ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES For Sunday, March 27, 2016
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. HomeFront Magazine: A Spiritual Parenting Resource This monthly magazine gives your family ideas for creating fun, spiritually forming times in your home—setting aside sacred space in the midst of your active, everyday lives. Visit www.HomeFrontMag.com to subscribe to the print edition or to have a digital copy sent directly to your inbox.
THE BIG GOD STORY The Big God Story (Easter Celebration) Genesis—Revelation The climax of The Big God Story comes at Easter, when we celebrate Jesus’ work at the cross and His triumph over sin and death as He rose again.
Spring Lesson 4
DID YOU KNOW? • When Eve, and ultimately Adam, chose to listen to the serpent and eat the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), sin entered the world. • The wages, or payment, for sin is death (Romans 6:23). In the Old Testament, sacrifices were offered regularly to temporarily cover sin until the ultimate sin sacrifice would come. • Christ came to put an end to these sacrifices. He led a perfect life, died on a cross for our sins, and conquered sin and death by rising again. • Because Jesus lives, our sins can be forgiven, and we can be reconciled with God (John 14:19).
REMEMBER VERSE Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3
JUST FOR FUN
TEACHABLE MOMENTS
After reading your child(ren)’s favorite book, ask why they like that story. Talk about the beginning and the end of the story. Does the story have a villain or a hero? Jesus is the hero of The Big God Story. Read Mark 16. How did the disciples react when they heard Jesus was alive? What happened to Jesus after He met with the disciples? He returned to heaven, where He sits with God. He’s waiting for each of us to make the choice to be a part of His big story. Pray, thanking God that He kept His promise.
After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • Who is the Redeemer? Why did God promise to send Him? • What is your favorite part of The Big God Story? • How does it feel to know that you have a part to play in The Big God Story?
BLESSING
YOUNGER KIDS
For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
While Easter baskets and holiday meals can be fun traditions, it’s important that the true reason for the Easter holiday remains at the forefront of our celebrations. Remind your children that on Easter, we remember the new life Jesus gives us. That’s something to celebrate!
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), May God fill you with His love and joy and life this week. May you be a blessing to others.
OLDER KIDS Talk to your older child about his part of The Big God Story. What are some of the gifts and passions God has given him? Where does he feel God is calling him to do something unexpected? Encourage your child to explore God’s unique call on his life.
© 2015 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.