Conquering Jericho (Joshua 2-4; 6)

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)

August 17Download

Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 1; 3-4)

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)

Moses’ Farewell (Deuteronomy 31-34)

Unit 6, Session 4

Dear families,

Moses was an esteemed Old Testament figure who led God’s people faithfully, though imperfectly, away from Egyptian slavery and toward the Promised Land. As we follow his biblical narrative to Deuteronomy 31, we read how Moses began his parting speech to those he shepherded for 40 years.

In what ways do we see how Jesus is the better Moses—the victorious leader who leads us into eternal triumph, united with Him forever?

In his farewell address, Moses acknowledged his role as provisional leader over the Israelites, humbled before the sovereignty of God. He recited all God promised to do for them: faithfully lead them, destroy their enemies, go with them, and never leave or abandon them. He called for the Israelites to be strong and courageous, not trusting in their own strength but in His almighty power. Though Moses was counted righteous by faith, he was not a sinless leader for the people of God.

Though Moses’ own failure to obey God kept him from entering the Promised Land, God, in His kindness, allowed Moses to see a glimpse of the land from atop Mount Nebo before he passed away. Moses blessed the Israelite people, reminding them of the faithful love of God over the tribes of Israel. When Moses died, the people wept for many days. Joshua, filled with the spirit of wisdom, was called by God to be Israel’s new leader, though he did not know the Lord face-to-face as Moses did.

As we read of Moses’ passing the baton to his successor, we must recognize the goodness of God in sending an even greater Leader to shepherd God’s people for all eternity: Jesus Christ. Though Moses sinned, Jesus was sinless. While Moses could not lead the Israelites into the land, Jesus fulfilled every requirement as a good and faithful servant of the Lord, therefore leading us into the eternal promise of His kingdom. Ask God to soften the hearts of kids in your family, that they may glean these great gospel truths as you faithfully teach this passage. May they see the faithful kindness of the loving God who desires to dwell with them not only today, but for all eternity.

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 so that all who believe in Him would be forgiven of their sins and be with Him forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Moses was a good leader, but he was not perfect. Jesus is perfect. Jesus died so everyone who follows Him will be forgiven of their sins and be with Him forever.
  • Older Preschool: Moses led God’s people, but Moses was not perfect. Jesus leads us in perfect faithfulness. He died so that all who trust and believe in Him would be forgiven of their sins and be with Him forever.
  • Kids: Moses led God’s people faithfully but died unable to bring them into the Promised Land. Jesus leads us in perfect faithfulness. He died so that all who place their faith in Him will join Him in the new heaven and earth.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He loves us.
  • Older Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us and He loves us.
  • Kids: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God makes all things good. Romans 8:28
  • Younger Preschool: All things work together for the good of those who love God. Romans 8:28
  • Older Preschool: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
  • Kids: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

** Next week: Crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 1; 3-4)

August 10 Leader GuideDownload

The People Complained (Numbers 16; 20-21)

Unit 6, Session 3

Dear families,

When we reflect on the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, nothing seems to more greatly characterize the posture of their hearts than their complaints. Despite the signs, miracles, protection, and provision they experienced, they remained reluctant to trust the Lord. Today’s passage highlights the Israelites’ inclination to disobey and disbelieve God.

What led the Israelites to sin against God and Moses in today’s reading? How does the passage of the bronze snake foreshadow Christ’s once-and-for-all sacrifice?

Korah’s goal in the rebellion was to raise his own status by lowering the God-given calling of Moses. He believed that the people were holy enough and that God was near enough, deeming Moses’ leadership unnecessary and unfruitful. Continuing to blame Moses, the people’s same old complaints resurfaced: the Israelites expressed envy toward generations past and discontentment regarding their current state of wandering.

The people trusted in their own perceptions of their circumstances rather than persevering by faith in God’s Word and in their leader’s guidance. Their distrust and disobedience led them to be more characterized by complaints than by confidence in God.

