Simple Object Lessons for
Basic Bible Doctrines
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Introduction to English Edition
This book of object lessons was originally written in Swahili by the Tanzania Assemblies of God Children and Student Ministries Department (TAGCSM). They have graciously given their permission for it to be translated and used by anyone who would find it helpful in teaching children important Biblical doctrines. Although it can be used in many different settings, it was originally designed for use in the public schools during the religious
education hour. The lessons were prepared for a target audience of students in the 3rd to 6th
grades. Along with translation there has been limited editing that has been done where the content was specifically Tanzanian in nature or needed further explanation in order to be more widely used.
Teaching important, foundational doctrines to children can be a challenge. These object lessons provide simple, easy to understand lessons that can help you as a teacher better explain some of the most foundational doctrines of Scripture. We trust that this book will be a help to you as you reach and disciple the next generation.
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Teacher’s Manual With Object Lessons
ISBN 9987 8961 4 6
This first edition published by permission of the Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) © 2006 TAG Children and Students Ministry
Edited by Malaki J. Bujiku
All Rights Reserved. It is forbidden to duplicate this book or a part of it in any way or method without permission from the Tanzania Assemblies of God.
All Bible verses taken from the NIV Study Bible © 1985 by The Zondervan Corporation. Others will be translated “as is” depending on the context and for the sake of clarity.
Introduction
Concern for a child is concern for today’s nation and future generations (Joel 1:3). This book was prepared under the auspices of the Children and Students Ministry of the TAG. It has been prepared to be used together with the Teaching Curriculum. Our prayer as a department is that this book of object lessons will help teachers instruct our children in the Word of God according to their level of understanding. We believe that using object lessons is one effective method of helping children retain and remember the Word of God. May God bless you and increase you as you teach this generation, and the next one.
Those Involved In Preparation Of This Book
Rev. Paul Meivukie Rev. Mike Ness Rev. Glorious Shoo
Rev. Alinan Waya
Appreciation
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CONTENTS
How to use the Object Lesson Book …………..………...……….. 4
Review Game ……….…………. 8
Object Lessons About God 1. God – The Difference Between God the Creator and False Gods …………..…………. 9
2. God – Creation of the World ………..………..……… 10
3. God – His Attributes ……….……… 12
4. God – His Character ………...…….………. 14
5. God – The Holy Trinity (The Three Parts of an Egg) ……….……...…. 16
6. God – The Holy Trinity (Triangle) ………. 17
Questions from the Lessons on God ………..19
Object Lessons About Jesus 1. Jesus – God Becoming Flesh ………..………... 21
2. Jesus – His Purpose for Coming into the World ………..………... 22
3. Jesus – His Crucifixion ……..………... 23
4. Jesus – His Resurrection ……….……….... 25
5.Jesus – His Return ... 26
Questions from the Lessons on Jesus ..………... 27
Object Lessons About the Bible 1. The Bible – It is Unique ………..………... 28
2. The Bible – How it is Organized ……….….... 29
3. The Bible – How it Got Here ……….… 31
4. The Bible – How It Overcame Opposition ………. 32
5.The Bible – How it Helps Us ....……….……… 33
Questions from the Lessons on the Bible …………..………... 34
Object Lessons About Satan 1. Satan – Spiritual Warfare ……….. 35
2. Satan – His Characteristics ………. 36
3. Satan – His Names …….……… 38
Questions from the Lessons on Satan ………. 39
Object Lessons About Salvation 1. Salvation – The Fall of Man ………. 40
2. Salvation – The Redemption of Man ………. 41
3. Salvation – How to Receive it ……….………... 42
4. Salvation – The Final Reward ………. 43
Questions from the Lessons on Salvation ………... 44
SAMPLE
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Object Lessons About the Holy Spirit
1. The Holy Spirit – Who is He? ……….………... 45
2. The Holy Spirit – His Characteristics ………..………... 46
3. The Holy Spirit – His Work ……….… 48
4. The Holy Spirit – Fruit of the Spirit ………..………... 50
5. The Holy Spirit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit ………....…. 51
Questions from the Lessons on the Holy Spirit ………..………... 53
Object Lessons About Baptisms 1. Baptisms – Water Baptism – What It Means ……….…………...…. 54
2. Baptisms – Water Baptism – Its Purpose ……….…..….. 56
3. Baptisms – Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Introduction ………. 57
4. Baptisms – Baptism in the Holy Spirit – Being Filled to Overflowing ……..………... 58
5. Baptisms – Baptism in the Holy Spirit – How to Receive it ……….……….... 59
Questions from the Lessons on Baptisms ………..…...… 60
Object Lessons About the Church 1. The Church – What is it? ………..………... 61
2. The Church – How it Started ………... 62
3. The Church – Christ’s Body ………..………..…. 63
4. The Church – Its Leadership ………... 65
5. The Church – Holy Communion ………... 66
Questions from the Lessons on the Church ………...…………..… 67
Object Lessons About Divine Healing 1. Healing – Why is there Sickness? ….……… 68
2. Healing – Where Does it Come From? ….……… 69
3. Healing – How to Receive it ……….… 70
Questions from the Lessons on Divine Healing ………...………….… 71
Object Lessons About Our Christian Responsibility 1. Our Christian Responsibility – To God ……….……….... 72
2. Our Christian Responsibility – To Others ……….… 73
3. Our Christian Responsibility – To the World ……….… 74
4. Our Christian Responsibility – To Our Family …………..………... 75
5. Our Christian Responsibility – To the Church ……….……… 76
Questions from the Lessons on Our Christian Responsibility …………..……….…. 77
Object Lessons About the Authority of the Believer 1. Authority of the Believer – Where Does it Come From? ………. 78
2. Authority of the Believer – How to Use it ………….……… 79
Questions from the Lessons on the Authority of the Believer …….……… 80
SAMPLE
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Object Lessons About Sin
1. Sin – Its Origins ………..………...… 81
2. Sin – Its Consequences ……….……… 82
Questions from the Lessons on Sin ……….……… 83
Object Lessons About the Final Judgment 1. The Final Judgment – The Lake of Fire ...……….…. 84
2. The Final Judgment – Who Will be Cast into the Lake of Fire ……….……… 85
3. The Final Judgment – When Will it take Place? ………..………... 86
4. The Final Judgment – How to Escape It ………. 87
Questions from the Lessons on the Final Judgment ………...… 89
Object Lessons About Bible Stories 1. Bible Stories – Noah’s Ark ………..………...… 90
2. Bible Stories – Abraham and Isaac …………...……….…. 92
3. Bible Stories – Samuel is Called by God ……….……… 93
4. Bible Stories – God’s Protection …………..………... 94
5. Bible Stories – Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and the Fiery Furnace ………... 95
6. Bible Stories – Saul is Saved ………. 97
7. Bible Stories – Deborah, a Prophet of God ….……… 98
Questions from the Lessons on Bible Stories ….………...… 99
How to use the Object Lesson Book
Experts tell us that students learn better when they are taught with visuals. Not only do they understand the lesson better but visuals help the student to remember the lesson better as well. Teaching our children the word of God is a very important job. We need to teach in the best way possible so that our students understand God’s word. That’s why this book of object lessons was written. It’s our desire to help you as the teacher to teach your students the word of God in an even better way. It’s our hope that this book will be a big help to you as you explain the Bible lessons in the classroom. Following are more directions on how to use this book.
