Elijah Confronted Ahab (1 Kings 18-19)

Unit 13, Session 3

Dear families,

What is the boldest request you’ve ever made to the Lord? Have you ever experienced God answer your prayers in a uniquely powerful way? In this week’s Bible story, we see how God answered Elijah’s prayers.

King Ahab led the people to worship Baal. The prophet Elijah condemned Ahab for leading the people astray and instructed him to gather all the people and prophets of Baal for an epic showdown. The test was simple: both Elijah and the prophets of Baal would offer sacrifices to see if Baal would respond or if God would respond.

The prophets of Baal cried out, danced, and prayed all day with no response or hint of fire on their altar. When Elijah’s turn came, he prepared the bull on the altar but took his trust in the Lord a step further by asking for water to be poured on top, saturating it completely. Elijah prayed, “LORD, let it be known that you are God in Israel, and I am your servant. Answer so that this people will know that you, the LORD, are God.”

Immediately, fire fell from heaven and completely consumed the offering along with the wood, the stones, and even the water! After the showdown at the altar, Jezebel sought to kill Elijah, and Elijah fled. This time, Elijah’s prayer was one of weariness and desperation. Again, God proved faithful to Elijah and answered his prayer. The Lord spoke to Elijah in a whisper and encouraged him, reminding him that the Lord would save those who remained faithful to Him.

The people of Israel knew that the Lord is the one true God when He answered Elijah’s prayer and sent fire down from heaven. In the same way, people would know that Jesus is God’s Son when the Holy Spirit came down like a dove when Jesus was baptized. Jesus is the Son of God and gave His life up for us.

Remember that God hears and answers the prayers of those who belong to Him. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness to listen and respond to our prayers. Remind the children in your care that through Jesus, we can boldly take our requests to God!

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 is the only true God who sent Jesus to die for our sins.
  • Younger Preschool: God sent fire to show everyone He is the real God. When Jesus came, the Holy Spirit came like a dove to show that Jesus is God’s Son.
  • Older Preschool: The fire came down to show the people of Israel that the LORD is God. When Jesus came to earth, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove to show that Jesus is God’s Son.
  • Kids: God sent fire down from heaven to prove that He alone is Lord. God sent the Holy Spirit like flames of fire on Jesus’ disciples to empower them to tell others that Jesus is God’s Son who saves people 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 many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • Older Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • Kids: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Know the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Younger Preschool: May all people know the Lord is God. There is no other!
  • 1 Kings 8:60
  • Older Preschool: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Kids: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
Elijah Confronted AhabDownload

** Next week: The Reign of Ahab (1 Kings 20-22; 2 Kings 1)

Israel’s Evil Kings (1 Kings 14-15; 2 Chronicles 12-13)

Unit 13, Session 2

Dear families,

When we hear the word idolatry, we might think about the golden calf in Exodus 32. While today’s story includes King Jeroboam crafting two physical golden calves, it points to the invisible idolatry of the heart. What is idolatry? Idolatry is a sin in which we love and value something above God. 

Rehoboam had been cruel to God’s people, and because of his harsh treatment, ten tribes rejected him as king and sought out Jeroboam to be king of Israel. Rehoboam’s domain in Judah was smaller but held an important status because it was the location of the temple.   

Jeroboam feared the people would eventually abandon him and return to Jerusalem to worship at the temple. Taking matters into his own hands, Jeroboam led the people to break the law of Moses and worship two golden calves. God was angry with Jeroboam and sent the prophet Ahijah to tell Jeroboam that he had behaved wickedly, that God was going to bring disaster upon his house, and that there would be a new king over Israel. 

After Jeroboam, Israel had other evil kings––Nadab and Baasha. Like Jeroboam, they led Israel to turn away from God and worship idols. All three of these kings were eventually judged for their sin. 

The first three kings of Israel led the people to disobey God. We all sin by disobeying God. Like Israel’s kings, we may turn to other things above the Lord.

Is there anything that has become an idol in your heart? Remember that the gift of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection paid the price of our sin. Likewise, remind kids that Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sinful idolatry and bring us back to God. Pray for the children in your care to grasp the weight of our sinful choices to worship other things and the depth of Christ’s love to provide salvation. 

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 died to take away our sins so we can be with God forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Even when we do wrong things, Jesus loves us so much. He died to take away our sins so we can be with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: The kings of Israel led the people away from God. We all disobey God when we sin. Jesus died to take the punishment for our sins and rose again to bring us back to God.
  • Kids: The first kings of Israel led the people to disobey God and to worship idols. Israel’s kings suffered the consequences of their sin. We all sin when we disobey God and worship other things. Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sin and bring us back to God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • Older Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • Kids: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Know the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Younger Preschool: May all people know the Lord is God. There is no other!
  • 1 Kings 8:60
  • Older Preschool: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Kids: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
Israel’s Evil KingsDownload

** Next week: David Showed Mercy (1 Samuel 24)

Join us for the “So Loved” Family Challenge! ❤️

We are so excited to officially invite your family on a 28-day journey through John 3:16 this February! While we missed our in-person kickoff due to the snow days, we are ready to dive into this journey together now.

How to Participate: Since we couldn’t distribute physical kits, you can download the full digital kit here to get started! Don’t worry about the calendar dates—just jump in when you can.