Despite these complaints, God extended grace by miraculously intervening. He allowed Moses and Aaron to supply water to the Israelites from the rock. Yet time passed, and the people’s impatience came back into play. They persisted in complaining toward both God and Moses, expressing discontentment toward the provision they thought they lacked. Because of this, the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many people died.

Moses interceded for the people, and God miraculously provided them rescue. By looking at the bronze snake mounted on a pole, the people would recover. This was a glimmer of the eternal salvation that would one day come through the Son of God lifted up on the cross to bear the consequences of sin. Though the Israelites did not deserve this rescue, God saved them by His grace. Likewise, the Son of Man lifted up on the cross provided a once-and-for-all sacrifice for those who look to Him for salvation. Pray for the kids in your family to sees God’s gracious provision, that they would put their confidence in Christ for 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: When we look to Jesus and trust in Him, we are saved from our sin.
  • Younger Preschool: When God’s people looked at the bronze snake, they were healed. When we look to Jesus and trust in Him, we are saved from our sin.
  • Older Preschool: When the Israelites looked at the bronze snake, they were healed. When we look to Jesus and trust in Him, we will be saved from our sin.
  • Kids: Like the Israelites, we sin when we complain and do not trust God. The Israelites faced death for their sin, but when they looked to the bronze snake they were healed. The consequence for our sin is also death, but when we look to Jesus and trust in Him, we will 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 should we obey God? We should obey God because He loves us.
  • Older Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us and He loves us.
  • Kids: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God makes all things good. Romans 8:28
  • Younger Preschool: All things work together for the good of those who love God. Romans 8:28
  • Older Preschool: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
  • Kids: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

** Next week: Moses’ Farewell (Deuteronomy 31-34)

August 3Download

The People Doubted (Numbers 13-14)

Unit 6, Session 2

Dear families,

Numbers 13 and 14 describe the culmination of the Israelites’ dilemma of doubt. Though God continued to prove Himself faithful, the Israelites clung to their perception of certain death rather than the assurance of their God-given victory. They trusted in their own understanding rather than in God’s covenantal promises.

What stopped God’s people from entering the land of Canaan? How do our doubts keep us from worshiping God as He leads us through difficult circumstances?

For 40 days, the Israelite spies traveled and scouted out the Promised Land before returning with their report. Indeed, the land flowed with milk and honey—just as God promised. However, it was also brimming with strong men inside fortified city walls. The fearful Israelites lacked faith in God and in the leadership He provided.

Moses urged God to relent from His anger, reminding Him of His perfect character and how the Egyptians would try to defame Him. God pardoned them yet swore these unbelievers would not witness the fulfillment of God’s promises for themselves. Only Caleb, Joshua, and the next generation of Israelites would inherit the land. Upon hearing this, the people tried to circumvent God’s plan by now going to battle on their own. This failed, of course, and many of the people were struck down by the Amalekites and Canaanites. Doubt and disobedience became the Israelites’ downfall. Rather than experience rest in the land of Canaan, they were left to die in the wilderness.

Though Israel failed to believe God and trust His Word, God remained faithful to His people. Today, because of the finished work of Jesus, we can turn from unbelief and turn to Him as the object of our trust. Though we may not know what is next on our journey with Jesus, we can trust that eternal communion with the Father awaits us and that the gift of eternal life is available to all who abide by faith. Lead the kids in your family to see the great mercy of God in allowing the next generation of His people to enter into His promises. May the children who learn this Bible passage recognize God’s call to abide in His love through faith in His Son.

