Samuel Anointed David (1 Samuel 16)

Unit 10, Session 4 Dear families, In 1 Samuel 16, we come to a turning point in the storyline of God’s leadership over His people. What began with Samuel mourning for Saul’s rejection as king, soon becomes a celebration of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His word in 1 Samuel 13:14: “The LORD has found aContinue reading “Samuel Anointed David (1 Samuel 16)”

Freedom from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7)

Unit 9, Session 4 Dear families, First Samuel 7 reveals the Israelites’ victory over the Philistines after God’s people turned to the Lord and away from their pagan gods and idols. Samuel interceded for the people as they began to long for the Lord after having pursued the ways of the world for so long. The Lord grantedContinue reading “Freedom from the Philistines (1 Samuel 7)”

The Ark Was Captured (1 Samuel 4-6)

Unit 9, Session 3 Dear families, The Philistines’ capture of the ark of the covenant reveals the folly of seeking God’s blessing over God Himself. The Israelites realized they were no match for the Philistines, so they pursued worldly wisdom instead of seeking God in prayer. Reducing the significance of the ark to a good luck charm set offContinue reading “The Ark Was Captured (1 Samuel 4-6)”

Samuel Was Born and Called (1 Samuel 1-3)

Unit 9, Session 2 Dear families, First Samuel 1–3 reveals God’s call of salvation and the response of faith that follows for all who belong to Him. In the dark of night, God called to Samuel and invited him to become His prophet who would shed the light of His words to His people. God’s call upon Samuel’sContinue reading “Samuel Was Born and Called (1 Samuel 1-3)”

The Story of Ruth (Ruth)

Unit 9, Session 1 Dear families, The book of Ruth weaves a redemption story that begins with one family from Bethlehem and points toward the Messiah born in the same city. In the story of Ruth, we see how God sees and cares for His people, even demonstrating His love for the nations through a Moabite woman who becameContinue reading “The Story of Ruth (Ruth)”

Samson and the Philistines (Judges 13-16)

Unit 8, Session 4 Dear families, The life of Samson showcases the downfall of a mighty hero whose story draws some similarities to Jesus. Samson’s shortcomings, however, reveal the need for a greater deliverer. Only by faith in the Son of God can we please our Father in heaven and get a proper view of where true strength comesContinue reading “Samson and the Philistines (Judges 13-16)”

Gideon Led Israel (Judges 6-7)

Unit 8, Session 3 Dear families, The story of Gideon in Judges 6-8 reveals the power of God at work in the lives of His people and how victory belongs to Him alone. God’s call on Gideon’s life demonstrates how the Lord often chooses what is weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). Why would God chooseContinue reading “Gideon Led Israel (Judges 6-7)”

Deborah Led Israel (Judges 4-5)

Unit 8, Session 2 Dear families, Judges 4 and 5 reveal God’s heart for delivering His people despite the consequences their sin deserved. Again, the Israelites sinned by committing evil in the sight of the Lord. Even still, God provided victory for His people against Sisera and his army. How did Deborah’s leadership bring glory to God? WhyContinue reading “Deborah Led Israel (Judges 4-5)”

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.Continue reading “The People Doubted (Numbers 13-14)”

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,Continue reading “Worship at the Tabernacle (Leviticus 16; 19; 26)”