THE GOSPEL PROJECT - VOLUME 1 by Benjamin Mathews

Unit 1 • Session 1

UNIT 1 Session 1

Use Week of:

God Created the World 1

Genesis 1:1-25 God created everything for His glory. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE PASSAGE: MAIN POINT:

SMALL GROUP OPENING

LARGE BIBLE STUDY

SMALL GROUP LEADER

(15–20 MINUTES)

(25–30 MINUTES)

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Leader BIBLE STUDY In the beginning, God created everything. God created the universe ex nihilo, or “out of nothing.” All of creation began with a word. When God spoke, it happened. Light, land, sky, stars, plants, and animals. God made them all, and they were good. Creation was perfect, just as God intended. Every story in the Bible is a small piece of a much bigger story—God’s redemptive story. Sin would enter the world and affect everything, but God already knew. He already had a plan to show His grace to people through His Son (2 Tim. 1:9), to rescue and restore. In fact, the Bible says that God’s plan existed before He created the world. (Eph. 1:4-6)

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The Bible is the story of how a great God redeemed rebellious people by sending His Son, Jesus, to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. The story of Jesus does not begin in a manger. The Son has always existed, and He was present at creation. He is the Word through whom all things were created. (John 1:1-3)

Colossians 1:16-17 says that everything was created by Him and for Him, and He holds everything together. Through creation, we see and understand God’s eternal power and divine nature. (Rom. 1:20) As you begin teaching kids about creation, help them discover who God is. Remind boys and girls that God created everything with a purpose, to bring Him glory. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.” The Book of Genesis is the beginning of the greatest story ever told. It is a true story, and at the center of it all is the true hero, our Savior, Jesus Christ. This story changes everything.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the Creator

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The BIBLE STORY God Created the World Genesis 1:1-25 In the beginning, nothing existed except for God. God spoke and created the heavens and the earth. When He first created the earth, it had no shape and total darkness covered the earth. The Spirit of God was there, hovering over the waters. God spoke. He said, “Let there be light!” and what God said happened. Light was created. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and He called the darkness night. Evening came, and then morning came. That was the first day of creation. God spoke again: “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate them.” What God said happened. He made a space between the water that was on the earth and the water above the earth. God called the expanse sky. Evening came, and then morning came. That was the second day of creation. God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear.” What God said happened. God called the dry land earth, and He called the gathered water seas. God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth make plants and trees with fruits and seeds.” What God said happened. Plants and trees grew, and God saw that it was good. Evening came, and then morning came. That was the third day of creation. Next, God placed lights in the sky. God created the sun to shine during the day and the moon and stars to shine at night. God gave us lights to provide light on the

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earth, to separate day from night, and to help us track time in days and years. God saw that it was good. Evening came, and then morning came. That was the fourth day of creation. Next, God made creatures that move and swim in the water. He made birds to flap their wings and soar across the sky. God saw that it was good. God told the animals to multiply, and they filled the seas and the sky. Evening came, and then morning came. That was the fifth day of creation. Then God made more animals—livestock, creatures that crawl, and wildlife to live on the earth. When God said it, it happened. And God saw that it was good. Christ Connection: The Bible says that Jesus is Lord over all of creation. Everything was created by Him and for Him. The Son has always existed, and He holds everything together. (Colossians 1:16-17)

God the Creator

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WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET ADVENTURE!

Invite kids to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that everything was made through Jesus and for Jesus. Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

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Small Group OPENING God Created the World Genesis 1:1-25 MAIN POINT: God created everything for His glory. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Welcome time • index card • marker

ARRIVING ACTIVITY: Do what I say Write the main point on an index card and hide it in the room. Guide kids to stand around the room. Explain that you will give instructions that will lead them to find the main point. Tell kids to listen carefully and do what you ask them to do, or they will have to sit down where they are. Give kids instructions like “Turn left and hop four times.” Lead them all around the room with your instructions before guiding them to the card. When the kids reach the card, ask them to read the main point aloud. SAY • Did you know that God created everything by just speaking it? He said what should happen, and it did. You listened to my voice and found the main point. God is so powerful that when He spoke, He created everything!

Activity page (5 minutes) • “Creation Maze” activity page, 1 per kid • pencils or markers

Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. SAY • Today we will learn how God created everything for His glory. He did this over six days. The maze that you completed shows us on what day God created each thing.

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Session starter (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Story-go-round Guide kids to sit in a circle. Explain that kids will tell a story by saying one sentence and then pointing to another child to add another sentence. Begin a story with “Once upon a time there was a boy [girl] … ” and point to a child, leading her to add the next sentence. Continue until each child who wants to participate has had a chance to do so. SAY • Do you like stories? Today, we are going to read the first story in the Bible. It’s a true story. Even from the very beginning, God had a plan for us to be a part of that story! God created us—and all of creation—so that He would be glorified with our lives.

Out of nothing Form groups of four to six kids. Give each group a bag of supplies. Explain that groups will work together to create different items from the supplies. Challenge groups to build the tallest tower or the strongest bridge. Choose a winner with each assignment. Be mindful of how much time you have and use a timer to limit time for each build. Pretend to pour the contents from an empty bag. SAY • Could you create something out of nothing just by talking? God is so powerful that He created everything just by speaking it into existence. God created everything for His glory. How do you feel when you look at something beautiful that God has created? We can praise God for all the wonderful things He has made!

EP LOW PR

OPTION 2:

• bags, 1 per group • newspapers • tape • child-sized scissors • rocks • other random craft materials • timer

Transition to large group

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Large Group LEADER God Created the World Genesis 1:1-25 MAIN POINT: God created everything for His glory. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

• room decorations • Theme Background Slide (optional)

Suggested Theme Decorating Ideas: Create a large hot air balloon by draping a sheet over a large exercise ball and attaching a basket with rope. Add a backdrop of a rolling hills and a blue sky. Add artificial trees and props used in travel like suitcases or passports to the scene.

Countdown • countdown video • “The Big Story” video

Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins. You may also choose to show the video “The Big Story” during this time to help kids get a glimpse of where they are in the chronology of Scripture.

Introduce the session (2 minutes) • old suitcase filled with poorly made crafts

[Large Group Leader enters, carrying an old suitcase.] LEADER • Hello, my friends! Can anyone tell me about something that they have made that they were very proud of? I made all of this. [Open the suitcase and spill the contents onto the floor.] Aren’t they glorious? I love making crafts, and I’m pretty great at it. Wouldn’t you agree? I even made this hot air balloon [Point to the balloon.] with a little help [under breath] or a lot of help. Today we are going to read about the best Creator from the very beginning of the story God has given

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us in Genesis 1. God created everything that we can see—and even things that we can’t—by simply speaking them into being!

Giant timeline (2 minute) LEADER •

We are at the very beginning of time as we know it. [Point to beginning of the giant timeline.] God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit were not created but have always existed. That’s pretty hard for my brain to understand, but I know it’s true! The story of creation is the first story in the Bible, and it is the beginning of God’s great story that He has written for us! God created everything for His glory. How do you think we can give God glory? We can give God glory by pleasing Him with our lives. The story that begins with creation continues throughout history, and even you are a part of it!

Sing (4 minutes) LEADER •

God created everything for His glory. We can praise Him for all the beautiful, glorious, detailed things that He created by singing together. Sing together “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain).”

• Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle

• “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain)” song

Key passage (4 minutes) LEADER •

God created everything just by speaking it into existence. He is the one true God, and we exist for Him! After all, He created us! Our key passage is from 1 Corinthians 8:6. Can you find it in your Bible? Let’s say it together. Show the slide or poster of the key passage, God the Creator

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• Key Passage Poster • “There Is Only One” song

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is 1 Corinthians 8:6. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse. Then sing together “There Is Only One.”

Big picture question (1 minute) LEADER •

God created everything in the world—everything that we see and even things we don’t see! He created the sun and the wind and the mountains and the beach and flamingos and bears and even fish that haven’t even been discovered yet that live in the deepest parts of the ocean! Why do you think God did all of this? Why did God create the world? That’s a good question. Let’s see if we can find out using God’s Word.

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) • Bibles • “God Created the World” video • Big Picture Question Poster • Bible Story Picture Poster • Main Point Poster

LEADER • Turn

in your Bible to Genesis 1. It is at the very beginning of the Bible. Let’s find out more about what God created and why. Listen closely for the answer to the big picture question, Why did God create the world? Let’s also listen for the words, “It was good.” Each time you hear “It was good,” shake your hands in the air. Show the video or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read the bolded text. LEADER • God didn’t create a boring world of black and white. He created a beautiful, fascinating world! He gave us all different kinds of plants and animals to enjoy, and all the details that He put into them teach us about God. God created everything for His glory. God is powerful and creative, and He wants all of His creation to point us to praise Him! Why did

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God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Let’s review our story. Ask the following review questions: 1. What did God create on the first day of creation? (the heavens and the earth, and day and night, Genesis 1:1-5) 2. What did God create on the second day of creation? (sky, Genesis 1:6-8) 3. What did God create on the third day of creation? (land and seas, plants, trees, Genesis 1:9-13) 4. What did God create on the fourth day of creation? (sun, stars, moon, Genesis 1:14-19) 5. What did God create on the fifth day of creation? (creatures in the water and birds, Genesis 1:20-23) 6. What did God create on the sixth day of creation? (animals, Genesis 1:24-25) 7. How did God create all things? (He spoke and they were created; Genesis 1:3,6,9,11,14,20,24) 8. What did God think of His creation? (It was good; Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25) 9. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory.

Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER •

Have you ever considered how detailed God’s creation is? Let’s watch our video. Show the “Unit 1, Session 1” video. LEADER • Wow! God is so creative! He made every animal so different and interesting! What was most interesting to you? What are some things God made that you might see each day that can remind you to praise Him? Why did God create the world? God

God the Creator

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• “Unit 1, Session 1” discussion starter video

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is created the world and everything in it for His glory. We can respond to all that God created by giving Him glory, or praise, for it! This week, take time to praise God for what you see in His creation.

The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. If this is not possible, encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Big picture question and prayer (3 minutes) • playground balls, 1 per row • Big Picture Question Poster

Show the big picture question poster. LEADER • What is the answer to the big picture question? Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Guide kids to sit in rows. Give the first kid in each row a playground ball. Ask him to say the first word of the question and pass the ball. The next kid will say the next word before passing the ball. Continue until the question and the answer are completed. If the ball reaches the end of the row before question and answer is finished, the last kid should reverse the direction. The first row to finish wins. Before transitioning to small groups, make any necessary announcements. Lead kids in prayer. Praise God for the great gift He has given through His creation. Ask God to help each child be thankful to Him when enjoying the beauty of creation.

Dismiss to small groups

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The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:19. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

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Small Group LEADER God Created the World Genesis 1:1-25 MAIN POINT: God created everything for His glory. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Key passage activity (5 minutes) • Key Passage Poster • paper plates • markers • jump rope • hula hoop

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Make sure the key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together. SAY • Our key passage says the everything that exists comes from God—including us! God made you and me for Himself. He wants us to live for Him. God created everything for His glory. Also Jesus is Lord over everything, and He gives us life! Write the words of the key passage on paper plates and hide them around the room. Create two sets, using two differentcolored markers to differentiate between the two sets. Form two teams and assign each team a color. Place a jump rope on the ground and explain that each team will make a straight line starting behind the jump rope. Teams will take turns sending one player to look for plates until all are found. After the plates are found, designate one child from each team to hold the hula hoop a few feet from the jump rope. Guide each player to toss the paper plate through the hula hoop in the order of the verse, reading the word aloud as a team as each plate is tossed.

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Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Encourage the kids to find Genesis 1 in their Bibles. SAY • Where is the Book of Genesis located in the Bible? (the first book) Who wrote Genesis? (Moses) Moses wrote the Pentateuch, or the Law, which are the first five books of the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word. God chose people to write down the message He gave them. Use the small group timeline to show kids today’s Bible story. Point to the first picture. Explain that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit have always existed. (See John 1:1-4.) God did not begin at the beginning of the timeline because He has always been and always will be. God is eternal. Our timeline begins when God created everything for His glory. Write the numbers 1–6 on separate sheets of paper and tape them around the room. As you review the Bible story, ask kids to stand by the number that indicates what day of creation you are speaking about. Ask them to take a pencil with them so that they can list on that sheet of paper some of the things that God created on that specific day. Read the story provided using the bolded text, or summarize the story in your own words. Pause in the story as you mention each day, giving kids time to write on each numbered sheet of paper. After finishing the story, challenge kids to go to one of the numbered sheets and write today’s main point on it. Show the main point slide or poster. SAY • God created everything in six days, and it was all very good! God created everything for His glory.

