Ezekiel 37:1-14

SUMMARY: 

God gives Ezekiel a vision of a valley of dry bones which symbolize the house of Israel. Instructed by the Lord, he prophesies to the bones, and they come together and live. God promises to create new life and a restored relationship with Israel.  

THE POINT:

God’s powerful presence brings new life and heals broken relationships.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“Dem Bones Gonna Walk Around” by Listener Kids (on YouTube)

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Jeremiah 29:1, 4-14

SUMMARY: 

God sends God’s people into exile, promising to deliver them in 70 years. In the meantime, they are encouraged to live new lives, trusting that God is with them. With time, God’s plan and purpose will reveal themselves. 

THE POINT:

God provides a future full of hope.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“Waving Through A Window” by Ben Platt in Dear Evan Hansen

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Isaiah 9:1-7

SUMMARY: 

God’s people have been sitting in darkness because of war, chaos, and displacement. Isaiah’s words remind them to come into the light of God’s presence, and there they receive a beautiful promise. 

THE POINT:

The prophet promises a new king who will be the presence of God’s light in the world. 

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“little light (acoustic version)” by Lewis Watson

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Amos 1:1-2; 5:14-15, 21-24

SUMMARY: 

Amos reminds God’s people, who are often tempted to worship other gods, to remember to trust in God alone and treat others with justice. 

THE POINT:

Amos reminds us to seek God, hate evil, and serve others. 

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“Good People” by Mumford & Sons and Pharrell Williams

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SUMMARY: 

Queen Jezebel, who worshipped Baal, set out to kill Elijah. He fled. Alone, many days’ journey from anyone else, Elijah gave up on his own power, and it was at this point that God unexpectedly came to meet him.  

THE POINT:

God sometimes chooses to appear in quiet ways. 

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“The Sound of Silence” by Pentatonix 

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SUMMARY: 

King Solomon planned to build a temple for the Lord. At the dedication, Solomon expressed his hope that all the world will come to know the Lord through the temple.

THE POINT:

The temple was a place to connect with God.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“Eden” by Jervis Campbell

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1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14

SUMMARY:

God sent Samuel to anoint a new king. Everyone was surprised to see that God chose David, a young shepherd boy. Despite his sins, David would keep returning to God with a devoted and contrite heart.

THE POINT:

God sees beyond the exterior to what is within our hearts.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“I Will Be Undignified” by Rend Collective

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1 Samuel 3:1-21

SUMMARY:

The Lord calls Samuel, a young boy, into service as a prophet. For his first act of prophesy, he must tell his mentor that the Lord would deliver punishment for his family’s sins. Samuel obeys and is rewarded by the Lord.

THE POINT:

God blesses and equips us to do great things.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“Here I am, Lord” by Dan Schutte

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Exodus 16:1-18

SUMMARY:

When the Israelites experience hunger in the wilderness, they long for their days of enslavement and complain against Moses and Aaron. Moses prays to God, and God answers Moses’ prayer by giving the Israelites manna and quail to eat.

THE POINT:

God sends blessings even when people complain and grumble.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“Manna (After All These Years)” by Chris Renzema

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Exodus 2:23-25; 3:10-15; 4:10-17

SUMMARY:

God remembers the covenant with the Israelites and sends Moses to lead the people out of enslavement in Egypt. Moses is reluctant, but God assures him that God will be with him and give him words to speak.

THE POINT:

God blesses reluctant messengers and uses them to bless others.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

The Prince of Egypt Soundtrack

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Genesis 27:1-4, 15-23; 28:10-17

SUMMARY:

With the help of his mother Rebekah, Jacob steals his brother Esau’s blessing. Despite the deception, God visits Jacob in a dream and promises to bless him.

THE POINT:

God can turn even deceptions into occasions to provide blessings.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder” by Bernice Johnson Reagan

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Genesis 21:2-3, 22:1-14

SUMMARY:

God tests Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham does not refuse. God sees Abraham’s faith, and God provides the offering in place of Isaac.

THE POINT:

God can provide even in impossible situations.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“Father Abraham”

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SUMMARY:

God creates the heavens, the earth, and everything that fills them. God does not do the work of creation haphazardly. Rather, God separates and orders creation with great care.

THE POINT:

God declares that creation is good.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

SONG:

“The Earth is Yours” by Gungor

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Luke 24:1-12

SUMMARY:

Three women go to the tomb and discover that the tomb is empty. Two men appeared and told them that Jesus had risen! The women return to the rest of the disciples and tell them the good news.

