User’s Manual

THE BIBLE BOX Interactive Educational Tools The Bible Box PO Box 850 Lafayette, CO 80026 303-664-1281 www.bibleboxonline.com

THE BIBLE BOX INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL TOOLS

NOTE: PRODUCT IS DESIGNED FOR 6 YEARS AND OLDER

The Bible Box

THIS IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END OF THE GREAT PROMISES OF GOD AS RECORDED IN SCRIPTURE!

Copyright © 2005 by James Fletemeyer Patent Pending.

Reproduction, copying, transmission and storage, in any form, is prohibited without prior

THE BIBLE BOX includes: • 15 plastic figures representing the 14 events. • A Guide permanently attached inside the cover of the Bible Box. • A 24 page Manual with outlines of the various events and scripture references, suggested teaching methods and a list of where The Bible Box can be used.

written permission of The Bible Box.

SALES INFORMATION The Bible Box is distributed by: The Bible Box P.O.Box 850 Lafayette, CO 80026 303-664-1281 www.bibleboxonline.com

Christian Bookstores and Church Bookstores are welcome as distributors. Special Quantity Discounts are available for Christian Organizations.

THE BIBLE BOX P.O.Box 850 Lafayette, CO. 80026 303 664-1281

THE BIBLE BOX Interactive Educational Tools

www.bibleboxonline.com Brochure printed in China.

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CONTACT INFORMATION For Questions and Comments The Bible Box PO Box 850 Lafayette, CO 80026 303-664-1281 www.bibleboxonline.com

evil thoughts or deeds in that wonderful place. No one will ever be punished, sick or hurt again. All God’s children will live with Him forever in the heavenly kingdom.

TABLE OF CONTENTS What’s in The Bible Box..................................................................2 Where Can The Bible Box be Used.................................................5 Bible Box History..............................................................................6 Teaching concepts.............................................................................8 Outline of Bible Events The World in God’s Hands..............................................................11 The Apple (Forbidden Fruit)...........................................................12 Noah’s Ark and the Rainbow...........................................................13 The Stone Tablets: The Ten Commandments.................................14 The Praying Hands..........................................................................15 The Four Books...............................................................................16 The Baby Jesus in a Manger............................................................17 The Descending Dove.....................................................................18 The Nine Hearts...............................................................................19 The Bread and the Wine..................................................................20 The Cross.........................................................................................21 The Sepulcher..................................................................................22 The Gates of Hell............................................................................23 The Gates of Heaven.......................................................................23 Sales and Contact Information...........................Inside Back Cover

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WHAT’S IN THE BIBLE BOX (NOTE: The indicated scripture references provide an outline of each event and do not represent an exhaustive study, which would indeed add depth to these significant events in presenting God’s message and is certainly encouraged.)

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The World in God’s Hands: Creation – the perfect work of the Father’s love (Still in His Hands) – Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24-28 The Apple (Forbidden Fruit): The Fall of mankind into sin – our predicament (the world’s no longer perfect), but God promises a Savior – Genesis 3 Noah’s Ark and the Rainbow: The Bible contains many historic accounts – like the story of the universal flood – God destroys the world because of sin, saving one family, but promises not to destroy it again with water – Genesis 6:9-9:17; Hebrews 11:7 The Stone Tablets: The Ten Commandments – God’s rules for mankind to live by, given to Moses – Exodus 20:1-17 The Praying Hands: Prayer – Communication with God – our ability to come before God in the name of Christ – Psalms 17; Matthew 6:5-15; John 17 The Four Books: The Gospel Accounts – the first books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) – God’s good news to mankind – I Corinthians 15 The Baby Jesus in a Manger: The fulfillment of God’s promise to save us from our sins – Luke 2:7-20; Matthew 1:18-2:2; John 3:16 The Descending Dove: The symbol of the Holy Spirit (from the baptism of Jesus), the third person of the Trinity - who reveals Christ to us today – Matthew 3:13- 4:1; Mark 1:10-11

