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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Titus 3:3-7
NEXT WEEK'S SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:10-14
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Titus 3:3-7
MAIN POINTS: 1. The Foolishness of Sin 2. The Appearing of Our God and Savior 3. The Gift of Regeneration
During week three of our Advent series, we will look at the carol, O Holy Night. This carol divides history into two distinct parts - a time of sin and error pining, and a time of hope and rejoicing. It is the appearance of Jesus that brought hope into the world!
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. What is the biblical definition of sin? How does that definition compare to the world’s definition of ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’?
3. What significance does the appearance of Jesus have on world history?
4. What is regeneration and how does it happen?
5. What are the different ways the sermon talked about Christ appearing to us?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your regular routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose to go over all five on one night a week, do a couple of 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 on 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
- Romans 1:25b
- John 1:14a
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. This is also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
MERCIFUL God withholds the punishment we deserve. Because of our sin, we deserve death; but God made a way to justly pay for our sin and offer us salvation. Jesus paid the death penalty for us so that our sins can be forgiven.
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 Spend some time this week praying for those in your family who have no yet had their eyes opened to see the beauty of the Gospel - that God would grant them the gift of salvation.
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:
MONTHLY SONG:
Silent Night
Silent Night, Holy Night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon virgin,
mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent Night, Holy Night,
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from Heaven above,
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
Silent Night, Holy Night,
Son of God, Love’s pure light,
Radiant beams from Thy Holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
Memory Verse:
Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
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:
Questions 4: What is God?
Answer: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