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• Bibles, 1 per kid • Main Point Poster • Small Group Timeline • paper • tape

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Activity choice (10 minutes)

EP LOW PR

• Allergy Alert download • large piece of paper • plastic drop cloth or tablecloth • nature items (leaves, sticks, grass, flowers) • smocks, 1 per child • hand wipes • blow dryer (optional) • scissors (optional)

OPTION 1: What day? Guide kids to help you make up motions for each of the six days. For example, for Day 1, kids might hold up both arms as if they are seeing light for the first time, or they might make a big circle with their arms because God created the earth. On Day 2, they might make waves with their arms to indicate that God separated the waters from the sky. For Day 3, kids might stand or bend like a tree. Continue making motions to illustrate what happened on each day. Review them a few times before beginning the game. Call out one of the days. Challenge kids to do the motion for the day. SAY • God created everything over six days. He did this so that all things might bring Him glory! God created everything for His glory.

Worship mural Place a plastic drop cloth or tablecloth onto a hard floor or long table to protect the surface. Roll out a large piece of paper on top of the covering. Invite kids to put on a smock and to paint using the nature mediums. Guide them to paint things that God created that inspire them to worship Him. Ask kids to wipe off their hands using the hand wipes when finished. Use a blow dryer on the mural to speed up drying time. Only the adults should use the blow dryer for safety reasons. After the mural is dry, you may hang it in your classroom or cut it into pieces so children can take home pieces of the work that they did with their friends. SAY • We can worship God for many reasons. He has done so many great things for us! All of creation was made with a purpose, and all of creation points us to OPTION 2:

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worship God because of its beauty and detail. God created everything for His glory.

Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Prepare a journal using a folder and the journal pages provided, or prepare a composition notebook for each child and allow them to glue their pages and other pertinent items inside. A journal activity will be provided each week. Distribute each child’s journal and instruct the kids to draw a picture of God’s creation that they enjoy. Writers can list things that they would like to praise God for creating. SAY • God created many amazing things! Why do you think He did this? God created everything for His glory. Whenever something in creation brings us joy, we can thank God for it. Make sure each child secures this week’s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for His wonderful creation. Pray for each child by name, asking God to open her eyes to the wonder and beauty of His creation so she will worship Him. Make sure to give kids the big picture cards to take home to reinforce the Bible story with their families.

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• Journal Page • Bible Story Coloring Page • crayons or markers • Big Picture Cards for Families: Kids

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God the Creator Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 8:6 Big Picture Questions: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. Session 1: God Created the World Genesis 1:1-25 God created everything for His glory. Session 2: G od Created People Genesis 1:26-2:25 God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. Session 3: S in Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24 Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. Session 4: C ain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26 Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. Session 5: N oah and the Ark Genesis 6:5–9:17 God is holy, and He punishes sin. Session 6: Th e Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 God created people to give glory to Him alone.

There is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

God created everything for His glory.

Creation Maze INSTRUCTIONS:

Find your way through the maze to reveal the days of creation.

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Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE STORY: GOD CREATED THE WORLD

• In the beginning, there was nothing but God. • God made the world out of nothing. • God saw everything He made was good. • God planned for all of creation to bring Him glory. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• What are some things that God created? (See Genesis 1–2.) • What does it mean to bring God glory? (We can show people how awesome God is.) • How can you and your family bring God glory this week? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• As you are riding in a vehicle, lead kids to observe God’s creation around you. Talk about how God’s creation displays His glory. Pray as a family, thanking God for His creation. • Go further: Take a family nature walk. Younger Kids Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 1

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MAIN POINT: GOD CREATED EVERYTHING FOR HIS GLORY.

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God Created the World Genesis 1:1-25

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Why did God create the world?

What is sin?

Unit 1 • Session 2

UNIT 1 Session 2

Use Week of:

God Created People Genesis 1:26–2:25 God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE PASSAGE: MAIN POINT:

SMALL GROUP OPENING

LARGE BIBLE STUDY

SMALL GROUP LEADER

(10–15 MINUTES)

(25–30 MINUTES)

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Leader BIBLE STUDY On the sixth day of creation, God created man in His own image. God formed the man out of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. (Gen. 2:7) Man was set apart as different from the rest of God’s creation. God did not breathe into the animals. He skillfully formed man out of dust as a potter forms a pot out of clay. (See Isa. 64:8.) God sustained the man. He planted a garden in Eden and put the man there to work it and keep it. (Gen. 2:8,15) Then God gave the man a command. God told the man, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Then God explained the consequences, “For on

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the day you eat from it, you will certainly die” (Gen. 2:17). Then God made woman from the man’s rib. She was a suitable helper for him. Both man and woman were created in God’s image. The first man, Adam, and the first woman, Eve, lived in the garden and enjoyed God’s friendship. We know Adam and Eve did not keep the command God gave, and their disobedience brought sin into the world. For that reason, God sent His Son, Jesus—“the image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15) and “the exact expression of His nature” (Heb. 1:3). God the Son became fully man, acting as the second Adam, to bring life to those who are in Him. (See 1 Cor. 15:45-49.)

As you teach kids this week, help them understand that being made in God’s image means we are made like Him, or patterned after Him. God does not have a physical body; He is Spirit, and He has given each of us a spirit. God gives people the ability to think and to feel emotions and to make choices. He gives us the ability to understand right and wrong. Emphasize that God made people different than anything else He created. God created people in His own image (Gen. 1:26) and for His glory (Isa. 43:7)

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the Creator

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The BIBLE STORY God Created People Genesis 1:26–2:25 On the sixth day of creation, God made people. God created people differently than anything else He created. God created people in His very own image. God took dust from the ground and made a man. God breathed His very own breath into the man, and the man became alive. God made a garden in the land of Eden, and He put the man in the garden. God told the man to work in the garden and take care of it. God provided food from the trees for the man to eat, and God provided a river to water the garden. Then God said, “You can eat from any of the trees in the garden, except for one.” The garden had a tree in it called the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned the man, “If you eat from that tree, you will die.” Now God was not yet finished with creation. He saw the man and said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” So God decided to make a helper for the man. God made wild animals and birds, and the man gave names to all of the creatures. But none of the animals was a good helper for the man. So God made the man fall fast asleep. He took one of the man’s ribs and created a woman. When the man saw the woman, he was very happy. The woman was a perfect helper for the man; she was his wife. The man’s name was Adam, and his wife’s name was Eve. God gave Adam and Eve good things. He put them in charge of the animals and provided everything they needed. God looked at everything He had made, and it was very

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good. God had done everything He planned to do. So on the seventh day of creation, God rested from His work. Christ Connection: God created people in His own image. Adam was like God in some ways, but he was not a perfect representation of God. God sent His Son, Jesus, to show us exactly what God is like. (Colossians 1:15) Jesus is the perfect representation of God because He is God. (Hebrews 1:3)

WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET ADVENTURE!

Invite kids to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that God created the first man, Adam, in His image. Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the Creator

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Small Group OPENING God Created People Genesis 1:26–2:25 MAIN POINT: God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Welcome time ARRIVING ACTIVITY: Mirror game Ask each kid to find a partner and stand face-to-face with them. Tell kids to discuss their birthdays and figure out which partner is older. Guide the older kid to make motions with his arms and face, while the younger partner mirrors the older kid’s motions. After a few moments, swap roles so that the younger kid leads the motions. SAY • Today we are going to learn about when God created people. God created people in His own image. People are a picture of what God was like, or like a reflection in a mirror of God. We don’t physically look like God because God doesn’t have a body like we do, but we do have some similar characteristics.

Activity page (5 minutes) • “Mirror, Mirror” activity page, 1 per kid • pencils or markers

Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. SAY • Each of you drew and colored the face on your activity page differently. God created every person to be different and unique from other people. He created people to bring Him glory and point others to Him. All people are made in His image, and that should help us love people well.

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Session starter (10 minutes) OPTION 1: How long is a minute? Ask kids to sit in a circle. Challenge them to guess when a minute has passed after you say go. Kids should raise their hand when they think a minute has passed. Use a stopwatch to keep track of the time. Do not tell kids how long it has been until all kids have raised their hands. Tell kids who was closest to the one-minute mark. Play again if time remains. SAY • It was probably difficult for you to rest for one minute. Today we are going to learn about when God created people. After He did, He saw that all He had done was good. Then, He rested for one day.

God made a helper Guide kids to find a partner. Ask all partners to stand together in a straight line on one side of the room. Give the first set of partners a towel. Explain that each partner will hold one end of the towel and walk quickly to the other side of the room and back. Then, the two will give the towel to the next pair. Tell kids you will place random items on the towel, and the goal is for all kids to complete the task without any of the items falling off of the towel. SAY • Could you have completed that game correctly without your partner? Today we will learn about the time God created a helper for Adam. Do you know her name? (Eve) God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. The names of the first people were Adam and Eve.

EP LOW PR

• stopwatch

OPTION 2:

EP LOW PR

Transition to large group

God the Creator

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Large Group LEADER God Created People Genesis 1:26–2:25 MAIN POINT: God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Countdown • countdown video

Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (2 minutes) • luggage • binocular

[Large Group Leader enters holding a piece of luggage and carrying binoculars around her neck.] LEADER • Hello, friends! Isn’t it the nicest day to sail away in a hot air balloon? Where would you like to go? [Wait for responses.] I think we will go back to the beginning, when God created all things. Are you ready to learn about that today? I wonder what we should take with us. Do you think there will be a place to charge my phone? No? Well, looks like we’ll just go and figure it out along the way.

Giant timeline (2 minutes) • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle • Main Point Poster

LEADER •

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In our last time together, we learned about the beginning of time when God created the earth, sky, stars, seas, and all the living creatures on the land, in the sky, and in the sea. God did all of this simply by speaking. He said for something to be created, and it was. God created everything for His glory, and He

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saw that all the things He created were good. God wasn’t done creating, though. God went on to create people! He didn’t create them like He had created everything else. God created people in His own image; God created them male and female.

Sing (4 minutes) LEADER •

Think about a way that God made you unique. Maybe you are really good at cooking or drawing. Maybe you are great at showing others that you care. God created you just the way you are for a reason. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Let’s give God glory now by thinking about His greatness and singing to Him. Sing together “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain).”

• “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain)” song

Key passage (4 minutes) LEADER •

Our key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6, tells us that there is only one God who created all things and who desires for us to live for Him. What does it mean to live for God? [Wait for responses.] God has created us and gives us life. He created Adam in His own image. Adam shared qualities with God, but He wasn’t God. Jesus was the perfect representation of God, because He is God. He would come and lead the perfect life that Adam could not live so that we might trust Him and live eternally with God. Show the slide or poster of the key passage and lead boys and girls to read the verse together. Then sing together “There Is Only One.” God the Creator

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• Key Passage Slide or Poster • “There Is Only One” song

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Big picture question (1 minute) LEADER •

In our last session, we learned that God created all things, and today we are learning more about all He created. Do you remember the answer to our big picture question? Why did God create the world? [Wait for responses.] That’s right. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Let’s listen closely to the Bible story to learn about when God created people.

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) • Bibles • “God Created People” video • Big Picture Question Poster • Bible Story Picture Poster • Main Point Poster

LEADER •

As you hear the story, I want you to listen for how God created people. He created them differently than He created the world and the animals. Let’s hear about that. Open your Bible to Genesis 1. Show the video or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read the bolded text. LEADER • Wow! From the beginning of time, God dearly loved people. He created Adam and Eve differently from the rest of creation. God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. That means that God made people to be like Him in some ways. He put them in charge of the animals and gave them everything that they needed. Let’s review our story. Ask the following review questions: 1. On what day of creation did God make Adam and Eve? (the sixth day, Genesis 1:31) 2. How did God make the man? (God shaped a man from the dust of the ground and then breathed His own

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breath into him, Genesis 2:7) 3. What job did God give Adam? (He was to work in the garden and take care of it, Genesis 2:15) 4. What command did God give Adam? (He could eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Genesis 2:16-17) 5. God didn’t want Adam to be alone, so He made a helper for Adam. How did He make this helper? (God made Eve from Adam’s rib, Genesis 2:21-22) 6. When God looked at everything He had made, what did He think about it? (God saw that it was very good, Genesis 1:31) 7. What did God do on the seventh day of creation? (He rested, Genesis 2:2) 8. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory.

Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER •

Have you ever thought about how God has created every person in His image? God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. Every person is made in God’s image and deserves to be treated with respect. What are some ways we might do that? Let’s watch our video and see how people sometimes treat others who are different. Show the “Unit 1, Session 2” video. LEADER • How do you treat someone who is different from you? How should knowing that God created every person in His image change the way that you treat others?

God the Creator

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• “Unit 1, Session 2” discussion starter video

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Big picture question and prayer (3 minutes) • Big Picture Question Poster

Show the big picture question poster. LEADER • Let’s read our big picture question and answer together. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Guide kids to stand in a circle and take turns saying one word of the big picture question and answer. Ask them to say each word quickly so that they might be able to complete the question and answer more quickly each time. Before transitioning to small groups, make any necessary announcements. Lead kids in prayer. Praise God for creating each person in His image. Ask God to help us recognize God’s image in ourselves and in others and to remind us that our purpose as His creation is to praise Him!

Dismiss to small groups

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God the Creator

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Small Group LEADER God Created People Genesis 1:26–2:25 MAIN POINT: God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Key passage activity (5 minutes) • Key Passage Poster • large sheet of paper • markers • scissors • tape

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Draw a large number 1 on one side of the paper. Write the key passage on the back. Cut the paper like a puzzle. Hide the pieces around the room. SAY • Our key passage reminds us that God is the one true God who created everything! He created plants and animals, and He created all people. He created people differently than He created other living things because He created them in His own image! Around the room are puzzle pieces that can be put together to form our verse. I want you to find the pieces and bring them back so that we can tape the verse together. Give kids a moment to locate all the pieces and bring them to a designated area. Help them put the puzzle together so they can read the verse together. Flip over the verse and show kids the number one. Remind kids that our key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6, helps us understand that God is the only Creator of the world. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Our purpose is to worship God and show everyone how awesome He is.

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Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Encourage the kids to find Genesis 1 in their Bibles. SAY • Do you remember what we learned about Genesis in our last session? Where is the Book of Genesis located in the Bible? (the first book) Who wrote Genesis? (Moses) Moses wrote the Pentateuch, or the Law, which are the first five books of the Bible. The Bible is God’s Word. God chose people to write down the message He gave them. Use the small group timeline to show kids today’s Bible story. Remind kids that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit have always existed. (See John 1:1-4.) The beginning of our timeline is not when God began, but it is when He created the earth and everything in it. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Give each child a small amount of modeling clay or play dough. As you review the Bible story, ask kids to sculpt some of the things that God created. Read the story provided using the bolded text, or summarize the story in your own words. Remind kids that God made Adam from the dust of the ground, and then He breathed His life into Adam. Ask kids what would happen if they breathed on their sculptures. God has all power and authority. He created everything for His glory. Ask kids to tell you how God created people. Show the main point slide or poster and tell kids to read it with you. SAY • God created everything for His glory, and He created people in a very special way. God created people in His own image; God created them male and female.

God the Creator

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• Bibles, 1 per kid • Main Point Poster • Small Group Timeline • modeling clay or play dough

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Activity choice (10 minutes) EP LOW PR

• white heavyweight paper • stamp pads in multiple colors

OPTION 1: Fingerprint masterpieces Give each child a piece of heavyweight paper. Invite kids to use the stamp pads to make fingerprints on the paper. Guide kids to be creative in the shapes and patterns that they choose to make with their fingerprints. SAY • Did you know that God made every person to give glory to God? God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. God created each person in His image so that He could show the world what He is like through them. What are some characteristics that people might have that are also attributes or qualities of God? Can you think of attributes of God that people don’t have? God made Adam in His image, but Adam was not like God in every way. The same is true for all people. God sent Jesus so that we would have a perfect representation of God. Jesus is God. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross shows us God’s mercy toward people. Jesus provided a way for us to be made right with God and live eternally with Him.

Attributes of God Write the following attributes on slips of paper and place them in a bowl: Creator, creative, perfect, all-powerful, loving, gracious, helpful, wise, all-knowing. Ask a child to pull one attribute from the bowl and read it aloud. Explain that all kids will raise their hands if they think the attribute is one that both God and people have, or they will jump up and down if they think the attribute is only characteristic of God. Continue pulling attributes from the bowl and guide kids to raise their hands or jump up and

OPTION 2:

• slips of paper • marker • bowl

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down, based on the attribute that was pulled. SAY • Aren’t you glad that God is perfect, all-powerful, and all-knowing? He knows everything, and He created us just like we are in His perfect knowledge so that we might bring glory to God. He didn’t make us like He made animals, though. God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. We are more valuable than animals! God created us so that we might show others what God is like!

Attributes: • Creator: God • creative: both • perfect: God • all-powerful: God • loving: both • gracious: both • helpful: both • wise: both • all-knowing: God

Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Distribute each child’s journal and instruct the kids to draw a picture of a person who shows others who God is by the way she follows God. Writers can write the person’s name and make a list of her attributes that remind them of how great God is. Encourage kids to thank that person for pointing them to God. SAY • God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. He created you in His image, unique and special for His purpose! Make sure each child secures this week’s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for creating each person uniquely and in His image. Pray for each child by name, asking God to use each child to show others what God is like. Make sure to give parents the big picture card for this week’s Bible story.

God the Creator

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• Journal Page • Bible Story Coloring Page • crayons or markers • Big Picture Cards for Families: Kids

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There is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

Mirror, Mirror INSTRUCTIONS:

Color the face below so that it looks like you.

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TGP

LO A

Y MIL

APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE STORY: GOD CREATED PEOPLE

• God created Adam and Eve. • God created people in His image. • God looked at everything He made and saw that it was good. • God created people for His glory. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• How did God create Adam and Eve? (See Genesis 1:26–2:25.) • What does it mean to be created in God’s image? (We have qualities similar to God like being wise, loving, and creative; but we are not God. He is allknowing, ever compassionate, and the Creator.) • How can you and your family recognize God’s image in each other this week? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• As you think about people that you know, help each other see how they are made in God’s image. • Go further: Write notes to thank people for showing you what God is like. Younger Kids Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 2

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MAIN POINT: GOD CREATED PEOPLE IN HIS OWN IMAGE; GOD CREATED THEM MALE AND FEMALE. 005508649_FALL15_Yng_ActivityPgs_CC.indd 4

God Created People Genesis 1:26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:25

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Why did God create the world?

What is sin?

Unit 1 • Session 3

UNIT 1 Session 3

Use Week of:

Sin Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24 Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. BIBLE PASSAGE: MAIN POINT:

SMALL GROUP OPENING

LARGE BIBLE STUDY

SMALL GROUP LEADER

(10–15 MINUTES)

(25-30 MINUTES)

(25–30 MINUTES)

PAGE 40

PAGE 42

PAGE 48

Leader BIBLE STUDY Adam and Eve enjoyed all that was good in the garden of Eden. The Lord gave them only one restriction: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,” and the punishment was severe: “You will certainly die” (Gen. 2:17). Before the fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed a loving, two-way relationship with God. The garden was a true paradise. God filled the garden with good gifts so that they might enjoy them and give thanks to God; this glorifies God. All of that changed when Adam and Eve gave in to the serpent’s temptation. Eve believed the lie that leads many of us to sin: Maybe God is holding out on me.

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Adam and Eve desired something more: the wisdom the fruit offered. But when their eyes were opened, they were aware of their nakedness and they felt ashamed. Surely the Lord’s heart broke at their act of disobedience and rebellion. Because of their sin, He cast them out of the garden. Though they did not die right away, sin’s effect was immediate and thorough. Their lives and their children’s lives—and the lives of all of mankind—would be forever affected by their choice. God did not leave Adam and Eve without hope. He promised that one of Eve’s descendants would strike the head of the serpent. (Gen. 3:15) Each generation after Eve hoped that one of their children would be the Promised One—the One who would crush the head of the snake and put an end to the curse over creation.

Sin is a big problem that needs a big solution. At just the right time, God sent His Son into the world, born as a baby. Matthew 1:21 says, “You are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” As the kids you teach become increasingly aware of the bad news—that we are all sinners from birth—rejoice with them over the good news: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15).

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the Creator

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The BIBLE STORY Sin Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24 God gave the first two people—Adam and Eve—a beautiful garden to live in. The garden was full of food they could eat. God also gave them one command. He told Adam that he could eat from any tree in the garden except for one. It was called the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God said that if Adam did eat from the tree, he would die. Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals. One day, the serpent went to Eve. He asked, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?” Eve answered, “We can eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. But God told us not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. He said that if we eat the fruit or touch it, we will die.” “No! You will not die,” the serpent said. The serpent told Eve that rather than dying, she and Adam would be like God! They would know good and evil. Eve looked at the fruit God had said not to eat. It did look delicious, and the serpent said it would give them wisdom. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Eve also gave some of the fruit to Adam, who was with her, and he ate it. Then their eyes were opened, and they knew they were naked. Adam and Eve sewed together fig leaves and made clothes for themselves. That evening, Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden. They hid among the trees. God called out to Adam, “Where are you?”

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Adam said, “I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” God asked Adam, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” Adam blamed Eve. “She gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it,” he said. Eve blamed the serpent. “He tricked me,” she said. God said that because of the serpent’s trick and Adam and Eve’s disobedience, bad things would happen. Eve would have more pain when she had children, and Adam would struggle to work the ground for food. God said that the snake would crawl on its belly and be an enemy to the woman. But God promised that one of Eve’s descendants would destroy the serpent. Everything changed after Adam and Eve sinned. Sin separated Adam and Eve from God. God made them clothes out of animal skins and then sent them out of the garden. God put an angel at the entrance of the garden. The angel had a sword of fire to guard the way to the tree of life. Christ Connection: Since Adam and Eve, everyone has sinned against God. Our sin separates us from God. God promised that one of Eve’s descendants would put an end to sin and death. God sent His Son, Jesus, to live as Adam didn’t— perfectly sinless. God the Son came into the world to rescue people from sin and bring them back to God.

God the Creator

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WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET ADVENTURE!

Invite kids to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that Adam and Eve exchanged the truth—God is good—for the serpent’s lie. (Rom. 1:25) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

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Small Group OPENING Sin Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24 MAIN POINT: Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Welcome time • paper plates • markers

ARRIVING ACTIVITY: Follow my directions Give each child a plate and a marker. Ask kids to put the plate on top of their heads. Guide them to draw shapes on the plate while continuing to hold it on their heads. Ask kids to draw a circle, and then a square around it. Continue to add more shapes, but be specific as to where kids should draw them. Ask kids to look at their plates and determine if they drew the shapes correctly. SAY • No one was able to draw the shapes perfectly. Do you think it is possible to follow all of God’s instructions in the Bible perfectly? Only Jesus is perfect. Everyone else who has ever lived on the earth has sinned. What is sin? We’ll find out what sin is today.

Activity page (5 minutes) • “Fruit Scramble” activity page, 1 per kid • pencils or markers

Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. SAY • What does it mean to be separated from something or someone? Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. Today, we’ll learn more about sin and what happened.

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Session starter (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Perfectly perfect Ask kids to stand in a straight line. Give the first child in the line a paper ball. Guide him to throw the ball into the bucket that you are holding. Make the game more difficult by moving around the room with the bucket. Continue to allow that child to toss the ball until he misses. Each child must sit down when they miss the bucket. Play until all kids have missed the bucket. SAY • No one could have tossed the ball into the bucket perfectly every time. Even the best basketball players in the world miss shots. Similarly, no one can live a perfect life (a life without sin). What is sin? We’ll learn about sin today. In our story, Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God.

Why trust? Ask kids to find a partner and stand on one side of the room. Blindfold one partner, and tell the other partner to guide his blindfolded partner to the other side of the room. Tape lines on the floor as obstacles for kids to avoid. Supervise for safety and assist where needed. Play again and allow the partners to swap roles. SAY • When you were blindfolded, what did you have to do? You probably had to listen to your partner and follow him. You also had to trust him! Adam and Eve chose not to trust God in our story today. This was a sin, and it got them into a big mess. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God.

