WHAT YOU’LL FIND ON THIS PAGE:
- – Small Group Discussion Questions
- – Family Discussion Questions & Activity Pages from the Children’s Message
- – A Youth talk/link from Pastor Conor
QUESTIONS THAT WILL HELP YOU DIG DEEPER INTO THE MAIN MESSAGE FOR YOUR FAMILY DEVOTIONS OR SMALL GROUP:
Read 1 Cornithians 3:1-3. What did the apostle Paul mean when he told the church at Corinth that he taught them the milk of the Bible and not the meat? Why did he do this?
The word “milk” in the above passage (Greek gala, Strong’s Concordance #G1051) means the basic, elemental teachings of true Christianity first learned by new believers. The word “meat” comes from the Greek word Broma (Strong’s #G1033) and means the more solid, complete and deeper spiritual doctrines of the Gospel.
Read Hebrews 5:11-12. Here we see the same contrast between milk and meat (solid food). When attending a Bible study or church service, what do you personally crave? Why? How does 1 Peter 2:2 relate?
In verse 12 of Hebrews 5, the Greek words translated as “solid food” are stereos trophe (Strong’s #G4731 and #G5160). They mean a strong or stedfast nourishment. Paul does state, a few verses later, some of the teachings he considers “milk” or are the “beginning principles of the oracles of God.” They are repentance, faith in God, the meaning and purpose of baptism, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:1 – 2).
This message was like a puzzle, in that, small and somewhat vague Scriptures were taken from all over to piece together what COULD have happened between the Cross and the Empty Tomb, as well as the short period of time immediately following the Empty Tomb. This can be an odd way to approach Bible Study, and it is not something we do often at T.A.C., but what value is there in occasionally approaching subjects like this?
Pastor Michael thought: “Always allow Scripture to interpret Scripture” is a quote that I was taught many years ago when approaching Bible Study. Rather than bringing man’s doctrines or ideas, or even my own biases, into my study… I have always wanted to seek to search the entire Word of God for answers, rather than taking a single verse out of context.
Regardless of all the minute details of this lesson, what is your assessment of the ‘Blood of Jesus‘? Why is it powerful? What was so special about it? [Read Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:7, Revelation 12:11, and Romans 5:9 for help in answering.]
Family Discussion Questions for the children’s message: “John Was Born”
Choose someone to read Luke 1:16-17.
Ask the following questions and Lead your family to discuss:
What did Zechariah do after his son was born? Prompt kids to recall that Zechariah named the baby John, just as the angel commanded. Then he was able to speak, and he prophesied about John, saying he would go before the Lord and get people ready for Him. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read Luke 1:76-68.)
The name John means “the Lord is gracious.” Where do you see God’s grace in the Bible story or in your own life? Encourage kids to give examples. Help them recognize God’s grace in giving a son to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Guide them to consider undeserved favor in their lives, especially the gracious gift of salvation through Jesus. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read Ex. 34:6.)
In what ways can we get people ready for Jesus’ return? Invite kids to share their ideas. Emphasize that Jesus commanded all believers to make disciples among the nations. (Matt. 28:19) We can all be involved by telling others about Jesus in our own communities, supporting missionaries through prayer or giving, or obeying God’s call to go to the nations. (Option: Choose a volunteer to read 1 Pet. 4:7-11.)
ACTIVITY PAGES TO BE DOWNLOADED BELOW:
A QUICK MESSAGE FOR THE YOUTH:
If you’re a teen, click HERE.
