For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Transcription

1 Parent Resource God s Good News Key Verse: For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What happened when Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God? (That sin brought death into the world. It broke their relationship with God and ours, too. It also broke God s perfect world.) After sin had broken our relationship, what was God s plan to fix it? (Because of His love for us, God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus came to fix what sin had broken. Jesus came to fix our relationship with God.) How does God want us to respond to His love and His plan to fix our broken relationship with Him? (God wants us to trust and follow Jesus.) More to the Story From the beginning of time, God had a great plan. He has been writing a story that is all about His amazing love for us. This story is told in the Bible. The Bible is made up of many stories that tell one big story. After creating the heavens and earth and all the living creatures, God

2 created the first people, Adam and Eve, in His own image. God made everything, and it was very good. People were created to have a relationship with God, but Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God s rule. Their sin brought death into the world and broke our relationship with God. But God still loved us, and He promised to one day save the ones He loves from sin and death. At just the right time, God kept His promise. He sent His Son, Jesus, to be born as our Savior and die for the sins of the world. Jesus life, death and resurrection were all part of God s plan to fix our relationship with Him. God showed His love for us by sending Jesus into the world. Jesus taught about His kingdom. He never sinned, but He died on a cross to save the world from sin. Jesus also broke the power of sin and death by rising from the dead. After Jesus rose from the dead, He told His followers to spread His good news throughout the world. He returned to heaven and sent His Holy Spirit to live in everyone who trusts in Him. One day, Jesus will return and God will make a new heaven and a new earth. Everyone who trusts in Jesus will live together with God, forever. My Story God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross for our sin. What does God s love and plan say about who God is? What does Jesus death on the cross say about what God feels for you? Do you want to trust and follow Jesus? God loves you! Because of Jesus, we can have a relationship with God! If you trust and follow Jesus, you can be a part of God s big story. Talk to God Dear God, I m sorry for all the things I ve done wrong. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins. I want to be a part of Your Story and live with You forever in heaven. Please help me know You better. Amen But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (NLT)

3 Parent Resource In the Beginning As told in Genesis 1:1-2:4 Key Verse: Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! Genesis 1:31a NLT Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Who made the heavens and the earth, and everything in them? (God) What are some of the things God made? (Land, sea, animals, plants, stars, fish, etc.) What was the most special thing of all that God made? (Man and woman) More to the Story People including you are the most special thing that God made. In fact, God loved people so much that he gave them the job of caring for all of his creation. He told the man and woman to take charge of and care for the world. God s Bigger Story People are very special to God because we are made in his image. This means we are a reflection of who God is. We can be creative and make things; we can love and have relationships with God and with others; we have the ability to think and make choices. We are very special to God. He loves us and wants to have a relationship with every one of us, including you! Just look at the beautiful world around you.

4 My Story You are a unique and special part of God s creation. He loves you and has a very special plan for your life, even if you don t know what it is yet. Because God created you, he knows everything about you and knows what is best for you. Why did God create man and woman? (To love and have relationship with them.) What are some specific ways that God made you unique? Why should we choose to love God? (Because God loved us first and he created us. He is good.) Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for creating this beautiful world for me to enjoy. Thank you for making me so wonderfully! Help me trust in you, the Creator who made me. Amen Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 NLT

5 Parent Resource The First Sin As told in Genesis 3:1-24 Key Verse: So the LORD God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. Genesis 3:23 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember the previous story by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What were the names of the first man and woman? (Adam and Eve) Who tempted Eve to eat from the forbidden tree? (Satan, the serpent) What happened when Adam and Eve at the forbidden fruit? (They knew they were naked. They hid from God. Childbirth became painful. Growing food became difficult. God made clothes for Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were sent out of the garden.) More to the Story God did not stop loving Adam and Eve. But because of their disobedience, Adam and Eve were sent away from God, and out of the beautiful garden he had made.

6 God s Bigger Story Even though Adam and Eve disobeyed God, he still loved them and wanted to continue to have a relationship with his people. All along God had a plan to bring people back to him, even though they disobeyed (or sinned). God promised that he would one day fix what sin had broken and set things right once again. My Story God still wanted to have a relationship with Adam and Eve even after they disobeyed. When we mess up, God still wants to have a relationship with us, too! How can you know God loves you? (He created me. He provides for my needs. He takes care of me by providing me with family, friends and teachers to help me.) How can you know God wants a relationship with you? (Because I am special to him. Because I am wonderfully made in his image.) How can you have a relationship with God? (I can talk to God. I can read his word, the Bible. I can trust in God s promises and follow his commandments.) Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for not giving up on the people you ve created. Thank you for not giving up on me! You said, I will strengthen you and help you.* Help strengthen my trust in you each day. Amen Don t be afraid, for I am with you. Don t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

7 Parent Resource The First Christmas Gift As told in Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20, Matthew 1:18-25 Key Verse: The Savior yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Who gave birth to God s Son, Jesus? (Mary) Where was Jesus born? (A stable in Bethlehem) Who were Jesus first visitors? (Shepherds) More to the Story Jesus was fully God and fully human. He was God s Son, but born from Mary, an ordinary girl. Jesus was God s promised Rescuer who would save people from their sin! God s Bigger Story Jesus birth meant that God had sent his promised Rescuer. Jesus had come to restore the

8 friendship between God and people that had been broken so long before and save them from their sin! Jesus birth shows us how much God loves us and wants a relationship with us! My Story God had a plan for Mary and Joseph, two ordinary people. And God has a very special plan for you, too. If God could use Mary for his special purpose, how do you think God can use you? Joseph didn t believe Mary, so an angel of God came to talk to him. What can you do when you doubt or worry about the plan for your life? (Talk to God, pray, read the Bible) How can you be sure God has a plan for your life? (Because he loves me, created me beautifully and to be one of a kind) Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for coming to earth to save me from sin. I m thankful that you reveal yourself to ordinary people. I know you created me for a purpose. You said, I know the plans I have for you.* Help me to remember that always. Amen For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

9 Parent Resource Through the Roof As told in Luke 5:17-26 Key Verse: Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, Young man, your sins are forgiven. Luke 5:20 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Why did the men take their friend who couldn t walk to see Jesus? (Because they believed Jesus could heal him) What did the friends do when they found the house full of people? (They removed the tiles and made a hole in the roof) What did Jesus say when He saw the man who couldn t walk? ( Your sins are forgiven. Pick up your mat and walk home. ) More to the Story Only God can forgive sins. And only God can heal people. Jesus did BOTH! Jesus forgave the man s sins and healed his legs to show that he had God s power. God s Bigger Story He showed that he was God by forgiving the man s sins and healing his legs so he could walk

10 again. He cared about the inside and the outside of the man who needed his help. Jesus showed everyone that he was here for a purpose; that he was here to fix all that sin had broken My Story The man s friends brought him to Jesus because they believed Jesus could heal him, and he did! God wants to heal all that s broken in your life, too! Either now or in Heaven, God has the power to fix everything broken in your life. What is something in your life you want Jesus to heal? How can Jesus heal you inside? (Jesus can heal my heart; Jesus can help me want to live more like Him) Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for Your love. Thank you for coming to earth to show us your power. Help me be still, and know that you are God. Amen Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10 NLT

11 Parent Resource It is Finished As told in John 18:28-19:42; Luke 23:34-35 Key Verse: Jesus knew that His mission was now finished. John 19:28a NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What happened to Jesus before he was put on the cross? (He was whipped, a thorny crown was placed on his head, and he had to carry his cross up a hill) What did Jesus say to show that he had completed what he came to do? ( It is fnished. ) What happened to Jesus body after he died? (It was placed in an empty tomb.) More to the Story Jesus is God s Son, and he could have saved himself. But Jesus loves us so much that he willingly died so he could take the punishment for our sins. Jesus love for us and his Father kept him on the cross.

