Introduction - NextStep Resources

Pre-K–1st • Unit 1 Introduction • 1

IntroductionAbout ABC

MissionAnswers Bible Curriculum was developed to present the gospel, beginning in Genesis, to all generations; to train believers to know, obey, and defend God’s Word; and to encourage believers to become conformed to the image of Christ.

OverviewThe 2009 book Already Gone by Ken Ham and Britt Beemer (and the scientific study on which the book is based) reveals the reasons why young people are leaving the church. In much of the teaching today in our churches, the Bible is disconnected from the real world, and the authority of Scripture is undermined and replaced with secular reasoning using man’s ideas.

The church has failed to teach the Bible as relevant fact. We have, intentionally or unintentionally, taught the Scriptures as nothing but “stories” that relate to spiritual matters but have avoided engaging the challenging questions from the secular world that bombard churched children and adults the other 166 hours of their week. As a result, children are beginning to doubt the Bible—and the gospel message that it presents—as early as elementary school. Many studies confirm that more than 60% of young people leave the church after they graduate from high school.

Answers Bible Curriculum was designed and written to provide answers to the questions and issues that confront youth (and adults) in school, in the media, from friends, at work, etc. It is our hope and prayer that God will be pleased to use this curriculum to instill a lifelong trust in the Bible and in the God who authored it.

2 • Introduction Pre-K–1st • Unit 1

Guiding PrinciplesCertain principles guided our writers, editors, and reviewers as we developed Answers Bible Curriculum. These principles are reflected in the teaching, activities, and illustrations presented throughout the curriculum.

We can trust all of God’s Word beginning in Genesis.

• God’s Word is true; God does not lie.

• The historical record of the Bible is confirmed often by historical, archaeological, and scientific support.

God’s attributes are displayed throughout the Bible.

• God’s sovereignty is demonstrated in history as He fulfills His purposes through people and events.

• God’s attributes (including His holiness, justice, love, and mercy) are demonstrated through His dealings with people.

The Bible presents true history.

• The Bible presents real history, showing the unfolding plan of God to redeem a people for Himself.

• The historical accounts of the Bible intersect with secular history.

We must carefully and accurately interpret the Bible.

• The proper use of hermeneutics helps us understand the Bible accurately.

• Understanding the Bible requires time and effort.

God’s plan of redemption is woven throughout Scripture.

• God’s plan of redemption is presented throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis.

• Many accounts in the Old Testament connect to the New Testament and point to Jesus and the gospel message.

We must be ready to give a defense for what we believe.

• Students and adults must be equipped with answers to questions skeptics ask.

• We can use science, history, archaeology, etc. to confirm the accuracy of the biblical record.

We are to live in light of what the Bible teaches.

• God’s Word is applicable today.

• We can learn from scriptural examples of obedience (and disobedience) to God’s Word.

• Believers are called to walk in obedience to God’s Word.

Bible VersionAnswers Bible Curriculum uses the English Standard Version of the Bible.

Scope & SequenceAnswers Bible Curriculum is a 200-lesson curriculum that covers the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in chronological fashion. The first 120 lessons survey the Old Testament, and the final 80 lessons survey the New Testament. Where appropriate, lessons include apologetics material confirming the accuracy of the biblical record, as well as historical background and life application.

Summary• 200-lesson, four-year curriculum (50 lessons

per year); but take as long as you need to get through it

• Available in six age levels: Pre-K–1, Grades 2–3, Grades 4–5, Middle School, High School, Adult

• Chronological Bible teaching for all levels

• Synchronized lessons—all ages study the same Scriptures each week

• Based on the English Standard Version (ESV)


How to Use ABC

ComponentsAnswers Bible Curriculum includes all the necessary elements for you to teach your students with excellence while engaging them in the learning process. The Teacher Kit for each unit of lessons includes the following items:

Teacher Guide—Ten lessons with lesson overview, background material, preparation instructions, scripted lesson, activity instructions, etc. The tenth lesson of each unit is a review lesson.

Each lesson contains two lesson scripts—one for older students (5–7 year olds) and one for preschoolers (3–4 year olds). Choose the one that best fits your class.

Student Take Home Sheets—Sample set of nine full-color, two-page take home sheets with an activity, memory verse practice, and review section.

Lesson Flip Chart—A 20 x 15 full-color, wire-bound chart to complement the Teacher Guide. It is designed to use during the Lesson Time. It contains the K–1st script for each lesson in the unit, an illustration summarizing the main points of each lesson, a prayer page, memory verse page, and a song page with various songs to enhance the lessons.

Justin & Jessie Stories—A set of nine 11 x 17 two-sided posters with a short story on one side and a full-color picture on the other. The adventures of Justin and Jessie show how the truths learned in the lesson apply to real life.

Classroom Posters—These large classroom posters enhance the lessons and provide visual reminders of important truths. The poster for Unit 1 includes:

• The Books of the Bible

Optional Resources

You may purchase these additional resources from AnswersBookstore.com or by calling 800-778-3390.

Books of the Bible Flashcards—Sixty-seven 5 x 7 flashcards. Each card has a colorful illustration on the front, and the back features key facts about each book’s author, date of writing, key people, main message, and what each book reveals about God and His character.

Books of the Bible Trading Cards—Sixty-seven 2.75 x 4 cards. Each card has a colorful illustration on the front, and the back features key facts about each book’s author, date of writing, key people, main message, and what each book reveals about God and His character.

Books of the Bible Coloring Book—Children will have fun coloring these scenes based on the accounts of Scripture. All 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are represented.

Seven C’s of History Timeline—This large wall chart covers biblical and historical events from Creation (4004 BC) to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. It follows the chronology of Archbishop James Ussher and helps students to understand the flow of history and to see how biblical events fit with secular events.

Teacher Digital ResourcesWhen you purchased Answers Bible Curriculum, you received access to a digital library that contains items such as coloring sheets, game and activity instructions, lesson illustrations, video clips, review questions, etc. These may be accessed at MyAnswers.com/abc-resources using the Resources code inside the back cover of this Teacher Guide. Be sure to leave enough time to look at the Lesson Preparation section of the lesson so that any needed items can be printed or gathered prior to class.

You may also purchase these resources on a USB flash drive from AnswersBookstore.com or by calling 800-778-3390.

Original SongsWe have created some original memory verse songs and songs relating to the lessons. You can access music and lyrics at


MyAnswers.com/abc-resources using the Songs code inside the back cover of this Teacher Guide. Extra songs to the tunes of popular nursery rhymes are found in the Additional Songs List. CDs of the songs are available for purchase at AnswersBookstore.com to give to students and families.

Teacher LessonOur vision for the preschool class is that the time they spend in church should be time you, as the teacher, are intentionally pointing them to the truths of God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible. They can be taught the truth, and they can enjoy learning about God! We want the children to love God and look forward to coming to church!

We have designed the lessons so that they are easy to teach and provide everything needed to successfully guide your students. Here is a breakdown of what is included in each lesson and how to get the most out of it as you prepare and teach.

Lesson Overview

Lesson Focus—Each lesson has a short statement summarizing the content of the lesson for that week.

Key Passages—These are the Bible passages that will be studied in the lesson. Your teaching will be more rewarding and fruitful if you commit to familiarizing yourself with the Key Passages before class.

Memory Verse—Students will work on memorizing just one passage per unit. Our hope is that this will enable the students (and the teachers!) to really learn these Scriptures and to know them well enough that they will be able to recite them from memory not only at the end of the unit but at the end of the year!

Lesson Preparation

At the beginning of each lesson there are two sections that will help you prepare.

Lesson Preparation Chart—This handy chart shows you everything you will need for each week’s lesson. Be sure to consult this chart several days before class so you can gather

any supplies and print off materials from the Teacher Digital Resources.

All the activity suggestions may be used for Pre-K or K—1st grade. However, those marked with an * are specifically recommended for Pre-K students.

Optional Supplements—Each lesson includes optional hands-on activities. Be sure to plan ahead and gather any necessary items for the activities you choose, then incorporate them into the lesson wherever you think they fit best. Some lessons also have video clips, which should be previewed and shown when appropriate during class.

All pages that are instructions for the teacher will have the word “Teacher” in the footer, while student pages will have the word “Student.” This should make it easy for an assistant to know which pages get multiple copies for students.

Prepare to Share

We have provided background information to help you understand the biblical and historical context of the passage being studied. Where appropriate, we have also included apologetics information that will confirm the truth of the Scriptures. You can get more information on many of the lessons and topics by accessing the Online Resource Page at AnswersBibleCurriculum.com. We encourage you to be prepared for teaching each week by taking advantage of these resources.

Lesson ElementsThe lessons are broken down into several elements to make it easier for you to teach and to allow for flexibility. We realize that some teachers have the luxury of a full hour for Sunday school, while others may have only 20 minutes of teaching time. We have planned our lessons to take about 30–40 minutes total. Of course, this will vary greatly depending on your individual style, class size, student maturity level, etc. If you finish the lesson before your time is up we recommend you bring out another coloring page, review the previous verses, go back to the Flip Chart and review, or sing additional songs.


Come On In

The Come On In activity is something for the students to do while they are arriving. The intent is to promote order as soon as the children enter the room by providing specific sit–down assignments.

Our vision is that the teacher would be at the door greeting the students and their parents while classroom assistants engage the children in the activity and meaningful conversation centered on what was taught last week, what will be taught this week, or just personal greetings. Interaction with the children is key during this time.

There are several options for the Come On In activity.

Come On In Game—For the first five units, your students will be learning the books of the Bible in order. There are a number of games you can choose from for the students to play. Some games use the Books of the Bible Flashcards (additional purchase); other games require you to print flashcards from the Teacher Digital Resources.

Review Coloring Sheet—Each lesson includes a coloring sheet from the previous lesson that you can print out for the students to color as you review the lesson with them.

Play Dough—You may want to put out play dough once in a while for the students to play with. Encourage them to make an object related to the lesson, or provide a variety of items to use with the play dough, such as cookie cutters, dry pasta for pressing shapes, utensils, etc.

Lesson Time

This is the main teaching part of the lesson. Because these young children like to move, we suggest they move their chairs or use carpet squares to sit in a circle away from their tables. You will need to bring your Bible, Flip Chart, and any other props you have brought in to teach the lesson during Lesson Time. The lesson script is written in a Say–Ask format and appears both in the Teacher Guide and on the Flip Chart (K-1st version). We hope this will make teaching comfortable for the inexperienced teacher and substitute as well as the seasoned teacher.

Lesson Time should follow the simple outline as presented in the Teacher Guide. Each lesson will include the items below.

Prayer—This time is designed to present children with simple concepts about prayer and to encourage them to participate in corporate prayer. We suggest bringing in a special stuffed animal—a prayer bear—or other object to pass around the circle. Each child will get to pray when it's their turn to hold the prayer bear. Only the child with the bear may speak during this time. There is a Prayer Page in the Flip Chart that reviews four specific types of prayers from the ACTS prayer paradigm—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

Bible Truths—Each lesson includes four simple questions about God and the Bible. This will set up a routine for the children, and the repetition of questions will solidify the truths in their minds.

Bible Pass Around—This simple activity, intended to be repeated weekly, is designed to generate excitement and enthusiasm as you open God’s Word for the lesson. Our desire is to instill in the children a reverence and respect for the Bible as they carefully handle it by passing it around, holding it, and then seeing you read from it each week.

