UNIT 1 | SESSION 1 GOD CREATED THE WORLD

Older Preschool Leader Guide | Unit 1 • Session 1 | 6

U N I T 1 | S E S S I O N 1

GOD CREATED THE WORLDG E N E S I S 1

CHRIST CONNECTION: Jesus is Lord over everything. The Bible says everything was created by Him and for Him. Jesus holds everything together and everything brings God glory.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:Why did God create everything? God created everything for His glory.

KEY PASSAGE:Psalm 19:1

Unit 1 • Session 1

© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE

PREPARE YOUR HEART TO TEACH

WELCOME

GREET PRESCHOOLERS and OPEN

THE SESSION

LEARN

TEACH PRESCHOOLERS THE STORY

OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE

LEAD PRESCHOOLERS TO LOVE THE GOD OF THE GOSPEL

LIVE

LEAD PRESCHOOLERS TO LIVE OUT THE MISSION

OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Created the World | 7

PREPARE

Y O U R H E A R T T O T E A C H

LEADER LEADER Bible StudyThe Bible begins where we would expect it to: with the beginning of all of creation. But the beginning that Genesis 1:1 speaks of is not the beginning of everything. It was not the beginning of God. God is eternal—He has no beginning and no end. He has always existed. So the beginning in this session’s Bible story is the beginning from our perspective. It is humanity’s beginning.

You might notice that the Bible story stops a little earlier than you might be used to—before God created Adam and Eve. That happened on Day 6, along with the animals of the earth, but that is not included here because that will be covered in the next session in much more detail.

Instead, for this session, take your time to emphasize three things:

First, that God created everything from nothing. God did not create like we do—by taking some raw materials like clay and making a beautiful sculpture. Instead, God made everything that exists—everything we see and even that we don’t see—simply by speaking it into existence from nothing. That’s important because it teaches us that everything belongs to God because He made it all and also how powerful He is to be able to create the universe by speaking it into being.

Second, that God created everything with order. Not only do we see that God created the different kinds of plants and trees as well as animals according to their different kinds, but we also see an orderly pattern in the days of creation. God created by separating things on days 1-3 (light from darkness; sky from water; and then land from oceans) and then He filled what He had created on days 4-6 (the stars, sun, and moon in the heavens; birds and fish in the sky and waters; animals on the land).

Third, that God created everything for a reason—to bring Himself glory. We will talk a lot more about this during this unit, and all of our study through Scripture. But for now help your kids see that everything exists to show how good God is—to show His glory for all to see.

DAYS OF CREATIONSeparated

Day 1: Light from darkness

Day 2: Sky from water

Day 3: Land from oceans

Filled

Day 4: Sun, moon, stars

Day 5: Birds and fish

Day 6: Animals

God Created the World

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GATHER GATHER SuppliesKeep these items on hand for each session: Allergy Alert, Bibles, construction paper, copy paper, washable markers, crayons, scissors (adult use), blunt-tipped scissors, glue sticks, glue, blocks, baby dolls, play dough, world map or globe, snack food, paper cups, and napkins.

WELCOME

Welcome F Allergy Alert F “Psalm 19:1” song

Activity Page F “Create!” activity page, 1 per child

Create with raw materials F interlocking blocks

Transition F countdown video (optional)

LEARN

Learn about the Bible F bookmark F Giant Timeline or Small Group Timeline

Tell the Bible story F Bible Story Picture Poster

F “God Created the World” video (optional)

Practice the key passage F Key Passage Marker F Key Passage Poster F “Psalm 19:1” song

Learn the Big Picture Question

F Big Picture Question Poster

Missions moment F “All About the Americas” video

LOVE

Snack and talk F hand sanitizer (optional)

F Bible Story Picture Poster


Take a nature prayer walk F walking rope (optional)

LIVE

Prepare and enjoy fruit salad

F bananas F craft sticks F waxed paper F foam bowls F plastic spoons F washed and prepared cut fruit (e.g. melon, berries, halved grapes, apples, kiwi)

Sort animals F “Animals” printable F dark blue paper F green paper F light blue paper

Bounce on a blanket F blanket or parachute F foam ball or small stuffed animal

PREPARE


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Transition from WELCOME to LEARN


WELCOME WELCOME PreschoolersPost an allergy alert, if needed. Set out supplies to engage preschoolers as they arrive. Play music as you welcome preschoolers. Greet children by name at eye-level. Follow your church’s security procedures.

ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Create!” on the activity page.

SAY When we humans want to create something, we use different materials to make something new. Do you know what God used when He created the whole world? [Allow responses.] Nothing! God created everything out of nothing at all! God created everything simply by speaking. That’s something only God can do!

SESSION STARTERUse one or both of the following options to engage curiosity about today’s Bible story.

TALK ABOUT FAVORITE BELONGINGS

Prompt each preschooler to think of her favorite belonging. Guide each child to draw a picture of her favorite belonging. Invite children to hold up their completed drawings and tell the group about their favorite belongings.

SAY Your belongings are things that belong to you. God gives us things to enjoy and care for. Did you know that the world and everything in it are God’s belongings? God made everything so everything belongs to Him. We will learn more about that in today’s Bible story.

CREATE WITH RAW MATERIALS

Set out interlocking blocks or play dough. Encourage preschoolers to make anything of their choosing using the items available. Encourage creativity.

SAY Look at all your different creations! You made many different things with all these supplies. In today’s Bible story, we will hear about how God created the world. Do you know what supplies He had? Nothing at all! God created the world just by speaking. Let’s hear how He did that in today’s Bible story.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to walk as their favorite animal as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

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LEARN

T H E S T O R Y O F T H E G O S P E L

LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYInvite a few volunteers to tell about things they like to make. Offer prompts such as art, toys, and blocks to start preschoolers talking.

SAY People often use things they already have and make new things. God made us creative like that. God is the greatest maker of all. He made the whole world out of nothing at all. Listen to how God did that in today’s Bible story.

LEARN ABOUT THE BIBLEPlace a bookmark at Genesis 1 in your Bible. Invite a preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible.

SAY The Bible is the most important book there is because it has God’s words in it. God talks to us through the Bible. We know our story today is a true story because it comes from the Bible, and the Bible is true. Today’s Bible story comes from the very first chapter of the very first book of the Bible, Genesis.

Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or small group timeline. Remind children that all the stories in the Bible fit together to tell an even bigger story. The Bible tells the big story of how God rescues sinners through His Son, Jesus.

TELL THE BIBLE STORYTell the following Bible story using the provided storytelling tips or show the video. Use the bold version of the Bible story for younger preschoolers.

GOD CREATED THE WORLD In the beginning, there was nothing but God. There was no sun, no dirt, no creeks, no

animals, and no people. God began to do something that no one else could ever do. God began to make the world … out of nothing!

First, God made the heavens and the earth. The earth was covered with water, and it was dark. God said, “Let there be light!” And there was light. God saw that the light was good. Everything God makes is good. God called the light “day,” and He called the darkness “night.” That was Day 1.

On Day 2, God made a space over the earth that He called the sky.

On Day 3, God gathered the water on earth into oceans. Now there was dry land. God saw that it was good. He made all kinds of plants and trees. Every plant and tree had seed to grow more of the same kind of plant or tree. And God saw that it was good.

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LEARN


On Day 4, God made lights in the sky for day and night. He made the sun for daytime, and the moon and stars for night. God looked at what He had made, and God saw that it was good.

On Day 5, God made animals that live in the water and animals that fly in the sky. He made fish and whales and seahorses and eels that move in the water. He made birds that fly in the sky. He made each kind of animal different, and God saw that it was good. So God blessed the animals and told them to have baby fish and baby birds so there would be more of them on earth.

On Day 6, God made animals that live on earth—all different kinds! He made wild animals, like lions and giraffes and foxes. He made animals that crawl on the ground, like alligators and caterpillars. He made animals that help people, like cows and camels and sheep. And God saw that all of it was good.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY Jesus is Lord over everything. The Bible says everything was created by Him and for Him. Jesus holds everything together and everything brings God glory.

REVIEW THE BIBLE STORY

SAY God did something no one else could ever do. He made the world out of nothing. Each of the six days, God spoke and made a different part of His creation. God saw that everything He made was good. All that He created showed how powerful and amazing He is. Creation gives God glory. God’s glory is His greatness. Jesus is God the Son. Everything was created by Jesus and for Jesus. Jesus gives God glory best of all.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 19:1. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Create motions for preschoolers to use as they say the key passage. Use the key passage song video for inspiration.

SAY Our key passage reminds us that God’s creation gives Him glory. When we look at the sky, we can remember that God made it. We can praise and glorify Him for the beautiful creation He has given us to enjoy.

Sing the key passage song, “Psalm 19:1.” You may also choose to sing a worship song of your choice.

STORYTELLING TIPSUse props: Gather props to represent the different days of creation. Show each prop at the appropriate moment in the Bible story. Potential props include bottled water, flashlight or puck light, real or artificial plants, plastic or stuffed animals, different colors of construction paper, drawings, or photographs.

Count on your fingers: Lead preschoolers to hold up the appropriate number of fingers to represent each day of creation as you tell the Bible story.

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Transition from LEARN to LOVE


LEARN


LEARN THE BIG PICTURE QUESTION AND ANSWER

SAY Our big picture question asks, Why did God create everything? God created everything for His glory. God is the greatest of all. He created the world and all that is in it to show His power, might, and goodness. God deserves our worship.

MISSIONS MOMENT

SAY Many people around the world have never heard that God made them and loves us. God wants believers to tell others about Him and about His Son, Jesus. A missionary is a follower of Jesus who is sent out to go and make more followers of Jesus throughout the earth. Some people say America when meaning the United States, but other countries are also part of the world we call “the Americas.” There’s North America, Central America, and South America. Missionaries live in each of these areas of the world, sharing the gospel.

Show the American regions on a world map. Then show the “All About the Americas” missions video. Close in prayer, asking God to help people in the Americas hear about Him.

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Transition from LOVE to LIVE


LOVE

T H E G O D O F T H E G O S P E L

LOVE LOVE God because of what we learnedPRAYInvite preschoolers to close their eyes and think about God as they talk with Him.

SAY God, we praise You for all that You made. You are the Creator and King. All that You created shows Your power and glory. Remind us of Your goodness as we enjoy Your creation. Amen.

SNACK AND TALK Post an allergy alert. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer. Serve a snack. Show the Bible story picture as you ask the following questions. Retell parts of the Bible story as needed.

SAY What was your favorite part of today’s Bible story?

SAY What did you learn about God in today’s Bible story?

SAY Name some ways we can thank God for His creation.

SAY Why did God create everything? God created everything for His glory.

TAKE A NATURE PRAYER WALKIf weather permits, lead preschoolers outside. Guide preschoolers to point out things God made that they see on their walk. Lead the group in saying, “Thank You, God!” Be sure to follow your church’s security procedures for leaving the classroom.

SAY Jesus is Lord over everything. The Bible says everything was created by Him and for Him. Jesus holds everything together and everything brings God glory.

© 2021 Lifeway


LIVE

T H E M I S S I O N O F T H E G O S P E L

LIVE LIVE for God out of loveChoose the activities that best fit your group, space, available resources, and time constraints. Set up activities in one of these ways: as a group, all at the same time; in small groups that rotate through each activity; or set up as centers, allowing preschoolers to browse and choose.

CALL IT GOOD Invite preschoolers to take turns naming things that God made. After each child names something, lead the group to say, “God saw that it was good!” Consider giving children categories of things to name, such as things that grow in the ground, things you find in the sea, things that live on the ground, things that fly in the sky, things you eat, and so forth.

SAY God looked at everything He made and saw that it was good. God made Jesus Lord over everything. The Bible says everything was created by Him and for Him. Jesus holds everything together, and everything brings God glory.

PREPARE AND ENJOY FRUIT SALAD Post an allergy alert. Wash or sanitize hands. Give each preschooler a banana. Invite her to peel the banana and slice it with a craft stick on the waxed paper. Guide her to place her banana pieces in her bowl. Spoon additional fruit items of a child’s choosing in his bowl. Be sure only adults add additional fruit to a child’s bowl. Encourage preschoolers to gently mix up their fruit with a spoon and enjoy their fruit salad.

SAY On Day 3, God made all kinds of plants and trees. Every plant and tree had seed to grow more of the same kind of plant or tree. The fruit we are eating came from plants and trees. Jesus is Lord over the plants and trees and everything else He made.

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LIVE


SORT ANIMALSPrint the “Animals” printable and cut apart the cards. Set out a sheet of dark blue paper to represent water, green to represent land, and light blue to represent sky. Invite preschoolers to sort the animal cards according to where each animal lives.

SAY God created the world in the perfect order. He made the sky, sea, and land before He made the animals to live there. He knew the animals would need a place to live before He created them. The Bible says that Jesus was there creating with God. Jesus holds everything together.

BOUNCE ON A BLANKET Lead preschoolers to surround a blanket or parachute, holding its edges. Toss the ball or stuffed animal into the middle of the blanket and show preschoolers how to shake the blanket to make the ball bounce around. Challenge them to keep the ball on the blanket.

After a few minutes of play, direct children to freeze in place every time the ball bounces out. When children freeze, say one of the following phrases and lead preschoolers to repeat the phrase after you:

• God made you.• God loves you.• The Bible is God’s Word.• Jesus came to earth to save us.

SAY These are truths we can learn and tell other people. Missionaries tell these truths to people around the world.

TRANSITIONInvite preschoolers to complete the coloring page. Consider leading preschoolers to sing the key passage song or involving them in a simple game to practice the key passage or big picture question. If parents are picking up children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Give parents the completed activity page. Distribute the big picture cards for families. Encourage parents to engage with the family discussion starters and family activities during the week.

God Created the World | 15© 2021 Lifeway



GOD CREATED PEOPLEG E N E S I S 1 – 2

CHRIST CONNECTION: God created people in His own image. He loves us and gives us everything we need. People are special because God made us to know and love Him. Through Jesus, we can know and love God just as He planned.




© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Created People | 17

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyHumans are at the center of everything God created. Only God Himself is more important. That is why the creation of the first man and woman—Adam and Eve—deserved its own session.

As you prepare for this week’s session, there are two words that might be unclear or even confusing. The first is our in Genesis 1:26. “Let us make man in our image.” This can be confusing because the Bible is clear that there is only one God (see Deuteronomy 6:4 and 1 Timothy 2:5). Why then does God say our image and not my image?

Bible scholars have long debated what is meant by this word, but here are two of the most common explanations. The first is that this word is affirming the doctrine known as the Trinity—that God is one in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Our in this verse is drawing from that important aspect of who God is. This would make sense here because a common, but wrong, belief of why God created people was because He was lonely. But God as three Persons in one is never alone. He has always enjoyed a perfect relationship of love within who He is. It would make sense that God wants to make that clear here.

A second explanation for our is that it is the use of what is called the “plural of majesty.” In this case, God is establishing from very early on how glorious He is, even in how He refers to Himself.

The second word that deserves a note is image. Once again, scholars have debated for ages about what this word means. But we can know what it does not mean: physical form. God is spirit (see John 4:24), so we are not made with a body like God’s body; He has no body. Instead, being made in God’s image includes attributes of people that separate us from the rest of creation (such as our ability to reason, our morality, our will, and our emotions) and our unique role in creation as ruling over it under God’s greater rule.

While we might not know what these two words mean exactly, we do know this for sure: our glorious God has made people to be special in all of His creation and designed us to be in relationship with Him.

TERMS TO KNOW Image Bearers: Every person bears God’s image. We are like God in ways that the rest of creation is not. God gives us the ability to reason, feel emotions, and understand right and wrong. Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God. (Col. 1:15)

God Created People

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WELCOME

Welcome F “Psalm 19:1” song

Activity Page F “In His Image” activity page, 1 per child

Dig for animals F large plastic tub F play sand, dried rice, or dried beans

F plastic land animal figures

F digging tools (toy shovels, rakes, sieves, or cups)


LEARN



F “God Created People” video (optional)




Missions moment F “Embera Bead Project” printable

LOVE




Draw self-portraits F nonbreakable handheld mirrors

LIVE

Care for a garden F artificial flowers, plants, and trees

F child-safe garden items (trowel, handheld shovel, clean plastic grow pots, watering cans, empty seed packets)

F toy garden tools, wheelbarrows, and lawnmowers

Work people puzzles F puzzles featuring people

Make beaded bracelets F “Embera Bead Project” printable

F yarn F clear tape F beads

PREPARE


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ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “In His Image” on the activity page.

SAY You matched each person to his or her shadow. A person’s shadow looks a lot like the person, but not exactly. In today’s Bible story, we will learn that God made people in His image. That means God made us to be like Him, but not exactly. Listen to story to find out more.


PLAY A NAME GAME

Form a circle. Choose a child to complete the following sentence, “My name is [child’s name], and I like [item or activity the child likes]. Then lead the child beside him to repeat the first child’s answer and then answer for herself. Guide preschoolers to continue around the circle until each child has had a turn to repeat and answer.

SAY We learned one another’s names while we learned more about each other. In today’s Bible story, God made the first man and the first woman. He gave them names. Listen to the story to find out what names God gave them.

DIG FOR ANIMALS

Fill a large plastic tub with a few inches of play sand, dried rice, or dried beans. Hide plastic figures of land animals in the tub. Offer children digging tools to search for the hidden animals. Guide preschoolers to hide the animals again for another friend to find.

SAY Last week we learned that on Day 6 of creation, God made animals that live on earth—all different kinds! But that was not all God created on the sixth day. Listen to the story to hear what else God made on that day!

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite the girls to sit together and the boys to sit together as children transition to Learn.

WELCOME

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LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYInvite children to stand up. Call out a characteristic. If the characteristic describes a child, he must sit down. Continue calling out different characteristics until all the children are sitting down. Characteristics may include boy, girl, brown eyes, blue eyes, likes to look at books, or likes to play on the playground. Add humor by calling out characteristics that children likely do not have such as gray hair, twenty toes, or likes to eat Brussels sprouts.

SAY None of us are exactly alike, but some of us do have characteristics in common. In today’s Bible story, we will learn how God made people in His image. That means that God made people with some of the characteristics He has. But like none of us are exactly alike, people are not exactly like God. Yet God made us to be like Him in many ways.


SAY Who remembers what the first book of the Bible is? [Allow answers.] Genesis! That is right. The Bible is the most special book of all because it is God’s words to us. All the stories we read in the Bible are true.



GOD CREATED PEOPLE God created the whole world. He made the sun, the sky, plants and trees, and many kinds

of animals. But God was not finished yet. On Day 6 of creation, God made people, and He loved them most of all.

God said, “Let us make man in our image.” So He made a body out of the dust on the ground. Then He breathed into the man, and the man came to life. The man’s name was Adam. God gave Adam a home. He made a garden and put Adam in it. God gave Adam a job working in the garden and taking care of it.

God gave Adam food to eat. God said, “You may eat from any of the trees in the garden, except for one.” God warned him, “If you eat from that tree, you will die.”

Then God looked at Adam. Adam was all alone. “It is not good for the man to be alone,” God said. So God decided to make a helper for him. God brought to Adam the animals

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LEARN


He had created, and Adam gave the animals names. But these animals did not make good helpers for Adam.

So God made Adam fall asleep. God took one of Adam’s ribs, and He created a woman. When Adam woke up and saw the woman, he was happy! The woman was a perfect helper for Adam; she was his wife. Adam named his wife Eve.

God put Adam and Eve in charge of the animals and gave them everything they needed. God looked at everything He had made, and it was very good! So on Day 7 of creation, God rested from His work.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY God created people in His own image. He loves us and gives us everything we need. People are special because God made us to know and love Him. Through Jesus, we can know and love God just as He planned.


SAY God made people, and out of everything He created, He loves us most of all. God created us special. He made us in His image. We are the only creation God made in His image. God loves, creates, thinks, and rules, and He made us to love, create, think, and rule too. There are lots of other ways God made us like Him, but there are many ways God is different from us too. We are not in charge of everything. We do not know all things. We do not have power over all things. But we can love and trust this good God who made us!

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 19:1. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Guide preschoolers to say the key passage with you using the motions you created in the previous session. Then lead children to say the verse using different voices, such as a deep voice, high voice, loud voice, and soft voice.

