hope.

How did God use David’s humility for His glory and David’s good? How do we see this idea fully exemplified in Jesus?

When God rejected Saul as king, the Spirit of the Lord left him, and an evil spirit tormented him day and night. After one of Saul’s young men heard David play the lyre, Saul sent his servants to retrieve the young David, believing he could relieve his distress. Previously, we learned that David was a man after God’s own heart, and here we see a humble, servant-like heart as David played the lyre in Saul’s time of distress.

Saul didn’t know then that David would be his successor. Saul loved David so much that he even gave him the role of armor-bearer, asking Jesse for permission for David to remain in his service. David faithfully and humbly served Saul.

We see an even greater picture of service in Christ, depicted as the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53. While David’s humble service offered temporary relief for King Saul, Jesus’ humble and sacrificial death offers eternal rescue from sin for all who believe in Him.

May a humble, obedient adoration of the Lord mark us as His faithful followers. Pray the children in your care see Christ’s humility both as our example and the means of our salvation through faith. Like Saul, we need the peace that only God can provide through Christ.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: David would be the king, and he still helped Saul. Jesus is the King, and He still helps us. Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again to save us from our sin.
  • Younger Preschool: David knew he would be a king one day, and he still helped Saul. Jesus, the most special King, came to earth to help us by dying on the cross and coming back to life.
  • Older Preschool: David knew God chose him to be the next king, but he still served King Saul. Jesus, the King of everything, came into the world as a servant. He gave His life and rose again so sinners can have forgiveness and be happy forever.
  • Kids: Even though David knew he would be king one day, he served King Saul faithfully. Even though Jesus is God, He humbled Himself and took the form of a servant. He served His disciples by washing their feet, and He served His people by dying on a cross for their sin and rising again.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King.
  • Older Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King and He rules over the world.
  • Kids: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is over all things. Psalm 103:19
  • Younger Preschool: The LORD rules over everything. Psalm 103:19
  • Older Preschool: The LORD … rules over all. Psalm 103:19
  • Kids: The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator Guide 2026Jan4Download

** Next week: David Defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17)

Jesus is Our Rescuer (Luke 2)

Dear families,

As we take a moment in Luke 2, we remember how our great and eternal King of Kings came down in the form of a baby to rescue us from our sins. He was born in Bethlehem and it was very good news for the whole world. God has sent Jesus to earth from heaven to save the people from their sins, and includes for your kids. Remind them Jesus came for them too.

The announcement of the birth of Jesus came in a completely unexpected way. Instead of announcing the birth of the Savior in the halls of power or the seats of religion, God chose for a group of shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem to be the first to hear of Christ’s birth. The announcement from angels to the shepherds watching over their flocks was significant not only because of the message they gave, but also for the people to whom it was given.

It was no accident that God choose often overlooked and outcast shepherds as the ones to whom the angels would give the announcement of Jesus’ birth. This announcement was a powerful statement about the nature of the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is for all people, and no one is outside of God’s plan to know of His love.
The long expected announcement was remarkable. Jesus had been born in the city of David for all people. Three significant titles are used here to describe why this is good news for all people. First, Jesus is the Savior—the one who rescues people from sin. Next, He is the Messiah, the Anointed One of God who came to lead God’s people into God’s kingdom. Finally, He is the Lord, the ruler of all the universe.
The shepherds’ response to this glorious news included curiosity, awe, and obedience. This Christmas, may we do everything we can to see Jesus, adore Him for who He is, and boldly proclaim the truth that Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and the Lord.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is the great King! He came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem to rescue us from our sins. He died on the cross and rose again to save us.
  • Younger Preschool: Jesus is our King of Kings. He was born as a baby to bring good news. He came to earth to help us by dying on the cross and coming back to life to be our Rescuer.
  • Older Preschool: Jesus is God, the King who rules over all the universe. He humbled Himself by being born as a baby. He came as our Rescuer, serving His people by dying on a cross for their sin and rising again, so that we can be part of His kingdom.
  • Kids: Jesus, the King of everything, left heaven and was born as a baby in Bethlehem. He came into the world as our Savior and Lord. He gave His life and rose again so sinners can have forgiveness and be happy forever in His kingdom.Jesus, the King of everything, left heaven and was born as a baby in Bethlehem. He came into the world as our Savior and Lord. He gave His life and rose again so sinners can have forgiveness and be happy forever in His kingdom.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King.
  • Older Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King and He rules over the world.
  • Kids: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is over all things. Psalm 103:19
  • Younger Preschool: The LORD rules over everything. Psalm 103:19
  • Older Preschool: The LORD … rules over all. Psalm 103:19
  • Kids: The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator Guide 2025Dec21Download

