Q4: What else did God create? God created all things, and all his creation was very good.

Our memory verse is Genesis 1:31

“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”

John Calvin: “God has given us, throughout the whole frame-work of this world, clear evidences of his eternal wisdom, goodness, and power; and though hi is in himself invisible, he in a manner becomes visible to us in his works.”

You may have seen this video before, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Are9dDbW24 a zoom out from a person to the edge of the universe, and then a zoom in down to the protons and neutrons. It gives a sense of the breadth and depth of creation. Colossians 1:16-17 says “16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Jesus Christ is holding the very universe together, down to the protons and neutrons, and out to the furthest reaches of the universe.

It might make you feel small, and it rightly should. James 4 says “we are a vapor.” That smallness should lead us to worship. 

It also should embolden us, because the God of the universe that has made all things, knows the hairs on your head. He knows you and loves you. He moved heaven and earth to secure your place with him in eternity by the sacrifice of his precious Son.

Share with your children this week the incredible weight and glory of God, and that He is the creator of everything, and that He created them.

This week our question is:
How and why did God create us? God created us male and female in his own image to glorify God.
Our memory verse is Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

J.C. Ryle said
The glory of God is the first thing the God’s children should desire…It is the purpose for which the world was created. It is the end for which the saints are called and converted. It is the chief thing we should seek, that “God in all things may be glorified (1 Pet 4:11)”.

This week, talk to your children about their purpose in life. Why are they here. The purpose of all creation is to glorify God. In what ways do you make that your goal in life? How can you share that goal with your family.
Glory has behind it the idea of light and weight. It is the display of the radiance of who God is. And it is recognizing the worth and weight of him. Our purpose in life is to display his radiance and tell of his worth. Tell your children this week how great God is and how much He is worth.

Question 2:What is God? God is the creator of everyone and everything.

The memory verse is Psalm 86:8-10, 15

8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord;
    no deeds can compare with yours.
9 All the nations you have made
    will come and worship before you, Lord;
    they will bring glory to your name.
10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds;
    you alone are God….15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

This question is one of the most basic, but seems to be a question that our society is ill-equipped to answer. For some God is the big vending machine in the sky. Others think he’s like Santa, watching you and judging you. Many in our society say God is just a crutch, a figment of our collective imaginations. 

But the Bible says that God is the creator of everything, and that we can have a relationship with Him because of His Son. God is great and worthy of our praise and adoration. God can be trusted because he stays true to His word. 

The virtue this week is Awe. Perhaps this week you can talk about how awesome God is with your kids. He is so incredible, there is no way to comprehend him. And yet, Jesus came to Earth to show us God. That’s awesome too! Spend some time standing in awe of our amazing God.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 21–22
MAIN POINT: Jesus will return, destroy evil, and make all things new.
KEY PASSAGE: Revelation 21:5
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What will happen when Jesus returns? Jesus will
destroy all evil and make all things new.

Peter’s story of faith began when Jesus said, “Follow Me.” (Matt. 4:18) Peter and his brother Andrew—two fishermen from Galilee—left their nets and followed Jesus. As one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, Peter witnessed firsthand Jesus’ miracles and teachings. He saw Jesus heal his mother-in-law (Matt. 8:14) and raise a little girl from the dead (Luke 8:49-55). He saw Jesus walk on water, and Peter walked on water too. (Matt. 14:25-29)

Peter believed that Jesus is the Messiah (Matt. 16:16), and he was understandably upset when Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him (Matt. 26:34-35). Peter fell asleep as Jesus prayed in the garden, and he drew his sword to defend Jesus when He was arrested. (Matt. 26:40; John 18:10) Peter denied Jesus three times, but after the resurrection Jesus appeared to Peter and the other disciples. Then Jesus restored Peter to ministry at the sea of Galilee. (John 21:15-19)

The first 12 chapters in the Book of Acts record the Holy Spirit’s work through Peter after Pentecost. God revealed to Peter that the gospel is for everyone—Jews and Gentiles. Peter was arrested and imprisoned for sharing the gospel, but an angel of the Lord rescued him. (Acts 12:1-8)

When Peter wrote his second letter, he was in prison again. Peter was aware that death was imminent. (2 Pet. 1:13-15) Like Jude, Peter warned against false teachers. Soon after his letter was written, Peter was killed in Rome as Jesus had predicted. (John 21:18-19) 

Some people thought the believers were foolish for thinking Jesus is coming again. Peter explained that God is patient, and He wants everyone to trust in Jesus. At just the right time, Jesus will come again, and we look forward to the day when He creates the new heavens and a new earth. 

As you talk about this Bible story with your kids, remind them that Peter’s letter was written nearly two thousand years ago to believers who were not far removed from Jesus’ life on earth. Today, we still wait eagerly for Jesus’ return, and God calls us to use our time on earth as an opportunity to better know and love Him, and to tell others about Him 

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 4:2–5:14
MAIN POINT: All people and all creatures in heaven and on earth will
worship Jesus.
KEY PASSAGE: Revelation 21:5
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What will happen when Jesus returns? Jesus will
destroy all evil and make all things new.

