In step

[RiverOL]

Christians are a lot like M&Ms!

3 Things about M&Ms:
1 - M&Ms are marked with an "m"
First of all, Christians are marked or sealed with the Holy Spirit of God.

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

But we are also marked for a purpose and focus. We're marked for ministry!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

2 - M&Ms come in a variety of colors
God has created each of us unique in many ways too. Although we are all called to ministry, we each are uniquely gifted, have different backgrounds, different personalities, etc.

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." 1Corinthians 12:4-6

Think about it, we vary in our colors too: Some are RED - they are red hot and bold, competitive. Some are BLUE - calm, dependable, solid. Some are YELLOW - friendly, positive, creative, encouraging. Some are GREEN - analytical, organized, practical, decisive. Some are ORANGE - assertive, outgoing, assertive. Some are BROWN - warm, inviting, trustworthy, wholesome.

God has His way of blending our background, personality, & spiritual gifts into unique, individual ministers for His Kingdom!

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3 - M&Ms are filled with chocolate - the best part!
Christians are filled with God's love!

M&M candies can teach us object lessons on the Gospel:

Just as M&Ms are all different looking on the outside with their various colors, so God has created us each unique and different.

Like an M&M, although we may all look different, we are all created to be filled. M&Ms are filled with chocolate - yum! We are made to be filled with God's love - even better! Without the chocolate, an M&M is just a fragile shell with really no taste. Even so, we, without God's love, are fragile and empty too.

1 John 4:9-16 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."

Also, because of how M&Ms are made, they are easily shared with others. God's love is made to be shared through sharing the Gospel - the Good News of Jesus Christ!

1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us."

 

[RiverOL]

PeoPle are a lot like M&Ms & Skittles!

Topic: God created us beautifully different on the outside but all special to Him

Object Lesson Title: Different Yet the Same

Object: M&Ms Candy or Skittles

Bible Verses: Psalm 139:14, 1 John 4:9-16, 1 John 4:19

Key Takeaway: We should see all our different skin colors and tones as part of God's creativity and beauty while remembering we each are special to God and created to be filled with His love.



Candy Object Lesson
Hold up a clear jar filled with either M&Ms or Skittles. Ask students which of the colors is their favorite. Get several answers and then ask if "Jon's" choice of color is better than "Amy's". Ask does the yellow taste better than the green?

We know that although these candies are different colors on the outside, they are the same yummy sweetness on the inside.

God has created each of us unique in many ways too.

One way is that we look different on the outside. Have students compare the color of their arms. No matter what color people may call us, there are so many shades of every color that we're all different, unique and special!

We LOOK different in other ways too!!!:

* Have those with brown eyes stand. Everyone sit.

* Those with curly hair stand. Everyone sit.

* Those with earlobes attached at the bottom stand. Everyone with sit.

* Those who can curl or roll their tongue stand. Everyone sit.

* Those with dimples stand. Everyone sit.

* Those who are left-handed stand. Everyone sit.

* Those who have freckles stand. Everyone sit.

* Those whose hairline on their forehead makes a point or widow’s peak stand. Everyone sit.



There is no one exactly like you! You are unique & special!

Have students open their Bibles to the verse for the week Psalm 139:14 –



“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”



Remind students that the book of Psalms is near the center of their Bible and actually a book of songs. Psalm 139 was written by David.

In verse 14 David points out that we have been made – “wonderfully” – the Hebrew word there ‘Pala’ (paw-law) translated means “to distinguish, put a difference, show marvelous, separate, set apart, sever, make wonderfully”.

David realized God had made him unique…different…even maybe a little “weird”!, and that was a wonderful thing! There is and never has been nor ever will be another me…another you! God never makes a duplicate! Even twins have differences!

Just as M&Ms & Skittles are all different looking on the outside with their various colors, so God has created us each unique and special.

We may all be different in a variety of ways, but one way we are the same is that we were all created to be filled. M&Ms are filled with chocolate - yum! Skittles are filled with sugary sweetness! And we are made to be filled with God's love - even better! Without the chocolate, an M&M is just a fragile shell with really no taste. Even so, we, without God's love, are fragile and empty too.

1 John 4:9-16 "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."

Also, because of how M&Ms & Skittles are made, they are easily shared with others. God's love is made to be shared through sharing the Gospel - the Good News of Jesus Christ!

1 John 4:19 "We love because he first loved us."

 

[RiverOL]

What is FAith?
An Object Lesson & More
An object lesson can make the difficult concept of faith more understandable for kids as well as adults. Here are a couple I have used personally along with a great true story that is fun to tell!

What is faith? The Bible says -


“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.”

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

Hebrews 11:1,6

Topic: Faith

Title: Faith is Not Blind

Object: Blindfold

Focal Scripture: Hebrews 11:1,6

Key Take Away: Faith believes God & acts on it. The result is fully trusting & obeying God.

Faith Object lesson - Faith is Not Blind
I developed this object lesson when I was teaching a group of third-sixth graders about the shield of faith in the Armor of God Series a few years ago. It's a great way to demonstrate that faith is action based on our trust in God.

Ask for a volunteer of someone who says they trust you.

Blindfold them, spin them around a few times, and then tell them to trust you by doing what you tell them to do. Give them simple instructions to walk around the room without running into anything.

Without them knowing, place a chair in the center of the room. Give them instructions to the chair so that they are standing in front of it in a position to sit, but don’t tell them the chair is there. Ask them to sit down without reaching or feeling, but just by trusting it is okay to sit because you told them to.

Explain that even though we may not be able to see God or how things are going to work out, we can trust Him because He can see all and knows all and only wants what is best for us!

Go on to explain that even though they were blindfolded, their faith or trust was not blind. It was based on what they knew about you; they knew and believed you to be trustworthy.

This object lesson shows that in the same way, faith in God is not blind faith, it is based on knowing Him. That begins with knowing about Him as we learn His Word, but it becomes more than belief when we act on that belief by trusting in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

Continuing to spend time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study is so important. We know God better and better as we spend time with Him; it's the same as when we spend time with anyone else and they prove themselves trustworthy.

Faith is not blind.

Faith Object Lesson #2 - Faith Fall
Another interactive object lesson I have used many times as a quick way to illustrate faith is more than just saying you believe is the Faith Fall.

