Faith Talk – October 25, 2026

Title: Rooted

Scripture: Psalm 1

Overview: What we listen to, think about, and return to each day influences how we live. Psalm 1 contrasts a life shaped by sinful influences with a life rooted in God and His Word. The person who delights in God’s instruction is like a tree planted beside flowing streams, nourished and fruitful even through difficult seasons. This kind of life begins with trusting Jesus, whose righteousness we receive by faith. As we follow Him, we grow by returning to Scripture, reflecting on its truth, and putting it into practice.

Main Points:

• Walk: The way we live should reflect our faith in Jesus.
• Position: Listening to sinful advice can lead us toward accepting and participating in sin.
• Meditate: Delight in God’s Word and think about it throughout the day.
• Rooted: A life rooted in the Lord produces fruit, even through difficult circumstances.
• Unrooted: The wicked are like chaff blown away by the wind, without a lasting foundation.
• Judgment: The Lord watches over the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.

Discussion Questions:
For Kids

• What helps a tree grow strong? Why do you think Psalm 1 compares someone who loves God’s Word to a tree planted beside water?
• What could you do if a friend or something you watch encourages you to disobey God?
• When could you take a few minutes to read or listen to the Bible and think about what it says?

For Students & Adults

• Which voices or habits most influence your thinking? How can you recognize when those influences conflict with Scripture?
• How is meditating on God’s Word different from reading a passage and immediately moving on? What could help you carry its truth into the rest of your day?
• Psalm 1 describes a fruitful life. How does the sermon help you understand that fruitfulness without expecting wealth, comfort, or freedom from hardship?

Application: Evaluate how you spend your time, including entertainment, social media, work, and other routines. Identify one specific opportunity to make Scripture and prayer part of your day. You might read a psalm before checking your phone, reflect on a verse during lunch, or discuss Scripture at dinner. Choose a manageable step and practice it throughout the week. Remember that these habits help you grow in your relationship with Jesus; they do not earn your salvation.

Scripture: John 11

Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

Preschool – By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus showed He is the Son of God, who gives eternal life. Jesus died and rose again to take away our sins. When we trust in Him, we will live with God forever.

Kids – By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus showed He is the Messiah, the Son of God, who gives eternal life. Jesus died and rose again to take away our sins. When we trust in Him, we receive new life and will live with God forever.

Students – When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He showed that He has power over death. Jesus said. “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we have full assurance that Jesus will one day defeat death forever and resurrect us from the dead.

Adults – Jesus’s power to resurrect the dead means he was also able to resurrect Himself, through which He secured victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. He did this also to give eternal life to those who believe.

Discussion Questions:
For Kids

• How did Mary and Martha feel after their brother died? What does Jesus’ weeping show us about how He cares when we are sad?
• What happened when Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb? What does that teach us about Jesus?
• Jesus gives eternal life to everyone who trusts in Him. How can that promise help you when you feel sad or afraid?

For Students & Adults

• Martha knew Jesus could have prevented Lazarus’ death. What can we learn from her conversation with Jesus about bringing Him our disappointment and questions?
• Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, yet He still wept. How should His example shape the way we respond to someone who is grieving?
• How does Jesus’ declaration, “I am the resurrection and the life,” give believers hope both in their present struggles and beyond death?