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 Designed Us for a Purpose Part of The Big God Story Acts 11:19–29; 14—15
Paul and Barnabas use their unique giftedness to share the good news of Jesus Christ with both Jews and Gentiles.
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As you read this part of The Big to show your children the in the back of your Bible or online) d in the passage. Read tione men are various places that s that Paul and Barnabas took Acts 14—15, and retrace the step those around them. while sharing Jesus with
Younger Kids
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• Barnabas and Paul were the first global missionaries, spreading God’s Word for hundreds of miles on foot! • Acts 11:26 tells us that during this first missionary journey, when Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, believers were first referred to as Christians.
Older Kids Your child can recognize how her gifts might be different from those of her friends. Discuss how important it is that in the body of Christ we use our different gifts together for the glory of God.
• Barnabas and Paul worked as a team and used their unique gifts to reach both the Jews and the Gentiles with the good news of Jesus. • Paul and Barnabas continued to tell others about Jesus Christ even though they experienced opposition.
Remember Verse for the environment of RESPONSIBILITY
Your child needs affirmation and positive reinforcement. This week, be intentional about reminding your child what his gifts are. Praise your child when you see him using those gifts to glorify God.
Teachable Moments
Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • If you could take a missionary journey anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?
• Do we know any people who don’t know Jesus? Who are they? • How might we share the good news of Jesus with those people?
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:
© 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.
(Child’s name), may you know that God has designed you for a specific purpose. Through the Holy Spirit, may you find strength in this knowledge. May you use the gifts God has given you for His glory.