Belong

April 7-13

Welcome We kick off a new series this week called Good to Great Families with the topic Gods Great Plan for the Family, looking at the sixth day of creation in Genesis 1:26-31 when God created people in His own image. Opening Prayer God, thanks for making us! We are filled with awe as we look at your creation, even in its fallen state. We long for the day when creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay by your completed work of redemption (Rm. 8:21).

Become
Family Time Read Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:15, Psalm 8:6-9, & Psalm 24:1. What do these verses (or others you can think of) suggest about how people should relate to Gods creation? Do words like rule & subdue suggest only domination & exploitation or can they also imply conservation & stewardship? Can we do anything we want with Gods creation or are there limits & responsibilities? Kids Time A) Have the kids create something with Play-Doh, building toys, or art supplies. If thats not practical, have them tell the group about something they created in the past, something they are especially proud of. B) Ask each child to answer this question: What does what you made tell about you? Does it reflect you in some way? C) Ask the group, What does what God made tell us about Him? D) Discuss what Gods final creation in Genesis 1humans made in His image who can create, communicate, and have relationshipssays about God and about us. Adult Time A) While watching a nature show on TV, my son asked why they kept using the term non-human animal instead of just animal. Whats the implication and what difference does it make what we call something? B) Thirty years ago animal rights activist Peter Singer complained that the phrase sanctity of human life was religious mumbo-jumbo, & argued that we should replace it with the concept of quality of life. He said that a non-human animal often has superior capacities compared to a severely defective human infant, and claimed that which species one belongs to is not morally relevant. What effect has this non-Biblical emphasis on quality of life had on our culture? Consider abortion, fetal testing for birth defects, physician-assisted suicide, even divorce, etc. How does the Biblical perspective that all humans bear the image of God help us stand against that destructive influence? Prayer Time Lord, Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2). Help us see the triumphs & tragedies of our daily lives & everything else in this vast universe as part of a much bigger & deeper reality. Remind us to treat all people with genuine respect, whether they are like us or completely different, because they are created in your image. As the Core Competency for this week reminds us, All people are loved by you and need Jesus Christ as their Savior. Amen.

Beyond
Community Calendar Community Job Fair Tuesday, April 16, from 10 am2 pm at First Baptist Church Euless. Leaders, if you know of someone in your Community/Home Group who is going through a job transition and might benefit from attending, please pass this information along. For more information, visit www.careersolutionsworkshop.org. Church Calendar
Ladies night out Thursday, April 25. Please bring your favorite salad to The Connection building at 7:00 pm. Jamie Porter and Julie Holt will share their testimonies. Register at pantego.org. Childcare provided with registration. Please email womens@pantego.org for more information.

PantegoBibleChurch