Endurance Produced Faith

Introductory thought: The storm may be the same for all of us, but our responses to it are unique.

Question 1: Read James 1:1-4. Pastor Josh explained that in verse 2, where James writes, “whenever you fall into various trials,” he is talking about when we are in the “throes of” a trial, and we are completely covered in it. Pastor Josh asked: By what are you allowing yourself to be wholly encompassed? Is it some word that has been broadcast on the news or social media? Is it something a doctor has said? List healthy means by which you can cover yourself.

Question 2: In verse 3 we read that faith produces endurance. Pastor Josh said that the word endurance is to remain under. This means that through faith we gain capacity to shoulder weight. Pastor Josh strongly encouraged us that trials do not come to see if faith exists, but they test the guts (strength) of faith. Is there something through a specific trial you have learned to shoulder its weight? How has God helped in strengthening you to do so?

Question 3: Pastor Josh said that based on verse 4, as endurance grows, there is a perfecting work taking place within us; the aim here is maturity. Pastor Josh cautioned us not to squander these moments, but to take this time as an opportunity to flood our minds with faith-building encouragement. Find, consider, and write Scriptures by which you can “flood your mind.” Here are a few to get you started: Psalm 46:1, Hebrews 13:20-21, Proverb 3:5-6, Isaiah 26:3-4, and Psalm 121:1-2.

Question 4: Looking back at verse 2, we read, “Consider it pure joy…” Joy is not an emotional reaction but a deliberate attitude or expression of the heart while going through a struggle. Pastor Josh encouraged us to navigate these days with joy. Read the Bible and ask God for understanding. What is this unique test producing in you?

Wrap-Up Thought:  Be responsible to your faith while it is being tested.

Early Childhood | Week of March 29

Bible Story

Jesus was teaching friends one day and told them there were two people that owed a man money. Click here for the reading of the Bible story!

  • One person owed the man a lot of money.
  • The second person owed the man a little bit of money.
  • But both of the men that owed money couldn’t pay it back.
  • The man that the people owed money to chose to say, “You don’t have to pay me back.” He forgave the people that owed him money.
  • The person that owed just a little tiny bit of money was happy that the man forgave him. Maybe he smiled. Show me your happy smile.
  • The person that owed a lot of money was excited, super happy, and maybe he danced and cheered. Show me an excited, super happy dance.
  • There was a woman there with Jesus and his friends that was happy to be forgiven, too. She was so happy, she washed Jesus’ feet with sweet smelling perfume.
  • When people know they are forgiven, it makes them happy.
  • I am happy God forgives me.

Prayer

Pray this Prayer: Dear God, I am so happy You forgive me. I am so super excited You love me. Amen.

Activities

Activity: My Shoes

  • Use four pairs of adult shoes or ask the kids to take off their shoes. Put the shoes in a pile on the floor. Tell the kids to find shoes that are not theirs and hold them.
  • You have shoes that are not your own. Do you think it would be fair to keep shoes that are not yours? No, you should find who the shoes belong to.
  • Guide the kids to help give the shoes to the person they belong to.
  • If you take something on purpose that belongs to someone else, we hope they’ll be kind to you and forgive you.
  • Our Bible story today is about how God will forgive you.

Activity: Spending Money

  • Set up a play store with paper play money for the kids to pretend with. Add things like plastic play food, a cash register, and paper grocery bags.
  • When you play store, you can tell someone how much money they need to pay. Did the person who owed a lot of money in our Bible story have to pay it back? No, he didn’t. The man forgave him.
  • Did the person who owed just a little bit of money have to pay it back? No, he didn’t. The man forgave him, too.
  • Were the people happy the man forgave them? Yes, they were happy.
  • I am happy God forgives me.

Snack Time

Snack Time: Sweet Smelling Oranges – Help the kids peel their own mandarin oranges for a snack. As you’re peeling, point out that these oranges smell so sweet and nice just like the nice smelling perfume in our Bible story today.

Bonus Lesson Videos

Video: Bible Theater

  • Watch this video with your kids
  • What did the woman put on Jesus’ feet? Nice smelling perfume.
  • Why did the woman put perfume on Jesus’ feet? She wanted to show Jesus she was so happy Jesus forgave her.
  • Does God forgive you? Yes! God forgives all of us.
  • Check out this video for a fun song on forgiveness from Veggietales

Connect with Us!

We would love to hear from you this week! Let’s use social media to help us stay connected. Share your discussion conversations, completed crafts or coloring sheets, or snap a pic of your family dancing to this month’s worship song.

Elementary | Week of March 29

Welcome to Grow Kids Elementary Online! We believe that God has something for each of you this morning as you continue to grow at home.