As mentioned before, there are two scripts in the main part of each lesson, one for Pre-K children (3–4 year olds) and one for K–1st children (5–7 year olds). Choose the lesson script that is best suited to the children in your class.

It is vitally important that children review the things they have been taught, so the lesson begins with a review of previous lessons. The Lesson Flip Chart illustrations are the best way to review the important points you covered. You may also want to show teaching aids from the previous week or coloring sheets the students may have worked on.

As you teach, we highly recommend you open your Bible and read the Scripture verses from your Bible. Make much of the fact that this is God’s Word and they are learning it just like the rest of the family in church. Encourage the children to listen carefully as you read. We have


presented very simple questions for you to ask from the text. If they listen, they will be able to answer the questions.

Lesson Review Game

Review the lesson with your students by playing a fun game. These can be found in the Teacher Digital Resources or in the Appendix at the back of this Teacher Guide.

Story Time

This is a 5–8 minute read-aloud story about Justin and Jessie. The adventures of these two young children show how the truths learned in the lesson apply to real life. You will find the Justin and Jessie Stories in your Teacher Kit.

Memory Verse Game

Choose a Memory Verse Game from the Teacher Digital Resources or in the Appendix at the back of this Teacher Guide.

In addtion to the game, use the Memory Verse page at the back of the Flip Chart to help the students practice reciting the verse each week. The verse has been presented with some of the words illustrated so that pre-readers can associate the pictures with the words and quickly memorize them. Be sure to explain the verse to the children then say each word and point at each picture several times. Allow students to look at this page during the game.

Song Time

We have created some original memory verse songs and songs relating to the lessons. Music and lyrics can be accessed from the Teacher Digital Resources at MyAnswers.com/abc-resources. Extra songs to the tunes of popular nursery rhymes are found in the Additional

Songs List. These songs will get the children up and moving while again reinforcing the biblical truths taught for the day. The words for all the songs in the unit are on the Song Time Lyrics Page in the Flip Chart. Song lyrics for each lesson can also be found on the Song Sheet at the end of each lesson in this Teacher Guide.

Group Prayer

We encourage you to pray with your class before they are dismissed. Use the prayer points as a springboard for your own prayers—appropriate for your class. If time allows, you may want to take prayer requests from your students at this time.

As you teach and pray, you have the opportunity to model a humble heart and dependence on God through thanksgiving, praise, and supplication.

Student Take Home SheetsEach lesson includes a full-color, 2-page Student Take Home Sheet. The Student Take Home Sheets are designed to encourage review of the lesson and family discussion. A sample set comes in the Teacher Kit. Additional sheets are available for purchase from AnswersBookstore.com.

Online Resource PageWe have established pages on our website where you, your students, and their parents can find links to articles with more background information on some of the lessons. This page can be found at AnswersBibleCurriculum.com. This is also where we will post any corrections, additional worksheets, supplementary materials, etc. It is our prayer that these lessons will encourage you, challenge you, and enable you to teach God’s Word effectively and that your students will develop a lifelong faith, founded on God’s holy Word.


Limited License to Reproduce

Pre-printed EditionA limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable license is hereby granted to a single local church or organization to print copies of the PDF materials in the Teacher Digital Resources if 1) you are the original purchaser; 2) you are using the copies for noncommercial purposes (such as for teaching in class) exclusively within your single local church or organization (multi-campus churches, and national/regional denominations are not covered under this license); and 3) you follow the instructions provided in the curriculum pertaining to the printable materials.

This license is for the specific purchaser of the product and does not include affiliated groups or organizations, or other churches or groups in the same denomination as the purchaser, not

identified as the actual purchaser. There is no limit to the number of printed copies for use within the single local church or organization that is the actual purchaser. None of the material in this curriculum may be reproduced for any commercial promotion, advertising, or sale of a product or service, or to share with any other persons, churches, groups, or organizations.

The media (audio/video) portions of the curriculum are copyrighted and duplication is prohibited. This license is for materials in the Teacher Digital Resources only and does NOT include reproduction rights for pre-printed teacher books, student guides, student take-home sheets, or posters, except on an emergency basis when purchased quantities are not sufficient for a given week.


Leading a Child to ChristMany of the ABC lessons present an ideal opportunity to share the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ with your students. Every teacher should be ready to clearly present the gospel and counsel those wanting to learn more. Children are usually soft-hearted toward things of the Lord, and some will be interested in becoming followers of Christ. Be ready, because eternal matters matter most!

Before

Pray. Salvation is God’s work, not ours. We cannot bring about salvation for anyone. We need to ask God to prepare the children and open their hearts to Him.

Prepare. Learn more about presenting the gospel and counseling a child about salvation.

During

The gospel is clearly presented in many of the ABC lessons. You may give a group invitation or choose to share with a child one-on-one or with a small group of children. When you explain the gospel, please keep the following in mind:

• Becoming a child of God involves repenting of one’s sin and having faith in the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Repentance involves understanding what sin is (disobeying God’s commands) and desiring to turn from that sin.

• Use your Bible to explain the plan of salvation. Children need to see and hear God’s Word, so have your Bible opened and marked ahead of time with the appropriate Scriptures.

- Avoid abstract phrases like “asking Jesus into your heart.” Instead, use terminology like “becoming a child of God.” Most children still think in concrete terms and need examples that are easy to understand.

• If a child indicates an interest to know more after hearing the gospel, determine if the child has an understanding of his sin. This is

very important. A child who cannot verbalize sin, who does not seem to be repentant toward God because he is a sinner, or who does not realize that he must turn away from his sin, cannot fully understand his need for a Savior. Ask questions about sin that require more than “yes” or “no” answers:

- Do you know what sin is? Can you explain it to me?

- Can you think of some sins you have done?

- Are you sorry for your sins? Who are you sorry to?

- Why are you sorry for your sins?

- What do you think you should do about these sins in your life?

• If you are not satisfied that God has revealed to this child that his sin is an offense against our holy God, we recommend that you present a booklet we have developed for children that explains the gospel further. It is called How Can I Become a Child of God? and can be printed from the Online Resource Page at AnswersBibleCurriculum.com or purchased from AnswersBookstore.com.

• If the child does seem to be sincerely sorry for his sins, you can proceed with more questions like the following:

- Why did Jesus come to earth? Why did Jesus need to die? Why did Jesus rise again?

- Why do you want Jesus to be your Savior?

- Why should God let you into His family? (Make sure the child understands that salvation is not based on what he does, but is a gracious gift of God through faith in the death and Resurrection of Jesus.)

• When a child seems to have a basic under-standing of salvation (belief in Jesus’ death and Resurrection, admission of and repentance from sin, and a desire to follow the Lord), en-courage him to talk to his parents about what it


means to become a child of God (if they are fol-lowers of Christ). Encourage a child who comes from a non-Christian home to verbalize his un-derstanding to the Lord through prayer. There is no one prayer that should be prayed. Encourage him to ask the Lord to forgive him and help him know he is a child of God.

• Let him see in your words and your face that you are excited that he wants to become a child of God! Read Luke 15:10 to him.

• Some children may not be ready to make a decision for Christ but may want to learn more, to be assured of salvation, or to confess sin. Read Romans 10:9–10 and John 10:28–29 with children who are seeking assurance of their salvation. Encourage them to ask the Lord to help them know they are His children. Read 1 John 1:9 with children who want to confess sin and encourage them to ask the Lord to help them know they are forgiven when they repent.

After

• Review what it means to be a child of God.

- How long does God keep His children? (Hebrews 13:5b, John 10:28–29)

- Can anything separate God from His children? (Romans 8:38–39)

- What happens when God’s children sin? (1 John 1:9)

- What do children of God believe? (Romans 10:9)

• Explain that Jesus loves His children and wants to spend time with them. Discuss practical ways to grow as a child of God. Provide him with the booklet Growing Up in God’s Family (available at AnswersBookstore.com), and share the following:

- Read your Bible, and obey what you read. (Make sure he has a Bible at home, and if not, provide one. Write his name, the date, and the occasion on the presentation page.)

- Pray every day. Prayer is talking to God.

- Go to a church that believes and teaches the Bible as the Word of God.

- Tell others about Jesus. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors how they can become children of God.

• Stay in touch with the child through postcards, visits, or phone calls.


Unit 1 SyllabusLesson 1 God’s Word Is Our Foundation Psalm 19:7–8, 19:10

Lesson 2 Attributes of God Psalm 147:5, 145:3; 1 Chronicles 29:11

Lesson 3 We Can Know God Exists Genesis 1:1; Revelation 1:8

Lesson 4 The Trinity Genesis 1:1–2; John 1:1

Lesson 5 God’s Word Guides Us Psalm 119:105; Titus 1:2

Lesson 6 God Preserves His Word Jeremiah 36:22–23, 36:27–28

Lesson 7 God’s Word Is Complete Psalm 119:160, 119:89

Lesson 8 Don’t Change God’s Word Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6

Lesson 9 The Gospel Is Good News Romans 3:23; John 3:16

Lesson 10 Review

Pre-K–1st • Unit 1 Lesson 1 • 11

God’s Word Is Our Foundation

God’s Word is perfect and pure.

Lesson FocusGod is perfect, and everything He tells us is true.

Key PassagesPsalm 19:7–8, 19:10

Memory VersePsalm 119:89–90 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

Lesson1

12 • Lesson 1 Pre-K–1st • Unit 1

Lesson Preparation

CCome On InChoose one of the following activities and print/gather necessary items.

Come On In Game:

Bible Book Match Flashcard Take Away

I Have You Have Popcorn*

Coloring Sheet*

Play dough* (for variety, bring cookie cutters, dry pasta, utensils, etc.)

SLesson TimeYou will need the following items:

Lesson Flip Chart Bible Stuffed animal for prayer time Jar of clean water Jar of dirty water

Optional: jar of honey to show Optional: some beautiful “gold” jewelry to show

Optional: plain cereal and honey-sweetened cereal

LLesson Review GamePrint one copy of the Review Questions.

Choose a Lesson Review Game and print/gather necessary items:

Basket Toss* Bible Baseball* Board Game

Bowling* Goofy Golf Toss for It*

AStory Time Read the Justin and Jessie story on the back of the picture provided in the Teacher Kit or print a copy.

MMemory Verse Game Choose a Memory Verse Game and print/gather necessary items:

Balloon Bop and Pop Echo Echo* Egg Hunt Follow the Leader*

Freeze* Funny Voices* Popcorn*

Find extra verses to practice in the Additional Memory Verses list.

NSong Time Remember to use the downloaded music to learn the songs. Lyrics can be found on the Song Sheet at the end of this lesson or on the Flip Chart Song Time Lyrics Page.

“Oh, Be Sure to Read the Bible” “Psalm 119:89–90”

Find extra songs to the tunes of favorite nursery rhymes in the Additional Songs list.

DThe required lesson and

supplementary materials can be

accessed from the Teacher Digital

Resources under Lesson 1. Game instructions are also included in the Appendix in the back of this Teacher Guide.

All Lesson Preparation

suggestions may be used for Pre-K (3–4 years old)

and Kindergarten–1st Grade (5–7

years old) classes.

Suggestions with an asterisk (*) are specifically recommended

for Pre-K.


GGo to PrayerDear Lord, I know that you have given us your Word, and it provides all we need in order to trust and obey you. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Help my students to love you and your Word. Move in their hearts and give them understanding so they will allow God’s Word to guide their lives.

