Heart Connex Parents Page - December 21-24, 2011 - God's Perfect ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE December 21-24, 2011 God’s Perfect Timing—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: There are certain memories and traditions related to Christmas that are really special to me. The one that probably tops that list would be . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Genesis 3:15; Galatians 4:4-5; and 1 Peter 1:18-20. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God had a plan for our salvation and fulfilled it in His perfect time. Untruths • God was basically caught by surprise when Adam and Eve sinned. • Jesus’ birth really wasn’t part of any “bigger plan.” • God makes a lot of promises, but you can’t expect Him to keep them all. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Genesis 3:15 again. Point out that this verse represents God’s first promise of salvation. Say: The passage indicates that God already had a plan for saving people from sin. He understood our need for a Savior, and He knew how His plan would unfold over time. Ask a family member to read 1 Peter 1:18-20. Ask: When did God create His plan for salvation? (Answer: Before the world was even created.) Highlight that He was not caught by surprise by Adam and Eve’s sin because He already was putting His plan into action. Read Galatians 4:4-5. Emphasize that Jesus came exactly when God planned. Say: God had been at work throughout history to fulfill His promises of a Savior, and He continues to work because He wants to bring as many people back to Himself as possible. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Encourage family members to suggest why the timing might have been right for Jesus to enter the world when He did. Share the following possibilities: • The Roman government had brought a measure of peace to the known world. • Most of the world understood the Greek language, so communication would have been easier. • An emphasis on philosophy would have made discussing the gospel more natural. • The Roman system of roads would have made travel and missionary work easier. Emphasize that these factors were important, but God was in control and knew exactly when to send Jesus. Encourage family members to celebrate God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise of a Savior. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless this family’s Christmas celebration as we focus on His work in the world through the birth and life of Jesus. Parent Tip: Encourage family members to identify ways they can serve others at least once a month in the coming year. Remind them that the celebration of Christmas and the spirit of giving should not end when the calendar moves past December 25. Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE December 21-24, 2011 God’s Perfect Timing—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a parent goes first): Say: There are certain memories and traditions related to Christmas that are really special to me. The one that probably tops that list would be . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Genesis 3:15; Galatians 4:4-5; and 1 Peter 1:18-20. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these verses. Truth • God had a plan for our salvation and fulfilled it in His perfect time. Untruths • God was basically caught by surprise when Adam and Eve sinned. • Jesus’ birth really wasn’t part of any “bigger plan.” • God makes a lot of promises, but you can’t expect Him to keep them all. 3. Explore Scripture: Read Genesis 3:15 again. Point out that this verse represents God’s first promise of salvation. Say: The passage indicates that God already had a plan for saving people from sin. He understood our need for a Savior, and He knew how His plan would unfold over time. Ask a family member to read 1 Peter 1:18-20. Ask: When did God create His plan for salvation? (Answer: Before the world was even created.) Highlight that He was not caught by surprise by Adam and Eve’s sin because He already was putting His plan into action. Read Galatians 4:4-5. Emphasize that Jesus came exactly when God planned. Say: God had been at work throughout history to fulfill His promises of a Savior, and He continues to work because He wants to bring as many people back to Himself as possible. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this step. 5. Nail It Down: Encourage family members to suggest why the timing might have been right for Jesus to enter the world when He did. Share the following possibilities: • The Roman government had brought a measure of peace to the known world. • Most of the world understood the Greek language, so communication would have been easier. • An emphasis on philosophy would have made discussing the gospel more natural. • The Roman system of roads would have made travel and missionary work easier. Emphasize that these factors were important, but God was in control and knew exactly when to send Jesus. Encourage family members to celebrate God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise of a Savior. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead this prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: May God bless this family’s Christmas celebration as we focus on His work in the world through the birth and life of Jesus. Parent Tip: Encourage family members to identify ways they can serve others at least once a month in the coming year. Remind them that the celebration of Christmas and the spirit of giving should not end when the calendar moves past December 25. Copyright © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