SAY None of us say the key passage exactly the same because we all have different voices. God made people, and our key passage reminds us that all the things God created show how great God is. The sky, the ocean, plants, trees, animals, and people—all of them give God glory.


STORYTELLING TIPSPretend to sleep: Lead preschoolers to lie down and close their eyes when you come to the part of the story where Adam fell asleep. Speak quietly and deliberately as you describe how God made Eve. Then excitedly say, “Wake up!” as you tell about how Adam was happy when he saw Eve.

Pantomime the story: Invite a male and female adult leader to pantomime Adam and Eve’s actions and expressions as you tell the Bible story.

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LEARN



SAY Our big picture question asks, Why did God create everything? God created everything for His glory. God’s glory is His greatness. Everything God created was made to give God glory. That means that God created you, me, and all people to show how great He is!

MISSIONS MOMENTDisplay the photos and read about the story from the “Embera Bead Project” printable aloud.

SAY Missionary Beth Burkhalter saw these Embera women and recognized that they are people God created in His image. Beth noticed the women did not have money to take care of their families. She also noticed that they made beautiful beaded jewelry. Beth Burkhalter found a way to help the Embera women make money to take care of their families, but also a way to tell them about Jesus. Now the people have money that they need to live, and they know how to have life with God.

© 2021 Lifeway



LOVE



SAY God, You made us. We belong to You. We want to glorify You. Help us show the world how great You are by the way we live. Help us turn away from our sin and follow Jesus. Help us love You most of all.




SAY What are some ways we can be like God? How are we different from God?


DRAW SELF-PORTRAITSOffer preschoolers nonbreakable handheld mirrors to look at their reflections. Invite preschoolers to use markers or crayons to draw a self-portrait. As preschoolers work, ask them to think of ways God made them unique. Offer suggestions that go beyond what they see in the mirror, such as character qualities, talents, or interests. Guide each preschooler to thank God for at least one way God made her.

SAY God made each of you different, but all of you are made in God’s image. God loves You. He wants You to love Him too. He wants to use each of You in His plan in unique ways. He wants you to be people who joyfully follow Him.

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LIVE



SING “HEAD, SHOULDERS, KNEES, AND TOES” Lead preschoolers in singing the song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” If you are unfamiliar with the song or motions, look them up online before the session.

SAY God made your head, your shoulders, your knees, and your toes! God made all of you! God does not have a body like you do, but you are made in His own image. You are special because God made you to know and love Him. Through Jesus, we can know and love God just as He planned.

CARE FOR A GARDEN Set out artificial flowers, plants, and trees. Offer preschoolers child-safe garden items, such as a trowel, handheld shovel, clean plastic grow pots, watering cans, and empty seed packets. If available, set out toy garden tools, wheelbarrows, and lawnmowers. Invite children to play out caring for a garden.

SAY God made a garden and put Adam in it. God gave Adam a job working in the garden and taking care of it. God loved Adam and gave him everything he needed. God loves us and gives us what we need too. People are special because God made us to know and love Him. Through Jesus, we can know and love God just as He planned.

© 2021 Lifeway

LIVE


WORK PEOPLE PUZZLES Set out an assortment of puzzles featuring people. Include puzzles that depict people of different ethnicities, body types, and abilities as you are able. Review the Bible story as children work the puzzles.

SAY God created people in His own image. He loves us and gives us everything we need. People are special because God made us to know and love Him. Through Jesus, we can know and love God just as He planned.

MAKE BEADED BRACELETS Show the “Embera Bead Project” photos from the missions moment to remind preschoolers of the beaded jewelry that the Embera people make in South America.

Give each preschooler a length of yarn with clear tape wrapped around one end. Invite preschoolers to string beads on their yarn to make a bracelet. Tie a bracelet on a child’s wrist when he finishes adding beads. As children work, retell the story about the missionaries who are helping the Embera people sell their jewelry so that they will have money for things like food and clean water. Consider encouraging preschoolers to make extra bracelets to use in a different activity in the next session.

SAY One of the ways God gives people what they need is through other people. God used the Embera women’s talent for making jewelry and a missionary named Beth Burkhalter to make sure the women had money to provide for their families. Best of all, God used Beth to give the women what they need most—Jesus. God made us to know and love Him. Through Jesus, we can know and love God just as He planned.


God Created People | 25© 2021 Lifeway



CREATION GLORIFIES GODP S A L M 1 9

CHRIST CONNECTION: All of creation shows how great God is. Jesus is God. Jesus is the best way we can know how great God is.




BIG TRUTH SESSION

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PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

Creation Glorifies God | 27

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyIn the first two sessions of this unit, we have seen a common thread of God’s glory. God created everything, including people, to display His glory. In this session, we want to make sure that our preschoolers understand what that means. What is God’s glory?

God’s glory can be thought of as God’s greatness. The Bible often uses the picture of a brilliant white light when it comes to God’s glory. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai after spending time with God, his face shone. When Jesus was transfigured, He shined like a brilliant white light. And when Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he saw a blinding light. Such an intense light helps us understand how pure and powerful God’s glory is.

But we don’t just see God’s glory revealed in bright light. In this session, we will look at a Psalm that King David wrote many years after Adam and Eve. David used creation to speak of God’s glory. For David, it was easy to see God’s glory—at least its fingerprints—all around him.

If you have ever looked up into the heavens on a clear, dark night, maybe you have sensed it too as you consider all the stars that cannot be counted and think that each is a giant sun, like ours—only our sun is relatively modest in comparison—and that

they stretch over billions and billions and trillions and trillions of miles. And that is just what we can see!

Or maybe you have caught a glimpse of God’s glory as you looked over a stunning mountain range or walked on a beach. Creation is full of beauty, wonder, and power—all of which hints at the greater beauty, wonder, and power of the Creator who made it all. God is glorious indeed.

But one of the greatest ways we can know of God’s glory is that the Creator who made everything not only made us too, but wants to have a friendship with us. That is why He gave us the Bible—so that we might come to know Him, love Him, and live for Him.

As you teach, seek to leave your preschoolers in awe of how big and how good and how loving God is.

TERMS TO KNOW

Glory: God’s glory is His greatness and is often described in the Bible as a brilliant white light. That picture is used to show how pure and powerful God’s glory really is.

Creation Glorifies God

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WELCOME


Activity Page F “See His Glory” activity page, 1 per child

Make glowing star pictures F thick towels F dark blue or black construction paper

F dull pencils, 1 per child

F flashlights F white crayon


LEARN



F “Creation Glorifies God” video (optional)

Practice the key passage F yellow construction paper

F tape F flashlight F Key Passage Marker F Key Passage Poster F “Psalm 19:1” song



Missions moment F “Embera Bead Project” printable

LOVE




Look at books about things God made

F books featuring nature, animals, or people

LIVE

Experiment with prisms F prisms F flashlights (optional)

Count stars under a table F adhesive-backed glow in the dark stars

F blanket or sheet

Pretend to sell jewelry F toy jewelry F jewelry boxes and pouches

F toy money and credit cards

F toy register F toy computer, phone, or tablet

F leftover beaded bracelets from session 2 (optional)

PREPARE


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ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “See His Glory!” on the activity page.

SAY You found the letters that spell the word glory. Glory is an easy word to say, but explaining what glory means is not that easy. We’ve been learning from our big picture question that God created everything for His glory. Our key passage also talks about God’s glory. We will learn more about God’s glory in today’s Bible story.


TELL FAVORITE SONGS

Invite preschoolers to take turns telling the group their favorite song about God. Encourage children to sing part of the song they named or lead the group in singing.

SAY We sang songs about God. Today’s Bible story is a song about God. A king named David loved God, so he wrote a song to celebrate how great God is.

MAKE GLOWING STAR PICTURES

Guide children to lay a sheet of black or dark blue construction paper on a thick towel. Demonstrate how to use a dull pencil to poke holes in the paper. Hold up the punched paper in front of a flashlight to reveal a starry sky. Invite preschoolers to make their own starry sky pictures. Write the key passage with a white crayon on each child’s artwork.

SAY Your pictures remind me of a clear night sky! In today’s Bible story, a king named David wrote a song about God. He said what we see in the night sky tells us about God. Listen to the story to find out what the sky shows us about God.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to pretend to be either the sun, moon, or a star as they transition to Learn. Children may hold their hands in a circle above them or in front of them to be the sun or moon and outstretch their arms to be stars.

WELCOME

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LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYInvite preschoolers to tell you things that they can see in the sky.

SAY Today’s Bible story is a song that a king wrote about God. He said that every day and every night what we see in the heavens tells us about God.

LEARN ABOUT THE BIBLEPlace a bookmark at Psalm 19 in your Bible. Invite a preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible.

SAY Another name for the Bible is God’s Word. We say the Bible is God’s Word because it is God’s words to us. The last two weeks, we heard from the Book of Genesis how God created everything for His glory, including us. That’s a big, important idea that we want to understand, so to help us do that, we will look at what a king wrote about God’s glory in a song from the Book of Psalms. Genesis and Psalms are both in the Old Testament part of the Bible.



CREATION GLORIFIES GOD King David loved God. He wrote a psalm, or song, to celebrate how great God is.

This is what he wrote:

“The heavens show us the glory of God—how great He is. When we look up into the sky we can see what God made. Every day and every night what we see in the heavens tells us about God. The heavens don’t use words, but they show us. And everyone in the world can see.

“We can see God’s glory in the sun coming up every morning and then going down at the end of the day. Everyone and everything can feel the sun’s warmth.”

David also wrote,

“God’s words to us are perfect. They give us new life. We can trust them. God’s words to us are right. God’s words to us make our hearts glad. God’s words to us are worth more than the purest gold! God’s words to us are sweeter than the sweetest honey. God’s words help us. They warn us of what not to do and when we obey them, we are rewarded.

“Who can remember all of the times he disobeyed God? Sometimes we disobey God without

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meaning to or knowing we did. But God can forgive us of everything. And God can help us not to disobey Him. We should want everything we say and think to make God happy.”

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY All of creation shows how great God is. Jesus is God. Jesus is the best way we can know how great God is.


SAY God is so great! We don’t have to look hard to see that is true. God’s glory is all around us—in everything He made! We see God in His creation and in His words to us in the Bible. Most of all we see God’s glory in Jesus, God the Son.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEBefore the session, cut out several stars from yellow construction paper and write part of the key passage on each one. Tape the key passage stars on the ceiling in your room.

Place the key passage marker at Psalm 19:1. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Guide preschoolers to repeat the key passage using the motions you created in the first session. Dim the lights and lead preschoolers to take turns shining a flashlight on the ceiling at each part of the key passage as you lead the group in saying the words.

SAY Our key passage comes from what King David wrote in his song about God. Creation tells us about God, but it doesn’t use words. What God made shows us what God is like, and everyone in the world can see.



SAY This is the last week for our big picture question. Do you remember the answer? Why did God create everything? God created everything for His glory. God’s glory is His greatness. All of creation shows God’s glory. Jesus is God. Jesus is the One who shows God’s glory more than anyone or anything.

STORYTELLING TIPSSing the story: Before the session, practice singing the parts of the story that describe what David wrote in Psalm 19. You may also consider inviting someone who sings to visit your group and sing the story.

Look at creation: Display nature photographs as you tell the first part of the Bible story. You may choose to hold up printed photos or show a slideshow. Hold up your Bible to emphasize the goodness of God’s Word as you tell the second part of the Bible story.

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MISSIONS MOMENTDisplay the “Embera Bead Project” photos from last week’s session and quickly review the missions story. Show preschoolers the nation of Columbia on a world map or globe. Point to the city of Medellin if it is labeled.

SAY Many Embera people left their homes and communities to move to the city of Medellin so they would be safe, but life is hard for the Embera in Medellin. Finding a job is difficult because they do not speak Spanish, which is the language most people in Medellin speak. Missionary Beth Burkhalter and her husband began sharing stories about Jesus with the Embera people. They not only helped the Embera women sell their jewelry to help their families, but they are also introducing them to Jesus. Jesus is the best way we can know how great God is.

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LOVE



SAY God, thank You for Your creation that shows Your glory all around us. Help us think about You as we look at the things You made and hear Your truth in the Bible. Most of all, thank You for Jesus, Your Son, who is the best way we can know how great You are. Help us turn away from our sin and follow Him. Amen.




SAY Name something God created that reminds you of how great He is.


LOOK AT BOOKS ABOUT THINGS GOD MADEGather an assortment of books that feature pictures of things God made, such as nature, animals, and humans. Set out books for preschoolers to browse. Invite preschoolers to say sentence prayers to praise God for His creation as they notice a picture. Be prepared to offer suggestions, such as “God, I see Your glory in this mountain You made.” “God, this otter shows me how You care about everything You made.” “God, this person You made reminds me that You sent Your Son to save people from sin.”

SAY Everything God made tells us about Him. All of creation shows how great God is. We can praise God for His creation. Most of all we can praise God for Jesus. Jesus is God. Jesus is the best way we can know how great God is.

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PLAY OUT A DAY Invite preschoolers to name things they do at different times of day, such as morning, noon, afternoon, and night. Lead preschoolers to pantomime the actions they would typically do through the course of a day. Call out an action and lead preschoolers to copy your movements. Pretend a day is really fast and move through the movements quickly. Then pretend a day is really slow and move through the movements slowly.

SAY The sun comes up every morning, and we begin our days. Our days end when the sun goes down. We see God’s glory in each day He made. All of creation shows how great God is. Jesus is God. Jesus is the best way we can know how great God is.

EXPERIMENT WITH PRISMS Display a variety of prisms in a sunny window at a child’s level. Invite preschoolers to experiment with the prisms by tilting the prisms, searching for rainbows in the room, and looking at different objects through the prism. Offer flashlights if there is little sun in your room. Be sure to observe children closely if they are playing with a glass prism to avoid injury from broken glass.

SAY Isn’t God amazing how He made light to come from so many colors? We see God’s glory, or His greatness, in everything He made. We see God’s glory best of all in Jesus. Jesus is God the Son. Through Jesus, we can know how great God truly is!

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COUNT STARS UNDER A TABLEArrange adhesive-backed glow in the dark stars on the underside of a table. Cover the table on three sides with a blanket or sheet. Invite preschoolers to climb under the table, lay on their backs, and count the stars. Consider allowing preschoolers to add to, take away, and rearrange the stars for one another to count.

SAY The Bible tells us that when we look up into the sky we can see what God made. Every day and every night what we see in the sky tells us about God. And everyone in the world can see. All of creation shows how great God is. Jesus is the best way we can know how great God is.

PRETEND TO SELL JEWELRY Gather a variety of toy jewelry. If your group made extra beaded bracelets in the previous session, gather those as well. Arrange the jewelry along with jewelry boxes, pouches, toy money, credit cards, cash registers, computers, phones, or tablets in a play area. Invite preschoolers to play out selling beaded jewelry both in person and online. Review the missions moment as preschoolers play.

SAY The Embera women, their families, and even the jewelry they make show God’s glory too! All of creation shows how great God is. God made humans to be creative like Him, and when humans create, God gets glory!


Creation Glorifies God | 35© 2021 Lifeway



SIN ENTERED THE WORLDG E N E S I S 3

CHRIST CONNECTION: Everything was different after Adam and Eve sinned. Since then, all people have been sinners. Sin keeps us from God, but God never stops loving us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:What does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands.

KEY PASSAGE:Romans 3:23


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WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

Sin Entered the World | 37

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LEADER LEADER Bible StudyDoes the story of the fall surprise you? How could Adam and Eve—who had everything they needed—rebel against a loving God? Do you think you would have acted differently?

Adam and Eve’s story is our story. Think about the last time you blatantly sinned. What lies were you believing in that moment? Satan wants us to believe the same lie that Eve believed: Maybe God is holding out on me. Maybe He isn’t good or loving. Maybe I would do a better job than Him. Do you ever wonder if you know better than God?

Before the fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed a loving, two-way relationship with God. The garden was a true paradise. God filled the garden with good gifts so that they might enjoy them and give Him thanks. This glorifies God. All of that changed when Adam and Eve gave in to the serpent’s temptation.

Adam and Eve desired something more: the wisdom the fruit offered. But when their eyes were opened, they didn’t get what they hoped for. Instead, they were aware of their nakedness. They felt ashamed. Surely the Lord’s heart broke at their act of disobedience and rebellion. Can you think of a time your own sin produced regret and sorrow?

Because of their sin, God cast Adam and Eve out of the garden. Though they did not

die right away, sin’s effect was immediate and thorough. Their lives and their children’s lives—and the lives of all of humanity—would be forever affected by their choice. We see this in the world around us. We experience God’s grace, but we are very aware that the world is broken. It was not meant to be this way.

Sin is a big problem that needs a big solution. At just the right time, God sent His Son into the world, born as a baby. Matthew 1:21 says, “You are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

As the preschoolers you teach become increasingly aware of the bad news—that we are all sinners from birth—rejoice with them over the good news: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15).

TERMS TO KNOW: The Fall: The first sin of Adam and Eve that brought judgment upon both nature and mankind. By rejecting God’s authority and choosing to eat the fruit God had forbid-den, Adam threw God’s creation into chaos.

Sin Entered the World

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WELCOME

Welcome F “All Have Sinned (Romans 3:23)” song

Activity Page F “Find the Fruit” activity page, 1 per child

Examine fruit F disposable tablecloth F whole fruit F knife (adult use) F vegetable peeler (adult use)


LEARN



F “Sin Entered the World” video (optional)

Practice the key passage F Key Passage Marker F Key Passage Poster F “All Have Sinned (Romans 3:23)” song



Missions moment F “A Legacy” missions video

LOVE




Hold up hands and hearts F pencil

LIVE

Play “Hot Fruit” F beanbag F “All Have Sinned (Romans 3:23)” song

F plastic fruit (optional)

Make stick puppets F jumbo craft sticks, 2 per child

F black, brown and green construction paper

F animal print fabric scraps

Repair the picture F Bible Story Picture Poster

F Bible Story Picture Poster, 1 copy per child

F clear tape

Drop gifts F small gifts items that do not pose a choking hazard (stickers, noise makers, stress balls, soft candy, small crosses)

F tissue paper F clear tape

PREPARE


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ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Find the Fruit” on the activity page.

SAY You circled the fruit that was different from the others in each row. When God made the first people, Adam and Eve, He put them in a garden and gave them food to eat. God said they could eat fruit from any of the trees in the garden, except for one. We will find out in today’s Bible story if Adam and Eve obeyed God.


FOLLOW THE COMMAND

Stand in front of the group and give preschoolers a command to follow, such as stand up, touch your toes, stand on one foot, hop, turn around, clap your hands, or march in a line. Allow preschoolers to take turns giving a command to the rest of the group.

SAY You followed different commands. Remember when God created Adam, He gave Adam one rule. God said, “You may eat from any of the trees in the garden, except for one.” God warned him, “If you eat from that tree, you will die.” Do you think Adam followed God’s one command?

EXAMINE FRUIT

Cover a table with a disposable tablecloth. Set out a variety of fruits. Slice some of the fruits and use a vegetable peeler to remove some of the skins. Invite preschoolers to examine the whole fruits, fruit slices, and fruit skins. Encourage them to feel, smell, and look at the different parts of the fruits. Offer magnifying glasses for preschoolers to take a closer look.

SAY Adam and Eve could eat fruit from any tree in the garden except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The Bible does not tell us what that fruit looked like, smelled like, or felt like, but we do know that God said not to eat it. Listen to find out if Adam and Eve obeyed.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to make hissing sounds like snakes as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

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LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYTell a few examples of rules that are important to follow, such as hold an adult’s hand as you cross the street, never touch the stove, or do not talk to strangers. Ask preschoolers to tell important rules in their homes.

SAY We all have rules we must obey. The most important rules come from God. God loves us, and His rules are for our good. In today’s Bible story, we will hear what happened when Adam and Eve disobeyed the one rule God gave them.


SAY The Bible is God’s Word. The Bible is full of stories that really happened—like today’s story. Our Bible story comes from the Book of Genesis. Genesis is the very first book of the Bible.

Point to the Bible story picture on the giant timeline or small group timeline. Remind children that all the stories in the Bible fit together to tell an even bigger story. The Bible tells us the big story of how God rescues sinners through His Son, Jesus.


