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Parents' Corner | July 1, 2018

ParentsCorner_Weekly

Dear Parents,

All of the letters Paul wrote follow the same basic outline. The first part of each letter focuses on important doctrines: the gospel. The second part of each letter then explains how those doctrines can and should shape how we live every day: gospel transformation.

When it comes to Romans, the first eleven chapters are Paul’s explanation of the gospel, while the final five chapters center on how that gospel changes us. Romans 12:1-2 is the hinge linking these two sections together.

Paul urges believers to keep in mind the mercies of God. God’s grace, mercy, and kindness led Him to provide Jesus to pay our penalty for sin so that we might be adopted into God’s family. Then Paul helps us look forward by summarizing the impact the gospel should have on us. We are to be living sacrifices that please God. How can we do that? The answer is in Romans 12:2. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. A renewed mind transformed by the Holy Spirit will help us see what pleases God, what His will is.

God wants us to show friendship and love to one another. As believers, we all belong to Jesus. His death and resurrection bring us together. The Holy Spirit changes the way we think and live so we can love one another as God has loved us.

The gospel first changes the heart and mind. Then, as a result, the gospel changes how a person lives. This is how we please and glorify God. As you share with your kids this week, remind them of how important gospel transformation is. Help them to see that they cannot please God by their own effort—and God doesn’t want them to try.

Help kids understand what it means to rest in the gospel—in who they have been made in Christ Jesus—and how to allow the Holy Spirit to work in their minds, hearts, and their actions. Share that one of the ways God transforms our minds is by us reading His Word, and encourage them to spend time reading the Bible this week.

Have a great week!

God Bless,

David Feiser
Family Ministry Director
The Well Community Church

 

Family Starting Points

Scripture Memory: Isaiah 26:3-4

“You will keep in perfect peace Him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the Rock Eternal.”

Big Picture Question:

Who changes us? The Holy Spirit changes us to be like Jesus for God’s glory.

Bible Story: “Children of God” (Romans 8:12-39)

  • Paul wrote letters to believers in many places.
  • Paul wanted Christians to understand the way God was changing them.
  • God wants us to show friendship and love to one another.
  • The Holy Spirit changes us to help us live new lives.

Family Discussion Starters:

  • Why do our minds need to be transformed?
  • Why does God want us to show friendship and love?

Family Activity:

  • Help your kids learn how to do a few origami designs. Then talk about how the paper was transformed. Highlight the difference between this kind of change and the changes God makes in us.

Next Week:

“The Fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16-26)

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