So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control.
Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that
will come to you when
Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.
1 Peter 1:13, NLT
John Piper says in his sermon "What Is Hope?" that biblical hope is not a mere desire for something good to happen. It is a confident expectation and desire for something good in the future. Biblical hope has moral certainty in it1.
It is pretty much impossible to be 100% confident about anything these days, our news feeds are filled with stories of failure, illness, tragedies and violence and it is easy to fall into hopelessness. Peter knew that the original readers of his letter were also facing trials and hardship and that they too, needed to know where to put their hope. In verse 13, Peter reminds us that we can put ALL our hope in "the gracious salvation" that will be complete when Jesus returns. Even in the midst of brokenness, we have hope!
It is because of our hope in Christ that we can be holy (set apart) in our day-to-day conduct (verse 15). This week, we will learn about this idea through the story of St. Patrick. (Find out a little more about him here.)
ResKids lesson for March 21:
Bible Memory Verse:
Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy, he has given us a new birth and a living hope. 1 Peter 1:3, NiRV
Bible Passages:
Discussion Questions:
1. What does the word "holy" mean?
2. Why do you think it's hard for us to be holy? How does Jesus help us?
3. What do you remember about St. Patrick and his story? Can you share three things?
Picture Book:
Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie de Paola
Video:
John 3:16 Challenge
In the February mail out, Uncle Lawrence sent a challenge to the Grades 3 to 5 kids to do a creative project with the theme of Valentine's Day. The kids recited John 3:16 and then circled the letters from the word "Valentine". Then, they cut out a heart and in the centre of the heart, they wrote out the word "Valentine". Last, they wrote out John 3:16 in a way that aligns with the word Valentine.
Uncle Lawrence received many responses from the kids with their creative artwork and he's chosen TWO winners.
1. Most Colourful Heart by Rei-Lynn
2. More Original Heart by Christopher
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