Unit 1, Session 3

The First Family (Genesis 4)

Dear families,

Genesis 4 offers insight into the first family in history—showcasing the deathly reality of sin and merciful nature of God. Here, we read of Abel’s blood that was wrongfully shed, which cried out for condemnation. In contrast, however, the gospel speaks of a different firstborn Son whose blood provides everlasting life to us instead. 

How does Cain’s life differ from Eve’s expectations for her firstborn son? What can we learn about sin, sacrifice, and the God who is worthy of worship? 

Brothers Cain and Abel both offered sacrifices to God, but the former’s offering wasn’t truly a sacrifice—pleasing to God and reflective of His true worth. God spoke directly to Cain asking him to consider why he felt so rejected by His response to the offering. God also warned him that though sin’s temptations were strong, he could rule over it. Yet Cain did not heed the words of his Creator. Instead, he chose destruction and would soon end his own brother’s life. 

God drew near to Cain and addressed his wrongdoings, acknowledging the unjust death of the righteous Abel. God told Cain that he was now cursed. As a result, Cain would not receive back from the earth the fruit of his labors and would wander for the rest of his days. Even still, God protected Cain from the fate he forced upon his brother; he received protection against the threat of death by another’s hands. However, this act was only a glimmer of God’s mercy toward sinners. The greatest picture we see of His mercy is in Jesus’ blood shed at the cross, the ultimate offering to satisfy God’s wrath toward our unrighteousness. 

Reflect on the Jesus’ righteousness in light of the unrighteousness of Cain, Adam and Eve, and the rest of mankind. The promised descendant who would redeem us amidst our sin wasn’t Eve’s firstborn son, but Jesus, the firstborn of all creation. God’s plan has always been to redeem us through faith in His Son. Pray that your kids hearts will be opened to the mercy of their Creator who leads us away from destruction and into everlasting life.

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: Sin keeps us from God.
  • Kids: Sin separates us from God.

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus came from Adam and Eve’s family to save people from sin.   
  • Younger Preschool: Cain sinned like his parents did. Cain was not the Rescuer that God promised to send. Families grew and sin spread, and people waited for God to keep His promise. One day, God would send Jesus to rescue sinners.
  • Older Preschool: God had promised that someone from Eve’s family would put an end to sin and death. Cain was not that person. As families grew and sin spread, people waited for God to keep His promise. At just the right time, God would send His Son, Jesus, to save sinners.
  • Kids: God had promised that one of Eve’s descendants would put an end to sin and death. Cain was not that descendant. He was sinful like his parents, Adam and Eve. As families grew and sin spread, people waited for God to keep His promise. At just the right time, God would send His Son, Jesus, to save sinners.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Who is God? God is our Creator and King. 
  • Older Preschool: Who is God? God is our Creator and King. 
  • Kids: Who is God? God is our Creator and the King of everything. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God made our wonderful world. Psalm 104:24  
  • Younger Preschool: The earth is full of God’s creatures. Psalm 104:24 
  • Older Preschool: How countless are your works, LORD! … The earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 
  • Kids: How countless are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 

** Next week: The Great Flood (Genesis 6–9)

February 23 Leader GuideDownload

Unit 1, Session 2

 Sin Entered the World (Genesis 2–3)

Dear families,

Genesis 2–3 recounts sin’s entrance into the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience. From the earliest pages of the Old Testament, we are introduced to the gravity of sin and people’s need for redemption––a redemption promised by God through an offspring of Eve. A Rescuer would come to undo the curse of sin and crush the serpent.

How has God provided for His people since the beginning of time, from before the fall of man until this very moment? What evidence do we see of His kindness and care—especially in light of Christ?

God revealed His glory through Eden, a thriving garden where His people’s needs were lovingly met. His beautiful creation was all theirs for the taking with only one exception: “ … you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17). God’s command was not a means to withhold good. Rather, His command was for their good. That is, by obeying Him, they would actually find life.