SIN ENTERED THE WORLD Adam and Eve—the two first people—lived in God’s beautiful garden. God put trees

in the garden with fruit that they could eat, and He gave them one rule. God said, “You may eat from any tree in the garden, except for one. Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat from that tree, you will die.”

One day, the serpent spoke to Eve. Out of all the animals on the earth, the serpent was very sneaky. The serpent asked, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?”

Eve said, “No, we can eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. God said not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. God said that if we eat from that tree or touch it, we will die.”

“You will not die,” said the serpent. “You will be like God and know good and evil.”

Eve looked at the fruit. It did look yummy, and she wanted to be like God. So Eve ate the fruit. She gave some to Adam, who was with her, and he ate it too. Then their eyes were opened,

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and they knew they were naked. They made clothes for themselves out of fig leaves.

That evening, Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden, so they hid. God called to Adam, “Where are you?”

Adam said, “I was afraid, so I hid.”

“Did you eat from the tree that I told you not to eat from?” God asked.

Adam said, “Eve gave me some fruit, and I ate it.”

Eve said, “The serpent tricked me.”

Adam and Eve had disobeyed God. That is called sin. God said that because of their sin, bad things would happen. Life would be hard. But God promised that someone would come from Eve’s family to get rid of the serpent.

God made Adam and Eve clothes out of animal skins and sent them out of the garden.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY Everything was different after Adam and Eve sinned. Since then, all people have been sinners. Sin keeps us from God, but God never stops loving us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God.


SAY God wants us to obey Him. When we disobey God, that is called sin. Adam and Eve sinned against God. God told them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but they listened to the serpent and ate from the tree anyway. Since then, every person born has sinned, except for one: Jesus. God sent His Son into the world because He loves us. Jesus came to rescue people from sin and bring us back together to God. When we sin, God will forgive us because of Jesus.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Romans 3:23. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Create motions for preschoolers to use as they say the key passage. Use the key passage song video for inspiration.

SAY Our key passage reminds us that we all have sinned and gone against God’s rules. When we sin, we are not treating God as God. We do not give Him the glory He deserves as God. But when we listen to God and obey His Word, He is glorified.

Sing the key passage song, “All Have Sinned.” You may also choose to sing a worship song of your choice.

STORYTELLING TIPSTell the story in a garden: Lead preschoolers outside to a garden area or area with many trees to tell the story. If you are unable to go outside, consider arranging potted or artificial plants in the storytelling area. Point out that plants were probably in the garden with Adam and Eve.

Make sound effects: Guide preschoolers to create sound effects for different parts of the story. Ideas include hissing when the serpent speaks, saying “crunch” when Adam and Eve eat the fruit, or making a slow pitter-patter sound with feet as God walks in the garden.

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SAY Our big question asks, what does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands. Sin entered the good world God made when Adam and Eve went against God’s command not to eat from the tree. We go against God and His commands by doing what God says not to do or not doing what God says to do. God loves us, and His rules are for our good. God is honored, and we have joy when we obey God.

MISSIONS MOMENT

SAY Ever since Adam and Eve, every person has been born a sinner. Missionaries are people who spend their lives going and sharing the good news of Jesus so people can be forgiven for sin and live with God forever. A long time ago, a missionary couple named Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, and some of their friends, went into a jungle called the Amazon to tell people there about Jesus. The people had never heard about Jesus. Let’s find out more about how they obeyed God to share the gospel.

Show the “A Legacy” missions video. Close in prayer, thanking God for missionaries like the Elliots, their friends, and Mission Aviation Fellowship.

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LOVE



SAY God, thank You for Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to rescue us from our sins and bring us back to You. Help us listen to Your Word and obey You. Help us follow Your commands that You gave to us. Thank You for continuing to love us even when we sin. Help us use our ears to listen and obey. Amen.




SAY Why do you think Adam and Eve hid when they heard God walking through the garden?

SAY What does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands.

HOLD UP HANDS AND HEARTSFold a sheet of construction paper in half for each preschooler. Use a pencil to draw half a heart on each child’s folded paper so that when they cut along the line then open their papers, they have a full heart. When children complete their hearts, help them trace one of their hands on the heart cutout. Encourage preschoolers to decorate their papers until everyone is finished. Guide the group to stand in a circle with their completed heart hands. Lead them to hold up their hearts and say together, “Sin keeps me from God, but God never stops loving me!” Repeat several times.

SAY Everything was different after Adam and Eve sinned. Since then, all people have been sinners. We sin in our hearts, and then we sin with our hands. Sin keeps us from God, but God never stops loving us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God. Put this heart somewhere at home where you will see it. Let it remind you to ask God to help you obey Him, but even more importantly to help you keep going to Him when you disobey.

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PLAY “HOT FRUIT” Form a circle on the floor. Give one child in the circle a beanbag. Explain that you will play a game similar to “Hot Potato,” but instead of calling the beanbag a potato, you will call it a fruit. Play music as preschoolers pass the beanbag around the circle. Stop the music at random. The child holding the beanbag when the music stops must sit in the middle of the circle for the next round. Consider using a piece of plastic fruit instead of a beanbag, if available. Play as time allows.

SAY You had to make sure you weren’t touching the fruit when the music stopped. Eve told the serpent that God had said if they even touched the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they would die. But that was not what God said. He said not to eat fruit from the tree. Do you think the serpent didn’t know what God had said when he asked Eve, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?” [Allow responses.] Of course, he did! He wanted to trick Eve by twisting God’s words. Knowing what God says in the Bible helps us live the good life God wants for us. The good news that Jesus came to rescue us from sin is in the Bible. Let’s make sure we know God’s Word!

MAKE STICK PUPPETSGive each preschooler two jumbo craft sticks. Encourage them to use markers to draw faces for Adam and Eve on each craft stick. Provide black or brown construction paper for hair, green construction paper for the fig leaves they covered themselves with, and animal print fabric scraps for the animal skins God covered them with. Guide children to cut out the shapes and use glue sticks to attach them to their craft sticks. When the glue dries, encourage preschoolers to play out the story with their puppets.

SAY When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God and tried to cover themselves with fig leaves. But God put clothes on them He made from animal skins. When we sin, we often want to hide. We think we can cover up what we did wrong. God does not want us to hide from Him. He wants us to come to Him when we sin. God wants to forgive us. He sent His own Son to be punished for our sin so we can be forgiven. He loves us so much!

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REPAIR THE PICTUREPrint an extra copy of the Bible story picture poster for each preschooler. Invite preschoolers to tear or cut their poster into eight pieces. Then give preschoolers pieces of clear tape and guide them to tape their posters back together. Display the Bible story picture poster for preschoolers to use as a guide.

SAY Does your taped together Bible story picture look like it did before you cut it into pieces? [Allow responses.] Your pictures make me think about how the world changed after Adam and Eve sinned. Everything was different. Their sin did not just affect Adam and Eve. Sin changed the whole world. Plants die. Animals fight each other. And all people are sinners. Sin keeps us from God, but God never stops loving us. He sent Jesus to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God.

DROP GIFTS Before the session, gather enough small presents for each child in your group. Gifts may be stickers, noise makers, stress balls, soft candy, or small crosses. Be sure none of the gifts pose a choking hazard. Wrap each individual gift in tissue paper and secure it with tape.

Form a circle on the floor. Tell children you will stand away from the circle and toss gifts into the circle. Children may pick up one gift that falls near them. Instruct preschoolers to hold their unopened gifts until everyone has one. Invite preschoolers to open their gifts at the same time.

SAY When missionary Jim Elliot and his friends wanted to make friends with the people in the jungle, they dropped gifts from an airplane! They wanted the people to know that they were friendly. The real gift they wanted to give the Waorani tribe was Jesus. Because Jim and his friends were not afraid and chose to be friends, many Waorani people today know and love Jesus.


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SIN SPREAD TO PEOPLEG E N E S I S 4 – 5

CHRIST CONNECTION: Adam and Eve’s sin spread to their family. But God did not forget His promise to send a Rescuer. At just the right time, God would send His Son to save sinners.




© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

Sin Spread to People | 47

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudySiblings often fight and compete as children, and even adults. It may be over something as innocent as who gets the last cookie or as serious as who inherits their parents’ prized heirloom.

The competition Cain felt toward Abel—the world’s first siblings—reminds us that these family tensions can cause great damage to our relationships with one another, with parents, and even with God.

In the story of Cain and Abel, we find a progressing pattern of jealousy, which led to hatred, which led to murder. The result was not one but two lost sons for Adam and Eve.

God’s disregard of Cain’s offering stirred an intense jealousy and anger within Cain. Cain raged not only because his offering was rejected by God, but also because his brother’s offering was accepted by the Lord. Cain’s jealousy led him into a pit of misdirected hatred of Abel, ultimately leading him to murder his brother. The consequence of sin—death—that God had warned Adam and Eve about had come to fruition.

Jealousy never produces anything godly in us. And why is that? It’s primarily because jealousy is nothing more than proof that we have staked our identity on what we have done or can do, rather than on what God has done for us through Christ.

When you are tempted to compare yourself to others, let that trigger a reminder of who you are in Christ.

Second Corinthians 5:17 tells us that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” As a child of God, our identity is not dependent upon what we do, but instead upon what Christ has done to save us through His life, death, and resurrection. Rather than living in the comparison between ourselves and others, let’s live in the confidence that we have been made new. In Christ, we are fully loved and accepted.

Fight the temptation to compare. Fight the urge to compete with others before God. And trust in the finished work of Christ. For you are not your own; you were bought with a price. And that price is one you can never repay.

PEOPLE TO KNOW

Cain: Adam and Eve’s first son. He killed his brother Abel.

Abel: Adam and Eve’s second son. His name means “breath” or “vapor.”

Seth: Adam and Eve’s third son. He was an ancestor of Jesus.

Sin Spread to People

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Circle the Siblings” activity page, 1 per child

Dress up for a job F dress-up clothes and accessories representing different professions

F straw hat (optional) F toy shovel (optional) F toy sheep (optional) F staff or cane (optional)


LEARN



F “Sin Spread to People” video (optional)


F dry erase or chalk board

F dry erase marker or chalk

F eraser



Missions moment F “Jim and Elisabeth Elliot Photo” printable

LOVE




Make a gift for God F stickers F other craft supplies as desired

F gift box F gift ribbon

LIVE

Work the ground F disposable tablecloths F smocks F large plastic tub F dry potting soil F dried beans F toy rakes and shovels

Discover ways to keep time

F assortment of items used to mark time (wall clocks, alarm clocks, digital clocks, analog clocks, sun dials, stop watches, nonbreakable hourglass, wall calendars, desk calendars, flip calendars, advent calenders, liturgical calendars, and planners)

Build huts F “Jim and Elisabeth Elliot Photo” printable

F craft sticks F other building materials (optional)

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Circle the Siblings” on the activity page.

SAY You circled the siblings in each row. Last week, we learned how sin entered the world through Adam and Eve. Today’s Bible story is about how sin spread to Adam and Eve’s children. We will hear how sin hurt Adam and Eve’s sons, Cain and Abel.


WHEN I GROW UP

Sing the lyrics below to the tune of “The Muffin Man.” Stop the song to ask a child what he likes to do with his family. Continue to sing, adding in the new lyrics. Repeat with each child.

“ Tell us what you like to do, like to do, like to do Tell us what you like to do with your family. [Child’s name] likes to [activity], [activity], [activity] [Child’s name] likes to [activity] with [his or her] family.”

SAY Families are a good gift from God! In today’s Bible story, we will hear more about Adam and Eve’s family. Remember that after Adam and Eve sinned, God promised that someone would come from Eve’s family to get rid of the serpent. Let’s try to find out who that is. Can you guess?

DRESS UP FOR A JOB

Set out an assortment of dress-up clothes and accessories representing different professions. If possible, include a straw hat and toy shovel for a farmer and a toy sheep and staff or cane for a shepherd. Invite preschoolers to take turns dressing for different jobs.

SAY Today’s Bible story is about Adam and Eve’s sons, Cain and Abel. Abel became a shepherd and took care of sheep, and Cain worked the ground, like a farmer.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to pretend to herd sheep like a shepherd or work the ground like a farmer as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYInvite a few preschoolers to tell one thing they love about their family.

SAY God created families. Every family is different. God created some families with sisters and brothers. Other families He created with just sisters or just brothers. There are also families with just one child or no children at all. Today’s Bible story is about the first family—Adam and Eve’s family. Their family had two brothers and more children later.


SAY The Bible is the most important book you will ever read. God talks to us through the Bible. His words are true. The Bible is made up of true stories. Our Bible story for today is found in the first book of the Bible, Genesis.



SIN SPREAD TO PEOPLE Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel grew up. Abel became a

shepherd and took care of sheep, and Cain worked the ground, like a farmer.

One day, Cain gave God an offering of some of the food he grew. Abel gave God some of his sheep. God was pleased with Abel’s offering, but He was not pleased with Cain’s.

Cain was angry! “Why are you so upset?” God asked. “If you do what is right, I will be pleased with your offering.” God told Cain to be careful. “Sin wants to control you,” God said. “But you must control it.”

Then Cain invited Abel to go out into the field. While they were in the field, Cain killed Abel.

God asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”

“I don’t know,” said Cain. “Is it my job to look after him?”

But God knew what had happened. He said to Cain, “What have you done?”

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


Then God punished Cain. He said Cain would spend the rest of his life wandering the earth. He would not have a home. If Cain tried to work the ground, nothing would grow.

“This punishment is too much!” Cain said. “If I have to wander the earth, whoever finds me will kill me!” So God put a mark on Cain to protect him so that whoever found him would not kill him. Cain left and lived in the land of Nod. He had a family, but they did not follow God.

God gave Adam and Eve another son, Seth. Adam and Eve’s family grew. Seth grew up and had a family too. Around this time, Adam’s descendants in Seth’s family began to call to God.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY Adam and Eve’s sin spread to their family. But God did not forget His promise to send a Rescuer. At just the right time, God would send His Son to save sinners.


SAY It did not take long for Adam and Eve’s sin to spread to their family with terrible consequences. They must have been so sad! God punished Cain for his sin, and then gave Adam and Eve another son named Seth. God planned to send His own Son to rescue people from sin. Jesus came to earth through Seth’s family.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Romans 3:23. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Write the key passage on a dry erase or chalk board. Lead preschoolers to repeat the key passage after you. Point to each word as you say it. Repeat the key passage several times, erasing one word each time. Continue until all the words of the key passage are erased.

SAY Our key passage reminds us that all people sin against God, including us. Falling short of God’s glory means that we do not treat God as He deserves. If we treated God as He deserves, we would obey all that He says to do. None of us obey all that God says because we are sinners. God sent Jesus to save us from our sin.

Sing the key passage song, “Romans 3:23.” You may also choose to sing a worship song of your choice.

STORYTELLING TIPSUse farmer and shepherd props: Hold up a staff or walking stick while speaking about Abel, the shepherd. Put down the staff and put on a straw hat while speaking about Cain, the farmer.

Recognize happy and sad: Give each preschooler a paper plate. Guide children to draw a happy face on one side and a sad face on the other. As you tell the story, ask preschoolers to hold up the appropriate side of their plate to show if what is described is happy or sad.

© 2021 Lifeway



LEARN



SAY Our big question asks, What does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands. God is a good and loving God. He wants what’s best for us. He created us. He knows how life works best. When we sin, we act as if we know better than God, but we don’t know better than God. Life is better when we obey God.

MISSIONS MOMENTShow the “Jim and Elisabeth Elliot Photo” and remind preschoolers that you are learning about missionaries Jim and Elisabeth Elliot.

SAY Sin spread to all people, but God loves people and sent Jesus to rescue people from sin. God uses missionaries to tell people the good news about Jesus. Jim Elliot and his friends wanted to be friends with the people who lived in the Amazon jungle. They learned new words and chose to live close to the people so they could tell them about Jesus. One day, God might want you to go someplace new, make friends, and tell people about Jesus. But you do not have to wait. You can tell people you know now about Jesus. Who are some people you can tell about Jesus? What would you say to your friends about Jesus?

Allow several preschoolers to respond with what they would say about Jesus.

© 2021 Lifeway



LOVE



SAY God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sins. We praise you for loving us even when we do not follow Your commands. We are thankful for how you still protect and love us when we decide to go our own way. Help us to follow your Word and obey You. Amen.




SAY How do we know Cain did not control his sin like God warned him to do?


MAKE A GIFT FOR GODSet out construction paper, markers or crayons, stickers, and any other craft supplies you wish. Invite preschoolers to use the materials to make something they would like to give to God. As preschoolers work, review the Bible story. Talk about how God cares more about what is going on in our hearts when we give Him a gift than what the gift itself is. Set up a gift box for preschoolers to place their completed art work in. When all gifts are in the box, tie a ribbon around it.

SAY God is pleased when we give out of our love for Him. Cain and Abel brought offerings to God. The Bible does not say that God was pleased with Abel’s offering because he gave sheep, and the Bible does not say that God was not pleased with Cain’s offering because he gave food. God knew what was happening in Abel and Cain’s hearts when they gave their offerings. We are sinners, so we do not always give with a right heart. Jesus always gives out of His perfect love. Jesus gave His own life to save us from sin. When we trust in Jesus, God always accepts us and what we give Him.

© 2021 Lifeway


LIVE



DECIDE WHO AM I? Form two lines with preschoolers facing each other. Choose one line to represent Cain and the other line to represent Abel. Tell preschoolers you will say words or phrases from the Bible story. If the word or phrase is about Cain, children in the line representing Cain should take one step back. If the word or phrase is about Abel, children in the line representing Abel should take one step back. If the word or phrase is about both Cain and Abel, all the children should take one step back. Use the following words or choose your own: farmer (Cain), shepherd (Abel), sheep (Abel), ground (Cain), gave an offering (Cain and Abel), pleased God (Abel), did not please God (Cain), sinner (Cain and Abel), controlled by sin (Cain), wandered the earth (Cain).

SAY After Adam and Eve’s sin, every person born is a sinner except for Jesus. Sin spread to Adam and Eve’s sons, Cain and Abel. Cain and Abel were both sinners. Cain let his sin control him, and his sin separated him from God and people. In our game, you moved farther and farther away from each other. Sin separates us from God and people too, but God sent Jesus to be our Rescuer. God sent Jesus to save sinners.

WORK THE GROUNDCover a table and the floor below it with disposable tablecloths. Set a large plastic tub filled with a few inches of dry potting soil on the table. Hide dried beans in the potting soil. Set small toy rakes and shovels in the bin. Help preschoolers roll up their sleeves and put on a smock to cover their clothing. Guide children to dig for the dried beans in the soil. Encourage them to hide the beans again for others to find.

SAY God made seeds so that when we plant them in the ground, they grow into plants. God punished Cain when he sinned. God said if Cain tried to work the ground, nothing would grow. He had to wander the earth and did not have a home. God is right to punish sin. Sin dishonors God and hurts people. Jesus never sinned, but He was punished for our sin so we can be saved and have a home with God forever.

© 2021 Lifeway

LIVE


DISCOVER WAYS TO KEEP TIME Set out an assortment of different items people use to mark time, such as wall clocks, alarm clocks, digital clocks, analog clocks, sun dials, stop watches, nonbreakable hourglasses, wall calendars, desk calendars, flip calendars, advent calenders, liturgical calendars, and planners. Invite preschoolers to examine the different items. Show preschoolers how to read and set the time on a clock. Show them significant dates on a calendar.

SAY After Adam and Eve sinned, God promised that someone would come from Eve’s family to get rid of the serpent. Adam and Eve probably hoped the Rescuer would be one of their children. Was Abel the Rescuer? No, Abel died. Was Cain the Rescuer? No, he was punished and sent away. God’s people waited a very long time before the Rescuer came. God is never early, and He is never late. At just the right time, God sent Jesus to earth through another of Adam and Eve’s sons, Seth’s family. Jesus came to save sinners, and at just the right time, Jesus will come back to earth and bring all God’s people home to Him.

BUILD HUTS Set out blocks, craft sticks, and other building materials. Show the “Jim and Elisabeth Elliot Photo” from the missions moment. Explain that when missionary Jim Elliot and his friends went into the Amazon jungle, they made a hut from sticks and grass. Encourage preschoolers to make a hut or house using the provided materials.

