We all have AHA moments in our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus is KING. (v.3-4)

The magi RECOGNIZE who Jesus is. – v. 10-11

“And having been warned.” (v.12)

Sometimes it doesn’t get EASIER when you follow Jesus.

Life in the KINGDOM will not be easy, but the KING is good.

“So, what are we to make of all this? For one thing, there is never a perfect time to strike out on a new spiritual journey. Jesus’ birth and all the events surrounding it took place during a season of real threat, times that were more conducive to staying in one’s own house with the curtains drawn rather than being out and about.”
– Ruth Haley Barton

The gifts they bring: Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh

What GIFT would you bring as you worship Jesus?

Why does Matthew begin with a GENEALOGY?

The Son of DAVID

The Son of ABRAHAM

Phil 2:10-11

The way to read the genealogy is to notice things that are UNUSUAL.

v.8 and v.10: Does Matthew make a MISTAKE?

Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba are UNLIKELY names for such a list.

Matthew wants us to realize that Jesus comes for the OUTSIDERS, the SINNERS, and the HYPOCRITES.

v.20-23: Jesus wants to save ALL PEOPLE.

Where would your NAME fit on a list like this?

Like Abraham holding onto the promise?

Like David in sin and rebellion?

Like the generations in exile feeling abandoned by God?

Revelation 3:5

Jesus will never blot out your name from the BOOK OF LIFE.

There is only one way to know what’s on the other side of saying YES to Jesus.

It’s better to FIND out than MISS out.

Psalm 78:1-7

v1: “Hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth.”

Did you HEAR me?

v1: “I will utter hidden things, things from of old…what we have heard and known…”

When you become a follower of Jesus, you become a part of a bigger STORY.

v4: “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

What are the PRAISEWORTHY deeds he has done?

What would be the MOMENTS you would tell in your story?

• Rebellion | Forgiveness
• Abandonment | Presence
• Anxiety | Peace
• Grief | Comfort
• Betrayal | Redemption
• Sickness | Healing
• Sadness | Joy

God loves to do PRAISEWORTHY things.

Our job is to TALK about them.

Matthew 16:1-4

Both the Pharisees and the Sadducees see Jesus as a THREAT so they devise a plan to TEST Jesus.

Matthew 16:5-12

Sometimes we just don’t GET it.

“The yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees…”

There are those who claim to know the SCRIPTURES, yet might lead you astray.

There are those who have AUTHORITY, yet might lead you astray.

Matthew 16:13-19

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”

This is what was threatening. It’s actually why Jesus was crucified.

“For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” (v. 18)

When you come to believe that Jesus is who Jesus says he is, it will be because God found a way to SHOW you that.

The Church is here for good, because Jesus KEEPS showing himself to people.

“On this rock…”

There is nothing that could OVERCOME the work of Jesus building his Church.

2 Corinthians 4:7

We are here FOR GOOD.

Revelation 21:25: “On no day will its gates ever by shut”

What would it look like if we stayed here and kept the gates wide open?

Titus 3:1-2

Our obedience is FIRST to Jesus, then to the authorities God has placed in our life.

Are you ready to do WHATEVER is good?

Titus 3:3-7

The shift isn’t we finally got our act together, the shift comes when the KINDNESS and LOVE of God appeared.

Titus 3:8

“So that…”

EXCELLENT and PROFITABLE for everyone.

Titus 3:9-11

The Christian Church often argues over INSIGNIFICANT things.

Don’t divide over it.

Titus 3:12-15

For Paul, this is PERSONAL.What would he say if he were writing to YOU?

People are WATCHING, live like it.

Titus 2:1-3

The households of followers of Jesus should look DIFFERENT.

Titus 2:4-8, 9-10

The household codes aren’t what they first APPEAR

What was the world that Paul lived in?

How do Paul’s household codes DIVERGE from the views of the day?

Are we assuming a 21st Century American CONTEXT when we read the Bible?

Titus 2:11-15

The grace of God is for ALL people.

Everyone includes the CRETANS.

Everyone includes THEM.

Everyone includes YOU.

What if the Church was the one place where the grace of God was for all people?

Jeremiah 29:10-14

“A thousand generations live in you now. But this is your fight.”
– Luke Skywalker

Hebrews 11:13, 12:1-2

There are a thousand GENERATIONS of Jesus-followers in you.

“When SEVENTY years are completed for Babylon.” (v. 10)

Cheap OPTIMISM is not a good alternative to COSTLY hope.

God hasn’t abandoned you even when God’s on a different TIMELINE than you.

