The Biblical Path of Life

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  • Lesson 9: Five Major Prophets: Isaiah – Daniel

    Key Verse

    “Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.”  Amos 5:14

    The word seek means “to search”.   We must seek good things in this world, not evil.  In our lesson today, we find that God’s people had quit seeking good and were continually doing evil.  Remember, God spoke to His people through prophets many years ago.  God sent his prophets to tell the people to seek God and follow His commands.

    If you think about it, the prophets had a fascinating role in history.  God sent His prophets to tell the people to seek God and follow His commands.  They were entrusted with God’s Words to be delivered to the people.  Exposing the sins of the people and revealing the need for repentance (turning a humble heart back to God), took much courage.  Although it was a difficult task, we see faithful men accomplish what God asked of them.  Even when the people refused to listen at the time, we see God working to fulfill His plan.  As students of the Bible, we should never be afraid to study the words written in the books of prophecy.  Remember, the prophets also reminded the people that the Promised One (Jesus) would come.  Take note:  God knew and chose these men.

    Keep in mind that much of the prophets’ message was to “seek good, and not evil.”  Seek means “to search”.   We must continue to seek good and learn to always obey God’s commands.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 9 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 9 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.

    Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament (may be downloaded from lesson 4 blog). Review the books of the Major Prophets (showing them on the poster).  You may have them draw a picture of their favorite event from the books of the Major Prophets.  Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on putting the books of the Major Prophets in order for today’s lesson.

    Because Daniel’s life is such a popular event in the Bible, you may find some Daniel stickers to work on.  Or you may find a coloring picture that fits today’s lesson.  There are many free coloring sheets online.  Just type in a favorite and search away!

     

    Mural idea: 

    On the wall you have chosen in your classroom to become a huge mural:  For this week, have them each choose a Major Prophet.  Have them write a few things that they learned that helps identify them from the other prophets.  Encourage them to include the time God called them to become a spokesman for God.  Have them look for opportunities that God places before them (especially this week) to be a voice for God in this world.

    Continue having them bring a picture, a news article, a poem they have written, a picture they may have drawn, etc. of something that is relevant to each of the following week’s lessons.  Encourage everyone to participate.  Watch as it grows weekly, as they express what God is revealing to them through our study of how the Bible fits into His plan to help us become more like Him.

    Large OT Bible Bookshelf Puzzle

  • Lesson 8: Seventeen Prophetic Books: Isaiah – Malachi

    Key Verse

    “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”  Matthew 13:35

    Have you ever been told a secret?  Did you want to keep it a secret, or tell someone else?  Secrets are hard to keep, yet the most important “secret” ever is not shared near enough.  God had secrets, and He told many of them to His people.  We can know those secrets today if we will just read His Word.  In this lesson we will begin to look at the prophets and see that they revealed secrets that had been “kept secret from the foundation of the world.”  At first we will just become familiar with who they are.  In the future, we will study them deeper.  Notice: God wanted us to understand the “mysteries” or “secrets” of the Old Testament.  He wanted us to realize that it all centered on the coming of Jesus, God’s Son.  Romans 16:25-26:  “25. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:”

    When God’s people were in sin and rebellion, God would send a prophet to speak His words to the people.  The word prophet means “one who speaks in place of another.”  Often, they would say, “Thus saith the Lord.”  Many times they brought a message to the people warning of the chastisement that was to come if the people did not repent and turn their hearts back to God and His commands.  Their primary job was not to foretell the future, although at times they did.  Prophets were usually unpopular in the land.

    This lesson is just an introduction to the prophets, to become familiar with the names and in which books of the Bible the events of the prophets’ lives are found (when they prophesied).  Just because they are listed at the back of the Old Testament, this is not necessarily the time frame in history they occurred. This lesson ends with an event in the New Testament that helps understand why we need to know the prophets.