Again, ask for a volunteer and have them stand about three feet in front of you with their back to you. Ask them if they trust you to catch them. Then have them put that belief into action by leaning back and falling towards you to be caught.

Again, this simple object lesson teaches that faith is more than just saying you believe, it is belief put into action. And that faith is placed in the One we trust - Jesus Christ.

CHarles Blondin Story
Charles Blondin was a tightrope walker who lived from 1824-1897. The story is told that he walked across a rope stretched across Niagara Falls carrying or pushing various objects, one being a wheelbarrow. At last he asked if anyone would get in the wheelbarrow; talk about an act of faith! This is a great story object lesson to tell or act out and teach about faith.

Strengthening our Faith
The more we trust God seeing His faithfulness, the stronger our faith becomes. Satan always tries to shoot fiery darts of fire at us. We should always turn to God's Word in those times to remind us of His Truth.

A Few Doubt Extinguishers:

Pass out the “Doubt Extinguishers” matching sheet and have students work in teams to look up Scriptures and match them to the correct doubt or pin them to a board and let them choose the correct match. Review & discuss.

• “Is God really with me?” -

Hebrews 13:5 – “Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.”

James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

Psalm 145:18-19 “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.”( * could also match to prayer question.)

• “Does God really have a plan for my life?” –

Jeremiah 29:11-13 - “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'”

Psalm 139:16 – “Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.”

• “Does God really hear me when I pray?” –

Proverbs 15:29 “The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.”

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 – “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.”

• “Will God really forgive me?”

1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Acts 3:19 –“Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord”

• “Does God really love me?

Romans 5:8 - “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 8:37-39 – “No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that not even death or life, angels or rulers, things present or things to come, hostile powers, height or depth, or any other created thing will have the power to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!”





Faith Take Away: The better we know God, the more we trust Him & the less we doubt.

 

[RiverOL]

Humble yourselves . . . under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you—1 Peter 5:6

Building community in the social context—in the context of our friendships—means reworking existing friendships into authentic friendships. It means dismantling false images, the ones we’ve worked so hard to construct. It means humbling ourselves in front of our friends by showing them our undisguised, unguarded brokenness—our flaws and failures, our mistakes and fears. Hard stuff, no question. What’s even harder, though, is that doing this often requires that we go first. You see, authenticity is counterculture. Look around. Few people live in authentic friendship. And so, when and if we choose to, we’re likely to be out in front, all alone . . . for a time, at least. So why then? Why would we do it? Well, it’s only through authenticity that transformation-to-Christlikeness happens. It certainly doesn’t happen when we’re hiding, impersonating, posturing. It just doesn’t. It’s the way we come into the character of Jesus Christ. And, it’s the way we help our friends to, as well. You see, while very few of us men are willing to go first, most of us will follow those who do: “If he can do it . . .” So, when one of us steels himself and humbles himself, others follow. Going first is, therefore, both holy and heroic. Going first puts us squarely at the front of God’s offensive: healing the brokenhearted and setting the captives free (Luke 4:18).

Okay, so what do we do? Someone must go first. Somebody always does. Be courageous. Pray boldly, brother: “If someone must, let it be me.” Among your group of friends, be that guy. It’ll be scary, sure. It might not go really well. But, that’s okay. We men are built for this kind of stuff. We’d wither without opposition. And it’s all worth it. This can be some of the most important work we’ll ever do.

 

[RiverOL]

Object Lessons for Preschoolers - Forgiveness

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Photo by Silvia Trigo from Pexels

Jesus often taught with parables. Bible object lessons are similar in that they take an earthly object like a sponge, penny or mirror and use it to teach a spiritual lesson like how we can know God is near even though we can't see Him.

Toddlers and preschoolers are like little sponges ready to soak up learning from their environments. Why not connect God's world around them with God's Word to help them be able to say - "I spy God!"



Object Lessons #3 - Made New!
Lesson Title: Made New!

Object: Mirror

Bible Verses: Genesis 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Main Point: Help preschoolers understand sin has messed up how we look to God; only God can forgive and clean us so we look new again.




"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Genesis 1:27
" If anyone belongs to Christ, then he is made new. The old things have gone; everything is made new!
2 Corinthians 5:17

Show preschoolers a clean mirror. Let each one look at themselves in the mirror as you ask them - "Who do you see?" Take time to make silly faces in the mirror.

Explain that a mirror can show us what we look like. It shows our reflection.

In the beginning God created us to be His reflection. We were made to look and be like God.

Take a wet erase marker and scribble all over the mirror until they can't see themselves. Ask if that was a good thing or a bad thing to do. Hopefully they say bad! Explain it was a bad thing; the Bible calls bad things we do - sin. The scribbling made it where we can't see ourselves in the mirror. Sin or the bad things we do or say makes it where God can't see Himself in us either.

Give them a dry paper towel and see if they can clean the mirror. We can't clean ourselves. Spray water on the mirror (you may even want to write JESUS on your bottle). Tell them that only God can clean us up and make us new. This is called forgiveness. Jesus came to earth to live a perfect life never doing or saying anything bad so He could die on a cross so we could have this forgiveness.

Have the kids help you clean the mirror while repeating, "God can make me new!"

 

[RiverOL]

Salvation Object Lesson
This Christian object lesson uses money to demonstrate how salvation through Jesus Christ is a free gift God offers; all we have to do is receive it!

• Topic: Salvation
• Object Lesson Title: Receive the Gift
• Object: Money
• Bible Verses: Ephesians 2:8-10
• Key Takeaway: God's salvation through Jesus Christ is a free gift; it is not based on our works.

Ephesians 2:8-10 - "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them."

Christian Object Lesson:

Demonstrate:
I normally use a five-dollar bill for this lesson, but for younger children you could just use a one-dollar bill or for teens you may want to use a ten or twenty. It depends on the effect you want!

Pull the money out and talk about how it is your money and how you came about having it whether you earned it or it was given to you as a gift. Whatever the case may be, it belongs to you.

Ask students what they would do if they had the amount of money you are showing them commenting on what you think of each idea.

Begin reading Ephesians 2:8-10. Ask what it means for something to be a free gift. Allow time for answers, and then comment - "So if I wanted to give this money away and offered it as a free gift to anyone who wanted it, they could come and take it for their own without working or doing anything for it except to just receive it?"