THE GATES OF HELL: The fulfillment of God’s promise to those who reject Christ – Matthew 16:13-18; II Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20:7-15

The Bible tells us that hell is a place of never-ending punishment. Saying no to Jesus as our personal Savior will cause a man or woman, boy or girl to go to this place of everlasting separation from God, thereby entering the Gates of Hell. Therefore, when we die, those who have not believed and accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord will not go to Heaven. They will be sent to spend eternity with Satan in a lake of fire, tormented day and night, forever and ever. And finally, when Jesus returns to earth, he will judge everyone that lived, past and present, condemning all unbelievers and they will join Satan in hell. The question often asked, Is God really that mean that He would send those who have rejected Him to a place of never-ending punishment? God’s Son was sent so no one should go to hell and He died on the cross for the forgiveness of all our sins and bad deeds. God so loves us that He has tried every way possible to keep each girl, boy, man and woman from hell and to have eternal life with Him in Heaven. THE GATES OF HEAVEN: The fulfillment of God’s promise to those who believe in Christ – Matthew 25:31-46; John 3:16; Revelation 21:21-27

Jesus Christ will come back to earth one day. He will call for all people either living or dead to come to Him. Then He will separate people either on His right side or left side. People on the left will enter the Gates of Hell. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior on the right will be allowed to go with Him through the Gates of Heaven. They will be welcomed by God into Heaven and live there forever and ever. Heaven will be a place more beautiful than anywhere any person has ever seen. There will be no 2

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into our hearts, we also should try to obey and please God. Jesus died on the cross for us so that God will forgive our sins, and when we die we will go to Heaven to be with Him forever and ever. THE SEPULCHER: The empty tomb from which Jesus was raised to life after being buried for three days, which demonstrated Christ’s power over death and our hope for eternity – Matthew 27:66-28:4; Acts 2:24-36

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• Jesus’ body was taken down from the cross. Jesus was buried in a tomb which belonged to another man. The tomb was sealed. A soldier stood in front to guard it. After three days there was a big earthquake. An angel came down from heaven and rolled the stone away from the doorway. The tomb was open, but Jesus’ body was no longer inside. The soldiers guarding the tomb were so scared they looked like they were dead. Women came to the tomb to be near the place where they thought Jesus’ body was lying. An angel was sitting on the huge stone and said, “Do not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified on the cross. He’s not here. He has risen, just as He said.” All the writings (scriptures) in the Bible, which spoke of Jesus’ coming to life after His death, have come true. Jesus was indeed alive. For the next forty days after His resurrection Jesus walked and talked with his disciples. He gave them power to tell others about Jesus, to witness, in Jerusalem and everywhere they went. The Holy Spirit entered each disciple to help them tell others about Jesus. After the forty days Jesus was taken up into the clouds. Voices told the disciples that Jesus would come back one day the same way he had gone up into Heaven. God promises that all who call Jesus their Savior and believe in Him will be taken up into Heaven.

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The Nine Hearts: The Beatitudes – Jesus’ description of what our hearts should be like (blessed attitudes) as found in the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:1-12 The Bread and the Wine: The elements of Jesus’ last meal with His disciples, representing His body to be broken (crucifixion) and His blood to be poured out for the forgiveness of our sins – Matthew 26: 26-29; I Corinthians 11:23-29 The Cross: The symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for the sins of mankind through which we are saved unto eternity with Him – Acts 2:22,23; John 19; I Peter 2:22-25 The Sepulcher: The empty tomb from which Jesus was raised to life after being buried for three days, which demonstrated Christ’s power over death and our hope for eternity – Matthew 27:66-28:4; Acts 2:24-36 The Gates of Hell: The fulfillment of God’s promise to those who reject Christ – Matthew 16:13-18; II Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 20: 7-15 The Gates of Heaven: The fulfillment of God’s promise to those who believe in Christ – Matthew 25:31-46; John 3:16; Revelation 21:21-27

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OUR MISSION To reach All Communities with God’s Message in their Language The Great Commission: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 NIV

OUR GOAL To Help Educate Individuals and Communities with the Word of God through Effective Visual Presentations The Bible Box is designed for a large segment of the world’s population. The Bible Box message starts with God creating the world and everything in and around it. Fourteen key events have been selected from God’s creation to the eternal home, Heaven, for those who accept Jesus Christ.

