1 Timothy | Fight the Good Fight | July 5

Sermon by Tim Olson for July 5, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

July 5th, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord.

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Call to Worship

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 98: 1 - 4
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Songs

Practice: Thankfulness

Have someone pray aloud, asking for focus, and wisdom as we hear the Word being taught.

Sermon

Benediction

Have someone read this aloud:

Psalm 98: 6 - 9
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.

Amen

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Warnings to the Rich | June 28

Sermon by Michael Bailey for June 28, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

June 28th, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Call to Worship

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

1 Peter 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Let us sing together, remembering and believing the good news of what God has done for us.

Songs

Practice: Thankfulness

Have someone read this aloud:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

As the family of God, we have so many things to thank God for, even in the midst of the hardest and darkest times in life.  Let’s take 30 seconds to pause, then share aloud the things we’re thankful for with each other.

Sermon

Benediction

Have someone pray this to close:

God, You are faithful to provide us with everything that we need, and in Your presence is the fullness of joy and life.  Teach us to trust you with all that we have.  Spirit be near to us as we seek to follow you.  Amen

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Godly Elders and Spiritual Authority | June 21

Sermon by Jon Ludovina for June 21, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

June 21st, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Call to Worship

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 96:1-6
Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the nations are idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

Songs

Practice: Confess Together

Corporate confession is a way for us to lay down our individualism and join with other believers confessing the same thing, as one body in Christ.

Read this confession, from John 1, aloud with everyone present:

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light
We have fellowship with one another
And the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 
and the truth is not in us. 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just 
To forgive us our sins 
And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Amen

Sermon

Benediction

Have someone read this to close:

Acts 2:24–28 God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him:

“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
you will not let your holy one see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
Amen

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Care for the Widows | June 14

Sermon by Jon Ludovina for June 14, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

June 14th, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Call to Worship

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 9:1-2

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
    I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
    I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Practice: Encourage one another

Read this aloud:

Hebrews 3:12-13

“Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Take 30 seconds to pray for a way you can encourage someone. How have you seen Jesus working in someone’s life recently? Now, take some time to text them, and tell them why you’re thankful for them. If you have others in the room with you (physically or virtually), pray for specific ways you can encourage them.

Song

Have someone pray this aloud:

Pray: Father God, you have spoken to us through your Son. Let your written Word now be spoken and heard by each of us. Give us ears to hear and hearts to understand. Amen.

Sermon

BENEDICTION

Have someone read this to close:

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Guard Your Life and Doctrine | June 7

Sermon by Tim Olson for June 7, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

june 7th, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 139 1-6

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is high; I cannot attain it.

SONGS

Practice: lament and hope

Take a moment to lament the brokenness of the world. Think on the injustices you’ve seen this past week. Acknowledge to God that this world is broken and in need of redemption. 

Read aloud this lamentation, inspired out of Psalm 13:

How long, O Lord, will you forget your people who are oppressed?
How long will you allow these injustices to happen? 
How long will we have this sorrow in our hearts and city? 
Our hearts are shaken over the brokenness of this world. 

Consider and answer us Lord, and light up our eyes. 
We trust you and your steadfast love. 
But we need your help to trust
We choose to rejoice in your salvation and hope in your promise of deliverance. 
But we need your help to believe. 
We sing to you Lord, because we know you deal with us in love and mercy.
But we need your help to sing. 

Amen. 

Have someone read this scripture aloud: 

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”

Revelation 5:9-10

Sermon

BENEDICTION

Have someone read this to close:

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him,
    on those who hope in his steadfast love,
that he may deliver their soul from death
    and keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
    he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
    because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
    even as we hope in you.

Psalm 33:18-22

Amen.

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Some Will Fall Away | May 31

Sermon by Michael Bailey for May 31, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

MAY 31st, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together in worshipping the Lord. 

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
    Serve the Lord with gladness!
    Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise!
    Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.

God is faithful through every season and every circumstance.  Let us sing and remember His steadfast love and faithfulness to us.

SONGS

Practice: reflect and rejoice

Take a minute to sit in silence and reflect on the past week. What can you praise God for in the midst of this season? 

After a few moments, if you are participating with others, ask specific people to share what came to mind. 

