2 Samuel 11-12:25

Since the days of Adam and Eve, dealing with sin has been an issue for every person. Think back to a time you were afraid to tell your parents something you had done wrong. Do you remember the feeling that this sin was just too big to be forgiven, or the feeling of being afraid of the consequences? Then came the decision to lie or in some other way try to hide what had been done. But did the hiding and lying bring relief to the problem?

Read the story of David from 2 Samuel 11-12:25. Even after his tragic failure, God forgave him. Thankfully, God will always help us to be honest about our sins when we ask Him.

We have included this story because our preteens today have been exposed to public figures and people in everyday life who choose to cover up their sin rather than be truthful, just as David ignored his sin until prophet Nathan confronted him. Preteens have also encountered people who thought it was cool to flaunt their sin, just as David had publicly married Bathsheba after arranging her husband's murder. Our kids need different kind of role models. They need people in their lives who acknowledge their sin and go to God for help. If confessing our sins to God and then receiving His forgiveness and help, is not a part our lives, the words we say to our preteens are empty. Our example will make the truth far more vivid to our kids than mere words ever could. 

"Truth will set you free"

Stanwich Rocks 5th and 6th grade Sunday School teaching team

Samson

Unit Bible Passage
PSALM 51:1-4, 10-12 "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgresions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Stanwich Rocks 5th and 6th grade Sunday School teaching team

The Parable of the Sower

Check out the unit Bible passage again! It can be found in James 1:22-25 (or you can just check out the previous blog).

Last Sunday we learned the parable of the sower. This can be found in Mark 4:1-20. 

So, what does God want us to do? So many things can take over our lives; work, family, even responsibilities at church! God wants us to care first about spending time with Him, NOT JUST READING BUT DOING WHAT IS IN HIS WORD.

The result of being "good soil" is no small thing. IT IS A FRUITFUL LIFE.  We often see barren, or empty lives that were lived for wealth or success or something that is ultimately fruitless. This is even harder for us who live here in Fairfield County. My heart goes out to the many people I see every day, who HAVE EVERYTHING, but their faces show the misery of their lives. God so much wants to give us abundant lives. 

Preteens are in the process of becoming independent. They can read, understand and do what the Bible says on their own. Share with your preteens how important God's Word is to you. This will develop an attitude of openness toward God's Word. Valuing God's Word leads to a life of integrity.

FAITH IS NOT THE SAME AS BELIEVING. FAITH IS ACTING UPON GOD'S WORD!

Aitta for the Stanwich Rocks 5th and 6th grade Sunday School teaching team