12 God s Bigger Story God loves us, but God doesn t love sin. Sin separates us from God. Every time we disobey God, we sin. We need forgiveness from our sin to have a relationship with God again. God knew this, and he created a special plan to help us. God sent his son, Jesus, to pay the punishment for our sins so that we could be forgiven. My Story Jesus died on the cross so that you could have forgiveness from sins. He died because he loves us, and wants us to have a relationship with God again. How does it feel to know Jesus loves you this much? (Grateful, happy, relieved, etc.) Why did Jesus die on the cross? (To pay for my sins..) Talk to God Dear Jesus, You said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Thank you for loving me enough to die on the cross. Thank you for making a way back to God for me. Amen Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT

13 Parent Resource A Happy Sunday As told in Mark 16:1-4; Matthew 28:5-8; John 20:3-10; Luke 24:36-49 Key Verse: He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Matthew 28:6a NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What did the women find when they went to Jesus tomb? (The stone was moved, Jesus body was gone and there were angels in the tomb) What did the disciples think when Jesus appeared? (They were terrified and thought Jesus was a ghost) How did Jesus say everyone s sins can be forgiven? (Jesus said it is possible if they turn to God) More to the Story Jesus told his disciples to go and tell the world that everyone s sins could be forgiven because of what he had done. This incredible news is for all of us living today, too! God s Bigger Story Remember how, In The Beginning 1, God created a perfect world? He created people with a purpose. But God s perfect world didn t stay that way. It wasn t long before the first man and woman disobeyed God and committed The First Sin 2. Sin (or disobedience to God) ruins our relationship with him, but God had a plan to fix it. He gave us all The First Christmas Gift 3 by sending his own Son, Jesus, to save us from sin. Jesus forgave and healed the man who couldn t walk and was lowered Through the Roof 4 - just one of the many ways Jesus showed that he was God - as well as doing other things that only

14 God could do. He died on a cross, completing what He came to do, declaring It is Finished 5 and then rose again on A Happy Sunday after being dead for three days! Jesus did this to fix our sin problem. He paid the price for our sins that kept us apart from God. Jesus fulfilled God s plan to bring us back to himself. By dying on the cross, he took the punishment we deserved. Now everyone can have a relationship with God again by accepting Jesus free gift of forgiveness. 1 In the Beginning 2 The First Sin 3 The First Christmas Gift 4 Through the Roof 5 It is Finished! My Story Jesus gift of forgiveness is offered to everyone, including you! Jesus was doing what his Father wanted. He died on the cross to pay the price for sin. Do you believe Jesus died and came back to life to pay the price for your sins? If your child answers yes, continue to the next question. If your child expresses doubts, take the time to read more of the Bible together. Begin with 1 Corinthians 15:3-9, and continue to explore further by reading Jesus own words in John 10:9-11. Do you want to accept Jesus free gift of forgiveness? If your child answers yes, continue to the next question. If your child expresses doubts, take the opportunity to share your own feelings. Talk with your child about the wonderful difference knowing Jesus has made in your own life. Do you want to invite Jesus into your heart? If your child answers yes, lead them in the prayer of salvation below. If your child expresses doubts, continue to talk to your child about how much Jesus loves and wants to help him or her. Pray for your child, asking God to help your child find his or her way back to Him. Talk to God Dear Jesus, Your word says, For God loved the world so much that He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.* Thank you for paying the price for my sins. I accept the forgiveness you freely give. Please come into my heart and help me live like you. Amen * John 3:16 NLT

15 Parent Resource A Forever Promise As told in Revelation 1:17-18; 21:1-7 Key Verse: To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. Revelation 21:6b NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Who shined like the sun and came to speak with John? (Jesus) What did John see? (God s holy city, the new Jerusalem) What did the loud voice coming from God s throne say? ( I am the Beginning and the End If you are thirsty, come to me, and I will give you the water of life My new world is for my children, those who are faithful to me I make all things new. ) More to the Story Right now, we live in a world that is broken. There are things like sickness, pain and death. But God loves us, and he s promised us a future with him in a new heaven and a new earth where everything is perfect. There will be no reason to cry or be sad because no one will ever feel pain or die.

16 God s Bigger Story God keeps his promises. We can know this because Jesus said he would come back to life and he did! So when God says we will share a new world with him, we can know it will be true. In fact, God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die on the cross and then rise from the dead to make it so. My Connection God loves us so much that he has prepared a new place for us to share with him forever. But we re not alone until then. When you accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers and you invite him into your heart, God will begin to work inside of you. God will start making you new today! What has God done to be faithful to you? (He is with you always and left us with a promise to come back again.) How can God make you new? (God can help me think, live and love more like God does.) What are some specific things youcan look forward to in the new world God has promised? (Getting to be with all God s people together at one big party, no more sin, death or sadness, meeting others who also loved and trusted Jesus, meeting Jesus face-to-face.) Talk to God Dear Jesus, You said, I am making everything new! Thank you for making me new, too. Help me to trust in you every day. Amen And the one sitting on the throne said, Look, I am making everything new! And then he said to me, Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true. Revelation 21:5

17 Parent Resource God s Wonderful Gift As told in Acts 2:1-47 Key Verse: And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts 2:4 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What were Jesus followers waiting for at the Feast of Pentecost? (They were waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised them.) What ability did God s gift of the Holy Spirit give Jesus followers in this story? (The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to speak in other languages.) What did Peter tell the people to do? (Peter told them to turn away from evil and believe in Jesus Christ.) *Reference Acts 2:38 NLT More to the Story Jesus wanted everyone to hear his Good News. He wanted everyone to know that they could accept his death on the cross as payment for their sin and have a relationship with God. But Jesus followers couldn t spread this Good News on their own. They needed help. So God sent his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave them the ability to tell others about all the wonderful things God had done, share Jesus gift of forgiveness and help others become followers of Jesus, too. Jesus followers were even given the supernatural ability to proclaim the wonderful

