The Bible Growing Spiritually

Acknowledgement We would like to extend special thanks to the many writers who contributed to this project. Without their hard work and donation of time, energy, and prayer, this project would not have been possible. May the Lord multiply the blessings of their labors in the hearts and lives of children.

creditsContributing writers: Aaron Whisler, Jeff Kilcup, Faith Longoria, Liesl Counterman, Ben Ice, Kevin Coleman, Micah Colbert, Tim Chapman, Bonnie Counterman, Keith Pond, Caleb Counterman, Brad Jury, Andrew Kilcup, Sarah Shine, Wendy Milam, Melissa Huizinga, Rebecca Pettit, Heather Marvin, Ben Kilcup, Eric Turner, and Heather Ross

Character drawings: Portland Studios

Cover design and layout: Ben Ice Stephen Designs

Grammar Editors: Laura Romano Liesl Counterman Content Editors: Aaron Whisler Lukus and Liesl Counterman

Copyright © Truth Trackers Inc. 2008

All rights reserved. The use of this disk is exclusively limited to the purchasing church. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated, copied, or transmitted in any form or by any means – for example, electronic, photocopy, recording – without the prior written permission of the publishing author.

lesson menu instructionsPurpose: The philosophy of Truth Trackers is that Scripture changes children, not empty stories, games, or funny songs. Children can understand God’s Word; we do not have to reduce our teaching to shallow moralizing. Our burden is to provide children’s workers with a resource for developing their own quality preaching/teaching times which correlate with the memory verse and devotions for the week. We have not given a lesson plan with rigid time allotments and scripted quotes, nor have we produced only a shallow story teaching an ambiguous spiritual truth. The goal of each Lesson Menu is to give the teacher/preacher an extensive resource for the lesson time. The goal is not to release the teacher from the responsibility of preparing in prayer and study. The idea of “menu” helps in understanding this resource. You can choose different parts of the menu to make up your own “meal.” Each Lesson Menu includes information which you may or may not use, depending on how you want to make up your lesson. Essentially we have tried to give you the building blocks necessary for a well-prepared teaching/preaching time.

The Lesson Menu includes four parts. The “Principle Visualized” provides an object lesson, skit, or picture introducing the theme of the lesson. The “Principle Modeled” gives Scripture examples you can study out in more detail if you wish. The “Principle Narrated” provides a story which creatively teaches the theme. Closing each lesson menu, the “Principle Outlined” offers a simple outline which can be developed into a sermon or lesson in itself.

How to Use the PDF: When you load your PDF onto the computer, you will find the lessons one after the next in magazine style. You can print the pages you wish as they appear, or you can select the desired text, copy, and paste it into a Word document for modification and printing.

All graphic art is included in a clipart file on this the Official Club Forum. You may choose any of the clipart to make your own PowerPoint slides or transparencies for overhead projector use. The children will enjoy the visual effects which are simple enough for you to create quickly.

salvation GOD WANTS ME TO

GLORIFY HIM.

Versesweek #1

Scripture Spies:Why did God create me?Isaiah 43:7

Faith Force:What does God want me always to do?1 Corinthians 10:31

Aim of the Lesson: God did not need to create humans. He chose to create humans for one reason — for His glory. This means that your supreme desire and goal in life must be to glorify God in all you do. Life should not be lived for self but for God. Only when you live to glorify God will you find fullness of joy.

tHe PrinciPle VisUAliZedPicture Illustration: Three pictures: 1) a potter at the wheel making a vessel, 2) a simple clay pot, 3) a fancy vase Explanation: When a potter decides to make a vessel, he starts with a simple lump of clay. In the hands of a skilled potter, this piece of earth soon becomes a useful vessel. In Bible days, potters made all types of vessels. Some became beautiful vases that were covered with gold or jewels. Some remained simple clay water pots. No matter what the potter decided to make out of that lump of clay, in the end each vessel had a use. A fancy vase would earn the potter a good income and people would praise the potter for his skill. He would receive glory from the vase. A good water pot would be of value to a family as they carried necessary water to their house and stored it there. The potter would be praised for making such a sturdy, useful vessel. Even though the vessels might receive some praise for their beauty or use, the glory really belongs to the potter. He took the simple lump of dirt and turned it into something beautiful. His creations bring him glory.

Application:

God created every person. Much like a potter making vessels, He created each of us different from each other. But we all can and must bring glory to Him. Our life came from God. Our talents came from God. He deserves all of the glory because He did all of the work. If we live for Him, then we are like beautiful or useful vessels. We bring glory to our Maker.

Possible Application Questions:

“What is a vessel before the potter forms it?” (clay) “Does a pot or a vase create itself? Who creates the vessel?” (a potter) “Who determines what the vessel will look like or what its use will be?” (the potter) “Can the vessel take any credit for its beauty or usefulness? Why not?” (no, it did not create itself, it did none of the work) “How can a beautiful vase bring glory to its maker?” (people praise its beauty, people recognize the skill of its maker) “How can a sturdy water pot bring glory to its maker?” (does its job; is faithful) “Is a dirty, filthy vase or water pot very useful? How can a person be like a dirty, useless vessel?” (sin keeps us from bringing glory to God)

Object Lesson #1

Materials: a flashlight

Explanation:

Turn off as many lights and cover as many windows in the room as possible. Ask the students, “How well can you see? Would you want to run around barefoot in the room? Why not?” Turn on the flashlight and ask, “Are things are any better now? Would you feel more comfortable walking around with the flashlight? Why?”

Application:

After turning the lights back on, let the students get a

good look at the flashlight. Instruct the students to examine the flashlight closely and then put the flashlight away. Ask the students the following questions: “What part of the flashlight lit up the room?” (the light bulb) “Where did the power come from to light up the bulb?” (the battery) “What part of the flashlight helped to spread the light?” (This part may have escaped the students’ attention. A mirror surrounds the light bulb to reflect the light and spread its glow.) “Would there still be light without this mirror?” (yes)

As Christians, we are like the mirror in the flashlight. God is the light. It is His goodness that shines into the darkened hearts of sinful man. But, much like the mirror, we can be useful to God in helping to spread His light. We are to be a reflection of God’s character for all men to see. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The verse does not say that we receive the glory – God does. He is the True Light. As His light shows in our lives, men are drawn to God’s goodness and He receives the glory!

Object Lesson #2 Materials: enough blank paper and crayons for each student to do a drawing Explanation: For the sake of time, you will either need to arrange for the students to do their drawing ahead of time, or use a small amount of lesson time to do the drawing.

Ask each student to color a picture that relates to Truth Trackers. Tell them it can be anything they want, but should represent what they think of when they think of Truth Trackers. Inform the students that the teachers/workers will vote on the best drawing when everyone is done. After all of the pictures have been colored, give them to the workers to vote on the winning picture. You can display the pictures and vote publicly (in front of the class) or you can vote privately. After the voting is complete, announce the winner to the class. Application: Ask the following questions to lead the students in applying this activity to today’s lesson: “Where did the winning picture come from?” (______ colored it; his/her mind) “Can we praise the picture for its beauty?” (yes) “Did the picture create itself?” (no) “Even though we praise the picture for its quality, who do we really praise for the beautiful picture?” (the person

who colored it)

Throughout history, many talented artists have created beautiful artwork.

In museums all over the world, people gather to praise the incredible sculptures, paintings, and other creations. Although they marvel at the art, they are really praising the work of the artist. None of the art created itself – the artist deserves the glory! We praise many of the artists as geniuses for their creations. But isn’t there one Creator who deserves more glory than any human artist, much more glory than even our winner tonight? God created all things, including mankind. Why? Isaiah 43:7 (our Scripture Spies verse for this week) tells us why: “I have created him for my glory.” Just like a painting brings glory to the artist, we must live to bring glory to our Creator.

