December 15, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 43. The Valley of Dry Bones (Ezekiel 37)

The Big Truth: God has power to raise the dead to life.

The Gospel Point: Why did God give Ezekiel this strange vision? It wasn’t to give him an idea for a scary skeleton costume to wear to a haunted house. But it was to give him a message for the house of Israel. The dry bones represented Israel, driven from the land because of their sin. But just as the dead bones came back to life, God was letting his people know that he would keep his promise. God promised, “I will give you a new heart. I will put my Spirit within you so you will obey my rules. I will take you home to the place I promised Abraham. I will make you one nation with one king—a king like David. I will save and cleanse you from your sins, and make with you a covenant that lasts forever. You will always be my people, and I will always be your God” (see 36:26–28; 37:21–26). As sure as the dead bones came to life, God would keep these promises. The vision also shows us how Jesus, the promised king like David, saves you and me. Like those dry bones, we are spiritually dead. But when God speaks his powerful word and sends his Holy Spirit, he breathes new life in us—just like he did  for the bones! We were dead in our sins; God has made us alive with Christ (see Eph. 2:5). Through faith in Jesus we are raised from death to life!

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Where do you learn how to love and obey God? A: In the Bible alone. (Job 11:7, Psalm 119:104, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 22:29, 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

December 8, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 41. What Isaiah Saw (Isaiah 6)

The Big Truth: God is holy, and only God can make us holy.

The Gospel Point: How could Isaiah’s sins be forgiven? What was the vision of the burning coal supposed to represent? The rest of Isaiah fills in the picture. It speaks of a servant who would suffer so that our sins could be forgiven (Isaiah 53). It tells us that the sign of his coming would be a virgin (Mary!) conceiving and bearing a son who would be known as “Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14), which means “God with us.” And it says that this deliverer would sit on David’s throne and rule over a never-ending kingdom of peace (Isa. 9:7). Any guess who this could be? That’s right! Jesus! The sacrifice on the altar that allows our sins to be forgiven isn’t ultimately a piece of coal. It’s Jesus, who gave himself up so that we could be forgiven.

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Where do you learn how to love and obey God? A: In the Bible alone. (Job 11:7, Psalm 119:104, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 22:29, 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

December 1, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 50. Big Fish, Bigger Mercy (Jonah 1-4)

The Big Truth: God’s people should reflect the mercy of their God.

The Gospel Point: Even though Jonah was the pouting prophet, Jesus used his story to point to his own death and resurrection. The scribes and Pharisees shouted at Jesus. “Show us a sign that you are the Messiah!” Jesus had already shown lots of signs. He had cleansed a leper, healed a paralyzed man, and given sight to the blind. He had even raised the dead to life! What kind of sign were they looking for? They wanted a supernatural sign—like water turning to blood. Jesus replied to them, “Only people with no faith want a special sign like that. I will only give you one sure sign that I am the Messiah. Just as Jonah was three days in the belly of the great fish, so will I will be three days in a tomb” (see Matt. 12:39–40). What do you think he is talking about? Yes, he’s talking about his death—and resurrection. On Friday he died. That night (day one) and the whole day after (day two) his body was buried. Then, on day three, he rose from the grave! But Jesus didn’t choose the story of Jonah just because the number of days matched. He chose the story because it was all about God’s mercy for sinners who repent. Jesus’s death and resurrection are the signs that prove he is the Son whom God sent to save us from our sins and the punishment of death. Anyone who trusts in Jesus—disobedient prophets or wicked enemies—can be saved.

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Where do you learn how to love and obey God? A: In the Bible alone. (Job 11:7, Psalm 119:104, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 22:29, 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

NOVEMBER 24, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 40. The Beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 1)

The Big Truth: Fearing God makes us wise.

The Gospel Point: Proverbs and Job are part of the Wisdom Books of the Bible. In Job this question is asked: “Where shall wisdom be found?” (Job 28:12, 20). The answer is in God and his word, and the way that we get this wisdom is through fearing God. “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom” (Job 28:28). Sounds like Proverbs, huh? We also find wisdom in Jesus. The Bible tells us in Jesus “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). Do you ever think of wisdom as a treasure? Something you would hunt for? Well, it is! And Jesus is where we can find it. If you want to become wise, go to Jesus. That means read the Bible. Talk to him through prayer. Ask him to help you live wisely. And the wisest thing of all? Put all your faith in Jesus and what he has done for you on the cross. The Bible calls Jesus’s death on the cross “the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24). So where can wisdom be found? God’s word. Jesus. The cross.