18 works of God in other languages. God s Holy Spirit is a gift to all of Jesus followers, including us today. God s Holy Spirit lives inside of everyone who chooses to follow Jesus. By living inside of us, the Holy Spirit helps us to know God and set our minds on the things of God. Like Jesus followers at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit helps us to do things we couldn t do on our own. God s Bigger Story In the beginning, we learned that people were God s most special creation. God, the Father, loves us very much, but sin and disobedience broke our relationship with him. The Father loves us so much that he created a very special plan to fix our sin problem. God sent his very own Son, Jesus, to help. Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment for our sin. He paid the price so we don t have to. Now, everyone can accept Jesus free gift of forgiveness by believing in him. But God s love and gifts don t end there. When we choose to follow Jesus and invite him into our hearts, we receive another gift! God sends his Holy Spirit to live inside of us. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. He helps us to be and do things we couldn t on our own and reminds us of the wonderful things God has done. My Story If you believe in Jesus, then you have God s Holy Spirit living inside of you, too! God has given you new life, including freedom from the power of sin. How are you connected to God, the Father? (God, the Father, created me, loves me and made a plan to forgive and restore my sin problem so that I could have a relationship with him.) How are you connected to Jesus, God s only Son? (Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for all my sin. Jesus took my punishment so that I could have forgiveness and a relationship with God.) How are you connected to God s Holy Spirit? (God s Holy Spirit lives inside of everyone who is a follower of Jesus.) Talk to God Dear Jesus, You said, You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere Thank you for the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to boldly share the Good News of You with others, so that they can receive forgiveness, new life and Your Holy Spirit, too! Amen * Acts 1:8 NLT

19 Parent Resource The Dreamer As told in Genesis 37; 39:1-6 Key Verse: Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. Listen, I have had another dream, he said. The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me! Genesis 37:9 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Challenge your child to retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: In the story of Joseph, how was Joseph betrayed and sinned against? (He was sold as a slave and taken to Egypt.) What happened to Joseph when he was taken to Egypt? (He was sold to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh s captains.) Where was God when Joseph was suffering? (God was with Joseph; God blessed Joseph and made him successful.) More to the Story In the story of Joseph, we see that he had special dreams when he was young. Joseph s brothers were jealous of him. His brothers hated him. They sinned and betrayed him by selling him as a slave. Joseph was brought to Egypt and sold to Potiphar. Even though he had been betrayed, Joseph continued to trust God. While Joseph suffered many things, God still had a greater plan. He was using Joseph s life to accomplish his bigger plan. God was with him, and made Joseph successful in everything he did as he served in Potiphar s household. This pleased Potiphar, so he put Joseph in charge of his household and property; and God blessed Potiphar s household for Joseph s sake.

20 God s Bigger Story In the story of Joseph, we see that Joseph was betrayed, sold as a slave and taken to Egypt. Even though Joseph suffered, God had a greater plan. God used Joseph s story for his own good purposes and glory. Joseph continued to trust in God, no matter how bad things became. Joseph didn t know it then, but God was using his sufferings to bring the whole family of Israel into the land of Egypt, where they would grow and multiply into a great community and nation of God s people. Like Joseph, Jesus Christ was also betrayed and sinned against. Jesus ultimately died for the sins of the world, and rose again to conquer sin and death. Jesus was faithful. Through his life and death, he fulfilled God s plan of salvation. My Story The story of Joseph shows us how suffering can be a part of God s plan. God is able to use our pain to bring about a greater good for his bigger plan. Joseph trusted in God and God used Joseph s life as part of his bigger story. In what ways have you experienced pain and suffering? Even though Joseph was betrayed and suffered, God had a plan for his life. What does this say about who God is? How does this make you feel about God? Part of trusting in God means believing that he will use your life to accomplish his greater plans and purposes. What are two specific ways that you can show trust in God? Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for your great plans and purposes, including the ones you have for my life. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to accomplish your plan of salvation, and that through believing in him I can have eternal life. Help me to trust in you like Joseph did. Amen You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 NLT

21 Parent Resource Dreams Come True As told in Genesis 39:7-50:21 Key Verse: Pharaoh said to Joseph, I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt. Genesis 41:41 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Challenge your child to retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What happened to Joseph after he refused to sin when Potiphar s wife wanted him to? (Joseph was thrown into prison.) After God showed Joseph the meaning of Pharaoh s dreams, what was the powerful position that Pharaoh gave to Joseph? (He put Joseph in charge of storing up all the food. Apart from Pharaoh, no one was more powerful than Joseph.) What did Joseph say to his brothers when they were afraid? ( You meant to harm me, but God used that for good. ) More to the Story In this story, we see that Joseph continued to go through pain and suffering. When he refused to sin against God, Potiphar s wife lied and Joseph was thrown into prison. But Joseph continued to trust God. The Lord was with Joseph and showed him his faithful love. God made him successful in everything he did as he served in the prison. After God helped Joseph to understand what the baker s and cupbearer s dreams meant, the cupbearer forgot all about Joseph and never gave him another thought. Once more, Joseph had to endure pain and suffering. But when God helped Joseph to interpret Pharaoh s dreams two years later, Joseph was put in charge over all of Egypt. Only Pharaoh had a higher rank than him. Several

22 years later there was a famine in the land. Joseph s brothers went to Egypt to buy food, and they bowed down before Joseph. The dreams that Joseph had when he was young finally came true! Joseph told his brothers, You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. God s Bigger Story In the story of Joseph, we see that he was falsely accused by Potiphar s wife, thrown into prison, and forgotten by the cupbearer. But God was with Joseph and continued to watch over him, even while he was in prison. Joseph didn t know it then, but God had a plan to use his story for his own purposes and glory. At just the right time, Joseph was put in charge of Egypt. God made the dreams that he had given to Joseph many years before come true. God used the pain and suffering that Joseph went through to bring his whole family into Egypt, where they would grow into a great community and nation of God s people. Like Joseph s story, at just the right time God also sent his Son Jesus Christ to be born into the world, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Jesus Christ was betrayed and sinned against; and ultimately died for the sins of the world and rose again to conquer sin and death. Through Jesus life and death, he fulfilled God s plan of salvation a story that we can all be a part of! My Story The story of Joseph shows us how he honored and trusted God, even though he was suffering. The story also shows us that God is faithful, and that he has a greater plan and purpose. Like Joseph, your story is a part of God s bigger story, too. Even though Joseph was betrayed, falsely accused and forgotten by others, God was still with Joseph and showed him his faithful love. What does this say about who God is? How does this make you feel about God? God s plan for Joseph s life included pain and suffering, but ultimately God had a Talk to God Dear God, greater plan and good purpose that He was accomplishing. What does this make you think about God? How does this impact how you relate to Him? Thank you for your faithfulness, good plans and purposes. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to accomplish your plan of salvation. I know that through believing in him, I can have eternal life. Help me to trust in you, like Joseph did. Amen You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 NLT

