Joshua Was Chosenstorage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-12854176/documents...Unit 1 Bible Stories for Kids Bible Studies For Life, Summer 2015© 2014 LifeWay. Published in the United

Unit 1 Bible Stories for KidsBible Studies For Life, Summer 2015© 2014 LifeWay. Published in the United States of America.

UNIT 1, SESSION 1 Be A Leader

When Moses led the Israelites, Joshua was an assistant to him. Now Moses was dead, and Israel was without a leader. One day, Joshua heard God speak to him. God said to Joshua, “Moses, my servant, is dead. You and the people get ready to cross over the Jordan River and into the land that I have promised to give them.” God told Joshua that every place where their feet stepped He would give to them: through the wilderness, across the river, and all the way to the sea. God said, “No one will be able to stand against you. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will never leave you or fail you.” Then God commanded Joshua, “Be strong and have great courage! Be careful to follow all of the instructions that I gave to Moses. Obey them so that you will be successful in whatever you do. Don’t forget my words, but repeat them day and night so you will be able to do everything I have written. Then you will do well in whatever you do. Haven’t I commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or get discouraged. I will be with you wherever you go.”—Based on Joshua 1

Instructions: Use as needed.

Joshua Was Chosen


The Israelites had camped beside the Jordan River for three days. The land God had promised them was across the river. The officers went through the camp and gave these instructions, “When you see the priests carry the ark of the covenant, break camp (or pack up) and follow it. But don’t get too close to the ark!” Joshua said, “The Lord will do wonders tomorrow.” He instructed the priests to take the ark of the covenant and move ahead of the people. God spoke to Joshua, saying, “I will exalt you before the people so they will know I am with you just as I was with Moses when he was their leader.” Joshua told the people, “Today you will know that God is here with us. The water in the river will be cut off so we can cross.” The priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of the people. When the priests stepped into the river, the water stood still. Upstream the rushing water of the river piled up and stopped. Downstream the water flowed away. The priests stood on dry ground in the middle of the river while all the people crossed on dry land. When the people were safely across the river, God gave Joshua instructions for the people. “Choose one man from each tribe. Command each man take a rock from the riverbed where the priests are standing and carry it to the place where you spend the night. In the future when your children ask the meaning of these stones, you should tell them, ‘This is to remember the time God cut off the waters of the Jordan River in front of the ark of the covenant so the people could cross the river on dry ground.’ ” —Based on Joshua 3:1–4:7

Joshua the Leader


Jericho was a well-guarded city with a high wall around it. God told Joshua that He had a plan for taking over Jericho. He gave Joshua an unusual battle plan. First, Joshua was to lead the people to march around the city one time each day for six days. Seven priests were to carry seven horns in front of the ark of the covenant. On the seventh day, God said to march around the city seven times. Then the priests were to blow their horns. Finally, the people were to shout loudly. God promised that the walls would fall down. Joshua explained the plan to the people. Seven priests marched in front of the ark of the covenant. Some of the army marched ahead of the priests and others came behind the ark. Joshua told the people to not say anything as they marched. Each day for six days the people marched quietly around Jericho. Early on the seventh day, the people began their march as before. They circled the city seven times. After the seventh time, the priests blew their horns. Joshua commanded the people to shout. As the people shouted and the horns sounded, the walls of Jericho fell down. All the people marched into the city and captured it! Joshua told the people that all of the riches of the city were to be put into the Lord’s treasury. —Based on Joshua 6:1-21

Joshua and Jericho


The Israelites disobeyed God, so God allowed Jabin, the king of Canaan, to rule over them. The Israelite army was no match for King Jabin’s 900 iron chariots and Sisera the commander of Jabin’s army. For 20 years Jabin treated the Israelites badly. Finally, the people of Israel turned back to God and cried to Him for help. Deborah was a judge of the Israelites. She helped the people understand God’s laws. Each day, Deborah sat under a palm tree. The people came to her. She decided what was right or wrong for them to do. One day, Deborah sent for Barak and said, “God commands you to take 10,000 men and march to Mount Tabor. God will cause Sisera and his soldiers to come there, and then God will give you the victory.” Barak answered, “If you go with me, I will go: but if you don’t go with me, I will not go.” Deborah agreed to go with Barak, but she told Barak that if she did, then a woman would get the credit for the victory. Barak’s troops marched up Mount Tabor. When Sisera heard that Barak and his men were on top of the mountain, Sisera called for 900 chariots to go there. Deborah encouraged Barak to go down the mountain to meet Sisera and his troops. She reminded him that God had promised him the victory. As Barak and his 10,000 soldiers came down the mountain, God caused Sisera and his army to become totally confused. The Israelites were able to defeat the whole army. That day, God helped the Israelites defeat King Jabin and his army.—Based on Judges 4

