BOOK MARK CRAFT

Today the children are looking at the word goodness. The fruit: a banana, of course! Bananas are full of goodness, aren't they? I'm not leading Sunday School today. A kind friend offered to lead it for me, to give Steve and me time to rest and recover. But let me tell you what I learned about "goodness" as I prepared the lesson, and how I would have taught it. It took some work to look up all the "goods" and "goodnesses" in the concordance! The Bible word "good" has a huge range of meanings, from "pleasant" to "righteous," as it does in English. Like all the fruit of the Spirit, this quality springs from God, who is "good" and the giver of "good" things to his people. Those who are "good" imitate God in two ways: - they are morally upright, doing what is right, fair and just; - they do good to others, treating them with loving kindess, mercy and generosity. The children will hear the story of one of the "good" kings of Israel, who did "what wasgood and right and faithful before the LORD" and "walked in the ways of his father David" (2 Chron. 31:20, 34:2). The story of Josiah, who became king when he was only 8 years old. Do you remember how, as a teenager, Josiah began to seek God? How he ordered the ruthless destruction of idols and false priests (no pretty Sunday School story this!) and scattered their ground remains over the graves of their worshippers? How he repaired the temple, and restored the worship of the one true God? Do you remember the glorious and terrible day the scroll of God's Law was discovered lying dusty and neglected in the temple? How Josiah tore his robes and mourned because of God's anger which was coming on his people because they had not followed God's Word? Do you remember how Josiah read the Book of the Covenant loudly to all the people, and how they repented and pledged themselves to obey God's commands? How they celebrated the forgotten Passover once again? I think I would have chosen an 8-year old boy from our class, put a paper crown on his head (although Josiah was much older when the law was found) and asked him to read the 10 commandments as Josiah would have to the Israelites. Not to return the children to law-keeping! But to remind them of the goodness God demands from his people, even after our law-breaking has been paid for by Jesus' death. The children will talk about how God's Word shows us what is "good": to love others, obey parents and teachers, and refuse to lie, cheat or steal, even when their friends act differently. They'll listen to the Colin Buchanan song "Do not lie, do not steal, do not deceive one another" (Lev. 19:11). The craft will be a pendant or bag tag, perhaps made from bakeable clay, to hang aroung their necks or on their school bags. To remind them to stay true to God, even when it's hard because it sets them apart from friends and classmates. I'll leave you with the Bible verse the kids may learn today: He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

What are some things you'd like to add to your life? How about kindness or integrity? Or maybe patience and peace? I think all four of these are worthy characteristics to add to our growing character. II Peter 1:5-7 says this: "...make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to selfcontrol, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, (brotherly kindness); and to (brotherly kindness), love." Now that's a list every Christian should aspire to add to their life, even children. Here's a fun bible school activity to help your kids learn this super verse. It's called "God's Add Ons". Here's what you do: For this activity, you will need to prepare 2 sets of 8 circles in 2 different colors. One set will go to each of 2 teams. On each set of the circles, write the following phrases of the verse: 1. Make every effort 2. to add to your faith, goodness 3. and to goodness, knowledge 4. and to knowledge, self-control 5. and to self-control, perseverance 6. and to perseverance, godliness 7. and to godliness, (brotherly kindness) 8. and to (brotherly kindness), love. Laminate the circles for long-term use. Hide all the circles around the classroom. They should be well hidden. You will also need a timer with a second hand on it. You are now ready to play this activity. Before playing, say the following to your class: Raise your hand if you'd like to add anger or rudeness to your life? (Wait for response.) Or how about fear and meanness? (Wait for response.) Of course not! None of us want those things in our life. We should only want to add good things into our life. Who would like to read 2 Peter 1:5-7? (Have a child read this verse.) This verse gives a wonderful list of characteristics that every Christian should desire to add to their lives. Let's play a fun game to help us learn a little more about each of these characteristics. It's called "God's Add Ons". Explain the following rules to your class:

We will divide our class into 2 teams. Throughout the classroom, I have hidden 16 circles. Eight circles are "yellow" (or whatever color you chose) and eight circles are "blue". Each of the circles has a portion of 2 Peter 1:5-7 on them. The first team to gather all 8 of their circles fist is the winner. Before someone is given a chance to look for a circle, you will need to answer a true or false question about one of the characteristics found in our verse. If you answer the question correctly, you will have 10 seconds to search for a circle that is in the color of your team. If you are successful, you will give me the circle and I will display it. If you do not find a circle, the play just goes to the next team. You are allowed to help your team members find a circle only by giving verbal directions. Only the finder can actually look for the circle. Here we go! 24 True or False Questions: I have provided you with 24 True or False questions you can ask your students based on each of the main words in 2 Peter 5:7. I gave you more than 16, because it might take them a few times to actually find a circle. You can ask these in any order you like. 1. Matthew 9:2 says this: And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. This verse tells of some friends who carried their sick friend to Jesus to be healed. True or false? Jesus said that this man's friends did not have any faith. (False) 2. Matthew 9:21-23 says this: ...If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. This verse tells of a woman who had been sick for a very long time, but when she just touched the hem of Jesus' robe, she was healed. True or false? Jesus said that it was her faith that made her whole and healed. (True) 3. Ephesians 2:8-9 says this: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. True or false? This verse says that we are saved by doing lots of good works. (False) 4. Romans 15:14 says this:

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Paul wrote this to his friends in Rome to encourage them. True or False? Paul said that his friends were full of beans. (False) 5. Ephesians 5:8-10 says this: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. True or False? This verse says that the fruit of the Spirit is found in all goodness. (True) 6. Exodus 33:19 says this: And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. This verse was spoken by God to Moses. True or false? God said He would make all of His goodness pass before Moses. (True) 7. Luke 1:76-77 says this: And thou, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shall go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins... This verse speaks about John the Baptist and the special job he had to do. True or False? John the Baptist was to give knowledge of how to get to Disneyland. (False) 8. Romans 11:33 says this: O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! True or false? God's knowledge and wisdom are incredibly deep. (True) 9. 1 Corinthians 1:4-5 says this: I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge...

True or false? Paul was thankful to God for blessing his friends with grace and knowledge, which is given by Jesus Christ. (True) 10. 1 Corinthians 12:8 says this: For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit... True or false? This verse says that we gain a word of knowledge through the Tooth Fairy. (False) 11. Galatians 5:22-23 says this: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. True or false? Self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit. (True) 12. Proverbs 25:28 says this: Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. True or false? This verse shows that not having self-control is a bad thing. (True) Before sharing the next 3 questions, give a simple definition of perseverance such as standing strong even when circumstances get difficult. 13. Romans 5:3 says this: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance... True or false? Suffering will bring us lollipops and sugar cookies. (False) 14. 2 Thessalonians 1:4 says this: Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. True or false? This verse shows that some people were persecuted or made fun of because of their faith in God. (True) 15. Hebrews 12:1 says this:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us... True or false? We should run the race of life with lots of perseverance. (True) 16. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says this: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. True or false? This verse says that we should pray for all of the animals in the world so that we can live peaceful and godly lives. (False) 17. 1 Timothy 6:6 says this: But godliness with contentment is great gain. True or false? This verse says that godliness with french fries is great gain. (False) 18. 1 Timothy 6:11 says this: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. True or false? This verse encourages Christians to follow after good things such as godliness and patience. (True) 19. Colossians 3:12 says this: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,... kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering... True of false? According to this verse, Christians should put on meanness and rudeness. (False) 20. Acts 14:17 says this: ... He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy. True or false? According to this verse, God has shown his kindness to us in many different ways. (True) 21. 2 Samuel 22:51 says this: "He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever."

True or false? This verse shows that God's kindness will never fail. (True) 22. Matthew 5:43-44 says this: You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... True or false? This verse shows us that we are allowed to hate our enemies. (False) 23. Matthew 22:37 says this: Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' True or false? This verse says that we should love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. (True) 24. Matthew 22:39 says this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' True or false? This verse says that we should love our neighbors like we do our pets. (False) Article Source: [Link]

Rehoboam and Jeroboam Reign (Sunday School Lesson)

by KELLY HENDERSON | LESSON PLANS | Print | SAVE AS PDF

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This lesson covers the reign of Rehoboam and Jeroboam and continues our series on the Kings of Israel. Click here to see the lesson index. Studying these first kings that reign in the divided kingdom will reveal how God s people must guard their hearts from being led astray. This lesson was prepared for older students and can be adapted for different ministry needs. The lesson is created as a guide for teachers to prepare for the needs of his/her own classroom. We encourage you to adapt this outline to meet your own needs.

