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Author: Nathaniel Colt

Posted on

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.

 

 

Posted on

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.

 

 

Posted on

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.

 

 

Posted on

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.

 

 

Posted on

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.

 

 

Posted on

Learn 2.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 10/24) – Thursday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

My God is always with me.

 

Faith Verse

Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

 

Question of the Day: What is something you have learned from your family?

Read about It

Read: Psalm 90:1–2

Have you ever talked with your grandparents or another much older family member about how things have changed in their lifetime? Even though some things, like technology and clothes, change from one generation to another, God remains the same. He has been with your grandparents the same way He has been with your parents, and the same way He will be with you.

Psalm 90:1–2 says every generation has found a home in the Lord. It’s amazing to see God’s faithfulness from one generation to the next. And it’s important to take time to listen to stories from our family about times God has helped them.

Talk about It

Question 1. What changes from one generation to another?
Answer 1. Answers will vary.

Question 2. What does it mean to describe God as a “home”?
Answer 2. Answers will vary.

Question 3. How will God be with you?
Answer 3. The same way He has been with your parents and grandparents

Question 4. How does knowing God was there before creation make you feel?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.

Question 5. How can you hold onto the stories of times God has helped your family?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for Your faithfulness to my family. Thank You for the stories of how You have helped us. I know You are near and that I can trust You. Amen.

 

 

Posted on

Learn 2.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 10/24) – Wednesday

 

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

My God is always with me.

 

Faith Verse

Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

 

Question of the Day: What is your favorite memory?

Read about It

Read: Isaiah 46:9–10

When has God worked in your life? It could be in a very big way, or it could be in a very small way. It is important to share stories about how God has helped us because sharing those stories reminds us of God’s faithfulness.

Sometimes we may worry about the future. When we start to worry, we need to talk to God about the situation and our fears. He is always with us, and He knows what is happening. We also need to remind ourselves of the times He has been faithful in the past. That helps us trust Him with the future.

Talk about It

Question 1. Why should we remember what God has done in the past?
Answer 1. It helps us trust Him.

Question 2. Is there anyone like God?
Answer 2. No! (Isaiah 46:9)

Question 3. Who has the power to know everything that will happen in the future?
Answer 3. Only God (Isaiah 46:10)

Question 4. If we begin to worry, what should we do?
Answer 4. Talk to God about our concerns and remember how He has helped us at other times.

Question 5. Why should we bring our cares and concerns to God?
Answer 5. Answers may vary.

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for all the times You have helped me. When I feel anxious, please help me to remember those times and to trust You with tomorrow. Amen.

 

 

Posted on

Learn 2.4 Devotionals (for Sunday 10/24) – Tuesday

 

Key Ideas

 

Faith Fact

My God is always with me.

 

Faith Verse

Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

 

Question of the Day: If you could go back in time, what year would you go to?

Read about It

Read: Revelation 1:8

When we read the Bible, we can see who God is. Scripture shows us many examples of God protecting people and healing people. We also see God answering prayers and leading His people. As we read the Bible, we get to know the character or personality of God.

Revelation 1:8 says that God is the beginning as well as the end. This is a special way of telling us that God has always and will always be around. He will always be with us, too. We know that if God led, protected, guided, and healed back in Bible times, that He will still lead, protect, guide, and heal us today.

Talk about It

Question 1. What does the end of Revelation 1:8 call God?
Answer 1. The Almighty One

Question 2. When is God the same?
Answer 2. Yesterday, today, and forever (always); in the past, today, and in the future

Question 3. How does knowing that God does not change help us today?
Answer 3. Answers will vary.

Question 4. How can we learn more about who God is and what He does?
Answer 4. Read the Bible. Listen to Bible teachers and leaders.

Question 5. Revelation 1:8 says God is the beginning and the end. What does that mean?
Answer 5. God always has been around, and He always will be around.

 

 

Pray about It

Dear God, thank You for all that You have shown us in the Bible. You haven’t changed. Because of what I read in the Bible, I know You are my Healer and Protector. I know You love me and I can trust You. Amen.