“For I know the PLANS I have for you…” (v. 11)

Exile will not be WASTED.

REFRAME your exile.

“Call on me and come and pray to me…” (v. 12)

“Seek me and find me…” (v. 13)

Jesus may seem HIDDEN, but he can always be FOUND.

Jeremiah 29:1-7

“I don’t know if I want to bring a kid into THIS world.”

Build HOUSES and settle down.

“Do not conform.” (Romans 12:2)

You can be present in the world without ASSIMILATING to the ways of the world.

Plant GARDENS.

Gardening is a HOPEFUL act.

Maybe the world might not be different when we have kids, but what if our PRESENCE and our work as parents in the world now meant a different world for our grandkids.

Psalm 105

Get married and have BABIES.

Maybe one of the greatest acts of resistance in our world that you could do is getting MARRIED.

Maybe one of the greatest acts of resistance to our world that you could do is starting a FAMILY.

Deuteronomy 20:5-7

Seek the PEACE and PROSPERITY of the city.

Romans 12:14-17

John 1

Keep hope alive, join the REBELLION.

What happens when we are longing for things to be different:

We try to ESCAPE.

We SETTLE in.

As Christians, do we look any different from the WORLD around us?

Psalm 137:1-4

How do we sing while we’re in exile?

Jeremiah 24:1-7

They became like BABYLON before they were ever in Babylon.

The GOOD figs are the ones in exile.

The BAD figs are the ones with power.

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” (1 Peter 2:11)

Fig Trees and Flipping Tables

Ephesians 2:19-22

Jesus didn’t come to tweak the old system, he came to flip it UPSIDE DOWN.

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“Do not let your hearts be TROUBLED.” – v. 7

The disciples context…our own context…it’s all troubling.

John 14:1-7

“I am the way, the truth, and the life…”

Is that a THREAT or a PROMISE?

The exclusive statement gets connected to a statement that reminds us that Jesus has enough ROOM for all of us.

You might even be SURPRISED by how much room there is in heaven.

“If you really KNOW me, you will KNOW my Father as well.” – v. 7

John 8:32

Freedom doesn’t come from INFORMATION, it comes from relationship with Jesus.

TRUTH is a person.

Jesus is not interested in you knowing THAT he died as historical fact.

Jesus is interested in you knowing he died FOR you.

Jesus is interested in you knowing HIM, not just about him.

Three practices:

1. ASK someone to share with you how Jesus changed their life.
2. Try to DO something that Jesus did.
3. Spend time with someone who is where you WANT to be.

John 16:7, John 14:2

It’s going to get BETTER because the Advocate is coming.

Could it really be better?

We get to PRACTICE the IMPRACTICAL.

What if the better that Jesus PROMISED is what so many are SEARCHING for?

Acts 1:7-9

They EXPERIENCED something.

They SAID something.

Acts 2:1-4

What would you do if you KNEW God was with you?

Acts 2:5-12

Ordinary people started to do UNORDINARY things.

Redemption isn’t just for a SELECT group, it’s for ALL people.

Ruth 1:8-17

v. 8-9 – Every culture has its own ways of determining an individual’s VALUE.

v. 10-13 – Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi had EVERYTHING taken from them.

v. 14 – Naomi loves Ruth even though she DOESN’T believe.

God wants us to LOVE people who don’t love Him.

Naomi’s love for Ruth changes Ruth.

v. 16-18 – “Your people will be my people and your God MY GOD.”

Boaz is a kinsmen-REDEEMER.

Boaz’s surprising REDEMPTION and Ruth’s surprising COURAGE.

Redemption is UNIVERSAL.

Courage to FOLLOW.

“Mild he lay his GLORY by”

Philippians 2:6-8

Matthew 1:18-23

It is easy to OVERLOOK what has become FAMILIAR.

v. 19 – It is COSTLY.

v. 20-21 – Joseph had courage.

Courage to take the world’s DISDAIN.

People thought that Joseph was FOOLISH.

Courage to GIVE UP your right to self-determination.

Who is LORD?

Courage to ADMIT you are a sinner.

What if Joseph didn’t think there was a PROBLEM?

Love gives COURAGE.

Hope is the PRESENCE of God in the midst of a dark time.

Luke 2:1-12

“I bring you GOOD NEWS that will cause great joy for all the people.” – v. 10

Good News is not good ADVICE.

Matthew 1: “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about.”

Genesis 12: All the peoples of the earth would be blessed through his descendants.

If you’ve been WAITING on God, you are in good company.

“You cannot judge God by your calendar…” – Tim Keller

God make take his time, but he always KEEPS his word.