When faced with the serpent’s lies, Eve failed to believe God’s words. She was enticed by the fruit’s appearance, the proposition to be like God, and the allurement of obtaining wisdom. She and her husband’s eyes had indeed been opened to the knowledge of good and evil; however, because they disobeyed God’s command, they would now experience sin’s consequences and the reality of death.

Despite His people’s disobedience, God sought them in their sin. He provided them with clothing from animal skins to cover their nakedness and shame. However, the sacrifice of this animal was not a once-and-for-all event, but the foreshadowing of a greater death to repair this severed relationship between God and man—Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. God’s merciful promise in Genesis 3:15 provides all people with the opportunity to be freed from the curse of sin and find life in Christ. As Romans 5:19 reminds us, “For just as through one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.”

While you ponder today’s truths, take time to meditate on God’s care for His people—from the beauty of creation to the mercy revealed in Jesus’ sacrifice. Consider God’s provision in redeeming His people and drawing close despite their sin. May you relay His truths clearly to your kids as you also make evident the faith you have in Jesus 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

STORY POINT

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

  • Preschool: Sin is disobeying God. 
  • Kids: Sin is disobeying God and His commands.

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God planned to send Jesus to make everything right.
  • Younger Preschool: Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Sin keeps us from God, but God had a plan. Jesus came to earth to die on the cross and come back to life to rescue people from sin.
  • Older Preschool: Adam and Eve did not follow God’s good plan. They sinned by disobeying God’s command. Sin separates people from God, but God had a plan all along. Jesus came to earth as a man to live a sinless life, die on the cross, and rose again to rescue people from sin.
  • Kids: Adam and Eve sinned when they rejected God’s good plan and disobeyed His command. Sin separates people from God, but God didn’t leave them without hope. God sent His Son, Jesus, to live as Adam didn’t—perfectly sinless. God the Son came to earth as a man to rescue people from sin.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Who is God? God is our Creator and King. 
  • Older Preschool: Who is God? God is our Creator and King. 
  • Kids: Who is God? God is our Creator and the King of everything. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God made our wonderful world. Psalm 104:24  
  • Younger Preschool: The earth is full of God’s creatures. Psalm 104:24 
  • Older Preschool: How countless are your works, LORD! … The earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 
  • Kids: How countless are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 

** Next week: The First Family (Genesis 4)

February 16 Volunteer Leader GuideDownload

Unit 1, Session 1

God Created the World (Genesis 1–2)

Dear families,

In Genesis 1–2, we encounter one of Scripture’s most well-known passages: the creation story. This account is foundational to recognizing God as Creator and King over everything. Yet, as foundational as this account may be, faith is still a necessary component of understanding this biblical account and in trusting the goodness of the triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—whose good creation makes known His glory and His purposes.

So, how do we find Jesus within the creation account?

To understand Jesus within the context of Genesis 1–2, we must focus on how God chose to create the heavens and the earth. He did not simply point at the formless void and silently fashion it into existence; rather, He used His voice to speak. Hebrews 11:3 declares, “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.” In His speaking, out of nothing (ex nihilo) came creation.

In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as “the Word” to specifically demonstrate that God has revealed Himself to us through Jesus. Just as God spoke creation into existence, making His glory and will known through His words, so did He also make Himself known by the Word of God coming to earth. In fact, John 1:1 teaches us that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is God in flesh who came to dwell in the very creation He created. Jesus, the Word, was there at the dawn of creation and present as the Father spoke and the Spirit hovered over the waters (Genesis 1:1-3).

The apostle Paul later wrote in Colossians 1:16-17 that everything was created by Jesus, through Jesus, and for Jesus. He was before creation, and by Him all things are held together; the Word has been present since the beginning.  

Pray that God reveals His glory in the person of Jesus Christ to your kids’ hearts and minds. Ask for clarity in your words as you proclaim His truths. May God grant faith to the hearers of this story, helping them trust the truth of His Word.

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: God made all things good. 
  • Kids: God created everything for His glory.

