What did you say???
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Parent’s Corner- November 20, 2022
“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. . . that is until my husband spoke those words. “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. . .
2/3s- The Story of Elisha and Naaman
Scripture- 2 Samuel 15
Lesson Truth- God made Naaman well again.
Aims for the Children- to do at least one of the following during this lesson:
Talk about times when they’ve been sick
Tell who helped Naaman when he was sick
Tell who helps them recover from sickness
Pray for someone who is sick
4s-5th Grade- Israel Rejects God’s Prophet and Priest
Scripture- Numbers 16-17
Principle- We should obey and respect the leadership that God has established.
Ask Your Child- Why did the people complain?
Apply- By valuing the leadership God has put in his life.
This Week- As a family, read Numbers 16-17
Next Week- Christmas Lessons 1 of 3
Children’s Church- God Punishes Judah
Scripture- 2 Kings 21:1–18; 24:1–25:30
Principle- God hates and punishes all sin.
Ask Your Child- What did god promise would happen after Israel repented?
Apply- By hating sin as God does.
This Week- 2 Kings 21:1–18; 24:1–25:30
Next Week- Matthew 1