David wrote many of the Psalms which give so much glory to God, but perhaps one the best passages in which David glorifies his God is found in I Chronicles 29:10-13. David is at the end of his reign and has gathered the materials Solomon will use to build the temple. He stands before the congregation and praises God for His goodness. When David looked on all of the riches that had been gathered for the temple, He remembered that it is God who is the source of all good things. David also praises God as the giver of much more than just the riches brought for the temple. Look especially at verses 11-12 and notice how David praises God as the source of all things. Even though Israel had gathered these riches, David knew that God created and gave all things and was overjoyed that now these things could be used for His glory.

Paul and Silas lived for the glory of God! While on their missionary journey, they spread the glory of God through the delivery of the gospel. But what would happen when they were beaten and cast into prison? (Acts 16:22-24) How could they spread the gospel there? How could they bring glory to God in a dark, filthy prison? Would they even have the faith to do so? These men knew that it was their duty to bring glory to God no matter what the circumstance. Even though they had been persecuted for bringing glory to God, they continued to praise Him! In the dark of midnight, they “sang praises to God” right there in the prison (v. 25). Even the other prisoners heard them. Nothing could stop these men from bringing glory to their God! In the end, they were able to lead the jailor and his family to salvation (v.30-32). From the testimony of these two men, the glory multiplied as

tHe PrinciPle modeled

the jailor and his family rejoiced in God their Savior (v.34). What a challenge to always glorify God!

John was given the incredible privilege of receiving a vision of heaven and the things to come. In Revelation 4:2-11 he stands before the throne of God and observes what happens there. Many are gathered around God’s throne worshipping. What is the theme of their worship? They worship God who created all things (v.11). In their worship, they cry out that all things were created for God’s pleasure. In the following chapter, God and the Lamb ( Jesus) are worshipped. Verse 13 says that “every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them” praise God and give glory to Him. Why do all of these creatures worship God? He is their Creator and worthy of their praise. Every human being is included in God’s creation and must give God glory. God’s glory is our purpose for being. If those around God’s throne give Him glory, then why would we not?

“Eric!” a voice hollered from the kitchen, “The trash is overflowing again! And Scooter’s food and water are empty.” With a scowl and a huff of reluctance, Eric made his way down the stairs. He was so sick of doing chores. It was bad enough to come home and do all of his homework. Then he had to study his verses for church. But on top of that he was expected to keep the garbage can emptied, keep his room clean, AND feed the dog. In the summer, he even had to mow the lawn! It was too much. Eric slammed the lid shut on the garbage can after the new bag was in place and shuffled his way to the garage door to throw out the old stuff. Luckily for him, his mom had gone to a back room to check on his brother and didn’t see his actions. Or was he lucky? Eric was starting to form some bad habits. Even though he hadn’t noticed it, his parents had. That Saturday, Eric was having some friends over. They were glad that spring had come and were ready to get their baseball gloves out and play catch. Eric had eagerly hopped in the car when his mom said it was time to pick up the guys. His eagerness ended as soon as the boys entered the house. Suddenly he saw what everyone else was seeing with him. The house was a humongous mess! Paper plates and empty pop cans were strewn here and there. Leftover food was smashed into the carpet! A distinctly disgusting smell hovered in the air. While Eric and his mother were gone, a series of events had taken place that began with nothing other than Eric’s careless attitude toward his chores. Scooter’s food and water were completely empty and had been since the day before. In search of something to chew on, the poor dog had gotten into the trash, which had been piled to overflowing with squishy bananas, stinky rotten food, coffee grounds, sour

pickle juice, sticky glue, and even bathroom trash…YUCK. And all because Eric had refused to take out the trash when it first got full! Then Scooter had dragged everything out of the trashcan and spread it all over the house. The mess continued up the stairs to Eric’s room. There, Scooter had found some more leftover food and had continued his rampage. Even worse, he had found Eric’s new baseball glove which he had left lying in the doorway. Eric was filled with anger when he saw that the leather was torn from hundreds of chew marks. “Scooter! You worthless mutt! How could you do this?” Eric screamed. “Eric!” his mother scolded, “Calm down. It isn’t Scooter’s fault, Son! Boys, please excuse Eric and me. We will be back in a minute.” Eric’s mother got the boys a drink and then led her son to his bedroom where the conversation continued. “Eric, you have had such a terrible attitude about your chores lately. You never do them faithfully and when your father and I give you reminders, you get angry. If you had done your chores, would any of this have happened?” “I guess not,” Eric answered, humbled by the reality of his mother’s comments. “Have you studied your verse for church this week?” his mother questioned. “Not yet,” said Eric, realizing how much he was neglecting. “Well, I looked at it the other day and I think it will help you have a better view of your chores and much more. The verse is I Corinthians 10:31. Have you been doing your chores to the glory of God?” “I guess I haven’t thought of it that way,” Eric said. “You know, when you neglect your chores, it shows that you are not thankful for the house that we have. Not only does your attitude dishonor your father and me, but it does not bring glory to the God who provided all of these things for us.” “I’m sorry, Mom,” Eric confessed, “I didn’t realize what a sinful habit I had formed. I’m sorry for my attitude AND I’m sorry for the mess.” “Well, you are forgiven. Now, some boys who came to play baseball are waiting downstairs. But first you all need to help clean up the mess.” “Yes, Mom,” said Eric. “Maybe I Corinthians 10:31 will help us clean up the mess with the right attitude – to the glory of God!”

You can to combine the elements of this lesson menu in several ways. The following outlines suggest ways to tailor the material to each group’s question and verse.

tHe PrinciPle nArrAted

tHe PrinciPle oUtlined

Outline for Scripture Spies

I. Review this week’s verse A. Why did God create me?Isaiah 43:7

B. Transition phrase: “Just as God created us, you have created some pictures. Let’s see whose picture our workers thought was the best.”

II. Visualize the Principle A. Object Lesson #2 (Remember, the students will have to have done their drawings at some point previous to this point in the lesson.) B. Transition phrase: “Because we were created for God’s glory, we must live each day to bring honor to His name – no matter what the circumstances. Here is the story of some men who lived out this truth.”

III. Teach the Principle A. Story of Paul and Silas from “Principle Modeled.” B. Story from “Principle Narrated.” C. Application – Drive home the thought to the students that we were created for God’s glory and we can live to fulfill that purpose.

Outline for Faith Force

I. Review this week’s verse A. What does God want me to always do?1 Corinthians 10:31

B. Transitional phrase: “When we do even the little things for God’s glory, our works are a good testimony for God. The world is lost in the darkness of sin and needs the light of God’s goodness. Here’s an example.”

II. Visualize the Principle A. Object Lesson #1 B. Transitional Phrase: “Just like the mirror in the flashlight reflects the glow of the light, we reflect God’s goodness in our actions. The men in this next story were able to show the joy of the Lord and bring Him glory, even in the worst circumstances.”

III. Teach the Principle A. Story of Paul and Silas from “Principle Modeled” B. Transitional Phrase: “Of course, we don’t often face persecution like Paul and Silas did. Sometimes we get into such a routine in our daily lives that we forget to do even the ‘little things’ for God’s glory. This attitude can lead to sinful habits like it does in the following story.”

IV. Apply the Principle A. Story from “Principle Narrated”Application: Lead the students in discussing how they can approach their daily routines with an attitude of glorifying God. Be sure to ask the students how they can perform their daily tasks for God’s glory. (cheerfulness, love for others, etc.) Remind the students that it is God who gives them the grace to live for His glory, so He truly gets all the praise. B. Pray with the students. Ask to pray for any Truth Trackers who have not been living to give glory to God.

salvation I HAVE NOT GLORIFIED

GOD.