THE POINT:

Women proclaim the news that Jesus has risen from the dead.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

“Never See the End” by Mission House

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Luke 19:29-44

SUMMARY:

Outside of Jerusalem, Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him, telling them they will find a colt and to bring it back. Jesus rides the cold into the city while people praise God for all of the great things they have seen.

THE POINT:

Jesus is welcomed as king.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 18:31-19:10

SUMMARY:

As Jesus passes through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, he heals a man who was blind and eats with Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repents from his sins.

THE POINT:

Jesus brings salvation to outsiders who receive him with faith and joy.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 16:19-31

SUMMARY:

Jesus tells a story of unnamed rich man and named poor man. They both die. While Lazarus is comforted, the other suffers. Each experiences the opposite of what happened in their lives. The rich man petitions for Lazarus to bring him relief or caution his family, but Abraham denies his request.

THE POINT:

God calls us to care for those others do not.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 15:1-32

SUMMARY:

Jesus tells three parables. In the first two, when a sheep or a coin is lost, a great effort is exerted to find it. The third is the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father rejoices when a wandering son returns.

THE POINT:

God celebrates when the lost are found and those who were dead find life.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

“Reckless Love” by Corey Asbury. Live from Rutherford County Correctional Facility.

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Luke 13:1-9

SUMMARY:

Jesus emphasizes the need for people to return to God. People want to place blame in tragedy, but Jesus calls everyone to repent. He tells a parable of a fig tree that does not bear fruit.

THE POINT:

Suffering is not always caused by sin, but everyone should repent.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 10:25-42

SUMMARY:

Jesus tells a lawyer the Parable of the Good Samaritan. At the home of Martha and Mary, Mary listens to Jesus, while Martha is busy working. Martha complains to Jesus; Jesus responds that Mary is doing the better thing by learning from him.

THE POINT:

God’s kingdom appears in acts of mercy and love.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 9:28-36

SUMMARY:

Jesus took Peter, John, and James to the mountaintop to pray. While they were praying, Jesus began to transform and his clothing became a dazzling white. The disciples saw Moses and Elijah with Jesus. Then a cloud came, and God spoke and announced that Jesus is God’s Son and chosen one. Jesus then returns from the mountain to heal a boy who is tormented by a demon.

THE POINT:

The Messiah has come to serve and calls us to serve others.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 7:36-50

SUMMARY:

Jesus tells a parable about a moneylender who forgives two debtors. Then he compares the Pharisee who is hosting Jesus for dinner and a woman from the city who is weeping and washing his feet.

THE POINT:

We can show Jesus our loving gratitude for God’s forgiveness.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 7:18-30

SUMMARY: 

John the Baptist sends his disciple to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to expect someone else?” Jesus replies with examples of his ministry to confirm he is sent by God. Jesus continues speaking to the crowd around him that John was sent before Jesus to prepare the people for Jesus’ coming.

THE POINT:

Jesus is the Messiah, who proclaims God’s kingdom as John did.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 7:1-17

SUMMARY:

Jesus heals two people. The first person Jesus heals is the worker of a centurion, who was a commander in the Roman army. The second is the son of a widow; he had died, and Jesus raises him to life. Both of these people were outsiders, but Jesus provided healing and welcome to them.

THE POINT:

Jesus brings life to outsiders, just as he brings life to us all.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, THOUGHTS?

Email Rev. Seth Rash at pastorseth@fcctroy.com. He would LOVE to hear from you!!

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Luke 6:1-12

SUMMARY:

Jesus is challenged by religious leaders twice about Sabbath rules. His disciples are chastised for picking grain to eat on Sabbath. Jesus refers to King David acting in a time of need. Jesus is chastised for healing a man on Sabbath. Jesus says one should do good by healing on the Sabbath because doing nothing causes further harm.

THE POINT:

The Sabbath is for rest and helping others.

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Luke 5:1-11

SUMMARY:

Jesus teaches a large crowd by the lake. After he finishes speaking to the crowd, Jesus instructs a fisherman—Simon Peter—to drop his nets into the water. The nets are filled with fish, causing Simon Peter to recognize that Jesus is the Lord. Jesus tells Simon Peter, James, and John that it is time for them to put down their fishing nets. From now on, their job will be to catch people.

THE POINT:

The fishermen see and hear Jesus as Lord and follow him as disciples.