The story of Christmas is a story of WAITING.

Because it HAPPENED, the promise still remains.

Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

We follow a DARKNESS-INTERRUPTING God.

TO us.

A CHILD is born.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace are titles that BELONG to God alone.

Isaiah 8:21-22

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”

The light exposes what you can’t SEE when you’re in the dark.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105

Some things were scary in the dark, but not when the light comes on.

The light exposes some of the things that you’ve had HIDDEN in the dark.

We have some things that we’d rather KEEP in the dark.

The light gives LIFE.

“For the rest of my life, I want to reflect on what light is.”

2 Corinthians 4:4-6

Practices in Relationships:

1. Patience. Trust is built over TIME.
2. Play. When people play, they CONNECT easier.
3. OTHER-CENTEREDNESS. When we move away from control and focus on love.
4. PRESENCE. We show up.

Ephesians 4:1-6

v.1 – It’s a calling that you have already RECEIVED. Live like it.

Be HUMBLE and gentle

Be PATIENT

BEAR with one another in love.

Galatians 6:2

Jesus carries our burdens so that we have the STRENGTH to carry each other’s burdens.

What burdens are too hard for you to carry alone?

1 John 4:7-12

“Dear friends…”

“This is how God showed his love among us.” – INCARNATION

“SINCE God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

You can’t SEE God, but you can see PEOPLE who love God.

FIRST places are the places we LIVE.

SECOND places are the places we do our WORK.

Jeremiah 29:5-7 – PROSPER the city.

THIRD places are the places we PLAY and hang out.

A decrease in the participation in third places will increase LONELINESS and ISOLATION.

Should we be creating FOURTH places?

Romans 12:9-16

OTHERING is putting a barrier up between yourself and another.

Othering not only puts DISTANCE, it DEVALUES.

Community that devalues another doesn’t wait long to DEVALUE you.

Jesus turns “others” into NEIGHBORS.

“Be devoted to one another”

PHILEO + STORGE

The Church should not be SELECTIVE or SECRETIVE.

The Church should not HURT.

Three practices:

1. CONTACT
2. READING
3. EMOTION spotting (Map your emotions throughout the week using the following Energy/Pleasantness graph:

Here As In Heaven

“Teachers”

Teachers are men and women who guide us into the DISCOVERY of wisdom, truth, and application.

What is the gift of teaching?

VENTRILIQUISTS vs. TEACHING

Questions we should be asking…

Colossians 3:16

Luke 6:45 – “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

It all begins with what is inside of you.

One of the primary ways we see JESUS run the Scriptures is as teacher.

It’s not teach them to KNOW, it’s teach them to OBEY.

Matthew 28:18-20 – “as you are going…”

Here As In Heaven

“Pastors”

Ephesians 4:11-13

The word PASTOR literally means “SHEPHERD”

Pastors are men and women who intentionally CARE for another person or group of people.

Community-Builders, Protectors, Healers, Includers

Any role where there is INTENTIONAL knowing, seeing, and caring for another person is an opportunity to utilize a pastoral gifting.

What do pastors do?

Moms, Coaches, Ministry Leaders, Teachers

John 10

Jesus is the good shepherd. We imitate Jesus.

Let’s be a church with a shepherd mentality that fiercely PURSUES our flock.

Here As In Heaven

“Prophets”

Ephesians 4:11-13

What is a prophet?

A prophet is a TRUTH-TELLER.

Men and women who have been gifted to be God’s MOUTHPIECE.

Questioners, Challengers, and Observers

Examples: Jeremiah 22:1-3, 2 Samuel 12:7-19

Prophets go to the places of INJUSTICE.

Prophets say the HARD thing.

Prophets bring HOPE.

VERTICAL = God and Humans

HORIZONTAL = Humans and other Humans

1 Corinthians 14:3

Is what I am saying in AGREEMENT with Scripture?

Is it strengthening, encouraging, or comforting?

Here As In Heaven

“Apostles”

On EARTH as it is in HEAVEN

The Kingdom:

God’s PEOPLE doing God’s WORK by God’s POWER.

Ephesians 4:11-13

Jesus gifts the church in UNIQUE ways.

Jesus EQUIPS the church for the work of ministry.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles…”

What’s an APOSTLE?

The word “apostle” means “SENT ONE”

Pioneers, Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Designers, Organizational Leaders, Visionaries

Matthew 25:14-26

Jesus CELEBRATES when you use the gifts that you’ve been entrusted with creatively.

Acts 16:13-15

Acts celebrates the way Lydia’s business-minded gifting impacted the local church.