    In this lesson, we want to recognize that God wanted us to understand the “mysteries” or “secrets” of the Old Testament, for they were all centered on reminding us of the coming of Jesus, God’s Son.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 8 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet

    Lesson 8 – Volume 1 Younger Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

    Lesson 8 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.

    Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on dividing the Major and Minor Prophet books and putting them in order for today’s lesson.

    Another idea:  One teacher wrote the name of each book of the Old Testament on 39 different clothespins and clipped them in order on a hanger.  You  could have your students practice putting them in order! (See picture below.)

    You may find a coloring sheet of one of the events that take place in the books of the prophets.  You may also have some stickers about Jesus.  Remind them much of the books of the prophets reminded the people to look for Jesus.

     

    Mural idea: 

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  For this week, have them each add the picture, news article, poem they have written, picture they may have drawn, etc. of something they believe is relevant to the lessons we have been studying.  Encourage everyone to participate.  Watch as it grows weekly, as they express what God is revealing to them through our study of how the Bible fits into His plan to help us become more like Him.

    Today, have them think about the world we live in.  Should there be a voice to the world with words from God?  Who is the voice today? (they should recognize that Christians are ambassadors in the world today.)  What should that voice say?  Have them make headlines for a newspaper or magazine with bold messages that need to be shared with our world today.  Add them to your mural.  For this week, you may also have them each think of someone they know who is lost.    Have them make a list of friends or family that needs to be saved.  Add that list to your mural to remind you to pray for these lost friends and family each Sunday.  Help them understand the important job they have.  They have the Words of Life for the lost world.  Encourage them to share Jesus with those on this list (and anyone they meet).

     

     

     

  • Final Gardening Thoughts …

    While working on a garden, planting and weeding, you keep your mind on the fruit it will produce.  It is an exciting time once those plants produce fruit!  As you enjoy the fruit of your garden, you feel like all is well.  It is during those times of comfort and enjoyment that something bad tends to happen.  I can’t help but remember the episode of Little House on the Prairie when Pa planned on harvesting his first real crop at Plumb Creek.  The night before he was to harvest, a hail storm came and destroyed the crop.  My heart sympathized with the family at the loss!  This year, I had something very unusual happen to my garden.  A swarm of insects came in and devoured most everything in the garden in just a day or two.  I was so disappointed to see the plants destroyed!!  But it made me stop and think.  Sometimes I feel the same type of swarm in my life that appears to devour much of what gives me joy.

    Remember what David told his son, Solomon, before he made him king over God’s people:  “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9).  Even with the best of intentions in seeking the Lord, there is a constant enemy present.  Do you remember his goal?  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8).  Think back to Job for a minute.  God’s Word describes him as “… a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”  You would be hard pressed to find another man described any better!  But do you remember what happened to him?  God allowed Satan to take everything from him – except for his life.  If you remember, he lost his wealth, all ten of his children, his health and even his wife told him to curse God and die.  Yet through it all, Job never cursed God.  Instead he grew in his understanding and knowledge of God.  What a mighty example he is!

    Have you ever had times in your life where you felt like those plants in the garden that were totally consumed by insects?  Have you wondered why God would allow things to come into your life that seem to destroy almost everything, leaving you with the thought that there is no hope of recovery?  If you ever feel like that, remember Job.  Instead of quitting and throwing in the towel, he took time to talk to God.  But most importantly, he waited to hear from God.  That made all of the difference!  “5. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 62:5-6).  As good of a man as Job was, he still recognized who he was compared to our Holy God.  And when he waited to hear from God, he saw God in his life as he never had before.  Job may never have known all of the details about God allowing Satan to attack him viciously, but those of us who read the Bible know just what happened.  We can understand that anything that happens to us while we try to live as “perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil” like Job, God already knows that we can handle it – for He will be with us!!

