Elisha the Prophet

As we walk through life, it is tempting to try and figure it out on our own. We want to do well as we work, as a friend, as a spouses, and as we parent. As the pride creeps in, it pushes reliance on God out. If it is trying to stretch our energy across all the things we do or figuring out how to gather all the knowledge to make the best decisions, remember to humble yourself before the Lord, because his way is better. We aren’t asked to serve Him in our own strength, but on the foundation of his wisdom. God is a faithful provider who delights in meeting us in our weakness.

In our lesson on Elisha the Prophet (2 Kings 2; 4–5), we see how God equipped Elisha to carry on Elijah’s ministry and showed His miraculous power and compassionate care through Elisha’s life.

God Equips His Servants

  • The Story: When Elijah was taken up to heaven, Elisha was called to step into his shoes and continue preaching God’s word, receiving the authority and spirit needed for the task.
  • The Takeaway: God equips us to do his work while giving us the grace, wisdom, and strength we need to do it.
  • The Gospel Connection: Just as God gave Elisha his spirit to carry on the mission, Jesus gives all believers the Holy Spirit to empower us to live for Him and share the gospel.

Reflection

Elisha’s ministry reminds us that our God is both sovereign over big kingdom work and intimately attentive to individual hearts. As we disciple our children this week, we can remind them that we don’t have to carry life’s burdens on our own. Discipling my children in this has been so redemptive for my own soul. It is good to model out loud to my kids by bringing every need, big or small, to our loving Savior.

Big Picture Question & Answer

  • Question: Why do Christians continue to sin?
  • Answer: Because we still have hearts that want to sin, but when Jesus returns, He will make us sinless like Him.

Key Passage

May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! – 1 Kings 8:60

Upcoming Important Dates & Events

  • Family Night: September 18th at 6:30 PM
  • Kids Choir: Our elementary kids are invited to help the IDC Worship Team lead Call to Worship song on Sunday, October 11, with Rehearsal on Sunday October 4th. Sign up here.

Senders and Goers

Parenting through a busy season can leave us feeling overwhelmed, but God promises to meet us with fresh grace for every step of the journey. Whether you are feeling energized or completely running on fumes, remember that your ultimate rest is found in Christ.

In our lesson on Senders and Goers, we looked at how God calls all of us to play an active role in His global mission—whether He is sending us out to cross cultures or equipping us to faithfully support, pray for, and send others. No matter our specific role, every believer is called to participate in spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.

1. God Calls Us to Go

  • The Story: God commands His people to make disciples of all nations, calling some to step out from their homes and carry the gospel to unreached places and communities.
  • The Takeaway: Being a “Goer” isn’t reserved for a select few elites; it flows from a heart surrendered to God’s global vision and willingness to follow wherever He leads.
  • The Gospel Connection: Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to us, modeling the ultimate sent life and making a way for us to be reconciled to God.

2. God Equips Us to Send

  • The Story: For every person sent out into the field, God raises up a faithful community of “Senders” to support them through prayer, financial partnership, and care.
  • The Takeaway: Holding the ropes for those on the frontlines is a vital, holy calling that requires sacrificial love, generosity, and persistent intercession.
  • The Gospel Connection: Just as the early church partnered together to send out apostles, our unity and shared mission point the world to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. We Share One United Mission

  • The Story: Whether going or sending, all believers work together under the authority of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission.
  • The Takeaway: As parents, we have the privilege of modeling a heart for global missions right in our homes, showing our kids that our lives belong to God’s bigger story.
  • The Gospel Connection: The gospel creates a global family, gathering people from every nation, tribe, and tongue to worship the one true King.

Reflection

The story of God’s mission shows us that none of us are called to sit on the sidelines. Whether God is calling your family to go across the street, across the world, or to faithfully hold the ropes for others, He gives us the grace and strength we need for the task. Rest in His strength this week, and keep pointing your family to the God who loves the whole world.

Looking Ahead & Important Updates

  • September Playgroup: Join us this Thursday at 10:00 AM for our September playgroup gathering!
  • 2026 Playgroup Schedule: You can view the rest of the dates for the year on our Playgroup Schedule Flyer.

Family Connection & Resources

Keep this conversation going at home throughout the week using the family worship resources in Ministry Grid!

