Weekly Update April 15

This Wednesday Night at Hyfi we will learn about Elijah and the prophets in 1 Kings 18. Elijah was a prophet of God who stood strong against the prophets of the false god, Baal, and showed everyone the one true God. Elijah called the people to choose who they would serve—to follow God and stand strong for Him. He trusted that God would show Himself as powerful and strong. We want our kids to learn this week that they are set apart and can stand strong, even in moments of uncertainty—all because of who God is and who God has made them to be.

Trusting God and standing strong in times of uncertainty isn’t always easy. When your kids bring up difficult situations, ask them, “What would it look like to stand strong and trust God?” Engage in conversations about what it looks like to trust and obey God, no matter what.

This Wednesday Night at Refuge Students we will be taking a look at 1 John 3:11-24. This semester we have been studying through 1 John and discussing how believers can have assurance that they are saved.  In 1 John 3:11-24 we learn that true believers don't just say that they love others, but they put their faith and words into action by giving of themselves and their material resources. It is not enough to have a doctrinally correct belief in God. True saving faith is marked by right practice and right practice is imitating Christ as those who have been born of God's Spirit.
 
To engage with your students after the lesson ask them this question: "why do you think the apostle John is concerned with showing love through material possessions rather than just with verbal encouragement?"

This week at Sunday School and at Refuge Hangout we will be taking a look at Acts 6 and 7. Acts 6 and 7 detail the story of Stephen, the first follower of Jesus martyred for his unwavering boldness in proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Despite the rejection Stephen faced, he remained firm in his gospel witness to those in the Sanhedrin. Recounting the stories of the Old Testament, Stephen declared God’s faithfulness to bring the Messiah into the world, even through the rebellious nation of Israel.

How was Stephen able to boldly declare the gospel and endure persecution? What parallels can we make between Jesus and Stephen that encourage us in our faith?
When asked for confirmation of the accusations against himself, Stephen's response was to walk the high priest through the Old Testament’s accounts of God’s promises. Stephen made known the rebellion of the Jewish people—how they rejected God's Word and resisted the Holy Spirit. He spoke of what God declared back then and how God’s promises came to completion in the death and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus. Stephen believed the promises of God and had faith in the Righteous One who died for the sins of the world. Stephen was able to face such terrifying persecution and death because he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

As Stephen stood among the Jewish leaders, Scripture tells us that “his face was like the face of an angel.” While the leaders’ countenance only displayed anger and outrage, Stephen mirrored the ways of Jesus on his face, in his boldness, and through the forgiveness he prayed over the Sanhedrin members’ sins. As Jesus' followers, we also will face opposition from others. Yet, while we await the return of Christ, we can reflect His love and truth to those around us.

Consider with your family what it looks like for followers of Jesus to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that they remain on mission for the gospel no matter the cost. How could God use our faithful witness of the gospel to save even those most hostile to the good news? Explain to your kids that when we find our comfort and hope in Jesus, we can withstand rejection we may face, as we exchange the momentary approval of man for the eternal favor and blessings of God.