Weekly Resources
The version of the Bible used in the Curriculum is the New King James. If you don’t have one at home you can go to www.biblegateway.com and use their online version.
As we work through the first chapters of Genesis we are seeing how God judges and punishes sin. Because God is just, He must judge sin. And because God is loving, He gives grace to the sinner. In the Bible, God has told us how we can escape eternal punishment for our sins—believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Each person must put his trust in God so that he will not be punished and pay for his sins himself, but God will accept Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as payment for his sins. For the last few weeks we have taught the good new about Jesus to the kids along with the lesson from Genesis. This week was no exception. We want you to be aware of what we are talking about with your kids so you can follow up with them at home. These are important lessons, God’s judgement of sin and God’s extending of grace. We hope you enjoy your family discussion time!
This week
Hi,
This coming Sunday is our last regular Connection Kids Sunday. We will be celebrating in Connection Kids with a special presentation of the lesson, a treat and by bringing the kids over to church to help lead the closing song during second service!
Last Sunday we learned that once again the Israelites were complaining. We talked about complaining being a sin that needs to be confessed and that instead of complaining we should be giving thanks and praise to God for all He gives us. It was a great lesson for all of us! Here is the family discussion guide:
Title: Israel Rejects God’s Provision
Passage: Numbers 11–12
Principle: God is displeased when we complain.
Praise: “This Is the Day”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did the Israelites complain about God’s provision?
• How did God punish the people?
• Who interceded for the Israelites?
• Is God pleased when we complain?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By thanking God for the blessings in our lives.
• By being an example to others by having a thankful and obedient heart.
This Week: As a family, read Numbers 11–12.
Next Week: Numbers 13–14
Memory Verse: Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. (Numbers 11:1a)
Blessings!
Kari Watkins
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Previous Discussions:
This week we learned that believers in Jesus are called to live “holy” lives. We are to be “set apart” from the world’s ways because our God is different and set apart from all other gods. Our holiness, lived out in humility and gratitude, demonstrates our love for God and points others to God. Here is the family discussion guide to help you this week as you explore this subject as a family:
Title: God Requires Holy Living
Passage: Leviticus 19
Principle: God is holy and wants believers to live holy lives.
Praise: “O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did God command the Israelites to live holy lives?
• What does it mean to be holy?
• How can one live a holy life?
• Are Christians commanded to live holy lives?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying his father and mother.
• By being kind to others.
• By obeying and respecting older people.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 19.
Memory Verse: “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.’” – Leviticus 19:2
If you ever wondered about where the term “Scapegoat” came from ask your child, they learned about it today. Here is the discussion guide to help you with your conversation:
Title: God Ordains the Day of Atonement
Passage: Leviticus 11–16
Principle: Man constantly needs to confess sin.
Praise: “Create in Me a Clean Heart”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Who is holy and without sin?
• What was the purpose of the Day of Atonement?
• Why were animals sacrificed?
• What cleanses a Christian from sin?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By confessing every sin to God.
• By praising God for eternal forgiveness through Jesus’ death on the cross.
• By trusting Jesus for eternal forgiveness.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 11–16.
Next Week: Leviticus 19
Memory Verse: Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. –Hebrews 13:12
Title: God Establishes the Priesthood
Passage: Leviticus 9:22–10:7
Principle: Man needs a mediator to come before God.
Praise: “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did God create the role of a priest?
• Did the priests have to obey God’s laws?
• What happened to the two priests who disobeyed God’s commands?
• Who is the sinless priest?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting only Jesus to bring him to God.
• By confessing his sins to God and asking Jesus to help him.
• By worshiping God with the right attitudes and actions.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 9:22–10:7.
Next Week: Leviticus 11–16
Memory Verse: “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified” (Leviticus 10:3b).
Hi!
We started in the book of Leviticus this week learning about the sacrifices and offerings God established for the Israelites. It was perfect timing after 2 weeks of learning about Jesus being our sacrificial Lamb.
I found a link that helped me understand the sacrifices better; The Five Offerings. You may want to check it out.