Deborah


Elkanah was a good man, and he loved his wife, Hannah, very much. Each year, Elkanah and Hannah traveled to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices at the tabernacle. Hannah was very sad because she wanted to have a child. She was so sad that she could not eat. Elkanah tried to take good care of her and encouraged her to eat. He asked Hannah, “Am I not better than ten sons?” After they had eaten, Hannah went to the temple to pray. Eli, the priest, was there and saw Hannah as she came in to pray. Hannah prayed and cried, asking God to give her a son. She pleaded, “God, please notice my problem and how much I hurt. Please remember me. Do not forget me.” Hannah promised, “If you give me a son, I will give him to You all the days of his life.” Eli, the priest, watched Hannah as she prayed. Hannah was so upset that she was not making any sound. Only her mouth was moving. When Eli saw this, he thought she was acting strangely and that something was wrong with her. He talked to Hannah about the way she was acting. Hannah explained that she was heartbroken and deeply upset. She was praying to God. Eli blessed her and told her to go in peace. He said, “May God answer your prayer.” After Hannah left, she no longer felt so sad. Many months later, Hannah had a baby boy. She named him Samuel because she had asked God for him.—Based on 1 Samuel 1:1-20

Hannah


When Samuel was still a young boy, his mother, Hannah brought him to the tabernacle and dedicated him to the Lord. Samuel grew. He worked in the tabernacle with Eli and worshiped God. One night as Samuel slept in the tabernacle, the Lord called to him, “Samuel.” Samuel jumped out of bed and ran to Eli’s room. “Here I am! Did you call me?” asked Samuel. Eli replied, “I didn’t call for you. Go back to bed.” So he did. Two more times, the Lord called out, “Samuel.” Samuel got up again and went to Eli. The second time Eli told him to go back to bed; Eli had not called Samuel. After the third time, Eli realized it was the Lord who was speaking to Samuel. He told Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls, say, ‘Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.’” So, again, Samuel went back to bed. Then the Lord came and called to Samuel again, “Samuel, Samuel.” This time Samuel said, “Yes, Lord. Your servant is listening.” God gave Samuel a message. God told Samuel that Eli’s sons had done evil things. God planned to punish Eli and his family for Eli’s sons evil actions. Samuel went back to bed and slept until morning. Eli called out to Samuel and wanted to hear what God had told him. Samuel told Eli the truth. God continued to give His messages for the people to Samuel. Samuel served God and all of the people knew he was God’s prophet.—Based on 1 Samuel 1:1–4:1

Samuel

Unit2 Bible Stories for KidsBible Studies For Life, Summer 2015© 2014 LifeWay. Published in the United States of America.

UNIT2, SESSION 1 Life in Christ

Nicodemus was a very important religious leader in his community. He had studied and taught in the best Jewish schools, and he was also a powerful government official. As much as Nicodemus had studied all of God’s laws, he knew there was something different about Jesus. Jesus’s teachings were new to Nicodemus, and Nicodemus wanted to learn more. One evening, Nicodemus visited Jesus and said, “We know you really are a teacher sent from God. No one could do the miracles you do without God’s power.” Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be born again in order to see the kingdom of God (heaven). Nicodemus did not understand how he could become a baby again! Jesus did not mean that Nicodemus should become a real human baby again. Jesus went on to explain, “God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him will have eternal life.” Jesus explained to Nicodemus that he would need to start a new life by believing God had sent His only Son to pay the penalty for Nicodemus’ sins! Nicodemus’ new life would mean that he would give Jesus control of his life instead of trying to make all of his own decisions. After speaking with Nicodemus, Jesus continued teaching many others about God and His love for them. He wanted people to know that He had come as a payment for their sins.—Based on John 3:1-17; Romans 3:23; 5:8-10; 6:23; 10:9-10; 1 John 1:8-10


Nicodemus

UNIT 2, SESSION 2 Life in Christ

One day Jesus and His disciples were traveling through Samaria. They were tired and hungry from their journey, so they decided to stop at a city. Jesus sat down by a well to rest while the disciples went into town to buy food. As Jesus waited, a woman came to draw water from the well. “Give me a drink, please,” Jesus said. The woman was surprised. In those days Jews and Samaritans were not friends. She asked Jesus, “Why are you asking me for a drink? You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan.” Jesus answered her and said, “If you knew Who was asking you for a drink of water, you would be asking Me for living water! Anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give leads to eternal life.” Jesus continued talking with the woman and told her everything she had ever done! The woman thought He was a prophet. She began asking him questions and told Him that she knew the Jews were waiting for the Messiah to come. Then Jesus said to her, “I am the Messiah!” The woman was so excited she left her water jar and ran into the village. “Come quickly!” she said to the men. “Come hear the man who told me everything I’ve ever done. Could He really be the Messiah?” All the men left the city to meet Jesus. —Based on John 4:1-30

