Unit 8, Session 1

Dear families,

This week’s story ushers in a new chapter for God’s people: the era of the judges. These short-term rescuers pointed to the need for an eternal Rescuer and Savior with the power to redeem and transform the hearts of God’s people once and for all.

What pattern began to unfold in the lives of the Israelites? How did God prove Himself faithful and gracious in the lives of the Israelites, despite their sin?

The generations of Israelites who fought to conquer the land and renewed their commitment to God’s law had died. Judges 3:4 tells us how God left some nations to test His people and determine if they would walk in obedience to His commands. Unfortunately, the Israelites began to worship the gods of the nations around them.

The same phrase is repeated throughout Judges: “The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight.” They forgot the Lord who swore to never forget His people. God allowed His people to be ruled and oppressed by foreign nations as a consequence for their sin. The cycle of apostasy was at work: Israel sinned, received consequences, and cried out to God for help; He sent a judge or deliverer, the people repented, and the cycle began anew.

In this chapter, we are introduced to three judges: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. Through their leadership, God continued to prove Himself faithful by intervening and delivering His people, always preserving and setting them apart from the world. These earthly judges, however, could never save the people from their sins or produce new hearts with the desire to obey God. The peace these judges provided could not offer lasting change.

Lead your kids to see that only Jesus has the power to give us new hearts and transform us into His image. While judges provided temporary peace, Jesus has established an eternal peace for those who place their faith in His finished work on the cross. Even the mightiest earthly hero pales in comparison to the Prince of Peace who was resurrected to bring us new life! Pray that awe would mark children’s hearts as they reflect on God’s provision to secure everlasting peace and 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: God loved His people and sent judges. God loves us too and sent Jesus to save us from our sins when we trust in Him.
• Younger Preschool: Like God sent judges to help His people, He also sent Jesus to help us. Jesus saves us from our sins when we trust in Him.
• 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: God brought consequences to His people for their sins, but He also raised up judges to save them from their enemies. We also have consequences for our sins, but God sent Jesus to save us from our sins once and for all.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

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

KEY PASSAGE

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

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

** Next week: Deborah Led Israel (Judges 4-5)

Unit 7, Session 5 

Dear families,

The book of Joshua ends with a farewell address to God’s people about 20 years after they first found rest in the Promised Land. Joshua took one last opportunity to challenge the people to continue following the Lord and remind them how they were called to live in view of what God had already accomplished on their behalf.

What did Joshua commission the Israelites to do in his farewell address? How does this parallel with how Christ followers should live today?

Joshua spent his last moments on earth reminding the Israelites of the grace God had shown them by giving them the land He promised to Abraham long ago. Joshua led them through the history of their people, through the patriarchs and battles that brought them to the land. He also impressed upon them the truth that God’s promise to bless them had been fulfilled, but the rest they were experiencing in the land was contingent upon their covenant loyalty to worship God alone.

The Israelites were commissioned to get rid of the foreign gods that were among them and turn their hearts to the Lord (Joshua 24:23). We, like the Israelites, are called to lead lives of obedient worship, turning away from idols in our midst. By the grace of God, we can have hearts that desire to follow His commands through faith-filled obedience as we live through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lead the boys and girls in your care to see the awe-inspiring deliverance God extends to the people He has sworn to provide for––those who place their faith in His Son. Help kids see that God’s greatest act of love is found in Jesus, whose sacrifice atoned for the sins of His people long ago and for us today. Ask the Lord to instill upon the children in your class a deep desire to know and worship Him in light of the promise of eternal life in Christ’s presence.

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: Joshua told God’s people to love and obey God. After Jesus died on the cross and rose again, Jesus reminded His followers to obey God and tell others about Him.
• Younger Preschool: Joshua reminded God’s people to love God and obey Him. After Jesus died on the cross and rose again, Jesus reminded His followers to love and obey Him too.
• Older Preschool: Joshua reminded God’s people to worship and obey God. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples and left them with a task: obey Him by telling others about Him.
• Kids: Joshua reminded the people that God saved them from Egypt and gave them the Promised Land. He told them to worship God alone. Jesus is worthy of all worship because He saves those who trust in Him from sin and gives them eternal life.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

• Younger Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
• Older Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He does what He says He will do.
• Kids: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.

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 strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Younger Preschool: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Older Preschool: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8 
• Kids: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8

** Next week: The First Judges (Judges 3)

Unit 7, Session 4

Dear families,

The promises of God never fail. Indeed, as Joshua continued to lead the people, God’s promise to give them the land of Canaan came true. God’s intervention and faithful provision were unmistakable as He fought for the Israelites in every battle to take the Promised Land.

How do we see God’s omnipotence at work in today’s Bible passage? How do we see Joshua’s faith at work?