Optional Supplements

Hands-On ActivitiesDo these activities when you think best—before, during, or after the lesson.

• Clean Water, Dirty Water*

Students will color, glue, and sprinkle dirt onto this activity sheet.

• Honey Pot Dot-to-Dot

Students will connect the dots on this activity sheet then color the picture.

• Better Than Game

Students will place markers on the poster while blindfolded to review that God's Word is better than anything.

Notes


Prepare to Share Scriptural Background

Prepare to teach by preparing your heart. Read the key passages for this lesson along with this background.

Ever since Satan in the form of a serpent cast doubt on God’s instructions in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1–4), people have questioned the author-ity of God’s Word. As descendants of Adam, we have inherited a sinful nature (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8–10), which corrupts our human rea-soning, questions God’s authority, and prevents us from embracing the truth.

The Bible says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). This reminds us that we cannot move along the path of life without God’s Word providing the light of truth to guide us. The Bible enables us to see the world as it truly is. Without the understanding that Scrip-ture gives, we are lost in the dark, wondering how to accurately interpret good and evil, God and man, right and wrong. We are left with a distorted view

of history, science, and society. The testimony of the Lord, however, is undistorted and sure (Psalm 19:7).

In Psalm 19, King David powerfully reveals the supremacy of Scripture. The perfection of the Word leads to conversion of the soul, the surety of the Word brings wisdom, the righteousness of the Word rejoices the heart, and the purity of the Word lights the way. The Word of God is clean, true, and righ-teous, producing the fear of the Lord necessary for repentance. Verse 11 summarizes the intention of the Word—that we may be warned to keep the com-mandments and achieve the promised reward.

Those who stand in awe of God, who are bound to Him without compromise, and who submit their minds to the teaching of Scripture are those who have a solid foundation and are able to connect the Bible to real life.

Our response to God and His Word should be to join the Psalmist in praying, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name” (Psalm 86:11).

Historical/Apologetics Background

The proper role of apologetics is to confirm what we know of God through His Word. It is not a series of explanations attempting to prove that the Bible is true or that there is a God.

As Christians, we start with the assumption that God exists and that His Word is true. This serves as the starting point for our beliefs. This is called pre-suppositional thinking because we are presupposing that what God says about Himself is true.

Jesus set the example for us in this way of think-ing through His life, ministry, and teaching. All of Jesus’ messages presupposed that the Scriptures were true.

He knew the Scriptures so well that learned men marveled (John 7:15). He quoted Scripture as his-torical fact, referencing some of the most attacked accounts in the Bible, including creation (Matthew 19:4–5), Noah and the Flood (Matthew 24:37–39), Sodom and Gomorrah (Matthew 10:15, 11:23–24), Lot and his wife (Luke 17:28–32), and Jonah and the fish (Matthew 12:39–41).

He said the writings of Moses are more powerful than even someone rising from the dead (Luke 16:29–31).

He defended Himself against Satan with God’s Word (Matthew 4:4–10).

In the same way, we must rely on God’s Word as the starting point for all of our judgments and beliefs. Others may insist that we “leave the Bible out of it” when discussing God, creation, absolute truth, morality, science, or the Bible itself. However, we cannot and must not. Christians stand on the Word of God—it is our foundation (Luke 6:47–49). Everything we believe and how we live are based on what it says.

Disregarding the Scriptures would result in disas-ter because our foundation would be destroyed. Our starting point is and must always be the Bible. We see the importance of this from the very beginning. Even in the Garden of Eden, the battle was over the authority of the Word of God. The serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say that?” (Genesis 3:1).


We are facing a crisis of unbelief among young people in our culture today. One reason for this is that so many have discounted the book of Gene-sis. They are asking, “Did God really do that?” and being told, “No, He did not, and you don’t have to believe it.”

This is a sad state of affairs. It wasn’t too long ago that Genesis was taken literally and there was little controversy over its interpretation. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the history of Genesis came under attack by scientists who began to accept the idea of millions of years of history rather than the thou-sands of years God records in His Word.

This interpretation brought compromise in the areas of biology—Darwinian evolution replacing God’s creation of kinds; geology—millions of years replacing the Flood history of Genesis; anthro-pology—man descended from ape-like ancestors replacing God’s creation of man in His own image; astronomy—the big bang replacing God’s amazing account of speaking the universe into existence.

As our culture has adopted these secular views, the Bible has been disconnected from reality and consequently is becoming less and less relevant—especially to the younger generations. These com-promises have torn down the foundations of biblical authority and trust in God’s Word. The result? Jesus gave us the answer when He asked Nicodemus, “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12)

Many no longer believe the earthly things that Jesus was referring to. And, consequently, even the heavenly things—redemption, hope, eternity with God, forgiveness, Christ’s Resurrection, the Trinity, and judgment—are no longer of any interest to us. It is time to get back to the foundational beliefs of the Word of God, beginning in Genesis.

For more information on this topic, see the Online Resource Page.


CCome On InAs students arrive, direct them to the activity you chose for today.

SLesson TimeHave the students assemble in a circle away from the tables—either on the floor or in their chairs.

Bring your stuffed animal, Bible, Flip Chart, and any items you brought or prepared for this lesson.

PrayerThis prayer time is designed to help the students begin to understand some simple concepts about prayer and to encourage them to pray.

We start our Bible lesson with prayer. Turn to the Prayer Page in the Flip Chart. Briefly review the different types of prayer presented there.

• I love you prayers—Adoration

• I’m sorry prayers—Confession

• Thank you prayers—Thanksgiving

• Please prayers—Supplication

Today let’s say an adoration prayer. We will praise God and tell Him how much we love Him.

I’ll start. Dear God, you are . . . (insert personal prayer here.)

Pass a special stuffed animal—prayer bear—around the circle, giving all the students an opportunity to pray or choose a volunteer to stand beside you and pray.

Very good! Now let’s put our stuffed animal away, and we’ll answer our Bible Truth questions.

Bible TruthsThese four questions will be repeated each week to help the students learn foundational truths.

? What is the most important book that has ever been written? Hold up your Bible. The Bible!

? What is in the Bible? God’s Word to man!

? All of God’s words in the Bible are what? True!

? Are there any mistakes in the Bible? No, God cannot lie or make mistakes!


Bible Pass Around We are going to start out today by looking into God’s Word, the Bible. Hold up Bible. God’s Word is true, and we can trust what it says. But where should we look? One of you will help me with that. We’re going to play Bible Pass Around. Whoever ends up with the Bible must hold it very carefully until it is time to look in it. When it is time to read, you can bring it to me, and we’ll open it to see what we are going to talk about today! Here’s what we’re going to do. I want everyone to count with me up to the number choose a number. (You may also choose to recite the books of the Bible, sing one of the lesson songs, or recite the memory verse as you do this activity.) We’ll start right here. Hand the Bible to the first student. As we say each number (or word), you must carefully pass the Bible to the person beside you. Remember, we don’t want to drop it or tear it. Then when we get to the last number (or word), whoever has the Bible will hold on to it until we are ready for it in our lesson. Are you ready? Let’s begin. Begin the lesson when finished with Bible Pass Around.

K–1st lesson continues next. Go to page 20 for the Pre-K lesson.

Before Bible Pass Around, place a sticky note in your Bible to mark the first passage to be read.


SK–1st LessonGod’s Word Is a Special BookHave you ever wondered why the Bible is so important? Why should we read it or listen to it? Well, we’re going talk about the Bible today. And I think you will start to see why the Bible is such a special book.

? Who has the Bible? Please bring it up. We are going to read from God’s Word now. Make this a special time as the student brings the Bible and opens it to where the sticky note is. Show the students where the book is in your Bible. Let them look at it. Carry it around your circle.

Psalm 19:7–8

I’m going to read to you from Psalm 19 to find out more about God’s true Word. Listen carefully! Read Psalm 19:7–8 from your Bible emphasizing “perfect,” “sure,” “right,” “pure.”

Wow! These verses are telling us about God’s laws in His Word. It says they are perfect, sure, right, and pure. Hold up your Bible. Do you know what that means? It means the Bible has no mistakes in it!

? What does pure mean? Allow discussion. Clean, nothing wrong with it, nothing bad in it, etc.

Right. Pure means that it’s clean, and nothing bad or wrong is in it.

? Hold up the clean jar of water. Take a look at this water. Do you see anything in this water? No.

? Do you think it is pure? Yes.

You’re right! This water is pure; there is nothing wrong with it! It is perfect! And the Bible says that all God’s Laws are like that, pure and perfect.

Now look at this jar of water. Lift up the jar of dirty water.

? Is this jar of water clean? No.

? What do you see? Allow answers.

It's dirty! There's a problem with this water. It is not pure. It is not perfect. We cannot drink it. We can’t wash our hands with it. Yuck!

Now listen! God’s Word is like this clean jar of water. Hold up the clean jar of water.

God’s Word is perfect—there is nothing wrong with it. And we should trust and obey God’s Word, the Bible, because it is pure. God’s perfect and pure Law can change us from dirty on the inside to clean on the inside.

? What am I talking about when I say God’s perfect Law? Hold up your Bible for a hint. The Bible!

Don’t forget! Review the Optional Supplements and determine where you can use them.

Reread the verses or the portion of the verse(s) that answer the questions you are asking of the text.


Better Than Gold, Sweeter Than HoneyWhat else does God tell us about His Law? We know it is perfect and pure!

Psalm 19:10

Listen again as I read from God’s Word. See if you can tell me what God’s Word is worth! I am going to read Psalm 19:10. Read Psalm 19:10 emphasizing the words “gold” and “honey.”

? This says God’s Word is better than something. We should want or desire, God's Word even more than this. What is it? Listen again. Reread the first part of verse 10. Gold! Pass around some beautiful “gold” jewelry if you’ve brought it in.

Refer to the Flip Chart. That’s right! Gold is very valuable. It is worth a lot of money. But you know what? Knowing God’s Word is BETTER than gold or jewelry or all the money in the world! Wow! God’s Word is pretty special, isn’t it?

? Listen again to Psalm 19:10. See if you can tell me what God’s Word is sweeter than. Reread the second part of Psalm 19:10. Honey!

? Have you ever tasted honey? What does it taste like? Hold up the jar of honey or refer to the Flip Chart. Allow for answers.

It is very sweet and yummy! You may want to have students taste the sweetness of honey by giving them some plain cereal and then some honey-sweetened cereal. Be aware of allergies.

? What other kinds of sweet and yummy things do you like to eat? Allow answers.

Refer to the Flip Chart. Those sound great! But you know what? God’s Word is better than all those treats! The Bible is God’s Word. It is good for us. It can change us, and we should want to read it and obey it!

The Bible says that God is perfect, and His Laws are perfect, too.

? Can God make mistakes? No, God’s Word is perfect!

? What is God’s Word sweeter than? Honey. Hold up the jar of honey or refer to the Flip Chart.

? And what is God’s Word better than? Gold. Hold up the jewelry or refer to the Flip Chart.

I love God’s Word. It is the only book in the world that is pure and perfect and true. And it can change us! It is a very special book!

? When I say God’s Word, what do I mean? Which book am I talking about? Hold up your Bible for a hint. The Bible!

That’s right. The Bible is perfect! It can change us!

Continue with the Lesson Review Game on page 22.

As you teach, refer often to the Lesson Flip Chart Page to keep the children engaged.