Every object lesson is divided into several sections. Every section is important and has its purpose.
Object Lesson Title: At the top of every object lesson you will see its title. The title explains the theme of that lesson.
Verse: Under the title there is a verse that goes along with that lesson. This verse can also be used as the memory verse for the lesson.
Materials: This section shows you the materials that are needed for this object lesson. It is important to know ahead of time what materials you need. Start early to gather you materials by finding them at home, buying them or borrowing from someone else.
Preparation: Some of the object lessons need some preparation before you get to class. This section explains how to prepare the object lesson and how to use it in front of your students. It is often helpful to practice the object lesson before you get to class if it is totally new to you.
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Lesson: This section is an example of how to teach the lesson using the object lesson. It’s important to read this ahead of time and become familiar with it so that you can teach the lesson without being too dependent on your notes. It’s not necessary to recite the lesson as it is written, it’s much better to use it as an example and to prepare enough so that you can teach the lesson using your own thoughts and words.
Life Application: We aren’t teaching just to increase our student’s intellect but we are teaching to bring change into our students’ lives. That’s why this section is so important. It is up to you as the teacher to help your students to understand what this lesson means in their lives. Make sure that you make time in every lesson for your students to respond to God in prayer. This section is given to you as an example on how you can do this.
Alternate Object Lesson: For some of the lessons you’ve been given another short object lesson to use if you are unable to use the main one given because of a lack of materials or some other reason.
Further Instructions
It’s our goal to help you the teacher but you still have a responsibility to prepare. These object lessons are a help to you but you still need to prepare your lesson enough and to study the appropriate Bible passages. Don’t forget to invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher. You need His help and the only way to get it is through prayer. You need to bathe your preparation in prayer. Start preparing early so that you have enough time. These object lessons are a part of your teaching but it is up to you to add to and explain your lesson so that your students understand it well.
May the Lord give you strength as you do this most important work of teaching children the word of God.
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Review Game
Preparation: This game is a good way of doing revision, in a fun and exciting way. Playing this game requires that you divide the class into two teams. Make sure that the teams are equal in ability and student understanding. Each team needs one student to be the leader. The leader will stand at the chalkboard as the game continues. One team will use X as their mark, and the other one will use O. Before the students arrive, draw the following chart on the chalkboard.
How To Play: (Use questions found in the revision part of the lesson you are teaching. You can also use some of the memory verses that the students have learned.) Let the teacher choose the team that will start. The teacher asks a question or mentions a memory verse to be quoted. Any student on the team can raise their hand and answer. (When there are a lot of students, it is helpful to limit the amount of times that a student can answer in each game so that everyone gets to participate.) If the student’s answer is correct, the team leader chooses a space on the chart where he/she would like to put their mark (See figure 1). Then the other team is given an opportunity to answer a question and put their mark on the chart (see figure 2). If a student answers incorrectly, the other team is given the chance to answer the question and place their mark on an empty space on the board if they get the answer correct. The teams continue alternating that way until one team wins or all the spaces on the chart are filled up. The first team to fill up three consecutive spaces going across, up and down or diagonal is the winner (see figure 3).
Comment [MN1]: Redo graphic with English words
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God – The Difference Between God the Creator and False Gods John 17:3
Materials: A piece of metal, a piece of wood, a lump of clay, a picture of a person.
Preparation: Come to class with as many of the materials listed above as possible.
Lesson: Today I have brought some very common things with me, which all of you have seen before. If I told you that this piece of metal could speak, would you really believe me? (As you ask the question, lift up the piece of metal.) Or if I told you that this piece of wood can hear you, would you believe me? (Lift up the piece of wood as you ask the question.) If I told you that this picture can answer your questions would you believe me? (Lift up the picture as you ask the question.) If I told you to use this lump of clay to create something alive and powerful, can you do it? (Show them the lump of clay as you ask the question.) All the things I mentioned are impossible. But, some people actually believe that they are possible. Maybe you ask, which people? Are there people who believe that metal can speak? Are there people who believe that a piece of wood can hear? Are there people who believe that clay can have life? Yes. These are people who make idols and who worship false gods.
Some people make idols to worship; idols that look like people, birds, animals or some other things. Others worship dead people or the sun or moon or a tree. Idols are made out of wood, metal, clay, gold or other things. Do you think a piece of wood can hear you? Do you think a piece of metal can see you? Or, can a bird or animal answer your prayers? These gods have no power whatsoever to hear your prayers, let alone answer them. There is only One True Living God. He is the creator of the heavens and the earth. All the other gods which are worshipped by human beings are false. Our God is the true living God. And He has power. He sees us, He hears us and is able to answer our prayers.
The Bible tells us about this in Romans 1:18-23 (Read the Scripture). All things
created show the power and divinity and glory of God. And, all people are without excuse because they can know God through His creation. But instead of praising and glorifying God, other people have changed the glory of God and have begun worshipping things created instead of worshipping the One who created them. The Bible says this is foolishness and stupidity. These words are a bit strong, but that is the reality for those who have refused to worship the true God and are worshipping idols and false gods.
Life Application: It is very wrong to worship anything made by human beings. It is also wrong to worship a created thing. It is much better and it is our responsibility to worship the
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God – Creation of the World Genesis 1:1
Materials: Seeds – corn or beans, and the creation wheel (on the following page.)
Preparation: Make a copy of the creation wheel, or draw it on a piece of paper. Cut around the outside of the circle. Using stiff paper (like manila folder, card stock or the cover of an exercise book), draw a circle like the circle on the creation wheel. Cut around the outside of the circle. Then cut a portion from the stiff paper the exact same size as one section of the creation pictures (see figure 1). Connect the two circles together using a pin in the middle of both circles (see figure 2). The stiff paper should be on top, and the creation pictures on the bottom. Now you have a creation wheel. Turn the top circle in order to reveal whatever part of creation that you are referring to.