Our Curriculum summarized the lesson in this way;
In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites laws about sacrifices. These sacrifices were for giving God thanks and for obtaining forgiveness from Him. Today, we do not sacrifice animals, nor do we have priests as Israel did. In Israel, the people and the priests had to sacrifice every day because people were always sinning. But for Christians, Jesus had to die only once! When He died on the cross, His sacrifice paid for all our sins if we believe in Him and accept that He was the perfect sacrifice to God for us. If you are a Christian, you should thank Jesus every day for sacrificing His life for you. Just like the animals who had to die so that the people’s sins would be forgiven, Jesus had to die so that your sins would be forgiven. He is worthy of your thanks because He loved you so much that He gave His life to save you.
Here is the Family Discussion Guide:
Title: God Ordains the Sacrificial System Passage: Leviticus 1–7
Principle: God’s holiness requires a sacrifice for sin. Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What types of offerings did the Israelites give to God?
• Why did the Israelites offer sacrifices?
• How was the worshiper forgiven?
• Who is the perfect sacrifice?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting Jesus to take his punishment.
• By living a holy life by obeying parents and leaders.
• By praising God by giving Him the best effort and attitude.
This Week: As a family, read Leviticus 1–7. Next Week: Leviticus 9:22–10:7
Memory Verse: And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God –Hebrews 10:11-12
Have a Blessed Week!
Kari Watkins
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Hi!
We will have Connection Kids this Sunday for kids K-4th grades during 2nd service. The kids will be dismissed after worship and can be picked up directly after the service ends, rather than at noon. We will also have a preschool class during the 2nd service and nursery both services.
Here is this week’s discussion guide:
Title: Jesus Enters Jerusalem as King
Passage: Matthew 21–23; Zechariah 9:9
Principle: Jesus is the promised Messiah.
Praise: “King of Kings”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Jesus ride into Jerusalem?
• How did the crowds treat Jesus as the promised King?
• What did Jesus do in the temple?
• Why was Jesus angry with the temple priests?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying Jesus as King.
• By worshiping Jesus as Lord.
• By telling others about the Messiah.
This Week: As a family, read Matthew 21–23; Zechariah 9:9.
Memory Verse: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” (Matthew 21:5)
Serving Our Risen Lord!
Kari Watkins,
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Hi,
All of the teachers for Connection Kids got pretty excited when Pastor Larry spoke about God’s Glory filling the Tabernacle in his sermon. That’s what our lesson was about! It seems every week Pastor has some portion of our lesson in his sermon. We find it interesting to see how God intertwines what the kids are learning and what Pastor is teaching.
Here is the Discussion guide and verse for this week:
Title: God’s Presence Fills the Tabernacle Passage: Exodus 33–34, 40
Principle: God is merciful and faithful. Praise: “I Will Sing the Mercies”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Moses ask God?
• What did God reveal to Moses?
• What are some of God’s characteristics?
• What filled the tabernacle?
• What did the Israelites do after God revealed His presence?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By humbly asking God for mercy and turning from sin.
• By joyfully praising God for sending His Son and Holy Spirit.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 33–34 and 40.
Memory Verse: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” –Exodus 20:12-17
I know this verse is a little long, but in game time we worked on the 10 commandments and the number of each commandment. It might help the kids to number the commandments as they memorize this verse.
Blessings,
Kari Watkins
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
This week along with the Discussion Guide I’m including a “bonus” resource that we used during game time. We didn’t get a chance to get through them all, so I thought you might enjoy going through them as a family.
Title: God Punishes Israel’s Idolatry Passage: Exodus 32
Principle: God is merciful and patient. Praise: “Seek Ye First”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did Aaron make for the Israelites to worship?
• How was God going to punish Israel’s sin?
• Who prayed for the Israelites?
• How did God show mercy to the Israelites?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By asking God for forgiveness of daily sins.
• By thanking God for His specific acts of mercy.
• By praising God for the mercy found in Jesus Christ.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 32.