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: If we believe in Jesus and follow Him, we will be saved from our sin and live with Him forever.
  • Younger Preschool: Joshua and Caleb believed God, and God let them go into the Promised Land. God wants us to believe Him and trust in His Son, Jesus. He will save us from our sins, and we will live with Him forever.
  • Older Preschool: Joshua and Caleb believed the words God had spoken, and they were allowed to enter the Promised Land. If we believe the words that God has spoken about Jesus and choose to follow Him, we will be saved from our sin and will be with Him forever.
  • Kids: Joshua and Caleb believed the words that God had spoken, and they were eventually allowed to enter the Promised Land. The people who did not believe would die in the wilderness. If we believe the words God has spoken about Jesus and place our faith in Him, we will be saved from our sin and will enter the new heaven and new earth.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He loves us.
  • Older Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us and He loves us.
  • Kids: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God makes all things good. Romans 8:28
  • Younger Preschool: All things work together for the good of those who love God. Romans 8:28
  • Older Preschool: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
  • Kids: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

** Next week: The People Complained (Numbers 16; 20-21)

JULY 27 LEADER GUIDEDownload

The People Grumbled (Numbers 11-12)

Unit 6, Session 1

Dear families,

The Israelites’ grumbling in Numbers 11 and 12 showcases God’s graciousness to provide abundantly more than their ungrateful hearts deserved. Though He made His presence visible among them, they did not believe He offered them His best. God’s people began to treat God’s miraculous provision as though it were mundane.

Why were the Israelites so prone to overlook God’s mercies? How are we tempted to fall into these same patterns?

The Israelites faulted God—and by default, Moses—for not providing the comforts they desired. They openly grumbled, not holding back their objections. Though God faithfully provided for them, they fixated on only the good parts of the lives they left behind, from the delicious food to the consolation found in knowing what to expect each day. Their view of God’s goodness shrank, and their desire for worldly comfort grew with each step they took away from Egypt.

We witness the cycle of unbelief in today’s story: the people grumbled, Moses intervened, God relented from destruction, and they began this pattern all over again. They overlooked God’s provision for their journey and the guidance Moses provided. This pattern is one we can fall prey to as we neglect to express gratitude for God’s provision in our lives. When we, like the Israelites, focus on what we perceive as lacking in our lives, we neglect the undeserved mercy and grace He grants us each day.

Moses was a set-apart leader who interceded for the Israelites and desired that God would redeem them from sin; however, he could not put an end to the pattern of their wayward hearts. But One was coming, a prophet like Moses, who could offer the gift of eternal salvation and forgiveness of sin. The long-awaited Messiah, Jesus, would be the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Help the kids in your family see that God supplies our every need—most supremely, our need to be made right with Him forever. Pray that they see God’s goodness and kindness to them in Christ.

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

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God had given the people everything they needed. God has given us what we need too—His Son, Jesus—who died on the cross for our sin.
  • Younger Preschool: The people grumbled even though God gave them everything they needed. We sometimes grumble too, but God gave us what we need most: Jesus! Jesus died and rose again to save us from our sins.
  • Older Preschool: The people grumbled even though God had given them everything they needed. We also grumble when we think we need more. But God has already given us what we need most—His Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so we could be saved.
  • Kids: The people grumbled because they thought they needed more than God had provided. We also grumble when we wish God would give us more of the things we want. But God has already provided what we need most—His Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so we could 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 should we obey God? We should obey God because He loves us.
  • Older Preschool: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us and He loves us.
  • Kids: Why should we obey God? We should obey God because He made us, He loves us, and His plans are good.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God makes all things good. Romans 8:28
  • Younger Preschool: All things work together for the good of those who love God. Romans 8:28
  • Older Preschool: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
  • Kids: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

** Next week: The People Doubted (Numbers 13-14)

July 20Download

Worship at the Tabernacle (Leviticus 16; 19; 26)

Unit 5, Session 4

Dear families,

God’s levitical commands for atonement emphasize the gravity of people’s sin, as well as His graciousness to redeem their trespasses. Though our modern-day context seems so far removed from this sacrificial system, these guidelines from Scripture foreshadow the great, eternal sacrifice on which we place our hope: Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Why did God enact so many requirements for worship and sacrifice? How does Jesus fit into each of these God-ordained regulations?

God created stipulations for His people’s sacrifices because He, as a holy God, cannot tolerate sin. There was a weightiness to all the high priest did throughout the year and on the Day of Atonement. God called the Israelite community to practice holiness in every area of their lives––from respecting their elders and upholding the Sabbath to fleeing idolatry, offering sacrifices, and caring for those in need. He revealed His character through these expectations of holiness; they were to be set apart and known in the world by how they conducted themselves, treated others, and demonstrated justice.