Continue making similar comments while waving the money around until someone gets up and comes and receives the money as their own.


Teach:
Ask if the person had to do anything for the money to be theirs.

Some may comment, "no," but the answer is yes!

They had to actively receive it. The money was offered to anyone that would come and take it. Any one of them could have received it as a free gift; so why didn't they?

God offers us His gift of eternal life, salvation & rescue from sin through Jesus' death on the cross; why don't some people get saved then?

Allow students to discuss the reasons; then point out that although salvation is a free gift God offers, He does not force us to accept it. He has given us free will to choose to receive His gift of love and a relationship with Him...or not.

We all know John 3:16; let's quote it. How many of us know John 3:17-18 though?

It goes on to say - "For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God."

Only one person got the money. It was not automatic though just because it was offered. They had to choose to get up and actively receive it. Everyone else still made a choice...the rest of you chose not to receive it. Everyone had the opportunity.

A free gift cannot be forced and remain a free gift. Love can be given, but cannot be forced to be returned. It is a choice, an act of our will. God has offered, but He gives us the choice to receive Him or not.

Read Ephesians 2:8-10 again and ask which comes first the word "faith" or the word "works".

Draw a simple train engine with a couple of train cars behind it.

Write the word "FAITH" on the engine and "WORKS" on the train cars. Just as the train cars do not come first and pull the engine, our works are not what initiates faith. Both grace and faith are part of God's free gift that He first offers. Once we have received it, salvation is ours. And because we have received it, then good works follow because of God in us and at work in our lives!

Remind students the next time they see or use money to remember this object lesson of how salvation is God's gift we receive through faith.

Pray
Give students time to sit quietly without looking around and contemplate if they have received God's free gift of salvation, and if not, then why not.

Close in prayer thanking God for providing salvation as a free gift. Thank Him for sending Jesus to die and pay the price for that gift which saves us from the penalty of sin because we cannot in and of our own works and effort.

 

[RiverOL]

A Christian Object Lesson - "Image of God"
Use this Christian object lesson to teach how we are not only created in God's image, but our lives should also reflect His image each and every day.

This is an easy Bible children's talk that can be used in Children's Church, as a children's sermon, or for any children's ministry purpose. I used it for a devotion for our Upward Basketball games. It could also be used during Awana council time.

Also, try these other great Bible object lessons!

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Object Lesson:

Object: Digital camera or photo and a small mirror



Scriptures: Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created Him; male and female He created them."

2 Cor. 3:18 tells us: "And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us,we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more.



The Bible tells us in Genesis 1:27 - "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Ask if anyone knows what an "image" is. Accept varied answers and comment positively on them so kids will continue to participate.

Have the following definition to summarize and clarify the meaning of "image."

The dictionary gives this definition: "a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured, or otherwise made visible."

Take a picture of someone in the group with a digital camera or bring a photo of someone most everyone will recognize like a famous person.

Ask them if the photo or "image" is actually that person. Of course it's not. The image can't speak, think, etc., but it does show a lot about the person and what they are like.

In the same way, we are created in the "image of God." We are NOT God, but created to be like Him and reflect what He is like.

God created us in His image to be perfect, but just like a computer can "warp" or change an image until you can't recognize the person in the photo, so sin warped the image of God in us.

God, however, sent His perfect image, Jesus Christ, to restore God's image in us as we accept Him as our Savior and Lord.



The dictionary gives this definition: "a physical likeness or representation of a person, animal, or thing, photographed, painted, sculptured, or otherwise made visible."











Take a picture of someone in the group with a digital camera or bring a photo of someone most everyone will recognize like a famous person.



Describe the person in the photo to them and ask them to guess who it is from your description. Be vague in your description such as "this person has brown hair, is a girl, & looks friendly."

When I used this Christian object lesson for a children's devotional for our Upward Basketball games, I used my digital camera to take a picture of someone actually in the room.

Then show them the photo & have them point out or name the person in the picture. Ask them how they were able to recognize them so quickly when you showed them the photo.



Christian object lesson:

Point 1: We can use words to describe Jesus, but if we can show others His image in us, they will be able to recognize Him more easily.

Point 2: How can we do this? We can be mirrors!

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Hold the mirror in three different ways while asking them if they can see their reflection.

1) Hold the mirror facing away from them. -> When we are not looking to God and learning about Him, we won't be reflecting His image either.

2) Hold the mirror facing them but covered with a piece of paper. -> There can't be anything between the mirror and our eyes. Others won't see the image of God in us either if there is something between us and Him.

3) Move the mirror all around as they try to look at their image. -> We need to take time to "be still and know that He is God." We need to daily spend time with Him in prayer & Bible study so that we will become more like Him.

2 Cor. 3:18 tells us:

"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more."

By us reflecting God's image, others will be able to recognize Him. We can use words to describe Jesus, but if others can see an image of Him in us, they will be able to recognize Him more easily. This Christian object lesson can also be easily divided into two smaller children's Bible talks. Really it's two Christian object lessons in one - one using a digital camera or photo to teach what it means to be created in the image of God and the other using a mirror to teach how we can reflect His image through our Christian lives.

 

[RiverOL]

Object Lessons for Preschoolers - Kindness

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Jesus often taught with parables. Bible object lessons are similar in that they take an earthly object like a sponge, rock or penny and use it to teach a spiritual lesson like how we can know God is near even though we can't see Him.

Toddlers and preschoolers are like little sponges ready to soak up learning from their environments. Why not connect God's world around them with God's Word to help them be able to say - "I spy God!"



Object Lessons #2 - Kindness
Lesson Title: Soft or Hard?

Object: Cotton balls and rocks

Bible Verses: Ephesians 4:32

Main Point: Help preschoolers understand kindness through object lessons. Our words and actions can be soft or hard and hurtful.




"Be kind to one another"
Ephesians 4:32

Allow kids to hold a rock in one hand and a cotton ball in the other. Ask which one is soft? Which one is hard? Which one would hurt if someone threw it at you?

Explain that our words and actions can be soft like the cotton ball and show kindness or they can be hard like a rock and hurt others.

The Bible tells us we are to be kind to one another. Have preschoolers practice saying the Bible verse along with its reference. Say it in a loud voice. Say it in a small voice. Say it in a silly voice.

