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Welcome to Issue FiveWelcome to Issue FiveThe Promise Keeper
XTB stands for eXplore The Bible.
Read a bit of the Bible each day and...• Zoom in on Mark to meet Jesus, the promised King.• Journey to the Promised Land in Numbers and Deuteronomy.• Read about God’s promise and plan in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.
Are you ready to explore the Bible! Fill in the bookmark...
...then turn over the page to start exploring with XTB!
This book belongs to
........................................................
Sometimes I’m called
................................ (nickname)
My birthday is
.......................................................
My age is
.......................................................
I look
like this:
Table TalkTable Talk FOR FAMILIESLook out for Table Talk — a book to help children and adults explore the Bible together. It can be used by:
• Families• One adult with one child• Children’s leaders with their groups• Any other way you want to try
Table Talk uses the same Bible passages as XTB so that they can beused together if wanted. You can buy Table Talk from your localChristian bookshop—or call us on 0845 225 0880 to order a copy.
OLD TESTAMENT
GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEsther JobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SolomonIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekiel DanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachi
NEW TESTAMENT
MatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation
How to find your way around the Bible...How to find your way around the Bible...
1 ____________6_______
___________________
________________________
____________________________
MARK
Oops! Keep getting lost?
Cut out this bookmark and use it to keep your place.
Use the Contents page in your Bible tofind where Mark begins
The chapter numbersare the GREAT BIG
ones
The verse numbers are the tiny ones!
Look out for the READ sign.
It tells you what Bible bit to read.
So, if the notes say... READ Mark 1v2-6...this means chapter 1 and verses 2 to 6...and this is how you find it.
READ
Mark 1v2-6
How to use How to use
Find a time and place when you can read the Bibleeach day.
Get your Bible, a pencil and yourXTB notes.
Read today’s XTB page and Bible bit.
Ask God to help you to understand what you read.
Pray about what you have read and learnt.
If you can, talk to an adult or a friendabout what you’ve learnt.
This copy of XTB comeswith a free Prayer Diary.
When we talk to God He alwayslistens! Your prayer diary has loadsof ideas for different ways of talkingto God. You can use it keep a recordof His answers too.
As we explore Mark, Numbers,Deuteronomy and Ephesians, there’llbe plenty to talk to God about.
Are you ready to
start? Then hurry
on to Day 1.
..
YOUR FREE
XTB
PRAYERDIARY
XXTTBB PrayerDiary
Check you remember what this word means?Go to Day 36 to remind yourself.
This is a BIG idea. Read this bit again, andsay the word “Wow!” out loud five times.
Stop and learn a great new word.
Put on your imaginary seatbelt for high-speed journeysthrough time and space.
Warning! Ephesians is a letter packed full of BIG IDEAS
and exciting news. Please make sure you understandthe following symbols before attempting to read it!
Crack the code to see who this letter is for and who sent it.
Do you like getting letters? I love it! As soon asthe postman arrives I stop what I’m doing andrush to see if anything exciting has arrived!
Great! Let’s get started!Go straight on to Day 36.
But we can read it too! It’s in the Bible, and it’s called Ephesians.
EXPLORING EPHESIANSDAY 36 EXPLORING EPHESIANSThe Book of
Ephesians
A E H L P S U
DAY 36CONTINUED
1, 2, 3, GO!Ephesians
1v1-31, 2, 3, GO!
…to see whyPaul’s so excited!
Read around the present to see
what GRACE means.
Underline the correct words
Birthdays
Christmas
Holidays
Parties
Chocolate
READEphesians 1v1
What’s special about Paul? (v1)
An apostle is someone who was chosenby God and sent to teach us the truthabout Jesus. We should listen to what hesays!
Who’s Paul writing to? (v1)
Your Bible may say saints. Thatdoesn’t mean extra-specialpeople. It means everyone whobelieves in Jesus!
READEphesians 1v2
READEphesians 1v3
Your Bible may have used our firstspecial word: GRACE.
