Family Bible Study Time is a great resource for the family that wants to come together in Christ.  With each eBook you will receive a 4 or 6 week family Bible study that will benefit everyone.  Each weekly study starts out with a scripture to read followed by commentary that will help parents in leading the study.  After reviewing the scripture and going over the lesson your family will take part in an activity designed to bring you closer in your relationship with each other and with God.  And finally, there are discussion questions that will help everyone to further understand what they have learned in the study.

This is a great way to bring your family together – uniting in Christ!

If you’d like to experience Family Bible Study Time you can sign up for the newsletter (see ‘Get a free sample!’ at the bottom of this post) and receive week one of the study absolutely FREE – it’s a great way to give it a try and see how your family can grow from this wonderful resource.

We look forward to sharing with you and growing in God with our families as you grow with yours!

The following Bible Study assignment was taken from our Online Christian Mom Bible Study Group. You can sign up to become a member of the CSAHM Club and gain access to our complete Bible Study on “The Telling Truth.” Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

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O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain–if indeed it was in vain? Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?– just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:1-9

Often we combine the three words: truth, obedience, and the law into one. The truth is the law, truth, and obedience are all different in the word of God.

The law refers to a way of living where we feel our actions can bring us to a place of righteousness in the eyes of the Lord. The law equals the pursuit of perfection, a perfection that we are unable to reach. With the law, who needs Jesus?

I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:21

Truth refers to the word of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit! The truth doesn’t contradict, and carries the same message throughout the word of God. The message that we are all sinners and the only way we will find righteousness in the eyes of the Lord is through the perfect sacrifice made by our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. We can’t earn righteousness through the law, reincarnation, or any other way. Truth is found in unity with with Christ because when we are united with Christ we are united with the truth. Truth is found deep within our heart where the Holy Spirit dwells.

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 2 Timothy 2:24-25

Obedience is a life lived guided by the Holy Spirit. It is a life of submission, daily surrender, and truth. When we are obedient we are living a life out of the overflow of the Holy Spirit living in our heart. It isn’t a life of action, but instead a life of reaction to the Holy Spirit dwelling in our heart. When we are obedient to Christ we are walking in the Spirit.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

“Does it ever strike you as odd that some of the most learned men in history have spent their lives poring over the Bible – and yet never come to faith in Christ? Salvation is not about learning, but about submission.” – Charles Stanley, Life Principles Study Bible Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:7 (NKJV)

Assignment:

Do you ever combine the words truth, law, and obedience as one in the same? Define law, truth, and obedience in your own words.

Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

The following devotional and Bible Study assignment was taken from our Online Christian Mom Bible Study Group. You can sign up to become a member of the CSAHM Club and gain access to our complete Bible Study on “The Telling Truth.” Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

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Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Often as believer’s we feel our main call is to spread the gospel to anyone that will listen. Evangelism is a fire that burns deep within the Christian’s heart, no matter how uncomfortable we may feel sharing our faith with others.

However, sometimes during our pursuit to share the gospel we are quick to condemn and judge our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. To often have seen, or heard, a Christian leader evangelize by bringing down another Christian leader.

Have we (Christians) forgotten the power of unity?

Unity needs to come before evangelism. There is no greater deterrent to a non-believer than a divided body of believers. Unity begins with being united with Christ, and becoming a believer. The next step is to be united with God’s word, becoming a Christ follower. Division comes when we are neither united with Christ, or God’s word. When we embrace a message that promotes division within the body of Christ, then there is no unity with God, His word, or other believers.

Division comes in many forms. Our pain, hurt, jealousy, anger, and ignorance can all promote division within the body of Christ. In order for us to fully walk in our calling to reach out to the non-believer we need to be united with God’s word and the body of Christ. The best way to overcome division is to realize the importance of unity within the body of Christ, and embrace unity rather than a message that promotes division.

Assignment:

Do you have unity in your life, your church, family, ministry? Is there anything within your walk that you place before being united with Christ and His word? Do you feel this hinders you from fully walking in obedience to Christ?

Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

The following devotional and Bible Study assignment was taken from our Online Christian Mom Bible Study Group. You can sign up to become a member of the CSAHM Club and gain access to our complete Bible Study called The Telling Truth. Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Often we think our actions determine whether we glorify God. So many times we shine praise on God when good things happen, but what about when bad things happen?

We aren’t always quick to glorify God in our weakness or during moments of brokenness, in fact we often think our brokenness brings shame to God, but those are the moments we can bring God the most glory.

It’s not about the fame, popularity, glitz, and glamor with God. God brought glory to Himself through crucifixion, blood, and sacrifice. How can we bring glory to God?

Submission: The thing we need to do to bring glory to God is to submit to Him and His word. Being completely united to God and His word will open up the flood gates of truth in our hearts so we can completely bring Him glory.