** Next week: David Played for Saul (1 Samuel 16)

Samuel Anointed David (1 Samuel 16)


Unit 10, Session 4

Dear families,

In 1 Samuel 16, we come to a turning point in the storyline of God’s leadership over His people. What began with Samuel mourning for Saul’s rejection as king, soon becomes a celebration of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word in 1 Samuel 13:14: “The LORD has found a man after his own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over his people.”

While the young David did not have the same impressive appearance as Saul, he had something greater: a heart that honored the Lord.

What was God trying to teach Samuel and His people by selecting David as the next ruler over Israel? How does this story lead us to consider the state of our own hearts?

Samuel had a front-row seat to God’s rejection of the impressive King Saul. Yet, as Samuel looked upon the older, stronger sons of Jesse, he didn’t seem to truly grasp what God was doing. By mere outward appearance, one might assume one of David’s older brothers to be next in line for the throne. It would be David, however—the youngest son of Jesse—whom God would select as the next king of Israel. David was chosen, not because of his strength or stature, but because God saw his heart. As Psalm 147:11 reminds us, “The LORD values those who fear him, those who put their hope in his faithful love.”

Prepare to teach your children what it means to be someone after God’s own heart. Though David would not be a flawless leader, he would be faithful to trust in God, repent of his sin, and delight in God’s words. Yet, one greater than David would come. Jesus Christ, the sinless King, lived, died, and rose again to make righteous all who trust in Him for salvation.

Consider the state of your own heart—which only God can see. Thank God for the miraculous work of salvation He has done in your own life, as well as His desire to save those who will hear this story. Pray for the Lord to open your kids’ eyes to what He can do with ordinary people who believe in Him by faith.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God chose David to be the king of Israel, and God sent Jesus to be the King of everything! Jesus is the perfect King who loves us.
  • Younger Preschool: David was a surprising choice to be the king of Israel. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice to be king! Jesus is the perfect King who loves us.
  • Older Preschool: God’s choice of David to be Israel’s next king was surprising. David was the youngest in his family, but God saw David’s heart. When Jesus came to earth, He seemed like a surprising choice for a king. Jesus is the perfect King who saves us from our sin and reigns forever.
  • Kids: David did not look like a king on the outside, but God saw his heart and chose him to be the next ruler. Jesus looked like an ordinary man to the people around Him, but He is God’s Son and the Savior of the world.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King.
  • Older Preschool: Who is our King? Jesus is our King and He rules over the world.
  • Kids: Who is our King? Jesus is our King forever, and He rules over the world.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is over all things. Psalm 103:19
  • Younger Preschool: The LORD rules over everything. Psalm 103:19
  • Older Preschool: The LORD … rules over all. Psalm 103:19
  • Kids: The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator Guide 2025Dec14Download

** Next week: Jesus is Our Rescuer (Christmas Bonus)

Freedom from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7)


Unit 9, Session 4

Dear families,

First Samuel 7 reveals the Israelites’ victory over the Philistines after God’s people turned to the Lord and away from their pagan gods and idols. Samuel interceded for the people as they began to long for the Lord after having pursued the ways of the world for so long. The Lord granted His people victory over their enemies in a way that foreshadowed how He has established an eternal victory for those in Christ.

What did Samuel lead the people to do in their helpless state? How is Jesus an even better intercessor than Samuel was?

After so many chapters of disobedience and helplessness, it is refreshing to read that the Israelites finally longed for the Lord. Realizing the emptiness of idol worship, the people stood before Samuel and sought next steps from their leader. His instructions to the people were not dissimilar to the words we need to hear today: return to the Lord with all your heart, get rid of your false gods, set your heart back on the Lord, and worship only Him. In doing so, Samuel explained, they would again see God’s deliverance.