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is King over everything. 
  • Younger Preschool: Jesus is Lord over all of creation. Everything was created by Him and for Him. He rules over everything. 
  • Older Preschool: God made the whole world just by speaking. Jesus is Lord over all of creation. Everything was created by Him and for Him. God the Son has always existed, and He rules over everything. 
  • Kids: By faith, we believe that God created the whole world by His word. (Hebrews 11:3) Jesus, the Word of God, is Lord over all of creation. Everything was created by Him and for Him. The Son has always existed, and He holds everything together. (Colossians 1:16-17)

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: Who is God? God is our Creator and King. 
  • Older Preschool: Who is God? God is our Creator and King. 
  • Kids: Who is God? God is our Creator and the King of everything. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God made our wonderful world. Psalm 104:24  
  • Younger Preschool: The earth is full of God’s creatures. Psalm 104:24 
  • Older Preschool: How countless are your works, LORD! … The earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 
  • Kids: How countless are your works, LORD! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24 

** Next week: Sin Entered the World (Genesis 2–3)

February 9- God Created the WorldDownload

UNIT 1 – GOD RULES OVER CREATION 

Unit Description: God created the universe out of nothing. The eternal God rules over His creation. Everything was created to give glory to God the Father through His Son, Jesus, but people chose to reject God’s good plan. The whole Bible reveals how Jesus came to restore the relationship between God and humanity. 

Preschool Big Picture Question: Who is God? God is our Creator and King. 

Unit 1 Family Worship GuideDownload

Unit 36, Session 3

 We Will Be Part of the New Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21–22)

Dear families,

Revelation 21–22 mark the end of the New Testament and establish the promise of everlasting life for those in Christ. The culmination of every good gift of the Father, every promise He has given to His people, is found in His Son, to be experienced for all eternity.

In what ways will God’s new creation be unlike the world we live in today?

The apostle John described the beautiful new city of God as being like a bride adorned for her husband—glorious, radiant, faithful, and true. This new heaven and earth highlight the sweetness and sacredness of God’s covenant with us: “Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God” (Revelation 21:3). 

The earth as we know it today is a splendid example of our Creator’s workmanship and love for us, yet it has been broken by the sinfulness of His created beings. Sin has fractured our relationship with God, and though we are able to know and be known by Him, our understanding of His goodness cannot be fully experienced because of our sin. Here in today’s passage, we find the promise of what eternity is like: we will one day dwell in the fullness of God’s presence, experiencing the splendor of His radiance in perfect unity with one another and with our God.

In this new creation, there is no temple because God dwells among His people, His glory unceasingly illuminating the day. No falsehood, uncleanliness, grief, crying, or pain takes residence within God’s dwelling place; all is right and well, exactly as it was created to be.

Consider what it would look like if you lived each moment anticipating and readying yourself for the wonders yet to come. Would you be more inclined to persevere and to share the source of your eternal hope with others? Reflect on God’s goodness with gratitude, asking Him to prepare the hearts of the boys and girls you’ve been entrusted to teach it to. May this hopeful expectation change the way you view your Lord, your world, and those around you.

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

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus is making all things new. 
  • Younger Preschool: When Jesus comes back, everyone who trusts in Him will be with Him forever. God will undo every bad thing! Jesus is making all things new. 
  • Older Preschool: Jesus said that He is coming back soon. When Jesus comes back, everyone who trusts in Him will be with Him forever. God will undo every bad thing—no more death, pain, or tears! Jesus is making all things new. 
  • Kids: Jesus promised to come back to earth soon. When Jesus returns, God will undo every bad thing caused by sin—no more death, no more pain, no more tears. Jesus is making all things new. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return. 
  • Older Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 
  • Kids: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Younger Preschool: He will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Older Preschool: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4 
  • Kids: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 

** Next week: God Created the World (Genesis 1–2)

Feb 2 Leader GuideDownload

Unit 36, Session 2

 Jesus Will Return One Day (Revelation 19–20)

Dear families,

In Revelation 19–20, the apostle John recounts a vision he received from the Lord. The vision showcased the reality of the risen Savior who always keeps His promises. Jesus will return for His people with all righteousness, power, and might—just as the Scriptures said He would. Demonstrating His glory, strength, authority, and sovereignty, Jesus will faithfully redeem and restore the brokenness of the world and bring His followers into this realm of everlasting joy and peace with Him forever.