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Luke 4:14-22

SUMMARY:

Jesus began teaching in the synagogue of his hometown, Nazareth. He reads from the prophet Isaiah about how God cares for those who are oppressed and marginalized by society. Jesus tells those gathered that he is the fulfillment of the Scripture. The Nazarenes are upset by Jesus’ declaration and drive him out of town. Jesus walks through the angry crowd and continues on his way.

THE POINT:

Jesus brings good news for those in need.

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Week of December 22 through 28

Luke 1:26-45

SUMMARY:

The angel Gabriel visits Mary to let her know that she would have a baby and that she should name him Jesus. Gabriel also said that Mary’s relative Elizabeth was going to have a son even in her old age. When Mary visited Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby leaped for joy, and Elizabeth knew that Mary was carrying the Son of God.

THE POINT:

Jesus is the Messiah.

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Isaiah 61:1-11

SUMMARY:

The prophet Isaiah proclaims a message of good news to the oppressed: God will provide justice, comfort, and hope to the people of Israel.

THE POINT:

God will bring justice and peace.

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Joel 2:12-13, 28-29

SUMMARY:

Even though the people of Judah have turned away from God, Joel speaks hope in the coming Day of the Lord. Joel calls the people to repent, promising that God is merciful, gracious, and loving.

THE POINT:

God patiently and lovingly calls us to repent.

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Daniel 6:6-27

SUMMARY:

King Darius of Persia was pressured by his officials to declare that anyone caught worshiping anyone other than the king would be thrown into a den of lions. Daniel trusted in the God of Israel and continued to worship God in defiance of the law. He was thrown into the den of lions as punishment, but God sent an angel to protect Daniel.

THE POINT:

We can trust in God’s faithfulness.

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Jeremiah 36:1-8, 21-23, 27-28; 31:31-34

SUMMARY:

Jeremiah receives a message from God which is written on a scroll. The scroll is read aloud in the temple, but when it is read for the king, but the king burns it. Jeremiah is instructed to create a new scroll. Even though the people broke the last covenant to worship and obey God alone, God promised to create a new covenant with the people and forgive their sins.

THE POINT:

No matter what we do, God promises a renewed relationship with us.

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Isaiah 6:1-8

SUMMARY:

The prophet Isaiah had a vision of God in the temple. A seraphim touched Isaiah’s lips with coal and told him his sins were forgiven. God asked who God could send out with an important message, and Isaiah said, “Here I am, send me.”

THE POINT:

God calls imperfect people to do God’s work.

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Jonah 1:1-17; 3:1-10

SUMMARY:

God told Jonah to go to Nineveh with a message for the people to turn to God. Jonah disobeyed and traveled by boat in the opposite direction. A storm came, and Jonah realized it was because of his disobedience. He was thrown overboard and was swallowed by a big fish. God spoke to him again, telling him to return to Nineveh. This time Jonah obeyed. The people of Nineveh turned from their evil ways.

THE POINT:

No matter what we do, God’s love for us never changes.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

What do you think is inside the belly of a fish?

Isn’t God being gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and full of steadfast love a good thing? Why do you think Jonah is upset about this?

What is your God Sighting?

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1 Kings 17:1-16

SUMMARY:

The prophet Elijah announces to King Ahab that there will be a drought. He goes to Zarephath where a widow shows him hospitality. God promises through Elijah that her oil and flour will not run out, so that there is enough to feed her household until the end of the drought.

THE POINT:

God provides for us, often in ways we do not expect.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

When was the last time you really thought about the importance of water in your life?

What is your God Sighting?

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1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:27-30, 41-43

SUMMARY:

King Solomon planned to build a temple for the Lord. At the dedication, Solomon expressed his hope that all the world will come to know the Lord through the temple.

THE POINT:

The temple was a place to connect with God.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

• The temple was destroyed in 586 BC, then rebuilt, then destroyed again in 70 AD. So, we don’t have the temple anymore to connect with God. Do you have a place that is special to you where you can connect with God?
• When we say “connect with God” what do you think that means? What does it look like? What does it feel like to connect with God?
• What is your God Sighting?

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2 Samuel 7:1-17

SUMMARY:

King David realizes that he lives in a palace and yet the Ark of the Covenant is placed in a tent. David decides to build a temple to be the new dwelling place for the ark. God replies that David’s son is to build the temple instead, promising that God will continue to dwell with the people of Israel forever.