When we are totally submitted to God in every area of our life we bring glory to Him because through our submission comes brokenness. Through our weakness His strength shines through. So often we work to overcome our weakness when we truly need to submit it over to God.

God is glorified through every act of obedience we give to Him. Through our obedience we find freedom.

• Every time we tithe we show the world we are free from worrying about money.
• When we choose to dress modestly we show the world we are free from being defined by the way we look.
• When we choose to not listen to music, or watch movies that have questionable content, we are showing the world that entertainment does not come from things that are detrimental to faith and family.
• When we choose to stay away from pornography, and remain faithful to our spouse, we are showing the world we are free from lust.
• When we put God first in in every area of our life we learn to walk freely in the Spirit, glorifying God.

When we are finally broken and relying on God, through Him we are obedient, and through our obedience we find true freedom in Christ.

When we are free to obey that is when we bring glory to God.

Assignment:

How does brokenness and your weakness play a role in glorifying God? Why is this opposite of what the world teaches? Are you relying on your strengths to bring God glory, instead of letting God’s strength shine through your weaknesses?

Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

The following devotional and Bible Study assignment was taken from our Online Christian Moms Bible Study Group. You can sign up to become a member of the CSAHM Club and gain access to our complete Bible Study called “The Telling Truth.” Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

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“`Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.” Revelations 3:17,18

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ” Philippians 2:3

What’s the one thing keeping you from fully enjoying a relationship with the Lord? Is it your sin, or is it your pride?

Pride is a tricky thing. We all sin, make mistakes, or struggle with our flesh. The fact is we all have sinned, and our sin isn’t what’s keeping us from being reconnected with God now, or through eternity. Our pride is what draws us away from Him. Jesus died for us when we were all sinners, we just needed to move past our pride and accept His offering!

Sure our sin can take God’s place in our life, but pride keeps us from truly experiencing His mercy, grace, and forgiveness. When we finally get to a point of humility in our life, whether or not the sin is still there, that is when we are finally able to break free from our pride.

Pride stops us from admitting our faults, or keeps us from completely relying on God. Pride tells us we can do everything on our own without God’s help. When we cling to pride we believe the lies from the enemy, instead of focusing on the truth.

Through humility we are open to the truth, and embrace His grace because we know the truth. We first need to realize our brokenness before we realize we need His mercy and grace.

Assignment:

Journal what you feel pride is. Do you have pride issues in your life? How is this keeping you from experiencing freedom in Christ?

Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

It seems my son has always had a heart for God. When he was two and barely even talking, we were having some problems at our church. We had decided we were going to look into other churches and stopped going to our church for probably about two months.

When we would drive by our church he would say “Shhurch, shhurch,” sometimes nearly crying and of course bringing me to tears. It was him who eventually brought us back to our church and things settled out nicely for us after that and we’ve been there now for 5 years. I know the awesome toddler program and playroom was probably his main motivation at the time but nonetheless, he’s always loved church and many a time when we haven’t felt like going, it was his prompting that made us.

One of my fondest (and scariest) memories of him was when he was almost three. My sister-in-law and I were in the bathroom getting ready to go somewhere when all of a sudden we were like “Where’s C?” We looked out the window and there he was at the very end of our driveway, very near the street, sitting down playing. We both ran out of the house yelling for him to come in from the road. He was fine of course but I asked him what he was doing out there. His response was “Playing wiff God”.

PLAYING WITH GOD! What two-year-old says that? My sis and I really, truly believe that there was an angel at least, if not Jesus, sitting out there on the pavement with him, protecting him from the street and traffic and well, playing with him.

I share this story to illustrate that it seems that C has always had an understanding or relationship with God, at least from a young age. It wasn’t the same with my daughter. I won’t say that I was worried about her, but it saddened me when she was younger that she didn’t seem to have the same connection with Jesus that my son did. When he was really young for months and months on end he listened to the same Bob the Builder CD every night.

I tired of this because he was the child that I had to lie down and fall asleep with nearly every night, so I would try to persuade him to give other CDs a chance. Eventually Bob the Builder lost it’s allure and he began to listen to my childhood favorite Dan and Louie’s “Greatest Stories Ever Told”. He liked it so much I ordered the entire 20 CD set and he still listens to Dan and Louie every night. I think there are about 120 Bible stories on the 20 CDs so he has learned a lot about the Bible. More than once an adult from Sunday School has told me how impressed they are with his knowledge of the Word.

My daughter on the other hand, isn’t really into the Bible stories. She likes listening to music at night. This started with a CD of nursery rhymes*, then graduated to Veggietales, and then onto an Easter story/music CD called Easter Favorites which she now listens to every night. This CD does have dialogue but mostly old, old choruses we would sing when I was young like “Alive, alive” and “Everybody Ought to Know”. She loves this CD and it is so wonderful to hear her sing and worship God. She also loves to watch Hillsongs children’s worship DVDs.