Bible Story: Rehoboam and Jeroboam Reign Scripture: 1Kings 12:21-14:31; 2 Chronicles 11-12 Target Age Group: Age 9 11 (U.S. 3rd 5th Grade) Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 60 minutes Printer Friendly Bible Lesson: Print this lesson plan You Can Help: Please share your feedback and suggestions to improve this children s Bible lesson. Click here to respond Supply List: 1 piece of red construction paper, 1 piece of blue construction paper, outline of a person (to trace on the red and blue construction paper), two circles cut out of construction paper (to create a smile face or sad face), markers, Bible, Learning Goal: Students will learn that a heart that fully seeks the Lord pleases Him. Learning Indicator: As students participate in a character study on the reigns of Rehoboam and Jeroboam they will discover whether their choices pleased God or not. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the Bible passage by being able to answer review questions.

Gospel Connection: In the history of Israel we see many examples of wicked and selfish rulers. These stand in stark contrast with the coming King Jesus who would serve his people and even die for their salvation. By learning about imperfect human rulers, we can better appreciate the King of Kings. Learning Activity #1: Using the red and blue construction paper (the kings from Judah are red as a reminder of God s promise to David that a king from his family would reign forever-Jesus) write Rehoboam in the center of the outline of the red piece and Jeroboam in the center of the blue piece. While teaching the lesson and character traits/decisions that Rehoboam and Jeroboam make are discovered have students write those items on the outline. At the end of the lesson ask the question: Did this king live a life that pleased the Lord? If the answer is yes have a student draw a smiley face on one of the circles. If the answer is no have student make a sad face on the circle. Tape the circle below the king that it represents. These outlines with smiley face or sad face can be taped to the wall and each week as the different kings are studied they can be added to the wall. This will create a visual for the students to see how many kings pleased the Lord and how many did not. Test: Review Questions Memory Verse: 1Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Teaching the Memory Verse: As we studied Rehoboam s and Jeroboam s reign over their kingdom we learned that their lives did not please God. 2 Chronicles 12:14 (referring to Rehoboam) He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord. A life that pleases the Lord doesn t happen by accident. Our verse today shows us what believers need to do in order keep their hearts right with God. Say the verse together. Why does a believer need to be on guard? (Allow students to respond. 1 Peter 5:8-the devil roams around looking for someone to devour). Does anyone remember what happened to guards who fell asleep or were not on guard and the prisoner they were supposed to be guarding got away? (They were put to death) If you were a guard and you knew you could lose your life how would you spend your time while guarding your prisoner? The devil cannot take away the gift of eternal life from believers but he can try to destroy their reputations as believers. If a believer is not on guard the enemy can lead us into sin and it can destroy our reputation as a Christian. What does it mean to stand firm in the faith? (Allow responses. To stand firm in the faith is to trust God in every area of life and not to doubt.) What are things believers can do to help them stand firm in their faith? (Pray, read Bible, obey what God says, etc).

Bonus Memory Verse (for students who want extra memory verses): 2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

