ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church or download at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
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Younger Kids
Did You Know?
Your younger child can be highly self-critical. Continue to provide her with frequent, positive reinforcement and identity statements that aren’t based on performance.
• Much of the content of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians focuses on the believer’s identity in Christ. • Ephesus was the third most populated city in the Roman Empire. It was located on a bustling trade route. • The Ephesians were surrounded by Greek customs, so they were well-rooted in the lifestyle and culture of pagan worship.
God Calls Us His Own Part of The Big God Story Acts 19; Ephesians 1 Paul in Ephesus
n Just for renFu go to school, read
One morning, before your child a list of all the things the Ephesians 1:1–11 to them. Make st. Explain to your children Chri in with sed bles were ns Ephesia e each person share the that we’re also blessed in Christ. Hav right now. Then reread her to t mos the blessing that means tituting their names wherever verses 3–11 to your children, subs ind your kids that as they the passage says “us” or “we.” Rem t anyone else says, their wha er matt no day, the go through and beloved child of God. identity comes from being a chosen
Remember Verse for the environment of IDENTITY
Older Kids Your older child is developing a greater sense of self. The tendency may be for him to wrap up his identity in something he does (such as a sport or hobby). Be sure to encourage him by reminding him that who he is in Christ has nothing to do with his performance.
Teachable Moments
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
After reading Ephesians 1:1–11, discuss the following together: • How does it make you feel to know that God “chose [you] in Him before the creation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4)? • What are some words that describe our new identity in Christ? • How does knowing that you’re God’s child impact your life?
Blessing For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you know that through Jesus, you’ve been chosen to be God’s own, and He loves you just as you are. © 2014 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.