Prayer (5 Minutes)
- Have everyone share one thing they were thankful for in the week.
- Have everyone share one prayer request.
Song (5 Minutes)
Catechism (5 minutes)
Have everyone read aloud simultaneously or allow everyone to try to answer before revealing the answer.
Q22: Why must the Redeemer be truly human?
A: That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin. (Hebrews 2:17)
A: That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin. (Hebrews 2:17)
Questions from: https://newcitycatechism.com/. Go there to start from beginning or to read more.
Scripture (3 Minutes)
Isaiah 44:6–8 (NLT)
This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies: “I am the First and the Last; there is no other God. Who is like me? Let him step forward and prove to you his power. Let him do as I have done since ancient times when I established a people and explained its future. Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one!”
Isaiah 45:5–7 (NLT)
I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things.
Discussion (5-10 Minutes)
You can lead through a teaching or use the following questions to start a discussion:
- What do you think it means that God is the first and the last? (See Isaiah 44:6.)
- Have you ever felt pressured to believe in multiple gods or different spiritual ideas? How did that make you feel?
- What things—relationships, objects, goals—have you put in a place ahead of God?
- According to Isaiah 45:7, what are some of the things God is in control of in this life?
- God says "Do not tremble; do not be afraid." What are some things that make you afraid about your faith or your future? How might knowing God is in control help with those fears?
Closing Prayer (3 Minutes)
From the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. In Jesus’ name, amen.