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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Acts 9:1-19
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Acts 9:1-19
As we returned to Acts this week, we looked at the sovereign grace of God, the advance of the Gospel, and the embrace of the Church. The story of Paul’s life and conversion reminds us that it is God alone who saves his people through Jesus Christ alone. If Paul, who hated Jesus and persecuted the Church, could be saved than we can have hope for all the people in our lives. The Gospel is for all people, even those who we think to be too lost to be saved. No matter what someone’s background is, or what their previous sins are, when they embrace the Gospel we will welcome them to the family with rejoicing!
Family Discussion Questions:
- What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage? (Look back at your Sermon Notes for help remembering!)
- How does monergism affect the way you think about your own salvation?
- How does your thinking need to change in regard to the power of the Gospel and the impact it has in our community?
- Are you prepared to embrace anyone into the family of Christ when they get saved (like Ananias embraced Saul)? Why or why not?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your normal routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose one night a week to go over all five, do a couple questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter. Model for your children how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Other Scriptures:
- Acts 7:58; 8:1,3; 9:13-15, 17
- Matthew 1:21; 13:33
- 1 Timothy 1:15-16
- Jonah 2:9
- Romans 12:4-5
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. These are also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
INVISIBLE: We cannot see God because God is spirit. God makes himself known to us through many means, but ultimately he has made himself visible through Jesus.
Parent Tip:
We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
FAMILY: Pray for the spiritual growth and maturity of your immediate family members as well as your extended family.
Parent Tip:
Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy!Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and serephim falling down before Thee,
Who was and is and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
Got in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Parent Tip:
Each month we highlight a different song for you to sing together. Singing is an integral part of worship! Singing as a family helps teach the kids how to worship at church, and as they learn more songs, they will be able to participate more on Sunday mornings. You can practice your songs in the car, at the dinner table, when you wake up, or at bedtime! You can also check out our playlist on Spotify and sing along with your favorite worship songs.
Memory Verse:
John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Parent Tip:
This is the same memory verse that the whole church is learning and it rotates monthly. Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
New City Catechism:
Question 8: What is the law of God stated in the Ten Commandments?
Answer: You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not covet.