Lesson: If I told you to make something like a table, a chair or even a toy car, without giving you anything to use in making it, would you succeed? (Put seeds on the table.) Or if I tell you to cause this seed to sprout and grow by just speaking, would you be able to do it? These things are impossible to us because we cannot create anything. We can make something or carve something if we have the tools and materials. But God, because He has all power and authority, created everything that we see, by just speaking the word. The Bible tells us that God created this world by His Word.
(At this point you can either tell the story of creation in your own words or you can read it from Genesis chapter one. Show the students pictures of creation which are connected to the day that you are talking about.)
In the beginning the earth was empty and void, and God said, “Let there be light” and there was light. God separated light from darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. Those things happened on the first day. On the second day, by His word, God created the expanse above the earth and called it the sky. On the third day God said and created dry land and the sea and all the plants. On the fourth day, by His Word, God created the sun and moon and the stars. On the fifth day God spoke and created fish of all types and all living things that live in the water, and all types of birds. On the sixth day, by His word, God created all types of animals, both wild and domestic, and then He created man. God finished creating everything in six days and on the seventh day He rested.
Many people have knowledge, ability and education and can make things, even design new things, but no one is able to create anything by just speaking, without using any thing else. But God created everything by His Word because He has all power and all authority.
Life Application: Our God is wonderful. He is the creator God. Do you love trees, flowers and grass? Do you benefit from crops? Do you love animals? Our God gave us all these things and
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God – His Attributes John 4:24
Materials: A chalkboard, chalk, and the drawing on the following page.
Preparation: Before the students arrive, draw an outline of the chart on the chalkboard (do not put in the wording yet). Make it big enough so that children sitting in the back of the class can see it clearly. Another way to do it is to draw it on a big sheet of paper before you get to class, then tape it to the wall or on the chalkboard. (If you see that your students are having trouble guessing the correct words, write down the attributes that you are looking for, but mix them up. Do not write them in the same order that you are talking about them.) When you are ready to begin filling in the chart with the students, read the first verse. Once a student tells you what attribute you are talking about, write the word in the spaces provided for that number. Once you have filled in the attribute, take a few minutes to teach about it. You may want to use an example of how God manifested that attribute in your own life. Continue with the other numbers until you have filled the chart completely.
Lesson: How can we discover what a person is like, or who that person is? Many times we get to know a person because we have lived with the person for some time. Or maybe we have heard about them from someone else. The way we really get to know someone is by spending time with them. So what about God? How do we get to know what He is like? We cannot see Him or be with Him in the same way as we can with human beings. But, God has revealed Himself to us through His Word. We can discover who He is and what He is like by reading the Bible.
Today we are learning a few of God’s attributes, which are important to know. On the chalkboard there is a chart that I need your help to complete. We will read a Scripture verse which tells us about a particular attribute of God. When you discover what that attribute is, tell me and we will write it in the spaces provided for it on the chart.
1. 1John 4:8 2. 1Peter 1:16 3. Psalms 90:1-2 4. Jeremiah 9:24 5. Jeremiah 32:17 6. (across) 1John 3:20 6. (down) Psalms 139:7-10 7. John 4:24 Love Holy Eternal Righteous
Omnipotent (all powerful) Omniscient (knows everything) Omnipresent (present everywhere) Spirit
Life Application: God has revealed who He is and what He is like through His Word. When we take time to read the Bible and pray we will know God more. He reveals His goodness, faithfulness and love towards us. Let’s ask God to help us do our best to know Him more everyday by praying and reading the Bible.
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God – His Character Hebrews 11:6 Materials: The game on the following page (Who Am I?).
Preparation: The goal of this game is for the students to discover who you are referring to by the hints you give them. You start by giving the first hint about number 1. Allow only one student to answer. If the student is right continue with number 2. If they do not guess correctly, give the second hint and allow another student to try. If that student is incorrect, give the third hint. Usually by the third hint the students will have discovered who you are talking about. Number 7 is very important because it is the theme of the lesson. So, even if a student knows the answer after the first hint, continue reading all the clues so that the students get to know the different characteristics of God.
Lesson: Today we are playing a game called: “Who Am I?” I will give you clues or hints about several people, especially what they do. If you think you know who I might be talking about, raise your hand and give the answer. (Carry on with the game now.)
The character of people show us who they are and what they do. It also says a lot about the particular person. The character of God show us what He does. It shows us what He does for us. It is important for us to know God more, and one way of knowing Him is understanding His character. I have mentioned several of His characteristics in our game, but I would like to look at the Bible and see what it teaches about His character.
(Read the following verses and write on the chalkboard the characteristic found in each verse. Take time to explain further and give examples of how the said characteristics have been manifested in your own life.)
Keeps covenants Deuteronomy 7:9
Is pleased by faith Hebrews 11:3-6
Forgives, Is not easily angered Exodus 34:6
Hates sin Isaiah 59:2
Life Application: The Bible shows us the characteristics of God and we can know Him better by understanding them. Together with keeping His covenants and forgiving, we have seen that God hates sin and is pleased by faith. Since we know those things, let us be people who are separated from sin and people of faith towards our God. Let’s ask God to help us do
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Who Am I?
1. Who Am I?• I study a lot.
• I give exams.
• I deal with children.
I am a teacher.
2. Who Am I?
• I put on a uniform.
• I carry a firearm.
• I protect good people and imprison bad people.
I am a police officer.
3. Who Am I?
• I live close to the water.
• I use a boat.
• I often use nets.
I am a fisherman.
4. Who Am I?
• I work with the soil.
• I use a hoe or a tractor
• I plant seed.
I am a farmer.
5. Who Am I?
• I read the Bible.
• I pray for the sick.
• I work in the church.
I am a pastor.
6. Who Am I?
• People come to see me.
• I give medicine.
• I usually work in a hospital.
I am a doctor.
7. Who Am I?
• I keep covenants.
• I am pleased with faith.
• I forgive, and I am not quick to be angered.
• I hate sin.
I am the one true and living God.
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God – The Holy Trinity (The Three Parts of an Egg)
Deuteronomy 6:4 Materials: A boiled egg, and a knife.
Lesson: Today we are going to learn about a truth which is not easy to understand. But it is a very important truth which is taught in the Bible. The Bible tells us that there is only one God (Read Deut. 6:4). Also, the Bible tells us that God has revealed Himself to human beings as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Some people think we worship three gods, but that is not true. Our God is one, in three persons. This is not an easy thing for us to understand. Maybe an egg may serve as an illustration to help us understand.