What if?!?!

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Hello Darkness My Old Friend

Seeds That Disrupt Power

Read This

Jesus always overcomes evil.

Daniel 3

Remember This

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Remember This Too:

But deliver us from evil.

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in Heaven.

Think About This

The world is a sinful and broken place. Sometimes it can be hard to believe that God is good when there is so much evil, but it also is helpful to realize that evil is exactly why God had to send Jesus. Jesus is God’s solution to evil. Jesus is God going to fight against all the things we hate to see in the world. All the sickness, all the fighting, all the anxiety and depression – Jesus fights against it by giving his life. And he wins!

Meal Time

Share a story with your student about a time in your life you were given something great ( a gift, an opportunity, forgiveness, etc). Brainstorm three ways that your student or whole family can show unfair love like Jesus’ love for us.

Meal Time

What are some ways that God shows us what is good and what is evil? Consider using the 10 commandments as an easy example of knowing the difference between good and evil.

Meal Time

Read 31:6. Ask your kids how these might be words that help when somebody experiences evil or difficulties?

Bed Time

At bed time read Revelation 21:1-4. Ask your kids what parts of that description sounds the most appealing to them.

Additional study: Questions 285-289 in the Explanation of the Small Catechism

Read This

Jesus teaches us to forgive just as we’ve been forgiven.

Matthew 18:21-35

Remember This

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Remember This Too:

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.

What does this mean?

We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look at our sins, or deny our prayer because of them. We are neither worthy of the things for which we pray, nor have we deserved them, but we ask that He would give them all to us by grace, for we daily sin much and surely deserve nothing but punishment. So we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.

Think About This

Jesus died on the cross to forgive our sins. He paid the ultimate price on our behalf. God not only forgives us, but he also teaches us that it’s best for us to forgive others like we’ve been forgiven. That can be a challenge, but in the end – it’s better for everyone!

Bed Time

Take a moment one evening to share with your kids how you’ve sinned against them. Give them an opportunity to hear you say you’re sorry and offer you forgiveness. If they have anything they want to share, respond with love and grace.

Morning Time

Before your kids go to school, ask them if there’s any one in their school that they need to try to forgive.

Meal Time

Read Psalm 51:1-10. Have your kids point out the different ways this passage describes forgiveness. If they have difficulty understanding them, help explain the metaphors like blot out, wash away, clause me, white as snow, etc…

Bed Time

Read Colossians 3:12-14. Ask your kids, “What makes forgiving other people so difficult?”

Additional study: Questions 276-280 in the Explanation of the Small Catechism

Read This

Jesus makes us strong when we feel weak against temptation.

Ephesians 6:10-20

Remember This

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Remember This Too:

And lead us not into temptation.

What does this mean?

God tempts no one. We pray in this petition that God would guard and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful nature may not deceive us or mislead us into false belief, despair, and other great shame and vice. Although we are attacked by these things, we pray that we may finally overcome them and win the victory.

Think About This

There is not a single person on earth who doesn’t struggle with temptation. Even Jesus faced temptation. There’s also not a new temptation that you face that someone else hasn’t struggled with. At times it may feel like you’re on your own – thinking things or struggling with things that you think no one else is – but you’re not on your own. Jesus faced temptation to and he overcame for your sake and he continues to fight with you.

Meal Time

Look on YouTube for a clip from a favorite battle scene (maybe from a classic war movie or a super hero movie). Ask, “What are items that you think would be necessary to win a battle?”

Morning Time

Write a note and put it somewhere your child will find it (lunch box, backpack, etc). Include James 4:7 on it, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will free from you.”

Meal Time

Read Matthew 4:1-11. Talk about the temptations that Jesus had and how he responded. Ask your student how knowing the Bible might help them fight against temptations.

Bed Time

At bed time read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Point out to important truths: no temptation we face is unique and there’s always a way out. Jesus not only fought for us for when we fail to do what’s right, but he continues to fight with us against temptation.

Additional study: Questions 281-284 in the Explanation of the Small Catechism

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Sermon Notes

Read This

“You shall not commit adultery”

Exodus 20:14

Remember This

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39

Think About This

The sixth commandment, especially when it is re-iterated about Jesus is not ultimately about what we do physically. It is about our mind, our body, and our soul. God desires sexual integrity for us whether we are single or married. This includes how we treat others, what we look at online, and our relationships with others. 

God created us sex as a gift. He gives us instructions about his intention for that gift. While many want to make sex and sexuality a god, it is not the most important thing. And while others want to avoid it as though it were gross, God wants us to remember it is gift.

