PursueGOD Kids
The Pursuit for Kids
This 12-week family devotional will help parents and kids get a great start in a pursuit of God. Here’s how it works: Each week, watch the short topic video together as a family, and then talk about it together. Be sure to hover over the Bible verses and let the kids read out loud. Laugh, learn, and love… one topic at a time.
BIBLE BASICS
Topic #1: How to Start
Key Points:
- We all have a sin problem, both kids and parents! Romans 3:23
- Jesus fixed the problem when he died on the cross. Romans 5:8
- Anyone can begin a relationship with God by Jesus (asking him into your heart). Romans 3:22
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- Make a list of the stuff you got for your last birthday. How much of it did you pay for with your own money? Who gave you your presents?
- Why is sin a problem?
- What did Jesus do to fix our sin problem?
- Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus is God’s gift to us. What do we have to do to get that gift? How much do we have to “pay” God for it?
- Have you ever asked Jesus into your heart? Do you want to do it today? Pray a prayer like the one below with your parents or teacher.
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Asking Jesus into your heart:
“Jesus, I know that I need you to help me. I believe that you died for my sins and rose from the grave. Will you come into my heart so I can be saved? Thank you for this free gift. Amen.”
Topic #2: How to Live
Key Points:
- As Christians, we should live to honor God. 2 Corinthians 5:17
- The Spirit leads from the inside out, helping us honor God every day. Ezekiel 36:26-27
- The Bible is like a special treasure map, guiding us through life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Other Christians help us stay on the right track. Galatians 6:1-2
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- What was your favorite part of the video? What is one thing you learned from the video?
- How can you honor (show thanks) your parents? How about your teachers at school?
- Make a list of things that honor God.
- Make a list of things that don’t honor God.
- How does the Bible help us?
- How can other people help us to honor God? How can you help people to honor God?
- Read Ephesians 4:21-24. What should we do with our old nature? How does the Spirit help us to live for God?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Topic #3: How to Grow
Key Points:
- The world doesn’t actually revolve around you, even though it might feel like it.
- We start to grow up as Christians by serving and giving.
- The greatest way to grow is by telling other people about Jesus!
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- How do you feel when people do things for you? How can you serve people in your life?
- Why should we give money to God?
- Identify a friend you would like to invite to church or talk to about Jesus. Talk with your parents about how best to do that.
- Read Romans 12:9-11. What does it look like to really love someone? How can you honor people in your life?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
LIFE OF JESUS
Topic #4: The Baptism of Jesus
Talking Points:
- John didn’t want to baptize Jesus, because he didn’t feel worthy. Matthew 3:13-14
- Jesus wanted to get baptized to be a good example to us. Matthew 3:15
- When Jesus was baptized, God the Father was really happy. Matthew 3:17
- Baptism is a very important symbol that helps us remember what Jesus did for us. Romans 6:4
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- Have you ever watched someone get baptized? Where were you and what did you notice?
- What did Jesus want John to do?
- What does baptism symbolize?
- Read Colossians 2:13-14. What does it mean to be dead in our sins? What did Jesus do with our sin?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Topic #5: Loaves & Fishes
Talking Points:
- There are only two miracles that appear in all 4 gospels.
- Jesus can do big stuff with little stuff.
- God does big stuff through little people. Mark 10:27
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- Have you ever witnessed something so cool or been saved from danger, it was like a miracle from God? (explain)
- The gospels are the first 4 books in the new testament that talk about Jesus’ life. Why do you think this miracle is repeated in all 4 books?
- What do you think the kid thought when Jesus wanted to take his lunch to feed thousands?
- What do you think Jesus was trying to communicate performing this miracle?
- Read Matthew 9:1-7. Why do you think Jesus first said, “your sins are forgiven” before He healed the man? What point was Jesus trying to make?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Topic #6: Healing on the Sabbath
Talking Points:
- Jesus cares about people who get picked on.
- The “Sabbath” was the Jewish day of rest.
- God gave people the Sabbath to help them.
- God cares more about people than rules. 1 John 4:19
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- Have you ever been picked on at school? How did that feel? How did you respond?
- Who did Jesus help in the story that was being picked on?
- Why did Jesus decide to heal the woman even though it was the Sabbath?
- Read Mark 2:27-28. How was the Sabbath supposed to help people? What did the religious leaders do to change it? Why did that anger Jesus?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
BIBLE STORYLINE
Topic #7: Elijah & Worship
Talking Points:
- Elijah was a prophet, which is another word for messenger.
- God has existed forever.
- God is the real God.
