ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES
Did You Know?
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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.
God’s Spirit Unifies Us Part of The Big God Story Acts 1—2
After the Holy Spirit comes, the new believers join together as one and model God’s love for one another. The Holy Spirit gives them power to be unified in their love for one another.
Just for Fun
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Younger Kids
4.1
• Prior to Pentecost, God’s Spirit was with people but did not reside within them because of sin. • Jesus’ death and resurrection allowed us to be forgiven from sin, making it possible for His Spirit to live within us. • The indwelling of the Holy Spirit served as a unifying force for the new church. • The Holy Spirit brought the church together and allowed them to practice loving one another as Jesus had commanded.
Remember Verse for the environment of MODELING
Many of the qualities you desire for your child to develop are learned by watching those around her. As you work with your spouse to cooperatively parent your child, you’re modeling unity in your home.
Older Kids Your child will likely respond to those with different backgrounds or situations in the way he sees you respond. Be sure to highlight the strength of the church that comes from the unity of believers.
Teachable Moments
But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:5–6 (NLT)
After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • What happened after the disciples received the Holy Spirit? • How did the early church model God’s love for one another? • How can we show love to others?
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), through the power of the Holy Spirit, may you model God’s love through your unity with and love for other believers. © 2013 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.