EP LOW PR

• paper balls • bucket

OPTION 2:

EP LOW PR

• blindfolds, 1 for every 2 kids • masking tape

Transition to large group

God the Creator

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Large Group LEADER Sin Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24 MAIN POINT: Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Countdown • countdown video

Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (2 minutes) • wide-brimmed hat • binoculars

[Large Group Leader enters with binoculars, wearing a widebrimmed hat.] LEADER • Well hello. How was your trip? Last time I saw you, we were preparing for a trip to get [put binoculars to eyes] up close and personal with God’s creation. Today, we won’t see the beginning of creation or of people. We’ll see the beginning of something else. It’s actually a sad beginning. Today, we’ll see the beginning of sin. Does anyone know what sin is? We’ll learn more about that today, but for now, we better get you ready to get on out there to see what’s going to happen from a bird’s eye view. [Point to the hot air balloon.]

Giant timeline (2 minutes) • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle • Main Point Poster

LEADER •

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Let’s review where we’ve been over the last two sessions. Remember when time began and God created all things? Well, you weren’t there, but you’ve

Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 1 • Session 3

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probably heard about it! Before the earth or animals or birds or bugs existed, there was only God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God wasn’t created, but He actually created all things! He made everything in just six days. God created everything for His glory. When God created people, He didn’t create them in the same way that He had created the rest of creation. God had created all things by speaking it into being. To create man, God collected dust from the ground and formed it into a man. He breathed life into what He had created. Then, He created a woman from the man’s rib. They were special. God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. Today’s Bible story is about when sin entered the world. Since then, nothing has been the same. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God.

Key passage (4 minutes) Show the slide or poster of the key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse. LEADER • Thankfully, God had a plan for our sin problem, and this plan was Jesus. In our key passage, we learn that Jesus is the one Lord, and through Him alone we live. Jesus doesn’t just give us life on earth, but for everyone who loves and trusts Him, He gives eternal life! Jesus came so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be made right with God and no longer be separated from Him. Sing together “There Is Only One.”

God the Creator

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• Key Passage Poster • “There Is Only One” song

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Sing (4 minutes) • “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain)” song

LEADER •

Aren’t you glad God sent Jesus to earth to pay for our sins? Jesus was the only One who could save us because He never sinned. Jesus lived the perfect life that neither Adam and Eve nor any of us could live. God created us so that we could be made right with Him and bring glory to Him. He is a great Creator! Sing together “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain).”

Big picture question (1 minute) • Big Picture Question Poster

LEADER •

A few weeks ago, our first big picture question was,Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden of Eden. Everything was perfect. Then, things took a turn for the worse. Adam and Eve had to leave God’s garden. Listen to the story to see if you can figure out why that happened. Let’s also listen for the answer to our second big picture question, What is sin?

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) • Bibles • “Sin Entered the World” video • Big Picture Question Poster • Bible Story Picture Poster • Main Point Poster

Open your Bible to Genesis 3. Show the video or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read the bolded text. LEADER • Wow. Sin is a very serious thing to God! What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. Adam and Eve faced the consequences of their sin; Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. But God still loved them and showed them mercy. Let’s review our story.

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Ask the following review questions: 1. Where did Adam and Eve live before they sinned? (the garden God made in Eden, Gen. 2:8) 2. What one command did God give Adam and Eve? (They could not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2:16-17) 3. What did the serpent tell Eve about the fruit? (If Eve ate the fruit, she would be wise like God, Gen. 3:4-5) 4. Did Eve believe the serpent’s lie? (She did, and she ate the fruit; Gen. 3:6) 5. What happened when Adam and Eve ate the fruit? (They realized they were naked so they made clothes for themselves, Gen. 3:7) 6. What did God say to the serpent? (He would be cursed, Gen. 3:14-15) 7. What were the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin? (Eve would have greater pain when she had children. Adam would struggle to work the ground for food. They also had to leave the garden; Gen. 3:16-24) 8. How did God show mercy to Adam and Eve before He sent them away? (He made them clothes from animal skins, Gen. 3:21) 9. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God.

Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER •

Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, but this did not surprise God. He is all-knowing, so He knew that they would choose to disobey Him. Have you ever chosen to disobey God? Let’s watch this video and see how sometimes we try to cover up our sin. God the Creator

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• “Unit 1, Session 3” discussion starter video

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is Show the “Unit 1, Session 3” video. LEADER • Adam and Eve may have been the first to sin, but they weren’t the last. Do you sin? We all sin. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Not one of us can keep His law perfectly. That’s why God sent Jesus! Even before the moment that Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, God’s plan to send Jesus was in motion. Through Jesus, our sins can be forgiven!

Big picture question and prayer (3 minutes) • Big Picture Question Poster

Show the big picture question poster. Read the question and answer together a few times very slowly, in a high pitch, or in a singing voice. LEADER • What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. Can anyone keep God’s law perfectly? (no one but Jesus) Before transitioning to small groups, make any necessary announcements. Lead kids in prayer. Praise God for sending Jesus to fix our sin problem. Ask God to help us recognize when we sin so we can confess those sins and turn to Him.

Dismiss to small groups

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Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 1 • Session 3

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THE GOSPEL: God’s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:19. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.

God the Creator

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is t paste if

Small Group LEADER Sin Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24 MAIN POINT: Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Key passage activity (5 minutes) • Key Passage Poster • dry erase board or two pieces of poster board • markers

• Bibles, 1 per kid • Main Point Poster • Small Group Timeline • small dry erase boards, 2 • markers • scrap paper (optional)

Form two teams. Give the first person on each team a marker. The first person on each team will run to the dry erase board or poster and write the first word of the verse. The next person in line will then run and write the next word. Teams will continue until they complete the verse. The first team to finish writing the verse wins! Help any child who might need some assistance in remembering what word comes next. SAY • Our key passage tells us we have only one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ. When we sin, we are saying that we think our plans are better or more important than what God wants us to do. God sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from sin and death.

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) Guide kids to stay in their two teams. Ask teams to sit together in a tight group. Choose one person to be the writer for each team. Give that person a small dry erase board or a few pieces of scrap paper and a marker. Explain that you will ask a question and the team will work together to remember the answer. The writer for each team will write the answer and reveal it when you give the signal. Keep

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score to see which team best remembers the details from the Bible story. Use the following questions. Guide kids to use their Bibles to check their answers. 1. Where did Adam and Eve live before they sinned? (in the garden of Eden, Gen. 2:8) 2. What one command did God give Adam and Eve? (They could not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2:16-17) 3. What did the serpent tell Eve about the fruit? (If Eve ate the fruit she would be wise like God, Gen. 3:4-5) 4. What were the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin? (Eve would have pain when she had children. Adam would struggle to work the ground for food. They also had to leave the garden; Gen. 3:16-24) 5. How did God show mercy to Adam and Eve before He sent them away? (He made them clothes from animal skins, Gen. 3:21) 6. Are we able to keep all of God’s commands? (No, we all sin; Rom. 3:23) 7. What consequences of sin do we face today? (We are separated from God and we need a Savior; Gen. 3:22-24; 1 Tim. 1:15) 8. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SAY • You guys did a great job remembering our story today! Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. Since Adam and Eve, everyone has sinned against God. But God is merciful, and He planned to send Jesus to save people from sin. Everyone who trusts Him is forgiven of their sins and made right with God!

God the Creator

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Activity choice (10 minutes)

EP LOW PR

• paper • markers • tape

OPTION 1: Truth or lie Explain that you are going to make some true or false statements. Kids will run to one side of the room if your statement is a truth and they will run to the opposite side of the room if your statement is a lie. Use the following statements: • Pizza is the healthiest food on the planet. (lie) • In Sweden, people hold rabbit jumping competitions. (truth) • When a stop light turns red, you may drive forward. (lie) • Canada is the second largest country in the world by land mass. (truth) • Massachusetts is the smallest state in the United States. (lie) SAY • Sometimes it can be difficult to know the truth. The serpent told Eve a lie that made her doubt God’s goodness. The serpent lied to Eve, and because of it, she sinned. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. How can we know what is true? (We can read the Bible, ask God by praying, and so forth.)

Restoring the broken Give each child a sheet of paper. Invite them to draw on the paper with the markers. Then guide them to rip it into three or four pieces. SAY • God created the world, and everything was good. Then, the serpent tricked Eve into eating the fruit, and Adam ate, too. Sin entered the world, and Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God. Everything OPTION 2:

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Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 1 • Session 3

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was broken, like your artwork. God knew that every person would sin, so He planned to send Jesus to pay for that sin by dying on the cross and rising from the dead three days later. Help each child tape his paper back together. SAY • God sent Jesus so that we could be forgiven. He came to fix all the brokenness that was caused by sin. Jesus doesn’t just tape us all back together, though. He makes us new—as if we’ve never sinned!

Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Distribute each child’s journal and instruct the kids to draw a picture of a time that they sinned. Writers may make a list of sins. Then, guide them to write Jesus paid for my sin below. SAY • Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God, but God sent Jesus so that all who love and trust Him would be forgiven of our sins. Make sure each child secures this week’s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for sending Jesus to pay for our sin. Pray for each child by name, asking God to help each kid trust Him and turn from their sins. Give parents the big picture card for this week’s Bible story.

God the Creator

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• Journal Page • Bible Story Coloring Page • crayons or markers • Big Picture Cards for Families: Kids

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There is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

Fruit Scramble

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the blanks. Write the letters on the apples from left to right in the blanks. Then write the letters on the pears and then the oranges. Last, write the letters from the bananas.

W TGP N L O A FAM D T H E ILY APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God.

BIBLE STORY: SIN ENTERED THE WORLD

D T

A S E A

P ADAM AND EVE’S SIN ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ THEM FROM GOD.

• Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God. • People choose to disobey God. • Everyone is sinful before God. • Sin separates people from God. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• What were the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin? (See Genesis 3:16-19.) • What are some ways that you have sinned? • How does Jesus help us with our sin problem? (Jesus paid for sin on the cross so everyone who trusts Him is forgiven. He also frees us from sin. The Holy Spirit helps us resist temptation.) FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• Each night, discuss what sins you committed during the day. Pray and ask God to help you turn from sin. Thank God for sending Jesus. Younger Kids Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 3

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MAIN POINT: ADAM AND EVEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIN SEPARATED THEM FROM GOD.

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Sin Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24

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Why did God create the world?

What is sin?

Unit 1 • Session 4

UNIT 1 Session 4

Use Week of:

Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26 Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. BIBLE PASSAGE: MAIN POINT:

SMALL GROUP OPENING

LARGE BIBLE STUDY

SMALL GROUP LEADER

(10–15 MINUTES)

(25-30 MINUTES)

PAGE 56

PAGE 58

PAGE 64

Leader BIBLE STUDY Imagine Adam and Eve’s joy as their family grew. With each birth, maybe Eve hoped that this son would be the one to end the curse of sin, to crush the head of the snake. (Gen. 3:15) But as her sons Cain and Abel grew up, she and Adam probably witnessed with grief how sin affected their own children. Cain was not the Promised One, and neither was Abel. When they were grown, Cain and Abel each had jobs. Abel was a shepherd, caring for his flocks of animals. Cain worked the ground as a farmer. One day, they each presented an offering to the Lord. God accepted Abel’s offering, but He did not accept Cain’s.

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God warned Cain about sin, and told him what he needed to do to be accepted. Then Cain and Abel went out into the field, and Cain killed Abel. God knew what Cain did, and He punished him. God sent Cain away from the land to wander the earth. Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. Some time later, Eve gave birth to another son. She named this baby Seth. Seth was not the promised One either, but Jesus would come from Seth’s descendants. (See Luke 3:23-38.) As you teach, help kids develop an awareness of the deep effects of sin. Then point them to the future hope—the hope we now realize—in Jesus Christ. Generation after generation, God’s people lived with an expectant hope. Could this son be the One? And for many generations, they faced the reality of sin. No one was good enough.

Every baby was born a sinner—like his parents and like Adam and Eve. Still, the people hoped. At just the right time, God would send His Son to save sinners. (Heb. 11:13; Gal. 4:4) God always keeps His promises.