So even though she isn’t so much into learning about God’s Word (although I am trying to teach her more), she loves to pray, praise and sing about God. I’ve heard her whispering prayers in the backseat while I’m driving and she’s forever talking about Jesus and going to “Jesusland” someday!

My husband was the blessed one to have an experience with our daughter that will warm his heart forever. I was working one Sunday night not long ago and he brought the kids to church (what an awesome Dad!). The kids spent most of the night downstairs in the children’s room but I guess J was bored with that and came upstairs. It was at the end of the service and many people were up at the front of the church praying, singing and worshiping. J asked what they were doing. My husband explained it to her and she asked if she could go up to the front to pray as well. Of course he said she could and off she went.

First she just stood there with her eyes closed for the longest time. Then she looked around a little, headed to the stage where she sat down on a step facing the congregation, and closed her eyes again for another few minutes. Well, I can’t even imagine how much this melted my husband’s heart. It is an affirmation for me too that although she’s different than our son, she is still learning about and loving God in her own way. Oh I look forward to watching how our little 17-month old will make her way to Christ, and then our little munchkin whom God is still knitting in my womb.

A few years ago around Mother’s Day, before my second daughter was born, my kids were watching Hillsongs Kids “Super Strong God” DVD, and a precious little boy quotes Psalm 139:13:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (NIV).

I had heard this on the DVD a dozen times before, as well as innumerable times throughout my life, but that time of year made me think differently about how the verses could be written. I took the perspective of a mother:

For you created my children’s inmost being; you knit them together in my womb. I praise you because they are fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My children’s frames were not hidden from you when you made them in my secret place, when you wove them in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw their unformed bodies; all the days ordained for them were written in your book before one of them came to be.

How wonderful to know our children are created by God and sanctified by our faith. Thank you Lord.

*For links to the resources mentioned in this post, visit my blog and search for this post.

About the Author:
I’m a stay at home mom to three children with one on the way. You can read about how well (or not so well) I’m doing living a life slow to anger and abounding in love on my blog stailing.blogspot.com

The following devotional and Bible Study assignment was taken from our Online Christian Mom Bible Study Group. You can sign up to become a member of the CSAHM Club and gain access to our complete Bible Study on Love. Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

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“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21 (Amplified)

Over the years there have been many instances where God has truly called our family to be obedient to Him before revealing to us as to why He has called us to do go through that particular journey. One of the most recent situations was when an opportunity arose for my husband to further his education and attend Paramedic School.

My husband knew from the time he started the Fire Department that he wanted to become a Paramedic, and about every two years the department would open up the opportunity for the Firefighters to be sponsored by the Fire Department in a local Paramedic class. We had been waiting for the right time to take this next step. Well one time the opportunity became available again and even though we were already a pretty busy family, we felt like we should take advantage of the opportunity, go through the process, and see if God would open the door.

We really couldn’t explain why we felt the need to go through this process, but we felt that if it wasn’t God’s timing for us then the door would close. Well needless to say the door did not close, and even though we still had no real clear path laid before us, we went ahead and decided to be obedient to God. Till this day we have no idea of what God has planned for this opportunity, however God has provided for us, guided us, and has given us the strength to walk this path. I believe this is a result of us being obedient to Him.

“Now therefore, if you will obey My voice in truth and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own peculiar possession and treasure from among and above all peoples; for all the earth is Mine. “ Exodus 19:5 (Amplified)

Assignment:

In the past what are some ways God has lead you in His will for your life? Do you trust God enough to guide you through every area of your life? Right now would you be willing to take a leap of faith and follow God’s lead on a path where the outcome isn’t quite clear yet?

Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

I went into watching it with little expectation – the story of Esther is one I am familiar with – but this movie really drew a lovely picture of the characters and the timeframe in which they lived, and I was captivated by it. It was a refreshing and lively version of a familiar story, that made me remember why I ever admired Esther in the first place.

Overview

While drawing on the characters of the story of Esther, the narrative effect – combined with the fine acting – traced the events of Scripture with a little flair of imagination. At a time when Persia ruled the world, and Jews were living in captivity outside of Jerusalem, the political drama of Persia vs. Greece, as well as Haman vs. Jew was illustrated beautifully.

The history of Haman – a descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites that should have been executed by Saul, but was instead made a servant – gave some explanation as to his hatred of the Jews. (You can read more about this in I Samuel 15.)

The political intrigue in the palace, both internal and external, made for true drama – and the king had much to be concerned about.

And the story of Hadassah, who became Esther, was beautifully drawn out in a way that makes me want to study her even more deeply. She was just a Jewish girl, taken into the harem of a king, who was so enamored of her that Scripture says he was willing to give half his kingdom for her. (This from a man who had been publicly humiliated and scorned by his wife, Vashti, some short time earlier.)

