Hosea, Prophet to Israel (Hosea)


Unit 14, Session 3

Dear families,

Although God had been faithful to the people of Israel, they were not faithful to God. The Israelites continued to disobey God, following worthless idols and acting wickedly. Israel even turned to other nations during times of trouble, trusting in the power of man over God. God warned Israel of their unfaithfulness and showed His faithful love through the prophet Hosea.

Though Israel was far from Him, God wanted to show a picture of His great love and relentless pursuit of His people through Hosea’s life. God instructed Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer, explaining that she would not be faithful to him. Yet, God told Hosea to remain committed to her.

Hosea obeyed God and married Gomer. As God said, she was unfaithful to Hosea and left their family. In the same way, the Israelites were unfaithful to God, worshiping idols, acting corruptly, and loving violence. However, God’s love did not relent, and He promised a day when He would forgive and restore them (Hosea 14:4-9).

To show the Israelites the depth of His love, God told Hosea to show love to Gomer, even though she had chosen a life of adultery (Hosea 3:1). Again, Hosea obeyed God. He paid the debts Gomer owed and brought her back home to their family.

On the cross, Jesus paid our debt of sin, restoring our relationship with God so we might be with Him forever. When we repent and turn to Jesus, He brings us into His family. Even when believers act unfaithfully, Jesus continues to be faithful and show unending love.

Encourage the children in your care to ask Jesus for forgiveness and praise Him for His unfailing love. God promised to be faithful to Israel, and He continues to be faithful to us. Point children to God’s promises to Israel and the way these words of hope echo into Jesus’ promises to followers of Christ to heal them, love them, and not be angry with them (Hosea 14:4).

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 showed His love to us by sending Jesus to save us.
  • Younger Preschool: Even when we do not love God as we should, He still loves us. God showed His love by sending Jesus to save us.
  • Older Preschool: Even though we do not love God with all our hearts, He still loves us. God showed us His love by sending Jesus to be our Savior.
  • Kids: Israel was not faithful to God, but God was faithful to Israel, just as Hosea loved his wife even when she didn’t love him. God is faithful to save all sinners who repent and trust in Jesus.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Because we still have hearts that want to sin.
  • Older Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have hearts that want to sin.
  • Kids: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have a sin nature, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Younger Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Older Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. You must keep his commands and listen to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Kids: You must follow the LORD your God and fear him. You must keep his commands and listen to him; you must worship him and remain faithful to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

** Next week: The Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed (2 Kings 17)

Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator Guide – HoseaDownload

Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh (Jonah) 


Unit 14, Session 2

Dear families,

Jonah was a prophet sent by God to confront the people of Nineveh regarding their sinful ways. Jonah, however, did not immediately obey God’s command. In fact, Jonah traveled in the opposite direction and boarded a boat to Tarshish. Have you ever been given clear directions from God, but ignored them out of fear or selfishness?

Because of Jonah’s disobedience, the Lord sent a powerful storm on the sea, and the men on the boat feared for their lives. Knowing the storm was due to his disobedience, Jonah asked his shipmates to throw him overboard. As they threw him into the sea, the storm ceased.

In His mercy, the Lord sent a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and for three days and nights, Jonah lay entombed in the belly of the fish. Then, upon the Lord’s command, the fish spit Jonah onto dry land. God again said to Jonah, “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach the message that I tell you.” This time, Jonah obeyed.

Jonah walked about the great city proclaiming, “In forty days Nineveh will be demolished!” The people of Nineveh believed God’s message. In sackcloth and with fasting, the people repented and earnestly called out to God. Because of their repentance, God did not destroy Nineveh.

As we read further, we learn how Jonah grew angry over God’s mercy displayed toward Nineveh. The same storm-tossed man who had received mercy from the Lord would rather experience death than see his enemies live. Ironically, disobedient Jonah prayed for God’s grace in his own life, but desired for others to perish in their sin.

While Jonah did not care for the people of Nineveh, God did. The people believed Jonah’s message from God and were saved. Like the Ninevites, we cannot save ourselves. But God can. When we are confronted with our sin, we have a choice to ignore it or do as the Ninevites did and repent. God sent Jesus so we could repent of sin, trust in Him, and be saved.