From the Small Catechism

“You shall not commit adultery”

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.

Meal Time

This kind of conversation is awkward, so let them express that. Ask them to tell you why they don’t like talking about this kind of thing with you. Then ask them if there are people they are comfortable talking to about it (affirm if there are people you trust that they talk to). 

Drive Time

Sometimes your kids will feel more comfortable talking about what other people think. Use the categories of god, gross, or gift. Ask them what they most often see people treating sex/sexuality as. Ask them what they see with friends? On TV? Online? 

Meal time

Read Matthew 5:27-32. Ask your kids “What damage can adultery do to a relationship?” If you’ve experienced that, talk about it. Also ask, “What are some steps you can take to protect your mind and your heart to have sexual integrity”?

Bed Time

There are hard subject when it comes to this subject. Pick one of the many hard subjects and ask your kids to tell you what they think. Some examples might be gender, sexuality, pornography. All of these are conversations worth having and guiding them to think biblically on. Sit and talk. Ask questions and speak into it.

Click here for the 10 minute Sermon Recap

Read This

“Honor your father and mother.”

Exodus 20:12

Remember This

Think About This

God created us to love those in authority over us – especially our parents. That means we listen to them, we obey, we value them, and look for ways to serve them.

From the Small Catechism

This is the only commandment that also comes with a promise. God attaches the command to honor parents with the promise. This doesn’t automatically mean that life with your parents is easy, but God does want to teach us to honor our parents and other authorities (like teachers, pastors, police officers, etc…)

Meal Time

Have some fun with this one. Ask your kids, if you were parent for a day, what rules would you change? Then flip the conversation and tell your kids how you’d act for the day if they were in charge. 

Drive Time

While you’re driving, help your kids think of some ways they can serve someone who is in authority over the. This might be another parent, a friend’s parent, a teacher, a coach. Come up with something they can do that isn’t expected of them. 

Meal time

Role play a conversation about wanting to hang out with a bad group of friends. But instead of being yourself, have your kids be the parents and you be the kids. While being the kid, push to have time to hang out with friends while your kids try to come up with the best ways to explain to you why that’s not a good idea.

Bed Time

At bed time read Proverbs 22:6 and ask your kids, “What are the most important things that I can teach you?” Remind them how much you love them and value them and pray for them.

Read This

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” Exodus 20:1-17

Remember This

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Matthew 22:37-39

Think About This

Remember the Sabbath Day Some people treat this commandment like it’s one that doesn’t apply anymore. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had tons of rules that missed the point of what the Sabbath was supposed to be. How can resting from work remind you that God is in control? How can resting from work help you enjoy God?

From the Small Catechism 

Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

Drive Time

As your driving, plan a Sabbath day for your family. Talk about what it would look like to have a day where no one in the family does any work (school, work, or even housework). Talk about the things you’d enjoy doing as a family. Think of some things you can do that you’d each enjoy and also some things that remind you of your relationship with Jesus.

Meal Time

Talk about when God created the world and how he rested on the 7th day. Ask your kids, why do you think God rested? Was he tired?

Ask your kids what are the things that they enjoy the most?

Bed Time

At bed time one night, ask your kids what are there favorite ways to spend time with God. Encourage them to come up with some that they enjoy or want to try and share yours too.

Meal time

Ask your kids “who is your best friend?” and “how do you like to spend time together?” Ask them how they think they would spend time with Jesus if they could hang out like best friends.

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Read This

God always understands what is happening, He is always good, and never powerless.

Revelation 21:4-5

Remember This

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17

Think About This

People (humans) don’t and can’t understand everything.

Stuff gets weird. Stuff gets confusing. But God always understands what is happening. He is always good, and always powerful, never powerless.

Stuff gets wild. Stuff gets chaotic. But Jesus always fights for us and He overcomes.

Stuff gets frustrating, disappointing, and scary. But the Holy Spirit always gets in the middle of things with and for us, and is always with us.

Parent Cue: Drive Time

Share a time with your student when you were unsure about what the future held. Tell them how you felt at the time, and how to feel about that situation now.

Read This

In the Epistles, God gives us a greater understanding of His glory and His wisdom

Ephesians 1:17-21

Remember This
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

Think About This

God wants you to lean on Him and look to Him in every situation you walk through. He wants you to know His heart, His glory, and His wisdom. He inspired the writers of the Epistles to write a bunch of different letters to a bunch of different people in a bunch of different situations for exactly that purpose. Not everything in these letters is directly applicable to everyone, but in all of these letters we can see God’s heart for us, His glory, and His wisdom.