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loaf around to all twelve disciples. Each one broke off a piece. Jesus asked them to eat the bread. Breaking the bread symbolizes Jesus’ body being broken when He was nailed to the cross. Then Jesus took a cup filled with wine. He drank from it and passed it around to all the disciples. Jesus told the disciples to drink from the cup. Wine is red and symbolized Jesus’ blood given on the cross. Jesus’ loss of His blood at His death makes it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins or bad deeds. God allowed His only Son to die to save you and me so that one day we can live in God’s kingdom in heaven. Jesus asks each of us who loves Him and believes in Him to remember what our Savior did for us. He asked that we as Christian believers join in the Last Supper or Communion in our church groups. When we eat the bread and drink the wine, He wants us to remember Him and thank Him for His great love and sacrifice for each of us. Joining in the Last Supper just like being baptized are two things Jesus teaches us to do to show we love and obey Him. These are called the Sacraments and are celebrated in our worship services. THE CROSS; The symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for the sins of mankind through which we are saved unto eternity with Him – Acts 2:22,23; John 19; I Peter 2:22-25

Jesus knew His father God sent Him to live on the earth, to teach and heal sick people and then to die a cruel death on the cross. A few days after the Last Supper, Jesus went to a garden to pray. Soldiers came and took Jesus away. He was treated very badly. Then there was a trial where people mocked Jesus and told lies about Him. Soldiers then took Jesus away to a hill called Golgotha. Jesus’ hands and feet were nailed to a tall cross set into the ground. He was between two men who were criminals and deserved to be punished. But Jesus had done nothing wrong, only good. As He was hanging on the cross He was still thinking of others, even those who had nailed Him to the cross. He said, “Father, forgive them for they do not understand what they are doing.” As Jesus took His last breath He said, “It is finished.” Jesus’ life on earth was finished. He had lived a perfect life. He had always obeyed His heavenly Father. When we ask Jesus to come 21

clothes, but he or she can still be kind, gentle, loving, and happy. As a blessed child of God, he or she can enjoy the whole beautiful world which God has made and then the eternal home in Heaven. 4. Those who want bad and evil to end in the world and people to change the way they live will be blessed. One day God will see that those who cause the bad will receive the punishment they deserve. There will be absolutely no injustice or evil in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5. Those who help others who are hurting or suffering and have mercy on others will likewise be cared for and shown mercy. 6. Those who always try to think and do what Jesus would do - who have pure hearts- will constantly be happy and live in the presence of God both here and in the Kingdom of Heaven. 7. Those who want peace and try to get everyone to get along together will be called sons of God. 8. Those who are mistreated because they love God and try to live by His ways on earth should keep trusting God. They are blessed now and will have Heaven as their glorious home one day. 9. When someone makes fun of you and lies about you because you say you love Jesus and are trying to obey Him, be happy, be very happy because you will receive a great reward in Heaven. Remember the prophets in the Old Testament who told that Jesus would come to earth. Many people laughed at them and even hurt them, but the prophets didn’t stop preaching and teaching the message that God had given them. Jesus was answering the question from his disciples and the people of that day, How do I live to be a part of God’s kingdom? These words may seem strange to our friends, but this is what God expects and His reward will be greater than any we can possible understand until we live with God in Heaven. THE BREAD and THE WINE: The elements of Jesus’ last meal with His disciples, representing His body to be broken (crucifixion) and His blood to be poured out for the forgiveness of our sins – Matthew 26: 26-29; I Corinthians 11:23-29 A few days before Jesus died on the cross, He ate one last meal with His disciples. Jesus and His special friends went up to the second floor of a house. The twelve men and Jesus gathered around a long table. Jesus broke a piece of bread from a loaf and ate it. He then passed the 20

WHERE CAN THE BIBLE BOX BE USED? As an educational experience that builds a lasting image of key events in the Bible, this simple tool will help all God’s children develop their faith and share the message with others.

