Jan. 21, 2013

Dear Parents,

We had a special guest come to Children’s Church and sing in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. Miss Johnetta sang “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” for us. It was beautiful. She talked to the kids about the importance of doing what God calls us to do in order to make a different in the world for the Lord, like Dr. King did. After one of the children complimented her on her singing, she told them she is just God’s instrument, “a harmonica sitting on the shelf,” for God to use for His glory. The kids invited her to come back and sing and share again.

Also in Children’s Church, the kids reviewed the timeline to Moses parting the Red Sea. We reenacted the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. They were free from captivity at last. But we saw that they still found things to complain about, just like we do. But the Israelites were saved and God was with them. Let’s see what happens next  learned in Sunday School.

Count to 10 with your kids. Ask them to name one rule that you follow in your house. Ask and see if they know why they have that rule. Help your kids see the importance of rules for keeping order. Ask what they remember about the story they heard in The Gospel Project for Kids about God giving the commandments.

God had redeemed His people from slavery in Egypt. People who have been redeemed demonstrate their love for the Redeemer thorough obedience. By giving the Ten Commandments, God showed His standard for holiness. But the people could not obey the commandments perfectly; God used the law to show that people needed a Savior. God provided that Savior ultimately through the person of Jesus Christ.

Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Exodus 19:1-20; 31:18, 32:1-35

Big Picture Question: Why did God give His people the Ten Commandments? God gave rules to show how to love Him and others.

 Key passage: “And God spoke all these words, saying,

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.”

            Exodus 20:1-17

 Christ Connection: God made a covenant with His people: “If you obey Me, you will be My people” (Exodus 19:5-6). But the people did not obey God. They sinned against God, and Moses asked God to forgive them. Moses acted as their mediator, or advocate, before God. When we sin, Jesus is our mediator. Through Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins. God is pleased with us because He looks at Jesus, who never sinned.

 Family task: Play “What If…” and list or draw your thoughts. Choose one of the Ten Commandments and think about what life would be like if everyone lived as it says- perhaps the command to remember the Sabbath, keeping it holy, or the command not to covet. Do you think we will need the Ten Commandments in heaven? (See Hebrews 10:16 and Jeremiah 31:33-34).

Next week's lesson:  Exodus 35:4-40:38