April 3rd – 9th
This month in Sunday school we are discovering faith. The kids are learning that faith is trusting in what they can’t see because of what they can see.
Our memory verse is “Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1, NIRV
In this week’s story, Simon Peter and the other fisherman had been fishing all night without a catch. But when Jesus tells them to try again, their nets are so full they need help from another boat! When Peter saw how Jesus provided, he believed Jesus could be trusted and dropped everything to follow him.
Ask: Has Jesus provided your needs in the past? Has he sometimes answered a prayer in a different, but better way?
Pray: Dear God, thank you for all the many ways you provide for us and take care of us every day. Please help us believe what You say and remember the many ways we have seen You show up in our lives. And like Peter, help us to trust You enough to decide to follow You! Amen
Bottom line: When I see how God provides today, it helps me trust Him tomorrow.
April 10th – 16th
In this week’s story, Peter sees Jesus walking on water in a windstorm, When Jesus calls to Peter, He gives Peter the courage to step out of the boat onto the water. As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to experience something incredible regardless of the circumstances around him. But when he lost his focus on Jesus, he gave in to his fears and began to sink.
Ask: Have you ever experienced God’s power to be brave when you were scared?
Pray: God, there are so many things that can be scary. Please help us to trust Your love and care for us. Please help us to remember You are big enough and powerful enough to help us face our fears. Please help us to remember the many ways You have carried us though in the past, so that we can face our fears and trust in You. Amen.
Bottom line: When I experience what God can do, it helps me face my fears.
April 17th-23rd
John the Baptist had been jailed for preaching about God’s love. In this dark time, John is struggling with doubt that Jesus is really the Savior. He sends 2 of his disciples to go and ask Jesus for confirmation. John’s disciples return and tell John about all the miracles they say Jesus perform.
Ask: Why is it important to have faith in God?
Pray: Thank you God for sending your son, Jesus. When we wonder and have doubts about who Jesus is, please send people to tell us about the wonderful things that Jesus has done for them. And when we hear what Jesus has done for them, help us to truly believe who Jesus is. Amen.
Bottom Line: When I hear what Jesus has done, it helps me believe who Jesus is.
April 24-30th
This week, Nicodemus has questions about how he can have a relationship with God. Since Nicodemus is a religious leader and has been teaching people about God for years, he thinks he knows God. But Jesus’ teachings are unexpected and disagree with some of the religious traditions. Nicodemus learns that Jesus is the Savior and only through Him can we live with God.
Ask: How can you have faith in what you hope for, even if you can’t see Jesus?
Pray: God, thank you that living with You forever isn’t about what we do. Living forever with You is about what You did for us. It’s about believing that You sent Your Son, Jesus to die for our sins. Thank you Lord, that when we truly believe in Jesus we can have life forever with You. Help us to put our trust in You and follow You no matter what. Amen.
Bottom Line: When I believe who Jesus is, I’ll live with God forever.