In Joshua 10, the Lord spoke directly to Joshua to instill comfort and confidence and to remind him that the Lord had already established victory for His people. God brought destruction on His enemies by throwing them into confusion, leading them to run away in panic, striking them down with hailstones, and causing the sun to stand still so His people could win the battle. Following this, even more armies rallied their forces against Israel. But God promised Joshua that all of Israel’s opponents would soon be killed (Joshua 11:6). God proved Himself all-powerful by intervening against the forces of both man and nature to grant His people victory in battle.

Joshua took God at His Word and faithfully fulfilled his role as Israel’s leader. Joshua moved in confident submission toward the things of the Lord and trusted in God’s promised deliverance. Scripture even tells us that on a day like no other, Joshua asked the Lord for the sun to be still, and God listened to His servant! Joshua trusted in God’s promise of victory and led the Israelites to do the same.

Consider what an act of faith it was for God’s people to fight each battle, one city at a time, trusting God’s promises despite the opposition ahead. The belief that God is all-powerful not only aided the Israelites in their mission to conquer the land; it also serves to encourage us as we live by faith and not by sight. God trampled over the Israelites’ flesh-and-blood enemies. He has likewise vanquished the powers of sin and darkness by sending His Son. Lead the boys and girls in your care to see the power of God who fights on our behalf and the love of His Son who died on the cross in our place and rose again.

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 who fights for us and helps us win the battle over sin and death.
• Younger Preschool: God helped His people, and He helped us by sending Jesus. Jesus fought for us and gave us victory over sin and death.
• Older Preschool: God fought for His people by saving them and giving them victory over their enemies. God saved sinners by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise again. Jesus gives us victory over sin and death.
• Kids: God fought for Israel, and all their enemies were defeated. Jesus lived a sinless life and defeated our enemies—sin and death—when He died on the cross. If we believe in Him, we receive His righteousness.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

• Younger Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
• Older Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He does what He says He will do.
• Kids: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.

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 strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Younger Preschool: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Older Preschool: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8 
• Kids: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8

** Next week: Joshua’s Farewell (Joshua 23-24)

Unit 7, Session 3

Dear families,

Joshua’s account of Achan’s sin and Ai’s defeat serves as a “part two” of the Israelites’ time in Jericho. Immediately following Israel’s victory over Jericho, we read of disobedience and God’s declaration to no longer be with Israel unless they removed what was set apart for Him (Joshua 7:12). God demonstrated His holiness by punishing sin, and through this story, we see the reality of God’s judgment and our need for a Savior.

What does this passage teach us about God? How do we see God’s faithful deliverance in this story despite His people’s sin?

First, we witness God’s justice and holiness in this passage. Before entering Jericho, God gave His people these instructions: “But keep yourselves from the things set apart, or you will be set apart for destruction. If you take any of those things, you will set apart the camp of Israel for destruction and make trouble for it” (Joshua 6:18). God had already spoken about the consequences of disobedience. Because He is holy and likewise calls His people to pursue holiness, the Israelites were to purge the sin from among them.

The Lord had promised victory to His people if they would walk in His ways. The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding God’s command to set Jericho’s spoils apart for destruction. Sadly, their disobedience led to punishment.

Lead the boys and girls in your care to see that this story does not end with dismal destruction; rather, we see the Lord faithfully keep His promise to deliver His people from their enemies. God set Achan apart for destruction, just as He said He would. Destruction, however, does not have to be our end. By placing faith in Jesus, the punishment we deserve has been placed on God’s Son instead. Remind your kids of God’s faithfulness in providing a sacrifice on our behalf and an eternal victory secured in His Son—a victory that transforms hearts and frees people from the destruction they deserve.

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: We sin, and we deserve to be punished. If we trust in Jesus, God forgives us when we are sorry for our sin.
• Younger Preschool: Achan disobeyed God and was punished. Because we sin, we deserve to be punished. Jesus came to take the punishment for us. God forgives us when we are sorry for our sin and trust in Jesus.
• Older Preschool: Achan disobeyed God and was punished because of his sin. Because we sin, we deserve to be punished. But Jesus came to take our punishment for us. God forgives us when we confess our sin and trust in Jesus.
• Kids: Achan disobeyed the command of God, and his punishment was death. We also deserve the punishment of death for our sin. Jesus, God’s sinless Son, was punished in our place for our sin. Those who trust in Him are forever forgiven of their sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

• Younger Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
• Older Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He does what He says He will do.
• Kids: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.

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 strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Younger Preschool: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Older Preschool: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8 
• Kids: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8

** Next week: Taking the Land (Joshua 10-11)

Unit 7, Session 2

Dear families,

After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they faced their next obstacle in the Promised Land: capturing the city of Jericho. Though Jericho was strongly fortified, God promised to hand over the city to His people. Only by trusting in God could the Israelites experience victory against Jericho.