  • Big Picture Question: Why do Christians continue to sin? Christians continue to sin because we still have hearts that want to sin.
  • Key Passage: ” You must follow the Lord your God. You must keep His commands” Deuteronomy 13:4

The Reign of Ahab

Parenting through a busy season can leave us feeling overwhelmed, but God promises to meet us with fresh grace for every step of the journey. Whether you are feeling energized or completely running on fumes, remember that your ultimate rest is found in Christ.

In our lesson on The Reign of Ahab, King Ahab continued to disobey God by making unholy alliances and desiring things that did not belong to him. Despite Ahab’s persistent rebellion, God showed mercy by giving him multiple chances to repent and trust Him.

1. God Is Patient with Sinners

  • The Story: God repeatedly sent prophets and granted victories to King Ahab, offering him opportunities to turn away from idols and acknowledge the Lord.
  • The Takeaway: God’s patience is meant to lead us to repentance, demonstrating His incredible grace toward stubborn hearts.
  • The Gospel Connection: God showed the ultimate patience and love by sending Jesus to save us while we were still sinners.

Ahab refused to listen to God’s warnings and eventually met his end in battle, proving that earthly kingdoms and prideful plans always fail.

2. Worldly Alliances Fail

  • The Story: Ahab relied on his own political schemes and false prophets rather than seeking the true counsel of God.
  • The Takeaway: Placing our trust in worldly security or human wisdom will always leave us empty in the end.
  • The Gospel Connection: Jesus is our only secure anchor, and His kingdom is the only one that will stand forever.

Even in the darkness of Ahab’s reign, God preserved His truth and made sure His word was fulfilled exactly as spoken.

3. God’s Word Always Stands Firm

  • The Story: Everything the prophets foretold about Ahab and his house came to pass, showing that God’s word never fails.
  • The Takeaway: We can anchor our daily lives and our parenting on the absolute truth and reliability of God’s Word.
  • The Gospel Connection: Jesus is the Word made flesh, and every promise of God finds its ultimate “Yes” in Him.

Reflection

Ahab’s story shows us what happens when we try to run our lives on our own terms, but it also highlights the tireless patience of our God. As parents, we are called to reflect that same patience and truth to our children every day. It is easy to get worn out, but resting in Jesus allows us to parent from a place of peace rather than pressure. Keep pointing your family to the true King who never fails us.

Looking Ahead & Important Calendar Updates

Please note that there will be No Discipleship Hour on Sunday, September 6, as it is the first Sunday of the month.

Additionally, because of the Labor Day holiday weekend, there will not be a Members’ Meeting on September 6 either. Instead, our Members’ Meeting and our Church Anniversary Celebration will take place the following week on Sunday, September 13, right alongside the return of Discipleship Hour! Rest up over the break because it will be a long, joyful day of fellowship as we celebrate what God has done in our church.

When we gather back for Discipleship Hour on September 13, we will look at Elisha the Prophet (2 Kings 2; 4–5).

Family Connection & Resources

Keep this conversation going at home throughout the week using The Gospel Project At Home resource in Ministry Grid!

  • Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • Key Passage: “May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other!” (1 Kings 8:60)

Elijah Confronted Ahab

It can be exhausting trying to stand firm in faith when the surrounding culture seems to push in the complete opposite direction. I think about the little things I see in my kids like the word “bruh”. I know I don’t use that word, so why does my son. It is because his peers do. I’ll never forget when Brandon looks at him one day and said “Sir, I don’t call my wife bruh, so you can’t either”. Now, he still says bruh, just not to me. And I’m still sick of hearing him say it. Those little things make my weary, but that doesn’t compare to the day-to-day battles of intentional parenting. We need not carry on exhausted, because someone loves our kids more than us. I know it because He even loves me more than I love myself, because He died for me. So as you wake up each day prepare to clean another mess, repeat the same instructions you gave yesterday, and wrestle with the big things that we can’t even begin to control I pray that you will remember that you don’t have to rely on your own strength. God is fighting for you and meets us right in our weakness.

In our lesson for the week, King Ahab had led the people of Israel away from God to worship the false god Baal. The prophet Elijah challenged Ahab and Baal’s false prophets to an epic showdown on Mount Carmel to show everyone who the real God is.

1. God Answers Bold Faith

  • The Story: While the prophets of Baal yelled and danced all day with no answer, Elijah drenched his altar with water and prayed, trusting God to show His power.
  • The Takeaway: True faith isn’t afraid to bring big, bold prayers to God because we serve a Lord who is real and active.
  • The Gospel Connection: Just as God sent fire to prove He alone is Lord, He sent the Holy Spirit to show us that Jesus is His Son who rescues us.