The Israelites did as Samuel instructed, and they fasted and confessed their sins. They pleaded with Samuel to continue interceding for them so that they would experience the victory of God’s promise. Samuel offered a sacrifice to the Lord on His people’s behalf, and it pleased the Lord.

Although Samuel was an upright man called to prophesy and judge God’s people, he was not the Messiah. Instead, Samuel’s life points us to the only One able to secure a permanent victory over sin and death through a once-and-for-all sacrifice for God’s people. Those who are in Christ do not need an earthly judge to mediate between God and man; instead, they can place their hope in the finished work of Jesus.

Share with the boys and girls in your care your story of how the Lord has helped you thus far (1 Samuel 7:12). Lead them to see how Christ has transformed your heart and granted you an eternal victory by faith in His name.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God sent Jesus to die on the cross and rise again so that we can be forgiven. When we know and love Jesus, God forgives our sin.
  • Younger Preschool: God wants people to be sorry for their sin. Jesus came to die on the cross and rise again. When we know and love Jesus, God forgives our sin.
  • Older Preschool: The Israelites confessed their sin, and God saved them from the Philistines. When we confess our sin to God, He forgives us and saves us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus.
  • Kids: Samuel called the people to turn away from false gods and to worship God, and God gave them victory over their enemies. God calls us to turn away from sin and to trust in Jesus who gives us victory over our enemies of sin and death.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Older Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.

Kids: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: God gives us all we need in Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Younger Preschool: My God will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Older Preschool: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Kids: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

** Next week: The Israelites Wanted a King (1 Samuel 7-10)

Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator GuideDownload

The Ark Was Captured (1 Samuel 4-6)


Unit 9, Session 3

Dear families,

The Philistines’ capture of the ark of the covenant reveals the folly of seeking God’s blessing over God Himself. The Israelites realized they were no match for the Philistines, so they pursued worldly wisdom instead of seeking God in prayer. Reducing the significance of the ark to a good luck charm set off a chain reaction of disastrous events. Yet, God provided His people a victory they did not deserve.

What was the significance of the ark? How does the Lord prove His might against false gods and among the nations of the world?

The ark served as a reminder of God’s promise to dwell among His people. Inside it was some manna from heaven, Aaron’s rod, and the tablets of the Ten Commandments. Each item demonstrated God’s provision, as well as His covenant promise to remain with them through the ages. 1 Samuel 4:5 tells us that when the Israelites entered the camp with the ark, their shouts were loud enough to shake the ground. These shouts, however, were empty praise not fueled by a right view of the Lord or His righteous cause among the nations.

God responded to the Israelites’ sin by allowing the Philistines to capture the ark that represented His presence and glory among God’s people. Yet, God used what looked outwardly like defeat to bring glory to His name by demonstrating His power over the enemy and His judgment of sin. This foreshadowed an even greater story of God claiming glory through what looked like defeat—when Jesus allowed Himself to be captured by people and crucified to satisfy God’s judgment on sin. Likewise, the surprising return of the ark by the unmistakable power of the Lord foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection to be with His people.

Lead the boys and girls in your care to see that the source of our hope lies not in our wishes of good fortune from the Lord, but rather in the salvation secured by Christ through faith in His name. Like the Israelites, we deserve judgment for our sin. By faith in Christ, however, we receive forgiveness and His righteousness. Pray for your kids to see the weight of their sins and the price Christ paid to secure them as His own forever.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God sent us His Son, Jesus, to remind us that God is always with us.
  • Younger Preschool: The ark was special, but later God gave people something even better: His Son, Jesus. Jesus reminds us that God is always with us.
  • Older Preschool: The ark of God reminded the Israelites that God was with them. Many years later God gave His people something even better to remind them that He was with them. God sent His Son, Jesus. One of Jesus’ names is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
  • Kids: God is holy and punished the Israelites and Philistines for misusing the ark. All people sin and deserve God’s judgment, but Jesus took that judgment when He died on the cross. All who trust in Jesus are forgiven of sin and saved from judgment.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Older Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Kids: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: God gives us all we need in Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Younger Preschool: My God will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Older Preschool: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Kids: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Leader Guide Ark CapturedDownload

** Next week: Freedom from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7)

Samuel Was Born and Called (1 Samuel 1-3)

Unit 9, Session 2

Dear families,

First Samuel 1–3 reveals God’s call of salvation and the response of faith that follows for all who belong to Him. In the dark of night, God called to Samuel and invited him to become His prophet who would shed the light of His words to His people. God’s call upon Samuel’s life is one that followers of Christ still respond to today: to trust in Him as the hope of salvation and to lead others to do the same.