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Where do you learn how to love and obey God? A: In the Bible alone. (Job 11:7, Psalm 119:104, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 22:29, 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

NOVEMBER 17, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 39. The Lord is My Shepherd (Psalm 23)

The Big Truth: God, as our shepherd, leads, feeds, protects, and forgives us.

The Gospel Point: King David knew God’s goodness and mercy all the days of his life, and someday he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. But while David was living on earth, he never met the greatest shepherd, who came from his family tree. He never met Jesus. When Jesus came to earth, he taught that he was a shepherd and that those who heard his voice would follow him like sheep. “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” and his “sheep follow him” (John 10:3, 4). He also said, “I am the good shepherd . . .[who] lays down his life for the sheep” (10:11). Jesus is not only the good shepherd. He is a sheep too. Do you remember the Passover lamb? When Jesus arrived, his cousin John said, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus is our Passover Lamb, which means he’s the Lamb who takes away our sins. Jesus leads us and protects us and feeds us. But most importantly, through his death, he takes away our sins so we can be forgiven. And because we are forgiven, we can dwell in the presence of God forever. Jesus is the perfect sheep to save us from our sins and the perfect shepherd to bring us safely home.

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Where do you learn how to love and obey God? A: In the Bible alone. (Job 11:7, Psalm 119:104, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 22:29, 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

November 10, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 35. Walls and Worship (Nehemiah 6-8)

The Big Truth: We worship God when we gather together to hear and obey God’s word.

The Gospel Point: The days when Israel returned to Jerusalem, rebuilt the temple and walls, and worshiped God were high points in Israel’s history. But they weren’t even close to the highest. What could be better than a brand-spanking-new temple? I’ll tell you: God’s dwelling with us. What could be better than all God’s people hearing God’s word and wanting to obey? I’ll tell you. Having God’s law written on our hearts (see Jer. 31:31–34) When Jesus came, he did these better things. By paying for our sins on th cross, he made a way for God’s Spirit to dwell inside us. On top of that he made a way for our very hearts to change. All who believe in Jesus are born again, with new hearts that have God’s law written on them. If the people in Nehemiah’s day had reason to gather around God’s word and worship, then we have all the more reason!

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Where do you learn how to love and obey God? A: In the Bible alone. (Job 11:7, Psalm 119:104, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 22:29, 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

November 3, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 46. The Miraculous Catnap (Daniel 6)

The Big Truth: Like Daniel, we can trust and obey God no matter what happens.

The Gospel Point: What would you do if the government said, “Whoever worships Jesus will be sent to prison”? Would you still trust God’s word? Keep worshiping Jesus? Praying? Telling others about Jesus? Would you still act like you were a Christian? Daniel had such courageous faith. He prayed to the Lord even though he knew he would be tossed into the lions’ den. And like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, he had no guarantee from God that he would survive. He chose to worship God no matter what. He chose to worship God because he loved and trusted God with his life. In the book of Hebrews, some people with great faith are listed. “Through faith,” we are told, these heroes of faith “stopped the mouths of lions” and “quenched the power of fire” (Heb. 11:33–34). The author is writing about Daniel and his friends! Later in Hebrews, we are told that others, because of their faith, were mistreated, mocked, tortured, imprisoned, and killed. We also read that Jesus, who is called “the founder and perfecter of our faith, . . . endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2). If we are to keep the faith like Daniel, we need to follow Jesus, who trusted God even though it led to death. And just like God delivered Jesus by raising him from the dead, he will deliver us if we keep trusting him.

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Where do you learn how to love and obey God? A: In the Bible alone. (Job 11:7, Psalm 119:104, Isaiah 8:20, Matthew 22:29, 2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

OCTOBER 27, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 44. The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)

The Big Truth: God’s people should put God first no matter what.

The Gospel Point: When King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the fiery furnace, he expected to see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego burned to death. Instead, to his surprise they were alive! They were “walking in the midst of the fire” and were “not hurt” (3:25). That is not all that made his jaw drop. He saw a fourth person, whom he took to be an angel, or some sort of divine being. “The fourth is like a son of the gods,” he said (3:25). He acknowledged that God “sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him” (3:28). It’s clear that God sent the angel to deliver them from the furnace; God also sent us someone to deliver us—Jesus. These three men faced punishment because they followed God over the Babylonian king. By saving them, God showed to all that he is good to those who obey him. Our situation is different—we face punishment because in our sin we followed ourselves as kings over God. But God, in his great grace, still sent Jesus to deliver us! By saving us, God shows to all that he is really good to those who obey him, for now every person who follows Jesus will be rescued forever from death and the punishment we deserve. What a wonderful God and a wonderful Savior!