Versesweek #2

Scripture Spies:How have I not glorified God?Romans 3:23

Faith Force:Does God see any person as good?Ecclesiastes 7:20

Aim of the Lesson: Though God created humans to glorify Him, humans did not. Adam and Eve were the first humans to sin. Because of their sin, we all have a sin nature that is passed down from parent to child (Ephesians 2:3; Romans 5:12,19). We not only have a sin nature, but we also commit sin (Romans 3:23; Ecclesiastes 7:20). Sin is falling short of God’s perfect standard in action, attitude, or ignorance.

tHe PrinciPle VisUAliZedObject Lesson:

Materials Needed—Mirror; lipstick or dry erase markers

Begin by explaining that glorifying God means that we show the world how great God is. It means we give a clearer picture of God to those around us. When we sin, we do not glorify God. When people see us doing wrong, they do not think about how great God is, how wonderful He is, or how loving He is. Sin in our lives hides the glory of God. Take a good-sized mirror (something bigger than a makeup mirror- the kids have to be able to see it) and explain that the mirror is the picture that God wants us to see of Him. (It is not to actually represent God) Ask the children to begin naming ways that they do not glorify God. Be sure to hint that they make it personal. “How do children not glorify God?” For each item, make a squiggle or mark on the mirror with the dry erase marker or lipstick. The goal is to have a messy-looking mirror so that you can’t see a reflection very well.

The conversation may go: “Yes, I have not glorified God with my words. When I speak ugly words or say unkind things, I certainly do not please God or make people think very highly of Him, do I?” And make a mark. Then continue, “What else? Yes, I have not glorified God with my thoughts? Very Good.” Expound and make another squiggle mark. Keep going until the mirror is quite messy.

Application Questions:

Why were we putting marks on the mirror? Answer: Because sin does not glorify God Answer: Because sin messes up how we see GodWhere do we find the picture that God wants us to see of Himself? Answer: The Bible. Answer: The Bible helps us understand God and how wonderful He is.Did the picture we see in the mirror change? Answer: Yes.How did it change? Answer: It wasn’t clean anymore; you couldn’t see anything very clearly.Did the mirror look very nice when we were done? Answer: No.Everybody has sinned, so does that mean everyone has not glorified God in some way? Answer: Yes.

Nebuchadnezzar was a king who was filled with pride. He thought he did not need God. He did not give God glory for all the things he accomplished, so God humbled him until he would glorify God (Daniel 4:28-37).

Achan stole what belonged to God. When Joshua confronted Achan, he told Achan to give God the glory and confess his sin. Even though sin does not glorify God, the act of confessing it does! Telling God you are wrong acknowledges that God is right and holy, bringing Him glory. Achan was still punished for his sin, but he gave God glory by confessing ( Joshua 7:19-21).

tHe PrinciPle modeled

Danny barely made it into his chair before his Sunday School teacher started the class. He had just entered into Miss Lambert’s 4th grade Sunday School class for the year, and he really liked the class. Miss Lambert was fun as a teacher, but she could be strict too.

After a few songs to get things started, Miss Lambert began to teach a lesson on bringing God glory:

“Think about a kind of food you don’t like to eat too much,” she started. “We’ll use mushrooms for this example.”

That was just as well, because Danny couldn’t stand the sight of mushrooms. He would eat them if his mom told him to, but he never volunteered! Miss Lambert continued, “If you don’t like mushrooms, can anything change that? What if the mushrooms were mixed in with vegetables for dinner? What if you tried to hide the flavor, like mixing it with ice cream? Or layering the slices on a peanut butter sandwich? Would any of these take away the fact you don’t like mushrooms?” Miss Lambert got up from her chair and began to walk around the room as she talked. “Sin in your life comes in all types: big lies or little ones, purposefully leaving your room messy or just forgetting to clean it up.” Danny knew he had done some of those things, but then Miss Lambert got specific. “You may think that hitting your brother or sister may be worse than wishing you could, but to God, all of these are sin. No matter how big or small, sin is always wrong because it offends God.”

“Oh boy,” Danny thought to himself. “I never thought of it like that before.” Danny had been angry with his sister just the day before. He had wanted to lash out at her, hit her, or make her pay for what she had done to him. He didn’t do it, but he sure enjoyed imagining himself punching her! But now he realized that even thinking wicked thoughts was just as bad as actually doing it. Neither the thoughts of sin nor the actions of sin pleased God. Danny suddenly stopped thinking about that and began listening to Miss Lambert again. She was talking about the mushrooms. “Just like you may not be able to stand mushrooms, God cannot stand sin. He has nothing to do with it because He is holy. No matter how you try to repackage sin, it is still offensive to God.” A little boy with red hair sitting in the front waved his hand in the air. “Miss Lambert, what does ‘offensive’ mean?” “Well, an offense against God is basically a sin. It is an insult to God when we sin. You see, God created us all to glorify Him and to make Him look better. He wants our lives to give an accurate

picture of Who He is and what He is like. The Bible tells us all about God and what He is like. As I said before, He is holy. When my sins get compared to God, I end up looking very, very sinful.”

“Let’s try another illustration. Think about the last time you had a cold. Can you imagine a dirty tissue compared to a clean one? That’s how different God’s holiness is from our sinful hearts. The Bible says that our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. That means they are very deeply sinful. So take that already dirty tissue and rub it in a mud puddle. Now compare it again to a clean tissue. They are even more different now! There is no way to disguise the dirty tissue. When you put a very dirty tissue next to a very clean one, the dirty one looks even dirtier than before it was put next to the clean one. And the clean one looks even cleaner than before it was set next to the dirty one. The same is true with our sin and God. When we compare our sin with God’s perfect holiness, we look even more sinful than before. How sad it is that our sin keeps us from glorifying God!”

Danny thought about what his teacher had said for a long time. He had learned many new things in that Sunday School class. First, it is way too easy to sin! He had had a sinful attitude toward his sister and not really realized it. His heart had deceived him just like the teacher had said. His heart really was deceitful and wicked. Second, he learned that God was not glorified by his sin. It didn’t please God at all. Third, no matter how good he tried to be, he couldn’t be as perfect as God. Even the littlest sin made him look awful next to God. He was thankful that Jesus had taken away his sin and forgiven him. Without salvation, he did not stand a chance in pleasing God. He decided that day to ask God every morning to help him glorify God in everything he did.

Application Questions: 1. Where did Danny hear the lesson about God’s glory? a. Miss Lambert’s 4th grade Sunday School class2. What has every person done that does not glorify God? a. Sin3. What food did Miss Lambert use as an illustration? a. Mushroom4. What was the purpose of the mushroom illustration? a. To show that sin is unacceptable to God. No matter what kind of sin it is, it does not glorify God.5. Name one of the lessons Danny learned: a. Sinning is very easy to do. b. God is not glorified by sin. c. No one compares to God’s holiness (perfection).

Introduction: Say this week’s questions and have the children respond

tHe PrinciPle nArrAted

tHe PrinciPle oUtlined

with the verses.

Scripture Spies: Why did God create me? Isaiah 43:7

Faith Force What does God want me to always do? 1 Corinthians 10:31 “

Teaching the Truth:

God created the world and everything in it to glorify Himself. Even people were made to glorify Him. But the world is not a perfect place. A long time ago, the world was affected by sin. Since people do things that are wrong, they do not bring God glory. Sin does not glorify God. This means it does not make Him look better, or give an accurate picture of Who He is. When His creation does sinful things, He is not glorified. Everybody has done something wrong at one time or another. No one is perfect or holy except for God. The Bible clearly tells us that ALL have sinned and that ALL people fall short of the glory that God wants us to give to Him. Sin is not believing God. Sin is doing what God forbids (explain forbid) or not doing what God commands us to do. In God’s eyes there are not little sins and big sins. Some sin may have bigger consequences than others, but if you sin just once it makes you a sinner! People (adults and children) sin every day by being disrespectful to authorities, by lying and not telling the truth, by being disobedient to parents, by using our words to hurt other people, by neglecting responsibilities (explain that one), and many other things that may apply to the group of children.