I have one egg. (Show them the whole egg.) Even though it is one, there are three different parts, which together make up the whole egg. (Cut the egg so that all the parts are visible.) The outer part is the shell, and even though it is not eaten, it is important. It serves as a container for all the other parts. Then this white part, before an egg is boiled, looks like liquid. We call it the egg white. It is also part of the egg, but it serves a different purpose. Then there is the yolk which is different from the shell and the egg white, but it is also a very important part of the egg. By itself you cannot call it an egg, and if you remove one of the three parts you cannot claim to have an egg. But all three parts, even though different and serving different purposes, together form an egg.
This truth about the Trinity is similar to the egg. God is one, but with three distinct different persons, and their works are different. All are important and necessary in the Holy Trinity.
Life Application: We worship one God who reveals Himself to us in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Let us remember that we worship only one God. Let us praise our One living, unique God.
Alternate Object Lesson: “Water in three states.” There is another illustration, using water. You can find water in three states. First, there is regular liquid water. When you boil water, you get steam. When you put the same water in a very cold place – like a freezer – it will freeze, and you get ice. In each state it is still water, but appears different depending on the circumstance. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, One God but in three distinct persons.
Hear Oh Israel.
The LORD, our God,
The LORD is one.
Deuteronomy 6:4
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God – The Holy Trinity (Triangle) Luke 3:22
Materials: A chalkboard and chalk, and the triangle drawing found on the next page.
Preparation: Before teaching this part, draw a triangle on the chalkboard. Do not write the names of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the verses that go with them. You will add those after reading the Scriptures.
Lesson: Let us look at how the Bible shows the Trinity. In Luke 3:22 we see all the persons of the Trinity working together at one time. (Ask a student to read that verse. As he reads, write the names of the persons and the part of the verse which deals with that person.) The Son (Jesus) was ready to start His ministry on earth. When He was baptized, the Holy Spirit came down upon Him, and the voice of the Father was heard from heaven. This verse shows the truth about the Trinity in the Bible. Also, what we have shown on the board has helped us to understand the truth even more. There are three parts to a triangle. If you remove one part, there is no triangle. All three parts are necessary. This triangle is an illustration of the Holy Trinity. The three persons are the three parts of God. Just as one part of a triangle cannot stand on its own, in the same way, one person of the Trinity does not stand alone. But all three parts together form a triangle, and all three persons of the Trinity are one God.
(Read 1 Peter 1:2 Ask the students these questions.) Are all three persons of the Trinity seen in this verse? This verse shows the different tasks of each person of the Trinity. God the Father: (Read John 14:23-26. Ask the students.) What is the work of God the Father in these verses? He sent the Son and the Holy Spirit.
God the Son: God the Father sent the Son to bring salvation to us. Even though the Son has been sent by the Father, the Bible shows us that He is God.
(Read John 1:1. Ask the students.) Who is the Word? What does this verse say about Jesus? (Read 1John 5:20. Ask the students.) What does this verse say about Jesus? Jesus, God the Son, is the true God.
God the Holy Spirit: God the Father sent the Holy Spirit to empower His church. (Read 2Cor. 3:17-18. Tell this to the students.) Lord is another name of God. What does this verse say about the Spirit? The Holy Spirit is God.
Even though it is difficult for us to understand completely, we have seen that there is One God in three persons. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are the one true and living God.
Life Application: Even if you don’t completely understand the Trinity, it is easy to see that God has helped us very much through all three persons of the Trinity. It is God the Father who sent the Son to save us from our sins. And the Holy Spirit has been sent so that we will have power in our lives. Let’s thank God for everything that He has done for us.
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Triangle of the Holy Trinity
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Questions from the Lessons on God
Lesson 1: God - The Difference Between God the Creator and False Gods
1. What can the true God do, which idols cannot do?
2. In John 17:3 what is eternal life?
3. In Romans 1:18-23 God shows His presence through what?
Answers
1. He can see us, hear us and answer our prayers.
2. Knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ who was sent by God.
3. Through His work, which is His creation.
Lesson 2:God - Creation of the world
1. How did God create the world?
2. List the things that happened during the creation days of the earth.
Answers
1. By His Word.
2. Day One - day and night
Day Two – the expanse (sky)
Day Three – dry land, the sea, all plants (vegetation) Day Four – the sun, moon and stars
Day Five - every creature in the sea, all the birds Day Six – all animals, human beings (Adam) Day Seven – God rested
Lesson 3: God - His Attributes
1. How do we know what God is like?
2. List five attributes of God.
3. When we say God is eternal, what does it mean?
Answers
1. God has revealed Himself to us in the Bible.
2. Five out of the eight.
Love All Powerful (Omnipotent)
Holy All Knowing (Omniscient)
Eternal Is Everywhere (Omnipresent)
Righteous Is Spirit
3. He has no beginning or end.
Lesson 4:God - His Characteristics
1. List three characteristics of God.
2. What does the characteristic of God keeping His covenants mean?
Answers
1. Three out of the four.
Keeps covenant Is pleased by faith
Forgives, and is not easily angered Hates sin
2. He is faithful to keep His promises.
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Lesson 5: God - The Holy Trinity (The Three Parts of an Egg)
1. Answer this question by choosing A,B, or C. We believe that God
A. Is three true gods.
B. Is a Holy Trinity in three persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Spirit.
C. Is only Jesus who is called the Father and the Holy Spirit most of the time.
2. List the three persons of the Trinity.
3. How many true gods are there?
Answers
1. B
2. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit
3. Just one
Lesson 6:God - The Holy Trinity (Triangle)
1. List one verse (Book, chapter and verse) which shows the three persons of the Trinity working together.
2. List the work of each person in the Trinity. 3. Draw a triangle showing the Trinity.
Answers
1. One among the following. Luke 3:22; 1Peter 1:1,2; John 14:24-26 (Or any which you
have used to prove that all the three persons are mentioned.)
2. God the Father – He sent the Son and the Holy Spirit
God the Son – to bring salvation into the world God the Holy Spirit – to bring power to the church 3.
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Jesus – God Becoming Flesh John 1:14
Materials: Various pieces of cloth or scarves, a white sheet or cloth, a staff or walking stick, a doll and other clothing.
Preparation: Prepare some students ahead of time to put on a skit. Come with the necessary clothing items for those who will be acting out the different parts (example: headscarves for the different people, a staff for the shepherd, a white sheet for the angel, doll for the baby Jesus etc.). It is not necessary for the children to memorize Scripture or say any lines, but you can read the story from the Bible as they act out the various parts.
Lesson: Today we are reading about something that many of you know about. Usually you would hear about it during Christmas, but it is a story that is important to us all year around. Because of this story, we have salvation. Some of our students here will help me as I tell the story to you.
