Dear Parents,

Last week, kids learned that God created people to live with Him in a perfect relationship forever. This week, kids learn that Adam and Eve enjoyed all that was good in the garden of Eden. The Lord gave them only one restriction: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” and the punishment for disobeying was severe: “You will certainly die” (Gen. 2:17).

Before the fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed a loving, two-way relationship with God. The garden was a true paradise. God filled the garden with good gifts so that they might enjoy them and give thanks to God. This glorifies God. All of that changed when Adam and Eve gave in to the serpent’s temptation. Eve believed the lie that leads many of us to sin: Maybe God is holding out on me. 

Adam and Eve desired something more: the wisdom the fruit offered. But when their eyes were opened, they were aware of their nakedness and they felt ashamed. Surely the Lord’s heart broke at their act of disobedience and rebellion. Because of their sin, He cast them out of the garden. Though they did not die right away, sin’s effect was immediate and thorough. Their lives and their children’s lives—and the lives of all of mankind—would be forever affected by their choice.

 God did not leave Adam and Eve without hope. He promised that one of Eve’s descendants would strike the head of the serpent. (Gen. 3:15) Each generation after Eve hoped that one of their children would be the promised One—the One who would crush the head of the snake and put an end to the curse over creation.

 As you talk with your kids about this story, emphasize that ever since Adam and Eve sinned, all people have been sinners. Our sin separates us from God, but God still loves us. God promised a Rescuer would come from Eve’s family. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God.

 Sin is a big problem that needs a big solution. At just the right time, God sent His Son into the world, born as a baby. Matthew 1:21 says, “You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” As the kids you teach become increasingly aware of the bad news—that we are all sinners from birth—rejoice with them over the good news: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15).

God Bless,
David Feiser
Family Ministry Director
The Well Community Church

Family Starting Points

December 2, 2018

Scripture Memory: Ephesians 2:8

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. It is not from yourself. It is the gift of God.”

Big Picture Question:

 Who is God? God is our Creator and King.

Bible Story: “Sin Entered the World” (Genesis 3)

• God gave Adam and Eve one rule: they could eat from any tree in the garden, except for one.
• The serpent tricked Eve.
• Adam and Eve broke God’s one rule.
• Everything was different after Adam and Eve sinned.

 Family Discussion Starters:

• How did the serpent trick Eve?
• How did sin change the world? How does sin affect us?
• Why sin such a terrible thing?
• Whom did God send to take care of our sin problem?

 Family Activity:

• Talk about some of the commandments in scripture (i.e. the ten commandments). Talk about how God’s rules are for our good and our joy.
• Go on a walk as a family. Notice ways sin has affected the world, such as overgrown or dead plants, buildings or sidewalks in need of repair, litter, and so forth.

Next Week:

“Noah and the Ark” (Genesis 6–9)