How do we see God at work in Samuel’s life? How does trust in the Lord play a recurring role in this story?

Samuel was an answered prayer in his mother’s life. She spent years praying to God for a son whose life she promised to dedicate back to the Lord’s service. She allowed her precious son to grow up in the Lord’s house under the care and supervision of Eli the priest. It was Eli’s instructions to Samuel that prepared the young boy to receive the Word of the Lord and to share it as instructed. Though the call to repentance was not an easy message to share, Samuel did so and grew up to become a prophet. All of Israel knew he walked with the Lord.

From an early age, Samuel was brought up to recognize the Lord and His provision. From the prayers of Hannah to the instructions of Eli, Samuel was led in the ways of the Lord and responded to God’s call with open-handed faith. Samuel’s obedience flowed from His trust in the God of His salvation. He listened to God and dedicated his life to His service. Like Samuel, we can respond to God’s call by placing faith in Jesus, turning from sin, and proclaiming His truth to the world.

Consider the relationship between trust and obedience. Does your life reflect the truth that God’s ways are good and worthy of your trust? Lead the boys and girls in your care to see the fruit of a faith-filled life in service to God. Show them that, like Samuel, they can begin leading others to follow the Lord in faith.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: When we listen to God and follow Jesus’ example, He will show us the right way to go.
  • Younger Preschool: Like Samuel listened to God, we can listen to Jesus, who always shows us the right way to go.
  • Older Preschool: Samuel heard God’s voice and obeyed. Jesus perfectly obeyed God when He came to earth, died on the cross, and rose again to save people from their sin.
  • Kids: God called to Samuel, and Samuel responded. God calls people to turn from sin and follow Jesus. Everyone who responds by trusting in Jesus is saved from sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Older Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Kids: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: God gives us all we need in Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Younger Preschool: My God will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Older Preschool: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Kids: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Leader Guide – Story of RuthDownload

** Next week: The Ark Was Captured (1 Samuel 4-6)

The Story of Ruth (Ruth)


Unit 9, Session 1

Dear families,

The book of Ruth weaves a redemption story that begins with one family from Bethlehem and points toward the Messiah born in the same city. In the story of Ruth, we see how God sees and cares for His people, even demonstrating His love for the nations through a Moabite woman who became a part of Jesus’ lineage. God’s provision for not only Ruth, but all people, is revealed through the theme of a redeemer.

What does Ruth’s story teach us about our need for redemption? How does faith play a role in this book of the Bible?

In the time of the judges, famine overtook the land of Judah. So, a man named Elimelech traveled with his family to the land of Moab. Eventually, Elimelech and his two sons died, leaving his wife Naomi and her two daughters-in-law seemingly without provision or protection in their time of need. Naomi granted her late sons’ wives to return to their homelands, yet Ruth swore to remain with Naomi and declared that Naomi’s God would be her God too.

Ruth remained faithful to Naomi and took to the fields to glean grain for them both. It was there she received kindness from the field’s owner Boaz, whom she soon learned was their family redeemer. Boaz had the power to bring Ruth and Naomi back into Elimelech’s family so their lineage would continue. He took Ruth as his wife to provide her with the food and protection she needed. Like Ruth, we need provision, but our need goes even further: salvation from sin. The kindness of Jesus led Him to the cross to redeem us amid our sinful state.