DISCUSSION

  • Why were the people in the story mad at the woman?
  • Why do you think the woman was so happy and grateful to be around Jesus?
  • Why did Jesus tell the story of the two men who owed different amounts of money?
  • Read Romans 3:23. Who needs God’s forgiveness?
  • How does it feel when you know you’ve done something wrong or hurt someone?
  • Describe a time when you needed forgiveness.
  • Why do you think forgiveness is important?

ACTIVITY

No matter how good we are, we still mess up. When we think about it, we can all think
of things we do that hurt God and hurt people and even hurt ourselves. So, we need
forgiveness, don’t we? This is why our Big Idea today is so important. God forgives me
and God forgives you, too!

When we are mean to our siblings, we don’t listen to our parents, or we lie and cheat we hurt God and hurt people. But God wants to forgive us. Think of something that you need to ask God to forgive. Use a marker to write it on a tissue. Place the tissue into a bowl of water and watch the sin wash away. Take a moment to thank God for forgiving our sins and washing us clean.

Using the list below, think about each situation and talk through them with your parents/child. Together, describe what you would say and/or do to show true forgiveness in each of these situations.

  • Your sibling broke your favorite toy
  • Your friend didn’t stick up for you when someone teased you
  • Your friend made fun of your new haircut
  • Your parents accidentally threw away something you’ve been collecting for months
  • Someone bumped into you and caused you to spill milk all over yourself
  • A classmate took all the credit for your group project when it was actually your idea
  • Your sibling tattled on you to your parents and you got in trouble
  • Your best friend started hanging out with the new kid and spends less time with you

Ask: Which of these situations would be the hardest for you to forgive? Which one would be the easiest?

PRAYER

God, thank You for forgiving us. We are sorry for the things we do that make You sad. We are
sorry for the times we are mean or we lie or we cheat. Thank You for always forgiving us and
helping us stay away from the things that do not please You and for teaching us how to forgive others like you forgive us. In Jesus name, Amen!

We would love to hear from you this week! Let’s use social media to stay connected. Share your discussion conversations, completed crafts or coloring sheets, or snap a pic of your family dancing to this month’s worship song and tag Grow Kids!

Psalm 23

Introductory thought:  Our greatest source of confidence and peace is the one true God.

Question 1:   Pastor Josh read Psalm 23 using the Holman Christian Standard Bible.  His focus began with verse 1, “The Lord is my shepherd…”  Culturally speaking, good shepherds talk to their sheep.  Sheep will go where they hear the voice of their shepherd.  How bent is your ear to hear the voice of your Shepherd?

Question 2:  In verse 2, Pastor Josh emphasized the word, lets (some Bible versions say, makes). God lets us lie down, and He leads us to still waters.  God brings us to places where we can be nourished and satisfied.  Throughout the pandemic and the practice of social distancing, many have been brought to a new place.  Pastor Josh mentioned “sweet spots” where we are reminded of God’s peace and rest.  For his family, catching a beautiful sunset while driving down a country road near Mill Hollow, God ministered peace to them.  Name a “sweet spot” that refreshes you and renews your peace.

Question 3: In verse 3 we read, “He renews my life…”  Pastor Josh referenced one translation interpreting this as, “He cleans my liver…”  He further explained that physiologically, the liver is our body’s filter.  As we listen to our Shepherd and walk down the paths to which He has lead us, stuff gets filtered out of our lives.  This is for our good!  Name something that has been filtered out of your life over the past few weeks.  Do you view this as a good thing in the long run?

Question 4:  Verse 4 says, “Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff – they comfort me.”  Pastor Josh explained that these two tools are used for good.  In the context of a shepherd and his sheep, the rod is used to fend off attackers, and the staff pulls sheep in from danger.  Likewise, God fights our enemies and pulls us in toward safety.  How have you seen God fight for you?  In what way(s) have you felt God drawing you close to Him?

Question 5:  In the latter part of verse 5 we read, “… You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”  Pastor Josh said that this signifies honor and lavish generosity.  God’s not worried about running out of oil.  Recall a time when you experienced God’s lavish generosity.  What are some creative ways you can extend generosity to someone during this season of social distancing and self isolation?

Question 6:  “Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life…” are words we find in verse 6. Pastor Josh emphasized that the reality of confidence and peace only comes through relationship with Jesus Christ. Events going on around us are distractions from God’s love.  Yet His goodness and faithful love pursue us.  List ways God’s goodness and love pursue you.

Wrap-Up Thoughts:   

  • Not only do we have new life through Christ, we have confidence, peace, and rest.“
  • Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Elementary | Week of March 22

Hey there Grow Kids! Church looks a little different today but we know that God can use this time for us to grow at home!