Talk about soft or kind things we can say to others such as - "Thank you.", "Please.", "I love you.", etc. As the kids say kind words give them a cotton ball for each.

Let them have fun throwing the cotton balls at each other. Ask if they hurt or feel soft.

Repeat that God does not want us to throw hurtful words or actions at others like rocks; God wants us to be kind to one another.

Talk about soft or kind things we can do such as share, help, hug, etc. Have them touch each other with a cotton ball and repeat "Be kind."



Object Lessons Activities
Show preschoolers how to stretch and pull a cotton ball then glue to a piece of blue construction paper to make soft clouds. Tell them when they see the soft clouds in the sky, to remember God wants us to be kind to one another. Write the Bible verse with reference on their page.

 

[RiverOL]

Theme: God's Love for Us

Object: Math equations

Scripture: Romans 5:8; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:38-39


Christian Object Lesson:

How many of you like Math? Today we're going to have a math lesson to find out how much God loves us.

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%.

How about ACHIEVING 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula for our math object lesson that might help answer these questions:

If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K would be 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And: K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E would add up to 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E would equal 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D is 12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

Read Romans 5:8 and discuss how God loves us just the way we are. He sent Jesus to die even while we were still sinners.

Read Jeremiah 31:3 and talk about what the word "everlasting" means. God loves us with an everlasting love; it will never end.

Read Romans 8:38-39 and explain that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Disease can take away our health, sadness can take away our happiness, a thief can steal our money, but NO one can take Jesus away from us!

End in a prayer thanking God for His great love.

 

[RiverOL]

Object Lessons #1 - God is Near
Lesson Title: Seeing the Invisible

Object: Air

Bible Verses: John 4:24a, Romans 1:20a, Jeremiah 23:24b

Main Point: Help preschoolers understand that even though we can't see God, we can know He is near. And just like we need air, we also need God!




"For God is Spirit..."
John 4:24a
"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities..."
Romans 1:20a
“Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord."
Jeremiah 23:24b



Ask the kids if they can see air. Is it invisible? Have them take a deep breath and ask - "What did you just breathe?" Have them take a deep breath again and notice how their chest fills with air. Show them how to puff out their cheeks and ask them what they have in their mouth.

The Bible tells us God is Spirit; we can't see Him with our eyes, but He is everywhere. God shows us He is there through the things He has made. Air is invisible, but we know it is there. God is Spirit and therefore invisible, but He is all around us!

Blow up a balloon and ask what is filling the balloon.

Say - "We can't see air, but we know when we breathe it. We can see how it fills our chests, our mouths, and even a balloon. We can't see God, but we know He is all around us just like air."

Next have several objects preschoolers can move by blowing on them such as the blown up balloon, a pinwheel, a ping pong ball, etc. Have them blow and move each object. We can't see the air, but we see how it moves other objects such as the leaves on the trees or the flag blowing in the wind.

Again say - "We can't see God, but we know He is all around us and can see how He is at work. God makes the sun come up every morning. He makes the flowers bloom. He gives us food to eat. God is with us and helps us even though we can't see Him."

Finally show kids how to fold a single sheet of paper to make a simple fan. You can also use a piece of card stock or index card instead. Have them fan themselves. Ask if they feel the air. Another option is to use an electric fan turning it on and off as they feel the air blowing.

Say one more time - "We can't see God, but we can know He is all around us and feel Him close to us."

 

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Theme: God is very orderly and not the author of confusion; therefore, we can trust Him and have peace. This can even be seen through the beautiful symmetry fo mathematics.

Christian Object: One or all of the following math demonstrations.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:33: NIV "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace."

NAS "for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

KJV For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

[I include three different versions because they all say this so beautifully.]

Bible Lesson: There are many things of which we can be certain of each day, such as the sun rising, gravity holding us to the earth, and 2 + 2 = 4. God is the author of all. Because He is a God of order, we can trust Him and know that He is in control. This can bring great peace to our lives and can be seen through the amazing use of numbers!

Demonstrate the following: [This is REALLY cool. If you're like me, I had to get the calculator out just to see if it really works; it does!]

The Beauty of Math

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321

1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 +6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
123456 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
1234567 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
12345678 x 9 + 10 = 1111111111

9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

And how about this symmetry? Brilliant, isn't it?!

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111 = 12345678987654321

Use this Christian object lesson using math to build a discussion on how orderly the world of mathematics is. Ask students if they believe this happened by chance or accident? Explain how God is a God of order and therefore the Creator of order. There are many avenues this discussion could take you.

Although this Bible verse is dealing primarily with the order of the Church, the verse is a statement of an ultimate truth about God -

He is a God of order and not confusion.

This can be seen in His creation, in our bodies, in history, and even in mathematics. What a wonderful revelation that God even uses the world of numbers to teach us Christian object lessons about Him!

 

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Prayer Object Lesson
This simple prayer object lesson is to remind us that it makes a difference in our spiritual lives as we stay in communication with God throughout our day.

Prayer. Yes, it's something we stop and do usually bowing our head and closing our eyes before a meal, at church, before bed and in our quiet time with God, yet it is so much more! This simple object lesson shares how continual communication with God changes the quality of our spiritual lives and also renews & refreshes us as it gives us an avenue for spiritual cleansing.



Object Lesson Topic: Prayer

Title: "Take a Deep Breath"

Object: Act of breathing

Bible verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Key Takeaway: It is important for us to continually pray and remain in constant communication with God.



Object Lesson Script
Prayer is Like Breathing
Think about it....breathing is something we are constantly doing. Stop for a moment and see how long you can hold your breath.

Why couldn't you continue holding your breath?

Yes, we need to breathe to live! That's just how our bodies work.

Prayer can be a lot like breathing. Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 that we are to

"pray without ceasing."
Does this mean we are constantly walking around with our heads bowed and eyes closed?! Absolutely not! Can you imagine what would happen? That could be dangerous!

Most of the time, we're not even aware of our breathing; we don't even have to think about it. It just happens naturally. God wants us to be so aware of His presence with us that it becomes natural to communicate with Him throughout our day just like walking through the day talking with a friend.

Yes, there will be times we need to stop and catch our "spiritual" breath, but this prayer object lesson shows us it is also something we can do as we go about our day.

