LESSON 3 | Salvation Bible Basis: Genesis 2 – 3; Luke 24:1 – 12 Key Verse: Ephesians 2:8: “God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ.” Key Question: How do I have a relationship with God? Key Idea: I believe a person can have a relationship with God by God’s grace through faith in ­Jesus Christ. Resource: Believe Storybook Bible , Chapter 3, “Salvation”

Master Supplies List ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑ ❑❑

Believe Storybook Bible PowerPoint slides or printable posters of illustrations Set of Character Cards Letter-size card stock (optional) Whiteboard or flipchart with easel Dry-erase or regular markers Family Page (one per child)

Optional Supplies You will need the following supplies based on which option(s) you choose in STEP 3 | Explore More: ❑❑ Option 1: Cord for necklace about 15” long (one per child), pony beads in green, black, red, white, blue, yellow/gold (one of each color per child), paper cups (one per child), glue dots (two per child) ❑❑ Option 2: Yarn ball or beanbag ❑❑ Option 3: Hidden Message sheet (one per child), highlighters, pencils ❑❑ Option 4: Crayons or markers, Let’s Color! sheet (one per child) ❑❑ Option 6: Two puppets

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STEP 1 | Come Together (10 min) Supplies: Character Cards template, letter-size card stock (optional) Teacher Prep: Print and cut apart the Character Cards template. You should have four cards to show the children. (Optional: Consider printing the cards on heavier paper or card stock.)

• GATHER the children. PUPPY

• SHOW children the puppy Character Card. • ASK, Can you describe what you see here? What do you think when you see this? (The puppy is alone; it’s not on a leash; there is a road nearby; I’m worried it could get hurt) • ASK, What would have to happen to save this puppy? (Someone could bring it home; someone could call animal control to pick it up; someone could take it to a shelter) MAN IN WATER

• SHOW children the man in the water Character Card. • ASK, Can you describe what you see here? What do you think when you see this? (The man is in the water; he’s splashing; he looks worried; it seems like he can’t swim) • ASK, What would have to happen to save this man? (A lifeguard could swim to shore with him; someone could throw him a life preserver; a boat could pull up to help him) WOMAN ON GURNEY

• SHOW children the woman on the gurney Character Card. • ASK, Can you describe what you see here? What do you think when you see this? (There’s a woman lying down; they’re in front of a hospital; she is probably hurt or sick and can’t walk) • ASK, What would have to happen to save this woman? (A doctor could give her medicine; she could have surgery) BOY

• SHOW children the boy Character Card. • ASK, Can you describe what you see here? What do you think when you see this? (It just looks like a regular boy; he looks happy) • SAY, It doesn’t look like anything is wrong in this picture, but there is. All p­ eople, no matter how good they look on the outside, have sin

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on the inside. We have all disobeyed God and need saving. Today we’ll learn about how sin came into God’s perfect world and how J­ esus came to save us all. KEY VERSE

• REVIEW this week’s Key Verse. You may want to repeat the verse slowly a few times until the children are able to say the verse from memory • NOTE: You may also choose to review last week’s Key Verse together. Ephesians 2:8 God’s grace has saved you (hug yourself) because of your faith in Christ. (point up to heaven)

STEP 2 | Hear the Story (15 min) Supplies: Believe Storybook Bible, whiteboard or flipchart with easel, dry-erase or regular markers, PowerPoint slides or printable posters of illustrations. Teacher Prep: Write the words Problem and Solution at the top of the whiteboard or flipchart. Draw four large boxes under each word, with an arrow pointing from each box on the left to the box on the right. INTRODUCTION

• SAY, Today we will be hearing about God’s wonderful plan for us to have a close relationship with him. • SAY, Before we begin, let’s remind ourselves what sin is. Can anyone tell me what it means to sin? (Take responses: to do something that hurts yourself, God, or another person) • ASK, Can anyone give me an example of a sin? (Take responses) • SAY, Good job everyone. So let’s start today’s story. Throughout the story, you’ll hear about some different problems. You’ll also hear how God perfectly solved every problem. When you think you hear a problem in the story, give me a thumbs-down, and I’ll stop to record it. When you hear a solution, give me a thumbs-up, and I’ll write that on our chart too. READ CHAPTER 3

• READ aloud chapter 3, “Salvation”, from the Believe Storybook Bible. Stop to record the following problems and solutions:

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ANSWER KEY



Problem Solution People are separated from God by sin. (Adam and Eve Disobey God)

God sent his Son, Jesus to take the blame.