Circle the things that make you
excited. Add some of your own.
God
’sH
UG
Eki
nd
ness to people who
don’tdeserveit.
_____________________ in Ephesus.
He’s an a______________
GO! It’s your turnto praise God! Fill inblanks 1-3 on pages 8
+ 9 of your Prayer Diaryand pray up to the
first .
PRAYERDIARY
No wonder Paul’s excited! Spiritualblessings are the good things Godgives us because of Jesus. More about
exactly what these blessings are in the
next few days.
Paul
Paul’s cross with/thanking and
praising God for giving us EVERY
spiritual banana/blessing because
of our good behaviour/Jesus.
CHOSEN CHILDRENDAY 37 CHOSEN CHILDRENEphesians
1v4-6
Draw a by the2 right answers.
It pleased Him, Hewanted to.
Because we’regreat.
To bring Himpraise.
Cleaners Children
Have you ever been chosen to…
! answer a question! play in a team! be in a play
If you’re a Christian you’ve been chosen forsomething very special. This choice was
made a long time ago!
What did God choose us to be? (v5)
Who chose us and when? (v4)
Did you know God chose you to beHis child before the world was made?
Fill in blanks 4-5 in your Prayer Diary
(page 9) and pray up to the second .
PRAYERDIARY
Being God’s child is one of the amazingspiritual blessings we have because of Jesus!
Why did God choose us? (v5, 6)
He didn’t choose us because we are really nice or good—but because He wanted to.
Through J__________________._________ chose us before _____________
_______________________________________
Gardeners
His __________________________
READEphesians 1v4-6
How did God make us His children? (v5)
Join Paul in praising God. Fill in blanks 6-7on Page 9 of your Prayer Diary. Pray
up to the third .
DAY 38 FREE AND FORGIVENEphesians
1v7-8FREE AND FORGIVEN
2 1 3 3 4His ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
That’s a hugeprice to pay!
HUGE Tiny
Stingy GENEROUS
We’re in the slave market and we want to set free twoslaves. How much will it cost to set them free?
But how much did God pay to set us free?Read the verses to find out.
READEphesians 1v7-8
Paul says we’ve been set free. What does he mean? (v7)
Our s________ are f____________________
Sin is doing what we want instead of whatGod wants. Sin traps us and separates usfrom God. It’s just like we are slaves andneed to be set free (or redeemed).
Redeem
/ R
edem
ption
Mea
ns to
pay
a p
rice
to s
et s
omeo
ne f
ree.
Your
Bib
le m
ay u
se th
ese
wor
ds in
v7.
Did
you
know
?
PRAYERDIARY
Use the code to see what price
Jesus paid to set us free from sin.
Jesus set us free bydying on the cross!
Why did God free us? (v7)! We deserved it! His grace and kindness
Circle the words that describe God’s grace. (v7, 8)
L B O D1 2 3 4
Check out Day 36 to see
what grace means.
What a great ending to God’s rescue plan! Jesus in chargeover a whole new world!
Fill in blank 8 on Page 9 of your Prayer
Diary and pray up to the 4th .
A GRAND PLANDAY 39 A GRAND PLANEphesians
1v9-10
Cross outthe wrongwords.
To bring some things/everything in
heaven and/or earth together with
us/Jesus in the centre, in charge.
Unjumble the lettersColour in the dotted
shapes to see who God’s
plans are all about!
God chose us and set us free through Jesus.But that’s not all!
We’re going forward to the end oftime when Jesus comes again!
READEphesians 1v9-10
God wants you to know His plans!
What is God’s plan? (v10)
What spoils our world?
Sin spoils our world. People ignore God and do what theywant! God plans to make a new world. There’ll be no sin,and Jesus will be at the centre, in charge!
Read around the
world to see what
God’s plans are like. Go
d’s
pla
n s a l wa y s
ha
pp
en
!