How is the depiction of Jesus in Revelation 19–20 different from our previous session’s lamb that was slain? What does Christ’s fulfillment mean for the ways we are to live as His followers on the earth today?

The Jesus we see in today’s passage is the conquering King over all—no longer the meek, gentle lamb who was led to the slaughter. Instead, He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the warrior whose enemies have been now and forever rendered powerless. He reigns and rules over Satan and the forces of evil and darkness, defeating the powers of sin and death once and for all. The imagery now describing the risen Lord is fierce, mighty, and righteous. He has returned for His people, keeping every promise He has spoken to the ones whose faith has been placed in Him.

We, as followers of Jesus, are to look ahead to the coming days of Christ’s return with expectation, joy, and celebration. Consider how you can reflect the anticipation, excitement, and comfort of this reality to the boys and girls you teach. They may feel uncertain about the Bible and if they can truly grasp what it is all about. In today’s session, you have an opportunity to relay the big idea of the Scriptures: the hope of the promised Savior and King who has invited them into this great story of redemption. All of creation will join together to sing of His infinite glory and splendor, and believers today have the opportunity to share His goodness with others. You get to proclaim His promises to the kids you will teach 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: Jesus will come back and make all things right. 
  • Younger Preschool: When Jesus returns, He will stop all bad things. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be with Him and enjoy Him forever. 
  • Older Preschool: Jesus promised to come back to earth one day. When Jesus returns, He will stop evil. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be with Him and enjoy Him forever. 
  • Kids: Jesus promised to come back to earth soon. When Jesus returns, He will defeat evil once and for all. Those who trust in Jesus will be with Him and enjoy Him forever. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return. 
  • Older Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 
  • Kids: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Younger Preschool: He will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Older Preschool: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4 
  • Kids: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 

** Next week: We Will Be Part of the New Heaven and Earth (Revelation 21–22)

Jan 26 Leader GuideDownload

Unit 36, Session 1

 Jesus Is Worthy of Worship (Revelation 4–5)

Dear families,

John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 4–5 offers us a glimpse of Jesus’ worthiness and heaven’s splendor, as those found in Him will abide with Him forever. From these passages, we know that God will forever reign with all glory, splendor, righteousness, and holiness attributed to His name.

How does Jesus meet John—and us—in our need? What do we learn about the nature of heaven and our role there as the redeemed?

Revelation 5 introduces the crucial conflict of today’s passage: No one has been found worthy to break the seal of this great scroll. This somber realization led the apostle to weep, until his gaze was lifted up to Jesus. He alone has conquered the power of sin and death, making Him the only One worthy to open the scroll. However, the magnificent, conquering Son of God did not appear in the way we would expect; rather, His appearance was like a slaughtered lamb—representing His sacrifice on our behalf. 

As He took the scroll, the creatures and elders fell down before Him in praise. The angels likewise declared that the slaughtered lamb’s power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing would endure forever! The resurrected Jesus who defeated sin and death rose victoriously to bring us back into relationship with the Father. By trusting in Him and giving Him praise for all He has done, we find our purpose in this life and for all days to come. We will forever worship the only One worthy of praise. This is what heaven is: the place of eternal unity with our Lord, where we will praise Him for eternity, no longer inhibited by sin. We will experience God’s glory in its fullness there forevermore. 