Immediately, fire fell from heaven, consuming the offering, the wood, the stones, and even the water! But shortly after this victory, Queen Jezebel threatened Elijah’s life, causing him to flee into the wilderness in exhaustion and fear.

2. God Meets Us in Our Weariness

  • The Story: Running for his life and completely depleted, Elijah prayed a desperate prayer, and God gently spoke to him in a quiet whisper to encourage and restore him.
  • The Takeaway: God doesn’t cast us off when we are overwhelmed; He meets us with gentleness, patience, and exact provision for our souls.
  • The Gospel Connection: Jesus understands our weakness and invites all who are weary to come to Him for true rest.

The showdown at Mount Carmel proved to all of Israel that the Lord is the one true God. Through Elijah’s life, God demonstrated both His supreme authority over creation and His intimate care for His servants.

3. Jesus Is the Ultimate Answer

  • The Story: God proved His presence through fire on Mount Carmel, but His greatest demonstration of love was sending His Son to earth.
  • The Takeaway: We don’t have to guess if God hears us or loves us—He has shown us definitively through Christ.
  • The Gospel Connection: Through Jesus, we have direct access to God and can boldly bring all of our requests, weariness, and prayers to His throne.

Reflection

Whether you are praying bold prayers for your kids or simply feeling worn out by the demands of life, Elijah’s story reminds us that God hears us in every season. You don’t have to carry the weight of parenting alone. That’s why being surrounded by a gospel-centered community is so vital for our spiritual health.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we will wrap up this unit with The Reign of Ahab from 1 Kings 20–22; 2 Kings.

Family Connection & Resources

Find the lesson videos, scripture songs, activites and more to extend this lesson at home throughout the week using The Gospel Project At Home in Ministry Grid!

  • Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • Key Passage: “May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other!” — 1 Kings 8:60

Israel’s Evil Kings

Parenting can often feel like an uphill battle, especially when we’re trying to guide our kids’ hearts in a world full of distractions for both them and us. First, take a deep breath, you serve a kind God who makes space for you. I’m grateful to get to witness all that you do. From the moms who keep growing their child even just a little with drop-offs on Sunday, to the dads squatting on the playground to check out the newest skinned knee, and all that you do at home. I see the fruit of your work and thank God for your perseverance. You are doing important work, and God’s grace is abundantly available to you while you continue on, even when it (falsely) looks like there is no progress.

I am praying this week that you return to Growth Group renewed and ready. May He use this time to knit us together as His church, uplift the downtrodden, and celebrate His goodness.

In our lesson this week, ten tribes rejected Rehoboam because of his harsh treatment and chose Jeroboam to be king over Israel. While Rehoboam ruled Judah where the temple was, Jeroboam panicked, fearing his people would return to Jerusalem to worship.

Fear Leads to Modern Idolatry

  • The Story: Driven by fear of losing power and control, Jeroboam took matters into his own hands and crafted two golden calves for the people to worship.
  • The Takeaway: Idolatry isn’t just bowing to statues; it’s anything we run to for safety, comfort, or control instead of trusting God.
  • The Gospel Connection: Jesus frees us from fear-driven living by offering us complete security through His love and grace.

God was grieved by Jeroboam’s wickedness and sent the prophet Ahijah to announce judgment on his house. Yet, the kings who followed also refused to turn back, continuing to lead Israel into deeper sin and rebellion.

2. Disobedience Brings Consequences

  • The Story: All three kings led the people away from the Lord, and each eventually suffered the divine consequences of their persistent sin.
  • The Takeaway: Disobedience always carries weight, but God’s warnings are meant to draw us back to Him, not push us away.
  • The Gospel Connection: We all deserve the consequences of our sin, but Jesus took our punishment on the cross so we could be forgiven.

The first three kings of Israel failed to lead with righteousness, leaving a nation lost in idolatry. But God’s ultimate plan was never dependent on flawed human rulers. From the very beginning, He was paving the way for a true Savior.

3. Jesus Is Our Good King

  • The Story: Where Israel’s earthly kings utterly failed to protect and lead God’s people, God remained faithful to His promise to preserve His true kingdom.
  • The Takeaway: Human leaders will always fall short, but Jesus is the only King who never fails us.
  • The Gospel Connection: Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sinful idolatry, restoring us to a right relationship with God forever.