Illustrating the Truth:

1. Ask the children to close their eyes and think about the mirror in their bathrooms at home. After someone takes a hot shower, the mirror gets all foggy from the steam. Explain that God made us to glorify him and make a clearer picture of Who He is and what He is like. But sin clouds everything up and makes it so that we can’t clearly see God. (Be sure to explain that God never changes, it is our perspective that does) God want us to glorify Him with our lives, but sin keeps that from happening. That mirror never changes from reflecting, but the steam makes it really hard to see!

2. Show the children a picture of a crying baby. A particularly sour face will be best. Explain that even from

birth, every person is born a sinner. Adam and Eve were the first sinners, and since then, every single person who has been born through history is already a sinner. Sin does not wait for a child to turn 4 or 5 years old. Even a little baby has a sin nature! No one has been born sinless except for Jesus. That’s why He can be our Savior.

3. Show the children another picture. This one is of a huge crowd with thousands of people. Explain that each person in this picture is a sinner. Explain that each sin offends God and does not bring him glory.

Applying the Truth: God wants us to glorify Him with our thoughts, words, attitude, actions, etc. But all children have sinned by doing something that God says not to do (lying or stealing). They have also not done things that God says to do (honor and obey parents). Whether something really bad like murder, or iscreaming at your sister, sin is all very sinful to God. Just one sin makes God displeased with us. The children need to learn to pay attention to what they do and say. They need to learn to ask themselves, “Does this (whatever they are about to do) glorify God? Does this please God? Will people get a better idea of who God is because I’m doing this?”

salvation MY SIN MUST BE

PUNISHED.

Versesweek #3

Scripture Spies:Why do I deserve eternal death?

Faith Force:What is the punishment for my sin?Romans 6:23 Aim of the Lesson: Because you are born a sinner and because you sin, you are condemned to death. You learned last week that you were born a sinner. Adam was the representative for all humans. The Bible teaches his sin (Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience…”) condemned all humans to death (“…many were made sinners”). So when you were born, you were already condemned to death. However, you also learned last week your own personal sin condemns you to death (Ezekiel 18:4). This death is both physical (your body) and spiritual (your inner person). Someday your body will die, and your soul will be separated from God for eternity.

tHe PrinciPle VisUAliZedDiagram:

A boy carrying a treasure chest with “sin” written in the opening. He is walking down a pathway that ends at two circles. The one circle says “spiritual death” and the other circle says “physical death.” The beginning of the pathway says “start” and the ending of the pathway just before the two circles says “finish.” In between the start and finish on the pathway, is “life.” [caption: “Our sin leads to physical and spiritual death”]

On the left side of the diagram is a cloud and in the cloud the word “Heaven” is written. Connected to the cloud is a square that says “God.” On top of the square is written “Holy.” Next to the square are flames and under the flames, “Death.” On the right side of the flames is another square. This square says “Man” and on top of this square is written “Sin.” Finally, there is a bridge over the flame that connects the two squares. Written on the bridge is “Jesus/life.” [caption: “God separates Himself from sinful man”]

Object Lesson #1:

Materials – robe (bed sheet, etc.), crown (could be made out of construction paper, toy crown, etc.), paper with decree written on it (example decree: All who come before me must be well. No person with a disease or sickness will be acknowledged or welcomed to my feast. I hate sickness), small desk or table set up with snacks or cookies, 4 pieces of black construction paper with diseased written on it, 4 crosses with cured written on them cut out big enough to cover the word diseased, safety pins, white sheet

Designate teacher or student to be the king in the object lesson. He wears the robe and crown. Ask four students to represent the kingdom. Hand them the black construction paper that reads diseased and pin it to their shirts. Have these students go off to the side of the room. Have another student wear a white sheet of some sort over his shoulder like a shepherd.

Have the king stand up in front of the room next to the table with snacks or cookies. After the four students go off to the side of the room, the king reads his decree. The four students then try to come before the king to attend his feast, but he turns his head from them and throws them out. The students walk away and the student with the white sheet hands them a cross that says “cured.” They place it over the black construction paper. The student with the white sheet escorts them and they all go before the king. He now only sees “cured” and smiles to welcome them to his feast. He offers a snack or cookie to each one.

Jesus uses the analogy of our being sick because we are sinners. He says in Luke 5:31, 32 “…they that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Application Questions:

1. When the diseased children came before the king, did he look at them?

• Noheturnedhisheadfromthem2. What did the king do?

• Hethrewthemoutandwouldnotletthechildrenfeast with him

3. When the students came before the king with cured over their disease were they allowed in? • Yes,thekingonlysawcuredandnolongersawthem as “diseased”4. Were they still diseased underneath?

• Yes,butthekingdidnotseethediseasehenowonly saw “cured”

5. What disease or sickness do we all have? • Sin6. Does God hate our disease of sin or does He overlook it?

• Godhatesit.InfactPsalm7:11saysGodisangrywith the wicked every day. Who are the wicked? Read Psalm 10:4. The wicked are those who do not seek after God. The natural man in us, called our flesh, does not seek after God. God separates Himself from what He hates!

7. When we come before God as cured, our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus. Does God now look at us and allow us to fellowship with Him? Yes

Object Lesson #2

Materials: container, 2 balls bigger than the container, 3 pieces of candy, 3 peas and tape

Set the container on a table. Make sure the container’s mouth is smaller than the balls you have chosen. The students will be tossing the balls to try and get them in, but they will not succeed. Just a few feet from the container, put a piece of tape down where the student is to stand. Ask for three volunteers to come up and try to get the two balls in the container. Tell them if they can get all of them in the container they will earn a piece of candy. If they do not get them in, then they have earned a pea. None of the children will earn a piece of candy. Tell the children, if they did not figure it out already, that it was impossible for them to get the balls in the container. Because they were not able to get the balls in, they earned a pea instead of candy. God has made heaven for those who are without sin. He has made hell for those who are sinners. God is fair in that He gives us exactly what we deserve. If we were without sin then we would earn heaven, but the fact is this: “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). It was impossible for the kids in this object lesson to earn the candy. It is also impossible for us to earn heaven on our own. What we all earn is death. In Romans 6:23 God says, “The wages of sin is death…” We deserve it because we are not without sin. Being without sin is what God requires for us to be with Him in fellowship. Application Questions:

1. What did each student have to do to earn a piece of

candy?• Theyhadtogetbothballsinthecontainer.

2. Was it fair that the children did not get a piece of candy because they could not get the balls in the bucket?

• Yesitisfair:theyweretoldaheadoftimewhatthey needed to do

3. Can we earn heaven on our own?• No,Godsaysthereisnonerighteous,no,notone. You have to be perfect to get into heaven. It is impossible for us to be perfect because we sin.

4. What do we deserve?• Wedeservedeathforoursin.Thisiswhatwehaveearned.

5. Is it fair that we cannot earn heaven on our own?• Yes,GodhasmadeitveryclearinHisWordwhatwe deserve. God has not left us without a way to get into heaven. It is impossible for us to do it on our own. On our own we all deserve the wages of our sin…death. The rest of Romans 6:23 says, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Eternal life is a gift, and we do not earn it. Now give the students that participated in the ball toss a piece of candy and let them know they did not earn it, but you are giving it to them as a gift.