Part 1. The angel appeared to Mary. Luke 1:26-38
Characters – One person to be the angel Gabriel. One person to be Mary. Part 2. The angel appeared to Joseph. Matthew 1: 20-25
Characters – One person to be an angel. One person to be Joseph. Part 3. The birth of Jesus. Luke 2:1-20
Characters – Joseph, Mary, (and if available, a doll to be baby Jesus.) Several students to be the shepherds. A few students to be angels.
Today we have seen that Jesus was not born in an ordinary way. There were many miracles surrounding his birth and many amazing things that were announced about Him. Angels appeared three times to announce the birth of Jesus. When the angel appeared to Mary, he told her that she would become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the child who would be born would be holy, the Son of the Most High. Also the angel announced to Joseph that the child would save the people from their sins. When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they told them that Jesus was the Savior. Jesus came into the world as a child. He was flesh and blood, just like you and me, but He was not an ordinary person. He is the Son of God and His birth shows us that He is God, and that He has come to save us.
Life Application: We needed a savior. Our savior had to be divine (God) because we needed a holy savior who could remove our sins. And our savior had to be human also so that he would be like us in all things. The Bible tells us that Jesus left His divinity and took upon Himself a human body so that He could save us. Let’s thank God that He sent His Son, Jesus.
Alternate Object Lesson: If you find it difficult to do a drama or skit, you can just read the different verses from the Bible. To help keep their attention, have the students do the following actions anytime you read about the following people in the story:
Angel – have the students stand and cover their eyes and make sounds that show fear and surprise.
Mary – have all the girls stand and act like they are carrying a small baby.
Joseph – have all the boys stand and act like they are driving a nail into a piece of wood using a hammer. (Explain to the students that Joseph was a carpenter.)
Jesus – have all the students stand and say Hallelujah and wave their hands.
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Jesus – His Purpose for Coming into the World Luke 19:10
Materials: Chalkboard and chalk.
Preparation: Before starting your lesson, draw figure 1 on the chalkboard. You will draw a cross so that your picture will be like figure 2 as you continue with your lesson.
Lesson: Today we are learning about the purpose for Jesus’ coming into the world. Jesus did a lot of different things when he came into the world. But today we want to look at the main purpose for his coming into the world.
The Bible in Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Every person is a sinner, and because of sin we have been separated from God. In fact the Bible says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Because God is holy he cannot live with sin. It’s like the picture I have drawn on the chalkboard. It’s like there is a big deep canyon between us and God, and we have no way to cross it. (Show the students the canyon and God’s home – heaven, and the where we are as humans.) God knew our state. He didn’t like the fact that we were separated from Him. But also, He could not allow us to enter heaven while we were contaminated by sin. He needed a solution, and that was Jesus Christ Himself. The Bible in Luke 19:10 tells us, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus Himself became a sacrifice for us. (Start drawing a bridge in the form of a cross.) He shed His own blood on the cross so that we could be forgiven of our sins. He has opened a way for us to get to heaven. He has become a bridge so that we can cross the canyon of sin and enter heaven. The Bible in 1John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” What we need to do is to repent of our sins and receive Jesus into our lives as Lord and Savior. When we do that we are given eternal life in heaven with our God. (Draw people walking on that bridge to show those who are repenting of their sins and receiving Christ.)
Life Application: Jesus has already opened a way for us to go to heaven. This is why He came into the world. Now it is our choice. We can decide to remain in our sins or we can cross the canyon of sin and death and enter heaven by repenting of our sins. (Invite your students to be saved and lead them in the sinner’s prayer to accept Jesus.)
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Jesus – His Crucifixion Isaiah 53:5
Materials: One sheet of plain white paper, a pair of scissors, cello tape.
Preparation: Follow the instructions provided on the next page.
Lesson: In our past lessons we have learned that Jesus is our Savior. This is why He came into the world. He took our sins upon Himself and paid the price of sin, which was death. Today we will learn how He was crucified. I will use this sheet of paper to tell the story. (Fold the paper and cut it up according to the directions shown in the picture.)
They were taking Jesus to a place called Golgotha, or the place of the skull. This was where people were crucified. When they got there, they fastened Him to the cross by driving nails through His hands and feet. They lifted the cross up and set it into a hole. (Put your paper cross on the board, into the hole you have made with the two pieces of paper.) There were two thieves who were crucified with Jesus. One on the right side, and one on the left side. (Put the two thieves on the board. One should face the cross of Jesus, the other one should face away from the cross of Jesus.) Above the cross of Jesus they put a sign which said, “King of the Jews”. (Put the sign on the board.) The Roman soldiers took His clothes and divided them among themselves by casting lots. (Put on two pieces of paper on the board to represent dice.) When Jesus died, one soldier thrust a spear into his side, and immediately blood and water came out of the wound (John 19:34). (Put the spear on the board.)
Before Jesus died, one of the thieves said to Jesus, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself, and us!” But the other thief rebuked him, “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23: 39-43) One of the thieves looked to Jesus for help. (Show the students the thief who is facing the cross of Jesus.) He repented of his sins right there and Jesus saved him. He received the forgiveness of Jesus. And on that very day, when he died, he was taken into heaven with Jesus. The other thief was guilty of the same sin as the first thief, but he ended up very different. This thief did not look to Jesus for help. He did not ask for his forgiveness. Instead he insulted Jesus. (Show the children the thief facing the opposite direction from the cross of Jesus.) His end was different from the first thief because he died in his sins and did not go to heaven.
Life Application: We also deserve punishment because of our sins. And just like the two thieves, we need to decide how we will treat Jesus. If we reject his forgiveness, will end up the same way as the thief who did not look to Jesus for forgiveness. (Show them again the thief who is facing the opposite direction from the cross of Jesus.) But if we look to Jesus and repent of our sins, he will save us, forgive us, and will receive us into heaven, just like he received the thief who looked to him for help. (Show them again the thief who is facing the cross of Jesus.) It is up to us to choose how we will treat Jesus. (Invite your students to receive Jesus and lead them in the sinners’ prayer.)
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Jesus – His Resurrection Matthew 28:6 Materials: Two uncooked eggs and a bowl.
Preparation: Before you get to class, make a small hole on top and at the bottom of one egg, using the point of a knife or a nail. You can remove the contents of the egg by blowing through one of the holes. The yolk will ooze out through the other hole. What will remain is the shell. It will be empty inside.
Lesson: In our last lesson we learned about the crucifixion of Jesus. After crucifying him they buried him in a tomb. In those days, many tombs were caves. After putting the body in the tomb they would put a large stone over the entrance. That is what they did with the body of Jesus. They put him into the tomb and covered the entrance to the tomb with a very large stone.