Lead the kids in your care to see that this story goes beyond mere physical provision to reveal a God who made the way to offer us salvation. Pray that your children will see God’s sovereign hand at work in this story and that they will trust in Jesus as the perfect and final Redeemer.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God helped Ruth and Naomi. God helped us too. God sent Jesus to save us and rescue us from all our sins.
  • Younger Preschool: Like Boaz helped Ruth and Naomi, God sent Jesus to help us. Jesus is like our Rescuer who saves us from all our sins.
  • Older Preschool: Ruth was in great need, and God provided Boaz as her family redeemer. We are in great need and unable to save ourselves from our sin. God provided Jesus as our Redeemer.
  • Kids: Ruth was in great need and unable to provide for herself. God provided Boaz as her redeemer. We are in great need and unable to save ourselves from our sin. God provided Jesus as our Redeemer.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Older Preschool: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over all He made.
  • Kids: How does God care for His creation? God loves and rules over His creation according to His perfect plan.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: God gives us all we need in Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Younger Preschool: My God will supply all your needs in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Older Preschool: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Kids: My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Leader Guide – Story of RuthDownload

** Next week: Samson Was Born and Called (1 Samuel 1-3)

Samson and the Philistines (Judges 13-16)


Unit 8, Session 4

Dear families,

The life of Samson showcases the downfall of a mighty hero whose story draws some similarities to Jesus. Samson’s shortcomings, however, reveal the need for a greater deliverer. Only by faith in the Son of God can we please our Father in heaven and get a proper view of where true strength comes from.

What comparisons and contrasts can we make between Samson and Jesus? What can Christians glean about the source of their strength?

In Samson’s story, the angel of the Lord delivered the news that a woman who was unable to conceive would have a son. This has similarities to the New Testament’s even greater account of the miraculous conception of Jesus to the virgin Mary. We later read that Delilah, whom Samson loved, was bribed with silver to betray him into the hands of his enemies, just as Judas did to Jesus. Both Samson and Jesus were called to bring salvation to God’s people amid the oppression they faced, though only Jesus was able to do so in a lasting way by perfectly obeying God’s commands.

Samson’s strength came from the Spirit of God and Samson’s adherence to the angel’s command that he not cut his hair. As a Nazirite, Samson was called to be set apart in holy service to God, though he disobeyed God’s call to abstain from the unclean and idolatrous ways of the world. The downfall of Samson revealed the need for a greater hero who could fulfill God’s commands and deliver His people once and for all.

Though Samson was an esteemed warrior, his strength was not his own; it came from God who called him to walk in holiness. Like Samson, we cannot please God on our own. We need the power of His Spirit to help us walk in His ways (Galatians 5:16). Jesus is the better Samson—our perfect sacrifice who suffered in our place to create lasting transformation amid our helpless and hopeless state. Lead the boys and girls in your care to see that when we place our trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, allowing us to walk victoriously in faith.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God used Samson to save His people. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins and give us life with God forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Like Samson helped his people, Jesus helps us. Jesus died and came back to life to save us from our mistakes and give us life with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: God made Samson strong and used Samson’s death to save His people from the Philistines. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to rescue us from sin and give us life with God forever.
  • Kids: Samson’s great strength came from God alone. He had no power to defeat the Philistines on his own. We cannot please God on our own. Through faith in Jesus, people are saved from sin and receive the Holy Spirit, who helps them live to please God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Older Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: If we pray, God will hear and forgive our sins. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Younger Preschool: If my people pray and turn from sin, I will forgive them. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Older Preschool: [If] my people pray and turn from their evil ways, then I will forgive their sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Kids: [If] my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Leader GuideDownload

** Next week: The Story of Ruth (Ruth)

Gideon Led Israel (Judges 6-7)


Unit 8, Session 3

Dear families,

The story of Gideon in Judges 6-8 reveals the power of God at work in the lives of His people and how victory belongs to Him alone. God’s call on Gideon’s life demonstrates how the Lord often chooses what is weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).

Why would God choose to drastically limit the number of Gideon’s soldiers in battle? How does God’s provision in this story point to an even greater salvation—our hope in Christ?

Once again, the Israelites had committed themselves to doing evil in the sight of the Lord. The Lord allowed the Midianites to rule over His people as a consequence for their sin. Yet, God again acted mercifully as He responded to their cries for deliverance in the face of oppression. God graciously sent a prophet to His people to remind them of the faithful love He had shown them since their days in Egypt. He urged them to remember His covenant with His people.

God called Gideon to be a judge for the Israelites and to deliver them from Midian. Not wanting His people to claim victory on behalf of their own strength, God told Gideon to pare down his troops. God showed His power by limiting the Israelites’ manpower in battle. This way, they could only attribute their victory to the Lord’s goodness on their behalf. Gideon and his army of 300 had no logical way of winning a battle against so many Midianite troops. Yet, God proved He is Lord over creation and the One who pursues His people and delivers them unto Himself.

