Parent’s Corner- November 21, 2021

 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

Never read a Bible verse.

What just went through your mind when you read the previous sentence?  Shock?  Confusion? Questioning the author’s credibility? Hope that there would be a good point to be made. . . at least there had better be?!?

All of those same thoughts went through my mind when my husband spoke those words in front of an elementary Sunday school class we were teaching.  We were newer to the church and had been asked to fill in for the regular teacher.  We were excited for the opportunity to do so!  As we were preparing the lesson, my husband told me he had the introduction under control.  “Don’t worry,” he said.  “I just have something I feel led to share before we get to the lesson.  It will only take a minute.”  

“Never read a Bible verse.”

Heads snapped to attention.  Drawings stopped.  Eyes widened, and my heart started pounding.  I could already see it in the eyes of many, “Who is this guy, and what is he saying?  Never read a Bible verse? I can’t wait to tell my parents about this one!” I was certain we would never be asked to do anything like this again, especially given that many in church leadership had kids in this class!

“Never read a Bible verse.  On its own.  Never read a Bible verse on its own.  Always know the context, always know the audience, and always know the bigger picture in which it rests.”

Oh, the relief that washed over my mind and heart!   Once the initial shock dissipated, I was able to realize the truth of his statement. . . that all Scripture works together to convey God’s greater message.  The pieces and parts that we are so quick to pull apart actually work best when they work together, as part of a larger whole.

Each week as I write of the scripture passages and lessons covered in the classes in Children’s Ministry, remember to view them as parts of a whole.  Every three years, our children’s classes cycle through the Bible in its entirety, with the prayer that the children would learn about the pieces and parts, as well as the whole.  

Try out this statement on your kids this week. . . it might prove to be a good laugh, as well as a good teaching opportunity. 

This Week in Sunday School. . . 

2s/3s- Jonah

Scripture- Jonah 1-3

Lesson Truth- God sees us and cares for us everywhere.

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

• Affirm that God sees us everywhere

• Identify illustrations of obedience and disobedience 

4s-5th Grade-  God Promises to Send the Messiah, Part 2

Scripture-  Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2

Principle- Jesus is the Messiah

Ask your Child- Who are the prophets?

Apply- By humbly obeying Christ, the King

This Week- As a family, read Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:18-25, 2:1-12

Next Week-  Luke 1:5-25, 57-67, 76-79

Children’s Church- God gives the Ten Commandments

Scripture-  Exodus 20

Principle-  God’s standards are perfect.

Ask Your Child- Why did God give laws to the Israelites?

Apply- By loving God more than anything else.

This Week- As a family, read Exodus 20

Next Week- Exodus 25-31