PRAYERDIARY
__ __ __S
I
N
DAY 40 IT’S FOR YOU!IT’S FOR YOU!Ephesians
1v11-14
T = true
F = false
Put these events in order by numbering
the boxes 1, 2 and 3. (v13)
Given the Holy Spirit
Heard about Jesus
Believed
Who can be sure of receiving the goodthings God gives through Jesus?
In v11-12 Paul’s talking about Jews
(God’s Old Testament people).
Why did God choose some Jews tofollow Jesus? (v11, 12)
They’re clever
He planned it
They’re good
For His praise
READEphesians 1v11-12
READEphesians 1v13-14
God gives all Christians the Holy Spiritto show we belong to Him and to keepus going until we’re with God in heaven.
__ __ __ __ __ __
The __ __ __ __
Who guarantees (makes us sure) thatwe’ll receive God’s promises? (v14)
Both Jews and Gentiles can receiveGod’s blessings through Jesus. It’s allpart of God’s plan to bring Him praise.
Everyone who wasn’t a Jew was calleda Gentile. God also chose someGentiles to believe.
Fill in blanks 9-11 inyour Prayer Diary
(page 9) and pray upto the final .
PRAYERDIARY
Take the first letter
of each picture.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __
Write down two things to understand and enjoymore.
DAY 41Ephesians
1v15-19MORE TO EXPLOREMORE TO EXPLORE
Wellies and
Raincoats
Wisdom and
Revelation
Use the map to
find out what!
1.The h_________
Christians have (v18)
2.God’ p____________ (v19)
We can be sure God’s great plan will
happen and He’ll keep all His promises.
We can rely on God’s power
to help us follow Jesus.
Dear God, help me to exploreand understand the good things I have through Jesus more and
more. Amen.
PRAY
W_______________ and R___________________
What does Paul want the Holy Spirit to give theEphesians? (v17)
If God’s already given us every spiritual blessing,what should we pray for?
God has given us __ __ __ __ __ spiritual
blessing because of __ __ __ __ __ .
Use the explorer’s map to see what we’ve discovered.
We’ve explored from before creationto the end of time!
READEphesians 1v15-19
This means that Paul wants the Holy Spirit to helpus see and understand something more clearly.
The __ __ __ __ things we have
through __ __ __ __ __ .
E
POWER TRIPDAY 42Ephesians
1v19-23
THE __ __ U R __ __
CC
H
H
Praise God for the power He’s given Jesus.PRAY
POWER TRIP
XHIYSPZYOWXXYZEZXYZR
Paul’s praising God again!Cross out the X, Y, and Zs to see
what for.
Paul’s taking us on a trip toheaven to see the power Godthe Father has given Jesus.
How did God show how great Hispower is? (v19, 20)
He r______________ Jesus from
the d__________.
Remember—God uses thatpower to help us follow Him!
READEphesians 1v19-23
What does Jesus rule over? (v22)
Now Jesus is at God’s right hand—the most important place of all!
Write Jesus in the crown
to show that He rules
over all other powers.
Who does Jesus use His power to help? (v22)
Did you realise how important God’s people are toHim? Powerful King Jesus is looking after His people(the church) and using us in His plans!
AngelsHuman rulers
Evil spirits
Some things / Everything
BEFORE...DAY 43 BEFORE...Ephesians
2v1-3
Draw lines to the correct pictures.
Before a haircut
Before a bath
Before dinner
Before a bike ride
Before a partyTick the 2 correct signs.
Pray for someone
you know who isn’t a
Christian using Page
10 of your Prayer
Diary.
What a terrible situation they were in!Get the good news tomorrow!
God’s friends
God’s enemies facing His anger
How does Paul describe them at theend of v3?
Before people follow Jesus they don’t go God’s way. They please
themselves, follow everyone else andgo the way the devil wants.
Put a cross in the box
next to
God
Themselves
Who did they please? (v3)
Which ways did they follow? (v2)
They weren’t physically dead!—but they were separated from God
and the eternal life He gives.
