Join us for a great time in God’s house this morning.
Learn 3.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 11/7) – Thursday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
Jesus loves the world.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: How is Jesus’ sacrifice an example of how we should live?
Read about It
Read: Romans 12:1–2
Something amazing happens when you add Mentos® candy to a bottle of soda. As soon as you drop the candy into the soda, a change happens. Soda begins to shoot out of the bottle. If you put enough Mentos in the bottle, you can make the soda go superhigh.
Something more amazing happens when people accept Jesus as Savior and allow Him to change the way they think and live.
Jesus was willing to give up everything so we could have eternal life with Him. The Bible says that the true way to worship Him is to give Him all of us—to sacrifice our own desires and will to please Him, and follow His desires and His will. When we turn away from the things of the world, give ourself to God, and allow Him to transform our life, we become more like Jesus and learn to walk in the perfect will of God. Then God takes our life and uses it to change those around us.
Talk about It
Question 1. How did Jesus sacrifice himself for us?
Answer 1. He gave His life for us by dying on the cross for our sins.
Question 2. How can we sacrifice ourself for God?
Answer 2. We can be a “living and holy sacrifice” by giving control of our life to God (Romans 12:1)
Question 3. How does God help us live differently from the rest of the world?
Answer 3. When we let God transform us into a new person, He changes the way we think so we can know God’s will for us. (Romans 12:2)
Question 4. When you think of all that God has done for you, how do you want to respond?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
Question 5. Who in your life needs to know about the change that can happen because Jesus sacrificed himself for us?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Jesus, thank You for all that You have done for me by sacrificing Your own life. Help me to live my life as a “living and holy sacrifice” and worship You in all that I do. Amen.
Learn 3.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 11/7) – Wednesday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
Jesus loves the world.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: How is living as a Christian like a race?
Read about It
Read: Hebrews 12:1–3
Have you ever seen someone after they’ve run a long race? Typically, they look like they could just collapse at any moment. They have put every bit every bit of energy they have into finishing as high in the standings as they can. Often, they are out of breath, sweating heavily, tired, and hungry.
When Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross, He gave everything He had to do what was required to pay for our sins. He didn’t care what He looked like or what it cost Him. He willingly sacrificed His life for us because He loves us. He knew that because of His sacrifice, we would be able to have a relationship with God and have eternal life with Him in heaven. Knowing that should keep us pressing on to finish the race that God has set before us.
Talk about It
Question 1. Who is the champion of our faith?
Answer 1. Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)
Question 2. What did Jesus have to endure when He was living here on earth?
Answer 2. The cross, hostility from sinful people (Hebrews 12:2–3)
Question 3. What does “run with endurance” mean to you?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
Question 4. What are some things that slow you down or trip you up in your relationship with God?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
Question 5. What do you need to do to take off those things and run the way God desires?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Jesus, thank You for living a perfect life and being an example for us of how to live. Help me to run the race You’ve set before me with everything in me. Help me to get rid of the things in my life that slow me down and trip me up. Amen.
Learn 3.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 11/7) – Tuesday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
Jesus loves the world.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: What happened after Jesus died?
Read about It
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:3–8
Can you imagine what it might have been like to see Jesus after He was raised from the dead? Some of the people these verses talk about had seen Jesus on the cross, watched Him die, and had seen His tomb. Yet, just as the Scriptures had promised, three days later He was raised from the dead! Hundreds of people saw Him after He came back to life. What an incredible event to be able to witness! There must have been feelings of shock and surprise, feelings of hope and feelings of joy when people saw that Jesus had defeated death. These people told others about this incredible event whenever they could.
We can experience the same type of hope and joy that the people who saw Jesus experienced. Jesus rose from the dead and was victorious over death, the grave, and sin! Out of love for us, Jesus sacrificed His life so that we could be victorious over sin and have the hope and joy of eternal life with Him forever.
Talk about It
Question 1. How many of Jesus’ followers saw Him after He was raised from the dead?
Answer 1. More than five hundred (1 Corinthians 15:5–6)
Question 2. How does knowing Jesus is victorious over death and sin make you feel?
Answer 2. Answers may vary.
Question 3. In what area do you need Jesus’ help to overcome sin?
Answer 3. Answers may vary.
Question 4. How does knowing Jesus died for you and then returned to life make you feel?
Answer 4. Answers may vary.
Question 5. Who in your life needs to know what Jesus did?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Jesus, thank You for sacrificing Your life and defeating death and sin to give us eternal life. Help me to live my life sharing with others about the hope and joy that comes from a relationship with You! Amen.
Learn 3.2 Devotionals (for Sunday 11/7) – Monday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
Jesus loves the world.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: Why did Jesus sacrifice His life?
Read about It
Read: John 3:16–17
Think for a moment about the best gift you’ve ever received. Maybe you received a shiny new bike for your birthday. Or, perhaps you received the coolest new video game for Christmas. Or, maybe, someone gave you surprise trip to a place you wanted to go. Who gave you this special gift? It was probably given to you by someone who cares about you and loves you very much.
God loved the world so much that He gave us a special gift. He gave His Son Jesus who willingly sacrificed His own life so we could receive the gift of eternal life. This gift is available to everyone in the world! The Bible says that those who believe in Jesus and live to honor Him will receive the gift of a relationship with God the Father and eternal life with Him. That is, for sure, the best gift you will ever receive!
Talk about It
Question 1. What gift did God give to the world in the Bible verses you just read?
Answer 1. God gave His one and only Son (John 3:16)
Question 2. How can we receive the gift of eternal life?
Answer 2. By believing in Him (John 3:16)
Question 3. Why did God send His Son into the world?
Answer 3. So that the world, through Him, could be saved (John 3:17)
Question 4. How is the gift of God’s Son, Jesus, and the gift of eternal life different from any other gift you’ve ever received?