Dynamic Teaching Aids for:

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Children’s Sunday School Vacation Bible School Missions Education Projects Language Training Ministries Mental Rehabilitation Programs Learning Challenged Adult Programs Christian & Home Schools Family Time Special Needs Students

Other Applications

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Parent and Grandparent Mentoring Christian Caregivers and Therapist Children’s Homes and Hospitals Retirement and Nursing Home Residences Incarceration Facilities, such as Prisons, Detention Centers or Halfway Homes • Reception Areas of Doctor and Dentist Offices • Hospital/Medical Comfort Rooms

As well as:

• Gifts • Games • Crafts

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THE BIBLE BOX HISTORY Originally, the Bible Box was developed as a teaching aid for stimulating and engaging developmentally disabled adults in a weekly Sunday School program at First Presbyterian Church, Boulder, Colorado. The teacher created this interactive, experiential learning tool. The Box featured fourteen essential Bible concepts, represented by simple handcrafted figures. An explanation sheet inside the box listed the concepts in a chronological sequence, as found within scripture. The Box was designed to resemble the classic “Holy Bible” with its heavy black binding and (simulated) red-edged pages. The words The Holy Bible was centered on the outside cover inscribed in a familiar lettering style. Something profound happened when the developmentally disabled adults (and others with inquisitive minds) used this learning tool to identify the various elements, trying to commit to memory their particular meaning and often their context within scripture. Even with occasional use interest was retained, as recalling each piece remained a challenge. Frequently, students identified with a “favorite” piece, which made it fun to revisit The Holy Bible. Others in the local church noted the success of learning and the creative way of sharing the Word of God. A church member saw the vision and produced prototypes and initiated market research. The response was excellent and a copyright was obtained from the US Library of Congress and a patent is pending. Additional comments and suggestions were received during the development phase as follows: The Bible Box – • acts as a personal treasure chest, raising curiosity as to its content – storing sacred truths • stimulates interest in what can be found in the Bible • develops simple images of Biblical subjects that can be visualized, touched, and therefore better recalled • sets forth the “basic truths” of God’s Word, underscoring the principles of salvation and the purpose of life • becomes a refresher course, used often to review basic Biblical knowledge 6

away) and said he was willing for God to be in his life. The Sacrament of Baptism shows that we believe Jesus is our Savior and will forgive our bad deeds and we will trust Him. John also told the people watching on the banks of the river that a man greater than John was coming. He was telling about the man, Jesus, God’s son. Jesus wanted to set a good example for all people who lived then and those who would be on the earth later. Jesus found John the Baptist and asked him to baptize Him. John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. When Jesus was coming up out of the water He looked up to heaven. God’s spirit in the shape of a white dove flew down. A voice spoke from Heaven saying Jesus was His Son, He loved Jesus, and Jesus was obeying God, making His Father very happy. THE NINE HEARTS: The Beatitudes – Jesus’ description of what our hearts should be like (blessed attitudes) as found in the Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus was the very best teacher who ever walked on this earth. His lessons teach us how to treat others. Jesus tells us to love another person just like we love ourselves. Jesus’ best lesson is called the Sermon on the Mount. One day many men and women, boys and girls followed Jesus to a hillside and sat on the grass in front of Him. Jesus taught them a special lesson explaining that they will be happy and blessed if they live like Jesus tells us to live. These teachings are called The Beatitudes and show the attitude of joy in our hearts because we love and believe Jesus. It also means joy and hope regardless of what is happening to us. 1. Those who are poor in spirit don’t think themselves important and better than other people. They will have the Kingdom of Heaven given to them by their Heavenly Father. 2. Some who are very sad because they have not been as good as they should, think God is upset with them. They will be comforted and blessed by a loving Heavenly Father who wants His children to love Him and keep on trying to be as good as they can be. 3. A Christian may not be rich with things like a big house or lots of 19