Next Week: Exodus 33–34, 40
Memory Verse: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. –Exodus 20:7-8
Bonus Resource – Right Worship of God
While this week’s lesson deals with how we are not to worship God, it gives us the opportunity to teach the students about true worship. True worship begins with a right view of God. These questions with answers from Scripture will help students have a right view of God:
- Is there more than one God? “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- Can God lie? Furthermore, the Eternal One of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not man who changes his mind.” (1 Samuel 15:29)
- Does God know the future? Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began. (Psalm 139:16)
- Does anything happen that God does not know about? even if our conscience condemns us, that God is greater than our conscience, and He knows all things. (1 John 3:20)
- Is there anything that God cannot do? Oh, Lord GOD! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! (Jeremiah 32:17)
- Is God everywhere at the same time? Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. (Psalm 139:7–8)
- Does God hear our prayers? The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)
- Does God ever break a promise? God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill? (Numbers 23:19)
- Did God die for us? But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8)
- Is God love? The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8)
- Does God ever sin? For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.(Hebrews 4:15)
- Is God beautiful? I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking Him in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)
- Is anything more powerful than God? He said: Yahweh, the God of our ancestors, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. (2 Chronicles 20:6)
- Can anyone live independently of God? “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. (John 15:5)
- Does God get impatient or get angry quickly? The LORD is slow to anger and rich in faithful love, forgiving wrongdoing and rebellion. But He will not leave the guilty unpunished, (Numbers 14:18a)
- Can we compare God to anything in this world? This is why You are great, Lord GOD. There is no one like You, and there is no God besides You as all we have heard confirms. (2 Samuel 7:22)
- Is God totally in control over all people and circumstances? A man’s heart plans his way,
but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9) - Will God ever die? But at the end of those days, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity returned to me. Then I praised the Most High and honored and glorified Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.(Daniel 4:34)
- Is God’s Word true? Lord GOD, You are God; Your words are true, and You have promised this grace to Your servant. (2 Samuel 7:28)
Today we learned about the Tabernacle that God designed and instructed the Israelites to build in order to worship Him. We also learned about how the furniture of the Tabernacle symbolizes Jesus. During the morning we showed a video explaining that symbolization. I am attaching a link so you can look at it. It is pretty interesting and only takes a little over five minutes. The kids did a great job understanding the correlation between Christ and the Tabernacle! Here is the link and the Family Discussion Sheet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89J6Av1PVK0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
The following verses with the corresponding Tabernacle furniture come from the video and were used in today’s lesson:
- Altar of Burnt Offering / John 1:2
- Bronze Laver / 1 John 1:7-10
- Golden Lampstand / John 8:12 & John :5
- Table of Showbread / John 6:32-35
- Bronze Alter of Incense / Revelation 5:8 & Hebrews 7:25
- The Ark of the Covenant & the Mercy Seat / John 14:6 & Acts 4:12
Title: God Ordains the Tabernacle Passage: Exodus 25–31
Principle: God has made a way for us to dwell with Him.
Praise: “There Is a Redeemer”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What was the purpose of the tabernacle?
• Who was allowed to go into the tabernacle?
• What items were inside the tabernacle?
• What does the tabernacle tell us about God?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By recognizing his sinful condition.
• By worshiping God in an honoring way.
• By praising God that faith in Christ allows God’s Spirit to dwell in men.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 25–31. Next Week: Exodus 32
Memory Verse: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. (Exodus 20:4-5a)
Title: God Prepares Israel for the Covenant Passage: Exodus 19
Principle: God is worthy of fear and reverence.
Praise: “Our God Is an Awesome God”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What did God promise Israel?
• What did Israel promise God?
• Why were the Israelites not allowed to go on the mountain?
• How did God reveal His presence?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By fearing and respecting God because He is holy.
• By obeying God’s Word wholeheartedly.
• By thanking God for making people His treasure.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 19. Next Week: Exodus 20:1–21
Memory Verse: “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine” (Exodus 19:5).
Today we learned how God provided food and water for the Israelites in the wilderness even though they complained and grumbled to Moses. We also learned that the people needed to trust and obey God in order to live. The kids were all told that we need to trust and obey God today, especially for eternal life. During game time I told the kids they could not do enough good things to get into heaven, but that they needed to trust God’s promise to save those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If God had not provided for the Israelites in the wilderness they would have died in the wilderness. If God had not provided the way for salvation with Jesus’ death and resurrection, we would die in our sins. I told the kids that having Jesus as their Savior means that they have believed that he died and rose again for their sins and they confess they are a sinner. To have Jesus as their Lord means that they love and obey Him. (If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. -Romans 10:9 and “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?” –Luke 6:46)
This is an important message, please discuss with your kids this lesson and their understanding of the Gospel presented to them today. I’d appreciate it very much!
Here is the Family Discussion Sheet:
Title: God Preserves Israel
Passage: Exodus 15:22–17:7
Principle: God is merciful and good.
Praise: “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Why did God test Israel?
• Why did the Israelites grumble and complain?
• What food did God provide for the Israelites?