While God knew perfect obedience would be impossible for His people, He promised to bless them as they sought to live in obedience. What’s more, He swore to dwell among them! However, He also swore that their disobedience would bring consequences. He explained that His people did not have to walk on the path of destruction but were invited to walk the path of abundant life through a covenant relationship with Him. God offered them lives marked by repentance and remembrance of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He promised to never reject His people, destroy them, or break His promises.

We see the fulfillment of these promises through One who became God incarnate and lived in perfect obedience to God’s commands. While the priests offered sacrifices daily for themselves and others, Jesus provided an eternal sacrifice to settle the debts of God’s people for all time. His righteousness is counted to us when we place faith in Him. Lead the kids in your home to see God’s kindness in providing forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus. May you show them the true meaning of worship as you guide them to see God’s worthiness through today’s passage.

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 gave His one and only Son, Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Anyone who trusts in Jesus is forgiven of their sins forever.
  • Younger Preschool: God told His people to show they were sorry for their sins. The people could not pay for their sins, so God sent His Son, Jesus, to pay for their sins. Anyone who trusts in Jesus has forgiveness and life with God forever.
  • Older Preschool: God told the Israelites to sacrifice animals to show the forgiveness of sin. God gave His one and only Son, Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Anyone who trusts in Jesus is forgiven of their sins forever.
  • Kids: God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice animals to demonstrate the forgiveness and removal of sin. God gave His one and only Son, Jesus, as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Anyone who trusts in Jesus is forgiven of their sins and made clean forever.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Why do we need to be saved? We are sinful and need Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • Older Preschool: Why do we need to be saved? We are sinful and need Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • Kids: Why do we need to be saved? People are sinful and cannot save themselves.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: There is no one like the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Younger Preschool: There is no one holy like the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Older Preschool: There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you! 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Kids: There is no one holy like the LORD. There is no one besides you! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

** Next week: The People Grumbled (Numbers 11-12)

July 13Download

Building the Tabernacle (Exodus 35-40)

Unit 5, Session 3

Dear families,

This week’s Bible passage highlights the wonder that a holy God would desire to dwell among His people. In the previous chapter, God instructed the Israelites to obediently abide within His covenantal love. Now, it was time to build the place where God would dwell with His people as they journeyed toward the Promised Land.

What was the significance of the people’s tabernacle offerings? Why don’t Christians meet with the Lord in a tabernacle today?

God’s instructions were for each of the tabernacle’s components to be freely given by all who were willing. He called for artisans to use their skills to construct, create, and design the tabernacle and all its furnishings. Scripture details that everyone whose heart was moved and whose spirit was prompted brought an offering to the Lord for the tent of meeting and its services, as well as for the priest’s holy garments. The people offered up their finest jewelry, textiles, spices, and oils—all of which were initially provided by God Himself when the people fled Egypt. Skilled designers were even gifted the ability to teach others their craft. Together, these craftsmen lent their time and skills to the work of the tabernacle. Eventually, people brought much more than was needed, so Moses ordered them to stop! They had more than enough materials to construct a tent according to God’s commands and worthy of His presence.

Today, though we gather at local churches to worship God and commune with fellow believers, it is not in physical structures where God dwells among His people. Instead, those who are in Christ receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. Jesus tells us in John 16:7 that the gift of the Holy Spirit is greater than His physical presence was as He walked among His disciples! Pray for the Lord to prompt the kids in your family to heed His call of salvation, that He would dwell within them as their Lord. May we read of the tabernacle’s splendor and respond, not out of obligation, but in awe of the closeness and kindness of our Lord.