Inside the kit, you’ll find: 🗓️ A Daily Rhythm Calendar: Simple prompts for reading and praying together (perfect for carpool or bedtime!). 🎨 The Interactive Word Chain: A fun daily craft for preschoolers to create a visual masterpiece of God’s Word. 📖 Weekly Reflections: Deep-dive devotionals for parents to help you lead from an overflow of your own heart.

We hope this challenge changes the atmosphere of your home this month as we focus on how much we are truly loved.

Can’t wait to hear how your families grow through this! ✨

Join the challenge

#SoLoved #FamilyDevotional #ImagoDei #John316 #FaithAtHomeThis

The Kingdom Divided (1 Kings 11-13)



Unit 13, Session 1

Dear families,

While King Solomon was known for his wisdom, he did not leave his kingdom better than he found it, for when he was old, his heart turned to other gods (1 Kings 11:4). In fact, the kingdom would now be divided because of his unfaithfulness to God. After Solomon died, his son Rehoboam became king and was confronted with a request from the people to lighten their labor. Rehoboam sought counsel from those who served with his father, and he also asked a group of his peers for advice.

King Rehoboam received wise counsel but then chose to ignore it. The elders who served with his father advised Rehoboam to be a servant to the people and speak kindly to them. Surely this approach would have established trust. Rehoboam, however, disregarded the elders’ input and chose to listen to a young group of friends instead. Their suggestion was to tell the people that Rehoboam was even more powerful than Solomon and would make their lives more difficult.

The people didn’t appreciate their new king’s aggressive posture toward them, and they rebelled against him. Rehoboam’s selfish pride resulted in all of Israel except for those living in the cities of Judah to seek Jeroboam as their king. The kingdom was divided, just as God said it would happen.

Rehoboam sought to be served instead of choosing to serve the people. True leadership, however, stems from service. Jesus willingly chose to serve us while we were still far from Him. As Romans 5:8 tells us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Have you ever completely disregarded sound wisdom or godly advice? Who we listen to matters. As you lead the children in your care, pray for God to help you listen to the wise counsel of His Holy Spirit. Remind kids that we can choose to follow God’s ways through faith in Jesus. Pray for these children know the one true God and to look to Christ as the ultimate example of true, selfless leadership.

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 our King who taught us to be kind and love others.
  • Younger Preschool: Rehoboam made a bad choice, and the kingdom split into two groups. But Jesus, our good King, showed us how to be kind and love others. He gave His life for us.
  • Older Preschool: Rehoboam made a wrong choice, and God’s people split into two groups. But Jesus, our good King, brings together all who trust in Him and welcomes them into His kingdom forever.
  • Kids: Rehoboam rejected good advice, and his foolish pride led to a divided kingdom. Jesus, the truly wise King, unites all who trust in Him and brings them into His kingdom forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • Older Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
  • Kids: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Know the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Younger Preschool: May all people know the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Older Preschool: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
  • Kids: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
The Kingdom DividedDownload

** Next week: Israel’s Evil Kings (1 Kings 14-15; 2 Chronicles 12-13)

David Defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17)


Unit 11, Session 1

Dear families,

The story of David and Goliath reveals more than a battle between a shepherd boy and a giant. Through this showdown, we recognize how the powers of this world set themselves in opposition to the one true God. While Israel needed someone to face Goliath on their behalf, we too, need a Savior to defeat our enemies––sin and death.

Where did David find strength to fight against Goliath? How does the story point us to the true Hero, Jesus?

David was no stranger to the faithfulness and protection of God. He said to Saul, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” David saw the threat of Goliath, yet recognized he had what Goliath didn’t—the favor of the Lord of Armies. David trusted that God would secure the victory for His own name’s sake. Just as God had proven Himself faithful in David’s battles against lions and bears, David knew that Goliath posed no threat to those whose faith is in God.

David’s faith in the Lord of Armies encourages us to remember how God has provided us with victory through His Son, Jesus. The true hero of this story is Jesus––the foreshadowed victor in the battle against sin and death––who took to the cross to defeat the grave and rose again so we may find new life in Him.

Lead the children in your care to see that, like David, we can trust in God for salvation and in every circumstance we face. While we may not find ourselves going to war with a giant like Goliath, we do face the reality of sin and death and cannot save ourselves. We need a Savior who has already won the battle! Pray that your children place their hope not in themselves or the things of this world but in Christ alone.

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 David to help the Israelites. God sent His Son, Jesus, to help all of us. When we trust in Jesus, we have life with God forever. 
  • Younger Preschool: God sent David to help the Israelites fight their enemies. God sent His Son, Jesus, to help all of us. Jesus fought against sin and death and won. When we trust in Jesus, we have life with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: God provided judges to rescue His people from their enemies. God provided Jesus to rescue us from our sin. When we choose to trust in Jesus and follow Him, we are forever saved from our sin.
  • Kids: The Israelites needed God’s help to defeat Goliath, so God sent David. We all need help to fight against sin. God sent His Son, Jesus, to win against sin so we can have life with God forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Is anything greater than God? No, God is greater than everything.
  • Older Preschool: Is anything greater than God? No, God is greater than everything.
  • Kids: Is anything or anyone greater than God? No, God is greater than everything and everyone.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: LORD, no one is like you. You are great. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Younger Preschool: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Older Preschool: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great; your name is great in power. Jeremiah 10:6
  • Kids: LORD, there is no one like you. You are great; your name is great in power. Who should not fear you, King of the nations? It is what you deserve. Jeremiah 10:6-7a
Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator Guide 1-11-26Download

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)