because so many travelers had come before them. Instead they stayed in a small and dusty stable where animals were kept. There Jesus, the Savior, was born. In a field outside Bethlehem shepherds watched their sheep. God sent His angels to appear in the sky and tell the shepherds about Jesus, the newborn Christ child. The excited shepherds went to the stable to see Jesus and then told everyone they met that the Savior had been born. Wise men, kings in another country, saw a very bright star in the sky. They learned that the star meant God’s Son had been born. They traveled a long way to worship Jesus and brought Him expensive gifts.

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presents a constant reminder of God’s essential truths trains students on the art of teaching others, thereby encouraging them to be witnesses in the world increases a student’s evangelical responsibility, sharpening their awareness by deepening recall provides a tool that teachers can use as a challenging game, played over and over again by inventing alternative ways to associate the figures and their meanings with other learning activities and different Bible stories

God’s Plan for His Children John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”(NIV) God loves us and wants to be our friend. He gave us his Son, Jesus, as a human person, just like us, to live among the early Christians. Today Jesus still wants us to believe in Him and God’s promise to take us to Heaven to live there with Him when we pass from this earth.

THE DESCENDING DOVE: The symbol of the Holy Spirit (from the baptism of Jesus), the third person of the Trinity - who reveals Christ to us today –– Matthew 3:13- 4:1; Mark 1:10-11 The Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God are called the Trinity, meaning three. They are parts of our one Heavenly Father. God sends us the Holy Spirit to help us remember to believe in Jesus and His teachings. When we do wrong the Holy Spirit reminds us to ask Jesus to forgive us and help us not do the bad deeds again. The Holy Spirit lets us feel good inside, reminding us of God’s love, even when things and people around us may not be good. Before Jesus began to preach, a man named John the Baptist had been teaching people that they must obey God. John baptized people who wanted to tell God they were sorry for not obeying him. John used water from the river and dipped the person under water and then lifted him up for the baptism. Water washes away dirt. Thus the person washed away his bad deeds and thoughts (like dirt would be washed 18

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TEACHING CONCEPTS Routine study using The Bible Box never seems to lose its interest. Those who wish to teach using the Bible Box should familiarize themselves with the Biblical facts and stories by reading a version of the Bible. The references in this manual are from the NIV. If students are young children or learning challenged adults, read the designated scriptures from a children’s version of the Bible in preparation of lessons. For other audiences the teacher may use any version(s) preferred. In presenting the stories, the teacher should aim to: 1. Keep sentences short and vocabulary simple. 2. Repeat key words and concepts. 3. Review at the end of each story to check students’ understanding. Suggested Teaching Methods Present the first story at the first class meeting (suggested stories are outlined in this brochure). Show the object which illustrates the story. Pass it around so that each student can examine it. Remember to use short, simple sentences with students with limited learning ability. Following the story telling, ask simple questions to determine whether the student(s) have understood the Bible story and Biblical truths. For example: What did God tell Noah to build? Who went into the ark? Why wouldn’t God let other people get into the ark? How long did it rain? How did Noah know the ground was dry again? What did Noah do to thank and honor God? How can we be like Noah? What promise did God make to Noah and us today?