DISCUSSION

  • What did the shepherd do when he lost one of his 100 sheep?
  • What did the woman who lost one of her ten coins do?
  • What did the father who lost one of his two sons do?
  • Re-read Psalm 23. What part in this Bible verse shows us God will never ever stop loving us? (Let the kids explain their answers, there are no right or wrong answers)
  • What are some ways you can see God’s love for you in your life?
  • What kinds of things could you do that might make God stop loving you?
  • How does knowing that God will never stop loving you make you feel towards God?

ACTIVITY

Ask the kids to trace one of their hands on black cardstock paper. After they cut it out, hold the hand upside down (with fingers pointed down) and punch a hole near the top (where the wrist would be) and loop a piece of yarn or string to it. Then, kids can glue cotton balls to both sides of the “palm” and “back” of the hand, leaving the fingers uncovered (these are the sheep’s legs). You can glue on googly eyes to the thumb, too (For a visual guide of what your craft might look like, look for a webpage like this one).

How awesome that Jesus is the kind of shepherd that doesn’t give up on any of His sheep! Hang up your sheep craft somewhere you can see it every day to remind you God will never stop loving you!

GAME

Like the traditional game of hide-and-seek, but with a slight twist! The person who is “it” is the shepherd, and everyone else are “sheep.” All the sheep go hide while the shepherd counts to ten with their eyes closed. Once the shepherd finds the rest of the sheep, the sheep joins the shepherd to help find the remaining sheep. Once the last sheep is found, everyone cheers and yells, “Yay! We found you!” Ask the last person found to be the new shepherd and repeat the activity as many times as you want.

  • When you were hiding, did you want someone to find you? Yes, you want someone to find you so you can play.
  • Did the shepherd look for the lost sheep in our Bible story? Yes, even one sheep was important to the shepherd.
  • Why did the shepherd look for the sheep? Because the shepherd loves the sheep!

PRAYER

God, thank You for always loving us no matter what. Help us to remember that even if
we mess up or find ourselves full of doubt, You still love us. And You will never stop.
Thank You for loving us nonstop! In Jesus name, Amen!

We would love to hear from you this week! Let’s use social media to stay connected. Share your discussion conversations, completed crafts or coloring sheets, or snap a pic of your family dancing to this month’s worship song.

Early Childhood | Week of March 22

Early Childhood:
● What was the same about all three stories? They are all about something that was lost!
● Did the owners of the lost items look for them? Yes! They wanted to find what they lost because
it was important to them.
● Are we lost? No, we aren’t lost! We are at home in (name of the city)! But sometimes, we wander
away from God by not doing things we know God wants us to do. When we do things like
disobey the people who take care of us or fight with our friends, it’s like we are lost. We forget
God wants us to always do the right thing and be close to God.
● But even when we do things that are not right, we have to remember to come back to God,
like the prodigal son did! Because God will never stop loving us and searching for us!

Ask the kids to trace one of their hands on black cardstock paper. After they cut it out, hold the hand upside down (with fingers pointed down) and punch a hole near the top (where the wrist would be) and loop a piece of yarn or string to it. Then, kids can glue cotton balls to both sides of the “palm” and “back” of the hand, leaving the fingers uncovered (these are the sheep’s legs). You can glue on googly eyes to the thumb, too (For a visual guide of what your craft might look like, look for a webpage like this one).

How awesome that Jesus is the kind of shepherd that doesn’t give up on any of His sheep! Hang up your sheep craft somewhere you can see it every day to remind you God will never stop loving you!

Like the traditional game of hide-and-seek, but with a slight twist! The person who is “it” is the shepherd, and everyone else are “sheep.” All the sheep go hide while the shepherd counts to ten with their eyes closed. Once the shepherd finds the rest of the sheep, the sheep joins the shepherd to help find the remaining sheep. Once the last sheep is found, everyone cheers and yells, “Yay! We found you!” Ask the last person found to be the new shepherd and repeat the activity as many times as you want.

  • When you were hiding, did you want someone to find you? Yes, you want someone to find you so you can play.
  • Did the shepherd look for the lost sheep in our Bible story? Yes, even one sheep was important to the shepherd.
  • Why did the shepherd look for the sheep? Because the shepherd loves the sheep!

We would love to hear from you this week! Let’s use social media to stay connected. Share your discussion conversations, completed crafts or coloring sheets, or snap a pic of your family dancing to this month’s worship song.

Note to Self

Introductory thought: Trust God even on days when life is disrupted.

Question 1:  Pastor Todd said, “Fear causes us to forget; faith causes us to remember.” Read Psalm 103:1-5. David reminds himself of some of God’s attributes in verses 3 to 5. Which of these do you need to remind yourself?

Question 2: In Psalm 103:13-17, we are reminded that our God knows us. Pastor Todd said that God knows we struggle and knows us well because He created us. With what do you struggle? God is near, and He is able.

Question 3: Pastor Todd spoke of God adorning us (see Psalm 103:4), beautifying us, and making us precious. God crowns us with loving kindness, and tender mercies. In light of recent events, some people may not feel so beautiful or precious. Tell of some form of compassion that has been extended toward you. Also, consider ways in which you can share kindness toward someone else.