What were they before they followedJesus? (v1) D_________
Today Paul reminds the Ephesians whatthey were like before they followedJesus.
READEphesians 2v1-3
PRAYERDIARY
"
#
AMAZING GRACEDAY 44 AMAZING GRACEEphesians
2v4-10
God’s __ __ __ __ __ and __ __ __ __ __
AND verse 7 says God uses us to showthe universe how wonderful He is!
It’s God who deserves the
praise! If you are a Christian, thank
Him for saving you.PRAY
v5 Made us a___________
v6 Raised us to be with J______________
What has God done through Jesus?
MERCY: God’s decision to help usand not treat us the way we deserve.
GRACE: See Day 36.
Read along the smile to see what changed everything.
Remember the terrible situation the Ephesians were in?
READEphesians 2v4-10
It’s a l-o-n-g reading.
Look out for mercy and
grace as you read it.
Use the red letters to discover what way
the Ephesians are going now. (v10)
Who’s saying theright thing? (v9)
Why does God save us? (v4-5, v8-9)
Because of…
Our good works—we deserve it.
His mercy, grace and love.
What a huge change! God saved them from theirterrible situation and helped them go His way anddo great things for Him!
DAY 45 WALLBREAKER, PEACEMAKEREphesians
2v14-18WALLBREAKER, PEACEMAKER
Jews: God’s Old
Testament people
Gentiles:
Everyone else
Read v18 again. You can gointo God’s presence and talk to Himanytime because Jesus died for you!
Thank God for this.
PRAY
Because Jesus died, Jews and Gentiles can be togetherwith God! (v18) The wall’s broken!
How did Jesus bring peace! (v16)
By dying on the c__________
Sin (doing what we want and disobeying God’s
law) separates Jews and Gentiles from God. Theyboth need Jesus to bring them peace with God.
That’s not the only wall Jesus broke down. Who doesthis wall separate?
Finish the picture to show Jesus creating one newgroup out of two enemy groups (v14).
Who brought peace between Jews and Gentiles? (v14, 15)
Keeping God’s law made Jewsdifferent from Gentiles. God wantedthe Jews to teach Gentiles about Him.Instead they hated each other! It waslike there was a wall between them!
Crack the code to see who the wall separates.
READEphesians 2v14-18
God’s New PeopleJews and Gentiles
Wall Code
D
G
J
N
R
T
W
E
I
L
O
S
V
Y
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Gentiles
Jews
J
DAY 46 YOU BELONGEphesians
2v19-22YOU BELONG
Part of God’s family(household)
Still foreigners
Citizens of God’s kingdom
Find the letters in the family portrait to discover
what made the difference. The _____________________ stone
Thank God that
Jesus makes us
part of God’s
new people.
PRAY
If you follow Jesus, you’re like a brickin God’s building.
Write your
name in
the brick!
The cornerstone! The most importantstone! Without Jesus God’s peoplewould fall apart!
How does Paul describe Jesus? (v20)
We’re like a buildingwhere the Holy Spirit lives!
How does Paul describe God’s people?(v21-22)
Everyone who believes in Jesus ispart of God’s amazing family that
stretches round the world!
Once strangers, now part of the family!
Draw a by the right answers.
How does Paul describe them now? (v19)
They were so cut off from God’s peoplethey were like foreigners!
What had the Gentiles been like? (v19)
Paul wants the Gentiles (non-Jews) inEphesus to be sure they’re membersof God’s new people.
READEphesians 2v19-22
__ __ __ __ __
F____________________________
"
DAY 47 GRACE AT WORKEphesians
3v1-7GRACE AT WORK
TO TELL
GENTILES
ABOUTGRACE AND HIS
SECRET PLAN!GOD’S
G________________ can be part of G________ people
as well as J________ because J____________ died.
Grace is God’s HUGE kindness topeople who don’t deserve it. People like youand me! Thank God for His grace!