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the Creator

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The BIBLE STORY Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26 After Adam and Eve left the garden of Eden, they had a son named Cain and another son named Abel. Both Cain and Abel were sinners because of Adam and Eve’s sin. Abel became a shepherd, and Cain worked the ground by growing plants and crops. One day, Cain gave God an offering of some of the produce he grew. Abel gave God some of the firstborn of his flock. God accepted Abel’s offering, but He did not accept Cain’s offering. Cain was furious. God asked Cain why he was so angry. God told Cain that if he would do what is right, his offering would be accepted. God warned Cain that sin was crouching at the door, waiting to control Cain if he did not do what is right. “Sin wants to control you,” God said. “But you must control it.” Then Cain invited Abel to go out into the field. While they were in the field, Cain killed his brother. God asked Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” said Cain. “Is it my job to look after him?” But God knew what had happened. He said to Cain, “What have you done?” God punished Cain. God told Cain that he would spend the rest of his life wandering the earth. If Cain tried to work the ground, nothing would grow for him. Cain would not have a home; he would have nowhere to rest. “This punishment is too much!” Cain said. “If I have

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to leave this land and wander the earth, whoever finds me will kill me!” So God put a mark on Cain to protect him so that whoever found him would not kill him. Then Cain left the land and went to live in Nod, a land to the east of Eden. God gave Adam and Eve another son. They named him Seth. Adam and Eve’s family grew. Seth grew up and had a son named Enosh (EE nahsh). Around this time, people began to call on the name of the Lord. Christ Connection: God had promised that one of Eve’s descendants would put an end to sin and death. Cain was not that descendant. He was sinful like his parents, Adam and Eve. So people kept living and trusting God to keep His promise. At just the right time, God would send His Son to save sinners. (Hebrews 11:13; Galatians 4:4)

WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET ADVENTURE!

Invite kids to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that God kept His promise to give Eve a descendant who would destroy sin: Jesus. (Gal. 4:4) Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

God the Creator

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Small Group OPENING Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26 MAIN POINT: Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Welcome time ARRIVING ACTIVITY: What’s it like to move? Guide kids to think about what it would be like to move to a new city away from the friends and family that they love. Allow a child who has moved to tell about her experience. SAY • Moving away would probably be very difficult. Leaving our friends and our family to start over somewhere else can be hard. In today’s story, one person had to move away because of his sin. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God.

Activity page (5 minutes) • “Offerings” activity page, 1 per kid • pencils or markers

is t paste if

Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. SAY • Each of the items on the page could be used to bring glory to God. And remember, Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. In our story today, Cain and Abel brought an offering to God to bring Him glory. Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. How do you think they could have used their jobs to give glory to God? We’ll see what happens!

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Session starter (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Job charades Form two teams. Explain that teams will take turns sending one team member to draw a slip of paper. That team member will act out the job written on the paper for her team to guess. If they have not guessed correctly after 30 seconds, the other team may guess. The team with the most correct guesses wins! SAY • You acted out each job so well! Today, we are going to learn about two brothers. One was a farmer and one was a shepherd. Each of them brought an offering to God. God accepted one of the sacrifices, but He didn’t accept the other. Then one of the brothers sinned. We’ll learn more about it in our story today!

Separation toss Guide kids to find a partner. Give each pair a foam ball. Each pair will toss a ball back and forth. If one person drops the ball, each kid must take a giant step back. SAY • Each time someone dropped the ball, you and your partner became more and more separated. The Bible tells us that our sin separates us from God and from people. This separation isn’t necessarily a physical separation, like being a few steps away in the same room. The Bible tells us that our sin keeps us from having a right relationship with God. Without Jesus, our sin would separate us from Him forever! In our story today, we will learn about a time when Cain’s sin separated him from God and people.

EP LOW PR

• slips of paper • marker Jobs: ballerina, teacher, farmer, bus driver, writer, artist, doctor, shepherd, baseball player, photographer

OPTION 2:

• foam balls

Transition to large group

God the Creator

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Large Group LEADER Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26 MAIN POINT: Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Countdown • countdown video

Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (2 minutes) • wide-brimmed hat • binoculars

[Large Group Leader enters wearing a wide-brimmed hat with binoculars to her eyes.] LEADER • You never know what you are going to see out there! This hot air balloon lets us get a bird’s eye view of the beginning of God’s creation! We’ve seen Him create animals and oceans and birds. We’ve even seen Adam and Eve make a huge mistake in the garden of Eden. Their sin separated them from God, and they had to leave the garden forever. Today, we’ll get to know some of Adam and Eve’s children. They had two sons, and they named the sons Cain and Abel. But I’m jumping ahead of myself. Let’s first review where we have been so we can figure out where we are going next!

Giant timeline (2 minutes) • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle • Main Point Poster

LEADER •

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Remember what the world was like before creation? Well of course you don’t! You weren’t there.

Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 1 • Session 4

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Neither was I, but I hear it was pretty dark, since God hadn’t created light. Only God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit existed. Then God spoke and created everything. He said let there be light, and boom! There was light, and it was good. God created everything for His glory. Then, God created people. This was on the sixth day. He didn’t make people like He made the animals. It was much better than that! God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. He made Adam and Eve, and He saw that they were good, too. Then the serpent came to Eve. He lied to Eve, and she and Adam ate from the tree that God had said not to eat from. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God, and they had to leave the garden. God had a plan, though. He would one day send Jesus to take away sin so that everyone who trusts Him could be made right with God.

Big picture question (1 minute) LEADER • Today,

we will learn more about sin and its effects on the world. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. I’m so glad God sent Jesus so that we could be made right with Him and no longer be separated!

• Big Picture Question poster

Sing (4 minutes) LEADER •

Let’s sing and praise God for all the wonderful things He created—and for His great plan to send Jesus to take away the sins of the world.

God the Creator

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• “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain)” song

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is Sing together “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain).”

Key passage (4 minutes) • Key Passage Poster • “There Is Only One” song

LEADER •

Our key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6, helps us understand that there is only one God. He created all things. Jesus came to earth so that we might trust Him and be made right with God. Jesus holds the world together, and through Him, everything was created and everything has life. Show the slide or poster of the key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse. Then sing together “There Is Only One.”

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) • Bibles • “Cain and Abel” video • Big Picture Question Poster • Bible Story Picture Poster

LEADER •

God created all things, and everything He created was good. Then the serpent tricked Eve, and she and Adam sinned against God. From that point on, sin made life difficult for all people. In our story today, we will learn about two brothers. One brother’s sin separated him from God and people. Listen closely to figure out which brother this was. Open your Bible to Genesis 4. Show the video or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read the bolded text. LEADER • Whose sin separated him from God and people? God did not accept Cain’s offering, and Cain was angry. He was jealous and killed his brother Abel. Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. Ask the following review questions: 1. What were the names of Adam and Eve’s first sons? (Cain and Abel, Genesis 4:1-2)

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2. What jobs did Cain and Abel have? (Cain was a farmer, and Abel was a shepherd; Genesis 4:2) 3. What did Cain and Abel bring to God as a sacrifice? (Cain brought some of the produce he grew, and Abel brought the firstborn of his flock; Genesis 4:3-4) 4. Whose offering did God accept? (Abel’s, Genesis 4:4-5) 5. What did Cain do to Abel? (Cain killed Abel, Genesis 4:8) 6. What was Cain’s punishment? (Cain would be separated from God and would spend the rest of his life wandering the earth. Nothing would grow for him; Genesis 4:12) 7. How did God show mercy to Cain even after his sin? (God put a mark on Cain to protect him, Genesis 4:15) 8. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God.

Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER •

Our sin has consequences, even when we don’t get caught. Sin separates us from God. Let’s talk about that after watching this video. Show the “Unit 1, Session 4” video. LEADER • Have you been tempted to do what you know is wrong? It only takes one sin to separate us from God. The Bible tells us that the required punishment for sin is death. God sent Jesus to die on the cross so that we could trust Him and receive forgiveness. Jesus paid for our sins and took our place so that we could be right with God. This is the greatest gift we could ever be given. What should we do when we want to do something we know is wrong? God the Creator

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• “Unit 1, Session 4” discussion starter video

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Big picture question and prayer (3 minutes) • Big Picture Question Poster

Show the big picture question slide or poster. LEADER • What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. Who were the first two people to sin? (Adam and Eve) Did sin stop with Adam and Eve? (No, all people sin.) The worst consequence of sin is that it separates people from God. Thankfully, God sent Jesus so that everyone who trusts Him would not be separated from God any longer.

Dismiss to small groups

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God the Creator

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Small Group LEADER Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26 MAIN POINT: Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Key passage activity (5 minutes) • Key Passage Poster • large sheet of paper • marker • sticky notes

Write the key passage on a large sheet of paper. Guide kids to read it. Repeat it, covering a few words with sticky notes each time. Continue until all the words are covered and kids can recite the key passage from memory. SAY • Great job! You guys have memorized our key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6! Can someone explain the passage in their own words? God created all things, and He created us for His glory. All things were created through Jesus, and because of Jesus, we all may live forever with Him if we turn away from sin and trust in Him. Putting our trust in anything else to save us from our sins is pointless. Jesus has paid the price for sin so that we can be forgiven.

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) • Bibles, 1 per kid • slips of paper • markers • tape

Write the following questions on individual slips of paper and hide them around the room. Write each answer on a slip of paper and tape all answers to one area of a wall. Make duplicates or add other questions for larger groups. 1. Who were Adam and Eve’s first sons? (Cain and Abel, Gen. 4:1-2) 2. What jobs did Cain and Abel have? (Cain was a

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farmer and Abel was a shepherd, Gen. 4:2) 3. What did Cain and Abel bring to God as a sacrifice? (Cain brought some of the produce he grew, and Abel brought the firstborn of his flock; Gen. 4:3-4) 4. Whose offering did God accept? (Abel’s, Gen. 4:4-5) 5. What did Cain do to Abel? (Cain killed Abel, Gen. 4:8) 6. What was Cain’s punishment? (Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. He would spend the rest of his life wandering the earth. Nothing would grow for him; Gen. 4:11-12) 7. How did God show mercy to Cain, even after his sin? (God put a mark on Cain to protect him, Gen. 4:15) 8. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. Form two teams and explain that each team will send the first person to find a question hidden around the room. Each player may only bring back one question. Then the team must decide the answer to the question. The next person in line will retrieve the answer and the team will tape the question and answer together to the wall near their team. The next person in line will go find another question, and the process will repeat. Review the questions and answers after all are found and taped together. SAY • Cain and Abel brought offerings to God. We don’t know exactly why God didn’t accept Cain’s offering, but we do know that he was jealous of Abel’s offering being accepted. Cain killed Abel and faced tough consequences. Cain’s sin separated Him from God and people.

God the Creator

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Activity choice (10 minutes) EP LOW PR

• paper • permanent marker • markers • crayons

OPTION 1: A new heart For each child, use a permanent marker to draw a heart shape on a sheet of white paper. Ask kids to write or draw sins on the inside the heart shape. Ask them to make the inside of the heart shape as ugly as possible. SAY • Cain’s sin started with jealousy in his heart. Since sin first entered the world, everyone is born a sinner. God knew that people would sin, and He made a way for us to be forgiven. [Give each child a new sheet of paper with a heart shape.] God sent Jesus. When we love and trust Jesus, He makes our heart new so that we desire to honor God! He takes away all of our sin, and He gives us His Spirit so we can follow Him. Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. Our sin separates us from God, too. Only through Jesus we can be made right with God.

Confessing sins SAY • What does it mean to confess sins? Why do we confess our sins if Jesus has already paid for them? Confessing sins means praying and telling God about what we have done that isn’t pleasing to Him. He already knows those sins, but He wants us to pray and turn from those sins and turn to Him. Take a sticky note. What sins have you committed that you need to tell God about? Write or draw them on the sticky side of the sticky note and stick them to the board. Don’t worry; no one will see your sins. Draw a cross on the board, and arrange all the sticky notes inside the cross shape. Explain that Jesus took the OPTION 2:

• white board or poster board • marker • sticky notes • pens or pencils

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punishment for sin on the cross. Then take the notes off, tear them, and throw them away. Explain that Jesus paid for sin so that we would not have to. Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. Our sin separates us from God and people too, but through Jesus we can be made right with God.

Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Distribute each child’s journal. Explain that God wants us to give Him our very best. He deserves all the glory from our lives. This means that we show how awesome He is and show that we are thankful to Him with the way that we live. Instruct the kids to draw something that they can offer to God as a way to bring glory to Him. Writers can make a list of ways that they can bring God glory. SAY • Cain and Abel brought offerings to God. We can offer our very best to God and give glory to Him with our lives. God can use what we are good at and the things that we have to show others how great He is! We can honor Him with our lives. Make sure each child secures this week’s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for sending Jesus as payment for sin so that we would not have to be separated from God forever. Pray for each child by name, asking God to show other kids how they might give Him glory with their lives.

God the Creator

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• Journal Page • Bible Story Coloring Page • crayons or markers • Big Picture Cards for Families: Kids

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There is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

Cain’s sin separated him from God and people.

Offerings

Instructions: Circle the items that may be used to glorify God (to show how awesome God is). Draw your own example in the box and write about how it might be used to glorify Him.