How do we see God’s faithful provision amid the battle of Jericho? How does this story foreshadow an even greater victory for those who profess faith in Jesus?

God promised His people the land of Canaan, and God was faithful to remind Joshua of the victory that lay before him: “Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its best soldiers over to you” (Joshua 6:2). Then God once again gave His people the instructions they needed to follow—instructions that displayed faith in action.

An unlikely battle plan of walking, being silent, and then shouting revealed the power of God, who fights for His people and gives them victory. The Israelites brought nothing to this battle except their obedient faith, which they are commended for in Hebrews 11:30. The Israelites’ victory over Jericho was not of their own accord but a result of the faith they placed in the God of their salvation. Likewise, the rescue of Rahab and her family came not through her own power but by the faith she placed in the God of Israel.

Like the Israelites, we bring nothing to the table except our need for God’s saving grace. Yet by trusting in the Lord’s power to save us through faith in His Son, His victory is our reward. Help the boys and girls in your care see the power of God at work in this story, as well as in their own lives—that God has the power to break the walls of sin and deliver us into the kingdom of His Son. Pray that the children in your care will trust in Jesus for His gift of 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: God sent Jesus to win the battle over sin and death. When we trust in Jesus, He keeps us safe and invites us into His family forever.
• Younger Preschool: Joshua trusted God to help him win the battle. We can trust God too. God sent Jesus to win the battle against sin and death. When we trust in Jesus, He keeps us safe and invites us into His family forever.
• Older Preschool: The Israelites kept Rahab and her family safe, and she joined God’s people. Jesus has won against sin and death. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is safe and becomes part of God’s family forever.
• Kids: God’s people could not bring down Jericho’s walls in their own power. They trusted God and were victorious. We cannot defeat sin and death in our own power. When we trust in Jesus, we are saved from 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: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
• Older Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He does what He says He will do.
• Kids: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.

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 strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Younger Preschool: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Older Preschool: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8 
• Kids: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8

** Next week: Achan’s Sin and the Defeat of Ai (Joshua 7-8)

Unit 7, Session 1

Dear families,

In Joshua 1, we learn the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land following the death of Moses. God spoke directly to Joshua, commissioning him as the new leader of His people. The Lord commanded Joshua three times to be strong and courageous as he was about to guide the Israelites across the Jordan River.

What instructions did God impart to Joshua? How would God reveal to Joshua—and the rest of the Israelites—that He would be with them, just as He promised?

God urged Joshua to continue walking in the promises He made to Moses (Joshua 1:3, 5). To do so, Joshua would have to commit to walking in God’s ways: being strong and courageous, observing Moses’ commands, and meditating on God’s Word. God reminded Joshua of His faithfulness and affirmed that He would exalt Joshua before all Israel. No one would be able to doubt that God chose Joshua to fulfill His promises.

Joshua commanded the Israelites to get ready for a miraculous move of God (Joshua 3:5)—a feat that would require faith. He then relayed God’s instructions for crossing the Jordan River. As the priests stepped into the river, the waters stopped flowing, and God’s powerful presence made a way for His people to safely cross into the Promised Land.

Teach the boys and girls in your care that, like the Israelites awaited God’s provision on their journey, we, too, need a miracle: to be made right with God the Father through faith in the Son. This gift of salvation cannot be earned; it is a gracious gift that demonstrates God’s power and love.

Also consider the impact of children’s curiosity in this story. God commanded the Israelites to memorialize this event by setting out 12 stones. When Israelite children and future generations asked the meaning of these stones, the people could use it as an opportunity to recount the Lord’s faithfulness. May this story instill within your kids the same sense of wonder the Israelites experienced. God’s faithful promises never fail, including His promise to save anyone who repents of sin and turns to Jesus by faith. Be prepared to share the story of how God saved you through faith in His Son. Pray for His gracious love to begin transforming your kids’ hearts and minds today.

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

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

• Babies & Toddlers: God helped Joshua, and He helps us too. God sent Jesus so we can trust Him and live with Him forever.
• Younger Preschool: Just like God helped Joshua and the Israelites, He also sent Jesus to help us. Jesus showed His power so we can trust Him and live with Him forever.
• Older Preschool: God made a way for Joshua and the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. God made the way for us to be with Him forever through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
• Kids: God’s presence went before the people, and the waters of the Jordan were stopped. God’s people crossed safely into the Promised Land. Jesus went before God on behalf of sinners. All who trust in His life, death, and resurrection are saved from judgment and enter into eternal life.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

• Younger Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
• Older Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He does what He says He will do.
• Kids: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.

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 strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Younger Preschool: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
• Older Preschool: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8 
• Kids: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8

** Next week: Conquering Jericho (Joshua 2-4; 6)