• What happened when some of the Israelites broke God’s command concerning the manna?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By confessing grumbling and complaining attitudes.
• By trusting that God will provide.
• By trusting that God’s Word is good.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 15:22–17:7.
Next Week: Exodus 19
MEMORY VERSE: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18V
Today our lesson was on the God’s parting of the Red Sea. In this lesson we learned how God keeps His promises, how takes provides for His people and how He will prove His power of all the earth. Here is the Discussion Guide:
Title: God Parts the Red Sea
Passage: Exodus 14–15
Principle: God wants us to trust and praise His power.
Praise: “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions.
• Who led Israel to the Red Sea?
• Why did God lead the Israelites to the Red Sea?
• How did the Israelites escape the Egyptian army?
• What did God do to the Egyptian army?
• Did the Israelites worship God for delivering them?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By submitting to the awesome power of God.
• By praising God for His mighty deeds.
• By trusting in God’s love for His people.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 14–15.
Next Week: Exodus 15:22–17:7Go
Memory Verse:
“‘Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them;
and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army,
that the Egyptians may know
that I am the LORD.’“ (Exodus 14:4).
Title: God Ordains the Passover
Passage: Exodus 12–13
Principle: God is merciful and sovereign.
Praise: “There Is a Redeemer”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What was God’s final judgment on Egypt?
• Did Pharaoh let the Israelites go?
• What do Jews remember when they celebrate Passover?
• Who is the Passover lamb for Christians?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By praising God for His awesome power and mercy.
• By trusting Christ as the final Passover lamb.
• By telling others about Christ’s death for sin.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 12–13.
Next Week: Exodus 14–15
Memory Verse: And it shall be, when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians and delivered our households.’” So the people bowed their heads and worshiped. (Exodus 12:26-27)
Title: God Raises Moses to Lead Israel
Passage: Exodus 3
Principle: God’s plans cannot be stopped.
Praise: “Holy, Holy, Holy”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• How did God reveal Himself to Moses?
• What did God call Moses to do?
• Did God have a plan to deliver Israel?
• What characteristics of God do we learn about in this account?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By fearing and obeying God because He is holy.
• By trusting God because His plans are perfect.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 3.
Next Week: Exodus 7–10
Memory Verse: “The LORD said, ‘I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows’” (Exodus 3:7).
Here is the Discussion Sheet and verse for this week. As we move into Exodus there are some exciting and important, yet difficult lessons to learn. Included in the lesson this week was Pharaoh’s order to have all the Hebrew baby boys thrown into the Nile river and Moses’ killing an Egyptian. You might want to discuss with your children the events of these passages to check their understanding. If you have any questions let me know. Also remember to be praying that God would give the Connection Kids volunteers wisdom and the kids understanding as we work through these lessons.
Title: God Prepares Israel for Deliverance
Passage: Exodus 1–2
Principle: God has compassion for His people.
Praise: “There Is a Redeemer”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Did God make Jacob’s family into a great people?
• Why did Pharaoh decide to kill all of the Israelites’ baby boys?
• Whom did God protect?
• Did God hear Israel’s cries?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By trusting God during times of trouble. He does not forget His people.
• By crying out to God for help in times of trouble.
This Week: As a family, read Exodus 1–2.
Next Week: Exodus 3
Memory Verse: “So God heard [Israel’s] groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob” (Exodus 2:24).
1/8 – 1/15
We combined two lessons for Joseph this week so there is a discussion guide for each lesson, but one verse to memorize and one homework sheet to complete. With the the lesson on Joseph we finished Genesis and next week we start in Exodus. The kids are learning so much about God’s faithfulness to His people and His plan, it is fun to be a part what God is doing!
Title: God Preserves Joseph, Genesis 37
Principle: God cares for His people.
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- Which of his sons did Jacob love the most?
- What dream did Joseph have?
- Why were Joseph’s brothers jealous and angry?
- What did Joseph’s brothers do to him?
- How did God preserve Joseph?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By confessing anger and jealousy.
- By trusting and honoring God even when he has problems with others.
Title: God Delivers Joseph, Genesis 39–50
Principle: God is in control of every circumstance.
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- How did God help Joseph while he was in Egypt?
- Whose dreams did Joseph interpret?
- What position did Pharaoh give Joseph?
- Who came to Egypt to buy food?
- Did Joseph forgive his brothers?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By trusting God even when people do evil things.