SAY Jim Elliot and the other missionaries wanted to be friends with the people who lived in the Amazon jungle. They learned new words and chose to live close to the people so they could tell them about Jesus. They wanted the Waorani people to know that God sent His Son to save sinners.


Sin Spread to People | 55© 2021 Lifeway



GOD SPARED NOAHG E N E S I S 6 – 1 0

CHRIST CONNECTION: God rescued Noah and his family from the flood. Later, there was an even greater rescue! Jesus came to save people from sin. When we trust in Jesus, He saves us from the punishment for our sin.




© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Spared Noah | 57

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyThe Bible is full of promises. As early as the first few chapters of Genesis, we begin to see God make, and even fulfill, His promises: promises for punishment and for blessing, for death and for life, for separation and for salvation. In Noah’s journey to build an ark, survive the flood, and begin to repopulate the earth, we find multiple reminders that the Lord is faithful to fulfill His promises.

When God destroyed the entire population of the earth, except for Noah and his family, we are reminded that God keeps His promise to preserve a remnant of His people always. When Noah sent a dove to find dry land and it returned with an olive leaf, we are reminded of God’s promise to show His people the way at just the right time. And when God painted His bow in the sky, we are reminded of God’s promise that He will always keep His Word.

In a world filled with fake news and false prophets, we are often skeptical of the stories and promises that we hear and read about. When it comes to the promises and claims of the world, we should be discerning. But when it comes to the promises of God, we should be trusting.

As you survey Genesis 6–10, may it stir a great reminder in your heart and mind that God is always faithful and true. God is no liar,

and He will not turn back from His word. May these chapters of Genesis also give you hope that though everything around you may fail, God’s Word never will.

God is a God of great and magnificent promises. And every single one of them we can trust completely. When in doubt of this truth, look to the cross of Christ and His empty grave.

As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:20, “every one of God’s promises is ‘Yes’ in [Jesus].”

God will fulfill His promises. This week, pray that God would stir in you many reminders of how He keeps His word.

TERMS TO KNOW

Favor: Undeserved blessing given by a powerful being to one who is less powerful. Noah did not earn his salvation, but his life did demonstrate that he possessed saving faith (Heb. 11:7).

God Spared Noah

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Connect the Dots” activity page, 1 per child

Make cereal rainbows F Allergy Alert F waxed paper F paper plates F O-shaped fruit flavored cereal

F disposable bowls


LEARN



F “God Spared Noah” video (optional)




Missions moment F “Waorani People Photo” printable

LOVE




Make a thankful rainbow F different colored sticky notes

LIVE

Play out the story in water F towels F large plastic tub F water F plastic boat F cups, colanders, or small watering cans

Enjoy an ark snack F bananas, 1 per child F foam plates F sunflower seed butter F knife (adult use) F animal crackers

Pretend to share a meal F “Waorani People Photo” printable

F homeliving items (play kitchen, play table, toy dishes, cups, and utensils, plastic food, clean empty food containers, or tablecloths)

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Connect the Dots” on the activity page.

SAY What animal did you discover when you connected the dots? [Allow responses.] A dove! This dove has an olive branch in its mouth. Listen to the Bible story to hear why seeing an olive branch in a dove’s mouth meant happy news for one family.


PRETEND TO BE ANIMALS

Invite preschoolers to take turns naming animals and leading the group to pretend to be the animals they named.

SAY Was it fun to pretend to be animals? In today’s Bible story, God told a man named Noah to get on a boat with every kind of animal. Can you imagine how loud it must have been on that boat? Listen to the story to hear why God wanted them on the boat.

MAKE CEREAL RAINBOWS

Post an allergy alert. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer. Set a sheet of waxed paper in front of each preschooler for a sanitary surface. Give each child a paper plate cut in half and a bowl of O-shaped fruit-flavored cereal. Invite preschoolers to begin making a cereal rainbow by placing a row of the same color O’s along the outer edge of their plate. Encourage them to follow the inside of their first row to add additional rows with different colors of cereal. You may choose to have preschoolers glue their cereal in place or simply eat their artwork.

SAY What beautiful and yummy rainbows you made! Did you know rainbows have a very special meaning to God and His people? In today’s Bible story, we will hear how God put a rainbow in the clouds to be a reminder of a promise He made. Listen to the story to discover the promise.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to move as their favorite animal as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYAsk preschoolers if they have ever been on a boat before. Invite a few volunteers to tell their experiences.

SAY In today’s Bible story, God told a man named Noah to build an ark—a really big boat. Listen to the story to find out why God wanted Noah to build the ark.


SAY The Bible is a book full of true stories. The Bible is God’s Word. God speaks to us through the Bible. Today’s Bible story comes from the Book of Genesis. Genesis is the first book of the Bible.



GOD SPARED NOAH Adam and Eve had children and grandchildren. Soon there were many people

in the world. All of them sinned like Adam and Eve. They chose not to do what God said. God saw that the people did mean things and thought bad thoughts. God was very sad. He decided to send a big flood to take away all the people from the world.

But God showed favor to a man named Noah. Noah followed God. God told Noah about His plan, and He told him to build an ark—a really big boat—where Noah’s family and all kinds of birds and animals would be safe from the flood.

Noah obeyed God. He built the ark just like God told him to. When the ark was finished, Noah went inside with his family and every kind of animal, and God shut the door.

Rain began to fall. Water covered all the earth, even the highest mountains. The ark floated on the water, and everyone inside the ark was safe.

Finally, after 40 days and 40 nights, the rain stopped. The water went down, and the ark rested on a mountaintop. God told Noah to bring his family and all the animals out of the ark. Noah walked out and gave an offering to thank God. God had saved Noah, his family, and the animals from the flood.

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


God told Noah’s family to spread out over the earth, have children, and take care of the world. God promised that He would never again send a flood to cover the whole earth. God put a rainbow in the clouds to be a reminder of His promise.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY God rescued Noah and his family from the flood. Later, there was an even greater rescue! Jesus came to save people from sin. When we trust in Jesus, He saves us from the punishment for our sin.


SAY Sin spread quickly from Adam and Eve’s family. Soon the world was filled with sinful people doing sinful things. God was sad about what sin had done to the beautiful world He created and the people in it. He decided to send a big flood, but God chose to rescue Noah and his family. Later, God sent Jesus to rescue us from the punishment for sin. We have life forever with God when we trust in Jesus.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Romans 3:23. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Invite preschoolers to name animals that would have been on the ark. Lead the group to say the key passage in different “animal voices.”

SAY God hates sin because sin does not honor Him, and it hurts the people He made. All people are sinners. All of us do not honor God as He deserves. Even though we sin, God never stops loving us. Like He rescued Noah, He sent His own Son to rescue people from sin.



SAY Our big picture question asks, What does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands. All the people who came from Adam and Eve’s family sinned like Adam and Eve did. They chose not to do what God said. They did mean things and thought bad thoughts. God loves people. His rules are for our good. When we disobey God’s commands, we hurt ourselves as well as others. Sin messed up the good world God made. God sent Jesus to fix what sin broke.

STORYTELLING TIPSUse sound effects: Play hammering, animal, and rainstorm sound effects from a CD or an electronic device at the appropriate moments in the Bible story.

Sit in the ark: Use painter’s tape to create a boat-shaped outline on the floor. Invite preschoolers to sit in the ark as you tell the story. Consider allowing preschoolers to hold toy animals as they listen to the story.

© 2021 Lifeway



LEARN


MISSIONS MOMENTDisplay the “Waorani People Photo”.

SAY Missionaries tell others how sin hurts people and how God sent Jesus to rescue people from it. Elisabeth Elliot chose to stay in the Amazon after her husband died. She went back to live in the jungle and tell the people who lived there about Jesus. She saw many people choose to follow Jesus. Many other people heard her story and believed God wanted them to be missionaries too. More and more people heard the good news about Jesus because God helped Elisabeth do hard things.

© 2021 Lifeway



LOVE



SAY God, we praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save us from our sin. We are thankful that You love us even when we sin against You. God, help us obey Your commands and make right choices. We are thankful that we can trust in Jesus to save us from the punishment for our sin. Amen.




SAY What do you think it would be like to live on a big boat with all of your family and every kind of animal? Would it be fun? Would it be hard?


MAKE A THANKFUL RAINBOWGather sticky notes in a variety of colors. Remind preschoolers that when Noah brought his family and the animals out of the ark, he gave an offering to thank God. Ask preschoolers to name things they can thank God for. Write each preschooler’s answer on a separate sticky note. Allow preschoolers to come up one at a time and place their sticky notes on a focal wall. Arrange the notes to form a rainbow. Read each note as it is placed and lead the group to say, “Thank You, God!” Encourage preschoolers to name more things they can thank God for to make the rainbow even bigger.

SAY Noah was right to give a thank offering to God. God had rescued him, his family, and the animals from the flood. Feeling thankful is the right response for all the good things God has done for us. We can thank God for rescuing us like Noah did. God rescued Noah from the flood, but God rescues us from sin. Jesus came to save people from sin. When we trust in Jesus, He saves us from the punishment for our sin. Thank You, God, for Jesus!

© 2021 Lifeway


LIVE



BUILD AN ARK Set out blocks and invite preschoolers to build an ark. Display the Bible story picture poster for inspiration. Open a Bible to Genesis 6:14-16. Read to children how God told Noah to build the ark.

SAY You built an ark like Noah did. An ark is a really big boat. God told Noah to build the ark so that Noah, his family, and all the animals would be kept safe from the flood. God rescued them! Later, there was an even greater rescue. Jesus came to save people from sin. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is saved from the punishment for their sin.

PLAY OUT THE STORY IN WATERLay towels on a table and the floor below it. Place a large plastic tub filled with a couple inches of water on the table. Set plastic boats on the water. Invite preschoolers to use cups, colanders, or small watering cans to make rain.

SAY Noah, his family, and the animals were safe on the ark when the flood came. God saved them! God told Noah’s family to spread out over the earth, have children, and take care of the world. God had sent the flood to punish the world for sin, but God promised that He would never again send a flood to cover the whole earth. God put a rainbow in the clouds to be a reminder of His promise. Later, God sent Jesus to earth. Jesus was punished for our sin, so that when we trust in Him, we can have life with God forever.

© 2021 Lifeway

LIVE


ENJOY AN ARK SNACK Post an allergy alert. Wash or sanitize hands. Give each preschooler a banana and a foam plate. Lead children to peel their bananas and sit them on their plates. Spread sunflower seed butter on the top of each preschooler’s peeled banana. Give each preschooler several animal crackers to arrange on his “ark.” Allow preschoolers to enjoy their snack or save it for later.

SAY God rescued Noah, his family, and the animals from the flood. Later, there was an even greater rescue! Jesus came to save people from sin. When we trust in Jesus, He saves us from the punishment for our sin.

PRETEND TO SHARE A MEAL Guide preschoolers to pretend to prepare a meal for new friends. Help children think about what food they would like to serve and what they need to do to prepare. Provide homeliving items for preschoolers to use as they pretend, such as a play kitchen, a play table, toy dishes, cups, and utensils, plastic food, clean empty food containers, or tablecloths. As children play, talk about how sharing meals with others is a good way to show Jesus’ love. Display the “Waorani People Photo” from the missions moment.

SAY We are learning about missionaries Jim and Elisabeth Elliot. The Elliots and their other missionary friends showed Jesus’ love to the Waorani people in the Amazon jungle. They shared food and other gifts with the people. Once they became friends, they told the Waorani people how God sent Jesus to save people from sin.


God Spared Noah | 65© 2021 Lifeway



PEOPLE REBEL AGAINST GODG E N E S I S 1 0 – 1 1

CHRIST CONNECTION: People tried to make themselves famous instead of God. God mixed up their language so the people spread out over the earth. One day, Jesus will bring His people back together. People from every group and language will worship Him together.




BIG TRUTH SESSION

© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

People Rebel Against God | 67

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyWe love to measure the health, success, or sustainability of pretty much anything and everything. We measure our kids by their grades in school. We measure teams by their wins and losses. We measure people by their influence and following on social media. In a world obsessed with measuring “success,” we ought to be assessing in our own lives something we cannot see: our motivation.

We can define motivation simply as the reason we do something. Motivation is the driving force behind the decisions we make. There is a reason for everything that we do—both big and small—but what that motivation is might not be obvious to those around us.

In Genesis 11, Noah’s family had grown and began to rebuild the earth’s population. At some point along the way, they decided to ignore God’s command to spread out and subdue the earth for God’s glory. Instead, the people decided to build a tower to show their greatness. Their motivation was both obvious and arrogant.

Read Psalm 127:1-2. These verses provide a blatant reminder that God is the only true builder. His glory is our only proper motivation. Additionally, this psalm gives us a promise that those who love God will be able to rest from being driven by selfish motivation.

Doesn’t it sound pretty attractive to be able to rest from selfish motivation that plagues so much of our thinking and behavior? In God’s economy, He’s less worried with the outcome of our decisions and more concerned with the reason for our decisions. That’s not to say that it doesn’t matter what we do. Rather, if our motivation is right—if our hearts are right—our actions will follow. And not only will our motivation and behavior honor God, but much of the anxiety of life will fade away too.

When was the last time you measured your motivation? Is the driving force behind what you do making a name for yourself, your kids, or even your church? Or is the primary desire driving your life boasting in the name of Christ? Read Psalm 127:1 again. May we be driven by God’s glory and not our own.

PLACES TO KNOWBabel: Name given to the city that the disobedient descendants of Noah built so they would not be scattered over all the earth. Referred to as Babylon in some Bible translations.

People Rebel Against God

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Tower Maze” activity page, 1 per child

Experiment with magnets F variety of magnets Fmagnetic items F non-magnetic items


LEARN



F “People Rebel Against God” video (optional)


F index cards



Missions moment F “The Journey Continues” missions video

LOVE




Build a tower of praise F sturdy plastic cups F permanent marker (adult use)

LIVE

Build and knock down a key passage tower

F Key Passage Poster F boxes F newspaper F tape

Sort building materials F nuts F bolts F washers F containers F bolt board (optional)

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Tower Maze” on the activity page.

SAY You got the people to the top of the tower. In today’s Bible story, God’s people worked together to build a tower. Working together to build a tower sounds like a good thing, but in our Bible story it was not. God cares more about what is going on in our hearts than our actions. Listen to the story to find out what was happening in the people’s hearts as they built.


BUILD A TOWER

Invite preschoolers to form groups of two or three. Give each group an equal number of blocks. Encourage each group to build the tallest tower they can in two minutes. Congratulate the team with the tallest tower when time is up. Change teams and play again.

SAY You all built some great towers! In today’s Bible story, the people worked together to build a tower, but God was not happy about what they were doing. Listen to the Bible story to find out why and what God did to stop them.

EXPERIMENT WITH MAGNETS

Set out a variety of magnets along with a variety of magnetic and non-magnetic items. Invite preschoolers to experiment with the magnets. They may want to sort items based on magnetic or not magnetic. Be sure to show preschoolers how magnets repel one another.

SAY Did you notice how some of the magnets repelled each other and would not touch? They went against each other. We have been learning that to sin is to go against God and His commands. When we sin, it is almost as if we are repelling ourselves from God. The Bible calls that rebellion. Today’s Bible story is about how people rebel against God.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to march while saying, “God is Great! Give Him the Glory!” as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

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LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYExplain to preschoolers that we say someone is famous if many people know who they are or they have done something that many people think is great. Ask preschoolers to name someone they would say is famous.

SAY You named some people who are famous. God made people to show His fame, or how great He is, not how great they are. In today’s Bible story, the people tried to make themselves famous instead of making God famous. They wanted everyone to think they were great. Listen to the story to find out what the people decided to do to try to make themselves famous.


SAY This is a Bible. The Bible is an awesome book filled with amazing, true stories that help us learn who God is and what He is like. The Bible helps us know what it looks like to live as people who love and follow Jesus. The Bible is the most important book you will ever read.



PEOPLE REBEL AGAINST GOD God told Noah’s family to spread out and fill the whole earth. Noah’s family

grew. The people moved to a valley and decided to stay there. They did not spread out and fill the whole earth; they did not obey God.

They said, “We are great! Let’s build a city. Let’s make a tower so tall that the top of the tower reaches to the sky. Then everyone will know how great we are!”

God created people to give Him glory, but the people did not want to give God glory. They wanted glory for themselves. Instead of saying, “Look how great God is,” they said, “Look how great we are!”

But no one is greater than God. While the people made bricks and started building, God came down to look at the tower. He was not happy about what they were doing. God said, “If they are doing this, they will keep thinking of more wrong things to do.”

So God mixed up their words. When the people tried to make plans, they did

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not understand one another. If one worker said, “Hand me another brick,” nobody else knew what he wanted.

The people had to stop building the city. People had to move away to live with people they could understand. God made it so the people did just what He had told them to do after the flood. They spread out all over the earth. The city with the unfinished tower was called Babel.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY People tried to make themselves famous instead of God. God mixed up their language so the people spread out over the earth. One day, Jesus will bring His people back together. People from every group and language will worship Him together.


SAY Sin continued to spread with Noah’s family. They disobeyed and did not spread out like God told them to. Then they tried to make themselves great instead of God by building a tower. God knew it was not good for them to continue in their sin. He mixed up the people’s words so they would have to spread out and fill the earth like He said. When we try to make ourselves look greater than God, God steps in and reminds us He is greatest of all. God sent Jesus to save people from sin and bring them back together. One day, people from all over the world will worship Jesus together. Jesus deserves all the glory.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Romans 3:23. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Write each word of the key passage on individual index cards. Mix up the cards. Invite preschoolers to work together using the key passage poster or marker to put the verse in order.

SAY Our key passage reminds us that all people sin and go against what God commands us to do. God created us to give Him glory. God is a great God. No one is greater than Him. He sent His Son, Jesus to rescue us from our sin. One day, Jesus will bring all God’s people together.


STORYTELLING TIPSAct out building with blocks: Use wooden blocks to build a tower as you tell the Bible story. At the beginning, build the tower quickly and confidently. After you tell how God mixed up the people’s words, build more clumsily and even knock over parts of the tower.

Spread further and further apart: Direct children to sit together in a tight group as you begin telling the story. Stop the story when you tell how God came down, when God saw the peoples’ sin, when God mixed up their words, and when they moved apart from one another. At each of these moments in the story, prompt children to sit further and further apart from one another.

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SAY Our big picture question asks, What does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands. How did the people in today’s Bible story go against God and His commands? [Allow responses.] The people did not spread out like God commanded, and they did not give Him glory like God created them to do. God wants us to listen to His Word and obey it. That is how we live the joyful life God wants for us!

MISSIONS MOMENTShow “The Journey Continues” missions video.

SAY Because of sin, people go against God and turn away from Him. God wants to change people’s hearts to turn back to Him. He sent Jesus to earth to save people from sin and change their hearts. Missionaries are still in the Amazon jungle today telling this good news to people who may have never heard the name of Jesus. These missionaries know that each person in the jungle, and in the whole world, is important to God. Let’s pray for the people in jungle tribes that they will trust in Jesus and tell others in their tribes about Him.

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SAY God, we are thankful for who You are. There is no one greater than You. We thank You for creating us to give You glory. Help us not to make ourselves famous, but to make You famous. Help us remember to praise and thank You because You are great. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus. We know that one day, Jesus will bring all people back together. We look forward to when people from all over the world will worship You together. Amen.




SAY How did God remind the people that He is great? Who should we give glory to?


BUILD A TOWER OF PRAISEAsk preschoolers to name words or phrases to describe God. Be prepared to offer suggestions. Give each child a sturdy plastic cup. Ask each child to choose one of the words or phrases named to be written on his or her cup. Enlist adult leaders to write each child’s word on his cup with a permanent marker.

Tell preschoolers they will use their cups to build a tower of praise. Help children place their cups, one at a time, to build a tower. Each time a cup is placed say, “God is” and the word on the cup. Then lead the group to say, “God is the greatest!” Cheer together when the tower of praise is complete.

SAY God is happy with our praises! God wants us to give Him glory. We were created to give God praise. One day, Jesus will bring all God’s people together. People from every group and language will worship Him together. God is big! God is great! Let’s always remember to give God the glory!

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SPREAD OUT Choose one preschooler to close her eyes and count to ten while the rest of the group moves about the room. When the child finishes counting, each child must be outside the reach of anyone else. If any children can touch, ask those children the big picture question. Lead them in saying the answer. Choose another counter and play again.