A Woman at the Well


One day Jesus began teaching the people about prayer. He explained that a person should not stand up and pray loudly just so everyone would be impressed with his words. Jesus said that a person should find a quiet place to pray so he can be honest with God instead of pretending to be someone great. Jesus wanted the people to understand that they did not have to use fancy words for God to hear them. God knows the things they need before they ask Him. This is how He taught them to pray. Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Then, Jesus reminded the people that they should be careful to forgive one another and that God would forgive them in return.—Based on Matthew 6:5-15

How to Pray


As Jesus was talking with His disciples, He said to them, “If you really love me, obey My commands. The person who does all that I have said is a person who truly loves Me. My Father and I will love him in return.” Jesus told the disciples that soon He would be leaving. The disciples did not understand what He meant. Jesus told them, “Do not worry! I will come back to you. In the meantime, God will give you another Comforter who will be with you forever.” Jesus did not want the disciples and His friends to be left without Someone to help them follow and understand His commands. Jesus called the Comforter the “Spirit of truth.” The Comforter would teach the disciples all they needed to know and remind them of everything they had learned from Jesus. Jesus told the disciples that this Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would come to people who love Him and keep His commandments. People who do not love Jesus would not be able to know the Holy Spirit. Jesus explained that the message He was sharing was a message from God.—Based on John 14:15-26

The Holy Spirit


The disciples were gathered in a room on the evening that Jesus had risen from the grave. They were very afraid the Jewish leaders would come after them, and they had their doors locked. Suddenly, Jesus was standing in the room with the disciples! “Peace be to you,” said Jesus. Then Jesus showed them the scars on His hands and side. The disciples were amazed and overjoyed to see Jesus alive! Jesus said, “As God sent Me, I am sending You. The Holy Spirit will come to you.” One of the disciples, Thomas, was not in the room with the disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples excitedly told Thomas that Jesus was alive. They kept saying, “We have seen Jesus!” But Thomas did not believe the men. “Unless I can see and touch His scars for myself, I will not believe you,” said Thomas. Eight days later the disciples were indoors again. This time Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood with them. Jesus said, “Peace be to you.” Then Jesus looked at Thomas and said, “Thomas, put out your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and feel My side. I want you to believe that I am alive!” Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas believed! Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen Me with your own eyes. Blessed are those who have never seen Me but still believe.”—Based on John 20:19-29

Thomas Believed


Before Jesus returned to heaven, He told His disciples, “Go, teach and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus told them to tell others about all that He had taught them. He promised to always be with them. One day as the disciples and other followers were meeting and praying together, a sound like a rushing wind filled the entire house! Jesus had kept His promise and was sending the Holy Spirit to be their helper! Suddenly, they began speaking in many other languages and sharing the good news about Jesus. The people in the city were amazed to hear about Jesus in different languages they could understand. Peter stood up and began to preach to the people. He reminded them that God promised He would send the Holy Spirit and cause amazing events to occur. Peter told the people that they had crucified the Savior that God promised them long ago. He explained that Jesus had come to save them. Peter said that though Jesus had been killed, He had risen from the dead. People began asking, “What should we do?” Peter told them to repent and to be baptized. That day more than 3,000 people committed to follow Jesus. The believers began meeting together. They prayed together, ate meals together, and shared their money and belongings. The people worshiped God and were happy to help each other. This was the first church. Each day more and more people became believers and joined them.—Based on Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2

The Church Began

Special Focus Bible Story for KidsBible Studies For Life, Summer 2015© 2014 LifeWay. Published in the United States of America.

SPECIAL FOCUS Be Kind

Paul, Timothy, and Silas had been traveling and preaching about Jesus when they came to a town called Philippi. Philippi was an important city in that area, and they stayed for several days. On the Sabbath day Paul, Timothy, and Silas left the city and went down by the river. They had heard a group met there for prayer. When they arrived, they sat down and began talking with several women who had gathered there. One of the women was named Lydia. She was a business woman who sold purple cloth. Lydia had come to the river to worship God. God helped her listen and understand all that Paul said. As she thought about Paul’s words, she became a believer and was baptized! Soon Lydia’s whole family became believers. Then they were baptized. Lydia was kind to Paul, Timothy, and Silas. She insisted that they stay at her house while they were visiting Philippi. They agreed and stayed with her family.—Based on Acts 16:11-15


Lydia and Paul

Review Questions

Session 1: Joshua Was Chosen

1. Who became the leader of the Israelites after Moses died? (Joshua)

2. Who decided that Joshua should be the new leader? (God)

3. What was Joshua supposed to get the people ready to do? (cross the Jordan River; enter the promised land)

4. What are some of the promises God made to Joshua? (God would give them great land. God would be with them. No one would be

able to stand against them. God would never leave them. God would not fail them.)