After sharing, have someone pray, or read this aloud: 

Father, thank you for how you continue to provide and show up in the mess of this life. Help us always remember your provision and the depth of your love for us. Father you are all we need, you are everything.

Pray:

Have someone pray this aloud before the sermon video:

Let’s pray.  Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we may hear your Word with joy. Amen.

Sermon

BENEDICTION

Have someone read this to close:

May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, remain with us always.  Amen.

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Leadership and the Church | May 24

Sermon by Allen Tipping for May 24, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

MAY 24th, 2020

Use this guide as a script. If possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together, worshipping the Lord.

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Matthew 6:26-33

Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

SONGS

Pray

Father God, you know our weaknesses. You know how often we fail to trust your provision and goodness. Forgive us, and help us trust that you are for our good. Let Your spirit comfort us, and remind us of Your love and care for us. Give us faith, Lord. In Jesus name we pray, amen. 

Sermon

practice: Pray for your leaders

In verse 13 Paul says, “For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

“Good standing” refers to respect and appreciation from the church. Those who are leading in our church are worthy of honor so I would exhort you to encourage your leaders today and throughout this week.

1. Pray for leaders. Pray for their spiritual health, for their endurance in ministry, to continue to faithful serve. 

2. Next, take time to think about how you have you seen Jesus work through your LGL, Coach or Pastor. Then take a minute to send them an encouraging text or potentially write them a letter. Let them know you prayed for them and appreciate the way they serve our church family. 

BENEDICTION

Read this aloud together: 

Jude 24-25

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Teaching, Authority, and the Church | May 17

Sermon by Michael Bailey for May 17, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

MAY 17th, 2020

Use this guide as a script. If possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together, worshipping the Lord.

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Links to “Sunday Worship Guide Playlist”

• Spotify playlist & YouTube playlist of songs for today

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Romans 8:14-17

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Let’s sing, celebrate, and thank God for the fact that we have been adopted into His family as sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.

SONGS

Practice

Pray aloud together. 

We learned earlier in our 1 Timothy study of the power of prayer and how God uses it to bring about His purposes in the world. Take 30 seconds to 1 minute to pray for God’s kingdom to come into the world. You can pray for the healing of someone who is sick, a neighbor or friend to come to know Jesus, and anything in between. If you are gathering with more than one person, give multiple people an opportunity to pray. 

SERMON

BENEDICTION

Read this aloud together: 

Creator and Mighty God, you have promised strength for the weak, rest for the laborers, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love. 

Creator and Mighty God, help us to continue in your promise. Amen. 

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Men, Women, and the Church | May 10

Sermon by Ant Frederick for May 10, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

MAY 10th, 2020

Use this guide as a script. If possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together, worshipping the Lord.

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Links to “Sunday Worship Guide Playlist”

• Spotify playlist & YouTube playlist of songs for today

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 143.6-10
I remember the days of old;
I meditate on all that you have done;
I ponder the work of your hands.
I stretch out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah
Answer me quickly, O Lord!
My spirit fails!
Hide not your face from me,
lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.
Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord!
I have fled to you for refuge.
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God!
Let your good Spirit lead me
on level ground!

SONGS

Practice

Thankfulness

Take 30 seconds to pray about what you are thankful for. Ask the Lord to help you see His blessings you’ve overlooked this past week, and then share them with the people closest to you. 

Pray: 

Father, help us see how you’re working in and around us. Open our eyes and let us see how you provide for us on a daily basis. Thank you for all the ways you take care of us and bless us immensely, even though we don’t deserve it. 

SERMON

BENEDICTION

Read this aloud:

Lord, remind us today that we have new life in Christ. Remind us that we aren’t slaves to sin anymore, but that we are dead to sin, and alive in Christ. Let your Spirit help us know you more. Help us live in light of your immense love for us. Amen. 

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Prayer and the Church | May 3

Sermon by Michael Bailey for May 3, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

MAY 3RD, 2020

Use this guide as a script. If possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together, worshipping the Lord.

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Links to “Sunday Worship Guide Playlist”

• Spotify playlist & YouTube playlist of songs for today

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 103:1-5 Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

SONGS

Practice

Encourage one another. Read this aloud:

Hebrews 3:12-13
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Take 30 seconds to pray for a way you can encourage someone. How have you seen Jesus working in someone’s life recently? Now, take some time to text them, and tell them why you’re thankful for them. If you have others in the room with you (physically or virtually), pray for specific ways you can encourage them.

