Connect with God

Overview | The foundational scripture at MC Prep is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” During unit 1, Royal Priesthood, students will learn what it means to be a royal priesthood!  

Students will begin by studying the covenants that God made with His people throughout the Bible. Next, they will learn what it means to be a royal priesthood, discovering their identity as royal priests. Then, students will learn how God has purchased them with the blood of His Son, Jesus. Finally, students will be equipped to share the testimony of God’s faithfulness in their lives.    

Memory Verses  

Week 1 | “For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.” Deuteronomy 7:6

Week 2 | “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.” Exodus 19:5-6    

Week 3 | “And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever.”1 Samuel 2:35    

Week 4 | “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:11

Connect with God Way Highlight | Movement  

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through movement.  

There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God. One way we can connect with God is through movement. Connecting with God through movement is being intentional to run, walk, dance, and move to encounter Him. It’s through movement that you fully show your pursuit of Him. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Know that when you are moving to encounter God, He is moving to encounter you. This is the daily personal encounter!

Connect with God as a Family  

Connecting with God as a family is a key to raising up children in the ways of the Lord. During these first four weeks, try the following during your family encounters:

Connect Way | Movement

• Go on a walk, run, or bike ride as a family. Before you leave, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself to each of you while you are moving. Ask your children to notice God’s creation, His attention to detail, and what it all says about His character during the walk. After you return, talk about what the Holy Spirit spoke and what He showed to each of you.  
• Dance as a family while worshipping. Place your favorite worship music and have a dance party as a family. The Lord loves to have fun with you!  

Scripture Study | Hebrews  

Read through the book of Hebrews as a family. Reflect on the following questions as a family while you read this book:  

• What is God speaking to us through this passage?
• What is this passage teaching us about Jesus?  
• What from this passage can we apply to our daily lives so that we can show others Jesus in us?  

Overview | One of the unique characteristics here at MC Prep is Uncompromising Biblical Worldview. We shape the world view of students by infusing Biblical truths about creation, the fallen world, and being reconciled to a loving Father through Jesus Christ, in order to defend their faith. During this unit, students will learn why we believe that the Bible is an authority, all so that they are able to defend their faith. 

Memory Verses  

Week 1 | “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Week 2 | “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.” 2 Peter 1:20-21

Connect with God Way Highlight | Learning

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through learning.  

There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God. One way we can connect with God is through learning. When we encounter God through learning, Jesus Himself lifts the veil by giving us revelation (insight) into His word and His thoughts. Every bit of revelation not only teaches us His ways but allows us to look more fully upon His face and know Him. As you read through Scripture and something grabs your attention, don't mistake an invitation into learning as a distraction. Instead, pull on the loose thread that the Lord has laid before you. He is inviting you down Holy rabbit trails! When He is giving you insight on a topic that leads to another, follow where He is leading you! He is giving you access to something once hidden, allowing you to encounter Him in a new way.

Connect with God as a Family  

Connecting with God as a family is a key to raising up children in the ways of the Lord. During this unit, try the following during your family encounters:

Connect Way | Learning

• Pick a topic to research as a family. Ask your children what in the Bible they are curious about or have questions about. Then, research that topic within scripture together! Use a concordance to locate scriptures about the topic. Additionally, you can find tools online through BibleHub.com or BlueLetterBible.org

Scripture Study | Psalm 119

• Read Psalm 119 as a family. This powerful Psalm is all about God’s word and how His word has the power to transform our lives.  

Overview | Understanding that the solar system, world, and everything in it was created by God is foundational. When we believe that God created all things for a purpose, we can become stewards of His creation. During this unit, students will not only learn about the creation of everything but also God’s purpose and plans for His creation.  

Memory Verses  

Week 1 | “In the beginning the word already existed. The word was with God, and the word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him.” John 1:1-3

Week 2 | “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

Connect with God Way Highlight | Creation  

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through creation.  

There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God. One way we can connect with God is through creation. When you connect with God through creation you are joining in with all of nature in glorifying Him. In every gust of wind, flower in bloom, sunrise, sunset and bird building a nest, you have eyes to see the goodness of what God exhaled. There is an invitation to encounter God outside. He is saying, “Come away with Me” (Song of Solomon 2:10).

Connect with God as a Family  

Connecting with God as a family is a key to raising up children in the ways of the Lord. During this unit, try the following during your family encounters:

Connect Way | Creation

• Go on a picnic. Pack a picnic breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner and get outside to eat and enjoy all of God’s creation. Ask the Lord to encounter your family while you enjoy a meal outside.  
• Find a trail to go for a hike or bike ride. Before hitting the trail, pray together, ask God to speak to each of you through His creation. Afterwards, ask your children to share what God spoke to them.  

Scripture Study | Genesis 1-2

Read Genesis 1-2 together as a family. Ask the Holy Spirit to make the story of creation fresh and new to your family.  

Overview | Our culture has gone to war for the identity of our youth. Understanding that you are created is the first step in discovering ones true identity, and that is as a son or daughter of God Most High. During this unit, students will learn about who God made them to be, why God made them, and their God-given purpose.  

Memory Verses  

Week 1 | “Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You.” Psalm 25:5

Week 2 | “We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.” Romans 6:6

Week 3 | “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me.” John 6:38

Connect with God Way Highlight | Conversation  

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through conversation.  