SAY You spread out around the room. Do you remember in our Bible story how God told Noah’s family to spread out and fill the whole earth? Did they obey? [Allow responses.] No, they disobeyed God and moved to a valley and stayed there. What does it mean to sin? To sin is to go against God and His commands. The people sinned because they went against God’s command to spread out. Then they sinned even more by trying to make themselves famous by building a tower. God mixed up their language so the people spread out over the earth. One day, Jesus will bring His people back together. People from every group and language will worship Him together.

BUILD AND KNOCK DOWN A KEY PASSAGE TOWER Before the session, collect boxes in various sizes to make a tower. Stuff the boxes with crumpled newspaper to make them heavier. Tape the boxes closed and stack them in a tower. Divide the key passage into as many words and/or phrases as you have boxes. Be sure to include the reference. Write each word or phrase on the side of each box so the top box shows the first word of the key passage and the bottom box shows the reference. Take down your tower and mix up the boxes.

Display the key passage poster. Set out the mixed up boxes. Encourage preschoolers to work together to put the key passage boxes in order. Then stack the boxes to make a key passage tower. Allow preschoolers to take turns tossing a beanbag at the tower to knock it down. Be sure children are far away from falling boxes. When the tower falls, rebuild it and say the key passage together.

SAY The people built a tower to make themselves famous instead of God. That was sin. Just building a tower is not sinful, but building a tower to make yourself look greater than God is sinful. No one is greater than God! Our key passage reminds us that all people sin and do not give God the glory He deserves. God sent Jesus to be punished for our sin. God forgives our sin when we trust in Jesus. One day, people from every group and language will worship God together. God deserves our praise.

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SORT BUILDING MATERIALS Set out various nuts, bolts, and washers in different sizes. Make sure the materials are free from grease or debris. Encourage preschoolers to sort the building materials into containers. Consider asking someone in your church who is handy to make a bolt board for your preschoolers to use. Look online for instructions.

SAY Builders use nuts, bolts, and washers when they build towers today, but the people in today’s Bible story made bricks to build their tower. The people tried to make themselves famous by building a tower that could reach to the sky. But God created people to make Him famous. God mixed up their language so the people spread out over the earth. One day, Jesus will bring His people back together. People from every group and language will worship Him together.

TRAVEL TO THE JUNGLE Explain that missionaries who serve in jungle regions have three main ways to travel: small airplanes, boats, or hiking. Guide preschoolers to spread out their arms as if flying to signify an airplane, pretend to paddle as if they are in a canoe to signify a boat, and march in place to signify a hike. Tell preschoolers that you will call out one of these ways to travel and they should do the matching action. Say the modes of transportation one by one, varying order and speed.

SAY Who is ready to travel to the jungle to tell others about Jesus? Going into a jungle to meet new people may seem scary. But whatever God asks us to do is worth it. He is the greatest of all and deserves all the praise and glory. One day, Jesus will bring all God’s people together. People from every group and language will worship God together—including people who live in the jungle. Let’s be people who say “yes” when God invites us to be on mission with Him.


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GOD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAHAMG E N E S I S 1 2 – 2 0

CHRIST CONNECTION: God promised to bless all the people in the world through Abraham. God sent Jesus to earth as part of Abraham’s family. God blesses all the people on earth through Jesus because Jesus saves people from their sins.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything.

KEY PASSAGE: Psalm 135:6


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WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Made a Covenant with Abraham | 77

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LEADER LEADER Bible StudyThink about all of the choices that we have each day. Just in the morning, we have dozens of different cereals to eat, perhaps that many varieties of milk to pour on top of the cereal, and nearly as many ways to make coffee to go with it. All of these are choices that we often take for granted.

Now think about all of the choices God had as He took a significant step in redemptive history and chose a couple to start a new people from whom the promised Rescuer would come. (Gen. 3:15) We see some of those choices at the tail end of Genesis 11, but we need to remember that God is not confined to choices like we are. He is all-powerful and sovereign; God had an infinite number of choices for this critical couple.

So whom did God choose? A man named Abram and his barren wife Sarai. Now that’s a surprise, isn’t it? This is the couple whom God would give descendants as numerous as the stars? (Gen. 15:5) From the world’s perspective, this was a curious choice at best—and a laughable choice at worst.

But from God’s perspective, Abram and Sarai were a brilliant choice. First, God made it clear from the inception of this new people that He was the One bringing everything to pass. This family was special because

God clearly worked in them to bring forth children. This is what Sarai understood when she said, “Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne a son for him in his old age” (Gen. 21:7). That the son of promise, Isaac, married a wife, Rebekah—who was also barren—is not a coincidence. (Gen. 25:21) Nor is it a coincidence that Jesus would be born to a virgin. (Luke 1:34) God is the God who makes possible that which is impossible, including rescuing people from sin.

Second, it took a while, but in the end, Abram’s faith in God came to fruition because of his wife’s barrenness. This was his barrier to faith in God. This is what he struggled with for so many years. But in the end, Abram’s greatest struggle became the greatest kindling of his faith. God didn’t just begin a people through barrenness; He began a faithful people through it.

God’s covenant with Abram was certainly amazing. But perhaps His choice of Abram in the first place is even more amazing.

TERMS TO KNOW

Covenant: Promise between two people or between a person and God. Sometimes keeping the promise depends on one person’s meeting conditions set by the other person.

God Made a Covenant with Abraham

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WELCOME


Activity Page F “Draw Stars” activity page, 1 per child

Make a play dough family F people-shaped cookie cutters

F dough rolling pins


LEARN

Introduce the Bible story F box of tissues



F “God Made a Covenant with Abraham” video (optional)




Missions moment F “Family on Mission” missions video

LOVE




Remember God’s promises F opaque bag

LIVE

Race with tissues F box of tissues

Look at books about stars F books about stars

Paint with star sponges F new scrub sponges F smocks F large sheet of paper F foam plates F washable paint

PREPARE


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ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Draw Stars” on the activity page.

SAY How many stars did you draw on your page? In today’s Bible story, God told a man named Abram to try and count the stars in the night sky. Do you think that was easy or hard? Listen to the story to hear why God told Abram to do that.


FIND THE STAR

Cut out a star from construction paper. Choose one child to close his eyes while another child hides the star somewhere in the room. Guide the group to softly sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” while the child searches for the star. The singing should get louder and louder the closer he gets to the star. Choose two more preschoolers and play again as time allows.

SAY Was hiding the star or finding the star more fun? In today’s Bible story, God told a man named Abram to try to count the stars in the sky. That’s a lot of stars! God promised Abram that He would give him as many people in his family as stars in the sky. That’s a big family! Listen to the story to find out what else God promised Abram.

MAKE A PLAY DOUGH FAMILY

Give each preschooler a ball of play dough. Guide children to roll out the dough and use people-shaped cookie cutters to make a play dough family. Encourage them to make the family as large as they can.

SAY You all made a big play dough family! In today’s Bible story, God promised to give a couple a big family, but they were old and did not have any children. Listen to the story to find out what else God promised to give them.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

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LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYHold up a box of tissues. Take one out and pretend to sneeze into it.

SAY Have you ever heard someone say, “God bless you” after someone sneezes? That is just something we say often without thinking about it, but in the Bible a blessing is very important. A blessing is honoring a person with good words for his happiness. In today’s Bible story, God promised to bless the whole world through a man named Abram. Listen to the story to find out all the ways God planned to bless Abram.


SAY This is a very special book because it is made up of God’s words. Everything in the Bible is true and happened in real life. We are going to learn about a man named Abram and his wife Sarai from the very first book in the Bible called Genesis.



GOD MADE A COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM Abram and his wife Sarai (SEHR igh) were part of Noah’s family. God made a

special promise, or covenant, with Abram. First, God told Abram to move far away from his home. He promised to give Abram a big family and land to live on. “All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you,” God said.

God’s promise was good, but Abram was sad. He and Sarai did not have any children. Still, Abram obeyed God. He and Sarai, and his nephew Lot, moved to the land of Canaan.

One night, God led Abram outside. “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you can,” God said. “That is how many people you will have in your family someday.” Abram and his wife were getting old. How would they have a baby? But Abram believed it would happen because God said so.

God made a special ceremony to show Abram that He would keep His promise. First, God told Abram to bring some animals: a cow, a goat, a ram, a turtledove, and a pigeon. Abram

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did what God said. Then, when the sun was setting, Abram fell fast asleep. While Abram slept, God told him what would happen in the future.

When it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the animals. God showed that keeping the covenant was His job, not Abram’s job.

When Abram was 99 years old, God talked to him again. “I am changing your name to Abraham,” God said. “You will be the father of many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They will become many nations, and some of them will be kings. I will give them the land where you are living, and I will be their God. My promises will last forever.”

He changed Sarai’s name to Sarah. God said, “I will bless Sarah. She will have a son, and you will name him Isaac.” God promised to keep His covenant through Isaac and his future family.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY God promised to bless all the people in the world through Abraham. God sent Jesus to earth as part of Abraham’s family. God blesses all the people on earth through Jesus because Jesus saves people from their sins.


SAY God made a special promise to Abraham. God promised to bless the whole world through Abraham’s family. There was just one problem. Abraham didn’t have any children. He and his wife Sarah were very old and could not have children. But Abram believed God’s promise. God always keeps His promises. In the next few weeks, we will hear how God gave Abraham a son. Many years later, Jesus was born from Abraham’s large family. God blessed all people through Jesus because Jesus came to save us from our sin. I am so glad God keeps His promises!

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 135:6. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Create motions for preschoolers to use as they say the key passage. Use the key passage song video for inspiration.

SAY Our key passage tells us that God is all-powerful. He can do whatever He pleases. Aren’t you glad that God is also completely good? God always does what is good—never anything evil. That makes me want to sing a song of praise to Him.


STORYTELLING TIPSLook at stars: Before the session, attach glow in the dark stars to the ceiling of your room. You may wish to cover some windows to help dim the room. At the appropriate moment in the Bible story, dim the lights and point to the stars. Consider leaving up the stars throughout the unit and point to them whenever God’s covenant with Abraham is mentioned in a Bible story.

Invite guest storytellers: Invite a senior adult couple from your church to dress in Bible times clothing and tell the Bible story from the perspective of Abraham and Sarah.

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SAY Our big picture question asks, Who is in control of everything? You may already know the answer. Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything. God had a good plan for Abraham. God has good plans for the whole world, including you and me. Like Abraham, we can trust God’s plan because God is good.

MISSIONS MOMENTNote that the missions emphasis for this unit centers around an orphan care ministry in Ecuador. Be sensitive to preschoolers in your group who may be adopted or in foster care. Some will be anxious to share their own experiences, while others will not. Keep discussion or questions about adoption and fostering positive.

SAY God planned to bless the entire world through Abraham’s family. Families are a blessing and can bless others. The next few weeks, we will learn about the Caldwell family and a trip they took all the way to a country called Ecuador. Let’s watch a video about their trip. Watch and listen for the way the Caldwells served others in Jesus’ name.

Show the “Family on Mission” missions video. When the video ends, tell preschoolers to raise their hands if they saw the Caldwells do the following actions: feeding babies, playing games, singing songs, cleaning and repairing playground equipment, helping workers, telling Bible stories, cooking a meal.

SAY When God told them to go, the Caldwells said “yes!” Everyone and every family can be on mission. Being on mission means doing what God wants us to do so more people can hear about Him. What are ways your family can serve others in Jesus’ name?

Allow volunteers to respond. Be prepared to offer suggestions.

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LOVE



SAY God, You are the best! You blessed Abraham with a large family, and from that family, You blessed us with Jesus. We are so glad You are in control of everything. Help us trust You like Abraham trusted You. Amen.




SAY Why did God make His covenant with a couple that was too old to have children?

SAY Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything.

REMEMBER GOD’S PROMISESWrite the following promises on different color construction paper strips and place them at the reference in a Bible.

God is with you. Isaiah 41:10

God loves you. Romans 5:8

God makes everything work for your good and His glory. Romans 8:28

God will help you. 1 Corinthians 10:13

God is strong when you are weak. 2 Corinthians 12:9

God will give you everything you need. Philippians 4:19

Place a square of construction paper in a bag that matches each strip. Invite a preschooler to draw a square from the bag and open the Bible to the matching strip. Read the promise on the strip and the verse the promise comes from. Continue with additional preschoolers until all the strips are matched.

SAY God has given us even more wonderful promises than He gave Abraham. What a good and loving God we have! When God kept His promise to Abraham, He was also keeping the promise He made to Adam and Eve to send a Rescuer. That Rescuer is Jesus! The Bible says that all God’s promises are ‘yes’ in Jesus.

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RACE WITH TISSUES Form a line on one side of the room. Give each preschooler a clean tissue. When you say go, instruct preschoolers to toss their tissues toward the opposite wall as far as they can, then pick them up, and toss them again. Direct children to continue tossing and picking up their tissues until they reach the wall on the opposite side of the room.

SAY We normally don’t toss tissues across the room. We usually use them to sneeze or blow our noses. When we sneeze, many people say, “God bless you”. In today’s Bible story we learned that God blessed everyone, but not with a tissue. God blessed the whole world by sending Jesus to save us from sin. Do you remember whose family Jesus was born into? Abraham’s family! God promised that he was going to bless the whole world through Abraham’s family.

LOOK AT BOOKS ABOUT STARSSet out a variety of books about stars for preschoolers to browse. Consider checking out books from your local library. Read a book as a child shows interest. Be sure the contents support a biblical worldview of creation.

SAY There are more stars in the sky than people can count, and God told Abraham he would have as many people in his family as there were stars in the sky! God promised to bless all the people in the world through Abraham. God sent Jesus to earth as part of Abraham’s family. God blesses all the people on earth through Jesus because Jesus saves people from their sins.

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PAINT WITH STAR SPONGESCut various sized stars out of new scrub sponges. Cover a table with a large sheet of paper. Roll up sleeves and cover clothing with smocks. Pour different colors of paint onto individual foam plates. Invite preschoolers to dip the star-shaped sponges into the paint and stamp stars all over the paper-covered table.

SAY Abraham saw a lot of stars in today’s Bible story. Do you remember why God asked Abraham to try and count them? God promised that Abraham’s family would have as many people as there were stars in the sky. God also promised to send Jesus from Abraham’s family. Jesus is the greatest blessing because He saves us from our sin.

BUY AIRPLANE TICKETS Cut strips of construction paper to resemble airplane tickets. Prepare enough tickets so preschoolers will be able to select one for each of their family members. Designate a child to be the ticketing agent. Direct the ticketing agent to stand behind a table with the tickets. Invite preschoolers to form a line in front of the table and pretend to buy airplane tickets for each member of their families. Help the ticketing agent count out the right number of tickets. After a few minutes choose another ticketing agent and continue to play as time allows. As preschoolers play, tell about a time you flew on an airplane. Ask preschoolers if any of them have flown on an airplane.

SAY We learned about the Caldwell family who took a mission trip all the way to a country called Ecuador. They had to fly on an airplane to get to Ecuador. What if your family went on a mission trip? If you were going to travel to another country, you might have to buy airplane tickets and fly there. These tickets are only pretend, but one day God may ask you or your whole family to take a mission trip. I hope you will say yes to God and go where He tells you to go.


God Made a Covenant with Abraham | 85© 2021 Lifeway



MELCHIZEDEK BLESSED ABRAHAMG E N E S I S 1 4 ; H E B R E W S 5 ; 7

CHRIST CONNECTION: Melchizedek means “king of righteousness.” Jesus is a priest and king like Melchizedek was, but Jesus is better! Jesus came to bless us. He died on the cross and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him can have life with God forever.




© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

Melchizedek Blessed Abraham | 87

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyWe marvel at stories with two characters who are total opposites of each other. This is why so many stories feature some form of a noble hero and an immoral villain. The contrast of character and conduct is what drives the tension of the story.

In Genesis 14, we find two completely opposite kings: the king of Sodom and the king of Salem. One sought to get; the other sought to give. One sought to curse; the other sought to bless. One sought to take life; the other sought to give life.

These two rulers illustrate the spirit of the world and the Spirit of God, two forces actively at work in our world and in our lives.

This is why Paul reminded us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand” (Eph. 6:12-13).

We live in the middle of a real fight between two opposing forces seeking to own our hearts. One, the evil spirit in our present world, like the king of Sodom seeks to take from us and generate chaos and confusion.

The other, the Spirit of the living God, like the King of Salem seeks to give life and bring peace and joy.

In our present world, we must recognize that this battle goes on inside of every believer. And we must put on the full armor of God daily that we might withstand the attack of the evil one and faithfully commit to full submission to the Spirit of God. It’s not enough that we deny the evil one; we must say “yes” to God.

This battle is real and raging. And the people of God must fight with great resolve to ensure our allegiance remains to the only good King, the Lord.

TERMS TO KNOWPriest: In Bible times, priests led people to worship God through sacrifices. Aaron the Levite and his descendants were priests. Melchizedek is the first person in the Bible to be called a priest.

Melchizedek Blessed Abraham

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Complete the Pattern” activity page, 1 per child

Take ten then give one away

F pom-poms, different colors


LEARN

Introduce the Bible story F photo of nephew, uncle, or family



F “Melchizedek Blessed Abraham” video (optional)

Practice the key passage F Key Passage Marker F Key Passage Poster, 2 F “Psalm 135:6” song



Missions moment F “Caldwell Family Photo” printable

LOVE




Remember God’s blessings F toy crown

LIVE

Play crown stop and go F toy crown F sanitizing wipes

Create a crown F paper plates, 1 per child

F sequins F rhinestones

Play a game of war with cards

F playing cards, 1 deck for every 2 children

“Visit” Ecuador F “Ecuador Photos” printable

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Complete the Pattern” on the activity page.

SAY In today’s Bible story, four kings went to war against five kings. Later, another king came to visit Abraham. That is a lot of kings! How many crowns do you see on your activity page?


PLAY “DOGGY, DOGGY, WHERE’S YOUR BONE?”

Form a circle on the floor. Choose one child to be the doggy and sit in the middle with her eyes closed. Place a marker or other object to represent a bone behind her. Quietly tap one child to silently take the marker, return to his seat, and hide the marker behind him. Guide the group to sing, “Doggy, doggy, where’s your bone? Somebody took it from your home.” The child in the middle will then open her eyes and guess who took the bone. Choose another child to be doggy. Play as time allows.

SAY You had to guess who took the bone. In today’s Bible story, Abraham’s nephew Lot was taken as a prisoner! Abraham did not have to guess who took Lot because someone told him. Listen to the story to find out how Abraham rescued Lot.

TAKE TEN THEN GIVE ONE AWAY

Set out a bin of colored pom-poms. Invite each preschooler to count out ten of a certain color. Ask each child to give you one of his or her ten items. Return all pom-poms to the bin, then continue playing choosing a different color.

SAY When you gave me one of your ten items, you gave me a tenth. In today’s Bible story, Abraham gave a gift to a king named Melchizedek. Can you say Melchizedek? Abraham gave the king a tenth of all he had. Listen to the story to hear more about this special king.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Invite preschoolers to use their hands to make a crown shape on their heads as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYIf you have a nephew, show preschoolers a picture of him. If you do not have a nephew, but you are a nephew, show preschoolers a picture of your uncle. If you are neither a nephew nor an uncle, just show preschoolers a picture of your family.

SAY Raise your hand if you have an uncle or an aunt in your family? If you have your hand in the air and you are a boy, you are a nephew. In today’s Bible story, something happened to Abraham’s nephew named Lot. Listen to the story to hear how Abraham helped Lot when he was in trouble.


SAY This is the most important book because it is God’s words. Everything in the Bible is true and really happened. Our Bible is opened to the Book of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, for today’s Bible story.



MELCHIZEDEK BLESSED ABRAHAM God had chosen Abraham and given him a special promise. God said Abraham

would have a big family, and God would bless the whole world through that family. Abraham obeyed God and went to a new land. He took his wife Sarah, his nephew Lot, and everything he owned with him. They all went to a land called Canaan.

God reminded Abraham of His promise. Abraham and Lot moved throughout the land. One day, Abraham and Lot decided to live in different places. They had too many animals and people to live all together. So Lot picked a place to live, and Abraham went somewhere else.