Afterward, have someone pray, or read this aloud:

Father God, you have spoken to us through your Son. Let your written Word now be spoken and heard by each of us. Give us ears to hear and hearts to understand. Amen.

SERMON

BENEDICTION

Read this aloud:

Father God, help us to remember that You are alive today and active wherever we find ourselves. Remind us of the good news and reality of the Gospel. Amen.

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | The Gospel vs The Law | April 26

Sermon by Tim Olson for April 26, 2020.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

APRIL 26TH, 2020

Use this guide as a script. If possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together, worshipping the Lord.

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Links to “Sunday Worship Guide Playlist”

• Spotify playlist & YouTube playlist of songs for today

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Romans 8:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be glory forever. Amen.

Let’s sing and confess our need for God’s grace, and proclaim His provision and mercy for us.it.

PRAY

Have someone read this aloud:

Philippians 3:7-9 “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ”

Father God, remind us that we are in Christ, and our righteousness is found in Him. Strengthen our faith through your word and grace. Amen

REFLECT AND REJOICE

Take a minute to sit in silence and reflect on the past week. What can you praise God for in the midst of this season?

After a few moments, if you are participating with others, ask specific people to share what came to mind.

After sharing, have someone pray, or read this aloud:
Father, thank you for all of these blessings. We praise you Lord. You are unchanging, and always faithful! Amen.

SERMON

Stand as we sing praise to our King Jesus

BENEDICTION

Read this aloud:

I will now read this prayer over us as we conclude:

Father God, be with us this week as we continue to navigate our new normal. Help us see beyond this moment in time, and live in light of eternity with You. Help us build our lives on the firm foundation of Christ, seeking to bring grace and love to our families and neighbors. Amen

Kidtown and Students Guides

1 Timothy | Defend the Truth | April 19

Sermon by Tim Olson for April 19, 2020.

We must defend the truth so that we as God’s Church can grow up into mature believers who love God and love others.

Here is this week's sermon along with a digital worship guide that will include songs to sing, prayers, and scripture to read. Also, for those with children, please use our Kidtown guide as a resource to teach and lead your children each week.

Worship Guide

APRIL 19TH, 2020

Use this guide as a script, and, if possible, ask for a volunteer, roommate, or virtual participant to read the parts aloud. There are links to the songs to play and sing along with or, sing them a cappella. We want this to be a helpful guide for you and your community to participate together worshipping the Lord.

We invite you to stand as you sing, to help position yourself to be engaged and focused as you participate in the gathering of God’s people.

Links to “Sunday Worship Guide Playlist”

• Spotify playlist & YouTube playlist of songs for today

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read this scripture aloud to begin:

Psalm 34:1-3
I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!

Let’s sing the words of scripture together, and pray that the Truth shapes our hearts through it.

PRAY

Have someone read this aloud:

Psalm 1:1-4
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

Father, Your word is truth, and Your truth is for our good. Open our ears to hear your voice. We need you. Amen.

REFLECT AND REJOICE

Take a minute to sit in silence and reflect on the past week. What can you praise God for in the midst of this season?

After a few moments, if you are participating with others, ask specific people to share what came to mind.

After sharing, have someone pray, or read this aloud:

Father, thank you for how you continue to provide and show up in the mess of this life. Help us always remember your provision and the depth of your love for us. Father you are all we need, you are everything.

SERMON

Stand as we sing praise to our King Jesus

BENEDICTION

Read this aloud:

I will now read this prayer over us as we conclude:

May the grace of Christ, which daily renews us, and the love of God, which enables us to love all, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, which unites us in one body, make us eager to obey the will of God until we meet again, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Kidtown guide (Preschool)

DATE: 4/19/20
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4
LESSON: Jesus’ Temptation

INTRO

Parents say to your kid(s) - It’s been another week of our new normal at home. What have been your favorite things from this past week? Has there been anything that has been hard? Today we are going to talk about Jesus being tempted by the devil to do some things that would go against what God said. Sometimes we may also be tempted to do things that go against what God says. Let’s get started with our lesson!