The women did not find Jesus in the tomb. (He Has Risen!)

He had risen from the dead.

We have sin in our lives that separates us from God. (The Jesus Answer)

We can be saved through faith in Jesus.

• SHOW the illustrations included with this curriculum on PowerPoint slides or printable posters. REVIEW ADAM AND EVE

• ASK, Why did Adam and Eve disobey God? (They were deceived by the serpent; they wanted to be like God) • ASK, What did Adam and Eve do after they disobeyed God? (They ran and hid from him) • ASK, Why do you think sin makes us want to hide from God? (Because we are ashamed; we have failed; being near our perfect God makes us feel guilty; we don’t want him to see us — ​which is silly because he sees everything) REVIEW THE RESURRECTION

• ASK, What did the women tell the disciples after seeing the angel at the tomb? (­Jesus has risen; the things he said have come true) • ASK, Why is it important that ­Jesus did not stay dead? (Death did not win; if ­Jesus had stayed dead, it would have meant death was stronger than J­ esus; by coming back to life, J­ esus beat death, and he beat the sin that caused death to happen) • ASK, How can ­people, who are all sinners, have an eternal home in heaven with a perfect God? (Through faith in J­ esus, by asking for forgiveness) • PRAY, Thank you God, for your perfect plan that allows us to be close to you forever, even though we are sinners. Amen.

STEP 3 | Explore More Choose from these activity options, depending on your available time frame, to help children explore the lesson further. LESSON 3: Salvation  |  EARLY ELEMENTARY

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Option 1: Salvation Necklace (20 min) Supplies: Cord for necklace about 15” long (one per child); pony beads in green, black, red, white, blue, yellow/gold (one of each color per child); paper cups (one per child); glue dots (two per child) Teacher Prep: Cut strips from the roll of glue dots so each child has a strip with two dots. Put one of each color pony bead in a paper cup, along with the two glue dots (one cup per child). Prepare a sample to use as a model. Note: If you have a large number of children in your group, you may choose to prepare several boxes with the beads in them. This way, you may distribute one bead box per group of children, instead of preparing many paper cups.

• SAY, Today we heard the wonderful story of God’s plan to bring us close to him after sin separated us. It is a story you’ll want to remember and share with others. • SAY, We will be making necklaces to help us remember this important story. Each bead on our necklaces will be a different color to remind us of part of the story. • NOTE: These colors/meanings have been adapted to fit the salvation story as presented in chapter 3. If you prefer to use a slightly different version of the colored beads, such as blue for baptism or green for growth, feel free to do so. • GIVE each child a piece of cord and cup of beads. Follow the drawing below as a guide for putting together the salvation necklace. It is recommended that you print this page in color.

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GREEN

• SAY, Remember in our story that God made the Garden of Eden, where ­people could live with him in perfect happiness. We’ll use a green bead to remind us of the garden. • INSTRUCT children to string the green pony bead onto the middle of their cord. BLACK

• SAY, After that, sin separated ­people from God. We all have sin in our lives that could keep us from being close to God. We’ll use a black bead to remind us of the sin. • INSTRUCT children to string both ends of the cord through the black pony bead and pull it down to the green bead. RED/WHITE/BLUE

• SAY, But God had a wonderful plan to bring us close to him once again. He sent his Son, J­ esus, to die for our sins and rise again. His blood allows us to be forgiven. We’ll use a red bead to remind us of the blood of ­Jesus that saves us from our sins. When we believe in J­ esus and ask God to forgive us, we are made clean again. We are able to have a close relationship with God. We’ll use a white bead to remind us that our sins are washed away. Then God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit to be with us always. We’ll use a blue bead to remind us of the Holy Spirit. • INSTRUCT children to attach the red, white, and blue beads (in that order) to one another using glue dots. Leave the holes of the red and blue beads free. • INSTRUCT children to string one end of the cord through the red bead and one through the blue bead. YELLOW/GOLD

• SAY, God has prepared a home in heaven for everyone who loves him and believes in ­Jesus. In heaven, we will have eternal life and friendship with God. We’ll use a yellow/gold bead to remind us of our home in heaven. • INSTRUCT children to string both ends of the cord through the yellow/gold pony bead. • PULL the cord tightly through the beads, and tie a knot above the yellow/gold bead to keep the beads together in a cross pattern. Make another knot to fasten the two ends together around each child’s neck, leaving enough room to slip the necklace on and off. • PRACTICE telling the story of salvation with the children, using the colors of the beads.