This reminds me of this egg. (Show them the complete egg, i.e. the one that still has everything in it.) What is in the shell cannot come out until you break it. In the same way, the body of Jesus could not come out of the grave until the stone was removed. And they even put guards at the tomb because they feared that the disciples of Jesus would try to steal his body. Now, what do you expect to see when I break this egg? Of course! You expect to see the yolk and the liquid part of it because that is what is inside this shell. (Break the egg in the bowl.) The people of that day, if the removed the stone from the entrance of the tomb would expect to see a body because that was what was in the tomb. But three days after the burial of Jesus, something amazing happened. The Bible tells us that there was a big earthquake, and an angel of the Lord came from heaven and removed the stone, and sat on it. Some women were coming to the tomb. They expected to see the body of Jesus, but they saw the angel, and instead of seeing the body of Jesus in the tomb, it was empty. (Break the empty egg and show it to the students.) There was nothing inside. The angel made the following statement to the women, “He is not here, he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:5)
The resurrection of Jesus was the greatest miracle ever. And because he is alive, we can have eternal life.
Were you surprised to see that the egg shell was empty without anything in it? In the same way, the women and the disciples of Jesus were so surprised that the tomb had no body in it. What you saw today was something I did as an illustration, to get your attention. I removed the inner part of the egg before coming to class. (Explain to them how you did that, so that they know it was just an illustration.) But the event on the day of the resurrection of Jesus was an amazing thing because it happened by the power of God. Others claimed that there was some trick played by the disciples, but that was not true. It was a true miracle, something done by the power of God.
Life Application: The Bible tells us that believing that God raised Jesus from the dead is one thing which is necessary if we want to be saved (Romans 10:9). No one can be saved if they do not accept the fact that Jesus is risen from the dead. This is why this event is so important. It is one of the foundations of our faith. We need to stand firm in believing in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Let’s thank God that He raised Jesus from the dead.
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Jesus – His Return John 14:3
Materials: A magnet. (If you cannot get one, you can make one by following the instructions below.) Metal items (like pins, a small nail, a screw, paper clip etc.), items which are not metal (like a piece of paper, a piece of wood, a cover of a pen, a rubber band, etc.).
Preparation: To make a magnet, you will need a battery, half a meter of electric wire (single strand), a large nail or bolt. Wind the wire on the nail. Leave 5 to 7 centimeters of wire on both ends. After winding the wire on the nail, connect the two ends of the wire to the two terminals of the battery. The nail will become a magnet and you will be able to pick up the metal items. When you disconnect the wires from the battery the magnetism ends.
Lesson: After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and other people. After 40 days, he met with his disciples and ascended into heaven. Two angels appeared to the disciples and asked them, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return one day to take his church to heaven. When he returns, those who believe in him will be raptured to meet him in the air, to go to heaven with him (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17). It will be an amazing thing when Christians are raptured and taken to heaven. Some people wonder, “How will Jesus know who is saved and who isn’t?” That’s a good question, let’s use this magnet to help answer that question.
I have several things here on the table. When I put the magnet on top of them, it will attract those things which have the right kind of metal in them. (Show the students the magnet drawing things to itself.) But other things have not been drawn to the magnet because they do not have metal in them. (Try using the magnet on something which cannot be attracted by it.) The magnet tells the difference between these things by what is in them. Those items with metal in them are attracted by the magnet. Those without metal inside are left behind.
In the same way, Jesus will know who is saved by what is inside them. Those people who have the Spirit of Jesus in them, because they have received Jesus as their Savior, will be raptured. Those who have not received Jesus and don’t have his Spirit in them will not be raptured. They will be left behind.
Life Application: We don’t know when this will happen, but we are sure that it will happen one day. That’s why we need to be ready at all times. Jesus can return even today, or tomorrow, or any other day. When he returns you need to be ready. All you need to do is ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and come into your life. (Help your students who would like to, to receive Jesus as their savior.)
Alternate Object Lesson: (If you fail to get a magnet, use the following object lesson. Take a ball or anything like that. Toss it up in the air and catch it. Do it several times in front of the students. Continue with the lesson in this way.) You have seen how this thing returns to my hand when I throw it up. Even though I throw it up, it always comes back down. We can say, “What goes up, will always come down.” Jesus has promised that he will return. He ascended into heaven but one day he will return in the same way to take his church to heaven to be with him.
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Questions from Lessons on Jesus
Lesson 1:Jesus - God Becoming Flesh
1. What was the name of the mother of Jesus?
2. List two unique things about the birth of Jesus.
3. Mention one wonderful thing which was announced by angels about Jesus.
Answers
1. Mary
2. He was born by the power of the Holy Spirit. His birth was announced by angels.
3. One of these two. He was the Son of God. He would save His people from their sins.
Lesson 2 : Jesus - His Purpose for Coming into the World
1. How many have sinned?
2. What are the wages of sin?
3. What type of work did Jesus come to do?
Answers
1. All
2. Death
3. To save us from our sins.
Lesson 3:Jesus - The Crucifixion
1. What is the name of the place where Jesus was crucified?
2. What did the crucifixion of Jesus bring to us?
3. How were the two thieves who were crucified with Jesus different from each other?
Answers
1. Golgotha or the place of the skull (Calvary)
2. Salvation
3. One asked Jesus to remember him. The other insulted Jesus. Or, One went to heaven
with Jesus, and the other one went to hell.
Lesson 4:Jesus - His Resurrection
1. How many days did Jesus stay in the tomb?
2. When the women arrived at the tomb, what did they find?
3. What does the resurrection of Jesus provide for us?
Answers
1. Three days
2. They found angels and an empty tomb.
3. Eternal life.
Lesson 5: Jesus - His Return
1. After his resurrection, how long did Jesus stay on earth? 2. How will Jesus return?
3. When Jesus returns, who will he rapture? Answers
1. 40 days
2. In the air, in the same way he left or went.
3. Those who are saved (Those with his Spirit in them.)
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The Bible – It is Unique 2 Timothy 3:16 Materials: Several different books and the Bible.
Lesson: (Put all the books on the desk, together with the Bible for the students to see. Start by asking them this question.) How are these books similar? (If they have no answers, help them by giving the following answers.) All have been printed on paper. Most of them are covered. They are written in the same language. They are written by people. (Show them examples of the books as you talk about things which are similar.)
(Ask them another question.) How are they different? (If they have no answers, help them by giving the following answers.) The are written by different people. They talk about different subjects. Some were written long ago, others just recently. (Again, show them examples as you speak.)
There is one book among these books which is very special. It is very different from all other books. Who can show me which one it is? Yes, it is the Bible. The Bible is a very unique book which is different from all other books in the world.