For example:

• We can wake up thanking God for another day to be alive. Thanking Him for the bed we slept in, the clothes we put on, etc.
• We can pray for our neighbors as we leave the house to go to school or go to the store.
• We can praise God for the beautiful sky or flowers we see as we're out and about.
• We can pray for the many people we pass, that they may come to know Jesus or for missionaries on the other side of the world!
• We can talk to God about our fear or worries, about our disappointments or excitement, about the future or the past.
• We can talk to God from our first waking moments to the time we lay our heads on the pillow asking Him to protect us and help us sleep.

Prayer is not limited by space or time!


Breathing Cleanses - Prayer Object Lesson
When we breathe, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Breathing actually cleanses our bodies!

During the next few minutes take several long deep breaths. As you breathe in ask God to fill your life, to draw you closer to Him. As you breathe out, confess to God areas of your life in which you've been disobedient to Him and ask for His forgiveness.

Just as breathing can bring cleansing to our physical bodies, so can prayer to our spiritual bodies.

Let's memorize 1 Thess. 5:17 now and let our constant breathing remind us to continually pray - talk to God. He is always with us!

A powerful prayer object lesson to take with you everywhere!



Object Lesson TakeAway:

We are able to pray as we go throughout our day staying in constant communication with God.



Prayer object Lesson Challenge

• When you first wake up - Praise our Creator
• When you shower or bathe - Ask for cleansing of your soul; confess, repent & receive forgiveness.
• When you eat - Give thanks not only for the food, but for your family, home, life, etc.
• When you go to work or school - Pray for those with whom you come into contact.

 

[RiverOL]

Object Lesson On Prayer
This Christian object lesson using a cell phone demonstrates how God has given us His personal number to call out to Him in prayer!

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Photo credit: Pixbay

Object Lesson Topic: Prayer

Title: "You've Got My Number"

Object: Cell phone

Bible verses: Romans 10:9-13; John 14:6, 13-14; Jeremiah 29:12

Key Takeaway: God desires for us to call Him anytime and anywhere. He has given us His number - J-E-S-U-S!



Object Lesson Script
Prayer is Possible
Hold up a cell phone and ask what all we can do with it. Emphasize that its main purpose was so that we can call someone.

Ask them about where and when they've used one.

Answers for where may include: in a car, outside, in the house, even on a boat. Answers for when may include: when I need information, when I need help, when I may be lost and not know directions, or when I just want to talk to someone.

Briefly relate a few instances of when you use your own cell phone.

Ask: Who are some people you wish you could call? Anyone far away? Anyone famous?

Ask: Can you just call any number to reach my cell phone? No, you must know what my phone number is.

Ask: Did you know God wants us to call Him? He even gives us His number!

Read: Romans 10:12-13

"For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

God's number is J-E-S-U-S.

Say: Just like you can't call any random number to call me, we can't just call any number and reach God. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." There is no other way to call on God except through Jesus Christ, His Son.

Jesus goes on to say in John 14:13-14 -

"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."

Once we know Jesus, we can call on God anytime and anywhere. He says in Jeremiah 29:12 -

"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."

God invites us to call Him anywhere, any time. He is always available.

Prayer involves Conversation
Ask: How do you feel when you call someone and get their voice mail? I'm usually disappointed because I called to "talk" to them. Talking to someone really involves more than talking; it involves listening too.

Prayer is the same way. We don't have to just leave God a message. He is always available to not only hear us, but also to talk to us! God does this through His Word. You may be reading your Bible and a verse or passage really "speaks" to you...that's God! Or you may be praying and a Bible verse you heard or memorized comes to your mind; that's God speaking.

Talking to someone on the phone involves more than us just talking into the phone. It involves us listening, and prayer does too! We need to be quiet and realize God wants to speak to us, but we must listen.

Object Lesson TakeAway:

This cell phone object lesson can help us remember:
We can have a phone, we can know someone's number, but until we choose to actually dial the number, we'll never reach them. It's our choice to call on God; we must act upon our choice. He's there anytime, anywhere and for anyone.

Prayer Time Practice
We use our hands & fingers to call someone on a cell phone. Today we are going to use our hands & fingers as an object lesson to help us remember what we can talk to God about in prayer.

Have each student trace their hand on a blank sheet of paper. Help them write the following words on each finger with the Scripture reference and then color as they actively pray.

1. Write - THANKS- on the thumb. Look around and always remember to thank God and give Him a big "thumbs up!" Even give thanks for the hard things knowing God can work them out for your good. (Romans 8:28) (1 Thessalonians 5:18 - "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.")
2. Write - PRAISE - on the pointing finger to remember to praise God for Who He is and what He's done and point others to Him. ( Matthew 6:9-10 “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth”)
3. Write - LEADERS - on the middle finger (the tallest) to remember to pray for those who lead, teach, help, etc. This may include parents & grandparents as well as teachers, church & political leaders, missionaries, doctors, etc. (2 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity."
4. Write - WEAK - on the ring finger. Because it is the weakest finger, it will remind you to pray for the sick, hurting or poor as well as younger siblings or friends. (Ephesians 6:18 "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,")
5. Write - ME - on the pinkie finger. Yes, God wants to hear about you! First ask Him to forgive you for ways you've disobeyed Him, then talk to Him about what's going on in your life. Yes, He already knows, but He wants to hear it from you. Share your needs, your fears, your excitement, your wants and ask Him to lead & guide you. (Matthew 6:11-13 "Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

 

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Object Lesson Topic: God has a plan we can trust.

Title: "God Holds All the Pieces"

Object: Puzzle

Bible verses: Jeremiah 29:11-13

Key Takeaway: We can trust God holds all the pieces and has a plan for our life.

Prep: Use a 24 piece puzzle to write Jeremiah 29 on the back of the pieces as in the picture above. Leave two pieces blank and remove them from the rest. Place a sheet of paper on one wall with MY WAY written and another sheet on the opposite wall with GOD'S WAY written.

Puzzle Object Lesson
"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11
Lay the pieces of the puzzle face down with the Bible verse words facing up. Ask students if they know what the picture will be when the puzzle is put together. When we buy a puzzle do we usually know what the picture will be? How? (The picture is on the box.)

God knows the whole picture of our life and He has a plan we can trust.