Adam was told by God in Genesis 2:17 how he could obey God. When Adam ate of the tree that God had commanded him not to, his eyes were opened to knowing good and evil. The day he ate of the forbidden fruit Adam died spiritually. Ephesians 4:18 refers to those who are spiritually dead as “having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” When Adam ate the fruit, it was his disobedience to God that alienated him from the life of God. There was now a separation spiritually between Adam and God, unlike the relationship that existed in the beginning (Genesis 2:17, Ephesians 4:18). Adam ate of the tree in the garden that God had said he should not eat. Because Adam broke God’s command God told Adam that from dust he was taken and to dust he should return. This is a reference to physical death. Romans 5:12 speaks of Adam’s sin and that because of Adam’s sin, sin entered into the world and death spread to every man (Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 5:12).

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A Man gathering sticks on the Sabbath broke God’s law. The law God had given the children of Israel was that they were to rest on the Sabbath day. This man disobeyed God by doing work and broke God’s law. Breaking God’s law is called sin. This man sinned and he was punished. The punishment he received was physical death. This is an example to us that our sin must be punished: and the due punishment for our sin is death (Numbers 15:32-36, Romans 3:19).

“Ding Dong,” the bell rang at Princeton Middle School at 7:30 AM, as it did each morning. The noise that once filled the hallways was gone. Students were seated at their desks waiting for the morning announcements. Well, all students except one: a student named Timmy. Mrs. Welberdorf poked her head out of the classroom just in time to see Timmy shuffling his feet slowly to class. It was obvious he was in no hurry and did not seem bothered by the morning bell. Mrs. Welberdorf was very disappointed to see Timmy, once again, not caring that he was late for class. At Princeton, the school rules say that after three unexcused tardies, you are sent to the principal. But why was Timmy late again? Timmy’s mom dropped him off promptly at 7:15 AM each morning. He had more than enough time to get to class. And now, Timmy would receive his third unexcused tardy! Mrs. Welberdorf greeted Timmy at the door, “Good morning, Timmy. Timmy, do you have an excused tardy this morning?” “No, Ma’am. I will do better being on time tomorrow,” Timmy answered unworriedly. “Timmy, that is not good enough. You know the rules. This is your third unexcused tardy. You will have to go see Mr. Snickermeed in the office.” Mr. Snickermeed was the school principal at Princeton. He had a reputation for being an honest and wise principal. He had high standards for the school and was careful to see them carried out. When talking with students he showed kindness toward each one and the students knew he had their best interest in mind. Mr. Snickermeed sat at his desk as Timmy knocked on his door with the pink tardy slip in hand. “Come in, Timmy,” said Mr. Snickermeed. “Good morning, Sir,” Timmy replied as he came in and sat down in the chair in front of Mr. Snickermeed’s desk. “Well, Timmy, how can I help you today?” “Mrs. Welberdorf wrote me up for three unexcused tardies. I told her I would do better next time. I really don’t see the big deal. It’s not like I hurt anyone. There are others in this school who do much worse things than just being late to class.”

“Timmy, I don’t think you understand that this school has rules. These rules must be followed. If they are not followed then you must be punished for breaking them.” “Sir, I understand that there are rules. I also know that you are a good principal. But couldn’t you just give me a little break?” Even as he asked, Timmy was beginning to get concerned he would get punished with after-school detention. He did not think he deserved any real punishment and hoped Mr. Snickermeed would not punish him. “Timmy, I appreciate the compliment. If I am a good principal it is because I do not let any student get by; I don’t give breaks to rulebreakers! The rule is if you have three unexcused tardies you will get three days of after-school detention starting this afternoon. In detention, you will not talk and you will read quietly or work on homework until 3:15 PM. Then you will ride the 3:30 PM bus home unless your mom would like to come get you. In a few minutes I will let you call her and tell her when and why you have detention. But right now I want to talk to you about something important,” said Mr. Snickermeed. Timmy was beginning to feel uncomfortable about his meeting. But he said, respectfully, “Yes, Sir.” Mr. Snickermeed continued, “Young man, you don’t seem to understand that there must be consequences for breaking rules. There is a far bigger lesson that you can learn today than just to arrive on time. How do you think God views your disobedience to the school rules?” “Well, He is probably a little displeased, but it is not like I did anything major. I didn’t steal school property and I didn’t get into a fight and hurt someone.” “God is not just a little displeased, He is displeased! God hates sin. I John 3:4 says, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” Your breaking of the rules is called sin and God does not take that lightly. All sin is the same in God’s eyes. He hates it. Timmy, what do you think God’s punishment is for sin? I will tell you that detention is nothing in comparison!” “Honestly, Mr. Snickermeed; I don’t know what God’s punishment is for my sin. I know that really bad people go to hell and good people go to heaven. I think I am good overall.” “Timmy, no person is good in God’s eyes. We all are born sinners and God separates Himself from sinners. God is so perfect, holy, and just that He cannot and will not have fellowship with sinners. In fact He separates Himself from you and me. God is just, in that, He punishes us rightfully for our sin. God judges us all as sinners and sentences us to death, like a judge would in a court. In a court of law the judge is not going to let someone go unpunished just because he doesn’t see the big deal or doesn’t consider the offense major. The judge will sentence according to the crime. God is more just than any human judge. God has made it very clear in His Word that “…the soul that sinneth,

tHe PrinciPle nArrAted

it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:4). There are two types of deaths that God speaks of in the Bible. The first death is when we die physically at the end of our life. This physical death is a result of our being sinners. And we all deserve it because Romans 6:23 says “for the wages of sin is death…” We all sin so we all deserve to die physically. The second death we all deserve as well. This death is spiritual: it is when we are forever separated from God in hell. Everybody deserves to die both deaths because we are not perfect and we do sin. Our sin must be punished and the sentence God has made on sinners is death. Do you understand, Timmy, that for your sin and my sin, we both deserve to die physically and spiritually?” “Wow, Mr. Snickermeed, I did not realize that God hates my sins as much as He does murder or stealing. I did not know that in God’s eyes I deserve to die and pay for my sins. Now I understand why Jesus came to die for me so that I wouldn’t have to. I am sorry that I did not take the rules seriously and I will work at obeying them. I now know that my disobedience was not just a little displeasing to God, but he hates it. Thank you for talking with me today.” “Timmy, I am thankful that you are no longer taking your sin lightly and that you understand how much God hates our sin. I think it is time for you to call your mom and then you may go back to class.”

Application Questions:

1. What was Timmy’s attitude toward his tardiness to class?

a. He was taking his time to get to class b. Timmy was not worried or concerned about being late

2. Did Timmy think he should be punished for his tardiness?

a. No, he did not think he deserved to be punishedb. He said there were others who do much worse

3. What was Mr. Snickermeed’s question to Timmy that got the conversation started on God’s view? What was Timmy’s response to the question?

a. Mr. Snickermeed asked Timmy how he thought God viewed his disobedienceb. Timmy said God was probably a little displeased. Timmy still did not see the big deal.

4. Does God see our sin as a big deal? What is God’s punishment for our sin? a. Yes, God sees our sin as a big deal. Job knew this. Read what he said in Chapter 10 verse 14. God does not just overlook sin or think that it is not a big deal. b. God’s punishment for our sin is death. Romans 5:12a. Main point to communicate through this story: The Bible makes it very clear that God hates sin and will punish

it. The child must understand that he does not compare himself to someone else to see how he is doing. He needs to compare himself to what the Bible says. A person may think his sin is not a big deal, but that does not change the fact that God does see it as a big deal. And whether we think we deserve punishing or not, our sin will be punished. God has made it very clear that His sentence for sin is death.

Lesson Aim: To teach children God punishes sin.

Introduction:Say this week’s questions and have the children respond with the verses.

