Do Over!

Parent’s Corner- January 6, 2019

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“Do Over!”

Have you heard these words called on the playground?  Typically, they are heard when one side or team feels slighted, when a particular call cannot be agreed upon, or where one participant is not thrilled with his or her performance.  Sometimes its uttered when the alternative is just too far gone to be salvaged. 

Sound familiar? Who does this bring to mind?  (Insert all-time favorite Sunday School answer- JESUS!)  Because of Jesus, we are able to “start over”.  Our sins can be cleansed, and we can stand forgiven before the Father. 

At this time of year, we often think of resolutions. . . those habits we can add or try to take away from our every day life.  The best part about God’s forgiveness is that it can happen at any time, and not just at the beginning of a calendar year. 

This is important for kids to hear as well.  They need to know that forgiveness is just a question away at any time.  They will make mistakes, as will we, but forgiveness is always ready and willing to be given when it is asked for.  Throughout the year, kids will read about people in the Bible who need forgiveness, ask for it, and receive it.  They need to know that they can too!  Any time is the right time for a “Do Over’ in God’s Book. 

This Week in Sunday School-

2/3s- Waiting- The Story of Simeon and Anna

Scripture- Luke 2:36-38

Aims for the Children- to do at least one of the following during this lesson:

1.     Wait to do something special

2.     Tell about something they’ve had to wait for

3.     Tell for whom Anna waited

4.     Sing songs of joy and praise to Jesus

4s-5th Grade- God’s sovereignty in the book of Ruth

Scripture- Ruth 1:1-4:22

Central Truth- God is sovereign to bless His people.

Lesson Objectives- students will be able to

1.     Explain the problems of Naomi and Ruth.

2.     List examples of obedience on the part of the characters.

3.     Describe how God resolved the problems of Naomi and Ruth.

4.     Explain the significance of the genealogy at the end of Ruth.

Key Verse- “Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel!” Ruth 4:14

Children’s Church- Jesus Defines Discipleship

Scripture- Matthew 16:13-17,21-27

Lesson Goal- Students will understand the cost of following Christ, deny themselves and follow Him.

Bible Truths-

1.     God the father revealed to Peter that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living. God.”  Matthew 16:16.

2.     Jesus rebuked Peter because Peter was not trusting God’s plan.

3.     Jesus calls disciples to deny themselves and follow Him.

Key Verse- “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  Matthew 16:24