 As you prepare to teach this session to kids, remember this main point: Christ is worthy of endless praise and has made a way for us to dwell with Him forever! Though this passage may seem difficult to comprehend, the simplicity of His worthiness is what we must return to.: Our God is good, and He loved us enough to send us 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: Jesus is good. He deserves all of our worship. 
  • Younger Preschool: John saw a vision of Jesus. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have forgiveness and life forever with God. Jesus is good. He deserves all of our worship. 
  • Older Preschool: John cried when he saw that no one was good enough to open the scroll. Then John saw Jesus, the Lamb of God. Jesus died on the cross so that we can have forgiveness and life forever with God. Jesus is good enough to open the scroll. He deserves all of our worship. 
  • Kids: John cried when he saw that no one was worthy to open the scroll. Then John saw the resurrected Lamb—God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus was killed on the cross so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus is worthy. He deserves all praise, honor, and blessing. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

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

  • Younger Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return. 
  • Older Preschool: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 
  • Kids: What is the hope of the church? The church looks forward to Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Younger Preschool: He will wipe away our tears. Revelation 21:4 
  • Older Preschool: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Revelation 21:4 
  • Kids: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 

** Next week: Jesus Will Return One Day (Revelation 19–20)

Jan 19 Leader guideDownload

Unit 35, Session 6

 We Are Here to Make Much of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4–5)

Dear families,

First Thessalonians 4–5 serves as an encouraging, insightful, and convicting portion of the letters penned by Paul. As evidenced by the compassionate, heartfelt words he shared, the apostle loved his brothers and sisters who belonged to the church in Thessalonica. Because of the deep affection he held toward them, he exhorted them to lean into the special, set-apart lives Christ had called them to as His followers.

What does Paul say is the will of God for his brothers and sisters in Christ—both in the year A.D. 50 as well as in the modern-day church? How are we to accomplish this will according to today’s passage? 

We often wonder what God’s will for our lives may be. Yet we see throughout the pages of Scripture: His will is our sanctification—in sexual morality, self-control, holiness, and honor … on account of the knowledge of our God (1 Thess. 4:3-5). Paul writes in the next chapter that His will for us is that we would likewise continually rejoice, pray, and give thanks for all He has done (1 Thess. 5:16-18). He calls for a “whole-person” holiness in all parts of our lives: spirit, soul, and body, which only comes through placing our trust in Jesus—which means trusting in what He says is best for our lives. 

 For the church of Thessalonica to pursue God’s will for their lives would be entirely impossible if not for the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They had to trust in the Lord to help them obey, believing in Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice as the basis of their faith. 

 As you take steps toward teaching this session, consider the ways you’ve been faithfully following Jesus. Be encouraged by all that He has done in your life to help you look more like Jesus through the power of His Spirit. Help kids see that they, too, can trust God’s character and goodness, which means that we can believe that His will for our lives—this call to sanctification—is good.

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

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: God wants us to tell about Jesus and love one another because Jesus is coming back. 
  • Younger Preschool: God wants us to tell about Jesus and love one another because Jesus is coming back. One day, Jesus will come back and make all things right. 
  • Older Preschool: Christians have a special task to spread the good news of Jesus and to live for Him. We love one another and find joy in Jesus as we remember God’s promise to one day come back and make all things right. 
  • Kids: Christians have a special purpose to spread the good news of Jesus and to live in a way that honors Him. We live holy lives, loving one another and finding joy in Jesus as we remember God’s promise to one day return and make all things right. 

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 praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: Jesus Is Worthy of Worship (Revelation 4–5)

Jan 12 Leader GuideDownload

Unit 35, Session 5

 Paul Preached in Rome (Acts 28)

Dear families,

Acts 28 finished out the nearly 30-year saga of Acts on a high note: Paul, by God’s grace, was able to carry out two years of faithful ministry there in the great city of Rome. Despite the troublesome circumstances surrounding his entry and reputation before the Romans, God proved Himself faithful and demonstrated the power of His gospel.

How, through the book of Acts, might we glean a deeper understanding of God’s work in the lives of His followers? What does Acts 28 teach us about God’s kingdom?

This incredible book of the Bible detailed the earliest days of the church and how the Holy Spirit has remained at work in His people’s lives, just as Christ promised. Here in the final chapter of Acts, we see the continued example of Paul’s reliance on the Holy Spirit as he ministered to and healed those on the island of Malta, as well as his years spent boldly proclaiming the gospel to all who visited him amidst his imprisonment.