4. What did God say that Joshua should be careful to do? (follow all of the instructions that He gave to Moses)

6. What did God say would happen if Joshua obeyed His instructions? (He would always be successful.)

7. What are some commands God gave Joshua? (Be strong. Be courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not get discouraged.)

Session 2: Joshua the Leader

1. Why did the Israelites need to cross the river? (to get to the promised land)

2. How would the people know when it was time to pack up and move? (when they saw the priests carry the ark of the covenant)

3. What amazing thing did Joshua tell the people God was going to do? (God would stop the flow of the river so they could cross to

the other side.)

4. Where did the priests stand while the people crossed over? (on dry ground in the middle of the river)

5. After the people crossed the river, what instructions did God give Joshua? (Choose one man from each tribe to take a rock from the

riverbed and place it where you spend the night.)

6. Why did God tell Joshua to gather stones to put on the land? (to remind the people about the miracle God did when He stopped the

waters so the people could cross)

Session 3: Joshua and Jericho

1. Who gave Joshua an unusual battle plan? (God)

2. What was God’s plan to take over Jericho? (to march around the city for seven days)

3. What did God promise would happen if they followed His directions? (The walls of Jericho would fall down.)

4. What did Joshua tell the people to say as they marched around the city? (nothing; be quiet)

5. How many days did the people march around the city only one time? (six)

6. How many times did the people march around Jericho on the seventh day? (seven)

7. What did Joshua tell the people to do after they marched around Jericho the seventh time? (shout when they heard horns)

8. What happened when the people shouted and the priests blew their horns? (The walls fell. The people captured the city.)

Session 4: Deborah

1. What woman was a judge in Israel? (Deborah)

2. Where did Deborah sit to advise the people? (under a palm tree)

3. Why were the people miserable? (They had disobeyed God.)

4. What message did Deborah deliver to Barak? (God commands you to take 10,000 men and march to Mount Tabor; God has already

given you the victory.)

5. How did Barak respond to God’s message? (He told Deborah: “If you go with me, I will go: but if you don’t go with me, I will not go.”)

6. What happened when Barak and his soldiers went to meet Sisera and his troops? (God caused Sisera and his men to become

confused. Barak’s army easily defeated them.)

Print and use during the appropriate session.UNIT 1, REVIEW QUESTIONS Bible Studies For Life Grades 1-6 Enhanced CD, Summer 2015 © 2014 LifeWay

Session 5: Hannah

1. Why did Elkanah and Hannah travel to Shiloh each year? (to worship and offer sacrifices at the temple)

2. Why was Hannah sad? (She wanted to have a child.)

3. What did Hannah promise she would do if God would answer her prayer? (She would give her son back to Him.)

4. What did Hannah do that seemed strange to Eli? (only her mouth was moving and she was not making any sound as she prayed)

5. How did Hannah feel when she left the temple? (She no longer felt sad.)

6. How did God answer Hannah’s prayer? (Hannah had a baby boy.)

7. What did Hannah name her son? (Samuel)

Session 6: Samuel

1. Where did Samuel work? (the tabernacle)

2. Who was the priest whom Samuel helped? (Eli)

3. Why did Samuel keep going to Eli’s room during the night? (He heard Someone calling his name.)

4. After the third time, what did Eli tell Samuel to say if he heard Someone calling for him again? (Speak, Lord. Your servant is

listening.)

5. Who was speaking to Samuel? (God)

6. What message did God have for Samuel? (He told Samuel that He was planning to punish Eli and his family because Eli’s sons did

evil things.)

7. What did Samuel become when he was grown? (a prophet)

Review Questions

Session 1: Nicodemus

1. How did Nicodemus say he knew Jesus was really from God? (because of the miracles Jesus did)

2. What did Jesus say that confused Nicodemus? (You must be born again.)

3. Why was Nicodemus confused? (He did not understand how a grown-up could be born a second time.)

4. What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus he must be born again? (Nicodemus would need to start a new life by believing

God had sent His only Son to pay the penalty for Nicodemus’ sins.)