THE POINT:

God wants us to be generous. We can never be more generous than God though. God’s generosity is extravagant.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

• What does generosity mean to you?
• Do you think God wants you to be generous?
• How can we be generous back to God this week? What are two real things we can do this week to show that generosity?
• What is your God Sighting?

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1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10

SUMMARY:

Hannah asks God for a son, promising that if God answers her prayer she will dedicate her son to God. God does answer her prayer, and she has a son whom she names Samuel. Hannah says a prayer of thanksgiving.

THE POINT:

God hears the prayers of everyone.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

• Do you ever pray?
• What do you think is happening when you pray?
• Have you ever asked God to do something for you? What was it?
• How can you think about others as you pray to God? What can you ask God to do for other people?
• Can you think of any different ways to pray?
• What is your God Sighting?

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Exodus 32:1-14

SUMMARY:

The Israelites make a golden calf to worship, forgetting God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt. God planned to punish the people, but Moses asked God to remember God’s promises to the Israelites. God changes God’s mind and welcomes the people of Israel back.

THE POINT:

Even when we turn away, God remembers God’s promises and welcomes us back.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

1. Why do you think the people had a lack of trust in God? They had seen God’s actions of care and providing for them, and yet they did not trust God as they waited for Moses. Why?
2. Do you ever get distracted from something important?
3. What distracts you from giving time and energy to God?
4. What might you make more important than God in your life?
5. What is your God sighting?

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Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8

SUMMARY:

The Israelites celebrate the first Passover. Moses instructs the Israelites how they are to commemorate God delivering them out of slavery in Egypt going forward.

THE POINT:

God gives us ways to remember and celebrate God’s deliverance. 

QUESTIONS ASKED:

1. How do you feel about this story saying God killed the firstborn sons of Egypt? How does it make you feel that God sent all these plagues on Egypt?
2. Have you ever used yeast before in baking? Maybe your family can add some yeast to some simple bread dough and see what happens.
3. Why do you think the first thing Moses tells the people after they are out of Egypt is about a special way to remember that God freed them?
4. Do you have any special ways to remember special moments in your life?
5. What is your God Sighting?

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Genesis 37:2-8, 17b-22, 26-34; 50:15-21

SUMMARY:

Joseph is the enby of his brothers, so they decide to sell him into slavery. When Joseph is reunited with his brothers, Joseph forgives them, celebrating how God had brought good out of their bad deed.

THE POINT:

Even when we hurt each other, God can turn our work towards good.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

1.   Have you ever done something mean to a sibling or friend?

2.   Has a sibling or friend ever done something mean to you?

3.   Do you think God can turn mean or bad things into good things?

4.   Can you help God work for good? What are two ways you can help God work for good this week? Do you think you can do those two things with your family this week?

5.   What is your God Sighting?

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Genesis 15:1-6

SUMMARY:

God promises to faithful Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars at night. Abram believes God’s promise.

THE POINT:

Abram is faithful, but he is not perfect. We do not have to be perfect to be faithful to God.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

1.   Have you ever moved houses? Did it take a lot of work?

2.   Have you ever tried to count the stars in the sky?

3.   Did God’s promise come true? Did Abram’s family grow to the same number as the stars in the sky?

4.   Do you make promises? When you make promises, do you usually keep them? Have you ever broken a promise?

5.   Abram and Sarai really trusted God a lot. What does trust look like? Who do you trust?

6.   Abram believed God in this story. Abram is really faithful to God throughout the rest of his story in the Bible. What do you think it means to be faithful to God?

7.   What is your God Sighting?

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Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17, 3:1-8

SUMMARY:

God created the first human out of dust, breathing life into him. God provided all the trees and fruits of the garden for Adam and Eve to eat except for the tree of knowledge. A serpent tempts Eve into eating the fruit, who in turn tempts Adam. The two were ashamed and hid from God.

THE POINT:

God loves us, even when we do the wrong thing.

QUESTIONS ASKED:

1.   Did you know there are two creation stories in the book of Genesis?

2.   Do you think a story can be true even if it didn’t actually happen?

3.   Can you tell a story of when you broke the rules?

4.   Why do you think God put the Tree of the Knowledge of Everything in the Garden in the first place?

5.   When we break God’s rules, does God stop loving us?

6.   What is your God sighting?

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Scripture Reading: Psalm 78:1-4

The reading is from the New International Reader's Version. This translation is quite good for younger readers and kids.

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If you would like to contact Rev. Seth Rash, please email pastorseth@fcctroy.com.

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