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Luke, and another John. Each book is named for a man who was a special helper of Jesus, called a disciple. These men wrote what they remembered about being with Jesus. The books say that God sent Jesus to earth as a newborn baby. Jesus grew up to be a little boy and then a young man who worked as a carpenter. The books tell us that Jesus was good even though the evil one, Satan, tried to get Him to do wrong. Jesus went about telling men and women, girls and boys of God’s love for them and teaching them how to please God. Jesus said He was God’s Son. Whoever believed in Jesus would live forever with God and Him in Heaven. Jesus also healed some people who were blind to see and others who could not walk to walk again. The Gospels tell that some people did not like Jesus and did not believe He was sent from God. Some people took Him to their high rulers who decided Jesus should die. Jesus was nailed to a cross, with nails through his hands and feet, and he hung there until He died. But Jesus came back to life three days later. He met His disciples and close friends. Jesus told His friends that this was God’s plan that He should die and rise up and then go to Heaven to be with God. Many years later a man named Paul wrote letters to Jesus’ followers. He wanted to tell them the Gospels were indeed true. They should keep thinking about what Jesus did for all people. Jesus died so that anybody who believes in Him and tries to do what He taught can one day live with Him and God in heaven. THE BABY JESUS IN THE MANGER: The fulfillment of God’s promise to save us from our sins –– Luke 2:7-20; Mattthew 1:18-2-2; John 3:16 The Old Testament, beginning with the first book, Genesis, tells of a Savior who would come to the world to tell of God’s love for men, women, boys and girls. God picked a young girl named Mary, and Joseph, a carpenter, to be the parents of this Savior, Jesus. Though they were not yet married, God’s Spirit prepared Mary to have a baby. Mary and Joseph left their home in Nazareth and traveled to Bethlehem, the place God picked for the Savior’s birth. In Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph knew the baby was about to be born, but there was no room at the inn where they wanted to 17

Long ago, God sent Jesus to live on earth to teach us about God. Then God took His Son back to heaven. Everything there is beautiful and peaceful and good. In Heaven God is king. When you pray ask that God will show us how to get along with others and make our world a better place now, even before Jesus returns. God wants us to thank and praise Him for the good things He gives us like food and a family and friends. If we do something bad God wants us to tell Him we’re sorry and will try not to do it again. God will forgive us. If someone does something bad to us, we must forgive him or her also. God knows we have a hard time being good all the time. It is easy to think bad thoughts or do bad things. Jesus said to pray that God will help us do well and not be bad. Jesus Prays to His Father John 17 Jesus prayed to His Father just before He died. He told God He had tried very hard to teach people about God and how much God loved them and wanted them to love Him and each other. Some of the people were trying to do what Jesus taught them. Others did not listen to Jesus. A small group of men called disciples listened to Jesus, obeyed Him and went with Him as He taught other people. They helped Jesus so He could spend more time talking about God. Jesus prayed for the disciples and for the people who listened and tried to obey Him. People who believed what Jesus said were called Christians. Jesus knew the Christians would have a hard time remembering to do what Jesus told them to do after He went back to Heaven. Jesus prayed asking God to help these people. THE FOUR BOOKS: The GOSPEL Accounts – the first books of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) – God’s good news to mankind – I Corinthians 15 These four books are the first books in the New Testament. They tell the best story ever written, the story about Jesus. These four books are called the Gospels. One is Matthew another Mark, another 16

To reinforce the story: 1. Begin the story and then ask a student what came next, go to another student and have him, her continue the story. 2. Allow students to hold the object in turn as you retell the story or ask questions. In successive weeks after several or all stories have been told the following activities may be used to reinforce the Bible stories and Biblical truths: 1. While a story is being told, place appropriate figures in front of the student (s). First student to raise his/her hand and identify the figure gets to hold the figure while rest of story is told. 2. After all lessons have been told cover all figures with a cloth and begin a story. As soon as the students recognize which story they are hearing, choose a student to reach under the cloth and pick up a figure. Ask if this is the right symbol. If not tell more of the story and let a second student reach under the cloth, pick up a figure and again ask if it is the right symbol. Continue until the correct symbol is uncovered. 3. Spread all figures out on the table. Ask students to close their eyes. Remove one or more figures. Ask which symbol is missing. Ask the one who has correctly identified the missing figure if he/ she can tell the name of the story it matches. 4. Place the figures in a shopping bag. Let each group member reach in and withdraw a figure. Ask the student to identify the story which matches this symbol. 5. Open The Bible Box and let each student select their favorite figure and then tell the story. If two or more select the same figure, have each tell a part of the story. 9