23 Parent Resource Two by Two As told in Genesis 6:5-9, 17 Key Verse: But Noah found favor with the Lord. Genesis 6:8 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Challenge your child to retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: In the story of Noah, why was God sad? (Because so many people were sinning against him.) How did God provide a way for Noah and his family to be saved from the flood? (God told Noah to build an enormous boat.) How did Noah respond to God s instructions? (Noah obeyed God s instructions). What did God tell Noah to do? (Build an enormous boat and collect two of every kind of animal, one male and one female.) After the flood, what did the rainbow mean that God put in the sky? (A rainbow as a sign of his promise that he would never flood the whole earth again.) More to the Story God saw how corrupt the world had become and it broke his heart. Everyone was sinning and doing bad and evil things. God said, I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. But Noah found favor with the Lord. It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that

24 had never happened before. Noah trusted God and did what God told him to do, warning the world of God s righteous judgment. Noah s family was saved when God destroyed the world of ungodly people with the flood. After the flood, God promised that never again would a flood destroy all the earth, sealing his promise in the sky with a rainbow. God s Bigger Story In the story of Noah, we see how sin continued to spread deeper and deeper into people s hearts throughout the whole world. The Lord observed how widespread wickedness was on the earth and that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. But God made a way to save Noah and his family, and Noah was saved as he responded to God through believing his word and promise. Later in God s story, it was through Noah s offspring that God fulfilled his promise of salvation by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be the Savior for the sin of the world. Ultimately, salvation from sin is found through Jesus Christ. Through trusting in Jesus, we too can be saved from our sin. My Story The story of Noah shows us many things about the problem of sin, about God s plan of salvation, and about our need to respond to God by trusting in him. In what ways do you see sin in your life? God provided a large boat to save Noah and his family; and just like he did with Noah, God provided a Savior - Jesus Christ - to save you and me. What do you think this says about how God views you? Noah responded to God by believing him and trusting in his promise. In your own story, what are some ways that you can relate to God and trust in him? Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior for my sin and for providing a way for me to live, like you did for Noah. Help me to trust in you, like Noah did. Amen It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith, Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith. Hebrews 11:7 NLT

25 Parent Resource God s Amazing Promise As told in Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-7 Key Verse: I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. All the families on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:2, 3b NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Challenge your child to retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: In God s Amazing Promise, what did God say about Abraham s children and descendants? Your children will become a great nation, and you will have more descendants than there are stars in the sky.) Who did God say that Abraham s descendants would bless? (The whole world.) What was Abraham s response to God s amazing promise? (Abraham trusted God.) More to the Story In the story of God s Amazing Promise, we learn that God chose Abraham and promised to make his descendants into a great nation. God said Abraham s name would be great, and that he would bless all peoples of the earth through him. Abraham believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Even though his circumstances made God s

26 promise look impossible, Abraham continued to trust in God. But Abraham s faith was not perfect and at times he struggled with his trust in God. Regardless. God was faithful to keep his promises to Abraham. God s Bigger Story God was faithful to all the parts of his amazing promise. Over time, Abraham s descendants grew into the nation of Israel. Abraham s name also became great, and God s promise to bless all the peoples of the earth was fulfilled through Jesus Christ, who was a descendant of Abraham. God s bigger story looked forward from his amazing promise to Abraham, to the time when God would declare people righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. Even today, all who put their faith in Jesus Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith My Story The story of God s Amazing Promise shows us how God promised to bless the whole world through Abraham s descendants. Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. God used Abraham s life as part of his bigger story. God chose to bless Abraham, so that ultimately his life would be a blessing to the whole world. What does God s love for the world say about who God is? In what ways can you be a blessing to others? Abraham believed God, even when things looked impossible. What is one specific way that you can trust God in your own life? Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for your amazing promise to Abraham. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to fulfill your amazing promise. Help me to trust in Jesus Christ, so that I might be counted as righteous just like Abraham was because of his faith. Amen And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6 NLT

27 Parent Resource Abraham s Big Test As told in Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-7; 22:1-9 Key Verse: And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Challenge your child to retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: In the story of Abraham s Big Test, how did God test Abraham?? (God tested Abraham by telling him to take Isaac to Mount Moriah and kill him as a sacrifice to God) How did Abraham respond to God s testing? (Abraham trusted God. He was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac.) Why did Abraham call the place God Will Provide? (Because God provided the sacrifice, a ram caught in the bush.) More to the Story Abraham trusted in God, even though he faced challenging situations. God had promised Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation, that his name would be great, and that all the peoples of the earth would be blessed through him. It was many years later, when Abraham was 100 years old, that God fulfilled part of his promise by giving Abraham a son who was named Isaac. Later when God tested Abraham, he still trusted in God by being willing to sacrifice Isaac. But God was faithful to provide another sacrifice. After Abraham

28 obeyed God, the angel of the Lord reassured Abraham of God s promise. He said, I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed all because you have obeyed me. God s Bigger Story God was faithful to keep his promise to Abraham. He provided the sacrifice for Abraham so that Abraham did not have to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Later in God s bigger story, God was also faithful to keep his promise to bless all the peoples of the earth through Abraham. God fulfilled this promise by sending his Son, Jesus Christ, who was born as a descendant of Abraham. Jesus Christ was the perfect, sinless Lamb of God who was sacrificed for the sins of the world. Jesus died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. Through Jesus, God was faithful to provide the ultimate sacrifice! Because Abraham trusted God, he was counted as righteous by God. Like Abraham, God will also count us as righteous, too, if we believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus died as a sacrifice for our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. My Story Abraham trusted in God even though he was faced with a very difficult test. What are some ways that you can show trust in God in your life? God was faithful to keep his promise to Abraham, and to provide another sacrifice for Abraham. Ultimately, God provided his Son, Jesus Christ, as the sacrifice for the sins of the world. What does this say about who God is? What does this say about how God thinks of you? What does this say about how you should respond to God? Talk to God Dear God, Thank you for being faithful to keep your promises. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. Help me to trust in Jesus, and trust in you no matter what difficult test I am facing. Amen Abraham named the place the LORD will provide. Genesis 22;14 NLT, paraphrased

29 Parent Resource The Big Picnic As told in Mark 6:30-44 Key Verse: A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed from those loaves! Mark 6:44 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: In the story of The Big Picnic, what did Jesus want to show the people? (That they could trust God) What food did Andrew tell Jesus that the boy had? (Five loaves of bread and two little fish) How many people did Jesus feed in the story? (We can be like the wise man by hearing and obeying the words of Jesus) More to the Story Throughout His life and ministry, Jesus performed many miracles that showed His authority over every part of life and His power to provide for the needs of people. Jesus has power to heal sicknesses, forgive sins, power over nature, and evil spirits, and power over kings and rulers. Jesus gave the people in the story bread to eat, but He also provides the spiritual food of