    “5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

  • Lesson 7: Five Personal Books: Job – Song of Solomon

    Key Verse

    “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.” Job 42:5

    Has anyone ever “heard” of God?  Has anyone seen God?  (Moses saw the back of God as He passed by – that’s all we know of.)  What does it really mean when someone says they’ve “seen” God?  (Explain that the person has seen God move in their life through events.)

    In this lesson, we are going to begin looking at some men in the Bible who wanted to know God better.  These men wanted to communicate with God, and wanted to know Him better.  Their words collectively are the five Personal books, each book written as poems and some as songs.  The five Personal books are called such because they deal very personally with man.  Each book deals with different individual’s experiences with God:  Job, the men who wrote the Psalms (David, Moses, Asaph – who led the music, and others), King Solomon – as he recorded wise words in the Proverbs, when he wrote about the vanity of life apart from God in Ecclesiastes, and as he wrote of the beauty of a perfect love in marriage in Song of Solomon.  They mainly deal with the individual’s heart issues as they seek to know and understand God better.  We often set some these poems to music and sing them.  We will emphasize and mention all five books.

    In this lesson it is important to recognize that “seeing” God is when someone sees God move in their life through events.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 7 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 7 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

    Ideas for children:

    In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.

    Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on putting the Personal books in order for today’s lesson.

    Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament (may be downloaded from the Lesson 4 Blog). Review the five Personal Books (showing them on the poster).  You may have them write or draw a picture of their favorite event from the Personal books.

    It would be good to have a special time set aside each week for prayer. Encourage your students to discuss any prayer requests they may have.  Help them understand the importance of prayer.  If they do not know how to pray, help them learn and become comfortable praying aloud.  You may want to begin by learning The Lord’s Prayer together.  This is an example of prayer that Jesus gave to His disciples.  Not only will they learn the basics of praying, but they will become more comfortable speaking prayers aloud.

    “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:  For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen.”            Matthew 6:9-13

    If you close with the Lord’s Prayer each session, it will implant it in their hearts for a lifetime!

    Mural idea:

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  For this week, have them each add the picture, news article, poem they have written, picture they may have drawn, etc. of something they believe is relevant to the lessons we have been studying.  Encourage everyone to participate.  Watch as it grows weekly, as they express what God is revealing to them through our study of how the Bible fits into His plan to help us become more like Him.

    Today, ask them to open their Bibles to Proverbs.  Ask:  Have any of your parents sent you to your room to read Proverbs, or have they quoted you verses from the book of Proverbs?  Have them read their favorite verse from Proverbs.  If they don’t have one, assign one (or more) of the following (or another one of your favorites) for them to look up (choose your favorites before class):

    Proverbs 3:1-2       Proverbs 3:5-6       Proverbs 3:7          Proverbs 3:12        Proverbs 3:27        Proverbs 3:30        Proverbs 4:23   Proverbs 6:20       Proverbs 7:2          Proverbs 13:3        Proverbs 13:20      Proverbs 14:12       Proverbs 15:3        Proverbs 15:5        Proverbs 16:3        Proverbs 16:7       Proverbs 16:18        Proverbs 16:25      Proverbs 17:13      Proverbs 17:17      Proverbs 17:28      Proverbs 18:24      Proverbs 20:11      Proverbs 23:7a          Proverbs 23:17      Proverbs 26:22      Proverbs 30:5

    Have them decorate a piece (or pieces) of cardstock or construction paper with the verse.  (Only one verse per sheet.)  Then have the students add them to your mural.  Encourage them to “hide these words in their hearts” (Psalm 119:11.)

    Personal Books Picture

  • The Fruit of a Good Garden …

    After all of the hard work of tilling the soil, planting the seeds, and weeding the garden, the fruit begins to grow!  It is fun to watch as the blooms turn into tiny fruit and grow until they are ripe to pick.  Although the weeding is a continual process, the fruit is the reward of all of that hard work. Not only do you receive fresh food, but you have the opportunity to share some with others.