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

OCTOBER 20, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 34. Promises Broken and Promises Kept (2 Chronicles 36)

The Big Truth: Two bad kings cracked God’s kingdom.

The Gospel Point: Is all hope lost? Of course not. God is God and God is good. God is still their God. He had not forgotten his people and his promises. In due time he would provide good leaders, bring his people back, restore the city walls, and rebuild the holy temple. God has done more for us than all that. In Jesus he gave us a King after his own heart to establish the forever kingdom. When Jesus preached, his first sermon was this: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). Jesus established God’s everlasting kingdom in a surprising way. He showed how a good king should live by loving God first and best and by loving his neighbor as himself. He suffered and died as God’s King. Then he rose again from the grave and now reigns in power in heaven. One day he will return and take his people home with him. Together we will live forever in his perfect kingdom. What a good God! Like Judah of old, we deserve curses instead of blessings. Instead, for all who are in Christ, we receive blessing after blessing after blessing.

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

OCTOBER 13, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 31. Elijah Proves a Point (1 Kings 18)

The Big Truth: There is only one true God, the Lord.

The Gospel Point: After the Lord consumed Elijah’s sacrifice on Mount Carmel, proving that he alone was the real God, he commanded Elijah, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape” (1 Kings 18:40). The Lord then judged the false prophets. They died because of their sins. Later he would condemn King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. God is holy and he judges evil, but God is also love and he extends mercy and grace to those who trust in him and bow before him. After the great showdown, God sent a great rain as a sign of his great care. In Jesus, God shows both his holiness and his love. On the cross God’s holy Son (Jesus) paid the penalty for all our unholy sins. And in doing so, he showed us his great love. The same God who showed his great care to Israel when he sent the rain, showed his care to us when he sent Jesus.

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

October 6, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 30. The Kingdom Cracks (1 Kings 12)

The Big Truth: Two bad kings cracked God’s kingdom.

The Gospel Point: God told Jeroboam that he would divide God’s people in two. He also promised him that if he led wisely and walked in God’s ways, then God would bless his kingdom. But did Jeroboam do this? No. He worshiped false gods. How about Rehoboam? No. He listened to the bad advice of his young friends. And now God’s people were divided. Would Israel and Judah ever come back together again? Would God’s people ever find a good and wise king to lead them? They would. Jesus is the wise and good King for all God’s people. Unlike Rehoboam, he would not take evil advice. When Satan told him that he would give him power over all the world if he just worshiped him, Jesus refused to give in to that temptation. When Peter told him to forget the cross and just rule as king without dying, Jesus refused. “Not my will,” he prayed to his heavenly Father, “but your will be done.” He listened to God’s voice. He walked where the Holy Spirit led him, even to death on a cross. But through his death, he showed God’s mercy to God’s people and brought God’s divided people back into one body, his church. A good king is hard to find. In Jesus, we have the best King ever!

Memory Verse: John 14:15 If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 29. The Wise and Foolish King (1 Kings 3, 11)

The Big Truth: God can give us wisdom to live for him.

The Gospel Point: When Solomon was anointed king, the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” Then King David said to his son, “Come and sit on my throne” (see1 Kings 1:35). After that, people began to pray, asking God to bless Solomon asking: “Make the name of Solomon more famous than [David’s], and make his throne greater than [David’s] throne” (1:47). Those thoughts and prayers were answered. Solomon was the wisest, richest, and most honored king in all of Israel’s history. But, because of his foolishness (marrying many wives) and idolatry (worshiping their false and dead gods), he was not the king to establish David’s forever kingdom. So who would it be? Would God still keep his promise? Of course he would! He always does. Jesus was the forever King! In Matthew 12:42, Jesus speaks of himself as being “greater than Solomon.” How so? Jesus is greater than Solomon in his wisdom, power, obedience, and glory. Solomon ruled Israel for only forty years, and his kingdom was split apart in the end. Jesus will rule all God’s creation forever and establish his kingdom in peace.

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 27. David Stands Tall (1 Samuel 16-17)

The Big Truth: Through his anointed king, God defeats our biggest enemies.