Reflection

It is easy to look at the bad choices of these kings and wonder how they lost their way, but if we’re honest, our own hearts constantly wrestle with putting safety, comfort, or control ahead of God. That’s why we need each other. As we get back into the Growth Group groove this semester, we encourage you to stay plugged into community where you can be known, encouraged, and pointed back to Christ. If you’re looking to get connected, check out our Growth Groups page. Together, we can show our children what it looks like to lean on Jesus, the King who took our punishment so we can live in His freedom.

Looking Ahead

Next week on 8/23, we’ll look at Elijah Confronted Ahab (1 Kings 18–19). A quick reminder for parents of 3-year-olds: our follow-up volunteer check-in will take place during the 10:00 AM hour!

Family Connection & Resources

Keep this conversation going at home throughout the week using The Gospel Project At Home resource for Israel’s Evil Kings!

  • Big Picture Question: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
  • Key Passage: “May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other!” — 1 Kings 8:60

Discipleship Hour Fall 2026: The Kingdom Divided

Hello IDC Families,

So grateful to have everyone back in the building this week for Discipleship Hour. I hope that you are taking advantage of our adult classes, that one on Sabbath has me rethinking my own personal rhythms.

This week we reviewed what happen in the Kingdom after King Solomon died and his son Rehoboam became king. True Leadership is Servant Leadership. Just as Christ died a servant, those who lead are serving others. Rehoboam chose to ignore wise counsel and brought about the kingdom division.

  • The Story: King Rehoboam disregarded the wisdom of the elders, chose selfish pride over kindness, and split the kingdom in two (1 Kings 11–13).
  • The Takeaway: Leadership isn’t about power or being served; it’s about serving others.
  • The Gospel Connection: While earthly leaders fail us, Jesus is the ultimate Servant King who willingly laid down His life to unite all who trust in Him (Romans 5:8).

As I reflect on how much God has grown me through motherhood, this week’s story is a powerful reminder to show our kids just how much the counsel we choose matters. Rehoboam chose to listen to foolish peers, while Jeroboam let fear drive him to create idols in a misguided search for safety and control. This reminds us that idolatry often stems from placing things like comfort, security, or approval above God. We all fall short and tend to lean on our own understanding at times, but God graciously surrounds us with gospel-centered community, especially as we launch back into Growth Groups this semester, so we can be known, seen, and pointed back to Jesus. Through one another (and as parents for our children), we can help guide each other to the King who paid the ultimate price on the cross to bring us back into a right relationship with Him.

  • The Story: Rehoboam listened to foolish advice, while Jeroboam let fear drive him to build golden calves, leading the heart of the nation away from God.
  • The Takeaway: Idolatry isn’t just bowing to wooden or golden statues—it’s anything we value, trust, or love above God.
  • The Gospel Connection: When we rely on our own counsel or lean on modern idols, we fall short, but Jesus paid for our sinful choices on the cross to bring us back into a right relationship with God.

Connecting at Home

Please use The Gospel Project At Home to guide your child in applying this week’s lesson. You will find Family Worship through scripture, videos, prayer, and activities.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we’ll be looking at Israel’s Evil Kings (1 Kings 14–15; 2 Chronicles 12–13). Also, don’t forget to join us this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the building for our Worship & Prayer Night! If you’ll need childcare for your littles, please be sure to register ahead of time.

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. 

  • Littles: Know the Lord is God. There is no other! -1 Kings 8:60
  • Bigs: May all people know the Lord is God. There is no other! -1 Kings 8:60

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

(Matthew 5-7; Luke 6)

Dear families,

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most well-known and recognizable sermons in all of history. The truth it contains, however, is quite polarizing, calling people into a new way of life that runs counterintuitive to our sin nature.

When Jesus taught His followers the ways of His Father’s kingdom, He shared truths meant to guide them in repentance, obedience, and love for God and one another. Much of what Jesus shared in the Sermon on the Mount reinforced the reality that God’s ways are not like those of the world (Isaiah 55:8⁠–9). Life in God’s kingdom runs opposed to the world’s wisdom, but the God who created us knows how we can flourish in the world He made—by seeking the Lord as our greatest treasure and submitting to His authority.

Jesus declared that those who seek God’s kingdom first will experience His loving provision, both in this lifetime and for all eternity. The way of the kingdom is not by means of earthly power but by Christlikeness; it’s not by ruling over others but by submitting to God’s rule over our lives. Jesus declared that our faith is meant to impact every detail of our lives—from surrendering our will to His (Matthew 6:10), taking our worries to Him (Matthew 6:25), and building our lives on the foundations of His Word (Matthew 7:24⁠–27).

