Bible, Glitter and Glue

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Satan tempted Jesus to turn from God's plan and submit to him.  Jesus stood firm in the Word of God and did not give in to temptation.

How can we help children prepare to stand up against the attacks of the Devil?

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 4:1-11

Outline:

1. Fasting in the desert (Matthew 4:1-2)
2. Temptations (Matthew 4:3-10)
3. Satan leaves, and angels bring comfort (Matthew 4:11)

Tips for Teaching:

• Verses to remember when we face temptation:
  • Joshua 1:9
  • Psalm 27:1
  • Ephesians 6:10-18
• To help children understand the concept of temptation, place a bowl of sweets or candy in the middle of the table.  Talk about how yummy they are but say that no one is allowed to eat them.  As you continue teaching, refer back to the yummy treats. Perhaps even eat one in front of the children.  Once time has passed then, allow the children to eat the treats.  As you eat, talk about how Satan tries to trick us by making bad things look very good to us. 
  Temptation is either:
  • A desire to do something we should not, or
  • A desire to NOT do something we should do.
• Adults can compare the Old Testament stories of the Israelites in the wilderness with the temptations of Jesus.  Small groups could share how the devil tries to pull us away from God's purposes.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

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At the age of 30, Jesus was baptised in the Jordan River by his cousin, John the Baptist. Jesus was not baptised because He needed to repent of wrong but because He wanted to do everything right. He “fulfilled all righteousness”. His heavenly Father was “well pleased.”

God also loves us and is pleased when we obey from the heart.

Bible verses used in this podcast:
Matthew 3:13-17

Outline:

1. Jesus came to be baptised (Matthew 3:13-15)
2. Jesus is baptised (Matthew 3:16a)
3. God's approval (Matthew 3:16b-17)
   
   

Tips for Teaching Children:

1. Before class, contact each parent and ask them to share a specific way they are proud of their son or daughter.  Use the following format: 
   • "_________(child's name), you are my son/daughter, and I love you.  
   • I am so proud of you because ____________
     (list one positive action the child does)." 
2. Then, in class, after you have talked about Matthew 3:17, tell the children that their parents are proud of them like God was proud of his son.  One by one, share what each parent has written.  

Tips for Teaching Adults

1. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.  Using the same format as with the parents above, adults can share words of genuine affirmation: 
   • "_________(adult's name), you are my brother/sister in Christ.
   • I love you.  
   • I am so proud of you because ____________
     (list one positive action the adult does)." 
2. Distribute cards or writing paper and encourage adults to use this same format to write a note to someone.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
The Baptism of Jesus

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

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John fulfilled prophecy by preparing the way for the Messiah.  He preached a convicting message of repentance to the ordinary person as well as to the hypocritical Pharisees of his day. Crowds followed John and showed their true repentance through baptism and a change in how they lived their daily lives.  Hearts were being prepared for the messages Jesus would soon be preaching.

We should have soft hearts that lead us to repent and change our actions.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 3:2-20

Outline:

1. Introducing John, the Prophet (Luke 3:1-6)
2. John's sermons and the people's response (Luke 3:7-14)
3. John points to Jesus (Luke 3:15-17)
4. John's preaching leads to his arrest (Luke 3:18-20)

Tips for Teaching:

• Children:  Help children understand "repentence" using a simple gesture of intertwining fingers of both hands.  Video by Lynne Jackson here.
  • Intertwined (relationship and harmony)
  • Hands apart (out of relationship and separated)
  • Intertwined again ( repented and restored) 
• Children: Make a heart craft.
• Adults: Discuss John's answers to the various groups of people who asked "What should we do?"  Challenge students to share what John's answer would be to them if they asked the same question.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
John the Baptist Prepares the Way

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

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While visiting the temple in Jerusalem at age twelve, Jesus became separated from his parents and was inadvertently left behind. Upon returning to Jerusalem three days later, his worried parents found him at the temple listening to the teachers and amazing those around him with his understanding.

As Jesus grew, he continued to develop mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. This is the model for children to grow in today.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 2:40-52

Outline:

1. Jesus the child (Luke 2:40)
2. Passover feast (Luke 2:41-42)
3. Missing child (Luke 2:43-45)
4. In his father's house (Luke 2:46-50)
5. Jesus the young man (Luke 2:51-52)

Tips for Teaching:

• Research life for children in New Testament times (food, chores, games, learning)
• Look online for 3D experiences of the temple so children can experience what it may have been like for Jesus
• Adults could compare and contrast conversations Joseph and Mary would have had on the way to Jerusalem with the conversations they might have had on the way home back to Nazareth at the end of this story.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Boy Jesus Visits the Temple

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

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King Herod was the king of the Jews at the time of Jesus' birth.  Herod felt his kingship threatened when Magi came from the East searching for the new king.  Despite Herod's attempts to interfere, the magi found the child king, Jesus, in Bethlehem and paid honour to him with expensive gifts fit for a king. 

