Numbers 7:1-12; 20:1-12,14; 21:4-9

In Children’s Church, we enjoyed another visit from Miss Johnetta. She shared a story about Samuel Morris and how he encouraged many to not only follow Christ but go out into the world and share Christ. She sang a song about God’s Word entitled, “You Have A Way With Words.”  God Word is so powerful and sweet. I pray that the children are growing to love and enjoy the Bible. Hoping God is giving them understanding and they are going home and reading this “Love Letter from God.”

To review what we learned in Sunday School last week, some of our children became actors and reenacted the story of the 12 spies going into the Promised Land. We remembered that only Joshua and Caleb trusted God to go in and take the land. Because of Joshua’s obedience and trust in God, he gets to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land at the end of 40 years. Fast forward to the New Testament. Did you know that Joshua is the Hebrew name for Jesus? Jesus obeyed and trusted God so that we could go into the Promised Land of eternity. God loves us so much that he made a way for us to be with Him forever even though we are disobedient. Jesus is the Way!!!

 In Sunday School, your kids learned about the aftermath of Israel’s sin when they were wandering in the wilderness. God had given the people and opportunity to obey, but again they chose not to. After much grumbling from the Israelites, God sent poisonous snakes into the ranks of the nation. God, in His gracious wisdom, gave them a way of escaping the results of the snake bite. Sin comes with consequences, but God always provides a way of salvation.

Because of our sin, we face a huge problem. Our sin leads us to be separated from God, and we deserve to die. Just like the Israelites who were healed from the poison snake bite when they looked at the snake on the pole, those who choose to see Jesus on the cross and trust in Him, will be saved from their sin.

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

 Bible Passage: Numbers 7:1-12; 20:1-12,14; 21:4-9

Big Picture Question: What happens when people repent from sin? Sin comes with consequences, but God provides the way of salvation.

 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: The Israelites faced a huge problem because of their sin. God sent snakes to punish them. Anyone who was bitten could look at the snake on the pole and not die. Because of our sin, we face a huge problem; we are separated from God. We deserve to die. Anyone who looks to Jesus on the cross and trusts in Him will be saved and be made right with God.

 Family task: The Israelites complained in the wilderness. Think about what people complain about. Parents, do you complain during rush-hour traffic? Kids, do you complain about doing your chores or homework? Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This week, make a game to see who can recite Philippians 4:4 the fastest when someone complains. Turn complaints into rejoicing by focusing on God!

 Next week's lesson:  Numbers 22:1-24:25