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke to people who knew what it was like to be hungry, dismissed, and oppressed. While the scribes and Pharisees hoped to achieve righteousness by rigorously obeying the law, Jesus explained that He came to earth to fulfill the law—to make the way for His followers to be counted as righteous by faith in Him alone. Through faith, we receive new hearts that help us obey our Father.

This week, lead your children to see that the ways of the kingdom become our ways when we surrender our plans to God’s will. Pray that they will desire to live as He lived through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

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

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

  • Preschool: Jesus taught about God’s kingdom.
  • Kids: Jesus taught how people in God’s kingdom live.

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: When we follow Jesus, He saves us from sin and shows us how to live.  
  • Younger Preschool: Jesus taught people how to live God’s way. When we follow Jesus, He helps us live in a way that makes God happy.
  • Older Preschool: Jesus taught how people live in God’s kingdom. Jesus came to save His people from sin and change how they live. When people follow Jesus, He changes their hearts so they can live in a way that honors Him.
  • Kids: Jesus taught how people in His kingdom have hearts that love God and love others. But because of sin, no one always does what is right and good. When we trust in Jesus, God forgives our sin and changes our hearts so we can live in ways that glorify Him.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
  • Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

** Next week: John the Baptist in Prison (Matthew 11; 14; Mark 6; Luke 3; 7)

Jesus Sermon on the MountDownload

The Lord of the Sabbath

(Matthew 12; Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Dear families,

Jesus rules over all creation and cares deeply for His people’s needs. From satisfying their hunger to healing their ailments, Jesus intervened in the lives of His followers. He defended His place as the Lord of the Sabbath and the one who fulfills God’s laws.

While the Pharisees viewed their obedience to God’s rules as a means of self-righteousness, Jesus demonstrated that His Father’s commands are to help us and to point to our need for a Savior.

Jesus quoted the words of Scripture back to these experts of the law. In doing so, Jesus made weighty claims about Himself that would not please many in His audience. He once again claimed to be God, to be greater than the temple—God’s dwelling place—and to be Lord over the Sabbath.

The Pharisees set their hearts on condemning Jesus and ridding themselves of the problems and competition they felt Jesus was continually creating for them. They stood ready to accuse Him of any perceived wrongdoing. They even tried to use Jesus’ selfless acts of healing to discredit Him!

Considering this, Jesus proposed a theological question about legalism and ethics to His dissenters: “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” (Mark 3:4). Sadly, the men viewed Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath as a greater offense to the Lord than the murderous schemes they would soon devise against the Son of God.

The hardness of the men’s hearts grieved Jesus. Yet, He restored the man’s shriveled hand and met a tangible need through healing. In this simple Bible story, we witness Christ’s power and willingness to redeem and restore, even amid others’ doubts and criticism.

Pray that your children who hear this story would be moved by Christ’s heart for our needs—which includes salvation for those who have not yet responded to Jesus in faith. Pray that your kids see themselves like the hungry and hurting ones in this story who recognize their need for the Savior.

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

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

  • Preschool: Jesus rules over all.
  • Kids: Jesus rules over all.

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died to show God’s love and came back to life to rescue sinners.
  • Younger Preschool: Jesus taught people that God’s rules are good. Jesus is in charge of everything. One day, Jesus would die and come back to life to save us.
  • Older Preschool: We sin, but Jesus obeyed all of God’s rules perfectly. Because of this, Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection will save us from sin if we repent and believe in Him.
  • Kids: Jesus showed that God gives us commands to help us, not to hurt us. Jesus rules over all. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to show God’s love and do good by rescuing sinners.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
  • Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

** Next week: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7; Luke 6)

The Lord of the SabbathDownload

Jesus Chose Disciples


(Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Dear families,

In the early chapters of Mark and Luke’s Gospels, we discover Jesus’ inviting His first disciples to join Him in ministry. Jesus initiated relationships with each of these men, taking the first step to bring them into His inner circle. The type of people Jesus called as disciples may have seemed like odd choices to some; the Pharisees, after all, disapproved at the company Christ kept.

Jesus’ disciples included two pairs of brothers who worked as fishermen, some who joined forces with the Romans, others who abhorred the Romans, a tax collector whose profession was known for dishonest gain, and one who would eventually betray Him in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. It was a ragtag bunch.

