Launch 121: New Name
Family Discussion Questions:
Read through the Scripture passages as a family, then talk through the questions together.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:17-19
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 4:14-16
- What does it mean to be the light of the world? Live our lives in a way that brings glory to God by showing others who God is, telling others about Jesus and all that He has done for them.
- In what ways can you be the light of the world to your friends, family, or community? Answers will vary.
- What did Jesus do to allow us to become “new creations”? He died on the cross for the sins we committed (GO THROUGH BRIDGE ILLUSTRATION HERE). We live to follow Jesus, not ourselves; we ask for forgiveness when we sin; we aren’t slaves to sin anymore.
- What is the “wonderful message of reconciliation” from 2 Cor. 5:19? The Gospel. If they have not already, have your kids tell you the basics of the Gospel.
- What does it mean to be a messenger of reconciliation to the world? Believers in Jesus are called to share Jesus’ message of reconciliation to the world BECAUSE of what He did for us.
- In what ways could you be a be a light to the world, or a messenger of reconciliation this week? Answers will vary.
Family Ideas for Fun:
- With a deck of cards, play “Concentration”. After the first game, set a timer and do a speed round. See how many matches you can get in a set time.
- Names matter. They have a story. Talk about what you think about you when they say each other's names. Work together to make an acrostic poem for the name of each member of your family. Start with one name, writing it vertically down the edge of the page. One letter per line. Think of a word that describes that person, starting with each letter (ie. K – Kind, A – Appreciative, T – Thankful, E – Encouraging). Decorate the page and hang it somewhere in the house. Continue with the rest of the family members.
- Go through old photo albums together as a family. Share the stories behind the pictures to remind your children what was happening at the time of the photo.
- OR choose your own fun activity.