L WN

A PF

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KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. BIBLE STORY: CAIN AND ABEL

• Cain and Abel brought offerings to God. Abel’s offering was accepted, but Cain’s was not. • Cain was angry and killed Abel. • Because God is holy, He must punish sin. • Sin separates us from God and people. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• What offering did Cain and Abel bring? (See Genesis 4:3-4.) • Cain sinned. What is the required punishment for sin? (See Romans 3:23; 6:23.) • How can your family bring an offering to God this week? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• As you drive to different activities throughout the week, talk about ways that God might use each activity as an offering to Him. Pray that you would give God glory through the activities. • Go further: Make care kits to meet other needs in your community. Younger Kids Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 4

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MAIN POINT: CAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIN SEPARATED HIM FROM GOD AND PEOPLE.

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Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26

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Why did God create the world?

What is sin?

Unit 1 • Session 5

UNIT 1 Session 5

Use Week of:

Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5–9:17 God is holy, and He punishes sin. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. BIBLE PASSAGE: MAIN POINT:

SMALL GROUP OPENING

LARGE BIBLE STUDY

SMALL GROUP LEADER

(10–15 MINUTES)

(25–30 MINUTES)

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PAGE 76

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Leader BIBLE STUDY Adam’s son Seth lived 912 years. Despite their sin, the Lord sustained generation after generation. Seth’s sixth-greatgrandson, Noah, was born less than 20 years after his death. (See Gen. 5.) With each generation, the earth’s population grew.

By the time Noah lived—10 generations after Adam— people had stopped following God. In fact, Scripture describes a deplorable situation: “Man’s wickedness was widespread on the earth … every scheme his mind thought of was nothing but evil all the time” (Gen. 6:5). God was right to punish this sin. He decided to send a flood to cleanse the earth. The waters would cover the earth and

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destroy everything. God graciously chose to save one man and his family, so he warned Noah about the flood and told him to build an ark. Noah believed God’s warning about the coming judgment. He obediently worked to build the ark that would save himself, his family, and the animals. But the work took years, and Noah likely faced ridicule from his friends and neighbors. Was Noah crazy? He was building a boat where there was no water! When the ark was complete, God’s judgment did come. The floodwaters covered the earth. Every living thing was destroyed, but Noah and his family were safe inside the ark. God rescued Noah’s family—the family His own Son would be born into. Jesus would warn of God’s coming judgment too, but instead of condemning the world, Jesus would give up His life to rescue sinners. Apart from the grace of God, every thought we have is nothing but evil all the time. Our wickedness is widespread, and God would be justified to destroy us immediately. What grace that He has provided a Rescuer!

Before you teach, pray that the Lord would help you clearly communicate the gospel to children. Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead them to receive the gift of salvation from Jesus, who rescues us from God’s anger toward sin. (1 Thess. 1:10) Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

God the Creator

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The BIBLE STORY Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5–9:17 One day God looked at all the people on earth and saw that they were choosing to sin. Every person’s thoughts were evil, and God was sad that He made people. God wanted people to have a relationship with Him, but the people did not want to know God or obey Him. God had to punish the people for their sin. But God showed favor to a man named Noah. Noah was a descendant of Adam and Eve’s son Seth, and Noah was a righteous man; he followed God. God warned Noah that a flood was coming to destroy all the creatures on the earth. He told Noah to make an ark to save himself, his family, and some of the animals. God told Noah exactly how to make the ark. God said, “Put a door in the side of the ark and build three decks inside: a lower deck, a middle deck, and an upper deck.” God said that He would make an agreement, or covenant, with Noah and his family. Noah did everything that God commanded him. When the ark was finished, God told Noah to go inside with his family and the animals. God said that rain was coming, and the rain would not stop for 40 days and 40 nights. Noah did what God said, and God shut the door of the ark. The floodwaters covered the earth, and the ark floated on top of the water. The water rose higher and higher until all of the mountains were covered. Every living thing on the earth died; only Noah and those that were with him survived. Finally, the rain stopped and the water started to go

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down. Land started to appear, and the ark came to rest on some mountains. Noah waited, and then he opened the window of the ark. Noah sent out a dove, but the dove did not find anywhere to land. The waters still covered the earth. Noah waited again. Then he sent out the dove. It came back with a fresh olive leaf in its mouth. Noah knew the dove had found dry ground. Noah waited again. Then he sent out the dove. This time, the dove didn’t come back. When the ground was dry, God told Noah to bring all the people and animals out of the ark. So Noah did. Then Noah built an altar and gave an offering to the Lord. God was pleased with Noah’s offering, and He promised Noah that He would never completely flood the earth again. God told Noah and his family to spread out over the earth and fill it with people. God gave Noah a special sign of the covenant He made with him. God placed a rainbow in the sky so that every time Noah and his family saw the rainbow, they would know God remembered the promise He made with all the living creatures on earth. Christ Connection: God rescued Noah and his family from the flood; only they lived. The story of Noah points ahead to a greater rescue. God’s Son, Jesus—the only perfectly righteous One—came to take the punishment for our sin. By trusting in Him, we are saved from the punishment our sin deserves. Jesus died so that we can live.

God the Creator

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WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET ADVENTURE!

Invite kids to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that God promised Noah He would not flood the earth again. Instead, He would send Jesus to deal with sin. Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

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Small Group OPENING Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5–9:17 MAIN POINT: God is holy, and He punishes sin. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Welcome time • paper • markers

ARRIVING ACTIVITY: Zoo pets Give kids a piece of paper. Ask each child to draw a picture of an animal that he would love to have as a pet. SAY • Today we are going to learn about a time that a man named Noah took seven pairs of all clean animals and one pair of all unclean animals on a big boat, or ark. Has anyone heard this story before? We’ll learn why this happened in today’s story.

Activity page (5 minutes) • “Noah and the Ark” activity page, 1 per kid • pencils or markers

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Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. SAY • What did the letters spell that you found in the maze? (Set apart.) Today, we will learn about a time when God sent a great flood but saved Noah and his family. The Bible says that Noah was different from the other people on earth. He followed God. He was set apart. What does it mean to be set apart? Do you think others who are not Christians should see you and know that you are different, or set apart for God?

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Session starter (10 minutes) OPTION 1: What should you do? Guide kids to stand in the center of the room. Explain that you will give a scenario. Kids will run to one wall if they should obey in the scenario or run to the opposite wall if they should disobey. Scenarios: Your friend asks to copy your spelling test; your mom asks you to clean up your room; your teacher asks you to stand quietly in a line; someone tells you to go across the street to play when your mom told you not to; a friend tells you to ignore another kid at lunchtime. SAY • Do you remember the answer to our big picture question? What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. When we don’t obey God, we sin. In some of our examples, not doing what a friend said to do was actually obeying God. God tells us how to obey Him in the Bible. He also tells us about sin, or disobeying God. In our story today, a man named Noah obeyed God.

Most godly person I know Guide kids to think of a person they know who follows Jesus. Ask kids to describe the person. Ask them to describe what the person is not like. SAY • Today we will learn about a man who trusted God, and God viewed his faith as righteousness. God did something to punish sin in the world, but He saved Noah and his family from the punishment.

EP LOW PR

OPTION 2:

EP LOW PR

Transition to large group

God the Creator

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Large Group LEADER Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5–9:17 MAIN POINT: God is holy, and He punishes sin. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Countdown • countdown video

Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (3 minutes) • binoculars

[Large Group Leader enters with binoculars to her eyes.] LEADER • Man, would you look at that view? Have you ever ridden in a hot air balloon? The weather is beyond perfect for a flight right now, but I’m afraid the forecast includes rain. We might have to wait until another day to ride. That won’t keep us from enjoying our day though! We have a story to hear!

Giant timeline (2 minutes) • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle • Main Point Poster

LEADER •

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Do you remember what we have learned so far? Let’s look back at our timeline. First, God created the world and everything in it. God created everything for His glory. God also created people. God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. The people whom God created sinned. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God, and Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. Our story today is about what happened when

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God looked upon the world and saw that all of the people’s thoughts were sinful.

Big picture question (1 minute) LEADER •

Maybe you remember our big picture question from our last session. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. We’ll learn more about sin and its consequences today.

• Big Picture Question Poster

Sing (4 minutes) LEADER •

Before we jump into our story, let’s take some time to praise God for creating the world and sending Jesus to pay for our sin and give us His righteousness before God. Sing together “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain).”

• “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain)” song

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) LEADER •

Before sin entered the world, everything was right and good. Adam and Eve lived in a garden God planted, and He met all of their needs. God walked with them in the garden. Then the serpent came into the garden and tricked Eve. She and Adam sinned because they ate fruit that God told them not to eat. From that point forward, sin was a part of each person’s life. Our story today comes many years after Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel. The earth was full of people. God looked at those people and saw that their thoughts were evil. God was sad He had made people. Let’s see what happened. God the Creator

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• Bibles • “Noah and the Ark” video • Big Picture Question Poster • Bible Story Picture Poster

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is Open your Bible to Genesis 6. Show the video or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read the bolded text. LEADER • God saw the sin of all the people. The Bible says that the punishment for sin is death. (Romans 3:23) God is holy, and He punishes sin, and all people sin. God didn’t choose to be merciful to Noah and his family because they were sinless, but because Noah trusted in God. We all mess up, but when we repent of our sins and trust in Jesus, God shows us mercy! Everyone who puts their trust in Jesus will be saved and will live forever with Him! Ask the following review questions: 1. How was God going to destroy the earth? (by sending a flood, Gen. 6:17) 2. What did God tell Noah to put in the ark? (his family, food, animals; Gen. 6:18-21) 3. How long did it rain? (40 days and nights, Gen. 7:4) 4. What sign did God give to Noah that He would never destroy the earth with a flood again? (a rainbow, Gen. 9:13-17) 5. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. LEADER • God showed mercy to Noah and rescued him because Noah trusted in God. This story reminds us of the greater rescue that God would provide through Jesus. God is holy, and He punishes sin. Sin separates people from God, and there is nothing that people can do to take away their sin by their own efforts. Jesus is the only perfect One who could take our punishment for sin by His death on the cross and His resurrection three days later. By trusting in

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Jesus, we are saved from the punishment that our sin deserves! Jesus died and rose again so that we can live.

Key passage (4 minutes) LEADER •

Can anyone say our key passage by heart? Do you know the reference? First Corinthians 8:6 is our key passage, and it reminds us that only through Jesus were all things made, and it is only through Him that we live. Noah trusted in the one true God to rescue him and his family. Because of Noah’s faith in God, he was counted as righteous. When we trust Jesus, we are counted as righteous before God, too, because it is only through Him that we may live forever with God! Show the slide or poster of the key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse. Then sing together “There Is Only One.”

• Key Passage Poster • “There Is Only One” song

Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER •

God showed mercy to Noah by rescuing him. Noah couldn’t do anything to earn God’s mercy. Let’s watch a video and see what we think Emiliano should do. Show the “Unit 1, Session 5” video. LEADER • What do you think Emiliano should do? Do you think he’s going to get very far by using the spoon to paddle the boat? Is there anything that Emiliano could do to rescue himself? It would probably be smart for Emiliano to call someone he trusts for help. How might this relate to our story today? Noah trusted God. Noah was declared righteous because God the Creator

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• “Unit 1, Session 5” discussion starter video

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is of his faith in God! God showed Noah mercy and rescued him from the flood. Did you know that Noah was more than 500 years old when the great flood came? Did you know some Bible scholars believe it had never rained on the earth before the flood? (Gen. 2:5-6) Noah had no way of knowing what was going to happen, but he built a boat just as God commanded. (Heb. 11:7) God rescued Noah from the punishment that others faced because of His great mercy!

Big picture question and prayer (3 minutes) • Big Picture Question Poster

Show the big picture question poster. LEADER • Let’s review our big picture question.What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. Can someone give me a few examples of sin that we might be tempted with today? Pray and ask that God would show each child mercy and give them strength to obey Him, even when it is hard.

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God the Creator

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Small Group LEADER Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5–9:17 MAIN POINT: God is holy, and He punishes sin. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Key passage activity (5 minutes) • Key Passage Poster • giant stuffed animal • timer

Guide kids to sit in a circle on the floor. Explain that you will give the giant stuffed animal to one child. That child will say the first word of the key passage and pass the animal to the next child. Each child will say one word as they pass the animal. Explain that you will time how long it takes for the group to complete the key passage. After completing the verse once, play again and attempt to beat the group’s earlier time. SAY • You all did a great job! There is only one God, the Father. God is holy, and He punishes sin. He also is merciful and sent Jesus to take the punishment that we deserve by dying on the cross and rising again so that we could have eternal life and a right relationship with God.