SPre-K LessonGod’s Word Is a Special BookThe Bible is God’s Word to all of us—you and me, and everyone else. It is a very special book from God. There are some words we’re going to talk about today that tell us what the Bible is like.

? The first word is pure. What does pure mean? Allow discussion. Clean, nothing wrong with it, nothing bad in it, etc.

Pure means that it’s clean, and there is nothing bad or wrong in it.

? Hold up the clean jar of water. Take a look at this water. Do you see anything in this water? No.

? Do you think it is pure and clean? Yes.

You’re right! This water is pure; there is nothing wrong with it! It is perfect! And the Bible says that all of God’s Words in the Bible are like that, pure and perfect.

Now look at this jar of water. Lift up the jar of dirty water.

? Is this jar of water pure? No.

? What do you see? Allow answers.

It’s dirty, isn’t it! There is a problem with this water. It is not pure. It is not perfect. We can’t drink it. We can’t wash our hands with it. Yuck!

Hold up the clean jar of water. Now listen! God’s Word, the Bible, is like this clean jar of water. God’s Word is perfect—there is nothing wrong with it. And we should trust God’s Word because it is pure. It can change us and help us love and obey God.

Say this with me, “God’s Word is pure and perfect.” Have students repeat the sentence with you.

Better Than Gold, Sweeter Than Honey ? Who has the Bible? Please bring it up. We are going to read from God’s

Word now. Make this a special time as the student brings the Bible and opens it to where the sticky note is. Show the students where the book is in your Bible. Let them look at it. Carry it around your circle.

Psalm 19:10

What else does God tell us about His Word? We know it is pure and perfect! Listen now as I read Psalm 19:10 from the Bible. I’m going to read about two things that are on our Flip Chart picture. See if you can tell me what those things are. Read Psalm 19:10 emphasizing “gold” and “honey.”


When reading the lesson Scriptures, be enthusiastic, look at the children, and emphasize the answers to the questions you will be asking.


Refer to the Flip Chart. What are the two things we read about that are in this picture? Gold and honey.

Right! Gold and honey. Gold is pretty, isn’t it? Pass around some beautiful “gold” jewelry if you’ve brought some in.

Refer to the Flip Chart. Remember what I just read from the Bible? It says God’s Word is better than gold! Gold is very valuable. It costs a lot of money. But you know what? Knowing God’s Word is BETTER than having gold or jewelry or all the money in the world! Wow! God’s Word is really special!

Listen again to Psalm 19:10. See if you can find the picture of the other thing this verse talks about. Point to the honey on the Flip Chart. Honey!

? Have you ever tasted honey? What does it taste like? Hold up the jar of honey if you brought some in. Allow for answers.

Honey is very sweet and yummy! You may want to have students taste the sweetness of honey by giving them some plain cereal and then some honey-sweetened cereal. Be aware of allergies.

? What other kinds of sweet and yummy things do you like to eat? Allow answers.

Refer to the Flip Chart. Those sound great! But you know what? God’s Word is better than all those treats! The Bible is God’s Word. It is good for us, and we should want to read it and obey it! God’s Word can change us!

? The Bible says that God is perfect, and His Word is perfect, too. Are there mistakes in the Bible? Can God make mistakes? No.

God’s Word is perfect because God cannot make mistakes.

? What is God’s Word sweeter than? Honey. Hold up the jar of honey or refer to the Flip Chart.

? And what is God’s Word better than? Gold. Hold up the jewelry or refer to the Flip Chart.

I love God’s Word. It is the only book in the world that is pure and perfect and true. It is better than gold or honey, or anything else we can think of. And it can change us! It is a very special book!

? When I say God’s Word, what do I mean? Which book am I talking about? Hold up your Bible for a hint. The Bible!

That’s right. The Bible is perfect! It can change us and help us obey God!

Continue with the Lesson Review Game below.



LLesson Review GameWe all learn best with review and repetition! We encourage you to review the lesson with a Lesson Review Game.

AStory Time We have a story to listen to today! It’s about some children just like you. Each week we'll hear a new adventure about Justin and Jessie. Read the Justin and Jessie story as you show the picture.

Refer to the Flip Chart. God’s Word is the Bible! It is pure and perfect. God does not make any mistakes. We can trust God and what He says.

God’s Word is sweeter than honey and worth more than all the gold in the whole world! It can change us and help us love and obey God.

MMemory Verse GameWe should all be hiding God’s Word in our hearts! Use the Flip Chart Memory Verse Page as you play a Memory Verse Game.

Explain the verse to your students as you encourage them to memorize it.

Psalm 119:89–90 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.

NSong Time Practice the following songs using the lyrics on the Song Sheet at the end of this lesson or on the Flip Chart Song Time Lyrics Page.

You may want to add stomping, clapping, musical instruments, or make up hand motions to any of the songs!

OK! We are going to learn a new song to help us remember our lesson.

Oh, Be Sure to Read the Bible

This song is called, “Oh, Be Sure to Read the Bible.” Teach the words then have the students sing with you once or twice.

Very good! We’ll keep working on that song until we know it perfectly.

Psalm 119:89–90

Let's work on the memory verse song now. It's from Psalm 119. Turn to the Flip Chart Memory Verse Page. Teach the words then sing the song together.

Sing other class favorites or songs from the Additional Songs list as time allows.

Pass out the Student Take Home Sheets and remind students to practice the memory verse this week.

Remember to use the downloaded music to help learn the songs.


Practice the following songs using the lyrics on the Song Sheet at the end of this lesson or on the Flip Chart Song Time Lyrics Page.


OK! We are going to learn a new song to help us remember our lesson.


This song is called, “Oh, Be Sure to Read the Bible.” Teach the words then have the students sing with you once or twice.

Very good! We’ll keep working on that song until we know it perfectly.

Psalm 119:89–90

Let's work on the memory verse song now. It's from Psalm 119. Turn to the Flip Chart Memory Verse Page. Teach the words then sing the song together.




GGroup Prayer Be sure to pray with your students before you dismiss them.

• Thank God that His Word is pure and true, and that we can trust it.

• Praise God for His Word that is better than gold and sweeter than honey.


Song SheetOh, Be Sure to Read the Bible

Verse 1

Oh, be sure to read the Bible every day.


For God’s Word is what we learn,

From our sins, it helps us turn.

Oh, be sure to read the Bible every day!

Verse 2

Oh, God’s Word is perfect, it is true and pure!


Worth more than shiny gold,

And can change our hearts, we’re told.

Oh, God’s Word is perfect, it is true and pure.

(Repeat Verse 1)

Psalm 119:89–90Psalm 119:89–90

Forever, O Lord, Your Word is

Firmly fixed in the heavens.

Your faithfulness endures

To all generations;

You have established the earth,

And it stands fast. It stands fast.



(Repeat)


Attributes of GodGod is great. There is no one like our God.

Lesson FocusGod’s greatness is infinitely vast and unsearchable! Everything in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. He is great! We should continually praise Him for how great He is!

Key PassagesPsalm 147:5, 145:3; 1 Chronicles 29:11


Lesson2


Lesson Preparation


Come On In Game:



Review Coloring Sheet*



Lesson Flip Chart Bible Stuffed animal for prayer time

Tape measure Binoculars





AStory Time Read the Justin and Jessie story on the back of the picture provided in the Teacher Kit or print a copy.











years old) classes.


for Pre-K.






GGo to PrayerFather God, you are incomprehensible in all your ways. As we study your Word, help us to learn more about you. Please allow my students to grasp some of your amazing power, wisdom, and knowledge! Help them to see your love, mercy, holiness, and justice in the truth of your gospel. Bring them to salvation through your perfect, spotless Son.



• Binoculars*

Students will make and decorate binoculars.

• God Is Coloring Sheet*

Students will color a picture to remind them that God is infinite and unsearchable.

• Let’s Measure*

Students will “help” the teacher measure different objects around the room.

Notes




What is God like? How can we presume to answer this question? Our God is incomprehensible—He can never be fully understood. In fact, as believers we anticipate an eternity of discovering new things about Him.

David said of Him, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3). And, “Yours, O Lord, is the great-ness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all” (1 Chroni-cles 29:11). We can’t say it any better than the Apos-tle Paul, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways” (Romans 11:33)! The glimpses of God we observe from His Word are far from complete.

Question 4 of the historic Westminster Shorter Catechism, penned in the 1640s asks, “What is God?” The answer? God is a Spirit (John 4:24), infinite (Jeremiah 23:24), eternal (Psalm 90:2), and unchangeable (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17) in His being, wisdom (Psalm 147:5), power (Revelation 19:6), holi-ness (1 Samuel 2:2), justice (Psalm 7:11), goodness (Psalm 107:8), and truth (Deuteronomy 32:4).

When the Lord descended in the cloud to speak with Moses, He gave testimony to His very charac-ter—He proclaimed Himself as merciful, gracious, longsuffering, abundant in goodness, always truth-ful, forgiving, and at the same time, just—not clear-ing the guilty (Exodus 34:6–7).

Knowing God and knowing that He is perfect in every one of His attributes is imperative to maturing in the Christian faith. That is why we have incorpo-rated teaching these attributes as part of this Bible curriculum, so the next generation will know, love, honor, revere, and fear the God of all creation!


Because there is no way to comprehend the vast depth of our holy God, we are at risk of conjuring up in our minds what we want Him to be. This is not acceptable. We can only begin to know who God is by the revelation of His Word.

One attribute of God is all-loving (1 John 4:7–21). But this attribute has been skewed by many Chris-tians and non-Christians alike. The tendency of many is to make God a type of butler—one who waits at our beck and call and exists in order to answer our demands for blessing and comfort. In our world today, we seldom witness the awe and wonder His very name deserves.

This attitude reeks of misunderstanding the holi-ness of God. His holiness demands that He despise each and every sin committed. Knowing His fright-ful hatred for sin should bring us to a reverent and godly fear of the one who is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:28–29). Only true fear of the Lord will bring knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).

It is not until we fear God for who He is that we will humbly begin to understand the depths

of His love—which is beyond all love. It is amaz-ing that He would love us so much to send His only Son to die a horrible death in order to pro-vide forgiveness to all who would believe (John 3:16). Because of the depth of His love, He was willing to offer the life of Jesus, who committed no sin yet was made sin for us, so that we could be made the righteousness of God (Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

God is love, yes. But His definition of love goes way beyond the scope of ours. His love is demon-strated in the gospel—that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

The gospel through Jesus Christ was God’s plan from the very beginning. When God created Adam and Eve in the very good world, they saw God clearly. But when they disobeyed God, they were no longer welcome to walk with Him (Genesis 3:23–24). They were thrown out of the garden because God cannot dwell with evil or wickedness (Psalm 5:4). But even then, God revealed His plan—His love—to redeem


a people to Himself through the Seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). Everyone who would repent of their sins and turn to the Savior would be forgiven and given an inheritance with Christ.

Others have wanted to see God as Adam and Eve did. We read that Moses was once bold enough to ask to see more of God (Exodus 33:18). And we know that Moses would die if He saw the face of God. However, Moses did get a glimpse of God’s glory passing by as he hid in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:22–23).

Jesus came to reveal God to sinners. The Bible tells us that in Jesus, we know of God yet have not seen Him: “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:18). And Paul wrote to Timothy, describing God as the one "who alone has immortality, who

dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:16).