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Option 2: Ephesians 2:8 (10 min) Supplies: Yarn ball or beanbag

• INSTRUCT the children to spread out around the room, standing up. • GIVE one child the yarn ball and instruct him or her to say the first word of Ephesians 2:8 (“God’s”). • INSTRUCT children to toss the ball from one to another around the room. Each new person who catches the ball must add a word to the verse. If someone misses the ball or forgets the next word, that child starts over again with “God’s.” • TRY playing with longer segments of Ephesians 2:8 – 9 or by increasing the speed.

Option 3: Hidden Message (10 min) Supplies: Hidden Message sheet (one per child), highlighters, pencils Teacher Prep: Print and photocopy the Hidden Message template (one per child). NOTE: This activity is best suited for older children who are fluent readers and writers. You may also choose to do this puzzle as a whole group, or in pairs. The final answer spells: “God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ.”

• GIVE a copy of the Hidden Message sheet to each child. • READ the directions. • HELP with any questions or problems as they solve the puzzle.

ANSWER KEY G J B E L I E V E O E D S G R A F C E S S I N H A A S S U A V E C D I Y O S U B E R C T A U S E O F O Y H O U G O D R S F A I T H I N C S H R I F O R G I V E S T

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Option 4: Let’s Color! (10 min) Supplies: Crayons or markers, Let’s Color! sheet (one per child) Teacher Prep: Print and photocopy the Let’s Color! sheet (one per child).

• GIVE each child a coloring page. • PROVIDE a selection of crayons and/or markers for the children to share. • DISCUSS this week’s Key Idea as the children color.

Option 5: Praise and Worship (15 min) “Mighty to Save,” by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan © 2006 by Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI #4591782 “Happy Day,” by Ben Cantelon and Tim Hughes © 2006 by Thankyou Music CCLI #4847027

Option 6: Act It Out (10 min) John 3:16 The characters in this script can be played by two puppets or by a teacher, class helper, or student leader. Instruct the class to join in reciting the verse. Characters Character 1 teacher, helper, or student leader Character 2 teacher, helper, or student leader Optional Props: Two Puppets

Character 1: Hello, boys and girls! Are you ready to recite John 3:16 with us? Character 2: Oh, good! I love that verse! It’s like the whole story of salvation wrapped up in one sentence! I can’t wait to hear it! Character 1: Okay, let’s get started. John 3:16: “God — ” Character 2: (Interrupt.) Wow! Think of that! The God who created the universe! This is going to be good. Character 1: Yes, it is. Let’s start again. John 3:16: “God loved — ” Character 2: (Interrupt.) Ooh, love! That’s just the best feeling! And think of it — ​God’s love is better than any person’s love could ever be!

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Character 1: Uh, right again. Getting back to our verse now. John 3:16: “God loved the world — ” Character 2: (Interrupt. Gasp.) The whole world! Wow, that’s everyone! That’s, like, seven billion ­people. God loves every single person! Character 1: He sure does. Let’s find out more. (Ahem.) John 3:16: “God loved the world so much that he gave — ” Character 2: (Interrupt.) Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! A gift from God! He didn’t have to give us anything but he gave us a gift! (Turn toward the audience.) Don’t you just love getting gifts? Character 1: Hmph. Well, we better find out what that gift is. John 3:16: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son — ” Character 2: (Interrupt.) It’s ­Jesus! I know it’s ­Jesus! This is the greatest gift that has ever been given in the history of the universe! Character 1: I agree. Getting on with John 3:16: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him — ” Character 2: (Interrupt.) Amen! Anyone can do it, and all we have to do is believe in ­Jesus! Character 1: Yes, and listen to what will happen if we believe in ­Jesus. John 3:16: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die — ” Character 2: (Interrupt.) Die? Nooo! I do not want to die! I want to grow and be close to God! Character 1: (slightly frustrated) Then listen to the rest of the verse! John 3:16: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.” Character 2: Hallelujah! Life with God that lasts forever! What an amazing story. Character 1: Let’s say the whole verse one more time together. Characters 1 and 2: John 3:16: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”

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STEP 4 | Going Home (5 min) Supplies: Family Page (one per child) Teacher Prep: Print and photocopy the Family Page supplied with this lesson (one per child).

• GIVE each child a copy of this week’s Family Page. • SAY, Give this page to your family when they pick you up. It will remind you to tell your family about God’s wonderful plan of salvation. • HAVE children practice telling you the story of salvation through J­ esus. (If you chose to make the necklaces in Option 1, have children use those.) • REVIEW this week’s Key Verse as well as today’s story and Key Idea from the Believe Storybook Bible as you wait for the children to get picked up. • MAKE sure each child remembers to take home any activity sheets or craft projects and the Family Page.