30 eternal life to everyone who believes in Him. Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever. (John 6:35, 51a) We need food to eat so that we can live, but our hearts need something much more important. Our hearts need Jesus so that we can have eternal life with God. God s Bigger Story Jesus Christ is the Savior that God promised to send to help us with our sin problem. The life, teaching and miracles of Jesus demonstrate that He truly is the Savior of the world. The story of The Big Picnic demonstrates the power of Jesus and that we can trust God for all our needs. Ultimately, Jesus gave up His own life by dying on the cross for our sin. Jesus life is like spiritual bread, and everyone who trusts in Him will have eternal life. God has provided the bread of eternal life through His own Son, Jesus Christ. Have you eaten of this spiritual bread by putting your trust in Jesus? My Story You are a unique and special part of God s creation. He loves you and has a very special plan for your life, even if you don t know what it is yet. Because God created you, He knows everything about you and knows what is best for you. Jesus miracle fed five thousand men and lots of women and children. What does this miracle say about who Jesus is? Jesus showed the people that they could trust in God. What is one way that you can trust God in your life? Jesus provided spiritual bread by giving up his own life for the sin of the whole world. What does this say about how much Jesus loves you? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for providing for all of my needs. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be the bread of life. Thank You that I can have eternal life through trusting in Jesus. Help me to trust in You with my whole heart. Amen I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 (NLT)

31 Parent Resource The King and the Kingdom As told in Matthew 5-7 Key Verse: Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Matthew 7:24 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What did Jesus teach about, everywhere He went? (The kingdom of God) What did Jesus say God wants to do with your heart? (He wants to make it good like His own) How can we be like the wise man who built his house on a rock? (We can be like the wise man by hearing and obeying the words of Jesus) More to the Story In this story, Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God. He explained that this means having a heart like God s. Jesus said that we can have a heart like God s if we strengthen our relationship with God through prayer. God is a loving Father who loves when we talk to Him in prayer. He loves it when we thank Him for all the things He does for us and He wants us to come to Him for help.

32 If we follow Jesus and develop our relationship with God through prayer and obedience, our lives will be like a house built on a firm foundation. If we don t do these things, we will be like a house built on shaky ground. Tough times and hardships may come, but if our lives are based around Jesus teachings, God s Word, then we can know that we will be safe like the wise man who built his house on a solid rock instead of soft, shifting sand. God s Bigger Story This story shows us how to live. But God tells us that no one has followed His way perfectly because of our sin. Only Jesus has lived a perfect life. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for our sin so our relationship with God would be restored. My Story Jesus said, Your Father knows what you need before you ask. (Matthew 6:8b) What does this say about God and how He feels about you? Jesus told us to put His words into action. What is one way that you can put Jesus words into action? How will your life look different when you believe that Jesus is the King and you are a member of His kingdom? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for knowing all my needs before I even ask. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to be my Teacher and example. Help me to have a heart like Yours. Amen Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

33 Parent Resource A Baby and a Bush As told in Exodus 1:1-4:17 Key Verse: Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say. Exodus 4:12 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child retell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Why did Pharaoh make the Israelites slaves and treat them badly? (Because there were so many and he was afraid they would become too powerful) Why did God call Moses from the burning bush? (God wanted to set His people free from slavery) What miracles did God give for Moses to show Pharaoh? ((His staff turned into a snake & his hand became diseased after he put it in his coat) More to the Story The Israelites were very special to God and they enjoyed many blessings from Him when they were in Egypt. God had blessed Joseph and his family for many years. A new Pharaoh came and wanted to harm God s people by making them slaves. But God loved His people, and He had a plan to set them free from slavery so they could enjoy His blessing again. That is why God called Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Moses thought he did

34 not speak well, but God said that He would give Moses the words to say. God s Bigger Story God is a good God who loves His people. But following God doesn t mean bad things can t happen to us. The good news is that God loves us and He has the power to protect us from harm like He did Moses. God has the power to set us free from evil like He saved His people. And God also calls His people to do big things, just like He called Moses to talk to Pharaoh even when Moses didn t think he could. Sometimes we might feel like we can t do what God wants us to do, but He has promised to be with us and help us do those things He asks us to. All we have to do is trust and follow Him. My Story God cares about you, and He knows when you are hurting and in danger. He is strong enough to help you, protect you and take good care of you. How does it feel to know that God cares about you like He cared about His people, the Israelites? (Happy, grateful, relieved, etc.) Why should you not be afraid of doing what God asks you to do? (He promises to be with me and help me like He did Moses) Talk to God Dear God, You knew when the Israelites were hurting, and You know when I hurt, too. Thank you for loving me and taking care of me. Thank You for hearing me when I ask for help. I know You are powerful enough to do anything. Amen Then the Lord told [Moses], I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt...Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.. Exodus 3:7-8a NLT

35 Parent Resource Let My People Go As told in Exodus 7:14-12:32 Key Verse: This is what the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, says: Let My people go, so they can worship Me. Exodus 9:1b NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: In the story of Let My People Go, what did Moses and Aaron say to Pharaoh? (The God of the Israelites says you must let His people go free.) In the final plague, what did God instruct His people to do in order for their children not to die? (God said, My people must kill a lamb, eat it and put its blood on their doorposts. I will see the blood and pass over their houses. ) What did Pharaoh do after the final plague? (He let the Israelites go.) More to the Story Pharaoh refused to listen to God. But even though Pharaoh didn t let the Israelites go, God still had a plan. God used each plague to demonstrate His power and glory, showing that He is the one true God. Despite how hard Pharaoh s heart was, God showed His power and spread knowledge of Him throughout the earth. Ultimately, God fulfilled His promise to save His

36 people out of slavery in Egypt. The Israelites were freed. God s Bigger Story This story describes how God delivered the Israelites from slavery. The final plague was the death of the first-born sons. But God spared His people through the sacrifice of innocent lambs. God passed over the houses of the Israelites who had faith in Him; this was called Passover. In God s bigger story, this is a reflection of what Jesus would later come to do. God sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect sacrifice; the One who gave Himself as a sinless lamb to die for the sins of the world. Jesus provided eternal salvation for us by dying on the cross. Like the Israelites who were delivered from slavery, through faith in Jesus Christ we can be delivered from sin. Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed for us. My Story Pharaoh refused to listen to God, but God still had a plan and He even used the hardness in Pharaoh s heart to show His power and spread knowledge of Him throughout the earth. What does this say about who God is? God was faithful to His promise. God freed His people from slavery. What does this say about how God cares for His people? Ultimately, God sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Passover Lamb. Jesus was sacrificed for the sins of the world, including yours. What does this say about God s love for you? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for providing salvation from sin through Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Passover Lamb, who died on the cross for our sins. Help me to trust in Jesus. Amen Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. 1 Corinthians 5:7c NLT

37 Parent Resource God Makes A Way As told in Exodus 14; 16:11-16; 17:1-7; Key Verse: But Moses told the people, Don t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. Exodus 14:13a NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What did God tell Moses to do when the Israelites were terrified because of Pharaoh s chariots? (God told Moses to raise his staff toward the Red Sea. Then God sent a strong wind and parted the sea.) What happened to Pharaoh and his army after they followed the Israelites into the sea? (They all drowned.) What did God give to Moses on top of Mount Sinai? (God gave Moses the Ten Commandments.) More to the Story God had promised to save His people out of slavery in Egypt. God told Moses, I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey. (Exodus. 3:8) This land that God had promised to His people was called the Promised Land. There were six hundred