Parent Cue: Bed Time

Together with your student, draft a letter (or text, or email) to someone you both know well. In this letter, work with your student to share with that person some of the things that you’re thankful for, some of the things you love about God, and some things you’ve learned lately. Let your student lead the way, but don’t be afraid to contribute yourself. Try to make this letter something that benefits the person you’re sending it to by encouraging them, reminding/teaching them about God, and sharing useful knowledge or experience.

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Bottom Line: Who does Jesus say you are?

Discussion Questions:

What are some ways it’s clear that information doesn’t change people?

Describe a time in your life when you experienced transformation.

What are some pathways in your mind that you tend to jump to? What truth can combat those?

What spiritual practices are you learning to renew your mind and have the mind of Christ?

Read This

God always provides for us the things we need.

Exodus 16

Remember This

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Parent Cue  

Morning Time

Write a note for your child and put it in their lunch. Remind them that you are praying for them and love them. If they have something they might be worrying about, include a Bible verse like Matthew 6:33-34 or Phil 4:6.

Bed Time

At bed time ask your kids, “What are the things that you most often worry about?” Affirm that
you understand their worries and remind them of the truth that God is our Father who always
provides.

Meal Time

At dinner time, talk about the food on your table. Where did it come from? Who had to be
involved for that meal to happen? (grocery store workers, farmers, you, your employer,
appliance makers, etc). God provides for us in some amazing ways that we often overlook.

Drive Time

While you’re driving, have your kids come up with a list of things that are blessings but that we
take for granted. Consider using your daily schedule to think of the different things that come up during the day that we should be thankful for.

From the Small Catechism

Give us today our daily bread.
What does this mean?
God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we
pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with
thanksgiving.
What is meant by daily bread?
Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as
food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or
wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good
weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the
like.

Read This

God overcomes whatever obstacles get in the way of his will.

Acts 9:1-19 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. ⁶ “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

¹⁰ In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

¹⁷ Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Remember This

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Parent Cue  

Bed Time

At bedtime read Psalm 119:35. Pray with your kids that God would help give them direction.
Pray for the people in their life (family members, Christian friends, small group leaders) and that
those people would also give godly direction to them.

Meal Time

Turn on the news for a couple minutes before your meal and ask, “What are some things happening in our world that God wouldn’t want happening?” Maybe even ask, “Why do you think things happen that go against God’s will or desire?”

Drive Time

While you’re driving discuss how we are often tempted to go against the will of God. Ask your
kids, “What are some ways that we might be tempted to go against God’s will?” Share with
them some of your own temptations. You can also refer to Genesis 3 when the devil misleads
Adam and Eve away from God’s will.

Drive Time

Have a fun talk about the infinite possibility of things you could pray for. Ask, “If you could ask
God for anything in the world, what would you ask for?” Feel free to be unrealistic and have
fun with it.

From the Small Catechism

Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
What does this mean?
The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition
that it may be done among us also.
How is God’s will done?
God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the
world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom
come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is
His good and gracious will.

Read This

Jesus invites us into His Kingdom and to the work of expanding the Kingdom.

Mark 4:26-34  He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

33 With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. 34 He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Remember This

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Parent Cue  

Morning Time

One morning write out some names on notecards to place in an easily visible place in your car
or house. Choose names of people that you are praying will become a part of God’s Kingdom
and make a commitment to praying for them as a family whenever you see the name.

Bed Time

At bedtime one night read Revelation 7:17. Ask your kids what do you think are the best things
about heaven? What do they imagine it to be like? As a parent, emphasize the key things
about heaven like no more sin, no more pain, no more sadness (it’s like only the good parts of
life!)

Drive Time

Q&A for Parents: Share some places in the world or creation that makes it evident that god is powerful.
Q&A for Kids: Who are some people that you’d like to know about God’s love and his promises?

Drive Time

On a drive with your family, ask your kids what do they think you need to do to be a part of
God’s kingdom (not just heaven, but God’s family). If your kids don’t say something along the
lines of “nothing” or “just believe” remind them that Jesus did all the work on the cross.

From the Small Catechism

Your Kingdom come.
What does this mean?
The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition
that it may come to us also.
How does God’s kingdom come?
God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace
we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Read This

God’s name is holy.

Exodus 3:1-15

Remember This

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Remember This Too:

God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God’s name kept holy?

God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Think About This

We use words to describe all kinds of things. We think a certain game is awesome or school is boring. The word that the Bible uses to describe God is holy, which means that God is set apart and exalted. Not only is the word holy a word that describes God, but we also can either reflect that character of God in the way we live our lives or we can counteract that character of God.