Bible Lesson: Rehoboam and Jeroboam Reign

Why bother? Have you ever said that or thought that about trying to live a life that pleases God? Sometimes it feels like so much work to live an obedient life following God. When we look around and see people doing whatever they want we wonder if it is worth it to live according to what God tells us in His Word. You may not have thought that or said that but there may come a point in your walk with Jesus that you will. As we study the lives of the kings that ruled the divided kingdom we should pray that God enables us to decide to live a life that pleases Him because it does matter and it is worth it! Before we get into our lesson today, let s refresh our memory. Why was Israel s kingdom divided? (Solomon sinned against God) The kingdom was divided into the northern and southern kingdoms. How many tribes were part of the northern kingdom? (10) Which tribes were part of the southern kingdom? (Judah and Benjamin) After Solomon died which king ruled over the 10 tribes? (Jeroboam) Which king ruled over the 2 tribes? (Rehoboam) What makes the southern kingdom different than the northern? (A king from David s family would be born from this kingdom who will rule forever-Jesus) In our lesson today we are going to examine the lives of the first two kings who reigned in Israel s divided kingdom. Rehoboam was Solomon s son. What do you remember about his character from our last lesson? (He was not wise, listened to bad advice, answered the people harshly) The history of Israel s kings is written in 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles. We will examine Jeroboam s reign as king first. Let s turn to1 Kings 12:25. After Jeroboam became king he went to live in Shechem. Who remembers who told Jeroboam he would be king over the 10 tribes of Israel? (God) Do you remember what God promised Jeroboam? If you do whatever I

command you and walk in My ways and do what is right in My eyes by keeping My statutes and commands as David my servant did, I will be with you. I will build you a dynasty as enduring as the one I built for David and will give Israel to you. 1 Kings 11:38 God made a conditional promise to Jeroboam. In your own words what was that promise to Jeroboam? (If Jeroboam obeyed God he would have a kingdom that lasts) If believers choose to obey God, He gives them rewards that will last for all eternity. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Matthew 6:19-20) Choose volunteers to read 1 Kings 12:26-27. What was Jeroboam focusing on? (Losing his people to Rehoboam s kingdom when they went to Jerusalem to worship the Lord) What should he be focused on? (God s promise to him that if he obeyed God s laws his kingdom would endure) Jeroboam did not seek God s wisdom about his concern. Let s read 1 Kings 12:28-29 to see what Jeroboam did. Was Jeroboam s decision a wise one or foolish? (Foolish) Why? (He was leading people to worship idols so they wouldn t go to Jerusalem) Was Jeroboam obeying God? (No) If Jeroboam would have obeyed God and not made golden calves for the people to worship would God keep His promise that Jeroboam would have a kingdom to rule? (Yes)  Jeroboam told his people that it was too much for them to go to Jerusalem to worship God. As believers the enemy of our souls (Satan) tells us it is too difficult to obey God. When that lie is whispered to our hearts remember what God s Word says: 1 John 5:3 This is the love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome. Jeroboam made a wicked, foolish decision to have Israel worship idols. Instead of being remembered as a king who honored and obeyed God, he would always be remembered for his wickedness. Let s finish our examination of Jeroboam by reading 1Kings 13:34. As we examine Rehoboam s life let s turn in our Bibles to 2 Chronicles 11:13-17. Why did the Levites come to live in Rehoboam s kingdom? (Jeroboam had rejected them as his priests and made others who were from other families (The Levites were God s choice to serve as priests) to be the priests in his kingdom.) Who else came to live in Rehoboam s kingdom (verse 16)? Why do you think the people with their hearts set on seeking the Lord left Jeroboam s kingdom and went with the Levites to Rehoboam s kingdom? (Allow responses) If you


are a person who wants to please God, what do you think it would be like to live in a kingdom that worshiped idols? Things were going well in Rehoboam s kingdom. Read 2 Chronicles 12:1. Unfortunately when things were going well for Rehoboam he went away from God and began to disobey God s commands. If we flip over to 1 Kings 14:22-24 it is recorded what they did that was evil in God s sight. God must punish sin and He sent Shishak the king of Egypt to attack Rehoboam s kingdom. Shishak invaded Jerusalem and stole treasures from the temple and the royal palace. 2 Chronicles 12:5-8. Rehoboam and the people living in his kingdom humbled themselves. Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed there was some good in Judah. (Verse 12) Rehoboam is recorded in history as a king who did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord. (Verse 14) We have examined the first kings who reigned in the divided kingdom. What are some lessons we have learned that we can use in our own lives? Set our hearts fully on seeking the Lord  Obey God s commands  Don t forget the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:10-19) Close in prayer asking God to help each person to keep their hearts focused on Him.


Our memory verse will help us to set our hearts fully on seeking the Lord. (Teach Memory verse