Scripture Spies:Why do I deserve eternal death?Ezekiel 18:4

Faith ForceWhat is the punishment for my sin?Romans 6:23

Show a picture of cancer cells. Explain to the kids that they are looking at cancer cells. Cancer cells spread throughout the body and can be very deadly. Tell the kids that sin is like cancer in a sense. We are all diseased with it. Sin leads to death. From the moment we are born we have this disease. Not only are we diseased with sin, but we have another problem. The other problem we have is that God hates sin and will punish it. God’s punishment on us for our sin is death. God be thanked that He has given us a cure, but we must accept His free gift to be cured.

Teaching the truth:

Explain to the children that there are people today who think that God is a loving God and will not punish their sin. They also believe they live “good” lives and don’t commit any of the major sins like murder, robbery, etc. So they think they are okay in God’s eyes. This is not what God teaches us in His Word. Many people are deceived and do not take time to search God’s Word for the truth. Jesus says in Romans 3:10 there is none righteous, no, not one. He also says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death…” Our earnings or what we deserve for our sin is death. Physically we die at the end of our life and this is the first death. The second death is that we die spiritually forever in hell. We all deserve to die both deaths because we are sinners. God hates sin and He will punish it because He is a loving, just

tHe PrinciPle oUtlined

and Holy Father. We can thank God that even though we deserve the second death He has provided a way through Jesus for us to spend eternity with Him and not be separated from Him forever in hell.

Illustrating the Truth:

Have a measuring glass filled with ¼ cup water. Take a ¼ measuring cup and pour vegetable oil in it. Slowly stand before the class and pour the vegetable oil on top of the water. Make sure each student can see that the oil stayed to the top and did not mix with the water. Then ask them if the oil and water mixed together. In fact, the oil stayed to the top and did not go to the bottom.

Imagine in this illustration that God in His holiness is represented by the oil while the water represents us in our sin. The oil and water did not mix. That is the same with God’s holiness and our sin. God hates sin because He is, according to Psalm 145:17, “righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.” Imagine if He did mix with sin: then He would no longer be righteous and holy! We are so corrupted and diseased with sin that God separates Himself from us. We deserve His righteous punishment of death for our sin.

Applying the Truth: Children need to understand their sin and the due punishment. They must not compare themselves to the next person, but to Christ. They will then see that they are utterly filthy and corrupted with sin in God’s eyes! He hates their sin and we all stand before a righteous, holy God deserving death. Sin must be punished! Because of our being born in sin we will all experience physical death. Our bodies will age and we will die. (If Christ does not return.) This is the first death. Romans 5:12b. So because of sin we die physically and we die spiritually forever in hell. This is the second death. Read Revelation 20:14, 15. We all deserve both deaths because of how corrupted we are with sin. But God has given us a way not to die spiritually forever in hell, but to have eternal life with Him. Quote John 3:16.

salvation MY GOOD WORKS CANNOT

FORGIVE ME.

Versesweek #4

Scripture Spies:Can I do enough good works to earn my forgiveness?Titus 3:5

Faith Force:Why is forgiveness not through my good works?Ephesians 2:8-9

Aim of the Lesson: God cannot and will not declare a sinner righteous (or justify-which means “to declare righteous”) because of the sinner’s own works. None of your good works can declare you “right” or “good” before God. You are only declared right with God by His gift “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). So eternal life is given as a gift from God, not based on something you have done. However, even though most people in the world believe they can do enough good to cover their sin and merit a place in heaven, the Bible disagrees with them.

tHe PrinciPle VisUAliZed*Object Lesson “The Bridge”—

Materials needed: Legos or other large similar blocks. A big cross. A doll or some figurine. Two stations with a large gap in between (like your pulpit to your overhead projector or one table to another). The basic idea: To try to build a lego bridge across (impossible) and then to use the cross to bridge the gap.

Children, have you ever tried to build a bridge? I would like to try to build one now. Only we are going to use legos to build our bridge. This ‘station’ is earth, where all people live. That ‘station’ is heaven where God and all the angels and all the saints live. How can people get to heaven? Can they pay enough money to get to heaven? (Take a few blocks and put them together, beginning to make a horizontal bridge.) Can a person be religious enough to get to heaven? (Add a few more blocks.) Can a person go to church enough times to get there? (Add a few more legos.) Can you obey your

parents enough to be able to get to heaven? (Add more.) Can you get baptized to get to heaven? (Add more.) What if you take communion, can you get to heaven? (Add more legos.) Can you help out at home or church and get to heaven? (Add more legos.) Can your good works get you to heaven? (Add a few more. By this time, you should have a precarious bridge that does not get to ‘heaven.’ Try to walk your figurine across the bad bridge and let him fall off, never reaching ‘heaven.’)“Children, can anyone’s good works build a bridge to heaven? What is the way to heaven?” (As you ask, bring out the cross and lay it across “earth” to “heaven”—walk the figurine across and have the children answer their questions for the week. Ask the Scripture Spies, “Can I do enough good works to earn my forgiveness?” They should answer with Titus 3:5 .

Ask the Faith Force, “Why is forgiveness not through my good works?” Ephesians 2:8-9

Application Questions:

1. What kind of “good works” do children think will get them to heaven? (baptism, going to church, memorizing verses, obeying, praying, giving to the poor)2. What is the only way to heaven? (the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ)

*Illustration: Picture of an old fashioned scale with “Sin” written in on one side of the balance and “Good Works” written in on the other side. Explain that no number of “Good Works” can outweigh the sins you do. You can never do enough good to outweigh the bad. You can never pay enough money to pay for sins. Salvation is a free gift.

Cain: Though he offered a sacrifice, it was not the one that God required. Cain did his “good work,” but it was not enough to earn God’s forgiveness. Faith brings us to understand and to do what God says. We cannot create a faith of our own and think it is okay with God, just because we have “faith.” No one who makes up his own religion can earn forgiveness, though the religion may look so “good” in man’s sight (Genesis 4:1-7).

tHe PrinciPle modeled

Some religious people think that doing good works in the name of Christ will make them go to heaven. They believe in Jesus but show through their lives that doing good works is how they want to get salvation. They live their lives proving how good they are. And when the day of the Lord comes, they will be shocked to find out they cannot enter heaven. Their good works in the name of Christ did not cleanse their hearts—God calls them people who “practice lawlessness” and they will not be allowed into heaven. Jesus will say, “Depart from me. I never knew you.” These are people who do not understand faith and grace and the free gift of salvation. They love good works and they think Jesus will love them because of their works (Matthew 7:21-23).

Principle Narrated:

“A castle with four towers, four grand rooms, three dining rooms, two kitchens, twenty bedrooms, six gardens, four barns…” Addison’s eyes widened as he listed off all the things he would see in his new home. “Mother, I can’t even believe it! How did you get this job! I mean you are going to be the head housekeeper of a real, live castle. This is the most amazing thing that ever ever ever could happen to an 8 year-old-kid! I am so excited!” “Addison, settle down, Son. Ever since your father died, I’ve tried to work different jobs. This is our big break. I hope you’ll listen and do just what I tell you! We don’t want to lose this job, for sure!” Although she tried to bring Addison back to reality, Mother was just as excited as Addison to move to England and become the housekeeper for a wealthy family. A castle—now even for a 30-year-old woman—that was going to be fun! “But, Mom, do you think that Judge Kardimon will like us? I mean is he going to be a mean, scary old man?” asked Addison fearfully. “Oh, Addison, how could anyone not like you?” Mother said and smiled at her freckly-faced, friendly son. The airplane brought them closer and closer to England and farther and farther from America. When they finally landed in London, Addison grabbed his mother’s hand and practically dragged her to baggage claim. To their surprise, an old, solemn-faced man with a tuxedo-like suit met them. “Mrs. Grace and Young Addison Wellington, I presume?” He bowed and held out his hand. Addison just about burst with excitement, thinking, “He must be the butler. This is just like being in a movie!” And so he asked, “Are you the butler?” “Why yes, young Addison, I am the butler, Marsden. You may address me as Marsden.” Before Addison could say anything else, his mother grabbed Addison’s hand and said, “Thank you, Marsden. We are so glad to meet you and very happy to work with you for the Judge. “ “Oh, yes, thank you, and let us proceed to the limousine,” Marsden led them to the car and opened the

