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Parents' Corner | July 14, 2019

ParentsCorner_Weekly

 

 

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

When the Israelites conquered Jericho, God told them not to take anything. Everything in the city was to be destroyed and set apart for God. Achan must have assumed no one would notice if he kept a few things for himself. The cloak was beautiful, and he sure could use some pieces of silver and a bar of gold. No harm, no foul. Right? Wrong. God had commanded complete obedience from the Israelites.Imagine Joshua’s surprise when a few men in Ai defeated his army of a few thousand men. Had God failed to keep His promise to protect them from their enemies? The next morning, God revealed that it was Achan who had sinned. Achan and his family were stoned to death. The Israelites covered their bodies with a large pile of stones as a reminder of the consequences of sin.

The Israelites faced the people of Ai again. This time, God was with them. He had helped them destroy Jericho; now He would help them destroy Ai—except this time God allowed them to plunder the city, keeping goods and livestock for themselves.

The story of Achan demonstrates that God hates sin. (See Prov. 6:16-19.) God is just to punish sin. Here’s the bad news: We are all sinners, and “the wages of sin is death,” but here is the good news: “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

God’s presence with Israel was tied directly to their obedience to Him. As you present the gospel to your kids, help them understand that it is our faith—not our obedience—that gives us right standing with God.

Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, God is always with us and we are victorious over our enemies of sin and death.

God Bless, 

David Feiser
Family Ministry Pastor
The Well Community Church 

Family Starting Points

July 14, 2019

Scripture Memory: Philippians 1:6

“He who began good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Big Picture Question:

Whom can we trust? We can trust God to take care of us.

Bible Story: Achan’s Sin and the Defeat of Ai (Joshua 7-8)

  • God had told the Israelites to take nothing from Jericho. Achan disobeyed God and was punished for his sin.
  • When Israel attacked Ai, God did not fight for them.
  • After Achan was punished for his sin, God fought for His people and they defeated Ai.

Family Discussion Starters: 

  • How can our sin can affect others? Share specific examples.
  • Read Proverbs 3:12. Why is discipline loving?

Family Activity:

  • Invite each person to write down ways he/she has sinned on paper. Destroy the papers, and thank God for His complete forgiveness through Jesus.
  • Go further: Drive through your city, praying that people who live and work there turn from sin and trust in Jesus.

Next Week:

  • Joshua’s Final Encouragement (Joshua 23:1-24:28)