In North Pointe Kids ministry, we work hard to equip children to have a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Part of this is designing engaging age-appropriate classes each Sunday morning that focus on a Bible story and how it connects with Jesus. 

While we love this time, we realize it‘s only one hour on Sunday. The greatest opportunity for faith development happens Monday through Saturday – at home, with you! This is why our goal is to partner with you as a parent as you disciple your children. 

ME + GOD

To equip you to engage your child on these topics, check out the information below. We encourage you to read through it to go deeper with God yourself before talking with your child. This part isn’t for the kids, it‘s for YOU. We look forward to seeing your family on Sunday!

Preparing for 1.8.23

Peace and security are words often heard in the whirlwind of our news cycles. They are used as ideas or desires that require work to achieve. They are used in the negative sense of not being a current reality. They are used as the aim, answer, or solution to the world’s problems.

Though the idea of peace and security are not foreign to our vernacular, they are most certainly foreign to much of our world’s reality. It is hard to find a pocket of the earth that might be described with these terms. Rather, what is most often found is chaos and fear.

When we understand the true impact of sin on the world, this comes as no surprise. It’s not shocking to see the news of war and violence. It does not bring amazement to hear of murder and strife. There is no astonishment at the experience of disappointment or pain because we know that we live in a world riddled with sin and its implications.

Read the words of Zechariah 14:11. What comes to mind? “People will live there, and never again will there be a curse of complete destruction. So Jerusalem will dwell in security.”

Are you struck by the thought of such a place that could be described as secure? Are you left longing for that to be your reality? Are you doubtful that this could ever be a reality?

Ultimately, this is a promise that is sure to happen. This promise is reiterated in Deuteronomy 7:7-9:

“The Lord had his heart set on you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors, he brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps his gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commands.”

This promise was for God’s people then, and it is for all who follow Jesus today as well. This peace and security is ours in Christ. As sure as Christ has come, lived, died, and risen, so can we find rest that this promise is true and this day will come

PEOPLE  TO KNOW

Zechariah: prophet who encouraged God’s people to finish rebuilding the temple. He also encouraged the people to rebuild their relationship with God and worship Him

THINGS TO PONDER

  • What do you think of when you consider the words “peace” and “security”?
  • Have you ever found yourself wanting these?
  • Why do people on earth struggle to experience these?

WAYS TO WORSHIP

  • Worship Songs:
  • Take a walk with your kids this week and look for ways God has blessed us through nature.
  • Talk with your children about God’s creation. Ask which are their favorite animals, plants, etc.
  • Make a list of God’s promises in the Bible and hang it up in your home.
  • Write down individual prayer requests and reasons to praise God on a sticky note and put them in a jar. Open them up once a month and talk about how God is answering prayers.
  • Brainstorm ways with your kids about how they can love on other people. Explain to them that because God loves us, He expects us to love other people.
    • Consider ways to show love to your neighbors.

GET READY FOR SUNDAY

As the KidMin Krew prepares engaging lessons for this coming Sunday morning, now is the time to get to know the story and the topics they’ll be discussing.

Unit 17 • Session 2 • January 8, 2023

ZECHARIAH GAVE HOPE

UNIT DESCRIPTION: God’s time of disciplining His people had been completed, and true to His word, He returned them to the land of promise. Once there, they began to rebuild the temple—the important reminder that God was with them, that He is faithful, and that He can always be trusted. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Can God be trusted? Yes, God cannot lie or ever be wrong, so we can trust whatever He has said.

CHRIST CONNECTION: Zechariah spoke a message of hope to God’s people. God would one day set up a new and better kingdom with a new and better King. God kept His promise by sending Jesus. Because of Jesus, we can have hope and forgiveness of sins by trusting in Him.

THIS WEEK’S KEY PASSAGES (click to read):

CAR RIDE CONVERSATIONS

This is a critical moment. Before the rest of the day distracts him or her, use these questions to create a moment between parent and child, one that will take your discipleship relationship to the next level.

  1. Did you guys talk about the question “Can God be trusted?” today”? What did you learn about that question?
  2. What did you learn about a guy named Zechariah?
  3. How did Zechariah bring hope to the people in the story?
  4. Is there any part of your life that needs to have hope?
  5. How does Jesus bring hope?

WE WANT MORE

For those families who’d like to take a deeper dive on this topic, click the link below. It will take you to some fantastic follow up resources!

Let’s Go!