This week we reviewed what it means to be ARMED and then began learning a little about the enemy we’re actually fighting. In Scripture he is called many things and takes on many forms- tempter, liar, thief, enemy, Satan, accuser, adversary, angel of light, serpent, dragon, Antichrist…just to name a few. Our enemy is real. Ephesians 6:12 ~ “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Even knowing he is real, we can be assured we have no need to be afraid. Our God knows the battle plan, He equips us to be ready for battle, AND most importantly- He always wins!
The reality of this battle we face can be thought of simply as a battle we’re familiar with…like football. Any good football coach prepares his team to face an opponent by watching game film, practicing, getting stronger, and knowing the opponent’s strengths, weaknesses, and usual plan of attack. Why wouldn’t we prepare similarly to face the battle ahead of us? If we’re to face our opponent with both a good defensive and offensive plan, then we need to know something about that opponent. We don’t want to minimize our enemy, but instead maximize our God!
As I reminded the kids on Sunday, this enemy is not super creative. He’s had the same plan since his visit in the garden. He wants to trick, lie, and cheat his way into our lives for the purpose of pulling us away from God. But, again, we know two things for sure. Our God is bigger and our God always wins. Just saying the name “Jesus” will have him running for cover. (The kids found it quite funny to think of him running away like a “chicken.”)
The war was won on the cross, but our stubborn enemy doesn’t give up easily. The battle we face is real, but our God is also real! We live on the side of victory and our battle cry is “ARMED and ready!”
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
This Week’s Announcements:
1. We still have a few ministry spots to fill. If you’d like to learn more about how you too can make an investment in the lives of kids, please contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org or Christina Busey at christina@stonebridgemarietta.org
2. BRING YOUR BIBLE! I’ve challenged the elementary (1st-5th grade) children to bring their own Bible each week. As we ARM ourselves with God’s Truth, one of the most important tools will be God’s Word. If you’re unsure if your child has the Bible that is appropriate for his or her age/maturity/reading level, I’m happy to be a resource for you. Contact me and I can give you suggestions about good options for your age child. Contact me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org
3. Registration is now open for our annual PathFinders Camping Day! Click the link below to register your 1st-5th grade child. https://stonebridgemarietta.org/events/event/pathfinders-camping-day-2/
What God is Teaching Us:
For Toddlers-3k:
Even our youngest are getting ARMED as they explore what coming to church is all about. They are learning that church is God’s house and about the things we do together in His house. They are learning that we play, pray, praise, and learn about the Bible. This week’s focus was prayer.
Click the link below to see the nursery lessons.
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For 4k-5th Grade:
We continued our new Fall Curriculum- “ARMED” on Sunday. This week’s lesson focused on the importance of knowing the enemy we’re fighting. Click on the link below to see the lessons for 4k/K, 1st&2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grade small groups.
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*Also- we are ARMING ourselves by learning a memory verse together each week.
This week’s Memory Verses:
For 2/3 year olds: “Call to me and I will answer…” Jeremiah 33:3aFor 3k preschool: “Call to me and I will answer and tell you great and wonderful things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 For 4k/K and 1st/2nd: John 10:10 (NCV) ~ “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life-life in its fullness."For 3rd-5th grade: John 10:10 (NIV) ~ “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Amazing or Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
One Kindergarten child who seems to be quite the “ladies man” was picked out by one little girl as the one she wanted to marry. After making her declaration of love to him, other kids began singing the (still popular after all these years) song “J and S, sitting in a tree…K-I-S-S-I-N-G…” The little boy, upon returning home, made this sign. (See picture) When his mom asked him about it, he explained- “I can’t kiss her until I know if she loves Jesus!” That’s a man with his priorities in order!
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