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Author: Nathaniel Colt

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Learn 6.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 4/3) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We share together.

 

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: What foods spark memories of people or events?

Read about It

Read: 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

Has a smell ever made you remember something special? Maybe the smell of cookies fresh from the oven makes you think about Christmas time. Or maybe you tasted something, and it made you think of someone? Grilled hamburgers make you think about your grandpa. Sometimes smells and tastes have a way of doing that. They can remind us of things from our past.

When we take Communion, we stop and think about what Jesus did on the Cross for all of us and how much He loves us. Jesus died on the Cross so that we can be forgiven of our sins. Every time we take Communion, we have a chance to remember how much He loves us. We should also remember to tell others about Him so that they can experience His love and forgiveness too.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What are some emotions you may feel when you take Communion?

Answer 1. Answers may vary.

 
Question 2. How does knowing Jesus died for you change your life?

Answer 2. Answers will vary.

 
Question 3. How would you explain the significance of Communion bread to someone?

Answer 3. It represents Jesus’ broken body. (1 Corinthians 11:24)

 
Question 4. How would you explain the significance of the Communion juice to someone?

Answer 4. It represents Jesus’ blood. (1 Corinthians 11:25)

 
Question 5. How does taking Communion help us remember Jesus’ death?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your promise of salvation and for dying on the Cross for my sins. I am so thankful for the love and grace You showed to each one of us. I love You. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 6.3 Devotionals (for Sunday 4/3) – Monday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We share together.

 

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: What is your favorite memory?

Read about It

Read: Matthew 26:17–19, 26–30

Jesus knew His death was quickly approaching. One of the last things Jesus did was meet with His disciples and share a very special meal with them. While they were eating, Jesus explained to them what each part meant and its significance. We remember this night through something we call Communion. When we take Communion, we remember what Jesus said and how He gave His life on the Cross.

It is powerful when a group gathers and stops what they are doing to reflect on what Jesus has done for them. His body was broken and His blood was shed so that every person could receive eternal forgiveness. Jesus modeled what Communion would look like with the disciples and how it can be shared together with all believers today. Communion reminds us of what Jesus has done for us, and it looks forward to His return.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What was the name of the festival that Jesus and the disciples were celebrating?

Answer 1. The Festival of Unleavened Bread and Passover (Matthew 26:17)

 
Question 2. What did the bread symbolize?

Answer 2. Jesus’ body which was broken for us (Matthew 26:26)

 
Question 3. What did the cup symbolize?

Answer 3. Jesus’ blood which was shed for us (Matthew 26:27)

 
Question 4. Why is Communion important?

Answer 4. It reminds us of what Jesus has done for us and looks forward to His return.

 

 

 

Pray about It

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving us the pattern of Communion to remind us of what You have done. Thank You that Communion also looks ahead to Your return. Jesus, I love You and thank You for dying on the Cross so that my sins could be forgiven. Thank You for loving me. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 6.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 3/27) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We celebrate together.

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: What is something you can thank God for this week?

Read about It

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Have you ever had a really, really bad day, when nothing went right and everything went wrong? Did you know that even on a bad day you can still have joy?

When we know that we belong to God, we can find strength and hope even in tough times. Even when we may not feel like rejoicing or giving thanks, there is always something to be thankful for.

What is something you can be thankful for today? No matter how big or small it might seem, give thanks for it! What is something you can rejoice over today? What is something you can pray about today?

Verse 17 is a great reminder that God is always with us, and we can always turn to Him for help with anything that concerns us. Paul advised the Philippians that instead of worrying, they should pray about everything, telling God what they need and thanking Him for His actions on their behalf (Philippians 4:6). “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Talk about It

 

Question 1. How should our circumstances affect our thankfulness?

Answer 1. Our circumstances shouldn’t keep us from being thankful. We should be thankful in all circumstances. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

 
Question 2. When should we be joyful and when should we pray?

Answer 2. Always (1 Thessalonians 5:16–17)

 
 

Question 3. What happens when you tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done?

Answer 3. You will experience peace which exceeds your ability to understand.

 
Question 4. How can you use Paul’s instructions on prayer?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 
Question 5. How might being at peace in a stressful situation help those around you?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for being with me even in difficult circumstances. Thank You for all You have done in my life and all that You continue to do. Help me to be thankful and help me to pray all the time about everything. Guard my heart and mind, and help me to always live for You. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 6.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 3/27) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We celebrate together.

 

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: What does being part of a family mean?

Read about It

Read: Galatians 3:26–29

Do you want to know something amazing? When God looks at You, He sees you as His child and He loves you so much! You are special in God’s eyes.

When we make the choice to ask Jesus to come into our life and forgive our sins, we become part of the family of God. In the Early Church, people were baptized in water soon after their decision to follow Jesus. Water baptism involves being briefly let down into water as a sign of faith in Jesus. Then you are lifted up out of the water.

Water baptism symbolizes the death of our sinful nature and a new life in Jesus. In Galatians 3:27, Paul wrote that those who are “united with Christ in baptism” have put on Jesus, “like putting on new clothes.” Think about it this way: Jesus is as close to you as your clothes. And Jesus is what people should see when they look at you.

It’s amazing to think about all the people who are a part of God’s kingdom. It doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from. The only thing that matters is choosing to follow Jesus!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. How do we become children of God?