- By being faithful and obedient to God during difficult times.
- By forgiving others.
Memory Verse: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…to save
many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
Title: God Promises to Send the Messiah, Part One
Passage: Genesis 3:15; 12:1–3; 49:10
Principle: God fulfills His promises.
Praise: “O Worship the King”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• What promises about Jesus are in Genesis?
• Why are these promises important?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By worshiping Jesus, the Deliverer, Savior, and King.
• By confessing his need for forgiveness and placing his faith in Jesus Christ.
• By obeying the Great King over all the earth.
For Further Study: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18–25, 2:1–12; Micah 5:2
Memory Verse: In you [Abram] all the families of the earth shall be blessed. –Genesis 12:3
Passage: Genesis 32
Principle: God hears the prayers of those who believe in Him.
Praise: “Our God Is an Awesome God”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- What did Jacob pray to God?
- Why did Jacob pray?
- How did God answer Jacob’s prayer?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By trusting God instead of fearing men.
- By confessing his need for God.
- By relying on God’s promises in prayer.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 32.
Memory Verse: “And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed’” (Genesis 32:28).
Title: God Chooses Jacob over Esau
Passage: Genesis 25:21–26; 27:1–29
Principle: God sovereignty chooses whomever He wants to accomplish His purposes.
Praise: “God Will Take Care of You”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
What were the names of the twins born to Isaac and Rebekah?
Which brother did God choose to receive the birthright?
How did Jacob steal the inheritance?
How was God gracious to Jacob?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
By patiently waiting for God’s timing.
By not committing one sin to make up for another sin.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 25:21–26; 27:1–29.
Next Week: Genesis 32
Title: Jacob Wrestles with God
Memory Verse: “The LORD said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb…and the older shall serve the younger’” (Genesis 25:23).
This week our lesson was about God’s testing of Abraham by telling him to sacrifice his son Isaac and Abraham’s faith in God’s promise to give him many descendants through Isaac. We have such a short time and this is a lesson that is difficult to understand. Please discuss this lesson with your child. We really stressed that God wants us to love Him more than anything or anyone else and this is what God was teaching Abraham. We also learned about Abraham’s great faith and obedience. See the Family Discussion Page below to help with your discussion.
Title: God Tests Abraham
Passage: Genesis 22:1–19; Hebrews 11:17–19
Principle: God calls Christians to trust Him completely and above all else.
Points for Application: Expect God to test your faith, Obey God’s Word no matter the cost, Trust that God will help you obey, Pray for God’s help in times of testing.
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- How did God test Abraham’s faith?
- Did Abraham trust God to provide the sacrifice?
- Did Abraham love God more than he loved Isaac?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By obeying God’s Word, no matter what the cost.
- By trusting God to help him/her obey.
- By praying for God’s help in times of testing.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 22:1–19; Hebrews 11:17–19.
Next Week: Genesis 25:21–26; 27:1–29
Memory Verse: “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness” (Genesis 15:6).
Blessings,
Kari Watkins
Discussion Guide for 11/21 – 11/27
So many of our recent lessons have focused on God’s faithfulness to keep his promises. This week we saw God fulfill His promise to Abraham in giving Him Isaac. We still see God fulfilling His promises to us every day. As you enjoy this Thanksgiving week, may you, as a family, rest and rejoice in the promises of God. He is faithful and He keeps His promises!
Title: God Sends Baby Isaac
Passage: Genesis 21:1–14
Principle: God always keeps His promises.
Praise: “Praise Him, Praise Him”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- Who was the special baby promised to Abraham?
- Why was Isaac’s birth a miracle?
- How did Ishmael treat Isaac?
- Where were Ishmael and Hagar sent?
- In what ways can you trust God?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By trusting God to keep His promises
- By patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promises
- By keeping the promises he has made.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 21:1–14.
Next Week: Genesis 22:1–19; Hebrews 11:17–19
Memory Verse: “And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken” (Genesis 21:1).
Thankfully His!
Kari Watkins
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Discussion Guide for 11/14 – 11/20
Title: God Judges Sodom and Gomorrah
Passage: Genesis 18:16–19:29
Principle: God hates and judges sin.
Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- Why was God going to punish the people of Sodom and Gomorrah?
- Why did Abraham ask God to save the good people in Sodom?
- Who warned Lot to leave the city?