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) • Bibles, 1 per kid • Main Point Poster • small piece of green construction paper, 1 per kid

Help kids find the Book of Genesis in their Bibles. Explain that Genesis is the first book of the Bible. Help kids understand that the large numbers in printed copies of the Bible represent the chapters, while the small numbers tell us what verse it is. Help kids find chapter 6, verse 5. Guide them to put a finger on the verse. Read this verse aloud to

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kids. Ask kids to stand around the room. Give each child a small piece of green paper. Explain that kids will hold the green paper in the air as soon as they know the answer to the question. Call on one child to answer the question from those who hold their paper up. Ask the following review questions: 1. What did God do about the sin that He saw on the earth? (He sent the flood to destroy the earth; Gen. 6:17; 7:11-12) 2. What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. 3. How did God feel about Noah? (Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, Gen. 6:8-9) 4. How did God rescue Noah and Noah’s family? (God told Noah to build the ark and to enter it at the appropriate time; Gen. 6:14-16; 7:1-5) 5. How does this story of Noah and the ark end? (God put a rainbow in the sky as a promise to never flood the earth again; Gen. 9:12-16) 6. What has God done for us to provide a rescue from sin? (God sent Jesus to pay for our sins on the cross so that we could be forgiven, Rom. 4:25)

Activity choice (10 minutes) Set apart Give each child a paper plate and handful of multicolored candy or items that might be sorted, such as buttons or fuzzy pom-poms. SAY • Can you sort the items by color? Use your plate to separate the items by color. Kids may also separate by other factors, dependent upon what items are used to sort. As kids work, remind kids that OPTION 1:

God the Creator

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EP LOW PR

• items that may be sorted, such as multicolored candy, buttons, or fuzzy pom-poms • paper plates

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is Noah was set apart from those who were around him. SAY • The Bible says that Noah walked with God. That means Noah tried to obey God. This doesn’t mean that Noah never sinned, but God saw Noah’s faith and saw him as righteous. God is holy, and He punishes sin, but God chose to show mercy to Noah and his family. God’s promise Provide multicolored candy, buttons, or fuzzy pom-poms and give each child a few of each color. Give each child a paper plate as well. Guide kids to glue the items on the top of the paper plate in the shape of a rainbow. Help them to sort the items by color if needed. Then, guide kids to cut out the shape of a boat from the brown construction paper. Place the boat, or ark, in the middle of the plate under the rainbow. Guide kids to use markers and stickers to decorate the scene. Remind kids that the boat landed on a mountain when the waters receded. SAY • God showed great mercy to Noah and his family. God is holy and He punishes sin, but He also is merciful. The rainbow was a picture of God’s goodness to His people. He promised that He would never destroy the earth again with a flood. God has shown us great mercy, too! God provided a way for us to escape the punishment we deserve for sin through Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection. OPTION 2:

• multicolored candy, buttons, or fuzzy pom-poms • glue • paper plates • brown construction paper • markers • animal stickers

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Journal and prayer (5 minutes) Distribute each child’s journal. Guide kids to draw a picture of the cross as a reminder that Jesus came to take the punishment that we deserve for our sin. He is our Rescuer when we put our trust in Him. Writers may also write a thank-you note to Jesus for being their Rescuer. SAY • God provided a rescue for Noah and His family. Noah wasn’t perfect, but he did follow God. God is holy, and He punishes sin, but God chose to show great mercy to Noah. The greatest way that God shows mercy to us is through Jesus. Make sure each child secures this week’s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for showing us a picture of both His holiness and His mercy through the story of Noah. Pray that we would remember God’s mercy that He has shown us through Jesus each day. Pray that kids would live a life that shows that they follow God and are set apart for Him.

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• Journal page • Bible Story Coloring Page • crayons or markers • Big Picture Cards for Families: Kids

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There is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

God is holy, and He punishes sin.

Noah and the Ark INSTRUCTIONS:

Complete the maze to get Noah to the top of the ark. Write the letters you collect along the way below the ark.

W TGP N L O A FAM D T H E ILY APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. BIBLE STORY: NOAH’S ARK

• God told Noah to build an ark. • God sent a flood to cover all the earth to punish sin. • God saved Noah, his family, and the animals. • God made a rainbow as a reminder of His promise to never flood the whole earth again. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• Why did God send a flood? (to punish the world for sin) • What punishment do we deserve for our sin? (See Romans 6:23.) •H ow does God rescue us from our sin? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• Spend time thanking God for showing love to your family. • Go further: Choose a family or individual and serve them in a special way. Tell them about God’s love for them. Younger Kids Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 5

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MAIN POINT: GOD IS HOLY, AND HE PUNISHES SIN.

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Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:17

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Why did God create the world?

What is sin?

Unit 1 • Session 6

UNIT 1 Session 6

Use Week of:

The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 God created people to give glory to Him alone. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE PASSAGE: MAIN POINT:

SMALL GROUP OPENING

LARGE BIBLE STUDY

SMALL GROUP LEADER

(10–15 MINUTES)

(25-30 MINUTES)

(25–30 MINUTES)

PAGE 90

PAGE 92

PAGE 98

Leader BIBLE STUDY Following the flood, God wanted to have a fresh start. God commanded Noah in Genesis 9:1 to “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” This command echoes the one given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28. God intended the paradise of the garden to spread into the whole world, but sinful people had other desires.

Genesis 10 accounts for the nations that spread out in the land after the flood (Genesis 10:32). The people moved east and settled in a valley. This story continues the cycle of disobedience to God and a choice to sin that will be a constant reminder of our need for a Savior.

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In Genesis 11:2, Scripture indicates that instead of filling the earth as God commanded, these people devised a plan to build a city and a large tower into the heavens. Read Genesis 11:4. The people’s motive was clear: “Let us make a name for ourselves.” The people didn’t want to be scattered. They didn’t believe God would give them what was good if they obeyed Him. They sought to obtain for themselves what they believed was good. The people tried to build a monument with its top in the heavens, but they succeeded only in separating themselves from God and from each other. God confused their language and scattered them over the earth. They were unable to finish building the city, so the city was called Babel—which sounds like the Hebrew word for “confused”—because there the Lord confused the people’s language. This week you have the opportunity to tell the kids you teach about God’s better plan: His plan not for people to reach up to Him, but His plan to reach down to people by sending His Son, Jesus, to live the perfect life we couldn’t live and die the death we don’t want to die. That is the gospel. Pray that the kids you teach would have open hearts to receive it.

6 Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

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The BIBLE STORY The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 After the great flood, God told Noah and his sons to grow their families and fill the earth. Noah’s sons got married and had children. Their families grew, and the people started to travel through the land. At this time, everyone in the world spoke the same language. One day, the people traveled through a valley. They liked it there, and they decided to live there. “We don’t want to be scattered all over the earth,” they said. “Let’s build a city and a tower so big that it touches the sky. The tower will make us famous!” The people were not doing what God had told them to do. They wanted to be as important as God. They were saying “Look how great we are,” instead of “Look how great God is.” They wanted glory for themselves instead of God. But God is greater than anyone. God created people to give glory to Him alone. The people made bricks out of clay and baked them in the fire to make stones. Then they used the stones to start building the tower. God came down to look at the tower. God said, “If they are doing this, they will keep thinking up more bad things to do. We need to stop them.” So God mixed up the people’s words. Instead of everyone speaking the same language, everyone spoke different languages. When people tried to make plans, they could not understand what other people were saying. If one workman said, “Hand me another brick,” nobody else knew what he wanted. The people had to stop building the city. Families had

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to move away from each other to live with people they could understand. God made it so the people did just what He had told them to do after the flood. They were scattered all over the world. The city with the unfinished tower was called Babel (BAY buhl). Because the people chose to disobey God, their sin separated them from one another. Christ Connection: People chose to give glory to themselves instead of God. They ignored God’s plan, so God confused their language and scattered the people all over the earth. One day, Jesus will gather together all of God’s people—people from every tribe and people who speak all kinds of languages—and they will worship Him. (Revelation 7:9-10)

WANT TO DISCOVER GOD’S WORD? GET ADVENTURE!

Invite kids to check out this week’s devotionals to discover that the people whom God created originally spoke one language. One day, people of every language will worship Jesus together. Order in bulk, subscribe quarterly, or purchase individually. For more information, check out www.lifeway.com/ devotionals.

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is t paste if

Small Group OPENING The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 MAIN POINT: God created people to give glory to Him alone. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Welcome time ARRIVING ACTIVITY: Tallest buildings Guide the conversation by allowing kids to tell you about the tallest building that they have ever seen. Then ask them to tell you about a time they went into a very tall building. SAY • Today we will learn about a time that people built a large tower. When the tower was being built, God stopped the people by confusing their languages and scattering them.

Activity page (5 minutes) • “Word Confusion” activity page, 1 per kid • pencils or markers Answer: God created people to give glory to Him alone.

Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. SAY • In our story today, people built a big tower. They didn’t build it to worship God, though. Instead, they wanted to build a huge tower so that they could make a big deal out of themselves. God saw their sinfulness, so He confused their languages and scattered them. God created people to give glory to Him alone, and instead of doing that, the people focused on giving glory to themselves.

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Session starter (10 minutes) Would you rather … Guide kids to stand in the center of the room. Explain that you will give them two options. As you give the options, you should point to one side of the room for the first option, and then the other side of the room for the second option. They will choose an option and move to the side of the room that corresponds with their choice. Options: Would you rather play baseball or perform a song? write a story or spend time with friends? build something or draw something? go to school or go to sports practice? play an instrument or plan a party? SAY • God has given us gifts and abilities to use to give Him glory. God created people to give glory to Him alone. In our story today, a group of people built a tower for their own glory instead of God’s. Let’s hear more about it. OPTION 1:

Make a trophy Form groups of five or six kids. Give each group a bag of items like construction paper, aluminum foil, building blocks, stickers, and chenille stems. Guide kids to work within their groups to create a great trophy. SAY • What is the purpose of a trophy? Trophies indicate something that we’ve done or we’re good at. God has given us many gifts and ability to use to give Him glory! God created people to give glory to Him alone. Everything we do can give glory to Him! In today’s story, God’s people chose to build a tower to bring themselves glory. Let’s hear more about it.

EP LOW PR

OPTION 2:

• bags, 1 per group • items, such as construction paper, aluminum foil, building blocks, stickers, chenille stems

Transition to large group

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Large Group LEADER The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 MAIN POINT: God created people to give glory to Him alone. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

BIBLE PASSAGE:

Countdown • countdown video

Show the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (2 minutes) • binoculars

[Large Group Leader enters with binoculars to her eyes.] LEADER • Well hello, travelers! Are you ready for an adventure today? We’re off to visit a valley that was very popular during the time of our story. All people wanted to gather there, and there was a lot of construction and commotion! It was a pretty busy place. Do you remember what has happened over the last few sessions?

Giant timeline (2 minutes) • Giant Timeline or Big Story Circle • Main Point Posters

LEADER •

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Let’s check out our timeline. In the beginning, there was nothing but God. God created everything for His glory. God didn’t just stop creating after He made land, the stars, plants, and animals. God created people in His own image; God created them male and female. Everything God created was good! Unfortunately, the people whom God created sinned. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from

Younger Kids Leader Guide Unit 1 • Session 6

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God, and Cain’s sin separated him from God and people. Only a few generations later, God looked upon the whole earth and saw that sin had spread throughout creation. The people God created only wanted to sin all the time. God decided to start over. God is holy, and He punishes sin. God showed mercy to Noah and his family. To destroy sin, God sent a great flood to wipe away all living things except those in the ark with Noah. Our story today is about a time that people sinned again. This Bible story happened after Noah and his family had many children and filled the earth again. The people all gathered together and built a tower. They didn’t do this to honor God, though.

Big picture question (1 minute) LEADER •

God created people for a very specific purpose. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. The people building the tower had forgotten that their goal should have been to bring glory to God every day.

Sing (4 minutes) LEADER •

Let’s spend some time giving God glory with our voices now! Sing together “All Creatures of Our God and King (He Is Our Gain).”

Key passage (4 minutes) LEADER • This

will be our last week learning about our key passage, 1 Corinthians 8:6. Let’s say it together.