    Remember these words of warning?  “15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17).  These verses teach us to recognize we are not to love the things of the world, but at the same time we are to find the will of God for our lives.  After learning to love the Lord, choosing the things to allow into my heart and life that please Him, I move on to the most important thing for me to do – to find the will of God for my life.  This means that a choice, a definite decision, has to be made to do what God wants me to do with my life.  I must find the jobs (things) He has for me to do and do them will all of my might.  Moses wasn’t planning on leading the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, but he obeyed God and did it to the best of his ability.  Esther did not set out to become queen in a foreign land and save her people, but when the task was before her she did what God had for her to do.  The Bible is full of people who had very difficult, life endangering, things God had for them to do (think Daniel and Paul).  Who am I to complain about the minor things that He requires of me?!  I just need to be faithful to do them with a right heart to the best of my ability!  I can’t help but think of one of my favorite Bible characters and some of his final words to his son.  David told his son, Solomon, the following before he made him king over God’s people:  “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

    And also remember what else King David said: “And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.” (1 Chronicles 28:20).  These are two great verses for anyone who wants to please the Lord.  They should hold these words fast to their heart!  I am blessed to not only have parents who love and serve the Lord, but they also taught me (and still remind me occasionally) the importance of doing the same.  I taught these things to my children (and I still remind them occasionally!).  I know that God has a plan for my life, and I am doing my best to do what He wants me to do.  Because God has a plan for your life, know that He will be with you and help you do it!

  • Lesson 6: Twelve Historical Books: Joshua – Esther

    Key Verse

    “Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent…”  Revelation 3:3a

     Can you remember anything about what we have been studying so far?  The whole point of this study is to help us to remember the events in the Bible.  Remember is the key word.  If we don’t remember and hold fast to what we learn from God’s Word, we will never grow in Christ.  The more we learn about God’s Word, the more we want to be like Him.

    In this lesson we will generally overview the 12 Historical Books.  We have already discussed the importance of learning the history in the Bible.  By learning it, we begin to understand the significance of why things happened.  God had a plan.  It is hard to understand unless you learn the Old Testament history.  While it was happening, men didn’t fully understand what that plan was, but through faith they believed.  The more we learn about the Bible, the more pieces of the puzzle we can fit together.  Each piece helps us become better students of God’s Words, helping us become better Christians.

    This study ends the time frame of the Old Testament.

     

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 6 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet

    Lesson 6 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

    Ideas for children:

    In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.

    Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament (may be downloaded from lesson 4 blog).  Review the books of History (showing them on the poster).

    Reemphasize the importance of remembering this history we are studying (have them recall a few events you discussed).  You may have them draw a picture of their favorite story from the History.  Obviously all of the history is too much to grasp all at once.  These first few lessons are only to whet one’s appetite to want to learn more about God’s Word.  For now, we want to focus on the basics of the order of the Bible and understanding how it fits together. Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on putting the books of History in order for today’s lesson.

    Or, make a crown by adding peel and stick jewels to crown; staple to fit each child’s head (remind them that the people rejected God at this time and wanted a king like the nations around).  Also you could find a coloring sheet of one of the events you discussed.

    Mural Idea for today:

    Today, have them remember a specific time they disobeyed God’s commands.  Was there any punishment?  Did they recognize the break in fellowship with God?  Ask:  What happened when the Israelites disobeyed and turned from God?  (They were taken from their land.)

    Have them make a “Wanted” poster:  “Wanted, someone who will commit to obey God’s commands.”  Have them include some qualities desired, i.e.:  honesty, kindness, loving, forgiving, committed to God and His Word, faithful in attendance to church, read their Bible faithfully, pray faithfully, tell others about Jesus … Give them a couple of examples if they have trouble.  Encourage them to come up with some of their own.