There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God. One way we can connect with God is through conversation. When you connect with God through conversation you are engaging with God through prayer. It’s easy to hear God when you are in His presence! When you have a conversation with God, you feel close to Him because His answer reveals His nearness to you. There is an encounter with God waiting for you when you ask Him questions!

Connect with God as a Family  

Connecting with God as a family is a key to raising up children in the ways of the Lord. During this unit, try the following during your family encounters:

Connect Way | Conversation

Make a list of questions as a family that you are will take to God in prayer together. Is there a device your children have been wanting? Ask the Lord if now is the time! Seek God’s heart on simple, everyday things.  

Scripture Study | 1 Corinthians 2:9-11

Ask God to give your family spiritual eyes to see and spiritual ears to hear all that God is doing.  

Overview | Being Holy Spirit led is a necessity to thrive as a Christian today. But how do we become Spirit led? By leaning into the gifts and fruits that the Holy Spirit provides to us. Throughout this unit students will study and put to practice the gifts of the Holy Spirit, His fruits, and learn to live a life that's empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

Memory Verses  

Week 1 | “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17

Week 2 | “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give good gifts to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:11

Week 3 | “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

Week 4 | “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13

Connect with God Way Highlight | Learning

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through learning.  

There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God.When you connect with God through learning, God teaches you new revelation you didn’t know before. You can connect with God through learning in everyday life as He teaches you through the examples around you. Jesus often taught His disciples through trees, farming parables, and other various things, but know that those things are no substitute for His Word. Make sure to spend time in the word of God!

Connect with God as a Family  

Connecting with God as a family is a key to raising up children in the ways of the Lord. During this unit, ask your family the following table talk questions:  

• What are the best resources you use to study the Bible?  
• What is something in God’s Word that you do not understand?  Ask Holy Spirit to give you the answer.
• What is something that you find yourself constantly asking God about?  
• The book of Proverbs is referred to as the book of wisdom.  Challenge yourself to read a chapter of Proverbs a day.  
• Looking at all God created, what do you think is the most fascinating thing God created?  
• What are some podcasts you listen to? Are there any that you want to listen to but just haven’t gotten to yet?

Scripture Study | Proverbs

Read a passage from Proverbs as a family each day. If you aren’t sure where to start, try reading the book that correlates with the day of month (for example, reading the 1st chapter on the first day of month and so on).  

Overview | How should we interact with those around us? During this unit, students will seek to answer that question by looking at what the Bible tells us about how to interact with others.  

Part 1 | Family, Friends, and Leaders  

Part 2 | Pursuing Righteousness  

Memory Verses  

Week 1 | “12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:12-13

Week 2 | “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:12-13

Week 3 | “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16

Week 4 | “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” Hebrews 4:13

Connect with God Way Highlight | Expression

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through expression.  

There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God. When you connect with God through expression, you are creating - whether it is through writing, painting, playing an instrument, filming, dancing, etc.

Find new ways to encounter God by creating something together as a family. Try drawing, coloring, or even painting while listening to worship music and seeking the presence of God.  

Connect with God as a Family  

Connecting with God as a family is a key to raising up children in the ways of the Lord. During this unit, remind your family that forgiveness is not an option. Constantly repent and forgive as a family. Spend time together in the Bible daily.  

Scripture Study | Exodus 31:1-11

Talk about the skilled craftsmen that were used to construct the temple. What gifts, talents and abilities has God given to you to use for Kingdom work?  

Overview | During this unit, students will gain a clear understanding of what it means to actively seek and save the lost, just as Jesus commanded us to in the Great Commission (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:16-20). 

Part 1 | Understanding the Gospel Message  

Part 2 | Your Relationship with God  

Part 3 | A Call to Action  

Memory Verses 

Part 1 | “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

Part 2 | “He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” Titus 2:14

Part 3 | “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:26 

Connect with God Way Highlight | Compassion 

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through compassion.  

There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God. Connecting with God through compassion is connecting with His heart towards His people.  

Compassion is so much more than giving a warm meal or serving the less fortunate. Those are wonderful acts, but compassion also suffers with those who suffer and weeps with those who weep. Compassion means that their pain becomes our pain, and their disappointment becomes our disappointment. Compassion doesn't observe from a distance, it embraces the realities of the pain, while still representing the goodness of God.

Find new ways to encounter God by responding with compassion in ordinary situations. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you think just how He thinks.  

Connect with God as a Family  

Connecting with God as a family is a key to raising up children in the ways of the Lord. During this unit, remind your family that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).  

Scripture Study | The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke & John  

As you read through the Gospels and meditate on the Word of God, look for times that God moved in compassion. Chew on those scriptures and ask God to give you opportunities to move in compassion. This is an active way you can partner with God’s heart for people! 

Overview | During this unit, students will study the book of Titus. 

Memory Verse | "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people." Titus 2:11

Connect Way Highlight | Meditation 

Throughout this unit students will connect with God through meditation. There is only one way to God and that’s through Jesus, but in Jesus there are many ways we can connect with God. Connecting with God through meditation is not just reading your Bible, but allowing every word to transform and renew your mind. 

Connect with God as a Family  

Scripture Study: The Book of Titus 

Use your creativity to imagine what is happening in Scripture. Engage the Word by meditating on Scripture as you create. Creating something with the Lord out of a place of meditation is how you allow His words to renew your perspective. Focus on a verse and ask God how He wants to create this within you.