6. Describe a concept or story related to pieces found in The Bible

Box, asking students to identify the precise figure associated with the illustration. 7. With the Box closed ask students to recall the pieces inside The Bible Box. Once identified, a piece can be removed further describing its significance, followed by asking what pieces remain in The Bible Box. 8. Place all figures in front of students and ask that they be placed in the order as they are presented in the Bible. (This requires a higher level of skill.).

IV Sunday is my special day. Spend it thinking of your God and doing things that will please Him. V Love and respect your mother and father. If you listen to them you will live a happier and better life. VI Do not kill others. VII If you marry, live with your wife or husband only. VIII Do not take what does not belong to you. IX Do not say anything about anyone which is not true. X Do not want badly things which belong to others.”

THE PRAYING HANDS: PRAYER – Communication with God – our ability to come before God in the name of Christ – Psalms 17; Matthew 6:5-15; John 17

King David’s Prayer, Psalms 17

Prayer is the way we talk to God. When we pray we usually bow our heads, close our eyes, and place our hands together so that our hands are still. Our fingers are pointing up toward heaven. David, who was an important king in the Bible, prayed often to God. David asked God to forgive him for things he should not have done. David also asked God to help him be kind to others and do whatever would please the Lord. David wanted to live in heaven with God when he died. He prayed for God to help him obey and please God as he lived as king on earth. Jesus’ Instructions For Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6: 9-15 Jesus, God’s son, prayed. He prayed to His Father in heaven. Jesus taught us how to pray to God. Jesus said to be quiet and think about God and not be distracted by the things or people around us. We begin speaking to God and say “Our Father in heaven.” We have fathers here on earth; those who love God have a Father in heaven, too. Then we tell God how wonderful He is. “I praise you God.” Even His name is very special or holy. “Your name is special (holy) to me, God.” 10

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went down. Noah sent a dove from the ark to see if the land was dry. The dove came back to the ark with a tree branch, which proved the land was dry. Finally, Noah, his family and all the living things in the ark were able to get off the boat. They stepped out onto dry land. Noah built an altar, a place to honor and thank God for saving his family. God promised not to destroy the earth with a flood, ever again. God placed a rainbow in the sky to help the people remember His promise to them.

THE STONE TABLETS: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS – God’s rules for mankind to live by, given to Moses – Exodus 20:1-17

Years passed after the flood. Many more people were born. Some people who lived in a land named Israel were captured by other people from a land called Egypt. The Egyptians took them away to their land. The people of Israel had to work very hard for the people in Egypt. The Egyptians were mean to the Israelites. God picked a man named Moses, one of the Israelites, to lead his people away from Egypt. God knew that His people needed help while traveling through the great desert. God sent food down from heaven when they were hungry and led them to water when they were thirsty. But they also needed help in remembering to obey God. While in the desert God sent a signal to Moses to come up on a mountain. The Lord God came down from heaven to the top of the mountain to give Moses the rules for the people to obey. God said: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land where you had to work so hard for other men who treated you badly.” These are the ten rules or commandments which God gave us to obey. I Do not let anything or anyone be more important to you than I am. II Do not worship anything or anyone anywhere in the earth except me. III Speak the name God or Lord very carefully because it is My name. It is holy, as I am holy. Do not say My name when you are very angry with someone. 14

(NOTE: The concepts below are listed chronologically, as they unfold in scripture. The indicated references provide an initial understanding of each concept and do not represent an exhaustive study. Such preparation would indeed add meaning and depth to these concepts and is certainly encouraged.)