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  • Lesson 5: The Five Books of the Law: Genesis – Deuteronomy

    Key Verse

    “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2

    After reading this verse, think of some laws or rules we are expected to obey.  Should we break the law?  What happens if we do?  Think about why it is important to have laws.  Understand God has laws.  His laws are the most important, and we are to obey them.  Help them understand the memory verse.  Remind your students that obedience is very important to God as we see throughout His Word.  When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they were disciplined and cast from the Garden of Eden.  Take a few minutes to think of some examples in the bible where people disobeyed God’s commands and were disciplined, or examples of people obeying God’s commands and Him blessing.

    In this lesson we begin to consider God’s Law, and the importance of obedience to God’s Word.  The word Pentateuch means “five books.”  The first 5 books of the Old Testament are also referred to as “the Law.”  Moses recorded these books.  Within these books, we find the first 2500 years of history.  God’s laws are important.  God demanded obedience from his people.  By knowing and understanding God’s commands to His people, we are better able to live as Christians.

    Optional Worksheets to be downloaded:

    Lesson 5 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 5 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

     

    Ideas for children:

    • In any lesson, you may want to work on your coloring timeline – especially when it relates to the lesson.
    • Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament (may be downloaded from lesson 4 blog). Review the books of The Law (showing them on the poster).  You may have them draw a picture of their favorite story from the books of The Law.  Review the 3×5 cards if you made them, practicing the divisions.  Focus on putting the books of The Law in order for today’s lesson.
    • Review last week using their hands of the five divisions of the Old Testament if you made them.  Emphasize that the thumb was for the first division.  Today, for Genesis, begin with the thumb.  Hold up your thumb and say, “For Genesis, there are 4 Main Events to remember.”  As you say them, hold up a different finger for each one until all of your fingers are extended when you finish.  They are:  The Creation, The Fall, The Flood, and The Tower of Babel.  When you finish, repeat the process for the 4 Main People:  Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
    1. For Exodus, use both hands to remember:  10 Plagues, and 10 Commandments.
    2. For Leviticus, remind them that God created them and wants them to be His special people.  In Leviticus, God teaches his people to live as special people belonging to God.
    3. For Numbers, God’s people are counted 2 times (hold up two fingers.)  Also, there were 12 spies sent into the Promised Land.  10 said no, 2 said yes (that they should obey God and could conquer the land.)
    4. For Deuteronomy, the last book in this division, Moses reminds the people they will be blessed if they obey God, and they will be cursed if they do not obey God.  Moses died at the end of this book and Joshua (one of the 2 spies that believed they could conquer the land) was appointed their new leader.
    • You could also find a coloring sheet of one of the events you discussed.

     

    Mural idea: 

    Refer to the wall in your classroom that has become a mural.  For this week, have them each add the picture, news article, poem they have written, picture they may have drawn, etc. of something they believe is relevant to the lessons we have been studying.  Encourage everyone to participate.  Watch as it grows weekly, as they express what God is revealing to them through our study of how the Bible fits into His plan to help us become more like Him.

    Today, have them decorate another puzzle piece (may be downloaded from Lesson 3 blog) with some of God’s “laws” they should obey.  Have them come up with them on their own so they are not all the same.  After they have finished, have them share what they wrote on their puzzle piece as they add it to your wall.

  • Garden Thoughts …

    I have planted a garden many times through the years.  I have learned so many things, and not just about plants and soil.  To begin a garden, one must prepare the soil.  Once the seeds are planted, you must wait.  And wait.  Sometimes the weather does not cooperate.  It stays too cool too long, or there is no rain.  But in the right timing, God sends the heat and rain.  It is always a joy to look and see the seeds popping up out of the dirt.  But it isn’t usually only the seeds you planted that begin to show themselves.  Often times the weeds make their appearance about the same time or shortly thereafter.  Then you must begin to really work.  This is where you must be careful.  Some weeds look an awful lot like the plants you planted.  You must be able to recognize your plants.  You definitely do not want to uproot one of your precious plants.  But on the other hand, you do not want to leave a weed that will steal nutrients and water from your plant!  Once the plants begin to grow, you must continually work to keep the area free of weeds.  Often times my children would help in the garden.  Yes, they complained often! But at the same time, they were learning the difference between a true plant and a weed.  I remember my parents teaching me the same thing!