LESSON - JESUS’ TEMPTATION

Watch the Bible story video Jesus’ Temptation.

Today’s Story Point! (Kids repeat!)
Jesus never sinned! (Kids repeat!)

The devil tried three times to get Jesus to do wrong things, but Jesus did not do it. He told him to make a stone bread because he knew Jesus was hungry. He told him to jump off the temple and angels would save him. Worst of all, the devil told Jesus to worship him. But, the devil’s plan did not work! Jesus new God’s word and used it to fight against the devil’s attacks!

Christ Connection! (Kids repeat!)
Jesus will help us when we are tempted! (Kids repeat!)

When we are tempted to sin, we can ask Jesus to help us say no to sin. Imagine a time when you may want to disobey your mom and dad. They ask you to clean up your room, but you want to keep playing! To disobey would be a sin - but you can stop and pray and ask Jesus to help you obey your mom and dad. He will always provide a way for you not to choose sin. \

RESPONSE

Parents say to your kid(s) - It’s good to respond to learning about Jesus in the Bible. Sometimes we sing because Jesus is worthy of our songs. Sometimes we pray because we need help and God says we can talk to Him about anything! We can also discuss, and/or practice what we’ve just learned about.

Sing:

• Lord I Need You (Lyric Video)

• He Must Increase (Lyric Video)

Discuss:

• What stood out to you from this story?

• Parents first, then kids: Are there some sins that are hard for you? (Disobeying, complaining...etc.)

• Parents first, then kids: What’s a Bible verse you can use to fight temptation? Parents, kids will need help with this!

Bible Verse: Check out the weekly Bible Verse video. Read and memorize the Bible Verse together. “He must increase, I must decrease.” -John 3:30.

SAY • He in our key passage is Jesus. He is the only One who ever obeyed God perfectly and we can look to Him to help us if we are ever tempted to do things that go against what God says. He will always help us to obey Him and fight sin and temptation.

Pray: Dear God, thank You that Jesus defeated sin and temptation in His life. Thank you that He defeated sin and temptation for us on the cross. Please help us to trust You and fight temptation even when we are weak. Amen.

Do you have any questions? Was anything about this lesson confusing? Tell your kids they can ask you anything. If your family has any questions you are stumped on, feel free to email us.

BONUS ACTIVITIES

Coloring Sheet - Printable coloring sheet depicting Jesus’ being tempted with all the power of the world if He just stops trusting God (and skips the cross).

Simon Says - Simon Says is a basic game that teaches kids about self-control and listening carefully to instructions.

Talk about Yes or No
Things you will need:

• Red construction paper

• Green construction paper

• Marker

• Tape

Write yes on a green sheet of paper and no on a red sheet. Tape the two papers on opposite walls. Point out each sign to children. Suggest situations where children should say “yes” and “no.” Suggested situations include when you want to take something that belongs to someone else, when you want to share a toy with a friend, when you want to hit your brother or sister, when you want to do what your mom or dad tell you to do, when you want to talk when your teacher is telling the Bible story, or when you want to pray to God. Encourage the children to move to the correct sign to answer.

Kidtown guide (elementary)

DATE: 4/19/20
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 4
LESSON: Jesus’ Temptation

INTRO

Parents say to your kid(s) - We’re starting to settle into this new version of normal. We’re more used to Kidtown at home and our new rhythms are getting a little more comfortable. How great is it that no matter what changes in our world, God stays the same! He’s worthy of our worship no matter what our circumstances are!

Sweet Temptation - Kids love to learn in concrete ways. This is a simple object lesson to help your kids interact with the Bible story they’re about to learn. For each of your kids, put a sweet on a plate in front of them. Use a cookie, a marshmallow, a candy ... whatever you’ve got! Explain to your kids, they can have the sweet right now, but if they wait until the end of Kidtown, they can have two!

LESSON - JESUS’ TEMPTATION

Parents say to your kid(s) - Last time we had Kidtown (before Easter) we learned about Jesus’ baptism. Remember that awesome moment in Jesus’ life? Well right after that, Jesus walked through a really hard, dark time we’re learning about today:

Watch the Gospel Project Bible video: Jesus’ Temptation

Wow! Did you know Jesus was tempted like this? It’s really important that we know about how Jesus fought temptation. Especially if you want to get that second sweet!