This week, point the children in your care to the gift of Jesus. Thank God for Jesus’ death and resurrection and share how we too can believe, turn from our sin, and be saved. While we all are born far from God, Jesus bridges the gap. Just like God the Father, Jesus is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (Jonah 4:2).

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 wants everyone to turn from their sin and trust in Him. God loves us, and He sent Jesus to save us.
  • Younger Preschool: God wants everyone to turn away from their sin and trust in Him. God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to save us.
  • Older Preschool: Jonah told the people of Nineveh to turn from their sins. God wants everyone to turn from their sins and trust in Him. God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to rescue sinners.
  • Kids: Jonah spent three days in a fish so that the people of Nineveh could hear God’s message, turn from sin, and be saved. Jesus was in the tomb for three days so that we could hear and trust the gospel, turn from sin, and be saved.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Because we still have hearts that want to sin.
  • Older Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have hearts that want to sin.
  • Kids: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have a sin nature, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Younger Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Older Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. You must keep his commands and listen to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Kids: You must follow the LORD your God and fear him. You must keep his commands and listen to him; you must worship him and remain faithful to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

** Next week: Hosea, Prophet to Israel (Hosea)

Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator Guide – JonahDownload

Elisha the Prophet (2 Kings 2; 4-5)


Unit 14, Session 1  

Dear families, 

As Elijah’s time on earth was coming to an end, God appointed Elisha as a new prophet to His people. Elisha asked Elijah if he could inherit a double portion of his spirit. To this Elijah replied, “If you see me being taken from you, you will have it.” Elisha looked on as Elijah was taken up to heaven, and by God’s grace, Elisha received his request.

How did Elisha’s ministry point others to the one true God? Through miracles, God displayed His power through Elisha, confirming that he was a prophet. God also revealed his wisdom and truth by speaking through Elisha.

Through the many miracles Elisha performed, we not only see the power of God over His creation, but also His care and provision for people. From making bad water drinkable to healing Naaman––a commander from an enemy army––Elisha’s miracles pointed people to recognize the one true God. Only the Lord could raise a dead boy to life and miraculously meet the needs of the widow who was in debt. God’s spirit was on Elisha, empowering him to be a light to the people of Israel.

Elijah and Elisha were both special prophets, performing miracles and being messengers of God’s truth. But there is One greater than Elisha and Elijah. Jesus not only performed miracles and taught with authority; He is also the true Light of the world who saves people from sin. Help the children in your care understand that when we follow Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit who empowers us to be more like Jesus and shine like lights in the world, proclaiming to all that He is the one true 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: Jesus died and came back to life so we can have life with God forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Elisha was a man of God who did miracles. Jesus came and performed miracles. Jesus died and came back to life to save sinners so we can have God’s Spirit and life with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: Elisha was a man of God who performed miracles. His story makes us think of Jesus—the Son of God—who performed miracles and rescues people from sins so we can have forgiveness and receive God’s Spirit.
  • Kids: Elisha spoke the truth of God and performed miracles. Jesus taught with the authority of God and performed miracles as well. Elisha was a prophet, but Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Because we still have hearts that want to sin.
  • Older Preschool: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have hearts that want to sin.
  • Kids: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have a sin nature, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Younger Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Older Preschool: You must follow the LORD your God. You must keep his commands and listen to him. Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Kids: You must follow the LORD your God and fear him. You must keep his commands and listen to him; you must worship him and remain faithful to him. Deuteronomy 13:4

** Next week: Jonah, Prophet to Nineveh (Jonah) 

Weekly Preschool Worship Care Facilitator Guide – ElishaDownload

David Showed Mercy (1 Samuel 24)

Unit 11, Session 2

Dear families,

In 1 Samuel 24, we see the tension between Saul and David come to a head, as David turns down an opportunity to rid himself of King Saul once and for all. We see David’s heart for the Lord as he chose to pursue obedience over safety. David’s mercy in this story gives us a glimpse of Christ’s incredible mercy toward sinners who place their faith in His name.

Why did David spare Saul’s life? How do we see an even greater pardon for sin in the lives of Christ followers?

Back in chapter 18, Saul had grown jealous of of David’s popularity after his many victories in battle. By chapter 24, Saul had attempted to kill David multiple times and refused to give up the fight. In fact, he brought 3,000 men on a mission to search for David in the wilderness of En-gedi. David soon found himself in a cave with his own men, who tempted him to kill the vengeful King Saul.