John was on the island of Patmos when he had a vision. Jesus appeared to John and showed him what will happen before the end of time. John wrote about what he saw in the Book of Revelation. John saw a vision of the future. John saw a throne in heaven and the Lord was on the throne.

John saw a scroll in the Lord’s right hand. A mighty angel asked, “Who is worthy to open the scroll?” But no one in heaven was worthy. No one on earth was worthy. No one under the earth was worthy either. 

John began to cry loudly because no one was worthy! Then John saw Jesus, the resurrected Lamb. The elders threw their crowns at His feet. They worshiped Him and sang a new song. John heard every creature, everywhere, worshiping the Lamb together.

Revelation 4:11 says, “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.”

John’s vision gives us a glimpse of our future and also reminds us of a present reality: The Lord is on His throne. After His death and resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. (Heb. 10:12)

Jesus, the Lamb of God, is worthy of our praise. All the creatures in John’s vision worshiped Jesus. As you read this Bible story with your kids, hold up Jesus as our treasure who is worthy of all honor. Worship Him together in song.

John cried when he saw that no one was worthy to open the scroll. Then John saw the resurrected Lamb—God’s Son, Jesus. Jesus was killed on the cross so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus is worthy. He deserves all praise, honor, and blessing.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 2–3
MAIN POINT: Jesus told the seven churches to stand strong in the faith.
KEY PASSAGE: Revelation 21:5
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What will happen when Jesus returns? Jesus will
destroy all evil and make all things new.

The Book of Revelation opens with John’s description of a vision. In the vision, Jesus gave John messages for seven local churches. Jesus told John to write these messages on a scroll and send them to the churches.

In most cases, Jesus commended the church for their good work, warned them about the areas in which they needed correction, and urged them to return to Him. Among other things, He warned the churches not to forget their love of the Lord. He encouraged them not to be afraid of being tested. He urged those who were surrounded by evil to not deny their faith. Each time, Jesus promised to reward those who remain faithful to Him.

The church is made up of people who have trusted in Jesus, who are committed to one another, and who meet together to worship Jesus and share the gospel. Jesus loves the church as His bride. (See Eph. 5:25-27; Rev. 19:7-9.) Jesus’ message called the churches to turn away from their sin and remain faithful to Him. The Lord is slow to anger (Ex. 34-6-7) and patient, wanting everyone to repent (2 Pet. 3:9).

Jesus warned specific churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), but the problems they faced can still be found in churches today. Help kids understand some of the problems the early churches faced: They did not love like they should, they believed false teaching and did wrong things, and they were lukewarm—useless to the cause of Christ. 

Help your children understand that we can pray for our churches to be faithful, effective instruments in spreading the gospel. We should love the church because Jesus loves the church. Through the church, Jesus helps believers work together to do God’s plan. Finally, Jesus warned believers to stay alert because He will come like a thief when no one is expecting Him. Believers—then and now—must always be ready!

Jesus loves the church. His message to seven local churches called them to turn away from their sin and remain faithful to Him. We can learn from those churches. Through the church, Jesus helps believers work together to do God’s plan.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Revelation 1:9-20
MAIN POINT: Jesus appeared to John in a vision to tell about the end of
time.
KEY PASSAGE: Revelation 21:5
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: What will happen when Jesus returns? Jesus will
destroy all evil and make all things new

During this unit, we will be looking at God’s message about what will happen when Jesus returns in the Book of Revelation. The apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation from the island of Patmos. Patmos was a small Greek island where the Roman emperor often exiled prisoners. John was likely sent to Patmos as a prisoner, arrested for preaching the gospel.

With this Bible story, introduce your kids to the Book of Revelation—the last book of the Bible. Other Bible books tell us about things that happened in past, but Revelation tells about things that will happen in the future. A glimpse of the future kingdom of God gives believers hope and encourages them to remain faithful to Christ.

In Revelation 1, Jesus appeared to John in a vision to tell about the end of time. John was on the island of Patmos when he heard a voice telling him to write what he saw. John turned and, in a vision, saw Jesus: He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash wrapped around His chest. His head and hair were as white as snow, and His eyes were like a fiery flame. Because the Book of Revelation is highly symbolic, avoid dwelling on the physical description of Jesus. Jesus’ appearance to John reveals what Jesus is like: worthy of all honor, powerful, and victorious.

John saw Jesus walking among seven lampstands, symbols for the seven churches. Explain to the boys and girls you teach that lampstands are used to bring light into dark places. That is the purpose of the church—to bring the light of the gospel into a dark world.

When John saw Jesus, he fell at Jesus’ feet. Jesus reached down and put His hand on John. He said, “Don’t be afraid” (Rev. 1:17). Jesus showed Himself to John and explained that He is the First and the Last, the Living One. While Jesus was on earth, He defeated sin and death by dying on the cross and coming back to life. Now Jesus is lifted up in glory and honor forever and ever. We can look forward to a future with Him forever.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philemon 8-22
MAIN POINT: Paul told Philemon to forgive his servant as a Christian
brother.
KEY PASSAGE: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How do we live while waiting for Jesus to return?
We remember God’s truth, grow in godliness, and spread the gospel.