Answer 4. Answers may vary.
Question 5. What can you do to tell others about this special gift that God has made available to all people?
Answer 5. Answers may vary.
Pray about It
God, thank You for loving us so much that You were willing to give Your Son Jesus. Thank you for making a way for the world to be saved from sin and for giving us the gift of eternal life. Amen.
Sunday Encounter – 11-7-21
Join us for a great time in God’s house.
Learn 3.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 10/31) – Thursday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will follow Jesus.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: How can I follow Jesus?
Read about It
Read: Matthew 7:21–23
Who is the most famous celebrity you can think of? Maybe it’s a famous sports player, an actor or actress, or a musician. You may seem to know a lot about the person: their name, what they’re famous for, their favorite food, and what they do in their free time. However, knowing these things doesn’t mean that you know them personally.
Following Jesus isn’t just about knowing His name or things about Him. Following Jesus is about making choices that line up with His Word. It’s about having a personal relationship with Jesus. To do that you spend time with Him and worship Him in all that you do. When you follow Jesus, you come to know Him deeply because He is your personal Friend, your Savior who knows you better than you know yourself!
Talk about It
Question 1. Based on these verses, who will be allowed to enter heaven?
Answer 1. “Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21)
Question 2. What’s the difference between knowing about a person and actually knowing someone?
Answer 2. Answers will vary.
Question 3. What are some things you have learned about Jesus because you spend time with Him and know Him?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
Question 4. How is following Jesus different from just knowing about Him?
Answer 4. Answers may vary.
Question 5. How can you know Jesus better and follow Him more closely?
Answer 5. Answers may vary.
Pray about It
Jesus, thank You that I can have a personal friendship with You and not just know about You. As I follow You, help me to draw closer to You and to know You more. Amen.
Learn 3.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 10/31) – Wednesday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will follow Jesus.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: Why should I follow Jesus?
Read about It
Read: John 8:12
Different religions around the world worship different people and things. Some religions worship things in nature, like trees or the sun. Some religions worship ancestors and people who lived and died long ago. Some people even worship things like money, sports, and entertainment. They walk in spiritual darkness because they worship false gods.
Jesus said He is the Light of the World. Whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Jesus is the only way to eternal life. When we follow Him and worship Him alone, we walk in the light and truth of who He is. Following anything or anyone other than Jesus leads only to spiritual and eternal darkness.
Talk about It
Question 1. Who did Jesus say does not have to walk in darkness?
Answer 1. Those who follow Him (John 8:12)
Question 2. What did Jesus say you would have if you follow Him?
Answer 2. You will have the light that leads to life. (John 8:12)
Question 3. How is Jesus different from any other religious figure that people follow?
Answer 3. He is the only way to eternal life. Whoever believes in Him can have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Question 4. Why do you think some people worship and follow things other than Jesus?
Answer 4. Answers may vary.
Question 5. Why is following Jesus different from following anyone or anything else?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the World. I believe that You are the only way to eternal life. Help me to follow and worship You alone. Amen.
Learn 3.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 10/31) – Tuesday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will follow Jesus.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: What does it mean to follow Jesus?
Read about It
Read: John 13:12–15
Have you ever played a game of Copycat? Someone is chosen to be the leader and everyone else copies everything the leader says and does. If you have a sibling, they may have done this to annoy you, or you may have played copycat to annoy them! However, in these Scripture verses, Jesus said He wanted His followers to copy Him: “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.”
Jesus lived a perfect life and showed us exactly how we should live. He led by example and gave us His Word to show us what to do. When we say yes to following Jesus, it doesn’t mean that we’re going to live perfectly. It simply means that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are going to do our best to copy everything Jesus did and live our life the way He lived here on earth. When we live the way Jesus did, we are able to show others who He is and the great love that He has for them!
Talk about It
Question 1. What was Jesus showing His disciples an example of?
Answer 1. He washed their feet and showed them how to serve and love others. (John 13:12–15)
Question 2. Did Jesus just use words to tell us how to live?
Answer 2. No, He showed us by His actions how we should live. (John 13:15)
Question 3. What does it mean to follow Jesus?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.
Question 4. Why is it sometimes hard to follow Jesus’ example?
Answer 4. Answers may vary.
Question 5. What is one area of your life that you want to follow Jesus better in?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Jesus, thank You for showing us the perfect example of how to live. Help us to follow You in every part of our life. Amen.
Learn 3.1 Devotionals (for Sunday 10/31) – Monday
Key Ideas
Faith Fact
I will follow Jesus.
Faith Verse
John 3:16 (NLT)
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Question of the Day: Who is Jesus?
Read about It
Read: Matthew 16:13–20
When Jesus came into the world, many people didn’t understand who He was. The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah. Most Jews thought the Messiah would be someone who would save them from the Roman government.
Jesus did not come in the way they were expecting the Messiah to come. He showed a different kind of power than what the rulers of that day had. The salvation He offered was not the salvation many of the Jewish people were looking for. Yet, as Jesus’ disciples followed Him, God showed them that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. When we follow Jesus, we get to know Him more. He changes us and shows us the life He has for us.
Talk about It
Question 1. Who did Simon Peter say that Jesus was?
Answer 1. Simon Peter said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
Question 2. Who showed Simon Peter who Jesus was?
Answer 2. God the Father (Matthew 16:17)
Question 3. How was Jesus different from the Jewish people’s expectations for the Messiah?
Answer 3. Answers may vary.
Question 4. How does following Jesus help you learn more about who He is?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
Question 5. Who do you say that Jesus is?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Pray about It
Jesus, thank You for coming to the world to save us. I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Help me to follow You and to know You more. Amen.