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

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: When we trust and believe in Jesus, we are given the Holy Spirit, who is always with us.
  • Younger Preschool: God wanted to be with His people, and He met with them in the tabernacle. Today when we trust in Jesus, God gives us His Holy Spirit to always be with us.
  • Older Preschool: God told Moses to build the tabernacle so He could be with His people. We do not need a tabernacle, because when we trust and believe in Jesus, we are given the Holy Spirit, who is always with us.
  • Kids: God told Moses and the people to build the tabernacle so that He could dwell among them. We no longer need a tabernacle because those who trust in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have been given the Holy Spirit so that God lives in us, not merely near us.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Why do we need to be saved? We are sinful and need Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • Older Preschool: Why do we need to be saved? We are sinful and need Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • Kids: Why do we need to be saved? People are sinful and cannot save themselves.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: There is no one like the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Younger Preschool: There is no one holy like the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Older Preschool: There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you! 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Kids: There is no one holy like the LORD. There is no one besides you! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

** Next week: Worship at the Tabernacle (Leviticus 16; 19; 26)

July 6 Leader GuideDownload

The Golden Calf (Exodus 32; 34)

Unit 5, Session 2

Dear families,

Exodus 32’s account of the golden calf showcases the sinful idolatry of people in contrast with the merciful nature of God. In the 40 days it took Moses to return from Mount Sinai, the people had grown impatient. They urged Aaron to join in their mission to find a new object they deemed worthy of worship and devotion: a golden calf.

What led God’s people to fall prey to this idolatry? How does Moses’ leadership foreshadow Christ’s intercession for God’s people?

An idol is anything we worship in the place of God. Unfortunately, the Israelites wrongly believed they needed a new god to go before them since Moses’ absence left them doubting if he would return and worried about who would lead them. How ironic it was that they sought to dethrone God while claiming to throw a festival in His honor (Exodus 32:5). Their impatient uncertainty led them to replace God’s sovereign plans and rightful worship with this golden god of their own creation.

As God’s anger grew against the Israelites’ sin, Moses reminded the Lord of all He had done for His people since Egypt and urged Him to relent from His planned destruction. In remembering His covenant with Abraham from long ago, and upon Moses’ urging, God did not completely destroy His people. God was faithful to uphold His covenant promises despite the unfaithfulness of His people. He instructed Moses to create two new stone tablets on which God Himself would engrave the Ten Commandments. Moses pleaded for the Lord to journey with His people, forgive them, and set them apart as His own nation and possession.

Moses was a sinful man, so his intercession for God’s people was not enough to bring everlasting forgiveness. A greater Intercessor would be needed to offer a greater sacrifice to atone for sin. We see the mercies of God through the intercession of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection so that all who trust in Him will be saved. Help the kids in your family see the greatness of God’s mercy through the faithful mediation of Moses and ultimately, 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: The people chose to sin, and Moses asked God to forgive them. When we choose to sin, we can pray and ask Jesus to forgive us. Jesus came to rescue us from sin.
  • Younger Preschool: The people were wrong to worship a golden calf. Moses asked God to forgive them. When we do wrong, we can pray and ask Jesus to forgive us. Jesus died and came back to life to rescue us from our sins.
  • Older Preschool: The people chose to sin when they worshiped the golden calf. Moses asked God to forgive their sin. When we choose to sin we can pray and ask Jesus to forgive us. Jesus died on the cross and came back to life to rescue us from sin.
  • Kids: The people chose to worship a golden calf instead of God, and God’s anger burned against them. Moses interceded so that God would forgive them. We are all sinners who deserve the wrath of God, but Jesus interceded for us through His life, death, and resurrection so we can all 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 we need to be saved? We are sinful and need Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • Older Preschool: Why do we need to be saved? We are sinful and need Jesus to rescue us from sin.
  • Kids: Why do we need to be saved? People are sinful and cannot save themselves.

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: There is no one like the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Younger Preschool: There is no one holy like the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Older Preschool: There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you! 1 Samuel 2:2
  • Kids: There is no one holy like the LORD. There is no one besides you! And there is no rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2

** Next week: Building the Tabernacle (Exodus 35-40)

JUNE 29Download