To ensure no child would take his place, King Herod decreed the death of all boys in the area under the age of two.  But little Jesus was kept safe when his family was directed (through dreams) to go to Egypt until the time of danger had passed.  After this time, Joseph, Mary and Joseph settled in Nazareth.  It was in Nazareth that Jesus spent his childhood.

Jesus is king, and we, too, should give him honour.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 2:1-23

Outline:

1. Wise men seek a king (Matthew 2:1-12)
   -In Jerusalem
   -In Bethlehem
2. Escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
3. Herod's decree to kill baby boys (Matthew 2:16-18)
4. Joseph, Mary and Jesus move to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)

Tips for Teaching:

• Guide young children in learning to draw a star.
• Children can use glitter and glue (or any medium) to make a star craft.
• Adults can consider what "valuable gifts" they have offered to their king, Jesus. What gifts have been held back for self?

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Wise Men and a Star

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

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Joseph and Mary travelled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the census. While they were in Bethlehem, Jesus was born. The angel of the Lord announced the news to shepherds, and they came to worship.

God sent Jesus from heaven to earth in the form of a baby. Thank God for His gift to the world.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Matthew 1:18-24 and Luke 2:1-38

Outline:
1. Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:18-25)
2. Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-5)
3. Angels and shepherds (Luke 2:8-20
4. Jesus presented at the temple (Luke 2:21-35)

Tips for Teaching:
Ask students for Christmas carol selections. Sing together and talk about which carols teach the biblical version of the events surrounding Jesus' birth and which do not.  For example:

• Songs more accurately depicting biblical events might include: Away in a Manger, Silent Night, Joy to the World, Angels We Have Heard on High, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and O Holy Night.
• The following are fun to sing but they do not depict the biblical story: Little Drummer Boy, Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer and any song about Santa Claus.

Teacher Wisdom Concerning Children and Christmas:
Of course the birth of Jesus is the main event of Christmas.  Other traditions and make-believe parts of the holidays are treated differently by different families and cultures.  Teach the truth of Jesus and refer to the Bible as the true record.  At the same time we suggest you respect others and try not to spoil the "imaginary fun" of the season.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: The Birth of Jesus

*Next week's episode: Wise Men and a Star

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

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A priest and his wife were well beyond the years when it was possible to give birth to a child. The angel, Gabriel, gave Zechariah the incredible news that his wife, Elizabeth, would give birth to a son who would become a great preacher. They were to name the baby John. Elizabeth received a visit from her young cousin, Mary, and these two praised God in their shared joy.  Soon after Mary left, Elizabeth gave birth to John.

Nothing is impossible for God!

Bible verses used in this episode:

Luke 1:5-80

Outline:
1. News of an "impossible" pregnancy (verses 5-25)
2. Mary visits Elizabeth (verses 26-56)
3. John is born (verses 57-80)

 Tips for Teaching:

• Children: Talk of pregnancies and babies within a young family and their relatives are often familiar to very young children.  Guide small children in playing with baby dolls and expressing love and care.
• Adults: Compare and contrast the responses of Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary upon hearing the news of these seemingly impossible pregnancies.  Discuss how we respond when God surprises us.

 Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
 Bible lesson: The Birth of John the Baptist

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

The birth and birthplace of Jesus were prophesied hundreds of years before they eventuated. God promised that these things would happen, and they did. God always keeps His word, and we can always depend on God.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Genesis 3:15 
  Eve's descendant will crush Satan 
• Genesis 22:15-18 and Galatians 3:15-16
  Abraham's descendants will bless nations
•  Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18
  Virgin birth 
• Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1
  Born in Bethlehem
• Isaiah 9:6-7
  The Messiah will come!
• Luke 1:31-33 and Matthew 1:18-25
  Angel, Gabriel prophesies a son to Mary and Joseph

Tips for Teaching:

• Use timelines to help children visualise a promise made long ago and then fulfilled after time has passed.
• Conversation starter for adults: Talk about an event in your life that happened many years after it was promised.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]

Send us Fan Mail

Is the Bible, Glitter and Glue Podcast for me?

• Want to learn more about the Bible? 
• Want to be a creative teacher? 
• Enjoy interactive conversation?

In this introduction episode, David and Mary Nelson invite you to join them for good conversation and new perspectives.  Each week they will explore another Bible event and discuss simple and creative ways to share its meaning with children and adults. 

David: (Teacher-Preacher-Scholar)
"I love studying the Bible because it not only helps me understand God, but it helps me understand myself. It helps me understand the world around me and my place in it. It helps me know my place in the story of God."

Mary: (Teacher-Website Author-Seminar Presenter)
"We want to turn to the 'Greatest Teacher' first.  God is Creator, so he is the master of creativity. When I read the Word of God, I'm inspired to be a better teacher."

Scriptures quoted from The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock),  Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com 

For questions or comments email: [email protected]