God provided salvation to His people by delivering them from the hand of the Midianites, but even more, He has provided eternal deliverance to all who trust in His Son for salvation. In the battle against sin and death, we—like the Israelites—have no means of securing victory on our own. Yet through Jesus, the battle is already won. Lead the boys and girls in your care to see God’s ability to make a way where there is no way, as well as His heart for sinners who deserve death. May your children walk forward in faith, trusting in the Lord for His victory over sin and death.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: When we do wrong things, we need God’s help. God sent His Son, Jesus, to help us and to save us from our sins.
  • Younger Preschool: The Israelites needed Gideon to help them. We need help, too. We need God to save us from our sins. God sent His Son, Jesus, to help us and save us forever.
  • Older Preschool: The people of Israel asked God to help them. God used Gideon to help the people, and God fought for them. We need help too. We need God to save us from sin. We cannot save ourselves. God sent His Son, Jesus, to save us.
  • Kids: Gideon could have never won the battle without God’s power. Victory came from God alone. We cannot save ourselves from sin. Only Jesus can save us from our sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Older Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: If we pray, God will hear and forgive our sins. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Younger Preschool: If my people pray and turn from sin, I will forgive them. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Older Preschool: [If] my people pray and turn from their evil ways, then I will forgive their sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Kids: [If] my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
oct-12-leader-guide-gideon-led-isrealDownload

** Next week: Samson and the Philistines (Judges 13-16)

Deborah Led Israel (Judges 4-5)

Unit 8, Session 2

Dear families,

Judges 4 and 5 reveal God’s heart for delivering His people despite the consequences their sin deserved. Again, the Israelites sinned by committing evil in the sight of the Lord. Even still, God provided victory for His people against Sisera and his army.

How did Deborah’s leadership bring glory to God? Why is Jesus worthy of all glory?

In the prophecy she shared with Barak, Deborah revealed that God had already promised the Israelites victory in battle. Deborah rallied Barak to lead Israel’s army against Sisera. Even though Barak was hesitant to go without Deborah, he eventually led 10,000 troops to fight the enemy army. The Lord threw Sisera’s army into confusion, demonstrating His promised power. Forced to flee, Sisera died in an unsuspecting tent of a woman named Jael. On that day, Deborah and Barak praised God in song for the victory He alone accomplished.

Deborah and Barak’s song of praise revealed a right response to God’s rescue: worship. God was glorified because He alone provided rescue. Likewise, Jesus alone is worthy of worship for how He has provided the only way for sinners to be saved. God has exalted Jesus above every name because of His humble obedience to die on the cross for sinful people. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord.

We, like the wayward Israelites, are sinners who deserve punishment for our sins against God. Yet, by choosing to put our faith in Christ and in His perfect obedience and finished work on the cross, we receive the gift of everlasting life in place of the condemnation we deserve. In His goodness, God made the way for us to receive the grace we did not earn and allowed for His Son to bear the consequences our sin deserves. May it likewise be true for the boys and girls who hear this story and place their faith in our greatest deliverer—Jesus.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to help His people. God sent Jesus to help us by dying on the cross and coming back to life.
  • Younger Preschool: Like God used Deborah, Barak, and Jael to help His people, God sends people to help us and teach us about Jesus. Jesus won the greatest battle against sin by dying on the cross and coming back to life.
  • Older Preschool: God used Deborah to lead His people and help them win battles. God sent His Son, Jesus, to win the battle against sin by dying on the cross and being raised back to life.
  • Kids: God used Deborah to lead Israel in victory over their enemies, and God received the glory. God sent Jesus to reign victorious over sin and death. Jesus is worthy of all honor, glory, and power (Revelation 4:11).

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Younger Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Older Preschool: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.
  • Kids: What is repentance? Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

  • Babies & Toddlers: If we pray, God will hear and forgive our sins. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Younger Preschool: If my people pray and turn from sin, I will forgive them. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Older Preschool: [If] my people pray and turn from their evil ways, then I will forgive their sin. 2 Chronicles 7:14
  • Kids: [If] my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Oct 5 Leader GuideDownload

** Next week: Gideon Led Israel (Judges 6-7)