The Bible is different because of many reasons.
1. It is a collection of sixty six holy (sacred) books.
Most other books are written by one person at one time. But the Bible was written by 40 different authors in different times over a period of 1600 years.
2. It is the Word of God.
Although written by different people, all were led by the Holy Spirit. Although written in different times and different circumstances, there is one purpose and theme, which is to show God’s plan for saving mankind.
3. Because the writings are inspired by God, the Bible is a true book, without mistakes.
Other books can have some truth in them or some lies, but the Bible is all true.
There are many books which help us and which are very important, but the Bible is a very unique book. It is different from all other religious books, or educational books.
Life Application: Because the Bible is the Word of God, we can believe it and we should read it and follow it in our lives. Let’s ask God to help us honor, obey and follow the Bible in our lives.
All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
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The Bible – How it is Organized Hebrews 1:1, 2
Materials: The chart which is on the following page (The Bible Library).
Preparation: If you want, you can draw a copy of this chart on a large sheet of paper for the students to see easily. Or you can come early to class and draw it on the chalkboard.
Lesson: In our last lesson we learned that the Bible is a very unique book. It is the Word of God which can help us know God.
Today we continue learning more about the way the Bible is organized. There are two major sections of the Bible. There is the Old Testament which has 39 books, and the New Testament which has 27 books for a total of 66 books. (Depending on your time and the ability of your students, continue teaching them about the other sections, as follows.)
Each of these major sections have other sections within them. The Old Testament
− Law
− History
− Poetry
− Prophecy
The New Testament
− Gospels
− History
− Epistles
− Prophecy
(Take the time to explain the major differences between the old and new Testaments. Add to the following explanation based on your knowledge and the ability of your students.)
A lot of the books in the Old Testament are about the nation of Israel. The Israelites were God’s chosen people. The New Testament begins with books which are about the life of Jesus and there are other books which were written by the apostles for the church.
(Help the students to start memorizing all the books of the Bible. You might want to begin with the New Testament, especially with younger students. There are many different ways to help them. For example you can make up a song or chorus which has the names of all the books of the Bible. Prepare a prize for all the students who will successfully memorize all the books, or recognize them in front of the entire class when they succeed. This will not happen within one lesson, but you are starting in this lesson and you will continue to motivate and encourage the students to continue on their own and help them during the next lessons.)
Life Application: Today we have learned about the different sections of the Bible and all the books in them. It is important for us to learn the names of all the books. It will help us when we read the Bible and when we look for verses. More important than learning the names of the books, we need to learn about the principles found within the books. Remember that every scripture verse is good for instruction, and for correction, and for guidance, and for teaching in righteousness; so that the man of God will be perfect, equipped to do every good thing. Let’s ask God to help us to read, understand and follow His word so that we can live like He wants us to.
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The Bible – How it Got Here 2 Peter 1:21
Materials: Chalk and a chalkboard. Five helpers (or assistants).
Preparation: Tell the students that you have a message for them. Call your first helper and tell him/her the first part of the message to be written on the chalkboard. After they are done, call the other helper and ask them to continue writing the message on the board. Follow this until you have finished the entire message. Tell your helpers the message by whispering it to them so that the other students do not hear.
Helper #1: Dear students, I have a very important message for you.
Helper #2: God loves you and wants each one of you to be saved so that you can go to heaven.
Helper #3: He has already has sent us His Word so that we can understand His plan for our lives.
Helper #4: This is why we read the Bible in our class, so that every student will understand the plan of God for their life.
Helper #5: It is my privilege to teach you these important lessons. May God bless you very much. Your Teacher.
Lesson: Today I wanted to give you a very important message. Instead of me writing it, or reading it to you, I have asked other people to help me. They were writing words on the chalkboard, but they did not just write anything they wanted to. They wrote what they heard from me. They have been very faithful in that task and have succeeded in passing my message on to you without any mistakes.
God had a very important message that He wanted to give to all people for all times. He also used many servants to pass this message on to us. Today we have this message in a book known as the Bible. As we said earlier, the Bible was written by 40 different authors. But they didn’t write just what they wanted to, instead they were led by the Holy Spirit. God told them the words to write and they were faithful in writing them. This is why we say the Bible is the inspired Word of God. It isn’t the words of a man, but is a message that came from God Himself using His faithful servants. The Bible we have is a translation from the ancient languages which were used by the original writers. We are very blessed to have this message of God in a language we can understand. Because it is inspired by God, there are no mistakes in this book. We can trust it and follow it in our lives.
Life Application: This message given to us by God is a message about His love for us and the plan He has for our lives. Let’s thank God for this message of love. Let’s thank Him for the faithful servants who were used by Him to write His Word. Let’s ask Him to help us understand and obey His word.
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The Bible – How It Overcame Opposition 1 Peter 1:25
Materials: Two pieces of paper, a pen and glue or tape.
Preparation: Write the word “Bible” on two identical pieces of paper, being careful that the two words look the same. Take one piece of paper and fold it along the lines as shown in figure 1. When you are done it should look like figure 2. Then fold it again following the lines as seen in figure 2, so that it looks like figure 3. Then stick the folded paper behind the other piece as shown in figure 4. When you show the students the writing on the paper, hold the folded piece so as to hide it. When you talk about the ways in which people tried to destroy the Word of God, tear off pieces of the big paper. Then, put all the torn pieces in your hands, along with the folded piece. When you start talking about how God protected His Word, unfold the folded piece of paper and show it to the students. Hide the ripped up pieces in your other hand.
Lesson: We have learned about the uniqueness of the Bible, and that it is inspired by God. Another reason we know the Bible is God’s Word is because the Bible has lasted for many, many years, even though many people have tried to destroy it. Some have tried to burn it with fire. Some leaders have made it illegal to own Bibles and punished people who had them.
In the book of Jeremiah we are told of one king who tried to destroy the Word of God by cutting it up into pieces and burning it in a fire, but God protected His Word. (Begin sharing the story from Jeremiah 36. When you get to the place where King Jehoiakim cuts up the scroll into pieces and begins to burn the pieces, hold up the paper and begin to tear it up. When you begin explaining about how God protected his Word by telling Jeremiah to write it again on another scroll, unfold the hidden piece of paper and show it to the students.)
Jehoiakim was just one person who tried to destroy God’s word. Many other people have tried to destroy the Word of God since then. But just like we’ve seen with this piece of paper (hold up the paper that says “Bible”) the Word of God cannot be destroyed but lasts forever. The example you saw today was just a little trick that I learned, but God has protected His Word by His amazing power. He has protected it from many different people for many years who have tried to destroy it, and as our verse says, “The Word of the Lord endures forever.” That means that everything written in the Bible will be fulfilled by the power of God.