Have each student pick up one or two pieces of the puzzle. Hold up the verse, Jeremiah 29:11, to read together. Ask them to hold up the pieces they have when they hear them in the verse.

Read the verse out of several translations and discuss so students understand other words for welfare & calamity. Give them time to put the puzzle together using the verse.

Missing Pieces - Puzzle object lesson
When they realize there are a couple of pieces missing, ask them if the verse was still complete. The point is that God gives us free will; we make choices and sometimes they are the wrong choices, but that doesn't mean our life is ruined!

Have students look up Jeremiah 29:11-13 in their Bibles. Read out loud.

"For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

God had Jeremiah write this to His people after they had wandered away from Him and began serving other gods or idols again. The consequences of their sin would be they would be taken away into captivity in Babylon for seventy years. He wanted them to have hope though and explained to them that He still had good plans for them if they would seek Him with their whole heart, He would be found.

Explain that God's plan is the very best for us, but He knew we would mess up. Therefore, He gives us hope by letting us know we can always come back to Him. When we turn away from going the wrong way (sin) and turn back to God, we call this "repentance." We make a complete turn around from going away from God and we turn to Him and seek His face with our whole heart.

Have students line up to walk towards a wall where you have written MY WAY; have them stop, turn around, and walk in the opposite direction towards a wall you have written GOD'S WAY.

Point out that even though a couple of pieces of the puzzle were missing; the complete verse was still there. God says we can always turn back to Him. He can forgive us and give our life meaning even when we may have lost a few pieces. Hope can always be found in Him!

*This gives a great opportunity to share about turning to God for salvation also.

 

[RiverOL]

Christian Object Lessons -"God's Toolbox"


Christian object lessons can make learning so much fun! This is one that I put together for our children's chapel. It's a simple Bible lesson that could be used for children as well as youth.

I had heard our youth minister use an object lesson using tools and showing how God gives us different gifts to use for Him.

As I was preparing it though, I decided to also put some unusual tools in the toolbox to demonstrate how God not only wants to use pastors, deacons, & Sunday school teachers, but He wants to use each and every one of us in His work.

The major point of these Christian object lessons is to show that we are all God's tools and usable to Him to build up His church. Also, God has given us a variety of tools or gifts to equip us to work with Him.


Focal object:

Toolbox filled with regular tools such as hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, etc. Also, include other "tools" such as a whisk, wooden spoon, pen, ruler, and Bible.

Bible verse:

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.”

Christian object lessons:

Take out each tool and have kids tell for what job each is used.

Ask if they were surprised when you pulled out the whisk, wooden spoon, pen, and ruler. Note: Do not show the Bible until the end of the lesson.

God has many different tools in His toolbox (the Church). Each is special and has a special purpose. We wouldn’t use a whisk to hammer a nail, but a whisk is very useful in cooking.

We expected to find a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench in the toolbox. In the same way, many times we only expect God to use the pastor, deacons, elders, or Sunday school teachers. In reality, God wants to use each and everyone of us.God has created us unique and different. He wants us to use our gifts for Him.

Take each of the items out one at a time and ask children to think of ways each could be used by God and who might use such a tool. For example: the hammer may be used by a missionary, someone helping fix a roof, or a Christian construction worker; the pen may be used to write encouraging notes, write down memory verses, used by a teacher, etc.

Have them also think of other tools, gifts or abilities God has given them that they can use for His glory - ex: singing, drawing, helping others, sports, etc.

Finally pull out the Bible and explain that it is the most powerful tool that God has given to us! We must make sure we have it in our toolbox for everyday life.


Use Bible characters to point out more Christian object lessons; the following examples show how God uses many different types of people in His work. Give the clues first and see if kids can guess who they are; then read the Scripture for each.

(Peter) was a fisherman, was one of Jesus’ disciples, denied Jesus three times, was used mightily in building up the church Acts 2:38-39

(Paul) was a tentmaker, persecuted or punished Christians, met Jesus on the roadto Damascus, went on missionary journeys, wrote most of the New Testament Acts 20:7

(Dorcas/Tabitha) was a seamstress, was a believer, made clothes for the widows, died and was brought back to life by Peter Acts 9:36

(Luke) doctor, traveled on missionary journeys with Paul, wrote one of the Gospels as well as Acts Colossians 4:14

(Mary & Martha) two sisters that were homemakers, had a brother that Jesus brought back to life, one anointed Jesus before He died (John 12:1-3)

(Barnabas) encourager, stood up in defense of Paul, went on missionary journeys Acts 15:35

 

[RiverOL]

Salvation - Seeds in Need of Living Water
A seed is such a beautiful picture of salvation! Several of Jesus’ parables talk about the planting of seeds.

By itself, a seed appears to be dead, and for all basic purposes in and of itself, it is. There is no life, no growth, until….

Every seed has potential for life and potential for growth, but it is not until water is added that life and growth begin to take place!

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Think about it, you can place a seed in the sunlight, but nothing will happen. You can stick it into dry dirt, but nothing will happen. Oh these are important, but it isn’t until the seed comes into contact with water that life begins!



This is such a picture of us and salvation! We have potential for eternal life; Ecclesiastes 3:11 and Romans 1:19 both tell us God has placed it with in us. We can see and absorb the sunlight of His Word and that is important, and we can be placed with in the fertile soil of a church, but it is not until we come into contact with the Living Water, Jesus Christ, that eternal life begins!

Once our heart, soul & mind have been submerged in the life-giving blood of Christ and His forgiveness washes over us, we are changed!

Yes, then the soil of the church is important to give us support as we grow, and the sunlight of His Word is necessary to provide food for spiritual growth…but it is Jesus only, the Living Water, Who brings and sustains eternal life within us!



Salvation Bible Object Lesson

Focal Bible Verse:

John 7:37-39

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”

Items needed:

Seeds, small containers of dry soil, small ziplock bags, paper towels, water

Bible Lesson Main Idea:

Only Jesus, the Living Water, is necessary for salvation & eternal life.

Bible Lesson:

Give each student a seed; ask if the seed is alive or dead. This can be a very interesting discussion depending on their ages.



Get them to a point where they can agree that it has potential for life, but not on its on. Point out that a seed is a good illustration of salvation – new life in Christ.

We are like the seed, by ourselves we are spiritually dead, but God has put within us a desire an inner pull towards knowing Him.