God keeps Himself in unapproachable light. We cannot see Him as Adam and Eve once did. But He promises one day we will. And what a day that will be when His children will be like Him, for they will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2)! How we long for the day we will once again see God, talk with Him, and enjoy the fellowship that was originally intended but broken because of sin. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).












Today let’s say a confession prayer and tell God we’re sorry.

I’ll start. Dear God, thank you for your forgiveness of sins, I want to say sorry for . . . (insert personal prayer here).










K–1st Lesson continues next. Go to page 35 for the Pre-K Lesson.



SK–1st LessonReview

? Turn to the Lesson 1 Flip Chart. What special book did we talk about last week? The Bible. God’s Word.

? Yes. God’s Word is perfect, pure, and true! Look at the Flip Chart. God’s Word is really valuable and worth a lot. It is better than anything we might want, like some of these things in this picture. What do you see here? Gold, jewelry, sweet treats, honey, etc.

We may like a lot of these things, but learning from God’s Word is better than anything we could ever want because it tells us about God!

God’s Word is perfect and true. It tells us so many things about God! Today, we are going to read from the Bible to learn about how great God is!

? But first let me ask you, do you know anyone who is great? I mean someone who is very, very special to you. Give the children an opportunity to share their thoughts. Mom, dad, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, teacher, pastor, friend, etc.

Most of us can think of someone great. You might think your dad is great or your grandpa or maybe a big brother or sister. When we think of someone like that, we think of how kind and strong and smart they are or how good they are at doing something.

God Is InfiniteBut, you know what? No matter how great we think these special people are, God is infinitely greater! No one is like God!

? What do you think I mean when I say “infinitely greater”? Allow for answers.

I mean much greater—so much greater that we can’t even measure it! That’s how great God is—He’s infinite.


Psalm 147:5

I am going to read Psalm 147:5. Listen as I read to you about God’s greatness. Read Psalm 147:5 emphasizing “His understanding is beyond measure.”

? What is God’s understanding? Listen again. Reread the last part of the verse. Beyond measure.

? What did I say infinite means? Do you remember? Allow for answers.




Infinite means something is so great that it can’t be measured. It goes on and on and on forever! It’s beyond measure.

? Hold up a tape measure. Does anyone know what this is called? A tape measure.

With a tape measure, I can find out how big something is. How about if I measure some of you to see how big you are?

? Who would like to be measured? Take one volunteer at a time. Measure up to three students as time allows. Enthusiastically share with the class just how tall the volunteers are. Have the volunteers return to their seats.

? How big do you think God is? Allow discussion.

Turn to the Lesson Flip Chart. God is infinitely big! We can’t measure Him! There isn’t a tape measure in the whole world big enough to measure God. And God’s understanding is infinite. He knows everything. All that He knows goes on and on and on forever!

God Is GreatWe cannot measure what God knows. He knows and understands so much more than we do! God is so great. No one is like our God! In sign language for people who can’t hear, the motion for “great” also means awesome or wonderful. Watch me do the sign, and then you try it with me. Demonstrate sign for great, which is both arms up, palms out, and motion like you’re giving someone “ten” in the air twice. Practice several times with the students until they can copy it.

Psalm 145:3

Very good! Now listen for the word great as I read from God’s Word. Every time you hear the word great, show me the sign you just learned. Read Psalm 145:3 emphasizing “great” and pausing to see if the students remembered to make the sign.

You all did a “great” (make sign) job listening. For the rest of the lesson, keep listening for the word great and make the sign whenever you hear me say it.

? Who is great? The Lord. Praise the students who made the sign when you said “great.” Continue to encourage the students to make the sign throughout the rest of the lesson.

Yes, the Lord God is great! There is no one like Him. When we know how great God is, it makes us want to do something. Our verse said that the Lord is “greatly to be praised.”

? So, what does God want us to do? Praise Him!

As you teach, refer often to the Lesson Flip Chart to keep the children engaged.


Right! God deserves our praise. We can praise Him by singing about Him, praying to Him, loving and obeying Him, and reading His Word.

This verse says that the Lord is great! And we should praise Him for His greatness.

Refer to Flip Chart. The last part of this verse says that God’s greatness is unsearchable. That means we can never know everything about God because there is so much to know about Him! We could search and search, but we would NEVER find out EVERYTHING about God!

Bring out a pair of binoculars. When we search for something, we some-times use binoculars.

? Does anyone know what binoculars do? Allow answers.

Binoculars make things look really big! They help us see things that are far away. Allow the children to look through the binoculars as time allows.

But God is bigger than anything we can see through the binoculars. And no matter how far we see or how much we know, we will never know everything there is to know about our great God.

Refer to Flip Chart. God is unsearchable, and God is infinite. There is no way we could ever measure God.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Now I am going to read from 1 Chronicles 29:11. It talks about God’s greatness, too! Read 1 Chronicles 29:11 with excitement about God’s greatness!

Wow! Did you hear that? Everything belongs to God! The Bible says that greatness is God’s. Power and glory belong to Him. Victory and majesty are God’s. The kingdom is His, and He is above everything!

? Tell me again, who is great? God! See who remembered to make the sign.

? Refer to Flip Chart. Remember. The Bible said that God is infinite! What does that mean? Hold up the tape measure as a hint. God is so great, He can’t be measured!

That’s right. God is so great, He can’t be measured. He has always been there and always will be. And all that God knows goes on and on forever.

? And the Bible says that God is unsearchable! Who remembers what that means? Hold up the binoculars as a hint. We can search and search and still not know everything about Him.

Yes. God is so great, we could never know every single thing about Him. There is no one like Him. Everything belongs to Him! And we should praise Him.


Reread the verses as necessary so the students can hear the answers straight from God’s Word!


SPre-K LessonReview

? Turn to the Lesson 1 Flip Chart. What special book did we talk about last week? The Bible. God’s Word.

? Yes. God’s Word is perfect, pure, and true! Look at the Flip Chart. God’s Word is really valuable and worth a lot. It is better than anything we might want, like some of these things in this picture. What do you see here? Gold, jewelry, sweet treats, honey, etc.

We may like a lot of these things, but learning from God’s Word is better than anything we could ever want because it tells us about God!

God Is GreatToday, we are going to read from the Bible to learn about how great God is!

? Hold up a tape measure. Does anyone know what this is called? A tape measure.

With a tape measure, I can find out how big something is.

? How about if I measure some of you to see how big you are? Who would like to be measured? Take one volunteer at a time. Measure up to three students as time allows. Enthusiastically share with the class just how tall the volunteers are. Have the volunteers return to their seats.

? If we could measure an elephant, do you think it would be pretty big? Yes.

? Bigger than a mouse? Yes.

? Yes. So we could say that an elephant is greater than a mouse. Or a super-tall building is greater than a house. But you know what? We can still measure those things. Maybe not with this tape measure, but people can figure out how big buildings or elephants are.

? How big do you think God is? Allow discussion.

Turn to the Lesson Flip Chart. God is infinitely big! Can you say that word with me? Infinite. Repeat the word together. Infinite means we can’t measure God! There isn’t a tape measure in the whole world big enough to measure God.

And God knows everything, too. All that He knows goes on and on and on forever! We cannot measure what God knows. He knows so much more than we do! God is so great.

? Do you know anyone who is great? I mean someone who is very, very special to you. Give the children an opportunity to share their thoughts. Mom, dad, aunt, uncle, brother, sister, teacher, pastor, friend, etc.




Most of us can think of someone great. You might think your dad is great or your grandpa or maybe your big brother or sister. When we think of someone like that, we think of how kind and strong and smart they are or how good they are at doing something.

But guess what? God is even greater. No one is like our God! In sign language for people who can’t hear, the motion for “great” also means awesome or wonderful. Watch me do the motion for “great” and then you try it with me. Demonstrate sign for great, which is both arms up, palms out, and motion like you’re giving someone “ten” in the air twice. Practice several times with the students until they can copy it.

? Very good! Who has the Bible? Please bring it up. We are going to read from God’s Word now. Make this a special time as the student brings the Bible and opens it to where the sticky note is. Show the students where the book is in your Bible. Let them look at it. Carry it around your circle.

Psalm 145:3

As I read, I want you to listen for the word great. Every time you hear the word great, or greatness, show me the sign you just learned. Read Psalm 145:3 emphasizing “great” and “greatness” and pausing to see if the students remembered to make the sign.

You all did a “great” (make sign) job. As we talk about this, keep listening for the word great and make the sign whenever you hear me say it.

? In the verse I just read, who is great? The Lord. Praise the students who made the sign when you said “great.” Continue to encourage the students to make the sign throughout the rest of the lesson.

Yes, God is great! There is no one like Him. When we know how great God is, it makes us want to do something. Our verse said that the Lord is “greatly to be praised.”

? So, what does God want us to do? Praise Him!

Right! God deserves our praise. We can praise Him by singing about Him, praying to Him, loving and obeying Him, and reading His Word.

This verse says that the Lord is great! And we should praise Him for His greatness.

Refer to Flip Chart. The last part of our verse says that God’s greatness is unsearchable. That means we can never know everything about God because there is so much to know about Him! We could search and search, but we would NEVER find out EVERYTHING about God!

Bring out a pair of binoculars. When we search for something, we might use binoculars like these! Binoculars make things look really big! They help us see things that are far away. Allow the children to look through the binoculars as time allows.



But God is bigger than anything we can see through binoculars. And no matter how far we see or how much we know, we will never know everything there is to know about our great God.

Refer to Flip Chart. God is unsearchable, and God can’t be measured because God is so great! We could never know every single thing about Him. There is no one like Him. Everything belongs to Him! And we should praise Him.



AStory Time It’s time for a story. Remember Justin? Well, today we’re going to hear some more about him—and somebody else, his best friend! Let’s find out who that is.

Read the Justin and Jessie story as you show the picture.

Justin and Jessie had some fun with the binoculars, didn’t they? But even though they searched way up in the sky, they couldn’t see God up there in the clouds.

Refer to the Flip Chart. God is unsearchable. He is so great that we can search and search, and there will always be more to learn about Him. God is beyond measure, too. We can’t measure God. He is infinite. God knows and does so much more than we ever could. What an amazing God we have!







It’s time to sing some songs! Everyone stand up with me.


Do you remember the song we sang last week about God’s Word, the Bible? Let’s sing that song again. Review the words and sing the song together once or twice.

Psalm 119:89–90

Turn to the Flip Chart Memory Verse Page. Let’s work on our memory verse song. Sing the song together once or twice.



• Praise God for His greatness.

• Pray that we will all know Him better by reading the Bible.





Verse 1






Verse 2






(Repeat Verse 1)

Psalm 119:89–90Psalm 119:89–90




To all generations;





(Repeat)



We Can Know God ExistsGod is, God was, and He will be forever.

Lesson FocusWe can know that God exists because He is the only eternal being, existing before the creation of the world. As we look around, we can see that all things had to have a creator, and we know that Creator is God according to what His Word says.

Key PassagesGenesis 1:1; Revelation 1:8


Lesson3


Lesson Preparation


Come On In Game:






Lesson Flip Chart Bible Stuffed animal for prayer time Ring-type object such as a hula hoop, bracelet, or swim ring

Yardstick or ruler

Pictures of created things such as flowers, insects, animals, rivers, etc. (Include some things that are beautiful and some that are interesting or strange-looking.)





AStory Time Read the Justin and Jessie story on the back of the picture provided in the

Teacher Kit or print a copy.











years old) classes.


for Pre-K.