Story Point #1: (Kids repeat!)
Jesus fought temptation when He was weak. (Kids repeat!)
The Bible tells us that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are! (Hebrews 4:15) And the devil is smart. He tempts when we’re weak and tired and less able to fight. Have you ever fasted for 40 days and 40 nights?! No! How do you think you’d be feeling if you hadn’t eaten for just one or two days? Hungry. Tired. Weak. Gruummpy. That’s right! And even though Jesus was very tired and hungry and weak, He still fought temptation! Which leads us to ...

Story Point #2: (Kids repeat!)
Jesus fought temptation with the Bible. (Kids repeat!)
Every single temptation that Satan threw Jesus’ way, Jesus fought it using the Bible. Satan wants to twist the truth, even using the Bible in wrong ways. But Jesus was so rooted in the Bible He could see through the lies. This is one of many reasons why Kidtown and your parents want to help you learn the Bible!

Story Point #3: (Kids repeat!)
Jesus fought temptation by trusting God. (Kids repeat!)
Satan told Jesus He could have everything He wanted, but not God’s way. This is what he told Adam and Eve in the garden, too. But Jesus didn’t fall for it. He trusted that God would give Him everything He needed, even though it meant being patient and waiting sometimes. Sin’s ultimate goal is to make us fall away from God (Hebrews 3:12). But Jesus kept trusting that God’s way is best.

Christ Connection! (Kids repeat!)
Jesus defeated His sin and temptation in the wilderness. (Kids repeat!)
Jesus defeated our sin and temptation on the cross. (Kids repeat!)
How cool is that?! Jesus defeated sin and temptation in His own life there in the wilderness and all throughout His life. The Bible says that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are and yet did not sin. We can’t fight sin perfectly like Jesus did. That’s why we needed Him to fight sin for us in the cross!

RESPONSE

Parents say to your kid(s) - It’s good to respond to learning about Jesus in the Bible. Sometimes we sing because Jesus is worthy of our songs. Sometimes we pray because we need help and God says we can talk to Him about anything! We can also discuss, and/or practice what we’ve just learned about.

Sing:

• Lord I Need You (Lyric Video)

• He Must Increase (Lyric Video)

Discuss:

• What stood out to you from this story? Non-spiritual answers are okay. We want kids to interact with Scripture, not just regurgitate facts.

• Parents first, then kids: What are really tempting sins for you?

• Parents first, then kids: What makes you weak to fight temptation?

• Parents first, then kids: What’s a Bible verse you can use to fight temptation? Parents, kids will need help with this!

Bible Verse:
Check out the weekly Bible Verse video. Read and memorize the Bible Verse together. “He must increase, I must decrease.” -John 3:30.

SAY • He in our key passage is Jesus. He is the only One who ever obeyed God perfectly and we can look to Him to help us if we are ever tempted to do things that go against what God says. He will always help us to obey Him and fight sin and temptation.

Do you have any questions? Was anything about this lesson confusing? Tell your kids they can ask you anything. If your family has any questions you are stumped on, feel free to email us.

Pray: Dear God, thank You that Jesus defeated sin and temptation in His life. Thank you that He defeated sin and temptation for us on the cross. Please help us to trust You and fight temptation even when we are weak. Amen. Sweet Temptation - For any of your kids who waited until now, give them an extra sweet and let them eat! Check out this video of other kids struggling with temptation in the Marshmallow Test.

BONUS ACTIVITIES

Coloring Sheet - Printable coloring sheet depicting Jesus’ being tempted with all the power of the world if He just stops trusting God (and skips the cross).

Simon Says - Simon Says is a basic game that teaches kids about self-control and listening carefully to instructions.

Obstacle Course - Make an obstacle course around your house with specific instructions for your kids to climb over, under and around certain obstacles.

April 12 | Easter

Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate Jesus raising up from the dead and walking out of the grave. We’ve recorded a special Easter Gathering to watch at home at 6:15am on Easter Sunday. After viewing, walk outside and enjoy the sunrise. What a beautiful picture of all of us scattering around our city to worship Jesus together at that moment!

Sermon by Michael Bailey for April 12, 2020.