* Ecc. 3:11 - “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

* Romans 1:19 - “because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.”

Ask them what a seed needs to give it life. Their answers may include sunlight, soil, water, etc.

If you are able to go outside, allow them to lay their seeds in the sunlight and ask them if they will now come to life and grow. Of course, the answer is no. Sunlight alone cannot give them life.

Have small containers of (dry) dirt/soil ready for each student. Have them place their seeds in the dirt and ask if the seeds will come to life and grow now. Again, dirt alone cannot give them life.

Ask them again what else may be needed. When they say “water”, share with them how Jesus talked about living water in our focal Bible verse John 7:37-39.

Explain that all that is really needed to give life to the seed is water. In the same way, Jesus is all that’s needed for eternal life!



The soil is like the church and important to give us support and help as we grow, but neither the church nor religion can give us eternal life.

The sunlight is like God’s Word. It shines the truth on us, and after we become believers in Jesus and have life, it helps us grow in our faith, but it alone cannot save us.



Both the soil and the sunlight are important, but they cannot take the place of the water!

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Dampen the cotton balls or paper towels and place in the ziplock bags. Draw attention to actually putting water on them. Then have students place their seeds in the bags. Tell them to tape it to a window at home and watch for the new life that will come forth remembering that the water was the necessary element in giving life to the seed. Depending on the ages of your students, you can discuss more about salvation and trusting Jesus as Lord & Savior.

I have also heard of putting the seeds in a small plastic jewelry bag with a damp cotton ball. A hole is punched in the top of the bag so that a string or yarn can be used to make it into a necklace for the kids to wear. They call them their “bean babies” and tuck the necklace under their clothes for the seeds to stay warm.

You could tie in that after Jesus comes into our life it is important for us to stay close to God’s warmth to grow. The idea of being born again could possibly be related too.



Allow them to take the containers of dirt home to replant their seeds in once they have sprouted.

*Bean seeds work well for this project.

 

[RiverOL]

Be That Guy

Humble yourselves . . . under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you—1 Peter 5:6

Building community in the social context—in the context of our friendships—means reworking existing friendships into authentic friendships. It means dismantling false images, the ones we’ve worked so hard to construct. It means humbling ourselves in front of our friends by showing them our undisguised, unguarded brokenness—our flaws and failures, our mistakes and fears. Hard stuff, no question. What’s even harder, though, is that doing this often requires that we go first. You see, authenticity is counterculture. Look around. Few people live in authentic friendship. And so, when and if we choose to, we’re likely to be out in front, all alone . . . for a time, at least. So why then? Why would we do it? Well, it’s only through authenticity that transformation-to-Christlikeness happens. It certainly doesn’t happen when we’re hiding, impersonating, posturing. It just doesn’t. It’s the way we come into the character of Jesus Christ. And, it’s the way we help our friends to, as well. You see, while very few of us men are willing to go first, most of us will follow those who do: “If he can do it . . .” So, when one of us steels himself and humbles himself, others follow. Going first is, therefore, both holy and heroic. Going first puts us squarely at the front of God’s offensive: healing the brokenhearted and setting the captives free (Luke 4:18).

Okay, so what do we do? Someone must go first. Somebody always does. Be courageous. Pray boldly, brother: “If someone must, let it be me.” Among your group of friends, be that guy. It’ll be scary, sure. It might not go really well. But, that’s okay. We men are built for this kind of stuff. We’d wither without opposition. And it’s all worth it. This can be some of the most important work we’ll ever do.

 

[RiverOL]

Beach - Free Bible Study Lessons!

Our family loves to go to the beach! These free Bible study lessons come from many of the experiences we have had as a family when God has revealed Himself in new and creative ways through sea shells, waves, sand and more!

Our prayer is that you and your family will be inspired to seek God wherever you go! And if you get to go to the beach this summer, maybe these will help!

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Shell-Seekers - Free Bible Study Lessons

One of our favorite beach activities is to look for sea shells! They don't have to be big or fancy; we love to look for the tiny creations God places there too!

Tiny But Totally Unique!

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My Crazy Life As... A Sea Shell Seeker is a short devotion Bible study lesson that one of our daughters wrote on how the tiniest of sea shells reminds her that she too is unique and a special creation of God!

What Kind of "God-seeker" are we?

It's really interesting watching other shell seekers too! There are:


Big shell-seekers- these are only watching for the "big scores" - those that can easily be seen and quickly grabbed.

Sifters - these scoop up nets filled with sand and shell pieces in hopes that there may be some whole shells they can pick out and keep.

Waders - these give it all they have! They'll wade out in the water getting their clothes wet in hopes of seeing that special illusive shell! (In our family it's the search for sand dollars!)

Micro-seekers - these stop, bend down, and really seek out the tiny treasures left along the wayside that others have missed.

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In watching all of this, it caused me to wonder - what type of "God-seekers" are we? Are we only noticing the big blessings that are obvious? Are we sorting through the pieces of life in hopes of finding a glimpse of Him? Are we willing to take risks and wade out into unknown waters? Are we stopping along the way long enough to notice the tiniest of His blessings?

Let's not miss out on Him anywhere! Let's seek Him everywhere! He want to be found!

Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."

Psalm 27:8 - "When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek."

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California. All rights reserved.

Sand dollars - Free Bible Study Lessons

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The ultimate find for us as a family is when we find a sand dollar! It doesn't happen that often, but when it does....

Last year there were mainly just tiny shells washed up on the beach, and after a period of time we settled...not really expecting to find anything else.

But then it happened...when we weren't even really looking....our favorite thing to find - a small, perfect sand dollar!

It reminded us of how God brings so many blessings in our lives even when we're not really looking or expecting them! He gives little glimpses of His love and care just because He loves us!

Don't think those special things that come along in your life are by accident! God has placed them there as reminders of His love and presence!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 NIV

If you are able to find a sand dollar or if you can buy one at a beach sea shell shop, spend some time with your family reading the Legend of the Sand Dollar Story free Bible study lessons and remembering all Christ has done for us!

Waves of Faith - Free Bible Study Lessons

The waves at the beach are so rhythmic and relaxing. There are also many free Bible study lessons they can teach us!