GGo to PrayerFather God, you are the Creator of all things. All of creation testifies that you are omnipotent. Lord, as we study this week, open the hearts of my students to see the wonder and majesty of the Creator in the creation. Bring them to a saving faith in your existence and your plan of redemption.



• Created Things*

Students will match the created things that go together on this worksheet.

• Circle Up*

Students will compare the difference between a line with a beginning and an end with a circle to demonstrate that God has no beginning or end.

• Creator Hanger

Students will “create” a hanging decoration with Genesis 1:1 on it to remind them of our Creator God.

Video ClipsPreview the recommended video(s) before class. If appropriate, show to your class and discuss before, during, or after the lesson.

• Specially Designed by God (6:50)

• Creator Clearly Seen (4:43)




“How do I know God exists?” This is a question that has been and will be debated as long as sinners occupy the earth. First of all, as Christians who walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), we do not need to prove the existence of God. The Bible says that we accept God by faith—that we believe that He exists and that He rewards those who ear-nestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Because the Bible is our basis for all we believe, we believe in God as presented in the Bible.

God’s Word begins with the proclamation that He and He alone existed from eternity past: “In the beginning, God . . .” (Genesis 1:1). If He had wanted to prove Himself to the world in a way our minds could grasp, He could have done that. God saw no need to explain further. Belief in Him as the one true God comes by faith and trust in Him and His Word.

Genesis 1 continues to describe this God who spoke the entire universe into existence. The order we see in creation—from the stars, solar systems, animal and plant life, to the natural laws of gravity, motion, and thermodynamics—gives evidence of an omnipotent Creator. There is no other explanation. The universe is not a result of random chance. It was created by one who was not created. There had to be someone who never came into being. There had to

be a Creator. God—the one true God—is that Creator, who was and is and is to come (Revelation 4:8).

As we look to the Scriptures, we see that God described Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM,” which essentially means the one who is and will be (Exodus 3:13–14). The eternal, self-existent nature of God is revealed through His Word and simply assumed. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, John records that the Lord is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8). What more do we need? This describes the only holy, omnipotent, omniscient God of the universe—who was and is and always will be. He is not bound by time as we know it. He created time in the begin-ning (Genesis 1:1).

God in His mercy has also specifically revealed Himself through His incredible creation. “The heav-ens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). And the Apostle Paul tells us that since the creation of the world, God’s invisible attributes have been seen through creation, revealing His eternal power and Godhead—leaving those who do not believe in Him without excuse (Romans 1:18–21). God does indeed exist. His existence is confirmed in Scripture and through His creation—and the wrath of God will be revealed from heaven against all who suppress the truth of His existence in unrighteousness.


Look around you; what do you see? An amazingly designed universe—from the single cell to the vast and immeasurable solar system. And yet the debate for a Creator of such things rages. We can rest in God’s Word, “In the beginning, God . . .” (Genesis 1:1). We know that if something exists, it was somehow created into being. And as Christians we know who that Creator was. But what of folks who state there was no Creator—it all began with a bang, a very “big bang,” one that allegedly occurred billions of years ago in one tiny speck of mass and energy, a speck that would one day become everything we see today?

This story of the big bang originated with an attempt to completely discount the Bible and its

account of our Creator God. Christians who buy into it need to understand the atheistic beginnings of this secular story and why it cannot be “added” to the biblical account of Genesis 1 without destroying the Bible’s integrity.

From a practical standpoint, have you ever blown something up and then observed the pieces reassem-bling into a complex . . . anything? No, when build-ings are demolished, they pretty much end up in a heap of debris with no order or design. And yet, the big bang proposed by some has produced intricate life and more. In fact, this notion claims that out of a random explosion and expansion of matter billions of years ago, life in its complexity and beauty—from the


human body to the ant, from the wonder of the solar system to the universe beyond—has been organized and arranged into the complex world we live in today by nothing more than random, natural processes.

But, we know that the very existence of design, order, natural laws, and principles in the universe demands that there was a Creator—an organizer, a designer—not a big bang. That Creator can only be the one true Creator God. The only one who has declared Himself the Creator (Genesis 1), and the only one who proclaims that He Himself is sus-taining the universe—personally maintaining life and upholding all things by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). This Creator, our God, is truly worthy to receive glory and honor and power—for He created all things, and by His will they exist and were created (Revelation 4:11)!

However, from the very beginning, people have wanted to be their own gods—and Satan is the primary encourager of this. The God of the Bible demands obedience, reverence, and accountability. The serpent asked Adam and Eve, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1). Adam and Eve listened to the serpent, disregarding God’s Word, and sin, deceit, pride, evil, hatred, death, and suffering entered the world.

God will one day judge the sin of the world in righteousness (Psalm 96:13). Those who believe God’s Word know this to be true. However, many doubt the very existence of God and do not fear His judgment. These atheists boldly turn from the great-est commandment—“You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3)—to pursue the imaginings of their own minds.

In many ways, our culture has been shaped by these people who claim there is no God. We’ll look at a few of them here.

Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, although not a proclaimed atheist, was influenced immensely by his atheist grandfather Erasmus. Darwin’s idea of

evolution has changed the course of human history and is one of the greatest attacks on the Word of God in our modern time.

Karl Marx, referred to by some as the greatest thinker in all of history, once stated that religion is the opiate of the masses—impotence of the human mind to deal with occurrences it cannot understand.

Sigmund Freud, considered by some as psychol-ogy’s most famous figure, believed that religion was nothing more than an expression of underlying psy-chological neuroses and distress.

More recently, Madalyn Murray O’Hair was instrumental in removing prayer from the public schools in 1963. She believed that religion has caused more misery to all of mankind in every stage of human history than any other single idea.

And today we have those who are referred to as the “new atheists”—men such as Richard Daw-kins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens (now deceased)—and they are aggressively going after your children, your liberties, and your faith! Daw-kins, a scientist and an active leader in this move-ment, believes that one of the things wrong with religion is that it teaches us to be satisfied with answers which are not answers at all. These men and others have accused Christians of “child abuse” for teaching their children the Bible and passing on their faith.

The worldview of these atheists is dangerous to our culture. However, as Christians we are confident in the promises of the Word of God. We must not lose heart. We must be committed to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and enthused about keep-ing God on His throne as Sovereign Creator and Sus-tainer of all (Colossians 1:17). God has assured us that His Word is settled forever and His faithfulness will endure to all generations (Psalm 119:89 –90).












Today let’s say prayers of thanksgiving—and tell God how thankful we are to Him.

I’ll start. Dear God, everything I see outside, all of your creation, is a gift from you. Help me to be thankful every day. I want to especially thank you today for . . . (insert personal prayer here).














? Turn to Lesson 1 Flip Chart. Let’s think back a couple of weeks. What did we talk about, do you remember? God’s Word. The Bible.

Right! We learned that God’s Word is very valuable and better than anything. Better than gold, jewelry, or money. And it’s sweeter than honey or any other sweet treat we could ever want.

When we read and learn God’s Word, it will change us and help us know God better and do what is pleasing to Him.

? Turn to Lesson 2 Flip Chart. Who did we talk about last week? God.

Yes. We talked about God and what He’s like.

? What is the best way to learn about who God is? Here’s a hint. Hold up Bible. Read the Bible.

That’s right. The Bible tells us about God. There is no other book that tells us all we need to know about God. The Bible tells us that God is infinite—He cannot be measured. And He is great! Even greater than we can imagine. He is also unsearchable. We can search and search, but we will still never know everything about Him.

God Is EternalNow, let’s start today’s lesson!


Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:1 is the very first verse in the first book of the whole Bible! These are God’s first words to us. Read the verse.

? OK. Who was there in the beginning? God.

That’s right! The Bible says that God was there in the beginning. And we know that God’s Word is always true. God was here before anything or anyone else! God was here before time began. God even created time!

? What did God do in the beginning? Created the heavens and the earth.

Yes! God was in the beginning before the world was here. Then God created EVERYTHING out of nothing! Isn’t that amazing?!

? Do you know who created God? Allow discussion. No one.





No one created God because God has always been here! God has no beginning!

We have beginnings. We like to celebrate our beginnings, when we were born, with birthdays, don’t we?

But God has always been here. He doesn’t have a birthday because God has always been God! And the Bible tells us that He was the one who created everything.

Hold up a yardstick or ruler or draw a straight line on the board. I brought a couple of things to help us understand this better. This is a yardstick. I use this to measure things.

? Where is the beginning and end of this yardstick? Walk around your class. Allow children to show you where the beginning and end of the yardstick is.

So, this yardstick has a beginning here, and an end here. We can see that.

? Now take a look at this. Bring out the hula hoop, bracelet, ring, or another appropriate “ring” prop or draw a circle on the board. What shape is this? Circle or ring.

? Where is the beginning of it? Pass the item around if appropriate. Let the children try to figure out where the beginning might be. There is no beginning.

Huh! Very interesting. This ring, or circle, has no beginning. Just like this circle, God has no beginning either! He has always been here.

? Continue to pass the “ring” item around. This ring does not have a beginning. But does it have an end? Is there an end to this circle? Allow discussion. There is no end.

No end either! It just goes round and round. There is no beginning and no end to this circle.

Now let’s think about God. God never had a beginning. He always was. When the Bible talks about the beginning, it tells us God was already there. And God will never have an end. He will always be. We believe this because it is what God’s Word tells us!

You know what? There is a word we use when we say that God never had a beginning and will never have an end; that word is “eternal.”

? Can you say eternal? Repeat “eternal” several times.

? What does eternal mean? Look at the “ring” again. God has no beginning and no end.

Revelation 1:8

The Bible tells us more about that in the book of Revelation, the very last book of the Bible. Open your Bible to Revelation and show them. Read Revelation 1:8. This verse says that God is the Alpha and the Omega.

? What is the first letter in our alphabet? Draw “A” on the board.


That’s right. In the Greek alphabet, Alpha is the first letter. Draw “α” on the board.

So, Alpha means the very beginning!

? Now what is the last letter in our alphabet? Draw “Z” on the board.

Yes, the letter Z. But the last letter of the Greek alphabet is Omega. It looks like this. Draw “Ω” on the board. Omega means the very end.

Refer to Greek letters on the board. So when this verse says God is the Alpha and the Omega, it’s telling us that God is the beginning and the end. God is eternal!

God is here today. He always has been here, and He always will be here. No one had to make Him. He will always be . . . forever!

Creation Reveals a Creator ? Now I have a question for you. Who can tell me what God created?

Everything!

When you look around outside, you can see so many things like a dog, a cat, snowflakes, rainbows, lightning, flowers, a bumble bee, and stars.

? Refer to Lesson Flip Chart. What do you see here in the picture? The ocean, the beach, clouds, the sun, trees, birds, a crab, people.

All of these things were created by God. That means God made everything out of nothing. The Bible says that God was the one who created the world and everything in it—all the animals, plants, stars, oceans. Even the first man and woman—Adam and Eve!

? What is something in God’s great creation that you really like? Allow for answers.

Show pictures of created things you brought in. Some things are beautiful, and some things might seem funny-looking. But they are all unique and special, aren’t they? And God made them that way.

? When we look around, we know that everything we see had to have a creator, right? How about your chair? Did someone make your chair, or did it just appear? Someone made it.

That’s right. God gave people brains so they could understand how to make things. Your chair was made, or created, by someone. What about this building? Someone had to build this building we’re in. Someone made the house you live in, too.