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Family Page | Lesson 3: Salvation Bible Basis: Genesis 2 – 3; Luke 24:1 – 12 Key Verse: Ephesians 2:8: “God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ.” Key Question: How do I have a relationship with God? Key Idea: I can have a relationship with God by God’s grace through faith in ­Jesus Christ. Resource: Believe Storybook Bible , Chapter 3, “Salvation”

How to Use This Page This week, your family can either read the story from the Believe Storybook Bible or read the Bible Basis passages from your Bible to help your child remember the lesson. Use the Table Talk questions below to start a discussion around the dinner table, while driving in the car, or just about anywhere. The Living Faith activity is designed to remind your child of the Bible lesson through a drama or other engaging activity. The Extra Mile ideas provide interactive ways for your child to connect with the story.

Table Talk



1. How do you think J­ esus managed to live his whole life without any sin? (He prayed to God; he listened to God’s voice; he obeyed God) 2. How do you feel when you hear that J­ esus died on the cross for our sins? How do you feel when you hear that J­ esus rose from the dead? What does that mean to you? 3. God gave us a wonderful gift. If you could give any gift to God, what would it be? 4. What do you think your eternal home in heaven will be like?

Living Faith Help your child re-create the story of salvation without any words! The wordless book is a popular evangelism tool that uses colors to represent elements of the gospel story. Your child may have created a necklace this week that uses colored beads in a similar way. There are variations on how to use different colors and their order, so feel free to make slight changes as you see fit. Help

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your child compile (or color) sheets of paper in these colors and explain what each color means. Green: God made the Garden of Eden where ­people could live with him in perfect happiness. Green reminds us of the garden. Black: Sin separated ­people from God. We all have sin in our lives that can keep us from being close to God. Black reminds us of sin. Red: God had a wonderful plan to bring us close to him once again. He sent his Son, ­Jesus, to die for our sins and rise again. His blood allows us to be forgiven. Red reminds us of the blood of ­Jesus that saves us from our sins. White: When we believe in J­ esus and ask God to forgive us, we are made clean again. We are able to have a close relationship with God. White reminds us that our sins are washed away. Blue: God also gives us the gift of his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit helps us to always be close to God. Blue reminds us of the Holy Spirit. Yellow/Gold: God has prepared a home in heaven for everyone who loves him and believes in ­Jesus. In heaven, we will have eternal life and friendship with God. Yellow/gold reminds us of our home in heaven. Attach the colored pages into a book format. Practice telling the story of salvation with your child, using the different colors of the pages. As another option, recite John 3:16 with your child and make up your own set of actions to go along with the verse. John 3:16: “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.”

Extra Mile • No matter what time of year it is, take some time as a family to examine your Easter traditions. How do you typically observe the time from Good Friday to Easter Sunday? Is J­ esus the focus of your festivities? Browse the Internet for new ideas on how to keep Christ as the center of this holiday. • Read with your family The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs. Pick up a lily bulb from a garden center and grow it indoors. Your children will enjoy measuring its progress as it grows! • Many p­ eople in the world still haven’t heard the good news of the gospel. Do some research online or through your church about unreached ­people groups, and start including specific ­people groups in your prayer time with your child. Choose one day per week to pray that a group hears the gospel and believes in J­ esus for salvation. • Have a family movie night. Choose an age-appropriate Bible movie about the life, death, and resurrection of ­Jesus. Make a snack, turn off phones, and enjoy the movie together. Make the most of any teachable moments that arise during or after the movie. LESSON 3: Salvation  |  EARLY ELEMENTARY

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LESSON 3: Salvation  |  EARLY ELEMENTARY  |  Character Cards Template

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Hidden Message Directions: Find each word in the puzzle. Highlight the letters in the word. Use the leftover letters to find the hidden message.

GOD JESUS SIN

FAITH

CROSS

G J B E L I E V E O E D S G R A F C E S S I N H A A S S U A V E C D I Y O S U B E R C T A U S E O F O Y H O U G O D R S F A I T H I N C S H R I F O R G I V E S T Write the leftover letters in order, from left to right, in the spaces below.

Hidden Message:

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Let’s Color!

Name:

[Coloring page to come] Simple line drawing of a cross, or an empty tomb. Pick up from Preschool

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