Forgiveness

Write something in the wet sand before the tide comes in. (Make sure you don't write it too high in the sand where the waves won't reach it!) You could have your kids write something they are sorry for, a mistake they made, or other sins. This would be fun to do in the evening before going to bed. After they're ready for bed, read the following Bible verses to them and talk about God's forgiveness.

1 John 1:7-9
"But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Hebrews 8:12
"For I will be merciful to their wrongdoing, and I will never again remember their sins. "

Take time and show them how David prayed in Psalm 51 for God to wash his sins away.

In the morning let them go check and see if their writing is still there! Hopefully the tides have come in and they're all washed away, thereby teaching them how God washes our sin away so that He sees it no more!



Grace

Watch the waves and notice how consistent and constant they are. The waves of the ocean can teach us wonderful lessons about God's grace.

Many times it helps me to read a single verse from several different Bible translations. Each translation may vary in the mechanics, but each brings a fuller meaning to God's Word.

John 1:16 reads as follows in the following translations:

New International Version
"Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given."

New Living Translation
"From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another."

English Standard Version
"For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."

New American Standard Bible
"For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace."

King James Bible
"And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."

Holman Christian Standard Bible
"Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness,"

Just as the oceans splashes upon the shore with wave upon wave, so out of God's fullness He sends grace upon grace. His grace never stops in our lives, but is truly sufficient for each moment.

2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses ..."

May the waves remind you and your family of God's constant provision and presence. As you watch the waves come in, whisper to yourself, "Grace upon grace" and let God' Truth fill you.

Beach Sunsets - Free Bible Study Lessons

Sunsets at the beach are absolutely spectacular! We are in awe of the many colors God paints across the sky! And they can also teach us free Bible study lessons for our family!

One night as the colors were fading and the darkness was taking over, I was commenting that it was sad they were gone. One of our sons spoke up though and noted that the dusk has to succumb to the darkness so that the stars can come out and shine!

What a thought! It made me think of the darkness of our world, but yet even in the darkness God causes His stars to shine! The beauty of the sunset fades to darkness so His stars can shine brighter. Yet the darkness won't be forever...for the Son will come again!

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" Ephesians 5:8


"In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works & give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

So no matter where you are in this world or in life, let the sunsets remind you that God wants to use us to shine His light, His love, His life into this dark world around us! But also let it bring you hope - for the darkness WILL succumb to the Light - the Son's coming again! Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Let's shine His light in the world He's placed us!

Take time with your family to watch the sunset and wait for the stars to appear one night to have these free Bible study lessons discussion with your kids!

Footprints in the Sand - Free Bible Study Lessons

Walks on the beach happen daily for our family when we are there on vacation! When my children were little, they would try to walk in there Daddy's footprints; it took a little stretch for their small legs! These days I find myself walking behind my children and placing my feet in their footprints.

Jesus has left us footprints to follow too. Yes, it's a stretch for us to walk in His ways, but He graciously makes it possible by giving us His Holy Spirit. Once we accept Jesus into our lives, we are never alone again. He is before us, beside us, behind us, and in us to help us follow His steps!

Before & Beside - Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Behind - Psalm 139:5 "You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me."

In - Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."


Have your family try to walk in each others' footprints. As you do, let it remind each of these truths about following Jesus and His promised presence with us.

 

[RiverOL]

SIN

Main Point: God will forgive us when we go to Him and admit we are wrong when we sin.

Object: chalkboard/dry erase board and eraser

Scripture: 1 John 1:9 " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Bible Object lesson:
Write a misspelled word on the board that children will recognize as being spelled incorrectly. You may even want to write a complete sentence while misspelling a single word. Begin talking about a subject and allow time for the children to spot the misspelled word.

When someone does notice it, first pretend that you just don't see what they're talking about.

Next argue that it is the correct spelling; have someone look it up in a dictionary.

After discovering that it is spelled wrong, then tell them that's just the way you want to spell it. Let them argue their point.

Next agree that it is spelled wrong, but just cover it up with a piece of paper or your hand.

Finally ask them what they would have you do about it. Hopefully they'll say, "Erase it and write it correctly!"

Explain that these are the same ways people treat sin in their lives:

• * First - we pretend we don't see it.
  * Second - we argue that it's right.
  * Third - we decide we don't care what the rules say; we're going to do it our way anyway.
  * Fourth - we agree it's wrong, but just try to cover it up.

Explain there is a big difference in a mistake and a sin. A mistake is unintentional; we don't mean to do it, and when we recognize it as a mistake we try to correct it. A mistake may cause us to say "oops", but it does not cause us to feel guilty.

A sin, however, whether it is intentional or not, causes guilt.

God wants to erase our sin for us. First we must see that sin is wrong, agree with God that it's wrong, turn away from it to make it right, and ask God to forgive us or erase it.

1 John 1:9 declares: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

 

[RiverOL]

What’s This “Margin” Thing?

I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes—Job 3:26

Men are drawn toward extremes. We’re wired to want to explore the edges of things. Going to extremes can be good, of course. In most situations, though, it’s a hazardous practice. Prevailing culture tells us, “work longer hours;” “sleep less;” “spend more money and stretch to a better lifestyle.” Such messages are harmful and aren’t from God. He didn’t design us to live (for sustained periods, at least) with extreme calendars, extreme finances, extreme approaches to work or physical health, or extreme pastimes/interests. God designed us to have margin. Margin is the amount of time, money, whatever, we hold back—in order to maintain productivity, stability, integrity. “Calendar margin” means reserving time for rest, for solitude, for other people. “Financial margin” means living within our means, even changing our lifestyles, if necessary. “Work margin” means focusing on what we’re made to do, and excluding the things we aren’t. Margin is a gift. While we can convince ourselves that there are valuable things in extremes (more status, more comfort), there are things much more valuable in margin: relationships, restoration, joy, peace. These are vital inputs to healthy, productive lives, and things we must have in sufficient quantities if we’re going to overflow love and provide protection to others. We care for others by caring of ourselves. That’s true masculinity—not some put-on, fear-driven, self-centered counterfeit.

Okay, so what do we do? What’s the culture of your city or your workplace? What’s it calling you to? Hurry? Worry? Stress? God’s calling you to a life of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Can you admit you’re built for these, built for margin? Now, can you make the wrenching, practical decisions that’ll conform your life to God’s design, not the world’s? Commit today, brother, to one concrete, measurable change.