THE WORLD IN GOD’S HANDS: Creation – the perfect work of the Father’s love (Still in His Hands) – Genesis 1:1; Acts 17:24-28

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1-2:3 God created everything! DAY ONE: Close your eyes. What do you see? Nothing but blackness- no shapes. In the beginning there was no earth. Darkness was everywhere. But God was there. He spoke, “Let there be light.” And light shone in the darkness. God liked the light. He split the light from the darkness and called the light day, the darkness He called night. God made the first day. DAY TWO: God looked at the water all around everywhere. He created the sky by dividing the waters above from the waters below. God made the second day. DAY THREE: Then God pushed the water below around so that dry land appeared. The places where he left water He called Seas; where He placed the dry land He called Earth. Then God let grass, plants, and fruit trees grow on the land. God said “This is good.” God made the third day. DAY FOUR: God then said He would put lights in the sky to tell day from night. God created the sun and the moon. He also made stars to shine in the night. This was God’s fourth day.

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DAY FIVE: God made all kinds of fish - big ones like whales and little ones like goldfish and let them swim in the seas and rivers and ponds. God also created many kinds of birds like eagles and robins to fly around in the skies. God made the fifth day. DAY SIX: Then God made all kinds of animals to run, walk, and crawl around on the earth. But God wasn’t through yet. He wanted to make a man who would have power over the animals and birds; but most important, a man who could know God, love God, and talk to Him. And at last God made a man Adam and a woman Eve. God told them to have children so that there would always be people on the earth to love God. This was the sixth day. DAY SEVEN: God had been working very hard so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. God wants the seventh day to be holy and used to honor and to do good things that please God. He wants us to worship and pray to Him. God is a powerful God. He knows everything about us, where we live and go to school or work. He does not need anything from us. But He is very disappointed if we do not think about Him, thank Him, and want Him to be with us always. He wants His children to love Him just as your father wants you to love and obey him.

The snake said, “You will not die, for God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” The woman saw how good the apple looked and she wanted to know more. So she ate from the apple and gave some to her husband. Their eyes were opened. They saw they were naked. So they made clothes for themselves. God came to the garden and called to Adam, “Where are you?” Adam and Eve were hiding but God knew where they were. God made them leave the garden, never to live there again. God punished the snake and made him crawl on his belly. He scolded him, telling him Jesus Christ would destroy him one day. The snake was really Satan. Man (Adam) and Woman (Eve) were now not close to God because they had disobeyed and made God angry. NOAH’S ARK AND THE RAINBOW: The Bible contains many historic accounts – like the story of the universal flood – God destroys the world because of sin, saving one family, but promises not to destroy it again with water – Genesis 6:9-9:17; Hebrews 11:7

God placed Adam in his first home, a beautiful garden in a place called Eden. In Eden God provided everything Adam would need to live including his wife Eve. They were to work in and take care of the garden. God said to Adam, “Eat fruit from any tree except one. Do not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and bad because you will die.” In the garden lived a cunning snake, who said to the woman, “Did God really say ‘You must not eat fruit from any tree in the garden’?” Eve said “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.”

Many people were born on the earth. Most of these people disobeyed God. God was very unhappy and decided that His people that He had created were very, very bad. But there was one good man Noah, and he loved God with all his heart. Noah did everything just as God asked him. Noah and his wife had three sons. Each son had his own family. God said to Noah, “Everyone will die because people don’t listen to me and are wicked.” God decided to destroy them. God made a promise to save just Noah and his family. He asked Noah to build an ark, a very large boat. He told Noah just how to build it and gave him the measurements. God then told Noah to gather two of every kind of animal and bird, both male and female, that lived on the earth and lead them into his big wooden ark. Noah obeyed God. He took plenty of food and water into the ark. He and his family went inside and they shut the door tightly. God caused it to rain 40 days and 40 nights. It was the biggest flood the earth has ever had! Everything was destroyed except the ark and all in the ark as God had promised. The rain stopped and the waters

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THE APPLE (FORBIDDEN FRUIT): The Fall of mankind into sin – our predicament (The world is no longer perfect), but God promises a Savior – Genesis 3