Drive Time

While you’re driving play the alphabet game by having people look for a letter on signs, licenses plates, etc. starting with A and moving alphabetically through the alphabet. To add a twist to this, when they find a letter also have them come up with a word that describes God matching that letter. (ie: A – awesome, B – beautiful, C – caring).

Meal Time

Read Numbers 6:23-27. This section is called the Aaronic blessing. Ask your kids, “What are some characteristics that are true about humans that are never true about God?” Also ask, “When this verse says God’s name is put on us… what things about God do you think it is referring to that would bless us?”

Bed Time

Ask your kids, “What are some ways you can honor God’s name with your words or actions in the next week?” Share some ideas you might have also.

Morning Time

Recall one or some of the ways your kids talked about wanting to honor God and say a prayer with them before school that they would have opportunities to honor God in that way.

Additional study: Questions 250-254 in the Explanation of the Small Catechism

Read This

God wants to talk to us like family.

Luke 11:1-4

Remember This

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Remember This Too:

Our Father in heaven.

What does this mean?

With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

Think About This

Jesus begins the prayer we refer to as the Lord’s Prayer with the words “Our Father.” This means that when we talk to God it’s meant to be like we are talking to family. It’s not meant to be super formal and religious sounding, it’s meant to be talking to someone you could tell anything.

Morning Time

Sneak a note card into your kids lunch and tell them something you are praying for in their life. For example, “I’m praying for you and your big test today. I love you!” or “I know how hard things have been with [friend’s name], I’m praying that God will give you wisdom today!”

Meal Time

At dinner time, take a few minutes and write out the words of the Lord’s Prayer. Then have your kids come up with an alternate version of the prayer using words that they can understand better.  The more creative the better… then use the prayer and say it together!

Drive Time

As you’re driving ask your kids – who are people in your life that you feel like you could talk to about anything? What about adults you could talk to? Find out what makes it so easy to talk to them.

Then ask your students if they feel like they can talk to God like a close friend or family member.

Bed Time

Read Matthew 6:5. Ask your kids how they think people should and shouldn’t pray?

Then pray with your kids something like: “Dear Father, help us learn to pray the way you taught us. Help us to have confidence that you listen to us all the time and help us to always

Additional study: Questions 243-249 in the Explanation of the Small Catechism

Read This

God never gives up on you.

Psalm 86:15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 

Remember This

Romans 8:39 “neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Parent Cue  

Bed Time

Read these three sections of scripture together: Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:1-13, and Genesis 3:21. This section of the Bible is called “The Fall of Humanity”. Ask your student why they think Adam and Eve did what they did, why the serpent did what he did, and why God does what he does in this section. Point out that even though Adam and Eve let God down, He doesn’t give up on them. Instead, He provides for them.

Meal Time

Read Romans 8:34-39 together. Talk together about how your lives might look a little different if you always remembered that nothing “in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God…”

Drive Time

Tell your student about a time in your life when you decided not to give up on someone or something. How did it turn out? What made you stick with it/them?

Read This

The Holy Spirit fights to help me when I can’t help myself.

John 14:15-18, 25-27  “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. “All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Remember This

John 14:16-17 “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.”

Parent Cue  

Morning Time

Before your kids go to school ask them what they think will be the hardest part of the day. Tell them that you’ll be praying for them throughout the day and then follow up with them about it when they come home.

Bed Time

At bedtime one night read Romans 12:4-8 and brag to your kids about the gifts that you see in them. Point out to them that one of the ways that the Holy Spirit is helping them is by giving them and growing their gifts.

Meal Time

Q&A for Parents: When did you become a Christian?
Q&A for Kids: Who are people, places, or events that the Holy Spirit has used to grow your faith?

Drive Time

On a drive somewhere have your kids take your phone to use the GPS. Have them help you navigate by telling you when and where to turn. While you’re driving ask them to share some ways that the Holy Spirit help guide us in our daily decisions.

From the Small Catechism

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.

This is most certainly true.”  – Meaning of the 3rd Article, Luther’s Small Catechism

[Read the Explanation of the Third Article and the corresponding questions in Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation]

Read This

Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Philippians 2:6-11 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Remember This

John 14:16-17 “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.”

Parent Cue  

Bed Time

Ask your kids, “What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to forgive someone for?” Share a time from your life when you had to forgive someone. Pray for your kids to be able to show grace and mercy just like Jesus has forgiven us.