Yet, David knew what the Lord called him to do (1 Samuel 24:6). He extended honor to Saul, though he did not deserve such mercy. David even swore to never harm his king, an oath that would continue to be tested as Saul would go back on his word to preserve the life of his young successor.

David trusted God to deliver him from Saul and refused to take matters into his own hands, believing God’s word would come to pass and that David would become king in God’s perfect timing. David’s willingness to grant mercy came from his trust in God’s perfect justice and righteousness (v. 15). Rather than seeking vengeance, David extended mercy, recognizing God alone would enact judgment on Saul’s sin.

In an even greater act of mercy, Christ died for sinners. He prayed for forgiveness for those who nailed Him to the cross, and He took the judgment for our sin. The mercy of God is available to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Lead the children in your care to see the immeasurable gift of Christ’s mercy, that they, too, might experience forgiveness of sins and new life in Christ 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: David was kind and showed mercy to Saul. God was kind and showed us mercy by sending Jesus to rescue us from sin and death.
  • Younger Preschool: Saul wanted to be mean to David, but David was kind and showed mercy to Saul. Our sin makes us God’s enemies, but He showed us mercy by sending Jesus to rescue us from sin and death.
  • Older Preschool: Saul wanted to hurt David, but David showed mercy to Saul. We all deserve to die for our sin, but God shows us mercy when we trust in Jesus, who died for our sin and rose again.
  • Kids: Saul was trying to kill David, but David chose to show Saul mercy. When the people were killing Jesus, He showed them mercy and said, “Father, forgive them.” We all sin, but God shows us mercy through Jesus, who died for our sin and rose again.

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
David Showed MercyDownload

** Next week: Elijah Confronted Ahab (1 Kings 18-19)

The Reign of Ahab (1 Kings 20-22; 2 Kings 1)

Unit 13, Session 4

Dear families, 

Have you ever heard the expression “you reap what you sow”? Perhaps you feel the burn of those words as you think of times you made a hasty decision or took matters into your own hands, only to later watch things fall apart. In today’s text, Ahab made a series of poor choices which ultimately led to his demise.

First, the Lord gave King Ahab victory over the Arameans—not once, but twice—to remind Ahab that He is the Lord. When Israel won the second battle, they captured Ben-hadad, but Ahab disobeyed God and agreed to a treaty, releasing Ben-hadad.

Second, a man named Naboth owned a vineyard that caught Ahab’s interest. In his greed, Ahab and his wife Jezebel developed a wicked scheme to take Naboth’s vineyard. Their deception turned murderous when hired men lied about Naboth, saying he had cursed God and the king. Naboth was falsely convicted and sentenced to death.

A few years later, Ahab wanted to go to war against the Arameans once again. Ahab’s false prophets supported his decision, but Micaiah, a prophet of the true God, advised against it, since going to war against Aram would fail. Once again, Ahab acted stubbornly and went to war anyway. During the battle, he was struck by an arrow and died.

While God showed Ahab patience and gave him many warnings, Ahab ultimately refused to repent. Like Ahab, we can be greedy and stubborn. In our sin, we rebel against God and act according to our flesh. The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus (Romans 6:23). Jesus lived a perfect life and died in the place of sinners so that we might be forgiven and be made right with God.

Encourage the children in your care to see that because Christ laid down His life for us, we can escape the punishment we deserve because of our sin. Teach kids that when we believe in Jesus and repent of sin, Christ removes our unrighteousness and changes our hearts so that we desire to follow God and His ways.

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 for our sins. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives us, and we will live with Him forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Jesus came to take the punishment we deserve for our sins. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives us, and we will live with Him forever.
  • Older Preschool: Ahab disobeyed God and was punished. We deserve punishment for our sin, but when we trust in Jesus, God does not give us the punishment our sins.
  • Kids: Ahab was a disobedient, greedy, and stubborn king who refused to lead Israel in the ways of the Lord. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, always obeyed God and laid down His life for us. Anyone who follows Him will dwell 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: 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 Reign of AhabDownload

** Next week: Elisha the Prophet (2 Kings 2; 4-5) 

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