38 thousand men, besides women and children, who were delivered out of Egypt. The Israelites would spend the next forty years wandering in the desert until they finally entered the Promised Land. God s Bigger Story This story describes how God miraculously saved His people from slavery in Egypt. God made a way for His people through the parting of the Red Sea. He led them through the wilderness, provided food and water and gave them His Law known as the Ten Commandments. Throughout God s bigger story, the Exodus was celebrated as one of the greatest displays of God s salvation. While this story demonstrates how God provides salvation for His people, eternal salvation was ultimately provided through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. (John. 14:6) By trusting in Jesus Christ, we can be saved from our sin and have eternal life. My Story God miraculously saved His people from slavery in Egypt. What does this say about who God is? God gave His people the Ten Commandments. What do these commandments teach us about what God is like? God provided the way of salvation to everyone by sending His Son, Jesus Christ. What does this say about God s love for you? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for keeping Your promise to deliver Your people by bringing them out of slavery in Egypt. Thank You for providing salvation forever through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please help me to trust in Jesus. Amen I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me. Exodus 20:2-3 NLT

39 Parent Resource The Beloved Son As told inmatthew 3:1-3, 13-17; Luke 3:15-16; John 1:29 Key Verse: Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29b NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What did John say when he saw Jesus? ( Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! ) What did God s Spirit do when Jesus was baptized? (God s Spirit came down on Jesus like a dove.) What did God say when Jesus was baptized? ( This is My Son. I love Him. He pleases Me very much! ) More to the Story John the Baptist helped prepare the way for Jesus ministry. His message was, Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. He fulfilled what God s people said in the Old Testament, He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord s coming! Clear the road for him! Jesus didn t need to be baptized for His sins, because He was without sin. But by being baptized, Jesus set an example for us. When Jesus was baptized,

40 the heavens opened up and the Spirit of God came down like a dove upon Jesus. Then, God spoke from heaven saying, This is My Son. I love Him. He pleases Me very much! God s Bigger Story When John baptized Jesus, he said, I saw the Holy Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and resting upon Him. I didn t know He was the One, but when God sent me to baptize with water, He told me, The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that He is the Chosen One of God (John 1:32-34). God Himself also testified about His Son by saying, This is My Son. I love Him. He pleases Me very much! Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He died on the cross for our sins. He is fulfillment of God s plan and bigger story. By trusting in Jesus, our sins can be forgiven and we can have eternal life. My Story As John the Baptist said, Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. What does this say about Jesus love for you? When Jesus was baptized, God spoke from heaven about Him. What does this say about who Jesus is? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for sending Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for my sins. Thank You that my sins can be taken away by trusting in Jesus. Thank you that Jesus showed us how to live and gave us an example to follow. Help me to trust and follow Him. Amen This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Matthew 3:17b NLT

41 Parent Resource A Test in the Desert As told in Matthew 4:1-11 Key Verse: Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. Matthew 4:1 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Who led Jesus into the desert to be tempted? (God s Spirit led Jesus into the desert.) What did Jesus tell the devil when he tempted Him to turn the rocks into bread? ( It s not just bread that keeps people alive. Their lives also depend on what God says. ) What did Jesus tell the devil when He was tempted by him the third time? ( Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only. ) More to the Story After His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. But Jesus never gave in to the devil s temptations. Instead, each time that the devil tempted Him, Jesus responded by using God s words from the Bible. The word of God is alive and powerful, and by using it Jesus was able to overcome all of the devil s temptations. Jesus faced all of the same testing we do, yet He did not sin (Hebrews 4:15b). And since Jesus

42 Himself has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested too (Hebrews 2:18). God s Bigger Story Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, just as Adam and Eve were tempted by the devil in the Garden of Eden. But where Adam sinned by failing to obey God, Jesus did not. Jesus completely obeyed God s word. Even though He was without sin, Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we could have eternal life. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT). Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in Him. (1 John 3:5 NLT) My Story Jesus overcame the devil s temptations by using God s words from the Bible. What does this say about the power of the Bible? What are one or two different ways that you can follow Jesus example. How can you overcome temptation in your life? Even though Jesus never sinned, He became the offering for our sin. Jesus created a way so that we could be made right with God. What does this say about how much Jesus loves you? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You, Jesus, for helping me when I am tempted and showing me how to use the Bible to overcome temptations just like You did. Thank You for making a way for me to become right with God. Help me to trust in and follow You. Amen People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4b NLT

43 Parent Resource Waters Part and Walls Fall As told in Numbers 13-14; Joshua 2-3; 5-6 Key Verse: The walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. Joshua 6:20b NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: When the 12 spies returned from spying out the Promised Land, ten of them said, We will never defeat the people there. But what did Joshua and Caleb say? ( With God s help, we can do it! ) What did Rahab do when Joshua sent the 2 spies into Jericho? (She hid them and helped them escape down the wall.) What did the Lord tell Joshua about the city of Jericho? (For six days, march once around Jericho. Then, on day seven, march around seven times.) More to the Story The 12 spies returned to Moses after spying out the Promised Land for forty days. Ten of the spies gave God s people a bad report, saying, The land we travelled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers (Numbers 13:32, 33b). But Joshua and Caleb said, The land we travelled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don t be afraid of the people of the land (Numbers 14:7-9a).

44 The people listened to the bad report brought by the 10 spies, so God said that only the children, with Joshua and Caleb, could enter the Promised Land. For forty years, God s people wandered in the desert, and God fed them every day with bread from Heaven called manna. After forty years, the time had finally arrived. Joshua sent 2 spies into Jericho, and a woman named Rahab helped them. God parted the Jordan River so that everyone crossed on dry land. It was a miracle, just like the time when God parted the Red Sea! After they crossed the Jordan River, the Lord told Joshua how he was to defeat Jericho. By faith, the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. Rahab was spared, and God s people began to settle in the Promised Land. God s Bigger Story After Moses sent the 12 spies into the Promised Land, the people failed to enter because they had hard hearts and didn t believe God. Later in God s bigger story, God told the people, Today when you hear his voice, don t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled. (Hebrews 3:15) The Promised Land was a picture of the eternal rest that is available through faith in Jesus Christ. So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God (Hebrews 3:9). If we have hard hearts that disobey and don t believe God like the people of Israel did, then we also will fall. But if we believe in Jesus and continue to follow Him, we will enter into His eternal life one that we can enjoy both now and forever! My Story Joshua and Caleb believed and followed God when no one else did. What is one or two different ways that you can show that you believe and follow God in your life? Like the Promised Land in this story, God has provided eternal life that is available through Jesus Christ. What does this say about who God is? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for providing the Promised Land for Your people. Thank You for also providing eternal life through Jesus Christ. Help me to have a heart that trusts and follows You. Amen It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. Hebrews 11:30 NLT

45 Parent Resource A Hairy Tale As told in Judges Key Verse: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines. Judges 13:5 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Who did God choose in this story to set His people free? (He chose a man named Samson.) What were the three promises that Samson needed to make to God? (Never drink wine. Never touch dead things. Never cut his hair.) What was the secret that Samson told to Delilah? (If my hair is cut, my strength will go away.) More to the Story The story of Samson takes place during the period of the Judges. This period lasted for several hundred years. During this time God raised up different rulers to rescue His people from their enemies. Samson had a special calling from God. He was to be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. (Judges 13:5) Therefore, he needed to keep important promises. He was never to drink wine, never to touch dead things and never to cut his hair. But Samson disobeyed God.