Meal Time

Ask your kids, “What is something that you do really well?” Share with your parents about an area of your own life that you are confident in. Then ask them, when you are confident, how does that change the situations you are in?

Meal Time

Read Hebrews 4:14-16. Ask your kids to think of a way to describe the words “grace” and “mercy” to someone who’s never heard them before. Then discuss how those two words help give us confidence when we approach God.

Drive Time

When you’re driving in the car ask your kids, “What’s the hardest part of being a teenager these days?”  Listen to them as they talk about what’s hard in their life. Then ask them, “What do you think was the most difficult thing for Jesus when he was a teenager? What about as an adult?”

From the Small Catechism

“I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.

This is most certainly true.”  – Meaning of the 2nd Article, Luther’s Small Catechism

[Read the Explanation of the Second Article and the corresponding questions in Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation]

Read This

God created you the way he wanted you.  

Genesis 1:1-2:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

6 And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” 7 So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. 8 God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

9 And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

11 Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. 12 The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

20 And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 23 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

24 And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

27 So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.

31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

2 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array

Remember This

John 14:16-17 “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.”

Parent Cue  

Morning Time

As you teach your kids about being “fearfully and wonderfully made,” fill up a mirror with sticky notes (or lipstick writing) with things you love about the way God made them. It’ll be a great reminder when they are getting ready for school that morning.

Bed Time

Read Luke 15:11-32 and pray for your student:

“Dear Father, thank you so much for creating [child’s name] in your image. Thank you for making [him/her] [describe qualities]. Thank you for giving me the chance to love [him/her] like you have loved me. Help us to understand what it means to be your children and the amazing love you have for us. Amen.”

Meal Time

Read Colossians 1:16. Ask your kid how they’d answer the question, “Where did the world come from?” Discuss how this answer might be different then what other people believe or teach about where things come from (ie: evolution). Follow up by asking why it’s important to know that God made us and all things.

Drive Time

As you’re driving, point out different things that are impressively designed. It could be something in nature or a building that impresses you. Ask, “What impresses you about those things?”  “And how do you know that there is a designer?”

From the Small Catechism

“I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them.

He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with al that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil.

All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthless in me. For all this it is  my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.

This is most certainly true.”  – Meaning of the 1st Article, Luther’s Small Catechism

[Read the Explanation of the First Article and the corresponding questions in Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation]

Read This

Baptism is one of the ways that God gives us faith, closeness with him, and forgiveness.

Romans 6:4 (NIV) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Remember This

Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Think About This

We can’t earn forgiveness for our sins, all the times and ways we don’t live up to what God’s plan is for us, but God saves us from sin, death, and the devil. He gives us salvation in Jesus, and all we have to do is believe and trust in Him. But we can’t even do that on our own. Only God’s Holy Spirit can create that faith and trust in us. And one of the ways that happens is in baptism.

Parent Cues

Meal Time

Share a story with your student about a time in your life when you were given something great (a gift, an opportunity, forgiveness, etc.) that you absolutely did not deserve. Then take some time to come up with three ways that your student and/or your family can show unfair love (like Jesus’s love for us) to someone in your life.

Meal Time

There are a lot of fancy-sounding words that have to do with baptism. Assign each of these words to a member of your family (its ok if someone does 2 or 3), look them up in a dictionary, read them out loud, and see if you can figure out where these words come up in your life. (hint: they all have to do with faith, and your relationship with God) Obedience, mercy, grace, renewal, justified, salvation.

Bed Time

Read Romans 6:4 together. Take some time to pray aloud with your student, ask God to help you both see what He is doing in your lives and hearts, and thank Him for the awesome gift of your student, and the amazing gift of Jesus. Ask God to help you both want to live in a way that glorifies Him, and ask God to help you both to remember who He is, and who you are because of Him.

From the Small Catechism:

Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

What is baptism? Baptism is not simply plain water. Instead, it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s word.

What then is this word of God? Where our Lord Christ says in Matthew 28, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

What gifts or benefits does baptism grant? It brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the words and promise of God declare.

What are these words and promise of God? Where our Lord Christ says in Mark 16, “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.”

How can water do such great things? Clearly the water does not do it, but the word of God, which is with and alongside the water, and faith, which trusts this word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is plain water and not a baptism, but with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a grace-filled water of life and a “bath of the new birth in the Holy Spirit,” as St. Paul says to Titus in chapter 3, “through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure.”

What then is the significance of such a baptism with water? It signifies that the old person in us with all sins and evil desires is to be drowned and die through daily sorrow for sin and through repentance, and on the other hand that daily a new person is to come forth and rise up to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.