- How did God punish Sodom and Gomorrah?
- Whom did God save from judgment?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By obeying God’s Word and listening to His warnings.
- By turning from sin.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 18:16–19:29.
Next Week: Genesis 21:1–14
Memory Verse: “And the LORD said, ‘Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know’” (Genesis 18:20–21).
Discussion Guide for 11/6 – 11/13
Title: Abraham and Sarah Doubt God
Passage: Genesis 16:1–6; 17:15–21; 18:1–15
Principle: Nothing can stop God’s plans.
Praise: “Father Abraham”*
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- What did God promise Abraham and Sarah?
- How old were Abraham and Sarah?
- Did they believe God’s promise?
- Did God fulfill His promise through Sarah or through Hagar?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By trusting God’s promises, even if they seem impossible.
- By being patient for God to fulfill His promises.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 16:1–6; 17:15–21; 18:1–15.
Next Week: God Judges Sodom and Gomorrah
*Replace “so let’s just praise the Lord” with “if Jesus is our Lord.”
Memory Verse: “I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her” (Genesis 17:16).
Discussion Guide for 10/30 – 11/6
Title: God Makes a Promise to Abram
Passage: Genesis 11:27–12:9
Principle: God keeps His promises.
Praise: “Trust and Obey”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- What did Abram worship before God called him?
- Did Abram follow the Lord?
- What did God promise Abram?
- What blessing did God promise Abram?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By turning from sin.
- By turning from pride.
- By being humble and obeying the Lord.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 11:27–12:9.
Next Week: Genesis 16:1–6; 17:15–21; 18:1–15
Memory Verse: “Now the LORD had said to Abram…‘I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed’” (Genesis 12:1–3).
Discussion Guide for 10/23 – 10/30
Title: God Judges the Nations at Babel
Passage: Genesis 11:1–9
Principle: God will judge those who do not obey His commands.
Praise: “In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- What did God command the people to do?
- Why did the people build the tower?
- Why did God confuse the languages?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By turning from pride.
- By being humble and obeying the Lord.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 11:1–9.
Next Week: Genesis 11:27–12:9
Memory Verse: “So the LORD scattered them abroad from there
over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city” (Genesis 11:8).
Discussion Guide for 10/10 – 10/16
Title: God Preserves Noah
Passage: Genesis 8:1–9:17
Principle: God is loving and keeps His promises.
Praise: “What a Mighty God We Serve”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- How did Noah respond to God’s grace?
- What covenant did God make with mankind?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By submitting to God as Ruler.
- By trusting that God will always do what He says.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 8:1–9:17.
Next Week: Genesis 11:1–9
Memory Verse:“The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it
to remember the everlasting covenant between God and
every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth” (Genesis 9:16).
Discussion Guide for 10/2 – 10/9
Title: Cain Rebels against God
Passage: Genesis 4:1–15
Principle: God will punish sinful attitudes and actions.
Praise: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
- What offerings did Cain and Abel bring to God?
- How did God respond to the two offerings?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
- By repenting from sin.
- By serving the Lord with gladness.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 4:1–15.
Next Week: Genesis 6:5–7:24
Memory Verse: “And the LORD respected Abel and his offering,
but He did not respect Cain and his offering” (Genesis 4:4–5).
Parent Resource for 9/28 – 10/1:
Title: Man Rebels against God
Passage: Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–24
Principle: God will punish those who do not obey Him.
Praise: “Praise Him, Praise Him”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
What did God command Adam and Eve to do?
How did Adam and Eve sin against God?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
By obeying God in everything that he does.
By trusting God in all things.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–24.
Next Week: Genesis 4:1–15
Memory Verse: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying,
‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the
knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day
that you eat of it you shall surely die’” (Genesis 2:16–17).
Parent Resource for 9/18 – 9/24
Title: God Creates Man and Woman
Passage: Genesis 1:26–29; 2:7, 18–24
Principle: God created man to worship Him.
Praise: “My God Is So Great”
Prompt: Ask your child these questions:
• Who made Adam and Eve?
• Why did God make man?
Practice: Help your child apply these truths in the following ways:
• By obeying God, who made us
• By worshiping God, who made us.
This Week: As a family, read Genesis 1:26–29; 2:7, 18–24.
Next Week: Genesis 2:15–17; 3:1–24
Memory Verse: “So God created man in His own image;
in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them.” -Genesis 1:27