In those days, four kings in the area got together and fought a war against five other kings. The four kings won against the five. The kings’ armies took everything from the other kings—all their treasures and people. The kings even took Abraham’s nephew Lot as a prisoner.

Someone found Abraham and told him what had happened. Lot was in trouble! Abraham got a group of 318 men, and they went after the kings. Abraham’s men attacked the four kings and

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LEARN


their armies at night. Abraham rescued Lot and got back everything the kings took.

When Abraham went home, the king of Salem came to visit him. The king’s name was Melchizedek (mel KIZ uh dek). Melchizedek was a priest to God Most High. Melchizedek blessed Abraham and said, “God has blessed Abraham. Let everyone bless God! He created everything, and He made Abraham win the battle.”

Then Abraham gave Melchizedek a gift: a part of everything he had.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY Melchizedek means “king of righteousness.” Jesus is a priest and king like Melchizedek was, but Jesus is better! Jesus came to bless us. He died on the cross and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him can have life with God forever.


SAY This story had a happy ending. Abraham found and rescued his nephew! The king of Salem came to visit Abraham. He reminded Abraham that God won the battle for Abraham. The king’s name was Melchizedek. That is a fun name to say. Let’s say it together. Melchizedek! Melchizedek was also a priest. His name means “king of righteousness.” Did you know Jesus is a priest and king like Melchizedek? Jesus is way better than Melchizedek because Jesus is the only person who has ever been perfectly righteous. Jesus died on the cross and rose again, so that anyone who trusts in Him will have life with God forever.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 135:6. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Print an extra copy of the key passage poster. Choose a preschooler to hide the poster somewhere in the room while another preschooler closes her eyes. When the poster is hidden, announce that the key passage poster has been captured. Guide the child who closed her eyes to look for the poster. When the poster is found, read the key passage aloud as a group. If time allows, choose different children to “capture” and “rescue” the key passage poster.

SAY Our key passage tells us that God is in control of everything. He is in control of what happens in heaven, on the earth, and even in the depths of the seas. That makes me want to sing a song of praise to Him. Will you join me?


STORYTELLING TIPSDraw it out: Tell the story while drawing stick figures on a board to help preschoolers follow the action of the Bible story.

Use people figures: Gather people figures to represent Abraham, Lot, and Melchizedek. Place a small paper or chenille stem crown on Melchizedek. Consider using nine additional people figures with crowns to represent the kings if available.

© 2021 Lifeway



LEARN



SAY Our big picture question asks, Who is in control of everything? Do you remember the answer? Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything. Since God is in control, we can trust Him even when bad things happen. Bad things happened to Abraham’s nephew Lot, but God was still in control and helped Abraham rescue Lot.


SAY Abraham cared about his nephew Lot, and gathered up many men to help him get Lot back. God helped them, and Lot was safe. Families are important to each other. We have been learning about the Caldwell family and their mission trip to Ecuador. Let’s learn a little more about each family member.

Show the “Caldwell Family Photo.” Point to each family member and read his or her name and description.

SAY The Caldwells are just one family who God used on mission. Let’s pray and thank God for families on mission and missionary families who are serving Him around the world.

Close in prayer.

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LOVE



SAY God, You are so good to us. You blessed Abraham, and You bless us every day. Many times, we forget to thank You for Your blessings. Forgive us. Most of all we thank You for Jesus. Jesus is a better priest and king than Melchizedek was. Thank You for sending Him to die on the cross and rise again. Help us turn from our sins and trust in Jesus, so we can have life forever with You. Amen.




SAY How did God bless Abraham in today’s Bible story?


REMEMBER GOD’S BLESSINGSForm a circle. Explain that a blessing is something good that God has given you. Give a child a toy crown. Guide children to pass the crown around the circle while music plays. Stop the music. Encourage whoever is holding the crown when the music stops to tell one way God has blessed her. Be prepared to offer suggestions.

SAY God blesses us every day, but sometimes we forget to thank Him. Let’s be people who are thankful for God’s blessings. The greatest blessing God gives us is His very own Son, Jesus. Jesus came to bless us with forgiveness of sins. He died on the cross and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him can have life with God forever.

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LIVE



PLAY CROWN STOP AND GO Play this version of “Red Light, Green Light.” Use painter’s tape to make a starting line and finish line on opposite sides of the room. Form a line behind the starting line. Stand behind the finish line wearing a crown. Explain that when you are wearing the crown, preschoolers must stand still, but when you take off the crown, they may walk slowly toward you. Anyone who moves while you have the crown on your head must return to the starting line. Rotate between wearing the crown and taking it off. The first child to reach you will wear the crown and lead the next game. Be sure to sanitize the crown between uses.

SAY We heard about lots of kings in today’s Bible story. Do you remember how many kings there were? Four kings fought a war against five kings. Do you remember who was captured by the four kings. Abraham’s nephew Lot was taken as a prisoner. He could probably not move at all, just like in our game. But God helped Abraham rescue Lot, and he could move again. God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin. Do you remember how Jesus did this? Jesus died on the cross so that everyone who trusts in Him can have life with God forever.

CREATE A CROWN Bend a paper plate in half and open it back up to create a crease. Use a utility knife or sharp scissors to make a slit in the center of the paper plate along the crease to about two inches from the edge of the paper plate. Be sure not to cut all the way to the edge. Prepare one slitted paper plate for each preschooler. Help children make more cuts from the center of the plate to two inches from the edge, creating eight triangles. Bend the triangles up to form points on the crown. Precut crowns for younger preschoolers. Invite preschoolers to color their crowns with markers and glue sequins and rhinestones to them.

SAY Do you think King Melchizedek wore a crown like yours? Melchizedek was the king of Salem and a priest to God Most High. Melchizedek means “king of righteousness.” Jesus is a priest and king like Melchizedek was, but Jesus is better! Jesus came to bless us. He died on the cross and rose again so everyone who trusts in Him can have life with God forever.

© 2021 Lifeway

LIVE


PLAY A GAME OF WAR WITH CARDS Remove the face cards from decks of playing cards. Form pairs. Give each pair a deck of cards to split evenly between them. Guide children to place their cards facedown in front of them. Direct them to turn over the top card. The child with the higher number card takes both cards. If the cards show the same number, each child keeps her cards. Encourage preschoolers to continue playing as time allows or interest remains.

SAY You played war with cards. The war between the four kings and five kings in our Bible story was not a game. It was real, and sadly, Abraham’s nephew Lot was taken as a prisoner. But God helped Abraham rescue Lot. In our game, there were times when you won, and you were able to take someone’s card. There were also times when you lost, and your card was taken. Remember that no matter if we win or lose, God is in control. God sent Jesus to rescue us from sin by dying on the cross. All who put their trust in Him can have life with God forever.

“VISIT” ECUADOR Display the “Ecuador Photos” around the room at preschoolers’ eye level. Invite preschoolers to pretend to visit Ecuador by walking around and looking at the pictures. Comment that the pictures show some of the places the Caldwell family saw when they were on their mission trip to Ecuador. Use the caption on each photo as you talk about the pictures. Lead preschoolers to pray for the people of Ecuador to hear about Jesus.

SAY When Christians go on a trip to another country, they often see many things that are different than what they see at home. God helps us love new people and new places. Maybe God will ask you to go to Ecuador or another country one day to tell people about Jesus.


Melchizedek Blessed Abraham | 95© 2021 Lifeway



GOD PROVIDED ISAACG E N E S I S 2 1 – 2 2

CHRIST CONNECTION: Abraham loved God. He was willing to give up his son Isaac, but God provided a ram so Isaac could live. God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, to save the world from sin. Jesus offered His life as a sacrifice for our sin so we can live.




© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Provided Isaac | 97

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyIt’s been said that when a word or phrase is repeated in the Bible, we ought to pay close attention. In Genesis 22, Abraham repeated one phrase three times: “Here I am.”

Abraham first used “Here I am” on his journey when God called his name. Abraham’s eager response to God shows that he was ready and expectant to hear from God.

Abraham then used this phrase in response to his son, Isaac. On the journey to the place of sacrifice, Isaac called out to his father and Abraham responded, “Here I am.” Even though Abraham was surely wrestling with what God had commanded him to do, he was eager to hear from his son and help him understand what God was doing.

Third, Abraham responded to the angel of the Lord: “Here I am.” The angel called Abraham’s name twice as he was about to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Even in a tense and emotional moment, Abraham was sensitive to the Lord and eager to hear from him.

Abraham’s use of this phrase clearly shows his open-handed readiness to serve. Abraham responded to the Lord, to his son, and to the angel from his humble heart and willing spirit. Instead of shutting down and stopping his ears to God because of the incredibly

challenging task God had put before him, Abraham remained steadfast in His openness to the Lord.

God desires that we always be ready for however He may intend to use us for His glory and our good. It may be as we drive along in the car, as we hurry through a long list of tasks at work, or in the stillness of a quiet moment with the Lord early in the morning. It also may come in the intensity of grieving the loss of a loved one, navigating conflict in the body of Christ, or as we gather with others to worship. Whenever we sense the leading of the Spirit of God, may we take a posture similar to Abraham, always willingly to say, “Here I am.”

TERMS TO KNOW

Sacrifice: What the worshiper brings to God to express love, thanksgiving, or the need for forgiveness. Jesus’ death provided the sacrifice to remove sin. Christians are instructed to sacrifice, or give up their own desires, to follow Jesus.

God Provided Isaac

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Hidden Rams” activity page, 1 per child

Care for babies F baby dolls F baby blankets F doll accessories


LEARN

Introduce the Bible story F backpack F items for a hike (water bottle, snacks, rope, first-aid kit, jacket)



F “God Provided Isaac” video (optional)




Missions moment F “For His Children” missions video

LOVE




Bring your offering to God F container F quiet music F extra toys (optional) F extra craft items (optional)

LIVE

Trade this for that F coloring page

Find the ram F Bible Story Picture Poster, extra copy

Sand art crosses F play sand F cups F container

Play hopscotch F painter’s tape

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Hidden Rams” on the activity page.

SAY How many rams did you find in the picture? There is one ram in today’s Bible story. God traded a ram for a boy. Doesn’t that sound interesting? Listen to the story to find out more.


PLAY “THE BEAR WENT OVER THE MOUNTAIN”

Use existing classroom items to create an obstacle that preschoolers can safely climb over, under, and around. Sing the following lyrics while a child travels over the obstacle. Substitute “under” then “around” for “over” as children travel under and around the obstacle.

“ The bear went over the mountain. The bear went over the mountain. The bear went over the mountain to see what he could see. To see what he could see, To see what he could see”

SAY In today’s Bible story, Abraham and his son traveled up a mountain. Why do you think they went up the mountain? Did they go to see what they could see? Nope. God told Abraham to take his son up the mountain. Abraham trusted God and obeyed. We will find out more in our Bible story.

CARE FOR BABIES

Set out baby dolls, blankets, and other baby doll accessories. Invite preschoolers to play out caring for babies.

SAY In our Bible story a few weeks ago, God said Sarah would have a baby boy, and Abraham and Sarah would name their boy Isaac. God promised to keep His covenant with Abraham through Isaac’s family. In today’s Bible story, Isaac was no longer a baby and God asked Abraham to do something surprising with Isaac. Listen to the story.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for the children to copy. Lead children in singing, “God speaks to us in the Bible” (3x), “to show us what He is like.” (3x) as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

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LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYDisplay a backpack filled with items you would take on a hike. You may include a water bottle, snacks, rope, first-aid kit, jacket, and so forth.

SAY I brought my backpack today. Do you want to see what I have inside? These are items I might need if I went on a long hike. In today’s Bible story, Abraham and his son Isaac went on a long hike. Listen to the Bible story to find out where they went and why.


SAY The Bible is filled with God’s words. That means that everything in the Bible is true. All the Bible stories we learn really happened. Today’s Bible story is from the first book in the Bible called Genesis.



GOD PROVIDED ISAAC Abraham and Sarah were very old when God kept His promise to give them a

son. They named their boy Isaac.

One day, God told Abraham to take Isaac to a mountain and give him to God as an offering.

Abraham loved Isaac very much. God had promised that Isaac would have a family. How could that happen if Abraham gave Isaac as an offering?

Abraham believed that God would make things turn out right. He did not know exactly how God would do it, but Abraham believed God would keep His promise about his family. So Abraham obeyed.

Early in the morning, Abraham, Isaac, and two helpers took a donkey and the supplies they needed. They walked for three days until they came to the mountain. Then Abraham and Isaac went up the mountain by themselves.

Isaac saw that something was missing. “Where is the lamb to offer to God?” asked Isaac. Abraham said, “God will give us a lamb.”

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LEARN


Abraham built an altar and got ready to offer Isaac to God. A voice called to them from heaven and said, “Abraham, I see that you were willing to do what I said. You do not have to offer your son Isaac.” God could see that Abraham loved God most of all. Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in the bushes. God had sent a ram to sacrifice instead of Isaac.

God said to Abraham, “You will have as many people in your family as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. All the world will be blessed.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY Abraham loved God. He was willing to give up his son Isaac, but God provided a ram so Isaac could live. God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, to save the world from sin. Jesus offered His life as a sacrifice for our sin so we can live.


SAY Abraham was probably confused when God asked him to give Isaac as an offering. God had promised to make Abraham’s family very large. How could this happen if Abraham offered his son to God? Abraham knew that God is good, and His plans are always good. Abraham trusted God and was willing to give up Isaac.

Just as Abraham was about to offer Isaac, God showed Abraham a ram caught in the bushes. The ram was a substitute. Isaac got to go free, and the ram took Isaac’s place and was offered to God. What a beautiful trade!

This story reminds us of another story that happens later in the Bible. God sent His Son, Jesus, to be a substitute for us. Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice for our sin, so we could be forgiven. Because of Jesus, we can live forever with God.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 135:6. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Instruct preschoolers to walk in place as if they are going on a hike. Lead preschoolers to recite the key passage with you as they walk. Start by walking very slow and reciting the verse very slow, then speed up until you are running in place and saying the key passage very fast.

SAY Wow, I am tired! You can sit down and rest. Our key passage tells us that God does whatever He pleases. Since God is good, whatever He is pleased to do is always good, and God never ever gets tired. That makes me want to sing a song of praise to Him. Sing with me.


STORYTELLING TIPSUse a wig: Wear a gray or white wig as you speak for Abraham in the Bible story. Remove the wig as you speak for Isaac.

Hide a ram: Hide a toy or paper cutout of a ram in plain sight in the room. Invite preschoolers to find and point to the ram at the appropriate moment in the Bible story.

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LEARN



SAY Our big picture question asks, Who is in control of everything? Do you remember the answer? Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything. Aren’t you glad that God is in control? Because God is good, we can trust Him even when things do not make sense. Abraham probably did not understand why God asked him to offer Isaac, but God had a good plan for Abraham and Isaac. God has a good plan for our lives too!


SAY Abraham loved his son Isaac and took care of him. A ministry in Ecuador called For His Children loves and cares for children who do not have families or cannot live with their families. The Caldwell family traveled with a team from their church to Ecuador to work with For His Children. Let’s watch this video to learn more.

Show the “For His Children” missions video. When the video ends, ask preschoolers to tell some of the things they noticed in the video. Emphasize that the children are loved and cared for. Close in prayer for the work of For His Children.

© 2021 Lifeway



LOVE



SAY God, thank You for providing a ram caught in the bushes so that Isaac could go free. Thank You even more for providing Jesus, who died on the cross so that we could be freed from sin and live with You forever. We love You and trust You, God. Amen.




SAY Why was Abraham willing to offer up his son, Isaac, to God?


BRING YOUR OFFERING TO GODInvite preschoolers to choose one favorite item in the room. You may wish to provide extra toys and craft items in the room to avoid conflict if two or more children choose the same item. Form a circle. Place a container in the center of the circle. Guide children to sit quietly and hold the item they chose. Lead preschoolers in a prayer time, asking God to give you all hearts like Abraham that trust God enough to give back to Him the good gifts He gives to us. Play quiet music while you guide preschoolers to take turns slowly walking to the container and placing their items inside.

SAY Was it easy or hard to give up your favorite item? God is pleased when we show Him that we trust Him. Abraham loved God. It must have been so hard for him to even think about giving up His son, but Abraham trusted God. He knew God had promised to give him a big family through Isaac. Abraham knew God would keep His promise even if he didn’t understand how. One day, God may ask you to give something up. You may not understand what God is doing, but You can trust Him. God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, to save you from sin, you can trust Him with everything that you love.

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LIVE



TRADE THIS FOR THAT Show preschoolers the coloring page on their activity pages. Guide each preschooler to choose one crayon to use to color her page. Encourage them to take turns trading crayons. Demonstrate by saying to a child, “I will trade you my blue crayon for your green crayon.” Children may trade or keep their crayon. Ensure every child asks someone else to trade as they work.

SAY Some of you were willing to trade your crayon and others were not. Why did you decide to trade or keep your crayon? [Allow responses.] In today’s Bible story, God traded a ram for Isaac. Abraham was willing to give up his son Isaac, but God provided a ram so Isaac could live. God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, to save the world from sin. Jesus offered His life as a sacrifice for our sin so we can live.

FIND THE RAM Print an extra copy of the Bible story picture poster. Cut out the ram from the picture. Allow preschoolers to take turns hiding the ram while the rest of the group closes their eyes. You may wish to say hotter to indicate when a child is moving closer to the ram and colder when the child is moving away from the ram.

SAY Abraham loved God. He was willing to give up his son Isaac, but God provided a ram so Isaac could live. Don’t you think Abraham was so happy to see that ram? God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, to save the world from sin. Jesus offered His life as a sacrifice for our sin so we can live.

© 2021 Lifeway

LIVE


MAKE SAND ART CROSSES Instruct preschoolers to use glue sticks to draw a large cross on each of their sheets of construction paper. Distribute small cups of dry play sand. Show preschoolers how to cover the glue with the sand. Help a child carefully lift his paper over a container and shake the excess sand into the container.

SAY You made cross with sand. God told Abraham that he would have as many people in his family as there was sand on the seashore. There is a lot of sand on the seashore! That was God’s way of telling Abraham that he would have a very large family. Do you remember what Jesus did for people on the cross? [Allow responses.] Jesus died on the cross to offer His life as a sacrifice for our sin. Because God was willing to give up His Son, Jesus, to save the world from sin, we can have life with Him forever. You can tell that good news to your family when they see your beautiful cross.

PLAY HOPSCOTCH Make a classic hopscotch grid on the floor with painter’s tape. Explain to preschoolers that in Ecuador, this game is called La Rayuela (righ yoo AY luh). Show preschoolers how to jump through the grid with one foot and then with two. Invite children to take turns hopping through the squares. Ask preschoolers to tell you about their favorite games as they wait their turn.

SAY: La Rayuela is a popular game with children in Ecuador. If you go to Ecuador, you might also play soccer, different card games, or a game called Trompo. Trompo is played with a spinning wooden top. If people from Ecuador visited you, what would you say are popular games here? Children all over the world have a lot in common, even when they grow up in different places. All people need to know that God loves them and sent His Son to rescue them from sin. Let’s pray for boys and girls in other countries to hear the good news about Jesus.

TRANSITIONInvite preschoolers who have not already to complete the coloring page. Consider leading preschoolers to sing the key passage song or involving them in a simple game to practice the key passage or big picture question. If parents are picking up children at this time, tell them something that their child enjoyed doing or did well during the session. Give parents the completed activity page. Distribute the big picture cards for families. Encourage parents to engage with the family discussion starters and family activities during the week.

God Provided Isaac | 105© 2021 Lifeway



GOD CHANGED JACOBG E N E S I S 2 5 – 3 3

CHRIST CONNECTION: God changed Jacob’s life and gave him a new name, Israel. By dying and rising from the dead, Jesus made the way for us to be adopted into God’s family. When we trust in Jesus, we get a new name, too—children of God.




© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Changed Jacob | 107

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyJacob’s journey in Genesis is one of unexpected and undeserved blessing after blessing. With a name that literally means “he cheats,” Jacob was a surprising recipient of the privilege and opportunity God gave him.

Jacob was a cheater, a liar, and a deceiver. He was quiet and not strongly gifted. And he was gullible, too. We cannot miss that the deceiver was deceived at times too—easily convinced by his mother and tricked by his uncle. But God would work through Jacob when no circumstances or characteristics made it seem possible.