My Review

Although there were only a couple of renowned actors in the movie (Peter O’Toole as the narrator, Samuel, Omar Sharif as Prince Memucan, and John Rhys-Davies as Mordecai), the actors and actresses brought their characters to life so well that I felt as though the Scripture was being acted out right in front of me.

While some details may have been constructed from guesswork – they were believable. Woven throughout what we know from reading Esther, was the story of romance between the king and Esther. While some liberty may have been taken with this particular story line, it was charming and sweet.

Considering Esther’s circumstances, she was a woman of courage and discernment. She sought to know what pleased the king (Esther 2:15), and won not only the royal eunuch’s favor, but ultimately the king’s favor. When she broke protocol at the risk of her life, the king chose to save her by extending the royal scepter, and granting her the small request for a dinner date. This was played out very well by Tiffany Dupont, as Esther, and I enjoyed her performance a great deal.

I was so reminded of what a wife should be after watching this movie. She was not a simpering fool; she was not a brash, contentious woman. Instead, Esther was a woman who accepted sage advice and trusted God to take care of her. Even at the risk of her own life.

This is a movie I plan to watch again. I recommend you consider watching it, too.

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Netflix: Proud Sponsor of Family Movie Night

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Disclaimer: some affiliate links have been used within this post.

Teaching your child to profess God’s Word, meaning to recall it and use it at the times that they need it most, can only be done if you are purposeful about teaching them God’s word.

You can do this in a variety of ways, including:

Having a daily Bible reading time for your family. A daily Bible reading time with your family can not only be a good way for your child to begin to know and love scripture, but can also help them to understand its significance and importance. They will realize because you make it an important part of your day that it is truly worth spending time in. Setting aside a specific time each day and staying committed to it will help your child to stay committed to reading the Bible as well, even into their futures.

Encouraging them to memorize Scripture. Whether you have them to memorize a verse a week or you enroll them in an organized group such as Bible Drill to help them to learn Scripture, either way you are helping them to “hide the words of God” in their hearts. This after all is what you are wanting them to do so that later on when they are faced with temptation or some other type of decision that they will be able to respond according to scripture.

Making sure that they attend Sunday School and other Bible study times. Coming together with other believers and studying the Bible gives them a chance to not only see that you and your family studying God’s word but others as well. They get the opportunity to learn from others and to learn from studying and reading the Scriptures for themselves.

All of these are perfect ways to help your child to learn God’s Word and in turn be able to profess God’s word when the time comes that they need to use it in their daily life. Without having the teachings from you in their past they will not be able to do so when the time comes that they need to rely on His word. This is why making it a priority for you and your family is important.

The following devotional and Bible Study assignment was taken from our Online Christian Mom Bible Study Group. You can sign up to become a member of the CSAHM Club and gain access to our complete Bible Study on Love. Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!

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“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4 (NKJV

Why didn’t God make everything in one day? Why did it take 7 days to create the heavens and the earth, animals, plants, and man? He could have created everything all at once, but He didn’t. Why?

“The servant therefore fell down before Him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ ” Matthew 18:26 (NKJV)

What if God weren’t a patient God? How many of us would be saved? Where would we be without God’s salvation?

“But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:15 (NKJV)

Being patient with God is a difficult task, simply because it requires trust. Trust that God is who He says He is and will do the things He promises to do. It also requires faith. Faith that your prayers will be answered, and your trust in God will bear fruit in your life!

With patience we need to have faith, and trust the things we cannot see.

“By your patience posses your souls.” Luke 21:19 (NKJV)

Definition of posses: To cause to be influenced or controlled, as by an idea or emotion.

Our first reaction to everything should be patience. Sometimes we need to just stop and think before we speak or act.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,” Romans 15:4-5 (NKJV)

Most of us, myself included, don’t really grasp that taking your time to move through this life is really what needs to be done. To often we cry out to the Lord, begging Him to “do something” right now, when in all reality solving the problem immediately may not be the answer.

It took God 7 days to create the earth and everything that lives in the earth. He knows that life takes time, and we are here according to His time frame, and according to His purpose.

So much learning is achieved in those difficult times. Lest we forget this life is not about our wants and desires. The Lord has a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us that was so important to Him, God was willing to sacrifice His son in order to fulfill that purpose, to fulfill His plan!

We will never receive all that God has created for us if we lose our patience with Him. Yes, it takes trust and faith, but God is faithful. He is trustworthy. Becoming all that He created us to be is counting on our patience with Him.

God doesn’t ask of us anything He himself hasn’t already provided. God is patient with us. He has been patient since the beginning of time!

“My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.” James 5:10 (NKJV)

Assignment:

Read Hebrews 6:11-12. What does God call us to do through our trials? How long are we to do this?

Click here for more information on the Online Bible Study Group for Moms!