? So do you think someone created the animals and the plants—even the whole universe? Yes!

? Of course the whole universe needed a creator. And who was that who created everything, including the whole universe? God!


That’s right! The Bible says that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth—everything! He is the only one who could have created it all because only God is eternal. He was the only one there at the beginning.

Everything we see in God’s creation helps us to know that there is a God. And God created everything! No one had to create Him. He always was, and He always will be.


SPre-K LessonReview

? Turn to Lesson 1 Flip Chart. Let’s think back a couple of weeks. What did we talk about, do you remember? What do you see in the middle of this picture? God’s Word. The Bible.

Right! We learned that God’s Word is very valuable and better than anything we could ever want. Better than gold, jewelry, or money. And it’s sweeter than honey or any other sweet treat.

When we read and learn God’s Word, it will change us and help us know God better and do what is pleasing to Him.

? Turn to Lesson 2 Flip Chart. Who did we talk about last week? God.

Yes. We talked about God and what He’s like.

? What is the best way to learn about who God is? Here’s a hint. Hold up Bible. Read the Bible.

That’s right. The Bible tells us about God. There is no other book that tells us all we need to know about Him. The Bible tells us that God is infinite—that means we cannot measure Him. He is so great! Even greater than we can imagine. He is also unsearchable. We can search and search, but we will still never know everything about Cod.

God Is EternalNow, let’s start today’s lesson!





Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:1 is the very first verse in the first book of the whole Bible! These are God’s first words to us. Read the verse.

? OK. Who was there in the beginning? God.

That’s right! The Bible says that God was there in the beginning. God was here before anything or anyone else! God was here before time began. God even created time!

? What did God do in the beginning? Did you hear it? Created the heavens and the earth.

Yes! God was in the beginning before the world was here. Then God created EVERYTHING out of nothing! Isn’t that amazing?!

But no one created God because God has always been here! God has no beginning!

We have beginnings when we are born. We like to celebrate our beginnings with birthdays, don’t we?

But God has always been God. God doesn’t have a birthday because He has always been here!

? How many of you have had a birthday? Raise your hand. Show of hands.

Birthdays are so much fun! And they are special because they remind us of the day we were born—our beginning!

? Does God have a beginning or a birthday like we do? No.

That’s right. God also doesn’t have an end. He will never die. We believe this because it is what God’s Word tells us!

You know what? There is a word we use when we say that God never had a beginning and will never have an end; that word is “eternal.”

? Can you say eternal? Repeat “eternal” several times.

? What does eternal mean? God has no beginning and no end.

Creation Reveals a Creator ? Good job! Now I have another question for you. Who can tell me what

God created? Everything!

When you look around outside, There are so many things you can see, like a dog, a cat, snowflakes, rainbows, lightning, flowers, a bumble bee, and stars.

? Refer to Lesson Flip Chart. What do you see here in the picture? The ocean, the beach, clouds, the sun, trees, birds, a crab, people.



All of these things were created by God. That means God made everything out of nothing. The Bible says that God was the one who created the world and everything in it—all the animals, plants, stars, oceans. Even the first man and woman—Adam and Eve!

? What is something in God’s great creation that you really like? Allow for answers.

Show pictures of created things you brought in. Some things are beautiful, and some things might seem funny-looking. But they are all unique and special, aren’t they? And God made them that way.

? When we look around, we know that everything we see had to have a creator, right? How about your chair? Did someone make your chair, or did it just appear? Someone made it.

That’s right. God gave people brains so they could understand how to make things. Your chair was made, or created, by someone. What about this building? Someone had to build this building we’re in. Someone made the house you live in, too.

? So do you think someone created the animals and the plants—and the whole universe including all the stars and planets in space? Yes!

? You’re right! Someone had to create it all. And who was that who created everything, including the whole universe? God!

That’s right. The Bible says that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth—everything! He is the only one who could have created it all because only God is eternal. He was the only one there at the beginning.

Everything we see in God’s creation helps us to know that there is a God. And God created everything! No one had to create Him. He had no beginning, and He will never die.



AStory Time In the last story, Justin and Jessie had some fun with binoculars, didn’t they? They learned that God is so great, He is unsearchable. What do you suppose they will do today? Let’s find out!

Read the Justin and Jessie story as you show the picture.


Justin and Jessie found new plants in the garden that they thought had just appeared there! But they found out that nothing can appear out of nowhere. Even Ellie’s birthday cake had to have someone make it.

? Refer to the Flip Chart. Take a look at the Flip Chart again. What do you see in the picture? Seagulls, sand, water, people, etc.

We see things all around us, but someone had to make them all. The Bible says God was the only one there in the very beginning, and He is the one who created everything.






It’s time to sing some songs! Everyone stand up with me.


One of the great things about God’s Word is that it is perfect. It has no mistakes in it, so we know we can trust what it says whenever we read it. Let’s sing the song about the Bible. Review the words then have students sing it with you once or twice.

Psalm 119:89–90

Turn to the Flip Chart Memory Verse Page. Let’s do our memory verse song now. Sing the song together once or twice.



• Praise God for the wonderful creation we see around us.

• Pray that we will learn more about God as we read the Bible.





Verse 1






Verse 2






(Repeat Verse 1)

Psalm 119:89–90Psalm 119:89–90




To all generations;





(Repeat)



The Trinity God is three Persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Lesson FocusThe Bible teaches that there is only one God with three Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each of these Persons is different. This is the Trinity.

Key PassagesGenesis 1:1–2; John 1:1


Lesson4


Lesson Preparation


Come On In Game:






Lesson Flip Chart Bible

Stuffed animal for prayer time

Review motion instructions in the lesson for Father, Jesus, and Spirit.





AStory Time Read the Justin and Jessie story on the back of the picture provided in the

Teacher Kit or print a copy.











years old) classes.


for Pre-K.






GGo to PrayerFather God, you are a mystery, the Trinity—three Persons in one—Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Please give me wisdom to present this amazing truth in such a way that my students will understand who you are. Lead them to a knowledge that will bring them to worship you as only you deserve.



• Sorting*

Students will sort various items into groups of three.

• Simon Says Three*

Students will play a game of Simon Says following commands in sets of three.

Notes




The word Trinity is not found in Scripture, but the concept of the Trinity is clear in its accounts. It is an important doctrine of the Christian faith, advocat-ing that God eternally exists as three Persons. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God—but there is only one God. Because of our finite minds, this concept is impossible to fully understand and/or explain. Let’s consider a few things.

There is only one God. “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God” (Isaiah 45:5). See also Isaiah 46:9; Galatians 3:20; 1 Corin-thians 8:5–6.

All three Persons of the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are called God. In Christ all the

fullness of deity dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9). The Holy Spirit and God are both referred to as God (Acts 5:3–4).

All three Persons of the Trinity are eternal. God is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2). The throne of the Son is forever and ever (Hebrews 1:8). The Spirit, too, is eternal (Hebrews 9:14).

All three Persons of the Trinity are Creator. Gen-esis 1:1–3 clearly references that God and the Spirit of God were present at creation. John 1:1 –5 brings Christ—the second Person of the Trinity—into the picture at creation. He was in the beginning with God, and all things were made through Him. Colos-sians 1:15–17 again confirms that Jesus Christ is the firstborn over all of creation. And by Him all things were created. This passage also reiterates the eter-nality of Christ.


The Bible, while not using the term Trinity, plainly teaches that while there is but one true God, He consists of three separate yet equal Persons—and all were present at creation. In fact, the term Trinity did not become a formal doctrine of the Church, by name, until the fourth century. This fact has led to numerous debates over the origin of this word and its validity as a doctrine of Scripture.

Many teachers in the history of Christianity have twisted the concept of the Trinity. To misunderstand the nature and character of God is a serious problem. When this misunderstanding leads to a compromise in the true understanding of the gospel, the mistake can rightly be called a heresy—a doctrine that leads to damnation.

A brief look at some of the historical heresies built around the doctrine of the Trinity follows. In all cases they deny either the oneness of God, the distinction between the Persons of the Trinity, or the full deity of one or more Persons of the Godhead.

Modalism: This idea suggests that God acts in three different “modes” but is only one Person. God appeared as the “Father” in the Old Testament, as “Jesus” in the earthly min-istry, and as the “Spirit” in the present age. Presently, some Pentecostal groups hold to Modalism.

Arianism: Named for the fourth-century teacher Arius, this view teaches that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were created by God the Father. This idea was condemned at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

Adoptionism: This view teaches that Jesus was an ordinary man until, at His baptism, He was adopted by the Father and given super-natural powers and the status of “Son of God.” Some Unitarians hold this view today.

Unitarianism: This view holds that there is a single God with no distinct Persons. Whether Jesus or the Father is God varies, but many present-day Unitarians reject the pre-existence of Jesus, insisting that He began to exist at the virgin birth.

Church councils were called to deal with muta-tions of the truth that were being spread in the early church. As a result, the doctrine of the Trinity was codified in the Nicene Creed in 325, and later in the Athanasian Creed. Both of these creeds are the basis of an orthodox understanding of the relationships within the Trinity.

Even today we see how misunderstanding the Trinity can skew the gospel by denying the biblical understanding of atonement, justice, and the effect of Christ’s work on the Cross.


We often hear people speak of God: God is good; God will answer our prayers; God is in control; God has a plan. Yet many of these same people seldom speak the name of Jesus Christ—and may not even believe that salvation comes through Him alone. They deny and fail to understand the important doc-trine of the Trinity—three Persons in one God.

These people discount the significance of who Jesus is—that He is 100% fully God and 100% fully man. Specifically, there are many who claim that Jesus Christ was merely a man—a prophet; the first created being; a sinless, good person—but not God in human flesh. The significance of the doctrine of the Trinity eludes them.

And yet, the New Testament is abundantly clear that Jesus is God. Jesus claimed to be one with the Father (John 10:30–33); He used the title of “I AM” from the Old Testament (John 8:23, 8:58); He demon-strated His power over nature, disease, demons, and death (Matthew 8); and He forgave sins—something only God can do (Mark 2:1–11).

Upon seeing the resurrected Christ, Thomas declared, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), and Jesus did not rebuke him but affirmed him for saying so. And finally, the Jewish leaders recognized Jesus’ claims to deity and tried to stone Him for it (John 5:18, 8:59); ultimately they had Him crucified for supposed blasphemy.

Why is it important to believe Trinitarian doctrine and specifically that Jesus is both God and man? Our very salvation requires it. The death of a mere man (no matter how noble) could not provide the purchase price required to redeem other men from their sins against an infinite God. But because Jesus is God, is eternal, and is infinite, He alone is able to satisfy the penalty for those sins by His death.

In addition, Jesus had to be fully human in order to redeem Adam’s fallen race—the human race. The substitutionary atonement required that Jesus Christ must die as a man to bear judgment for the sins of men. Only the God-man could bridge the gap and bring both God and man together. As a man, He lived a perfect life and is qualified to be our High Priest and Savior (Hebrews 2:17, 7:24–28).

Many discussions surround this important doc-trine and can cause division in the church. This is a mysterious doctrine that cannot be comprehended by the human mind. We know that God has revealed the primary truths of the Trinity in His Word. With that in mind, we must be willing to allow that there are secret things that belong to the Lord our God, which have not been revealed (Deuteronomy 29:29).












Today let’s say prayers of adoration and tell God how much we love Him.