In Genesis 32:10, Jacob expressed his own bewilderment to the Lord. “I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Indeed, I crossed over the Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps.”

Jacob came to realize that nothing that he had accomplished or accumulated was the result of his own doing. He was not capable or competent enough to produce the many good things he had received, and especially not to be the recipient of the promise of God to make his family like the dust of the earth. Jacob was humbled by the reality that through him and his offspring, all of the families of the earth would be blessed.

Have you ever had a moment of astonishment at the magnitude of what God has given you through Christ? Have you taken the time to recognize that all that you have is from God? Does it cause you to rejoice when you think about God’s grace?

It’s easy to look at Jacob and say he didn’t deserve what God gave him. It’s hard to feel that way about ourselves. But it’s just as true.

Paul wrote in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Salvation should bring about this astonishment in us as well. It should remind us that we are not worthy, and it should lead us to rejoice in the undeserving gift of God’s grace.

FACTS TO KNOW

Name changes in the Bible: Jacob was the third person to be renamed by God, after Abraham and Sarah. God usually gave a person a new name to indicate a new identity. Jacob’s new name—Israel—became the name of God’s people.

God Changed Jacob

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Color to Discover” activity page, 1 per child

Make a name collage F pencil


LEARN



F “God Changed Jacob” video (optional)




Missions moment F “Ecuador Thanksgiving Photo” printable

LOVE




Write names F poster board, dry erase board, or chalkboard

F dry erase markers (optional)

F chalk (optional) F quiet music (optional)

LIVE

Play “I am a child of God” F beanbag F “Psalm 135:6” song

Write in shaving cream F non-menthol shaving cream

Travel between lands F people figures F animal figures

Host a Thanksgiving meal F “Ecuador Thanksgiving Photo” printable

F Thanksgiving dinner items (tablecloth, plates, pots, pans, and so forth)

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Color to Discover” on the activity page.

SAY You discovered the name Israel. In today’s Bible story, there was a man named Jacob. God changed his name to Israel. God planned to keep His promise to give Abraham a big family through Jacob’s family. Jacob’s family would become the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.


THUMB WRESTLE

Form pairs. Guide pairs to hook the fingers on one of their hands with each other, leaving their thumbs free. Children may start the game by saying, “One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!” Then, using only her thumb, each child will try to pin down the other child’s thumb. Supervise carefully to avoid injuries. Wash or sanitize hands before and after.

SAY The winner of a wrestling match is the one who pins down the other player, like the winner of our thumb wrestling match was the one who pinned down the other player’s thumb. In today’s Bible story, Jacob wrestles with a mysterious man. Listen to see who the mysterious man is.

MAKE A NAME COLLAGE

Use a pencil to write each child’s name in large letters on a sheet of paper. Allow a child who wishes to write his own name to do so. Encourage children to trace their names with a glue stick. Show preschoolers how to rip off pieces of different colors of construction paper and press them into the glue to create a name collage.

SAY Our names are special to us. Our mommies and daddies gave us those names for a reason. Maybe we are named after someone, or maybe our name means something special. In today’s Bible story, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. I am excited to hear this story today.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Ask preschoolers if they know their birth dates. Help them line up youngest to oldest as they as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYTell preschoolers some background about your name. Were you named after someone? Does your name have a special meaning? Do you have a nickname? Did you change your last name after getting married?

SAY Our names are special to us because they identify who we are. Without names, we would have to say, “Hey you!” In today’s Bible story, Isaac and his wife Rebekah had twin boys. Let’s find out what they named their boys.


SAY I love the Bible because it contains God’s words. God never lies, so that means all the words in the Bible are true. That also means that all the stories in the Bible really happened. Let’s look in Genesis, the first book in the Bible, to find today’s Bible story.



GOD CHANGED JACOB Abraham’s son Isaac grew up and got married. God told Isaac’s wife Rebekah that

she would have two boys. God said, “Your sons will grow up and their families will be two separate nations. One nation will be stronger than the other, and the older son will serve the younger.”

Rebekah gave birth to twins. Esau was born first, and then Jacob. When they grew up and their father Isaac was old, Isaac wanted to bless Esau. Instead, Jacob tricked Isaac and stole his brother’s blessing. Esau was very angry, so Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob away.

One night, God spoke to Jacob. God promised Jacob the same things that He promised Abraham and Isaac. God said, “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”

Years passed. Jacob got married and had a family. Finally, Jacob took his family and headed home to Canaan. Jacob was afraid to see his brother Esau again. What if Esau was still angry? So Jacob sent gifts to Esau. He hoped Esau would forgive him.

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LEARN


That night, a man appeared to Jacob. The man wrestled with Jacob all night. Jacob would not give up, so the man hurt Jacob’s hip.

“I will not let You go unless You bless me,” Jacob said.

“Your name was Jacob,” said the man, “but now your name will be Israel. You wrestled with God and with men, and you have won.” The man blessed Jacob.

Jacob went to meet Esau. Esau ran to Jacob and hugged him. Esau was not angry anymore!

Esau went back to his home, and Jacob traveled a little farther. Jacob bought land for his family to live on. He was finally home in the land God promised to give him.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY God changed Jacob’s life and gave him a new name, Israel. By dying and rising from the dead, Jesus made the way for us to be adopted into God’s family. When we trust in Jesus, we get a new name, too—children of God.


SAY Wow, Jacob did not give up. Even after he lost the wrestling match with the mysterious man, he refused to let go of him. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel.

Remember how God promised Abraham that he would make his family very big? God planned to keep that promise through Jacob’s family. He changed Jacob’s name to Israel because his family would become the nation of Israel.

Do you know that when you trust in Jesus, God gives you a new name? Because Jesus died and rose from the dead, He made it so we can be adopted into God’s family. Trusting in Jesus doesn’t change the name our parents gave us, but God gives us a new name to add to it—children of God!

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 135:6. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Write each word of the key passage on a separate piece of paper. Distribute the papers and tell each preschooler the word on their paper. Tell children to hold up their paper when you say the word written on it. Slowly begin reciting the key passage, prompting preschoolers to hold up their papers. Work toward speeding up to say the key passage and hold up the papers quickly.

STORYTELLING TIPSUse the space: As you tell the Bible story, move to one side of the room when Jacob is sent away. Move to the middle of the room when Jacob wrestles the man. Move back to where you started when Jacob reunites with Esau, and back to the center when Jacob settles down.

Act it out: Provide Bible times clothing for children to wear. Assign children to play the roles of Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, and the man who wrestled with Jacob. Allow the rest of the group to be Jacob’s family. Guide preschoolers to act out the story as you tell it. When Jacob and the man wrestle, guide the actors to thumb wrestle. Change roles and act out the story again as time allows.

© 2021 Lifeway



LEARN


SAY Our key passage tells us that God does whatever He pleases. God only pleases to do what is right and good. We can trust God because He is powerful enough to do anything, and whatever He does is good. That makes me want to sing a song of praise to Him.



SAY Our big picture question for this unit is, Who is in control of everything? Do you remember the answer? Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything. In today’s Bible story, Jacob made some wrong choices. He stole from his brother and had to run away. But God was still in control. He was with Jacob and brought him back to the land that He promised to give him.


Display the “Ecuador Thanksgiving Photo.” You may also choose to replay the “Family on Mission” missions video from session 1, which shows scenes from Thanksgiving Day.

SAY Thanksgiving is a North American holiday, so it is not celebrated in Ecuador. The Caldwells and the rest of the mission team told their friends in Ecuador about Thanksgiving and read them a book about it written in Spanish. Then they cooked a traditional Thanksgiving meal to share with their new friends. They told the caregivers and kids of For His Children how thankful they were to be there. Sharing holidays with new friends is a great way to get to know people and share Jesus’ love. What is a holiday you can enjoy with friends? What would you tell your friends about Jesus? [Allow responses.]

© 2021 Lifeway



LOVE



SAY God, You are wonderful. You promised Jacob that You would be with him wherever he went. God, be with every child here. Help them trust You like Jacob did. Help them trust Jesus who made the way for them to become children of God. May we turn from our sin and follow Him. Amen.




SAY Would you have been afraid to see your brother again if you were Jacob?


WRITE NAMESWrite I am a child of God in large letters on a sheet of poster board or on a dry erase or chalkboard. Guide preschoolers to sit quietly in front of the board. Call preschoolers up to the board one by one saying “[Child’s name], you are a child of God.” Allow them to choose a marker to write their names on the board. Offer assistance as needed. Consider playing quiet music as children await their turn.

SAY You all have wonderful names. God promised Jacob a wonderful future and changed his name. Jacob would be the father of the nation of Israel. God has a wonderful future for us too. When Jesus died and rose from the dead, He made the way for us to be adopted into God’s family. When you trust in Jesus, you get a new name. You become a child of God.

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LIVE



PLAY “I AM A CHILD OF GOD” Form a circle. Play music while preschoolers pass a beanbag around the circle. Stop the music, guide the child holding the beanbag to say, “I am a child of God,” then sit down in the middle of the circle. Start the music and play again. Continue playing until the whole group is in the center of the circle.

SAY In this game, only the child holding the beanbag when the music stopped got to say, “I am a child of God.” God wants us all to become children of God. That is why He sent Jesus to make the way for us to be adopted into His family. Only those who trust in Jesus become children of God.

WRITE IN SHAVING CREAMDisplay index cards labeled Jacob and Israel on tables. Guide preschoolers to sit at a table. Spray a small mound of non-menthol shaving cream in front of each child. Demonstrate how to smear the shaving cream on the table and use their fingers to write their names. Encourage them to try to write Jacob or Israel in the shaving cream. They may also choose to draw something from the Bible story. Offer paper towels for cleanup.

SAY God changed Jacob’s life and gave him a new name. Were you able to write Jacob and Israel in the shaving cream? Did you write your own name? When we trust in Jesus, we get a new name, too—children of God. And like Jacob, God changes our lives too. When we trust in Jesus, God begins the work of making us like Jesus. Isn’t that exciting?

© 2021 Lifeway

LIVE


TRAVEL BETWEEN LANDS Set out people and animal figures alongside blocks. Suggest preschoolers build one area to represent Canaan, Jacob’s homeland, and another area to represent Paddan-aram (pay duhn-AY ram), where Jacob started his family. Guide preschoolers to use the people and animals to play out the Bible story. Suggest Jacob begin in Canaan, then travel to Paddan-aram, then travel back to Canaan with all the other people figures and animals.

SAY Jacob stole his brothers blessing and had to leave his homeland of Canaan. Canaan was the land God had promised to give Abraham and his future family. God planned to keep His promises to Abraham through Jacob’s family, so He brought Jacob and his family back to Canaan. Jacob bought land for his family to live on. He was finally home in the land God promised to give him.

HOST A THANKSGIVING MEAL Display the “Ecuador Thanksgiving Photo” from the missions moment. Set out items, such as a tablecloth, plates, pots and pans, and other Thanksgiving dinner items. Suggest preschoolers set the table for a Thanksgiving meal using the provided items. Talk about the Thanksgiving holiday and how families might invite other family members or friends to their homes to eat a special meal. Ask preschoolers what foods they may have during this special meal. Tell the preschoolers about one of your Thanksgiving experiences. Invite preschoolers to share about a time they have gone over to a friend’s or family member’s house to eat. Point out the photo from the Caldwells’ Thanksgiving in Ecuador.

SAY Thanksgiving is a holiday in the United States and Canada, but it is not celebrated in Ecuador. The Caldwells and the rest of the mission team brought a children’s book in Spanish that explained why we celebrate Thanksgiving. Then they cooked a meal like they would have on Thanksgiving to share with their new friends. They had the chance to tell the people how thankful they were to be there. Sharing a meal on holidays with new friends is a great way to get to know people and share Jesus’ love.


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GOD HAD A PLAN FOR JOSEPHG E N E S I S 3 7 – 5 0

CHRIST CONNECTION: Joseph’s brothers hurt Joseph, but God had a good plan. God used Joseph’s hurt to save His people from hunger. One day, people would hurt God’s Son, Jesus. God’s good plan was to use Jesus’ death to save His people from sin.




© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Had a Plan for Joseph | 117

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyThe story of Joseph is packed full of moments that resonate with us. Maybe you were the favorite child or the favorite child’s sibling. Some people resonate with being cast away from family or being undeservingly welcomed into a new family. Some resonate with finding favor with an enemy or showing favor to an enemy. In Joseph’s story, we can see ourselves and our need for Jesus in so many ways.

On at least four occasions in Joseph’s journey, others gave him tremendous blessings. Though Joseph lost some of these earthly treasures, he remained faithful to the Lord. We normally focus on Joseph’s adversity, but we can’t miss that both the lows and highs of Joseph’s life were also marked by God’s blessing through others.

First, Joseph’s father blessed him with a beautiful multi-colored robe as a representation of his favored status. This tangible symbol was taken from him when his brothers sold him into slavery. Yet Joseph remained faithful.

Next, Potiphar blessed Joseph by making him overseer of his entire household. The role lent itself to all the tangible and monetary things anyone could want. But when Joseph fled from the advance of

Potiphar’s wife, it was all taken from him. Yet Joseph remained faithful.

Third, the prison warden blessed Joseph by making him overseer over the entire prison. Finally, Pharaoh blessed Joseph by placing him as second in command over all of Egypt, putting Joseph in a position to save his family from famine.

Joseph refused to let the evil actions of others steal his faith. When he had the chance to take away from others who had taken from him, Joseph showed generosity instead.

We experience various common grace blessings from the Lord every day. These blessings can tempt us to worship the gift rather than the Giver. Like Joseph, we must remain steadfast under trial and faithful to the Lord. In famine and in plenty, blessed be the name of the Lord. He is good and in control.

PEOPLE TO KNOWTwelve Sons of Jacob (Israel):

1. Reuben 7. Simeon2. Levi 8. Judah3. Issachar 9. Zebulun4. Joseph 10. Benjamin5. Dan 11. Naphtali6. Gad 12. Asher

God Had a Plan for Joseph

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Right and Wrong” activity page, 1 per child

Pick your favorite (low prep)

F classroom items, 12

“Shop” for food F “Food Cards,” printable

F toy coins, 10 per child F clean, empty food packages (optional)

F toy cash register (optional)


LEARN



F “God Had a Plan for Joseph” video (optional)




Missions moment F “Abby’s Challenge” missions video

LOVE




LIVE

Lace up Joseph’s prison F “Joseph in Prison Lacing Cards,” several copies

F heavyweight paper F hole punch F yarn

Sequence the story F heavyweight paper, 3 sheets

F 5-by-8-inch index cards, 9 (optional)

Count money F $32 in cash F play money (optional)

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Right and Wrong” on the activity page.

SAY Jacob had twelve sons. In today’s Bible story, some of Jacob’s sons did something wrong to their brother, Joseph. Listen to the story to find out how God took care of Joseph and his family.


PICK YOUR FAVORITE

Set twelve classroom items on a table. Ask preschoolers to help you count the items. Tell preschoolers you will choose a favorite item of the twelve. Lead children to take turns guessing which is your favorite item. The child who names your favorite item first gets to whisper to you her favorite item. Then the group will take turns guessing the item she chose. Continue to play until each child who wishes gets a turn at choosing his favorite.

SAY Picking our favorites out of these twelve items was fun. In today’s Bible story, Jacob had twelve sons, and he chose one as his favorite. Jacob having a favorite son was wrong and caused his family a lot of trouble. Listen to the story to find out what happened.

“SHOP” FOR FOOD

Print and cut apart “Food Cards.” Place cards faceup on a table. Give each child ten toy coins. Allow children to take turns buying one item by giving you the number of coins shown on the card. Continue playing until all coins are spent. Make this activity more realistic by using clean, empty food packages and assigning a value to each item or use a toy cash register.

SAY Once all your coins were spent or all the food was gone, you could no longer buy food. How terrible would it be to be hungry but not have money or food to buy? In today’s Bible story, there was very little food for people to eat or buy. Listen to the story to hear God’s good plan to provide.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain preschoolers attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Lead children to count off as they transition to Learn.

WELCOME

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYChoose one child to stand in front of the group.

SAY How would you feel if I said [child’s name] is my favorite child and that I was going to give [him or her] a special gift? [Allow responses.] That would not feel good for everyone else, would it? You might feel jealous. I do not have favorites, but in today’s Bible story, Jacob had a favorite son. Listen to the story to hear how the rest of Jacob’s children felt.


SAY This Bible contains the words of God and every one of God’s words is true. The Bible story we are about to hear happened in real life. We find it here in the first book of the Bible called Genesis.



GOD HAD A PLAN FOR JOSEPH Jacob had 12 sons, but his favorite son was Joseph. Joseph’s brothers saw that

Jacob loved Joseph most, and they did not like Joseph.

One day, Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers, who were tending to the sheep. When the brothers saw Joseph coming, they made a plan to get rid of Joseph. They sold Joseph as a servant to some travelers going to Egypt. Then they made Jacob think that wild animals had attacked Joseph. Jacob was very sad.

The travelers who took Joseph to Egypt sold him to an important man named Potiphar. God was with Joseph. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned. One day, Potiphar’s wife told a lie about Joseph, and Potiphar put Joseph in jail.

But God was still with Joseph, even in jail. God made it so Joseph could understand what people’s dreams meant. When Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, had two dreams, he asked Joseph to explain the dreams. Joseph said, “There will be seven years of good harvests. For seven years after that, not much grain will grow. People will be hungry.” Joseph told Pharaoh to store some of the grain during the good years to

© 2021 Lifeway


LEARN


use during the bad years.

Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of much of Egypt. Joseph did his job well, and God was with Him.

One day, Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy food. The brothers went to Joseph, but they did not know who he was. When Joseph was ready, he said, “I’m your brother Joseph! You wanted to hurt me, but I know God sent me here to help our family.”

Joseph’s brothers went home to bring all their family back to Egypt. Jacob hugged his son Joseph, and they cried happy tears.

When Jacob got older and died, Joseph’s brothers were afraid. Was Joseph going to punish them for what they did? No. Joseph said, “You had a bad plan, and you did a bad thing. But God planned it for something good. God’s plan saved the lives of many people.”

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY Joseph’s brothers hurt Joseph, but God had a good plan. God used Joseph’s hurt to save His people from hunger. One day, people would hurt God’s Son, Jesus. God’s good plan was to use Jesus’ death to save His people from sin.


SAY A lot of bad things [thumbs down] happened to Joseph, but a lot of good things [thumbs up] happened too. Joseph’s brothers sold him as a servant, and that was terrible [thumbs down]. But Potiphar put Joseph in charge of all he owned, and that was good [thumbs up]. Then, Potiphar’s wife told a lie, and Joseph was thrown into prison [thumbs down]. God gave Joseph the ability to understand the Pharaoh’s dreams, and he was let out of prison [thumbs up]. Joseph was put in charge of all of Egypt, and that was very good [thumbs up].

Then there was a famine. That means there was no food. That was very bad [thumbs down]. But Joseph had stored away extra food so that people could buy it from him [thumbs up]. When Joseph’s brothers came to him to buy food, did Joseph do something bad [thumbs down] to them? No! Joseph gave them food and invited the entire family to come live with him in Egypt [thumbs up].

Joseph understood that no matter what happened to him—good [thumbs up] or bad [thumbs down], God is always good [thumbs up] and has a good plan [thumbs up].

Many years later, people did bad things to hurt Jesus [thumbs down], but God had a good plan [thumbs up]. God’s good plan was to use Jesus’ death to save His people from sin [thumbs up]. That is the best thing of all!

STORYTELLING TIPSShow thumbs-up and thumbs-down: Invite preschoolers to show a thumbs-up when something happy happens to Joseph and a thumbs-down when something sad happens.

Picture it in your mind: Invite children to close their eyes and make pictures in their mind as if they are dreaming the Bible story as you tell it.

© 2021 Lifeway



LEARN


PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 135:6. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Invite volunteers to say the key passage from memory. Be prepared to offer assistance and praise each child for his or her effort.

SAY Our key passage tells us that God does whatever He pleases. God can do whatever He pleases because He has power over everything. I am so glad that God is good and only pleases to do what is right and good. Sometimes bad things happen to us, but we can know God is still in control and can bring something good out of the bad. Let’s sing a song of praise to our good God!