The Gospel Point: The story of David’s defeat of Goliath is not about how we can face the giant problems in our lives. Rather it is a story that shows us what God values and how he works in the world. King Saul was tall, handsome, strong, and popular. But God doesn’t look on the outside; he looks on the inside. What’s in our hearts is what matters most. Saul’s heart did not follow after God’s heart. So he was not the king God wanted, which meant he wasn’t the king God used to defeat Israel’s big enemy. But David’s heart beat after God’s heart. Even though he was just a humble shepherd boy, he completely trusted that God could defeat Israel’s biggest enemy through him. He didn’t need special armor, a strong shield, a bronze helmet, and a long sharp sword. He just needed God’s wisdom and strength. And that’s what God gave him. David’s humility points forward to Jesus’s humility. David’s trust in God was great—it led him through a scary battle. But Jesus’s trust in God was greater—it led him through death itself! And so Jesus accomplished the greatest victory because he had the greatest humility.

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 26. The Rise and Fall of King Saul (1 Samuel 8-15)

The Big Truth: Our good God is the only king we need.

The Gospel Point: Israel rejected God as their King and wanted a human king for the wrong reasons, which led to all sorts of trouble. Their bad choice would be bad for them, but their bad choice would not stop God’s perfect plan. He would still establish his forever kingdom through his Son, Jesus—the perfect King! This is how God works throughout history. His purpose is such that rebellious acts bring about his good. This is the story of the cross, isn’t it? Jesus is born as the King of the Jews, but his own people, the Jews, reject him. They mock him and crucify him. But that rejection brings about God’s good plan. Jesus dies and the Snake Crusher is crushed. Jesus dies and rebellious sinners are forgiven. Jesus dies and new life comes to spiritually dead people. Jesus dies and he is crowned King: “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:9–11). Only God could plan something as good as Jesus’s reign through something as bad as Jesus’s death.

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 23. Samson's Strength (Judges 13-16)

The Big Truth: True strength is more about faith than muscles.

The Gospel Point: Do you have a favorite superhero? Maybe Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Panther, or Batgirl? Do you have a favorite hero? Maybe your mom, older brother, teacher, or athlete? The Bible has lots of heroes. Moses and Joshua, for example, are heroes. Samson too. But the Bible has only one superhero—Jesus! He is not a superhero just because he can do things that most people cannot do: read minds, walk on water, give sight to the blind, raise the dead. He is a superhero because he is super good. Perfectly good. The best heroes in the Bible—and the heroes that you know—set an example for us in faith, hope, and love, but they all have weaknesses. Some, like Samson, have lots of them. Only Jesus—the Son of God, the Savior, the Snake Crusher—was without sin. And only Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice. Like Samson, he was mocked. Like Samson’s enemies thought they had defeated Samson, God’s enemies thought they had defeated God. But unlike Samson, Jesus wasn’t captured because he was foolish. And unlike Samson, Jesus didn’t stay dead! He rose again. He conquered his enemies and ours—sin, death, and the devil. He is the only superhero we need.

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

September 1, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 21. The Walls Come Tumbling Down (Joshua 6)

The Big Truth: God fights for those who trust in him.

The Gospel Point: God’s people have always faced enemies. Sometimes it’s people who oppose God and his ways. Other times it’s things like sin, death, and Satan. Through Jesus all our enemies will be defeated. Sin forgiven. Death killed. Satan crushed. And, yes, people brought down in judgment. Hallelujah! We have the victory in Jesus! And someday soon we will enter a far better promised land, the new heaven and new earth. There may be grapes the size of watermelons to eat. A clear and clean river to swim in. Hills with green grass to roll down. Big and beautiful trees to climb. Secret places to discover. And there will be people from every nation to eat with and play with and explore with and sing with. And there will be never-ending joy! Never-ending peace! Never-ending love! And the best part? Never-ending face-to-face fellowship with God! Unlike the first promised land, this amazing place isn’t just for the people of Israel. It is for anyone who believes God’s promises and trusts in Jesus for salvation. It’s for you and for me. Remember Rahab? Rahab wasn’t an Israelite. She was an enemy of God’s people. But when she heard about God and his mighty acts, she believed he’d keep his promises. She asked to be saved from the coming destruction. And God saved Rahab. And even more, God gave her special honor. We will see her name again because she is in the family tree of the promised Savior, Jesus.

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: Why ought you to glorify God? A: Because He made me and takes care of me. (Romans 11:36, Revelation 4:11, Daniel 5:23)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

AUGUST 25, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 15. The Way to Stay Free (Exodus 19-20)

The Big Truth: God gives us his good rules so we can live free lives that reflect him.