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• “All Creatures of Our God and King (He is Our Gain)” song

• Key Passage Slide or Poster • “There Is Only One” song

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is Knowing that there is only one true God who made us should make us want to bring glory to only Him! God has given us all of our gifts, talents, and abilities. He alone deserves the glory from our gifts. Say the key passage together multiple times. Then, remove the poster and see how many kids can say the key passage without help. Sing together, “There Is Only One.”

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) • Bibles • “The Tower of Babel” video • Big Picture Question Poster • Bible Story Picture Poster • Main Point Poster

Help kids find Genesis 11 in their Bibles. LEADER • Let’s learn about what happened in our Bible story today. Open your Bible to Genesis 11. Show the video or tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read the bolded text. LEADER • God had told Noah’s family to spread out and fill the earth with people. God created people to give glory to Him alone. The people disobeyed God. Instead, they wanted to stay together in the valley and buid a tall tower. They were full of pride and wanted to show how great they were by building a huge tower. Any time we make something more important than God, that’s sin. The people sinned because they put their glory above God’s glory. They weren’t building a great tower so people would see it and know God was great, but they wanted people to think that they were great instead. Review the story by asking the following questions: 1. What did God tell the people to do? (He told Noah and his sons to grow their families and fill the earth, Gen. 9:1)

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2. What did the people do instead? (They wanted to build a tower to show how great they were, Gen. 11:4) 3. What did God do to make the people spread out like He had commanded them? (He mixed up their languages so that they could not understand each other, Gen. 11:7-9) 4. Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory.

Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER • The

problem wasn’t that the people were building a big tower. God had told them to spread out all over the earth, and the people were not obeying God. They didn’t want to please God by using their talents for Him. Instead, they wanted everyone to see how great they were because they were able to build such a large tower. The people wanted the glory instead of giving the glory to God. God created people to give glory to Him alone. The people were not doing what they had been created to do. Let’s watch our video and see what it might have to do with our story. Show the “Unit 1, Session 6” video. LEADER • What do you think about Samuel? Samuel was able to do a lot of good things, but was he doing them for the right reasons? Did he do those things by himself? All of our gifts are gifts from God, and He gives us the power to use them. We can choose whether we use them to glorify God or to glorify ourselves. What did Samuel choose?

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• “Unit 1, Session 6” discussion starter video

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Big picture question and prayer (3 minutes) • Big Picture Question Poster

Show the big picture question poster. LEADER • Let’s review our big picture question.Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. Can someone give me an example of how we can give God glory? What about an example of something that does not give God glory? Let’s seek to bring God glory. After all, that’s why we were created! Pray and ask that God would help each person to obey Him. Ask God to give kids hearts that want to give glory to God instead of themselves.

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God the Creator

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Small Group LEADER The Tower of Babel BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 11:1-9 MAIN POINT: God created people to give glory to Him alone. KEY PASSAGE: 1 Corinthians 8:6 BIG PICTURE QUESTION: Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. SESSION TITLE:

Key passage activity (5 minutes) • Key Passage Poster • red or brown construction paper • scissors • marker • tape

Cut rectangles from red or brown construction paper to simulate bricks. Before the session, write one word of the key passage on each brick and hide them around the room. Guide kids to find each brick and work together to tape the bricks on the wall in order to form a tower. SAY • Our tower reminds us that God is the only One who is worthy of glory because He created us. He is the reason that we live! God created people to give glory to Him alone.

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes) • Bibles, 1 per kid • Main Point Poster

is t paste if

Guide kids to stand and spread out around the room. Explain that you will read a statement. If the answer is true, kids will jump as high as possible. If the answer is false, they will squat as low to the ground as posssible. Read the following statements: 1. God told the people to stay close together. (false, God told the people to spread out and fill the earth; Gen. 9:1) 2. The people were building a tower to praise God. (False, the people were building so that they could make a name for themselves; Gen. 11:4)

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3. God confused the people’s language so that they would not be able to understand each other. (true, Genesis 11:7-9) 4. God created the world and everything in it for His glory. (true) 5. We can give God glory every day and in every activity that we do. (true) 6. God does not care if we give Him glory or not. (False, God created people to give glory to Him alone.)

Activity choice (10 minutes) OPTION 1: Make God famous Give each child a piece of paper. Guide kids to design a magazine cover for a magazine that is about the greatness of God. Ask them to think of different reasons why God deserves the glory from our lives. SAY • The people who were building the tower didn’t build to bring glory to God. God is the only One who is worthy of our glory! God created people to give glory to Him alone. As we look at our magazine covers, we remember that God can do things we can’t do. He created us; He loves is; He sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for sin and raise Him to life again to show us that Jesus was victorious over death. God is just, holy, and merciful. He deserves the glory from our lives. Can you name some ways that we might be able to give God glory today? What about some ways we might give God glory this week?

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EP LOW PR

• paper • markers

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is Missions connection SAY • God told the people to spread out, but they didn’t obey Him. He confused their languages so that they would spread out to live among people who spoke the same language. Do you think it would be difficult to build a tower if we all spoke different languages? Form two groups. Give groups building materials like paper, tape, straws, and craft sticks. Explain that both groups will build in silence with the materials they have been given. After five minutes, declare the tallest tower the winner. SAY • God confused the languages of the people and spread them out. They stopped building a city to bring themselves glory. Even today, people speak many, many different languages. Some people don’t even have access to the Bible because it is not in their language yet. It was hard to build a tower, but it would be really hard to tell someone about Jesus without being able to use words they understand! Let’s take a minute to pray for the people all over the world who haven’t heard about Jesus. Pray that God would raise up missionaries to go to these people groups and teach them about Jesus. OPTION 2:

• paper • tape • straw • craft sticks

Journal and prayer (5 minutes) • Journal Page • Bible Story Coloring Page • crayons or markers • Big Picture Cards for Families: Kids

Distribute each child’s journal. Guide kids to draw a picture or write a list of a way or ways that they could give glory to God. Ask them to think about a time when they could easily take the glory for themselves, and how they will instead point to Jesus. SAY • Have you ever tried to make yourself great? What did you do? What does it feel like a few days later when

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you win an important game and brag about how well you played or you make the best grade on a test and brag about it to your friends? You probably don’t feel quite as great about it as you did when it happened. Our glory doesn’t last. One minute, everyone says you are great, and the next minute no one remembers what you did. How does that remind us that we should focus on giving glory to God? Our glory doesn’t last long, but God’s glory lasts forever! We can give Him glory by obeying Him and pointing others to Him. Make sure each child secures this week’s sheet in the journal, and then collect them. Keep the journals in the classroom so they will be available every week or as often as you wish to use them. If time remains, take prayer requests or allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Pray, thanking God for showing us that He is the only One worthy of glory. Ask God to help everyone present to give glory to God instead of seeking glory for themselves. Pray that others would begin to love and trust Jesus because of the way that kids give glory to God by obeying Him.

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There is one God, the Father. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6

There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6

God created people to give glory to Him alone.

Word Confusion INSTRUCTIONS:

Unscramble the words to complete the main point.

W TGP N L O A FAM D T H E ILY APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE STORY: THE TOWER OF BABEL

• People disobeyed God by choosing to settle together instead of filling the earth. • People built a tower, intending to bring themselves glory instead of God. • God mixed up their languages and scattered them. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• Who mattered more to the people—themselves or God? •H ow have you been tempted to use your talents to make people think you are great? •H ow can you use your talents to show how great God is? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• List the talents and abilities you see in family members. • Go further: Choose a way to use your talents to show God’s greatness. Younger Kids, Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 6

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MAIN POINT: GOD CREATED PEOPLE TO GIVE GLORY TO HIM ALONE.

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The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9

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Why did God create the world?

What is sin?

Creation Maze INSTRUCTIONS:

Find your way through the maze to reveal the days of creation.

N LO A

D THE

APP AMILY TGP F KEY PASSAGE: 1

DOW

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE STORY: GOD CREATED THE WORLD

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MAIN POINT: GOD CREATED EVERYTHING FOR HIS GLORY.

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God Created the World Genesis 1:1-25

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Mirror, Mirror INSTRUCTIONS:

Color the face below so that it looks like you.

N OW

TGP

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Y MIL

APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE STORY: GOD CREATED PEOPLE

• God created Adam and Eve. • God created people in His image. • God looked at everything He made and saw that it was good. • God created people for His glory. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

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MAIN POINT: GOD CREATED PEOPLE IN HIS OWN IMAGE; GOD CREATED THEM MALE AND FEMALE. 005508649_FALL15_Yng_ActivityPgs_CC.indd 4

God Created People Genesis 1:26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:25

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Fruit Scramble

INSTRUCTIONS: Fill in the blanks. Write the letters on the apples from left to right in the blanks. Then write the letters on the pears and then the oranges. Last, write the letters from the bananas.

W TGP N L O A FAM D T H E ILY APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God.

BIBLE STORY: SIN ENTERED THE WORLD

D T

A S E A

P ADAM AND EVE’S SIN ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ THEM FROM GOD.

• Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God. • People choose to disobey God. • Everyone is sinful before God. • Sin separates people from God. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• Each night, discuss what sins you committed during the day. Pray and ask God to help you turn from sin. Thank God for sending Jesus. Younger Kids Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 3

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MAIN POINT: ADAM AND EVEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIN SEPARATED THEM FROM GOD.

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Sin Entered the World Genesis 3:1-24

6 3/17/15 6:38 PM

Offerings

Instructions: Circle the items that may be used to glorify God (to show how awesome God is). Draw your own example in the box and write about how it might be used to glorify Him.

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A PF

YA MIL

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. BIBLE STORY: CAIN AND ABEL

• Cain and Abel brought oﬀerings to God. Abel’s oﬀering was accepted, but Cain’s was not. • Cain was angry and killed Abel. • Because God is holy, He must punish sin. • Sin separates us from God and people. FAMILY DISCUSSION STARTERS:

• What oﬀering did Cain and Abel bring? (See Genesis 4:3-4.) • Cain sinned. What is the required punishment for sin? (See Romans 3:23; 6:23.) • How can your family bring an oﬀering to God this week? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• As you drive to diﬀerent activities throughout the week, talk about ways that God might use each activity as an oﬀering to Him. Pray that you would give God glory through the activities. • Go further: Make care kits to meet other needs in your community. Younger Kids Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 4

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7 3/17/15 6:38 PM

MAIN POINT: CAINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIN SEPARATED HIM FROM GOD AND PEOPLE.

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Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-16,25-26

8 3/17/15 6:38 PM

Noah and the Ark INSTRUCTIONS:

Complete the maze to get Noah to the top of the ark. Write the letters you collect along the way below the ark.

W TGP N L O A FAM D T H E ILY APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• What is sin? Sin is breaking God’s law, and sin separates people from God. BIBLE STORY: NOAH’S ARK

• Why did God send a flood? (to punish the world for sin) • What punishment do we deserve for our sin? (See Romans 6:23.) • How does God rescue us from our sin? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

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9 3/17/15 6:38 PM

MAIN POINT: GOD IS HOLY, AND HE PUNISHES SIN.

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Noah and the Ark Genesis 6:5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:17

10 3/17/15 6:38 PM

Word Confusion INSTRUCTIONS:

Unscramble the words to complete the main point.

W TGP N L O A FAM D T H E ILY APP

KEY PASSAGE: 1

Corinthians 8:6

BIG PICTURE QUESTION:

• Why did God create the world? God created the world and everything in it for His glory. BIBLE STORY: THE TOWER OF BABEL

• Who mattered more to the people—themselves or God? • How have you been tempted to use your talents to make people think you are great? • How can you use your talents to show how great God is? FAMILY ACTIVITY:

• List the talents and abilities you see in family members. • Go further: Choose a way to use your talents to show God’s greatness. Younger Kids, Activity Pages Unit 1, Session 6

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3/17/15 6:38 PM

MAIN POINT: GOD CREATED PEOPLE TO GIVE GLORY TO HIM ALONE.

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The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9

12 3/17/15 6:38 PM

Younger Kids Activity Page Answers Younger Kids Leader Guide ÂŠ 2015 LifeWay OK to Print

Instructions: Use as a reference in small group opening.

Younger Kids Activity Page Answers Younger Kids Leader Guide ÂŠ 2015 LifeWay OK to Print

Instructions: Use as a reference in small group opening.

Younger Kids Activity Page Answers Younger Kids Leader Guide ÂŠ 2015 LifeWay OK to Print

Instructions: Use as a reference in small group opening.

Younger Kids Activity Page Answers Younger Kids Leader Guide ÂŠ 2015 LifeWay OK to Print

Instructions: Use as a reference in small group opening.