Life Application: Even today there are people who oppose the Word of God and want to destroy it, but without success. In your life it is possible that people will oppose your faith, but remember, God’s Word is powerful and true and it endures forever. So be encouraged even when you are faced with opposition to your faith. You can stand firm on the unchanging Word of God. (Lead your students in prayer asking God to help them stand firm and strong during opposition.)
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The Bible – How it Helps Us Psalms 119:105
Materials: A machete, an envelope, a map or a set of directions, a torch or a lantern or a lamp.
Lesson: (Put all the above items on a table.) The things you see here on the table are similar in one way. Each item is an example of the Bible and what it does for us in our lives. We can learn about the importance of the Bible by looking at these things.
(Lift up the machete.) The work of a machete is to cut things and separate them. For example, when you are cutting up firewood, you are separating the branches from a tree trunk. In Hebrews 4:12 we are told that the Word of God is like a sword (or a machete). It can divide the soul and spirit. This means that it can touch us in our hearts and show us when we go against the will of God. The Bible helps us to stand firm in our salvation by showing us where we go wrong.
(Lift up the envelope.) Also, the Bible is like a letter. It is a love letter from God. When you receive a letter from someone, normally there will be greetings and also news about the person. Many times when you read a letter from someone, you get to learn or know things about the person. In the same way, the Bible is like a letter that reveals God to us. When we read it we learn so many things about God and we learn about His love for us. The Bible helps us to know God more.
(Lift up the map or set of directions.) The Bible also is like a map of set of directions. If you do not know the way somewhere, one way to find out is by reading a map. Or, if you don’t know how to do something you can read the directions or instructions. Instructions tell us the proper way to do something. The Bible is a map or instructions for our lives. It shows us the way to go in our lives. Also, it has instructions and directions in it about how we should live our lives. If we follow its instructions, we won’t get lost.
(Lift up the torch or lantern or lamp.) Finally, the Bible is like this torch (or lamp or lantern). The work of a torch (or lamp or lantern) is to provide light in the darkness. We use a torch (or lantern or lamp) to see the way when it is dark. God’s Word also provides light in darkness. It shows us the right, true way to follow. It opposes the darkness of this world. When we use the Bible we can oppose Satan and his darkness so that we can live in the light of the Lord.
Life Application: We have seen that the Bible does many important things in our lives. Together with reading it every day, we need to memorize it too. Let’s thank God for the help of His Word and let’s commit ourselves before God to read it and memorize it, and follow all its instructions.
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
Psalms 119:105
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Questions from Lessons on the Bible
Lesson 1: The Bible - It is Unique
1. How many different people wrote the Bible?
2. What is one thing which shows that the Bible is a unique book?
3. Second Timothy 3:16 tells us that the Word of God is good for several things. What is one of those things?
Answers 1. 40
2. Any of these three. It is a collection of 66 sacred books. It is the Word of God. The Bible is a true book which has no mistakes.
3. Any of these four. Teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Lesson 2: The Bible - How it is Organized
1. The Bible is divided into two major parts. What are the names of the two parts?
2. How many books does the Bible have?
3. What are the names of the four Gospels? Answers
1. Old Testament and New Testament 2. 66
3. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Lesson 3: The Bible - How it Got Here
1. How was the Word of God received?
2. Who led the writers to write the Scriptures?
3. How did we get the Bible in our language? Answers
1. It is inspired by God 2. The Holy Spirit 3. It was translated
Lesson 4: The Bible - How It Overcame Opposition
1. First Peter 1:25 tells us that the Word of the Lord lasts _______________.
2. How have people in history opposed the Word of God?
3. What did King Jehoiakim do to the Word of God? Answers
1. Forever
2. Any of these two answers. Some have burned it. Others have banned the reading of the Word, and the owning of it.
3. He cut it up into pieces and burnt it. Lesson 5: The Bible - How it Helps Us
1. The Word of God is like several things. What are two out of the four things that were mentioned in the lesson?
2. Psalms 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp for my __________ and a light to my ________ . 3. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God can divide _______________ and
_________. Answers
1. Two things out of these four. A machete (sword), a letter, a map, a torch (lamp or lantern.
2. feet, path 3. soul, spirit
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Satan – Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:12
Materials: Two students to volunteer for the game that is explained below.
Preparation: Choose two students who are similar in size and strength. Let them stand facing each other, so that it is easy for them to touch their palms together. When you tell them to start, each one should try their best to push the other one by just using the palms. They are not allowed to touch their opponent on any other part of the body. The first one to move their feet at all, looses. Allow them to play this in front of the other students until there is a winner. (You can allow others to try the game if you have time.)
Lesson: This game is a competition between two people. We have done this just for fun. When you compete like this, you come face to face with your opponent. Also, because I explained the rules of the game, it was easy for you to understand how to compete and who the winner was. In many competitions, our opponents can be seen, they are human beings with bodies and a mind like ours. Even when soldiers fight wars, they fight against fellow human beings and they use similar weapons, and the enemy is easily recognized.
In the spirit world there is a battle that is being fought every day. But the Bible tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood; but is against rulers and powers, against the leaders of this present darkness, is against hordes of demons and evil spirits in the spirit world (Ephesians 6:12). This means that our enemy is not human, nor can we fight against him using our hands or human weapons. Our greatest enemy is Satan and his demons, and we must fight them in the spirit world. Because this battle is not human and normal, we need to know how to fight against these powers of darkness.
The Bible, in Ephesians 6:10-18, shows us how we fight these spiritual battles. We are told to put on all of the following pieces of the armor of God.
Belt of Truth – We must wrap ourselves in God’s truth. We should not be people who deceive others, who lie to others. Let’s follow the truth of the Word of God.
Breastplate of Righteousness – We have been made righteous through Jesus Christ. Satan cannot accuse us because Jesus defends us.
Gospel of Peace – Our enemy has captured people, but we can set them free by preaching to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Shield of Faith – We must have faith in order to oppose Satan and all his lies. Let’s trust and believe Jesus and stand firm on His promises.
Helmet of Salvation – Our salvation is what protects us. We should stand firm in our salvation so that Satan will not overcome us.
Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God is a powerful weapon that overcomes Satan. We need to memorize Scripture often so that we can overcome our enemy.
Life Application: Our battle takes place in prayer. The Bible tells us to be alert and always keep on praying so that we can stand firm. Let’s take the time to do that, and fight the spiritual battle. Let’s ask God to help us put on His whole armor for us to oppose Satan and his forces of darkness. Let’s thank God because we have the victory through Jesus Christ.