Jesus’ critics likely thought He should have picked disciples they deemed more qualified with cleaner reputations. But Jesus has a heart for the lost, sick, and searching, saying, “I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17).

One detail we often overlook is that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting these men to join His inner circle. He invited them into a close relationship with Himself, knowing the optics of the situation, just as He still brings sinners into His fold. Even today, it’s a wonder why He would call any of us to follow Him. That’s the beauty of His grace.

Jesus was a friend of sinners, while the scribes and Pharisees believed themselves too holy for the likes of such company. When Jesus sensed this disapproval in the hearts of the religious elite, He addressed aloud their cynical concerns by sharing that only the sick need a doctor (Luke 5:31). In other words, only those who recognize their sin and need for the Savior will be able to receive new life in Him.

Just as He spent a night in prayer before calling the disciples to follow Him, Jesus still intercedes for His followers today (Romans 8:34). Pray that your children who are hearing Christ’s gospel invitation will see themselves through the lens of the disciples. Ask the Lord to reveal His love for the lost, along with His desire to restore their relationship with their Father in heaven.

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

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

  • Preschool: Jesus chose twelve men to follow Him. 
  • Kids: Jesus invited twelve men to follow Him as disciples.

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus calls people to love Him, turn from sin, and trust and follow Him.  
  • Younger Preschool: Jesus still calls people to follow Him. He wants us to stop doing wrong things and trust in Him.
  • Older Preschool: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him. Jesus wants us to turn from our sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior.
  • Kids: Jesus chose the disciples and still calls people to follow Him today. He invites all people to turn from their sins and trust in Him as Lord and Savior.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
  • Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

** Next week: The Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12; Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Jesus Called DisciplesDownload

Jesus Forgives and Heals

Jesus Forgives and Heals (Matthew 9; Mark 2; Luke 5)

Dear families,

Jesus posed an intriguing question in today’s passage: “Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat, and walk’?” We’re presented with quite a few crises in this story: a man suffering from paralysis was carried into Jesus’ presence by his friends, the house was too crowded to allow new guests, and the Jewish leaders watched it all unfold with cynical hearts. It appeared to be a lose-lose situation from every angle.

As Jesus kept teaching, the men devised a plan to get their friend to the Healer while the scribes and Pharisees continued to cry blasphemy in their hearts.

Yet Jesus was demonstrating this truth to every person involved: He alone has the power to forgive sin. In this scriptural account, we see Jesus’ authority—His power, ability, and willingness to intervene in the lives of God’s people through their faith. Though the religious leaders in the crowd were unable to see the state of the paralyzed man’s heart, they could witness Christ’s power to physically heal.

When Jesus saw the friends’ desperate, inventive, and faith-fueled means of bringing their friend to Him, He extended forgiveness to the man. However, Jesus’ forgiveness was viewed as an overstepping of authority. After all, the Jews knew that only God has the right to forgive sins. The scribes and Pharisees believed it would be more difficult for Jesus to forgive the man than to heal him. To prove His power to accomplish both, Jesus extended forgiveness and physical healing to the man in need.

Jesus meets the needs of the humble and lowly. He recognized the faith of the men who took such a great risk to deliver their friend at His feet. They believed they could boldly approach the one with the power to heal.

This week, lead your children to see that the Jesus in this story is the same Lord who desires to forgive their sins today! Ask the Lord to go before you as you bring your children to Him by teaching them His Word. May they trust in Him by faith, believing in His authority and desire to heal and save them also.

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

STORY POINT

This is the main point to emphasize from today’s Bible story.

  • Preschool: Jesus showed His power by forgiving sin. 
  • Kids: Jesus showed His power by forgiving sin.

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus can forgive sins and heal people because Jesus is God. 
  • Younger Preschool: Jesus helped a man who could not walk. Jesus also forgave the man’s sins. Jesus can do this because Jesus is God.
  • Older Preschool: Jesus showed His power by forgiving sin and healing the man who could not walk. Jesus can forgive sins and heal people because Jesus is God.
  • Kids: By forgiving the man’s sins, Jesus revealed that He is God. Jesus has power to heal and forgive. Only through faith in Jesus can people be saved from their sins.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Older Preschool: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom.
  • Kids: What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Shine your light so others see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Younger Preschool: Shine your light before others so they see your good works and give glory to God. Matthew 5:16
  • Older Preschool: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
  • Kids: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

** Next week: John Chose Disciples (Mark 2-3; Luke 6)

Jesus Forgives and HealsDownload