READEphesians 3v1-7
Loads of grace! The Gentiles arepart of God’s family and God ishelping Paul to tell them!
Tick two true statements about Paul’s great job. (v7)
Paul deserved it
It was a gift from God because of His grace
God gave Paul the power to do it
God kept some of His plan secret until Jesus died and roseagain. Then the Holy Spirit showed it to people like Paul.
How did the apostle Paul know God’s secret? (v5)
He’s very clever
The Holy Spirit revealed it to him
What is God’s secret plan (mystery)? (v6)
Follow the arrows to find out about Paul’s amazing job.
What would you like tobe when you grow up?
Read the verses
to find out.
THINK+
PRAY
What secret
plan?
God’s
Jews
Gentiles
Jesus
"
DAY 48 PART OF A PLANEphesians
3v8-13PART OF A PLAN
To make known His __ __ __ __ __ __
Are there other Christians you find ithard to be friends with? It’s important thatChristians love each other. Ask God to help
you to love other Christians, even whenit’s hard.
But they don’t need to worry! God’s in charge and He’sgot a great plan!
Why might the Ephesians be discouraged? (v13)
Their football team is losing
Paul is suffering in prison
God makes all sorts of different people friends throughJesus. People who wouldn’t normally be friends! God usesHis people, the church, to show how wise He is and toshow that His plan is happening.
Look at the picture of the church. It’s full of different
people! Circle someone younger than you, someone older,
and someone with different colour skin.
Why did God bring Jews and Gentiles together in Hischurch? (v10)
Gentiles are becoming part of God’s people just like God planned! Who does Paul want to tell? (v9)
God’s people, (called the church), are part of that plan!
Read around
the church to
remind yourself
about God’s
big plan.
READEphesians 3v8-13
THINK+
PRAY
All people / Some people / No people
Take the first letter of each picture.
Tob
ring
ever
yt
hing together under
Jesus’ rule, with
Him
incharge.
DAY 49 GET PRAYING!GET PRAYING!Ephesians
3v14-19
BIG MUSCLESUnderline theanswer.
STRENGTH INSIDE,
IN OUR HEARTS
It’s not easy being a Christian!
We need help to live God’s way.
Pray that Jesus would live in your
heart forever and make you
strong.
PRAYPray that God would help you
understand and enjoy Jesus’ love
more and more.
PRAY
But we need God’s help to
find out ___ ___ ___ ___
Use the leftover letters
(in order)
READEphesians 3v14-19
Jesus’ love is so large there’s always more to explore!
We’ve found out lots about Jesus’ love as we’ve exploredEphesians. Find these words in the wordsearch:
chosen, forgiven, mercy, grace, set free.
Paul wants us to understand
how BIG Jesus’ is. (v18, 19)
Who lives in our hearts tomake them strong? (v17)
What sort of strength does Paul wantthe Spirit to give Christians? (v16)
How strong are you?Shade up to level that describes you.
___ ___ ___ ___
O L
EV
Some are
backwards!
DAY 50 A GLORIOUS ENDINGA GLORIOUS ENDINGEphesians
3v20-21
Handstands
Tie shoelaces Fly helicopters
Swim Live onthe moon
Bits of what he’s asked for
Exactly what he asked
More than he asked
More than he can imagine asking
" Tick the two right answers.
God is __ __ __ __ __ !
God’s does __ __ __ __ __ things!
For
How long should we bring glory and praise to God! (v21)
Use the first letter of each picture to complete the speech bubble.
Paul knows that God will do more for the Ephesiansthan he can even think of asking!
What does Paul believe God cando? (v20, 21)
Paul praises God because there’snothing God can’t do.
Circle the things you can’t do.
READEphesians 3v20-21
CONGRATULATIONS!
You’ve successfully explored Ephesians 1-3!
Your final task is to explore the prayer on Page 11 of yourPrayer Diary.
PRAYERDIARY
Have you found
Ephesians hard?
Well done for
getting this far!