The Gospel Point:God didn’t give the Ten Commandments and then save Israel. The order matters. First he saved Israel, then he gave the Ten Commandments. The same pattern is true today. God doesn’t tell us to be good so that he can save us. If he did, we’d all be in a real bad spot. Instead, he saves us first, as a gift. Because of God’s great love, Jesus came into the world to crush the snake. He saves us from the power of the devil and forgave all our sins. All we have to do is believe in the Snake Crusher and we’re saved! But Jesus saves us for a reason. The Bible says that he saved us to be a special people (a kingdom of priests and a holy nation; see 1 Pet. 2:9–10). You see, Jesus didn’t just rescue us from the penalty of our sins. He also saved us from the power of them. When we believe, he gives us new hearts—hearts that want to love God and love others. So when the Bible gives us commands, we don’t see them as a way to earn our salvation. We see them as the good things that the Snake Crusher’s death freed us to do. As God’s special people, Christians have a special job. What a privilege!

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: How can you glorify God? A: By loving Him and doing what He commands. (Ecclesiastes 12:13, Mark 12:29-31, John 15:8-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

AUGUST 18, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 18. Big People, Little Faith (Numbers 13-14)

The Big Truth: Believing God’s promises makes us brave.

The Gospel Point: We are a lot like Israel. Too often we doubt God’s promises and are too afraid to do the hard things he’s called us to do. But Caleb and Joshua teach us what true faith looks like. True faith is brave. It trusts that God will keep his promises. If he kept his promise to send the Snake Crusher to rescue us from our sins, we can count on him to keep his other promises. So what do we do when our faith is small? There is a simple prayer we learn from Mark 9:24. It goes like this: “I believe. Help my unbelief.” Even such small faith in a big, promise-keeping God is enough because God is, well, big!

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: How can you glorify God? A: By loving Him and doing what He commands. (Ecclesiastes 12:13, Mark 12:29-31, John 15:8-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

AUGUST 11, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 17. A Tale of Two Goats (Leviticus 16)

The Big Truth: God forgives and forgets our sins.

The Gospel Point: The Israelites were almost ruined by a cow (remember last lesson?), but once a year they were rescued by two goats. Remember Forgive and Forget? How could we forget them? But of course, we’re not actually rescued by goats. The animals were just symbols or signs. Like a street sign that tells you, “This way to New York,” these two signs pointed to the perfect, final sacrifice that would be offered for our sins: Jesus Christ. Our Savior. Our sin substitute! “For our sake [God] made [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21). Like the first goat, Jesus would die for our sins. Like the second goat, Jesus’s death would cause our sins to be forgotten. Because of Jesus—the only perfectly holy man, our high priest—God says, “I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more” (Heb. 8:12). That should make us so happy! Our holy God loves us so much that through Jesus he made a way to be in a relationship with us. What good news!

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: How can you glorify God? A: By loving Him and doing what He commands. (Ecclesiastes 12:13, Mark 12:29-31, John 15:8-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.

August 4, 2024

Parents, what a joy it is to serve your precious arrows on Sunday mornings! The Little Reformers team wants you to always have full visibility to what we are teaching your kids. It is important to us that we be effective partners to you, reinforcing what you work hard to teach your children at home. Each week, we update this section of the website to reflect the lesson, the big truth, gospel point, verse, and catechism your child(ren) will learn while in our care. We hope this resource is a help to you and gives you confidence as you train up your children in the way they should go.

Bible Story: Chapter 16. A Fancy Tent and a Foolish Cow (Exodus 32-34)

The Big Truth: God’s people should worship God the way he commands us to.

The Gospel Point: Earlier in Exodus, Israel had been saved from the big, bad Egyptians. But now Israel came face-to-face with another enemy: the sin within them. Salvation comes when God defeats his enemies, but salvation also comes when God is gracious and merciful with us in our sin. But why was God able to forgive Israel? Was it simply because Moses was such a good mediator? No. There had to be something more. And that more would come in Jesus, when he paid the penalty for our sin. Do you know we have the same enemy as the Israelites? No, not the Egyptians. Our own sin. So we need the same rescuer—Jesus!

Memory Verse: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him  should not perish but have eternal life.

Catechism: Q: How can you glorify God? A: By loving Him and doing what He commands. (Ecclesiastes 12:13, Mark 12:29-31, John 15:8-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31)

Sources: Bible stories from The Biggest Story Bible Story Book by Kevin DeYoung. Catechisms from Truth and Grace Book 1 by Tom Ascol . The Big Truth and the Gospel Point taken from The Biggest Story Bible by Kevin DeYoung, published by Crossway.