    Why say all of that?  Working in the garden is a time to think.  Once we have Jesus in our hearts and lives, the work begins.  That seed has been planted and needs to grow.  Sometimes the process seems slow, but through the reading of the Bible and studying it, growth comes.  So often things of the world come in and take root, stealing precious nutrients and water that we, as Christians, need to grow.  But each and every day we are to read God’s Word to show us what a characteristic of a Christian is truly, and what is really just an attribute of the world.  Sometimes they look quite similar – much like the weeds that look an awful lot like the plant you planted in your garden.  You need the discernment found only in God’s Word to reveal to you which is which.  Once we know what God wants in our lives, we must eliminate the weeds (the things of the world that will steal precious nutrients from us).  Once you get the hang of that, it is really pretty simple.  But it must be a continual process – each and every day to keep those weeds away.  My parents not only taught me the difference between a plant and a weed, they helped me understand the things from the Bible that God was pleased with compared to the things of the world.  I have taught my children the same principles, from God’s Word.  What better time to share with them than in a quiet time of weeding in a garden?!

    Read the following important words of warning:  “15. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” 1 John 2:15-17.

  • Lesson 4: The 39 Old Testament Books: 5 Divisions

    Key Verse:

    “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein …” Joshua 1:8 

    Lesson Summary:  Understand that meditate in the verse means:  To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind.  For the next few lessons, we will “meditate” on how the Bible fits together.  Understand that by learning how God’s Word fits together, it will make it much easier for us to “observe to do according to all that is written therein”.

    In this lesson, we are going to begin learning how the Old Testament is divided into sections.  These divisions will help us understand how the Bible fits together.  It will make it easier for us to find our favorite Bible stories, verses, and help us grow to become better Christians.  Begin to understand how simply the Bible is laid out for us to understand how it fits together.  This cannot be learned in one lesson.  This is just an overview of what we will be learning in the lessons to come.  Become familiar with the basic divisions of the Bible by using your Bible.  It will help to begin to memorize the books of the Old Testament.

     

    Ideas for crafts or activities for children:

    Display the poster of the books of the Old Testament and One Page Old Testament Overview. Files may be downloaded:

    Old Testament Bookshelf

    One Page Old Testament Overview

    Optional worksheets that can be downloaded:

    Lesson 4 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet 1

    Lesson 4 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

    One could also make a set of 3 x 5 cards – a different color for each division – with the names of each Old Testament book.  These could be used to practice putting the books in the correct order, or even help with memorization of the 39 Old Testament books.

    Younger children:  try teaching them the five divisions of the Old Testament by using their hands.  Have them trace their hand on a piece of paper.  Carefully write the 5 divisions of the Old Testament, one on each finger.  Use the thumb to begin with and end with the pinky finger.  After you finish, help them cut out their “hand” and glue it to a piece of construction paper.  Make one to keep in the room to hang on the wall by your Old Testament Bookshelf.

    As you teach the lesson, use your fingers (and encourage them to hold up their hands to reinforce it with them.)  Point to your thumb and mention “Law.”  As you do, point to the Old Testament Bookshelf to help them understand you are talking about these books in their Bibles.  You can help them remember each division by briefly telling them (or having them tell you) a particular story they will be familiar with that is within that division:  i.e.