Against all odds, the apostle found himself in the city where not even a shipwreck, false accusation, or snakebite could impede his arrival or ministry. Paul’s story in Acts ends with him being found faithful despite all that was stacked against him. Yet even his own faithfulness pales in comparison to the faithfulness of the God who called him on this mission.

Luke set the context for this book in chapter 1, when he stated that the resurrected Christ appeared to His people and spoke about the kingdom of God, promising His Spirit to them as they witnessed to the world. We see Paul exemplify this Spirit-filled life on mission as a witness, declaring the truth of God’s kingdom to all who’d listen—from slaves to kings. May we, too, be the witnesses we’re called to be, especially to the boys and girls entrusted to us through these sessions centered around His love.

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: Paul shared the good news that Jesus saves sinners. 
  • Younger Preschool: Paul told others about Jesus even when he was a prisoner. He kept sharing the good news even when people disagreed. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved. 
  • Older Preschool: Paul told others about Jesus even when he was a prisoner. He kept sharing the good news even when people disagreed. The message about Jesus seems silly to some, but everyone who trusts in Jesus will be saved. 
  • Kids: Being a prisoner in Rome did not stop Paul from sharing his faith. He continued to share the gospel even when people disagreed. The message about Jesus seems foolish to some, but everyone who trusts in Jesus 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 praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: We Are Here to Make Much of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4–5)

Unit 35, Session 4

 Paul Went to Rome (Acts 27–28)

Dear families,

In today’s passage, we read of the troublesome conditions Paul and his shipmates experienced on their way to Rome. From troubles with the weather and waters to issues with others aboard the ship, the men’s hope of survival was fading quickly. Even still, Paul believed in God’s promise to keep him safe on his mission to proclaim the gospel in that great city. 

What lessons about perseverance can we glean from this passage? How does God reveal His faithfulness to His people throughout their time aboard this dangerous ship? 

So much seemed to be working against Paul in these passages. To begin with, the purpose of this trip was to appeal to the highest powers in the Roman courts against his unfair arrest and condemnation from the Jewish elite. It was in these dire circumstances that God revealed he would safely arrive to proclaim the gospel there. However, the esteemed apostle and his shipmates were not met with smooth sailing. 

They battled terrible conditions from all sides—stormy winds that wouldn’t cooperate, brutal winter weather that wouldn’t let up, an inability to eat for days on end, and no means of securing direction from the sun or stars. Some of the sailors had even plotted an escape from this dire situation at hand, hopelessly believing they could not be saved from their circumstances. 

Through it all, Paul took on a leadership role on the ship, giving advice as to how they could avoid great loss by not going forward from Crete as planned. Although the men didn’t listen, Paul was later able to give other encouragement to his peers, sharing with them the words that an angel had spoken to him: “Don’t be afraid.” Paul trusted in His Savior Jesus to continue the work and mission He had begun in the apostle’s life and knew that God could be trusted. 

Consider all the things working against Paul in just this chapter alone. Then, reflect on the God who had revealed His great plans for the apostle. Pray for God to grant the same miraculous gift of faith to you and to your group as you relay this incredible story of God’s faithfulness, no matter the storm.

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

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Jesus died to keep us safe from sin and death. 
  • Younger Preschool: Paul trusted God’s promise to keep everyone safe from the storm. God wants us to trust Jesus. Jesus died to keep us safe from sin and death. 
  • Older Preschool: Paul trusted God’s promise to keep him and everyone else safe from the storm. He told the sailors to trust God too. God wants us to trust Jesus. Jesus died to keep us safe from sin and death. We can tell this good news to everyone. 
  • Kids: Paul trusted God to keep His promise to rescue him from the storm. He encouraged the sailors to trust and obey God too. God calls us to trust in His Son, Jesus, who died to rescue us from sin and death, and to invite others to believe this good news as well. 

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 praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
  • Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE

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

  • Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
  • Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 

** Next week: Paul Preached in Rome (Acts 28)

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