SAY Our big picture question asks, Who is in control of everything? Do you remember the answer? Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything. Many bad things happened to Joseph. He may have felt like God had forgotten him, but that was not true! God is in control of everything, even bad things. God used the bad things that happened in Joseph’s life to save many people. And God used the bad things that happened to Jesus, to save all who will trust in Him. God’s good plan was to use Jesus’ death to save His people from sin.

MISSIONS MOMENT

SAY We are going to watch a video about an 11-year-old missionary kid named Abby. Abby was supposed to go on vacation with her grandparents, but they had to cancel their vacation because of Coronavirus. God took the sad thing of Abby not being able to go on vacation and used it to bring something good to many people. Let’s watch Abby’s story.

Show the “Abby’s Challenge” missions video.

SAY Abby realized she could make a difference by giving to missions. Every gift matters, even if it’s small. Do you think you could save $32 to give to missions? [Allow responses.]

Consider contacting preschool families to encourage them to give an offering to add to Abby’s Challenge or another missions effort. They may give at www.imb.org/abbyschallenge.

© 2021 Lifeway



LOVE



SAY God, we praise You because You are good all the time. Please help us remember that You have a good plan even when bad things happen. We thank You for Jesus. Even though people killed Jesus, You used His death to save us from our sin. We love You and put our trust in Him. Amen.




SAY How did God make something good out of all the bad things that happened to Joseph?


SING “GOD IS SO GOOD”Lead preschoolers in singing the song “God Is So Good.” If you are unfamiliar with the lyrics or tune, look them up online before the session. Suggest that your group write additional lyrics for the song. Ask preschoolers to name ways they know God is good. Be prepared to offer assistance. Work their answers into lyrics, still ending each verse with “He’s so good to me.” Do not spend much time making the lyrics fit. Keep the emphasis on helping preschoolers see God’s goodness.

SAY Good things and bad things happen to all of us, but God never stops being good. God promises believers that He works all things, both good and bad, together for our good. Joseph may have wondered if God was good when bad things happened to him, but God had a good plan. Joseph discovered that when God used him to save His people from hunger. Bad things happened to Jesus. He was killed on a cross, but God had a good plan. God used Jesus’ death to save people from sin. Someday, we will live forever with God when we put our trust in Jesus.

© 2021 Lifeway


LIVE



PLAY “BROTHER, MAY I?” Play this version of “Mother, May I?” using the traditional rules, but line up children on one side of the room, shoulder to shoulder about a foot apart. Choose a child to play brother. Direct brother to stand across the room from the rest of the group. Brother will call out a child’s name and give him or her a command about how to move forward. The child called on must say, “Brother, may I?” and wait for brother to respond yes or no. If brother says yes, the child may move forward as directed. If brother says no, the child must remain in place. If a child moves without saying “Brother, may I?” he must move back to where he started. After a few rounds, choose another child to be brother. Any child who reaches brother before her turn is up is the winner. Play as time allows.

SAY Joseph’s brothers sold him as a servant to Egypt, but years later, his brothers came to Joseph to ask if they could buy food for their family. Joseph’s brothers hurt Joseph, but God had a good plan. God used Joseph’s hurt to save His people from hunger. One day, people would hurt God’s Son, Jesus. God’s good plan was to use Jesus’ death to save His people from sin.

LACE UP JOSEPH’S PRISON Print several copies of “Joseph in Prison Lacing Cards” on heavyweight paper. Cut apart the cards and punch holes where indicated. Give a preschooler a card and a 2-foot length of yarn. Show him how to lace the yarn through the holes so it looks like Joseph is behind bars.

SAY Even though Joseph did nothing wrong, he was sent to jail. Sometimes bad things happen to us, and it is not our fault. God is in control of everything, including the bad things. Joseph’s brothers hurt Joseph, and he ended up in prison, but God had a good plan. God used Joseph’s hurt to save His people from hunger. One day, people would hurt God’s Son, Jesus. God’s good plan was to use Jesus’ death to save His people from sin.

© 2021 Lifeway

LIVE


SEQUENCE THE STORY Cut heavyweight paper into four equal pieces. You may also use large index cards. Write a sentence describing a part of the Bible story at the top of each card. Use the suggestions below or write your own. Give each preschooler a card. Read the sentence on their card and encourage them to draw a picture to illustrate the sentence. Once each child is finished, gather the cards and work together to put the cards in order of the events in the Bible story. Mix up the cards and play again as time allows.

1. Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son.2. Joseph’s brothers sold him as servant.3. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything he owned.4. Potiphar put Joseph in jail.5. Joseph explained Pharaoh’s dreams.6. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of much of Egypt.7. Joseph sold food to his brothers.8. Joseph’s family moved to Eqypt.9. Jacob hugged Joseph.

SAY Look at all the things that happened to Joseph. Let’s point to all the good things that happened. Now, let’s point to all the bad things that happened to Joseph. Just like Joseph’s life, good things and bad things happen to us. But God is in control, and He promises to use all things for His glory and our good. That means God can bring good things even from the bad things that happen. Do you remember how God did this in Joseph’s life? God used Joseph’s hurt to save His people from hunger. Later, God used Jesus’ death to save His people from sin.

COUNT MONEY Remind preschoolers about Abby’s $32 from the missions video. Set out $32 in cash to show preschoolers what $32 looks like. Count out $32. Put the real money away, and set out play money or cut rectangles from green construction paper to represent bills. Invite preschoolers to count and play with the pretend money. Talk about items they or their family buy with money. Ask what items they might want to buy with money. Talk about how people give money to help missionaries who serve around the world.

SAY An 11-year-old girl named Abby gave $32 for missions. She had saved that money for a vacation, but instead gave it to help missionaries tell other people about Jesus. Other people heard about her gift and added more money to it, and now it is much bigger. We can give money to help missionaries tell other people about Jesus.


God Had a Plan for Joseph | 125© 2021 Lifeway



GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHINGJ O B

CHRIST CONNECTION: The story of Job reminds us of Jesus. Jesus is the only person who never sinned, but He suffered to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus comforts us when we suffer, and we can trust Him.




BIG TRUTH SESSION

© 2021 Lifeway

PREPARE


WELCOME


THE SESSION

LEARN


OF THE GOSPEL

LOVE


LIVE


OF THE GOSPEL

15-20 MINUTES

20-25 MINUTES

THE WEEK

PRIOR 10-15 MINUTES

10-15 MINUTES

God Controls Everything | 127

PREPARE


LEADER LEADER Bible StudyIn research, there is a common practice used to measure data: the pretest and posttest. The pretest is a baseline, assessing the state of something prior to experimental factors being introduced. As is suggested by the name, this happens prior to the experiment.

The posttest is a comparison, designed to compare the outcome of the experiment to the pretest results in order to assess change. As the name suggests, the posttest comes after the experiment.

In the life of Job, we find a man who goes through the most traumatic experiences imaginable. Job lost his kids, his wealth, his career, and his friends. His sheep even burned up! (It’s true, read Job 1:16.) Job’s life was turned upside down. His joy was low and his sorrow was high.

It’s fascinating to look at Job’s life before and after this series of trials. Prior to Job’s losing all he had, Job is described as blameless and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. He had great spiritual fortitude and great material wealth.

Following his extended trial, Job repented of his wavering trust in God. Job was restored to God, and God restored his wealth to a greater degree than before.

The pretest and posttest of Job’s journey demonstrate a man who, in the big picture,

was unshakable in his relationship with God. Though he had high and low moments during the trial, Job was fully restored to God. Like Job, our faithfulness does not mean that there won’t be moments of struggle or slipping, but it does mean that overall, our faith in God remains and grows.

If you aren’t in the midst of a trial, know that God is strengthening your trust in Him so that when difficulty does come—and it will—your pretest shows a strong faith that can endure. And if you are in the midst of great challenges right now, strive to endure so that a posttest might demonstrate that your love and trust of God has remained and even increased.

Trials are inevitable. Trust in God, who controls everything. Anticipate that trials will come, and aim for growth on the other side.

TERMS TO KNOW

Sovereignty: God’s unlimited power and authority. God is able to control all things and accomplish whatever He pleases.

God Controls Everything

© 2021 Lifeway



WELCOME


Activity Page F “Find the Differences” activity page, 1 per child

Take it away F toy animals F tray F opaque bag


LEARN



F “God Controls Everything” video (optional)

Practice the key passage F Key Passage Marker F Key Passage Poster F “Psalm 135:6” song F index cards F string F clothespins



Missions moment F “Sharing in Mexico” missions video

LOVE




Cut and paste emotions F “Emotions” printable, 1 per child

LIVE

Herd sheep F cotton balls F container F die

Make a whirlwind F 16.9 oz bottles of water, 1 per child

F liquid dishwashing soap

F glitter, a few colors (adult use)

F duct tape

Pretend to drive in Mexico City

F “Psalm 135:6” song (optional)

F city traffic sound effects (optional)

PREPARE


© 2021 Lifeway




ACTIVITY PAGELead preschoolers to complete “Find the Differences” on the activity page.

SAY You found the differences between the two pictures. Our Bible stories these last few weeks came from the Book of Genesis. Today’s Bible story is from the Book of Job. Job is about a man named Job who learned that God controls everything. Can you point to Job in each picture?


SING “IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT”

Lead preschoolers in singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It.” If you are unfamiliar with the lyrics or tune, look them up online before the session. Sing using a variety of actions to demonstrate being happy, such as wave your hands, stomp your feet, shake a leg, nod your head, or shout “hooray.” Ask children to suggest actions.

SAY Singing happy songs is fun, but people are not happy all the time. Sometimes things happen that make us sad. In today’s Bible story, a man named Job was sad because many bad things happened to him. Listen to the story to find out how God helped Job.

TAKE IT AWAY

Place a variety of toy animals on a tray then give preschoolers time to study them. Instruct children to turn around while you put one animal in a bag. Invite children to turn back around and determine which animal was taken. Consider allowing children to take turns taking away an animal. For the final round, take away all the animals.

SAY At the end of our game, all the animals were taken away. In today’s Bible story, all the animals a man named Job owned were taken away by robbers! How terrible! Sadly, even more terrible things happened to Job. Listen to the story to hear how God helped Job.

TRANSITION TO LEARNGain children’s attention by showing the countdown video, turning the lights off and on, or clapping a simple rhythm for children to copy. Sing “If you’re happy and you know it, follow me,” as children transition to Learn. End, singing “If you’re happy and you know it, sit down.”

WELCOME

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LEARN


LEARN LEARN the Bible StoryINTRODUCE THE BIBLE STORYInstruct children to look at your face as you slowly pass your hand up and down over your mouth. When you move your hand up, make a smiling face. When you move your hand down, make a sad face.

SAY Can you move your hand over your mouth and then make a smiling face like me? What are some things that make you happy? Now, let’s move our hand down over our mouth and make a sad face. What are some things that make you sad? In today’s Bible story, many sad things happened, but later, some happy things happened. Listen to the story to find out whom these sad and happy things happened to.

LEARN ABOUT THE BIBLEPlace a bookmark at Job 1 in your Bible. Invite a preschooler to open it. Reverently display the open Bible.

SAY God gave us the Bible because He wanted us to know Him and His truth. Everything in the Bible is true. The last several weeks, we’ve been learning from the Book of Genesis that God is in control of everything. That’s a big, important idea that we want to understand. To help us do that, we are going to hear the story of a man named Job. Job learned that God is in control of everything. Job’s story is in the Book of Job in the Old Testament part of the Bible, but Job likely lived at the same time as the Bible stories we have been hearing from Genesis happened.



GOD CONTROLS EVERYTHING Job (JOHB) loved God. He wanted to follow God’s plan and do what is right. One

day, God’s enemy, Satan, said to God, “Job only follows You because You bless him. If You take away everything Job has, he won’t follow You anymore.”

So God gave Satan permission to take away everything Job had, but Satan was not allowed to hurt Job. Sad things began to happen to Job, and Job did not know why. Robbers stole the animals on his farm. Job’s children died in a storm, and Job became sick with bad sores all over his body. Job felt terrible! But He still followed God.

Three friends visited Job. They told Job to obey God and tell Him he was sorry for doing wrong things. They said God was punishing Job for his sin.

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LEARN


“But I did not do anything wrong,” Job said. Job was tired and angry. Had God made a mistake? “I wish I could ask God some questions and prove to Him that I have done what is right,” he said.

Another friend came along. His name was Elihu (ih LIGH hyoo). Elihu explained, “God is greater than people. He always does what is right.”

Then God came in a whirlwind to talk to Job. God asked Job a lot of questions: “Where were you when I created the earth? Can you measure how big it is? Can you send out lightning bolts? Do you make horses strong? Does an eagle build its nest where you say?”

Job did not completely understand God’s plans, but he trusted God. God is mighty and strong and wise. Job was sorry for doubting God. God healed Job, and Job lived a long, happy life.

CHRIST CONNECTION

SAY The story of Job reminds us of Jesus. Jesus is the only person who never sinned, but He suffered to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus comforts us when we suffer, and we can trust Him.


SAY I felt sad for Job. He lost everything. He wondered why God would allow all those bad things to happen. Job’s friends were not much help either. They told him that God was punishing him for his sins, but that was not true and only made Job feel worse. Job’s friend Elihu reminded Job that God is great and always does what is right.

But Job still had so many questions. Why? Why? Why were all the bad things happening? Have you ever asked God why something bad happened? I have.

Bad things happen to all of us sometimes. We may not know why they happen, but we can know that God is great, and He is in control. Even though Job did not understand God’s plans, he still trusted God. At the end of the story, God healed Job and gave him a long, happy life. God is good!

This story reminds me of Jesus. Jesus never did anything wrong, but bad things happened to Him. He suffered and died on the cross to take the punishment for the things we do wrong. Jesus knows what it is like to suffer, so He can comfort us when we suffer. We can always trust God because God is good all the time.

PRACTICE THE KEY PASSAGEPlace the key passage marker at Psalm 135:6. Invite a child to open your Bible to the key passage. Read the key passage aloud. Write each word of the key passage on individual index cards. Hang a string. Use clothespins to clip the cards in order to the string. Recite the verse with the children, pointing to each word as you say it. Invite a child to come up and “steal” away a word.

STORYTELLING TIPSInvite a guest: Invite a male guest to dress in Bible times clothing and tell the Bible story as a monologue from Job’s perspective.

Answer the questions: When you come to the part of the Bible story where God asks Job questions, prompt preschoolers to answer the questions to emphasize that God is greater than people.

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LEARN


Repeat until all the cards are taken and children are saying the key passage from memory. Challenge older preschoolers to clip the words back onto the clothesline in order. Offer assistance as needed.

SAY Our key passage reminds us that God is in control of everything. He does whatever He pleases. We don’t need to worry because God is good and does what is right. He has power over everything. Even when God allows bad things to happen, we can know He is still working His good plan. Like Job, we can trust God always. Let’s sing a song of praise to Him.



SAY This is the last week for our big picture question. Who is in control of everything? I think you already know the answer. Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything. In today’s Bible story everything felt out of control for Job. Robbers stole all his animals, and he became very sick. Even though Job did not understand why all the bad things were happening, God was in control. Job trusted God and God restored Job’s life. When we suffer, we can turn to Jesus to comfort us. Jesus knows what it is like to suffer. He died on the cross to take the punishment for our sin. When we trust in Jesus, He will restore our lives by giving us life with God forever.

MISSIONS MOMENT

SAY Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world. A small team of missionaries is working to share the good news of Jesus with the people who live there. Knowing there are so many people in the city who need to hear about Jesus can be overwhelming, but these missionaries trust that God is in control. Let’s listen to how God is working in Mexico City.

Play “Sharing in Mexico” missions video. Then pray that more and more people in Mexico City will choose to follow Jesus and tell others about Him.

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LOVE



SAY God, we trust You no matter what happens in our lives. We know that You are great and always in control. We are glad You restored Job’s life. Please help us and comfort us when we suffer. Thank You for sending Jesus to take our punishment and rescue us from sin. We love you! Amen.




SAY How can we be good friends to those who are suffering?


CUT AND PASTE EMOTIONSPrint a copy of “Emotions” for each preschooler. Point to the emotion emojis. Ask preschoolers to guess which emotion each emoji represents. Some readers may be able to read the emotions listed below the emoji. Then say each emotion as you point to the emoji. Show preschoolers the page with the blank circles. Read the top of the page. Invite preschoolers to cut out any emojis they wish and glue them in the blank circles on their papers. As preschoolers work, ask them when was the last time they felt that emotion. Brainstorm together how they can trust God when they feel that emotion. Be sensitive to preschoolers emotions and what they share. Be sure to follow local laws and ministry policies concerning any report or suspicion of abuse or neglect.

SAY Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything. Since God is in control of everything, we can trust Him when we feel happy, sad, mad, discouraged, surprised, tired, silly, excited, or scared—all our emotions. Emotions are a good gift from God. God wants us to feel all our emotions and talk to Him about them. Job talked to God about how he felt. Job’s story reminds us of Jesus. Jesus is the only person who never sinned, but He suffered to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus comforts us when we suffer, and we can trust Him.

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LIVE



TRUST AND FOLLOW Form a single file line. Guide preschoolers to place their hands on the shoulder of the child in front of them. Instruct the child at the front of the line slowly and safely to lead the children around the room while the children stay connected. After a short time, direct the child in front to move to the back of the line. Continue playing until each child has a chance to be the leader.

SAY Walking around the room connected together was fun! We had to trust the person leading us. In our Bible story, Job had to trust God who is in control. Trusting is easy when playing a game, but trusting when bad things happen can be very hard. We may wonder why God allowed the bad things to happen. Job wanted to keep trusting God. We can always trust God too. God is in control of everything and sent His own Son to take the punishment for our sin. He loves you so much!

HERD SHEEP Place a container of cotton balls on a table. Invite a child to roll a die and take the number of sheep from the container that coincides with the number on the die. Continue, allowing each child to roll the die. After two or three rounds, announce that during the next round children must put back the number of sheep that coincides with the number they roll. Alternate rounds of adding and taking away sheep. When time runs out or interest wanes, declare the child with the largest herd the winner.

SAY How did it feel when sheep were taken away from your herd? In today’s Bible story, all of Job’s sheep and all of Job’s other farm animals were stolen by robbers. Lots of other bad things happened to Job as well. Even though Job was sad, he wanted to keep trusting God. The story of Job reminds us of Jesus. Jesus is the only person who never sinned, but He suffered to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus comforts us when we suffer, and we can trust Him.

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MAKE A WHIRLWIND Give each preschooler a 16.9-ounce bottle of water, the smoother the bottle, the better. Help preschoolers remove the label, open the bottle, and pour out an inch or two of water. You may wish to pour out the inch or two of water before the session. Help each preschooler drip a drop or two of liquid dishwashing soap in her bottle. Allow children to choose a color of glitter. Sprinkle about a teaspoon of glitter in each child’s bottle. Tightly seal each child’s bottle and reinforce the seal with duct tape. Show children how to move their bottles in a circular motion to create a whirlwind inside.

SAY You made a whirlwind in a bottle. God came in a whirlwind to talk to Job. God asked Job a lot of questions: Where were you when I created the earth? Can you measure how big it is? Can you send out lightning bolts? Do you make horses strong? Does an eagle build its nest where you say? I have a question for you: Who is in control of everything? [Allow responses.] God is in control of everything. We can trust God even when bad things happen because He is in control

PRETEND TO DRIVE IN MEXICO CITY Invite preschoolers to pretend to drive cars around the room. Consider playing music or city traffic sounds. Ask where they are driving their cars as they play. Tell preschoolers that when you say, “Time for church!” and hold up a Bible, preschoolers should drive their cars to you. Hold up the Bible and say “Time for church!” several times at random. When children are gathered around you, point out Mexico City and your church’s location on a map. Pray for the people and missionaries in Mexico City.

SAY We pretended to drive cars in Mexico City. Mexico City is one of the world’s biggest cities. It is very busy! Missionaries live in Mexico City. They are starting churches that teach people the Bible. We want people in Mexico City to know about Jesus and go to church to learn about Him.


God Controls Everything | 135© 2021 Lifeway

UNIT 1 | SESSION 1 GOD CREATED THE WORLD

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Transcript of UNIT 1 | SESSION 1 GOD CREATED THE WORLD