    1. “Law” – tell them God created the world, Noah’s ark, and Moses and the 10 commandments are all found here.
    2. “History” – tell them David and Goliath happens here
    3. “Personal” – tell them many of the Jews songs were recorded here, tell of the 23rd Psalm, or about Job.
    4. “Major Prophets” – tell them of Daniel and/or his three friends: Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego.
    5. “Minor Prophets” – tell them of Jonah

    Mural suggestion for today: 

    For this lesson, have them decorate a large puzzle piece with some pertinent facts about themselves it would be important for others to know, i.e.:  their favorite color, how many siblings they have, who their parents are, their favorite book, when they were saved, anything that tells all about them. Or, have them share how they would divide their personal life into divisions (write them on their puzzle piece).   Just as the books of the Bible are pieces of the Bible that tells us who Jesus is, let these puzzle pieces tell others who they are.  Encourage everyone to participate.

    5 Division Hand Prints
    39 OT Books Cards

  • Lesson 3: Why is the History Important?

    Key Verse:

    “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”  1 Corinthians 10:11

    Lesson Summary:  After reading this verse, focus on the fact that God’s Word was written for us to show us a picture of His plan.  We are to learn from what is written in His Word.  Each Bible “story” we have learned through the years is just a piece of the “puzzle” to complete the picture of God’s Plan.  History may appear boring, but we are going to show how fascinating, and especially important, it is in our lives.

    Because the history is so important, we should desire to know the history – just like Peter, Stephen, and Paul knew it.  We are to understand that the history found in God’s Word is there to help us better understand and know Jesus.  As we look at this lesson, we begin to understand that God had a plan.  In the Old Testament, men didn’t fully understand what that plan was, but through faith they believed.  In the New Testament, God’s plan was revealed through His Son, Jesus.  Men still didn’t understand until Jesus died, resurrected and ascended into heaven.  But once they understood, they could not keep silent.  They shared what they learned with others so they could know of God’s wonderful plan as well.

    In this lesson, we will learn as Peter preached the Old Testament history, and the response he received.  Then we will remember Stephen as he preached the same history, and the very different response to his message.  Finally, we will see Saul (later called Paul) who was transformed (believed in Jesus) after Stephen’s preaching, and how he became a mighty preacher, and teacher, of the history revealing Jesus.

    Ideas for crafts or activities to do with children:

    For an activity to prepare to discuss the lesson, have children begin working on the puzzle (ideally of a Bible Story) you have prepared for them to put together.  (Preparation:  Have a puzzle with chunks of it put together, yet with many loose pieces.  Have reserved (in an envelope set aside) 7 important pieces – to leave the puzzle obviously incomplete.  Focus on the fact that God’s Word was written for us to show us a picture of His plan.  We are to learn from what is written in His Word.  Each Bible “story” we have learned through the years is just a piece of the “puzzle” to complete the picture of God’s Plan.  History may appear boring, but we are going to show how fascinating, and especially important, it is in our lives.  Wait until after the lesson is discussed to do the following:

    Have the students reconsider the puzzle they worked on at the beginning of your time.  Ask them if they enjoy doing a puzzle that doesn’t have all of the pieces.  Why not?  Take out the missing pieces – 7 of them.  As you do, tell them that the puzzle could not be completed without the pieces.  They could guess what the picture was, but wouldn’t completely know without the final pieces.  Throughout history, people could try to understand what God was showing them.  They trusted that He held all of the pieces, and would fit them in place, in His timing.  As you begin fitting in the final 7 pieces of the puzzle, explain that it wasn’t until:

    1. Jesus’ birth
    2. the life he lived pleasing to God
    3. His obedience
    4. death on the cross
    5. burial
    6. resurrection
    7. ascension into heaven

    Then the picture became clear.

    Mural suggestion for today: 

    Have them share something that happened that they may not have understood at the time, but later understood why it happened.  Have paper or a puzzle shape for them to write or draw their experience.

    Optional worksheets that can be downloaded:

    Lesson 3 – Volume 1 Children’s Worksheet

    Lesson 3 – Volume 1 Children’s Reinforcement Worksheet

    Puzzle Shape to write or draw on for mural.

    Another idea is to make a collage on a bulletin board of many Old Testament pictures that are very familiar.