door for them. Addison would have talked Mother’s and Marsden’s ears off all the way to the castle, but he was just speechless as he looked at everything. His jaw was dropping and drool was dripping as he thought about how cool the limo was, how massive the castle was that they just passed, and how scary it felt to be driving on the left side of the road! Oh, he was just in awe of everything! EVERYTHING! Finally the limo stopped, Marsden stepped out and opened the door. Addison and Mother looked at the wonderful old stone castle that stood before them. “I wonder if I will sleep in one of the tower rooms! I hope so,” whispered Addison to Mother. Marsden escorted them into the front room of the castle. As they walked in to the entry room, they were bedazzled by the diamond chandelier hanging above them, glistening in the sunlight. On the walls hung several paintings of stern-faced people who looked very handsome and serious and important. But what caught Addison’s attention the most was the statue of a beautiful glass angel that stood on a pillar right under the diamond chandelier. The angel looked different from any angel Addison had ever seen. It had lots and lots of wings and a sword in each hand and fiery eyes. It looked amazing. Marsden saw the child’s wonder and warned him strongly, “Young Addison, that angel is a sculpture of the cherubim that guarded the Garden of Eden as described in the book of Genesis. The angel is over one thousand years old and is the most priceless possession the Judge owns. He has been offered over two million pound’s for that angel, but he would never sell it, not for all the money in England.” “I understand, Marsden; I won’t ever touch it. I won’t even look at it again!” Addison was shaking all over thinking how expensive that angel was. His mother also shook a little as she thought, “Oh, my, what have I brought this little boy into, a museum? I hope we won’t get into trouble here.” Just then, Marsden scrambled up the spiral staircase to open a golden door. “Judge, good afternoon! I trust all went well in the courtroom this morning?” As Marsden spoke, an aged man with a serious but kindly face walked down the staircase. “Oh, hello, Marsden. Well, who do we have here?” “This is your new housekeeper, Mrs. Grace Wellington, and her very fine son, Young Addison.” “It is a pleasure, Mrs. Wellington, and as for you, young man, it is a great surprise to have a child in the house again!” “I’m sorry,” said Addison, hanging his head. “I won’t touch anything, I promise, really, I won’t!” The Judge reached out and patted the boy’s head. “Don’t worry, Son. Nothing is so precious that cannot be replaced, well, maybe with one exception,” said the Judge as he looked at the cherubim sculpture. “I know, the angel! I won’t touch it, never ever, not in a zillion years would I ever—“

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“Addison, let’s not worry about mere trifles, let’s go about being friends. Have you ever played Cricket? Would you like to go have a game out on the castle grounds?” Addison looked at Mother, and Mother nodded her head, saying, “Go ahead, Son. Cricket is a little like baseball! Go have some fun.” In back of the castle were acres of beautiful fields. First the Judge took Addison on a stroll around the fields. His dog, Stellar, a rompy old bulldog, kept them company, and soon Addison and the Judge and the dog were great friends. Then they returned to the castle, rounded up Mother and Marsden and played a good game of cricket. After the game, they went inside for tea, where Marsden and the Judge told Mother all that she would be responsible to do. It was a lot! But Mother looked forward to the challenge; she was a very hard worker. As Addison fell asleep that night--in one of the tower rooms, no less!—he thought about how wonderful his life was going to be, about how much fun he was going to have with the new dog Stellar, with Marsden the butler and with Judge Kardimon. Well, days turned into months and months to a year. On their one year anniversary of being at Kardimon Castle, the Judge had a party to celebrate the Wellington’s service in his home. The Judge was very happy with how the situation had worked out and he was beginning to love little Addison like he would a son of his own! It was about that time that the Judge began to share the most important thing about his life with Addison and his mother. They began to have weekly tea times where the Judge would open his Bible and share about God’s love shown through creating the world, through the story of man and sin, through the testimony of the nation of Israel, and finally through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Week after week, Addison listened, but he didn’t really understand why he would need a Savior. After all, he didn’t do anything that was so very naughty; he always listened to his mother; and he would help around the castle all the time. He couldn’t understand what many children struggle to understand—the fact that everyone is a sinner and that everyone needs Jesus to save him from the punishment for sins! It was about this time also that Addison made his greatest discovery. He and Stellar were out for an afternoon romp when Addison decided he was hot. “Stellar, old boy, let’s go jump and play in the creek! It ‘s going to be awfully fun, and it will feel great. Race ya!” With that Addison took off in glee while Stellar ran and barked playfully. Before long they were both soaking wet and tired from all the wild splashing. They sat to rest in the middle of the creek on a flat old rock that rose above the water. Addison’s eye caught a glimmer of something shiny. He kept looking and then he walked toward the shiny stuff that was at the bottom of the creek. He dipped his hand into the sand and pulled up little

bits of yellowish rocks. “Gold, Stellar! We’ve struck gold! We’re rich, Stellar, rich!” Whooping and hollering, Addison took off toward the castle door. Stellar stayed close at his heels, barking loudly to match the crazy yelling of one very excited and running little boy. Without thinking, Addison whipped open the front door and ran inside. Stellar followed him in at rapid speed. Both of them were soaking wet and began to skid on the freshly waxed floor. They were both out of control and speeding towards the pillar that stood under the diamond chandelier. Before they could stop themselves, Addison crashed into the pillar, causing the two million pound angel to fly up into the air. Addison screamed and lunged to catch the glass cherubim, when Stellar landed flat in front of Addison. Addison flew through the air, grasping for the flying angel. The crazy sounds brought Marsden and Mother running towards the front room. They both arrived to see Addison and the angel and Stellar all crash onto the hard floor beneath. Then, everyone gasped as the cherubim split into thousands of shards of glass, absolutely covering the floor, Addison, and Stellar. Addison was crying loudly by this time, and to be honest, tears were flowing down Mother’s face, too! The next day, the Judge was very somber and sad at the breakfast table. He had arrived home late the night before and had heard of the unfortunate loss of his most prized and priceless possession. Addison could hardly eat his breakfast. “Judge, I didn’t mean it! It was an accident! I’ll make it up to you, I promise,” Addison was crying as he sat looking at his plate of scones and eggs. Though the Judge was not too happy about the accident and the loss of his most valuable earthly treasure, he was perfectly willing to forgive this little boy he had come to love so much. And so he said to him, “Addison, all I want is that you ask me for forgiveness; just like God wants us to ask for forgiveness. I will forgive your debt to me if you will just ask.” Somehow the Judge’s offer of forgiveness seemed too easy. Addison felt so bad about what he had done: he wanted to pay for it. “And I will!” shouted Addison inside his mind so loud he thought he had actually shouted out loud. All that day, Addison was REALLY good. He asked Mother and Marsden for special chores to do. He cleaned floors, he polished mirrors, he dusted furniture, and he even cleaned the bathrooms! Then he went outside and gathered new spring flowers and put them in pitchers all in the Judge’s quarters. That night at supper, the Judge said to Addison, “You know, Son, the things that you did today were good works! You worked hard to show you want to pay the debt. But that debt can never be paid! Just like the debt of our sins.” Addison was really disappointed in the Judge’s response. It seemed like all his hard work meant nothing to the man. “I’m sorry, Judge. I’ll try harder tomorrow!”