Paul wrote his letter to the church at Colossae not long after he arrived in Rome as a prisoner. The letter served to correct false teaching in the church and to encourage right living among believers. Focus on verses 15-20, in which Paul described who Jesus is.
Paul’s teaching to the Colossians was important because the believers were trying to figure out what it meant to follow Jesus. They were struggling to understand the gospel and discern what is really true. These are the same questions we face as believers today: Who is Jesus? What is the gospel? What is true about God and about myself?
Keep these points in mind as you talk about this Bible story with your kids.

1. Jesus is the image of the invisible God. (Col. 1:15) If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. His life and teaching tells us what is true about God. He reflects God’s character. (See Heb. 1:3.) Jesus Himself said, “The one who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
2. Jesus is Creator. (Col. 1:16-17) Because He created everything, He is in charge of everything—even invisible things! He controls and sustains all things. Because He is at the center, we can take comfort in Him even when life is hard.
3. Jesus is King. (Col. 1:18) The reality is that we live in God’s kingdom. If we live for ourselves instead of Him, we sin. Sin is rebellion against the King. We deserve to die for our sin, but the good news—the gospel—is that Jesus came to save sinners.
   As you share with your kids this week, help them see Paul made much of Jesus because Jesus is better. Paul encouraged believers by reminding them that Jesus is great. Jesus is God’s Son, and He died on the cross to rescue people from sin. The gospel is true, and Jesus is all we need.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Philippians 1:12-30
MAIN POINT: While he was in prison, Paul told the Philippian church to be joyful.
KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 1:20-21
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: When should we tell others about Jesus? We should always tell others about Jesus even when it is difficult

Paul wrote his letter to the Philippian believers when he was a prisoner at a house in Rome. Paul had planted the church in Philippi about 10 years earlier. The letter begins with thanksgiving and joy, a remarkable response in light of Paul’s lengthy imprisonment. He was waiting to present his case to Caesar, the emperor of Rome.
People began to hear about Paul and why he was a prisoner. The whole imperial guard knew that Paul was in chains because he followed Jesus. Despite what seemed like a series of setbacks, the sufferings Paul faced actually advanced the gospel—and for this reason, Paul was joyful.
No matter what chaos or suffering surrounded Paul, these realities were constant: the gospel was being spread, Jesus was Lord, and Paul knew Him. This eternal perspective was essential to Paul’s peace and joy. God used Paul’s difficult circumstances to spread the gospel and build the church. Paul knew that because Jesus suffered to bring salvation to the world, believers doing God’s work would suffer too.
As you share this story with your kids, remind them that joy is one of the qualities seen in the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22) Explain that joy is delight that comes from knowing and serving God. Paul’s joy was not self-generated. He didn’t muster up joy because he was super-spiritual or naively optimistic about his circumstances. Paul had joy because he was focused on Jesus.
Think about suffering in your own life. How do you typically respond to suffering? What does your reaction to suffering reveal about what you believe about God? What does it reveal about what you most treasure in life? Remind your kids that joy in suffering does not discredit grief and pain, but it gives hope in difficult times. This joy is rooted in the faithfulness of God, who ultimately does everything for His glory and our good. 

BIBLE PASSAGE: Acts 27:13-44; 28:11-16
MAIN POINT: God protected Paul in the shipwreck so he could stand before Caesar.
KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 1:20-21
BIG PICTURE QUESTION: When should we tell others about Jesus? We should always tell others about Jesus even when it is difficult.

Paul was in Roman custody because the Jews said things about Paul that were untrue. Paul had stood before rulers in Caesarea and invoked his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. So Festus the governor arranged for Paul to go to Rome.

Paul got onto a ship going toward Rome. As if Paul’s journey to Rome had not already been delayed and complicated enough, the ship was caught up in a terrible storm. Paul had warned the crew not to sail from Crete because they would lose everything and die. But they didn’t listen. But Paul still gave them hope. An angel had appeared to Paul. He said Paul would make it to Rome and all of the people with him would survive.

Paul urged everyone on the ship to eat so they would have energy. The sailors planned to run the ship ashore on an island, but the ship got stuck on a sandbar. The waves battered the ship and it broke into pieces; however, all of the people survived and made it safely to shore.

Paul suffered for Christ. In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul listed the kinds of things he faced: beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, various dangers, hardship, sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, nakedness, and other daily pressures. (See 2 Cor. 11:24-29.) Again and again, Paul saw evidence of God’s control over his life and the gospel was advanced.

As you talk with your kids about this story, emphasize that Paul trusted God to keep His promise to rescue them from the storm. He also encouraged the sailors to trust God too. God calls us to trust in His Son, Jesus, who died to rescue us from sin and death, and to tell others this good news. We can encourage others to trust God because we know He is good and in control.