46 He didn t faithfully follow Him. Samson s life is a picture of God s people as a whole during the period of the Judges. The life of Samson illustrates the disobedience and unfaithfulness of God s people during this period of God s bigger story. God s Bigger Story Samson had a special calling from God, but he deserted it to pursue his own desires. He was not faithful to follow God s calling and plan for his life. When God s people entered the Promised Land, God had told Joshua, Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8) But during the period of the Judges, God s people neglected to follow His Word. Instead, all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. (Judges 17:6; 21:25) While this period of God s story is mostly marked by the disobedience of God s people, there will be a future time in God s bigger story when Jesus Christ returns as the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. (Revelation 19:16b) Jesus will return as the perfect Ruler who will reign forever in His Kingdom. And everyone who believes in Jesus and follows Him will be part of His Kingdom forever! My Story God had a special calling and plan for Samson s life. But Samson disobeyed God and failed to follow Him completely. Have you decided to live your life for God s plans and purposes? During the period of the Judges, God s people failed to follow God s Word. What place does God s Word, the Bible, have in your life? One day, Jesus Christ will return as the perfect Ruler and He will reign forever in His Kingdom. How do you know if you will be a part of Jesus eternal Kingdom? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for being faithful to keep Your promises. Thank You for Your Word, the Bible. Thank You that one day Jesus Christ will return and will rule in His Kingdom forever. Help me to trust and follow You with my life. Amen Samson judged Israel for twenty years during the period when the Philistines dominated the land. Judges 15:20 NLT

47 The Brave and Beautiful Queen As told in Esther 2-5; 7; 9:20-22 Parent Resource Key Verse: Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? Esther 4:14b NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Haman was insulted because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. What did Haman vow to do to Mordecai and all of the Jews? (He vowed to kill Mordecai and all the Jews!) What happened to Haman after Esther told King Xerxes about his evil plan to kill all of the Jews? (Haman was hanged on the gallows he d built for Mordecai.) Because Queen Esther chose to be brave and help her people, what happened to the Jews in this story? (The Jews were saved.) More to the Story The story of Esther takes place during the period of time when God s people were still living outside of the land of Israel. Some of the Jewish people had returned back to the Promised Land, while some such as Esther, Mordecai and others were still living outside of the land of Israel in the kingdom of Persia. Interestingly, God Himself is not mentioned in the book of Esther. However, His power and protection is seen throughout the story as He is constantly at work behind the scenes, overruling the laws of kings and the plans of evil people in order to faithfully protect His people. Queen Esther showed great courage by stepping up for her

48 people, the Jews. In those days, she could have been killed for going in to speak to the king without being called by him first. Still, God was faithful and King Xerxes showed favor to Esther. At the end of the story, the evil man Haman was hanged on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai. Also, Mordecai received great honor and was promoted to the very important position of Prime Minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. The Jewish people began the annual festival called Purim to remember how Esther helped them and how God s power and faithfulness turned their sorrow into gladness. It s celebrated every year with feasting and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. God s Bigger Story God is more powerful than any king or ruler in the world. Even though there was an evil plan and laws passed to destroy the Jewish people, God s plan to help them could not be destroyed. He was faithful to protect His people no matter what. Eventually, God was faithful to His promise to send His own Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to be the Savior for all people. And at just the right time, Jesus Christ was born as a Jew to be the Savior of the whole world. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Through trusting in Jesus Christ, we can have an eternal relationship with God! My Story Esther was brave and showed great courage, as she recognized that she had been put in just the right place for just the right time. What is one way that you can be brave for God in your life? God is always in control and He is faithful to accomplish His good plan, no matter what circumstance we might be facing. How does this truth change how you see your life and the world around you? Ultimately, God was faithful to His promise by sending His own Son, Jesus Christ, to be Talk to God Dear God, the Savior of the world. What does this say about how God cares for you? Thank You that You were faithful to protect and care for Your people. Thank You for providing eternal life through Jesus Christ. Help me to be brave, and to trust and follow You with my life. Amen This Festival of Purim would never cease to be celebrated among the Jews, nor would the memory of what happened ever die out among their descendants. Esther 9:28b NLT

49 Parent Resource A Voice in the Night As told in 1 Samuel 1, 2:11 & 3 Key Verse: And the LORD came and called as before, Samuel! Samuel! And Samuel replied, Speak, your servant is listening. 1 Samuel 3:10 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What did Hannah do because she was grateful for her son? (She gave Samuel to God to serve Him.) What did Eli the priest tell Samuel to say to God? ( Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening. ) What did God say to Samuel at the end of the story? ( Can you be My prophet and pass My words faithfully on to My people? ) More to the Story Each year, Hannah and her husband, Elkanah, traveled to the Tabernacle to worship and offer sacrifices to God. At the time, the priests were the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. They were corrupt. They didn t respect the Lord or their duties as priests. Hannah was sad because she had no children. She prayed to God and made this promise: O Lord, if You will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to You. The Lord answered Hannah s prayer. She gave birth to a son and named him Samuel. Hannah brought him to Eli at the Tabernacle. Sir, do you remember me? Hannah asked. I am the woman who stood here several years ago. I asked God to give me this boy,

50 and He answered my prayer. Now I am giving him to the Lord. During the night, the Lord called Samuel. God told him that He was going to bring judgment upon Eli s family because his sons, the priests. They were sinning against God and Eli had not disciplined them. In the morning, Eli asked Samuel to tell him what the Lord had said to him. So Samuel told Eli everything. As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him. Everything Samuel said proved to be true. All the people knew that Samuel was a prophet of the Lord. God s Bigger Story The story of Samuel marks a transition in God s bigger story, from a time where judges ruled to a time when kings ruled. This story describes Samuel s first experience as a prophet of God. During his life, God used Samuel to anoint the first two kings of the nation of Israel. They were King Saul and King David. But the ultimate King of Kings, Jesus Christ, was still to come. God even made a promise to King David, that one of his descendants would be an eternal King who would reign forever. When Jesus came, He was born as a member of David s family (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3), and He proclaimed the good news of His Kingdom (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus said, I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). By trusting in Jesus, you can receive eternal life and be a part of His Kingdom forever. One day, Jesus will return and the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and He will reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). My Story Samuel was dedicated to serve God in a special way for all the days of his life. What is one way that you can serve God in your daily life? Even though God told Samuel a hard message about Eli s family, Samuel was faithful to honor God and he told Eli everything that God spoke to him. What is one way that you can honor God, even though it might be hard? Jesus Christ is the ultimate King of Kings, and His Kingdom is forever. Jesus invites us Talk to God Dear God, to believe in Him and become part of His Kingdom. Are you a part of Jesus Kingdom? Thank You for being a God who speaks to your people. Thank You sending Jesus Christ to be the King of Kings. Thank you for making a way for me to be a part of Your Kingdom forever by trusting in Jesus. Help me to live my life for Your Kingdom. Amen As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. 1 Samuel 3:19 NLT