- We worship the One True God by singing and obeying.
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- Have you ever been in a contest or competition? What was it like? How did you do?
- Do you ever sing or pray to your favorite toy or video game? Why or why not?
- Read 1 Kings 18:37-39. What did God do to prove that He was the only real God? What would you have done if you were there that day?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Topic #8: Jehoshaphat & Prayer
Talking Points:
- The Moabites, the Ammonites and the Meunites declared war to King Jehoshaphat. 2 Chronicles 20:1-2
- Jehoshaphat prayed to God when he was in trouble. 2 Chronicles 20:6
- Jehoshaphat knew that God was the only hope for his kingdom.
- God wants to help you in every situation.
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do? (ex. learn to read, math, play an instrument) How did you get through it? Who helped
- What do you do when you are in trouble or when someone makes fun of you?
- How does God wants us to pray?
- Read Philippians 4:6-7. Why don’t we need to worry when we pray? Who will help us when we’re scared? Why should we tell God what we’re thankful for?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Topic #9: Josiah & God's Word
Key Points:
- Josiah was only eight years old when he became king. 2 Kings 22:1-2
- Idols are things that are not God. 2 Kings 23:2-3
- Josiah read God’s Word and obeyed it.
- The Bible has God’s words written on it so you can read it, obey it, and share it! 2 Timothy 3:16
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Are you an “expert” at something your parents know nothing about? (science, TV show, legos, a sport) Have you tried to teach them? How did it go?
- How can you use the Bible in your life?
- Read 2 Timothy 3:16 Why is the Bible so important to people who love God? How does it help us?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
KIDS’ WISDOM
Topic #10: Put God First
Key Points:
- No matter how old you get, you’ll always be busy with things. You’ll always have to try hard to put God first. Deuteronomy 6:5
- Spend time with God by praying and reading the Bible
- Make a habit of talking about God with your family.
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- What’s your favorite thing to do when you get home from school?
- How can we put God first? (Hint: There are three main ways.)
- Read 1 Timothy 4:8. If you play sports or an instrument, what things do you do at practice to prepare for a game/recital? How can reading the Bible or praying be like training (practice) for God?
- How will you put God first this week?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Topic #11: Obey Your Parents
Key Points:
- Kids should obey their parents. Colossians 3:20
- because the Bible says so!
- because it pleases the Lord!
- because it protects us!
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- What are some rules you have to follow at school? What are some rules parents have to obey?
- What book tells us to obey our parents?
- In your own words, explain how obedience protects us?
- Read John 15:14. What does Jesus mean that we are friends if we keep his commands?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Topic #12: Treat Others Right
Key Points:
- The Golden Rule says to treat others the way you want to be treated. Matthew 7:12
- Be nice to every kid, no matter what.
- Don’t say mean things behind other kids’ backs.
- Treat others right!
- What’s your favorite part of the video? What’s one thing you learned from it?
- Describe a time someone was really nice to you. How did that feel? What about a time someone was really mean to you. How did that feel?
- How well do you think you’re doing at treating others right? What are you good at? What needs some work?
- Make a list of how you want to be treated. Now, look at that list. Do you think you can treat others that way?
- Read Proverbs 18:24. How can the “not so nice” friends hurt you? Why do you think a true friend is compared to a brother (sister)?
- How will you apply this lesson to your life this week?
Our Strategy
Empowering Conversations
We believe discipleship starts in the home, and that’s why we build tools that help parents start meaningful conversations with their kids (Deut 6:6-7).
Our Websites
We believe disciple-making should be something every Christian can do, and that’s why we’ve designed our tools around having simple conversations. PursueGOD Kids is just one part of a family of websites designed to help you make disciples at church, at school, or in the workplace. Click below for more info.
FLEXTALK.org
FlexTalk.org is a library of values-based conversation starters built for the home, school, and workplace. Each topic in our library has a short video along with talking points and discussion questions. Just find a topic, share it with family, friends, or a small group, and invite others into a life-changing conversation. Learn more at www.FlexTalk.org.
pursueGOD.org
PursueGOD.org is a library of Bible-based conversation starters designed to help Christians make disciples. Each topic in our library has a short video along with talking points and discussion questions. Just find a topic, share it with family, friends, or a small group, and invite others into a life-changing conversation. Learn more at www.pursueGOD.org.
pursueGODkids.org
PursueGODkids.org is a library of Bible-based conversation starters designed for families and churches. Each lesson has a fun, short video where kids explain the Bible so other kids can understand it. Learn more at www.pursueGODkids.org.