Question 4: Pastor Todd emphatically encouraged us to settle in our hearts: I do not have to fear… because my God is able! This is not a question, but put what Pastor Todd said “on repeat” throughout the next several days. Speak it out loud to yourself and to others, as appropriate. Read 1 John 4:18 and remember God’s perfect love drives out fear.

Question 5: First, identify the storm in your life. It may be about the global pandemic, or it may be another storm, like dealing with broken relationships or poor finances. Recognize the storm that surrounds you. Second, based on Psalm 103, what do you need to say to yourself today? Lay down your fear, resist the struggle, and accept God’s love.

Wrap-Up Thought:  Let us declare that God is able and that He will bring us through the storm.

Despite The Circumstance

Introductory thought: Worship is more than singing praise; it is a highly underappreciated and unrealized power.

Question 1: Read Acts 16:18-24. Pastor Tim talked about how Paul and Silas didn’t do wrong; they set a girl free from demon possession. Yet they were stripped, beaten, and thrown in prison. Pastor Tim remarked, “They [Paul and Silas] had to be disillusioned.” Have you ever done something you thought would be for the good, and then have negative consequences develop because of it? If comfortable, share about that experience.

Question 2: In Acts 16:25, it reads, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…” (NKJV). Pastor Tim exclaimed, “But look what they did… they worshiped!” He continued by saying that even though we don’t understand where we are, we still trust Him for He is worthy. Talk about a time you didn’t understand the place where you were. Did you respond in worship? If you are currently in that place, turn to God and truly worship Him.

Question 3: Pastor Tim pointed out that in verse 26, the worst of what Paul and Silas experienced was transformed. Certain death became certain life. Pastor Tim said that when we worship in the dark, in utter hopelessness, God will use our praise to display His power. Identify something you formerly deemed hopeless but now is a source of God’s power, restoration, and grace.

Question 4: Pastor Tim directed us to consider our own “prison.” He added that when life becomes Hellish and everything seems impossible, and you worship amidst these places, God will show up. Name your current “prison.” Be honest with yourself in answering this: Will you worship anyway?

Wrap-Up Thought: Choose to trust Him even when you can’t see.

Behind the Shield

Introductory thought:  We are in a life-long process of discovering who God is.

Question 1:   Read Genesis 15:1-6.  The first thing the Lord said to Abram was, “Do not be afraid, Abram.”  Pastor Josh said that God’s desire is for His people not to give in to fear.  He also said that faith governs our lives, not the what-if’s.  Name a “what-if” that concerns you.  Then read the following sentence aloud, filling in the blank with your name:  Do not be afraid, _________.

Question 2:  The next thing the Lord said to Abram was, “I am your shield.”  Pastor Josh said that a shield covers, protects, deflects, and makes advancement possible.  God is your Guardian.  He is a very present help in time of need (see Psalm 46:1).  Pastor Josh emphasized that as often as situations arise, we are to take up our shield of faith.  He listed some examples of real life situations:  investment, retirement, raising children, talking to others about Jesus, confrontational conversation, and death.  Name a situation you’re facing (big or small).

Question 3:  Pastor Josh said that Abram was able to rest in God’s protection, eventually leading him to victory.  When victory doesn’t look like what you think it should, call on God and stand behind the shield.  Even when things don’t make sense, trust Him!  Name a time when your life situation simply did not make sense.  How did God bring victory to you?  Perhaps you are in a situation where you’re not sure how God is going to bring victory.  If comfortable, share this with someone and pray together about it.  Trust Him!

Question 4:  The third thing God spoke to Abram was that his reward will be exceedingly great.  Pastor Josh commented that there is nothing mediocre about God.  Our reward is not solely the things promised, but it is God’s presence.  During communion time at church, Pastor Josh talked about how receiving the elements is an opportunity to be in covenant with the Lord – just you and Him.  If it is available, have a small glass of juice and a form of bread to consume.  Enjoy some you and God alone time, in His presence.

Question 5:  Pastor Josh took time to discuss Abram’s wave of doubt.  “Look, You have given me no offspring…”  When we begin to doubt, God takes us on field trips.  In Abram’s case, God took him outside to view the stars.  Has your life seemed to be on a field trip?  Where has God taken you?  What has He shown you through that experience? 

Question 6:  After Abram’s field trip and conversation with God, he believed God.  Throughout Abram’s (Abraham’s) life, even when God seemed quiet, he still believed God.  And God credited Abram’s faith as righteousness.  Do you believe God?  Do you believe God in all life’s situations?

Question 7: How do you need God to be your shield?  Write it down, and then write:  I believe God.Wrap-Up Thought:   Life. Requires. Faith.