51 Stones, Slings and Giant Things As told in 1 Samuel Parent Resource Key Verse: People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Why did God send the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to choose a new king? (Because King Saul did not obey God.) Finish the sentence: God said, I don t care about looks. I care about. ( What s in a person s heart. ) What did David say to Goliath when he went out to fight him? ( You have a spear, but I have the help of Israel s God. ) More to the Story King Saul looked like a king, and he was known to be the most handsome man in Israel head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land (1 Samuel 9:2). But King Saul did not obey the Lord faithfully. So God chose David to be Israel s next king. David was a man after God s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). When Samuel the prophet went to Jesse s house, he had seven of Jesse s sons pass before him. Samuel took one look at the oldest brother and thought, Surely he should be the next king! But God said to Samuel, Don t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance,

52 but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). God selected David as Israel s next king because He saw the good in David s heart and knew that he loved Him. After David defeated Goliath, King Saul became jealous of David and tried to kill him several times. For many years, David was forced to run away and hide to save his life. But after Saul died, David officially became the king and served as king for many years. God s Bigger Story David s life was not perfect, but he loved God and wrote many of the Psalms that are now in the Bible. When David was old, he wanted to build a temple where the people could come and worship God. But God said to David, Are you the one to build a house for me to live in? I have been with you wherever you have gone. God promised David that He would actually be the One who would make a house for David. This meant that someone from David s family would be the eternal King who would reign forever. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God s promise to David. Jesus was from David s family (Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3), and He proclaimed the good news of His Kingdom (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus said, I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). By trusting in Jesus, you can receive eternal life and be a part of His Kingdom forever. One day, Jesus will return and His kingdom will last forever! My Story God told Samuel, I don t care about looks. I care about what s in a person s heart. What does this say about the things that are most important to God? David showed great courage by being willing to fight against the giant Goliath. What is one way that you can courageously live for God in your life? God s big promise to David is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the eternal King that will reign forever. What does this say about who Jesus is? Are you a part of Jesus Kingdom? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for caring more about the heart than what is on the outside. Thank You for David s example of being a man after God s own heart. Thank You for Jesus kingdom that will last forever. Help me to live my life for Your Kingdom Amen So David defeated the Philistine with only a sling and one stone! 1 Samuel 17:50a NLT

53 Parent Resource A Roaring Rescue As told in Daniel 1-4, 6 Key Verse: My God sent his angel to shut the lions mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. Daniel 6:22 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: Why did God let the enemies of His people take them into captivity? (Because God s people disobeyed Him.) What did the angel do for Daniel when God sent him into the lions den? (The angel shut the lions mouths.) At the end of the story, what did King Darius tell everyone in his kingdom? (To honor Daniel s powerful, living God.) More to the Story Daniel was a young man when God s people were captured in Babylon. Even though God s people were in a foreign land, Daniel determined in his heart to live for God. God blessed Daniel, and soon the king promoted Daniel to be one of his high officers. But some of the other leaders were jealous and looked for ways to get Daniel in trouble. But they couldn t find anything because Daniel was faithful, always responsible and completely trustworthy. Finally, the other leaders convinced the king to pass a new law. For thirty days, no one could pray to anyone except the king or else they would be thrown into a den of lions. But Daniel continued to pray and gave thanks to God three times a day. When the other leaders told the king that Daniel had done this, the king realized that he d been tricked. But he still couldn t change the law. So Daniel was arrested and thrown into the

54 den of lions. Early the next morning, the king hurried out to the lion s den. Daniel said, My God sent his angel to shut the lions mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in His sight. Not a scratch was found on Daniel because God had protected him. The king gave orders to arrest the men who had accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions den and the lions tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den. Then the king told everyone throughout his kingdom to honor and serve Daniel s God saying, For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end (Daniel 6:26). God s Bigger Story Because God s people disobeyed Him, God allowed His people to be captured in Babylon. Jeremiah the prophet had told the people that, This is what the Lord says: You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised For I know the plans I have for you They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:10-11). The story of Daniel s life took place during that this time of captivity. Daniel s life is a great example of how to live for God even during difficult times. God also showed Daniel the meaning of dreams and visions about future world kingdoms, including the coming kingdom of God that will never end. The kingdom of God will ultimately come when Jesus returns and makes everything new. Then God will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4). All these things will be gone forever, and forever God s kingdom will remain. My Story Daniel was determined in his heart to live for God. What is one way that you can live for God in your life? Daniel chose to serve and honor God, even if it meant that he would be thrown into the den of lions. But God protected Daniel, and sent an angel to shut the lions mouths. What does this say about who God is? God showed Daniel about future world kingdoms that would rise and fall. He showed him the coming kingdom of God that would remain forever. What does this say about who you should live your life for? Talk to God Dear God, Thank You for Daniel s example to live for You. Thank you shutting the lions mouths and saving Daniel. I look forward to Your coming kingdom. Help me to live my life for You and for Your glory while I wait. Amen. I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. Daniel 6:22 NLT

55 Parent Resource The Donkey and the King As told in Mathew 21:1-11; Luke 19:39-40; John 12:14-15 Key Verse: Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey. Matthew 21:5 NLT So Far What have you learned from the previous story (or stories)? What do you remember about God s bigger story? Encourage your child to remember previous stories by going through the app together. Turn the sound off, and have your child tell the story aloud using the pictures as prompts. Exploring This Story Have your child re-tell the story to you. Encourage them to remember by asking the following questions: What is said in the Bible verse when Jesus rode on the donkey? (Here comes your King, Jerusalem, riding on a donkey.) As Jesus rode the donkey, what did the people shout when they put cloaks and palm branches down on the road before Him? (Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!) The Pharisees grumbled that the people were praising Jesus, and they wanted Jesus to tell them to be quiet. But what did Jesus tell the Pharisees? ( Even if everyone stopped shouting, the stones would still praise Me! ) More to the Story This story is often called the Triumphal Entry because it describes how Jesus rode into Jerusalem during the last week of His life before dying on the cross. It was around the time of the Passover feast, so there were many people in Jerusalem during this time and people traveled from all over to celebrate. Normally during those days, kings rode horses and came as conquerors. But Jesus came gently on a donkey which was a symbol of peace. In doing this, Jesus also fulfilled a prophecy that was spoken about the coming Savior, which said, Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey riding on a donkey s colt (Zechariah 9:9). Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the middle of the crowd,