I’ll start. Dear God, your greatness is amazing! I want to praise you for . . . (insert personal prayer here).














? Refer to Lesson 3 Flip Chart. OK. Who remembers what we talked about last week? Allow discussion. God is the Creator. God is eternal. Creation shows us God exists.

? What created things do you see in this picture? Have students name some things on the Flip Chart.

? Very good! When we see things all around us, we know that someone had to make those things. The Bible tells us who created the whole earth and everything in it. Who is that? God.

? Yes. And the Bible also says that God has no beginning or end. God always was and always will be. What is the word we learned for that? It starts with an “E.” Eternal.

God is eternal. He is not like us. He is the only one who was there in the beginning, and He created it all!

Today, we are going to learn something else about God. It’s a very important thing to remember. But it can be hard to understand, even for grown-ups! Let’s get started.

“Tri” Means “Three” ? Refer to the Flip Chart as you proceed. What is in this picture? A triangle!

? How many sides does a triangle have? Count with the children. Three!

? Right! What is this a picture of? A tricycle!

? How many wheels does a tricycle have? Count with the children. Three!

? Great job! How about this one, what is this a picture of? A dinosaur!

? That’s right. This dinosaur is called “triceratops.” How many horns does a triceratops have? Count with the children. Three!

Tri means “three.” A tri-angle has three sides. A tri-cycle has three wheels. And a tri-ceratops has three horns.

? Refer to the Trinity diagram on the Flip Chart. The word Trinity also has “tri” in it. It also means three. What do you think the three things are in the Trinity? It has to do with God. Allow for answers.

Trinity means there are three Persons in one God! They are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are going to learn some hand motions to help us remember these three Persons. This is the motion for “Father.” Demonstrate sign for “Father.” With your right hand pointing up and thumb pointing out toward your face, reach up and touch your forehead (above your




right eye) twice with your thumb, keeping your hand pointing up. Practice motion several times while saying, “God the Father.”

Very good! You probably already know the motion for Jesus. Because He died on the Cross for our sins, we make the sign for where the nails went into each hand. Demonstrate sign for “Jesus.” Touch right middle finger to palm of left hand, then left middle finger to palm of right hand. Repeat several times. Then review both Father and Jesus motions while saying, “God the Father, God the Son.”

The third Person in the Trinity is God the Holy Spirit. Here is the motion for Spirit. Demonstrate sign for “Spirit.” Start with your thumbs and index fingers loosely interlocking in front of you, then pull your right hand up and left hand down (as if pulling a string), touching thumbs to index fingers as you pull away. The completed motion ends with thumbs touching index fingers in an “o” with right hand by your head and left hand by your waist. Practice the motion several times.

When ready, practice all three motions while saying, “God the Father (motion), God the Son (motion), God the Holy Spirit (motion).”

Great job learning the motions! Here is the tricky part—all three of them are God.

? Who is the Father? God.

? Who is Jesus the Son? God.

? Who is the Holy Spirit? God.

? Refer to the Flip Chart. How many Persons are there in the Trinity? Count with the children. Three Persons.

Point to the number one in the middle of the diagram. And they are all ONE God!

This is the Trinity! When we talk about God in heaven, we call Him God the Father. When we say that God came to earth to be born as a baby and grow into a man, we call Him Jesus the Son. And when we say that God lives in the hearts of everyone who believes in Him, we call Him the Holy Spirit.

The Trinity Was Present at Creation ? Hmmm. Where should we look to find out more about this? In the Bible!

Yes! Let’s look more closely at the Trinity in the Bible.


Genesis 1:1–2

Listen as I read Genesis 1:1 and tell me what God was doing. Read Genesis 1:1 emphasizing “God created.”



? What did God do? He created.

? What did God create? The heavens and the earth.

That’s right. God created the whole universe—that means He made the earth, animals, plants, people, stars, planets—everything!

Now listen to verse 2. Read Genesis 1:2 emphasizing “the Spirit of God.”

? Who was with God at the beginning? The Spirit of God.

When God created the heavens and the earth, the Spirit of God was there, too!

Refer to the Flip Chart. We have talked about two of the Persons from the Trinity—the Father and the Holy Spirit. They were both there in the beginning.

? Who did we say was the other Person of the Trinity? What do we call God when He became a man who came to the earth and was born on Christmas? Jesus.

John 1:1

Yes! Jesus, the Son, is the other Person of the Trinity. We will see that He was there at creation, too. Let’s read from John 1:1 in the New Testament. This verse talks about the Word. And the Word is Jesus. Read John 1:1.

First, it says, “In the beginning.”

? What happened in the beginning? What did God do? God created everything.

The Bible says God made everything in the beginning. And this verse is saying that someone else was there in the beginning, too. The Bible says, “In the beginning was the Word.”

? And who is the Word? Jesus.

Yes. Jesus is the Word.

? So who else was there in the beginning? The Word. Jesus.

? Jesus is God’s Son who became a man. Is Jesus also one of the Persons of the Trinity? Let’s look at our Flip Chart. Yes!

? So, who were the three Persons at creation? God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

? Refer to Flip Chart. Wow! Now, how many Gods are there? One God.

? Yes. There is only one God. But how many Persons are in that one God? Three.

? Who are the three Persons? Let’s do the motions we learned while we say their names. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit! Review the motions and repeat several times.

There is one God, but three Persons in God. All three were in the beginning at creation. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God! And each Person is different. That means the Father is



not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not the Father. But they are all one God. And that is the Trinity!


SPre-K LessonReview

? Refer to Lesson 3 Flip Chart. OK. Who remembers what we talked about last week? Allow discussion. God is the Creator. God is eternal. Creation shows us God exists.

? What created things do you see in this picture? Have students name some things on the Flip Chart.

? Very good! When we see things all around us, we know that someone had to make those things. The Bible tells us who created the whole earth and everything in it. Who is that? God.

Right. God is eternal. He is not like us. He is the only one who was there in the beginning, and He created it all!

Today, we are going to learn something else about God. It’s a very important thing to remember. But it can be hard to understand, even for grown-ups! Let’s get started.

“Tri” Means “Three” ? Refer to the Flip Chart as you proceed. What is in this picture? A triangle!

? How many sides does a triangle have? Count with the children. Three!

? Right! What is this a picture of? A tricycle!

? How many wheels does a tricycle have? Count with the children. Three!

? Great job! How about this one, what is this a picture of? A dinosaur!

? That’s right. This dinosaur is called “triceratops.” How many horns does a triceratops have? Count with the children. Three!

Count again as you review the chart. Tri means “three.” A tri-angle has three sides. A tri-cycle has three wheels. And a tri-ceratops has three horns.

Refer to the Trinity diagram on the Flip Chart. The word Trinity also has “tri” in it. It also means three. Say that word with me, “Trinity.” Trinity means there are three Persons in one God! They are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

We are going to learn some hand motions to help us remember these three Persons. This is the motion for “Father.” Demonstrate sign for “Father.” With




your right hand pointing up and thumb pointing out toward your face, reach up and touch your forehead (above your right eye) twice with your thumb, keeping your hand pointing up. Practice motion several times while saying, “God the Father.”

Very good! You probably already know the motion for Jesus. Because He died on the cross for our sins, we make the sign for where the nails went into each hand. Demonstrate sign for “Jesus.” Touch right middle finger to palm of left hand, then left middle finger to palm of right hand. Repeat several times. Then review both Father and Jesus motions while saying, “God the Father, God the Son.”

The third Person in the Trinity is God the Holy Spirit. Here is the motion for Spirit. Demonstrate sign for “Spirit.” Start with your thumbs and index fingers loosely interlocking in front of you, then pull your right hand up and left hand down (as if pulling a string), touching thumbs to index fingers as you pull away. The completed motion ends with thumbs touching index fingers in an “o” with right hand by your head and left hand by your waist. Practice the motion several times.

When ready, practice all three motions while saying, “God the Father (motion), God the Son (motion), God the Holy Spirit (motion).”

Great job learning the motions! Here is the tricky part—all three of them are God.

? Who is the Father? God.

? Who is Jesus the Son? God.

? Who is the Holy Spirit? God.

? Refer to the Flip Chart. How many Persons are there in the Trinity? Count with the children. Three Persons.

Point to the number one in the middle of the diagram. And they are all ONE God!

This is the Trinity! When we talk about God in heaven, we call Him God the Father. When we say that God came to earth to be born as a baby and grow into a man, we call Him Jesus the Son. And when we say that God lives in the hearts of everyone who believes in Him, we call Him the Holy Spirit.

? Hmmm. Where should we look to find out more about this? In the Bible.

The Trinity Was Present at Creation ? The Bible tells us who created everything. Who was that? God.

That’s right. God created the whole universe—that means God made the earth, animals, plants, people, stars, planets—everything!

But the Bible also says that when God created the heavens and the earth, the Spirit of God was there, too!

Refer to the Flip Chart. So the Father and the Holy Spirit were both there in the beginning.


? Who did we say was the other Person of the Trinity? What do we call God when He became a man who came to the earth and was born on Christmas? Jesus.

? That’s right. Do you think Jesus was there at the beginning with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit? Allow discussion.

John 1:1

? Well, let’s find out. Who has the Bible? Please bring it up. We are going to look at God’s Word now. Make this a special time as the student brings the Bible and opens it to where the sticky note is. Show the students where the book is in your Bible. Let them look at it. Carry it around your circle.

John 1:1 says that in the beginning was the Word. And the Word is Jesus!

? So if the Word is Jesus, who was there in the beginning? Jesus.

Yes. Jesus is the Word. So this verse says that Jesus the Son was there in the beginning with the Father and the Holy Spirit when God created everything.

? Refer to Flip Chart. Let’s look at the Flip Chart again. How many Gods are there? One God.

? Yes. There is only one God. But how many Persons are in that one God? Three.

? Who are the three Persons? Let’s do the motions we learned while we say their names. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit! Review the motions and repeat several times.

There is one God, but three Persons in God. All three of them were in the beginning at creation. The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, and that is the Trinity!



AStory Time In our last story, Justin and Jessie found new plants in the garden that they thought had just appeared there! But they found out that nothing can appear out of nowhere; everything has to have a creator. God created the plants and makes them grow. Just like Ellie’s birthday cake. It couldn’t just appear; Justin’s mom had to bake it and put the frosting on it.



Let’s find out what Justin and Jessie are up to this time. Read the Justin and Jessie story as you show the picture.

Some things are hard to understand about God. The Trinity is one of those things. And this is where faith comes in. God gives us faith to believe what the Bible tells us—even when we can’t figure it all out! But God wants us to keep studying His Word so we can learn more about Him.

Refer to the Flip Chart. Today we learned from the Bible that God was here before the world was created. God the Father is always with the Son and the Holy Spirit. We call this the Trinity, which means there are three Persons in one God. And all three Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—all took part in creation.






Everyone stand up with me. Let’s get ready to sing!


The Bible tells us many things about our great God. And that’s where we learn about the Trinity. Let’s sing about God’s Word, the Bible. Sing the song together once or twice.

Psalm 119:89–90

Turn to the Flip Chart Memory Verse Page. Let’s do our memory verse song now. Sing the song together once or twice.





• Praise God for telling us about the Trinity in His Word, the Bible.

• Pray that we will be able to understand the Trinity better as we learn more about God.




Verse 1






Verse 2






(Repeat Verse 1)

Psalm 119:89–90Psalm 119:89–90




To all generations;





(Repeat)

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