Answer 1. Through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26)

 
Question 2. What does verse 27 say is a part of being baptized?

Answer 2. We are united with Jesus Christ.

 
Question 3. What does it mean to be baptized?

Answer 3. To be baptized is to be briefly let down into the water as a sign of your faith in Jesus and then lifted out.

 
Question 4. How does knowing you can be a part of God’s family make you feel?

Answer 4. Answers will vary.

 
Question 5. How can you show others that you are a child of God?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You so much for being our Heavenly Father. God, help me to live in a way that encourages others and reflects Your love for them. Thank You that You love me and call me Your own. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 6.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 3/27) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We celebrate together.

 

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Read about It

Read: Matthew 28:18–20

Matthew 28:19 is known as the Great Commission. Jesus challenged His disciples to go to all the nations and share His message. This challenge goes beyond just those disciples there that day to all disciples, to everyone who is a Christian. We are called to go and tell others about Jesus.

Not only are we called to tell others about Jesus, but to celebrate with them when they make a public declaration of their faith by being baptized in water. When someone decides to follow Jesus and get baptized, they show other people that they plan to live for Jesus every day. It is a special moment when people put their faith in Jesus!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What is the importance of Matthew 28:19?

Answer 1. Known as the Great Commission, the verse shows God’s desire for His followers to share the gospel throughout the world.

 
Question 2. In whose name should Christians be baptized?

Answer 2. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19)

 
Question 3. Who needs to hear about Jesus?

Answer 3. Everyone

 
Question 4. Why should we celebrate when someone puts their faith in Jesus and decides to be baptized in water?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 
Question 5. Who is someone God wants you to tell about Jesus?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You so much that we can find grace, love, forgiveness from sin, and so much more in You. God, help me to share Your love with others. Help me to fulfill the Great Commission, and help me to be willing to go wherever You want me to go. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 6.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 3/27) – Monday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We celebrate together.

 

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: What is your favorite way to celebrate?

Read about It

Read: Acts 16:11–15

When something amazing happens, don’t you want to go and tell everyone about it? It’s so much fun when good news spreads fast and people join you in celebrating. In the Bible story, we read about a woman named Lydia who believed in God. After hearing Paul’s message, she wanted to be baptized in water. Not only did she get baptized that day, but other members of her household were baptized that day too!

When God does something in our life, it’s important for us to share it with others. Not only can we tell others about what happened, but we can celebrate together!

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What did Lydia sell?

Answer 1. Expensive purple cloth (Acts 16:14)

 
Question 2. What happened as Lydia listened to the message?

Answer 2. “The Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying.” (Acts 16:14)

 
Question 3. What do you think the phrase “the Lord opened her heart” means?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 
Question 4. Why do you think Lydia invited Paul and his companions into her home?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 
Question 5. When God does something in our life, why is it important to tell others about it?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You so much that we, as Christians, can celebrate together when You do something amazing in someone’s life. God, thank You for all the times You have moved in my life. I love You. Amen.

 

 

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Learn 6.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 3/20) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We grow together.

 

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: How are you unique??

Read about It

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:18–26

The human body is incredible. Many different parts come together to make your body. All of those parts work together to do simple tasks like sitting, raising your hand, or eating your favorite snack.

The Church, also called the body of Christ, is like that, too. God has given each of us different gifts and talents, and we need to work together. No gift or talent is greater than another, but when Christians work together it creates something beautiful.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. What happens when people don’t work together?

Answer 1. Answers will vary.

 
Question 2. In the church, what are some different gifts and talents that a person might have?

Answer 2. Answers will vary.

 
Question 3. What are some things that can be done only when Christians work together?

Answer 3. Answers may vary.

 
Question 4. How can you encourage someone who has a different gift or talent than you?

Answer 4. Answers may vary.

 
Question 5. How can you help someone who is going through a hard time?

Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for our different gifts and talents and how we all need each other. Use me to encourage others to use their gifts for You. Help me grow in the gifts and talents You have given me. Amen.

 

 

Posted on

Learn 6.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 3/20) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

We grow together.

 

Faith Verse

Matthew 18:20 (NLT)

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

 

Question of the Day: When has someone encouraged you?

Read about It

Read: Hebrews 10:24–25

Here is a special job just for you: you need to fold one thousand paper airplanes. That would take a very long time. Now imagine having ten friends help you by each folding one thousand paper airplanes. That seems like a lot more fun. When one of you gets tired or wants to give up, someone is there to encourage them to keep going. Also, you can complete the task faster if you have help.

Living as a Christian is like this too. Spending time together, laughing, talking, and learning are all important. Christians need each other and these experiences help us bond. Then, we have people we can look to for help when life gets hard. It is important for us to have people who love us, encourage us, and help us grow in our faith.

Talk about It

 

Question 1. Why is meeting together with other believers important?

Answer 1. Scripture tells us to meet together. (Hebrews 10:25)

 
Question 2. How can you encourage another Christian?

Answer 2. Answers will vary.

 
Question 3. How can Christians motivate each other “to acts of love and good works”?

Answer 3. Answers will vary.

 
Question 4. What does it look like when you get together with other Christians?

Answer 4. Answers will vary.

 
Question 5. What kind of encouragement do you need?

Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for my church and for my friends at church. God, help me and my church friends to grow together in our walk with You and help us encourage each other. Amen.