5. What did God do because He loved the people of the world? (He sent Jesus.)

6. What did Jesus say people must do to have eternal life? (believe in Him)

7. What did Jesus do after He finished talking with Nicodemus? (He continued telling others about God and His love.)

Session 2: A Woman at the Well

1. Where were Jesus and the disciples traveling? (through Samaria)

2. Why did Jesus stop at the well? (He stopped to rest while the disciples went into the city to buy food.)

3. What did Jesus ask the woman? (for a drink of water)

4. Why was the woman surprised when Jesus spoke to her? (because Jews and Samaritans were not friends)

5. Why did the woman think Jesus was a prophet? (He told her everything she had ever done.)

6. What did the woman do when Jesus told her He was the Messiah? (She left her jar and ran to tell everyone in the city.)

7. Why did the men go to the well? (They wanted to meet Jesus.)

Session 3: How to Pray

1. What was Jesus teaching the people to do? (pray)

2. What did Jesus say was the wrong way to pray? (loudly so everyone will be impressed with your words)

3. Where did Jesus say was the best place to pray? (in a quiet place)

4. True or False: You must use fancy words for God to hear your prayers. (false)

5. After Jesus taught the people to pray, what else did He remind them to do? (forgive one another)

Session 4: The Holy Spirit

1. How did Jesus tell the disciples to show their love for Him? (obeying His commands)

2. How did the disciples respond when Jesus said He would be leaving soon? (They did not understand what Jesus meant.)

3. True/False: Jesus said He was leaving and never coming back. (false)

4. Whom did Jesus say God would send while He was gone? (Answers could include: a Comforter, the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit)

5. What did Jesus say the Holy Spirit would do? (remind us of Jesus’ words and help us to understand them)

6. True/False: Jesus promised to send the Helper only to those who love Him and keep His commandments. (true)

7. True/False: Jesus explained that the message He was sharing was a message from God. (true)

Print and use during the appropriate session.UNIT 2, REVIEW QUESTIONS Bible Studies For Life Grades 1-6 Enhanced CD, Summer 2015 © 2014 LifeWay

Session 5: Thomas Believed

1. Why were Jesus’ disciples in a locked room? (Jesus had died, and they were afraid the Jewish leaders would come after them.)

2. What happened that night while the disciples were together? (Jesus appeared and stood next to them.)

3. What did Jesus show the disciples? (the scars on His hands and side)

4. Which disciple was not there when Jesus appeared? (Thomas)

5. What did Thomas say would have to happen for him to believe that Jesus was alive? (He would not believe unless he could see

Jesus with his own eyes.)

6. What did Jesus tell Thomas to do? (touch His hands and side)

7. Whom did Jesus say was blessed? (those who believe in Him even though they have never seen Him)

Session 6: The Church Began

1. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do? (to go, teach and make disciples of all nations, and baptize them)

2. What strange thing happened one day as the disciples were praying together? (A sound like a great wind storm filled the house;

God sent the Holy Spirit.)

3. True or false: The Holy Spirit helped the disciples speak in many languages. (true)

4. Who stood up and began to preach? (Peter)

5. How many people committed to follow Jesus? (more than 3,000)

6. What did the believers begin doing together? (They met together, prayed together, ate meals together, shared their money and

belongings, and worshiped together.)

7. True or false: After the first day, no one else was allowed to join the church. (false)

Review Questions

Special Focus: Lydia and Paul

1. What city did Paul, Timothy, and Silas visit? (Philippi)

2. Why did Paul, Timothy, and Silas go to the river? (They heard a group met there for prayer.)

3. What was the name of the woman Paul, Timothy, and Silas met? (Lydia)

4. What was Lydia’s job? (She was a business woman who sold purple cloth.)

5. Why had Lydia come to the river? (to worship God)

6. What happened as Lydia listened to Paul? (God helped her understand Paul’s words. She became a believer and was baptized.)

7. What did Lydia invite Paul, Timothy, and Silas to do? (stay at her house while they were visiting Philippi)

Print and use during the appropriate session.SPECIAL FOCUS, REVIEW QUESTIONS Bible Studies For Life Grades 1-6 Enhanced CD, Summer 2015 © 2014 LifeWay

The Bible tells us God created everything, including you and me, and He is in charge of everything. Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-17

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. John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10,13

He 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! Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:8-9

God sent 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. John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9

We all choose to disobey God. The Bible calls this sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. Romans 3:23; 6:23

god rules.

gos·pel – noun. good news. the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation.

theGOSPELgod’s plan for me

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god provided.

jesus gives.

we respond.

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Joshua Was Chosenstorage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-12854176/documents...Unit 1 Bible Stories for Kids Bible Studies For Life, Summer 2015© 2014 LifeWay. Published in the United