“But Addison, I don’t want you to try harder tomorrow! I want you to ask for forgiveness. I want to forgive you. I will pay the debt if you will just ask. Now, think on this verse that I have written out for you in this card,” and the Judge gave Addison a slip of paper with this Bible verse: Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saves us…” He asked, “Addison, Can you do enough good works to earn God’s salvation?” Addison thought for a minute before saying, “I guess not.” “How do you know?” asked the Judge. “Because it is according to mercy, the verse says. And what’s mercy?” “Mercy is God’s gift to us. Instead of making us pay for our sins in hell; he shows us mercy and does not send us to hell when we accept His free gift of salvation,” the Judge was praying that Addison would understand, but the little boy didn’t quite get it yet. That next day, Addison ran to the barn to find a wheelbarrow. He had another plan. Maybe he really could pay for that angel with the gold he had found in the creek! He pushed that wheelbarrow back and forth, making a big pile of gold not too far from the castle. Hour after hour he worked, skipping lunch, afternoon tea, and even supper! Mother, Marsden, and the Judge were so worried about him. As the sun was thinking about setting in the sky, the three of them went searching for the boy. “Addison! Addison! Addison!” they called over and over again. The boy was just making his last trip back with the last bit of gold. “Over here, Mother! Come here! Is the Judge with you? Bring him over here. See, I told you I could pay for it! I did it! I did it!” Addison jumped up and down with glee as the Judge stood before his pile of “gold.” It was a really big pile that stood taller than the heads of the adults. “My, my! Son, what hard work you have been doing! But I don’t understand,” said the puzzled Judge. “Look at all this gold! I found it; we can turn it into the bank; and every bit of money they give for it will be yours. I’m sure there’s more than 2 million pounds worth of gold here, don’t you think?” asked Addison, so sure of himself.The Judge looked with compassion on the boy as he said, “Addison, that’s not real gold. It’s fool’s gold. It’s not worth any money at all.” Addison’s eyes filled with tears and he cried out, “But how can I repay you for the horrible thing I have done? Nothing I have done, not all the cleaning and helping in the castle, not even finding and making this pile of gold! Are you going to send me to jail to pay for the angel?” Seeing his chance to explain the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, the Judge said, “Addison, did you know that the Bible talks about a time such as this?” “You mean there’s a story about me in the Bible?” asked

Addison. “No, no, but there are stories of people who tried hard to earn forgiveness from their sins. And God says to these kinds of people, ‘All of your righteousnesses are as filthy rags.’” “You mean all I’ve done to make it up to you is like dirty garbage?” Addison was shocked. “When God offered salvation through Jesus, He wanted it to be a gift. I want to give you the same kind of gift. God asks us to believe Him and simply accept His forgiveness for our sins. I want the same from you, boy. . .not all your hard work. You don’t have to prove anything to me. I want to forgive you!” Addison asked in disbelief, “You mean, you just want me to ask for forgiveness and that’s it?” The Judge smiled, “Yes. I do not want you to work to show me you can pay me. Because actually, you never can pay for what happened. I simply want to forgive you! And it is the same way with God. You cannot earn your way to heaven. You have to simply ask for forgiveness and believe in Jesus.” “That’s it? For real?” Addison was just beginning to understand. “God said in Romans 4:5, ‘But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.’ Addison, if you will just believe on Jesus for salvation, God justifies you, and then He looks at you just as if you had never sinned, because He says faith makes up for our sins. You can please Him and find forgiveness through simple faith in the gift of God’s Son,” explained the Judge. Addison finally understood the gospel and he also understood that the Judge really wanted to forgive him, too. He said, “Can I think about this for a while, Judge, it’s a lot to understand, but I think I do, I think I do.” Before bed, Addison felt almost sick realizing he still wasn’t right with the Judge, and so he decided to knock on the Judge’s door. “Judge, Judge, are you sleeping?” The door opened and Addison ran in, “Oh, I’m so sorry for breaking your priceless angel; will you forgive me?” The Judge had tears in his eyes as he said, “Boy, I love you and I forgive you now and forever. I do not want you to ever think about it again, because I never will!” Addison ran back to his bedroom, excited for the first time in days. But he still couldn’t sleep and he started to feel almost sick again. He thought about another Judge—the Judge up in heaven. He knew he wasn’t right with that Judge still, either. Addison worried that if he died in his bed that night he would not go to heaven, because he had never been forgiven for his sins. For a while, he thought about trying to be a better boy and doing good things. Then he thought about the lesson the Judge taught him and all the verses. “God just wants to forgive me. All I need to do is believe and accept it!” He jumped up and ran to the Judge’s door again. “Judge,

Judge, are you awake?” The door opened and Addison ran in again, “Oh, Judge, I need to ask God to forgive me now! I can’t go to sleep unless I ask Him. Won’t you please help me?” The Judge knelt down beside the bed, opened his Bible and showed Addison once again how to receive God’s free gift of eternal life. It wasn’t very long before Addison was praying, asking God to forgive him for all his sins. When the boy finally fell asleep that night, he had a peace in his heart that was amazing. The Judge had forgiven the unforgivable, and better yet, so had God! God had forgiven all his sins so that one day, Addison would be with Jesus Christ in heaven!

Application Questions:

1. What did Addison do that he thought he could pay for? Broke the angel2. How did he try to pay for breaking the angel? By doing good works3. Could he ever repay the Judge for breaking the angel? No. The angel was worth too much money.4. What did the Judge want Addison to do to get forgiveness for breaking the angel? Just ask for forgiveness and believe that the Judge would forgive him5. What do some people do to try to pay for their sins? Good works.6. Can people ever repay God for sinning against Him? No. We can never do enough good works to pay for the sins we have done against God.7. What does God want us to do to get forgiveness for our sins? Ask God for forgiveness and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation—Receive the FREE GIFT of eternal life.

Principle Outlined:

Lesson Aim: To teach the children the difference between working to get to heaven and receiving the gift of Jesus Christ.

Introduction: Say the questions and have the children respond with the verses. Scripture Spies:Can I do enough good works to earn my forgiveness?Titus 3:5

Faith ForceWhy is forgiveness not through my good works?Ephesians 2:8-9

Teaching the Truth:Show a picture of a muslim boy on a projector (you can get one off of the internet). Explain to the children how there are children in this world who believe they can get to heaven by working their way there. Give a “day in the life” of this boy and what he might do as a muslim to earn his way to heaven.

Have the verses written on a board. As you go through the story, underline the part of the verse that corresponds to the story. This is a great way to explain the verses to the children and show them how this truth works. So for instance, when you talk about the boy praying five times a day so he can be accepted before Allah, you would underline “works.” Then as you explain how this boy might be proud of his works you would underline “boast.” Or as you explain the true way to God, you would underline gift.

Illustrating the Truth: Have two children come up to the front of the room. Set two children on opposite sides of the room. Tell both children you have two large chocolate bars. Tell the first child that you want to give him this chocolate bar, but first he must do a couple of things. Ask him if he wants the chocolate bar. If he says yes, tell him you want him to clean up a mess you had made on the floor. Make sure he understands that he will NOT receive the chocolate bar unless he finishes the job. After he does his job, ask the children why he got the chocolate bar. It was because he worked for it. (For an extra twist, you can give him impossible job to show that no matter how much we work, we will not get that “thing” we want.)

Bring the next child to the middle. Make a clear distinction between the two situations. Tell the child you want to give him the candy bar. Tell him you will give him the candy bar as a gift. Ask the children, “If this is a gift, does he have to work for the chocolate bar?” The answer is no. Tell the child this candy bar is a gift to him, then let him take it. Show them that God gave the gift of Jesus and only he could earn our forgiveness not ourselves.

Applying the Truth: The children need to stop trusting in their own good works to get to heaven. No prayer, good behavior, or deeds can get them to heaven. Only by receiving the gift from Jesus can a child go to heaven, not good works.

tHe PrinciPle oUtlined