Trek To Wildcat Mountain

Trek To Wildcat Mountain Behold I come Quickly… 2017 VBS-Camp Series A Study Concerning the Second Coming of Christ.     Discovering the Map to ...
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Trek To Wildcat Mountain Behold I come Quickly…

2017 VBS-Camp Series A Study Concerning the Second Coming of Christ.    

Discovering the Map to Wildcat Mountain Climbing Wildcat Mountain Sorting at Wildcat Mountain The Great Divide at Wildcat Mountain

Ages 4 years and 5 years old Wrangler Church Ministries©2017 Ron & Francine Singleterry

Trek to Wildcat Mountain Discovering the Map Ages 4s & 5s Ron & Francine Singleterry/ Wrangler Church Ministries©2017

Discovering the Map to Wildcat Mountain

Suggested Props: † † †

Fold out Map Compass GPS

Trek Teachers: Trek to Wildcat Mountain is a fun Vacation Bible School or Camp or Sunday School Series based on Jesus’ teachings primarily from Matthew and Revelation. Trek to Wildcat Mountain endeavors to clarify the basics of the Return of Christ for both the churched and the unchurched student.

References: And, behold, I come quickly…. Revelation 22:12a For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37

Introduction: [Lesson can easily be taught in classroom or an alternative is to teach it from horseback if you have the setting to do so. If you have an arena setting, just follow the prompts and use the horse to illustrate as you go along.] If you are going somewhere that you have never been to before, you will need a map. Without a map, you may wind up going in circles. You might end up having to turn around and back track a lot. Without a map, you just don’t know where you are going or how to get to where you want to go. [Give a personal example of getting lost on a trip] We are on a Trek to Wildcat Mountain. The first thing we need to do is discover the Map for this journey and learn how to understand the directions. If you ignore the Map and disregard its directions then you will never get up the mountain and reach that wonderful destination that has been prepared for you.

This package includes optional People Melodrama, Optional Puppet Scripts, Two Devotional Style Workbooks, Worksheets, Activities, & crafts for younger age groups. A more detailed set of Lessons/Messages for ages 4 years through adults regarding The Second Coming are available for free download in a previously published series called RELEASED SERIES__The Return and is available online from Wrangler Church at www.wranglerchurch.com . These could easily be added at the end of the Trek series to study in more depth, if desired.

Does anyone have an idea of what our map might look like for this journey? Our Map will be the Bible. Did you know that Jesus is coming back to earth again? He not only came to earth as a baby to Bethlehem; He is also coming back to earth again. Reading the Map: Matthew 24:3 ….Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming…

God’s Word has much to say about the “Second Coming” of the Lord. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me

Jesus in His own Words is telling us that HE, Himself, is the only way to eternity in Heaven. Can you use a Compass? Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

This Bible passage may sound scary. But it really is NOT scary to those that trust Jesus as Savior. He has made special promises to people that are “saved” that is, “born-again.” The Words that Jesus spoke about the “end of time” and His coming back to earth are really there to not scare us. He told us what to expect. He also told us how to avoid the mistake of not understanding what He was talking about. [Have a compass ready to show.] A compass is a magnetized needle on a bearing. This magnetized needle will point north toward the magnetic North Pole of earth as long as you are in the Northern Hemisphere. Once you have established where North is, then you can go in the direction you choose for your journey or trek. But something you have to remember about a compass is that if you get it too close to a permanent or electro magnet, then you will get the needle to point the wrong direction. But keep in mind that the North Pole has not moved. You can be just confused by “interference.” A horse can get directions or instructions from the rider, but if the rider is confused then the horse still ends up in the wrong location right along with the rider. It may not be his fault, but the results are the same nonetheless. There always has been, and there always will be until the end of earth’s time, people that say that God’s Word is not totally correct. They will say that science shows that the Bible is mistaken. They will teach you to question that the Bible is truth. As you travel on this trek, there will be distractions and confusion to try to get you off course. Always remember that the Bible is the source of truth and has been since the beginning of time.

John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

How about a more modern GPS? Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Global Positional Satellites can show you exactly where you are if you have a device that can read these coordinates. Some cars and trucks have these. [Suggest you use a cell phone with a GPS or another device to demonstrate by showing the students exactly where they are.] Horses don’t come with a satellite operated GPS, but you can sometimes count on one to find his own way back to the barn on his own. But you won’t see a horse, finding his way to a place he’s never been to before unless he has a motivation to go there or is taken there on purpose. People aren’t born with a GPS for finding their way to Heaven on their own either. Heaven was meant to be our final Home, but you have to be told how to find your way there. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

IN SUMMARY: God provided a Map, the Bible, for us. God’s Way to Heaven is the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is Coming Back to Earth again. This is called “The Second Coming.” Worksheet Follows:  



Run the Following Worksheet on Cardstock. Have old fold out maps on hand; cut out a portion of a map; glue on cardstock filling about 2/3 of the lower part of the page. Then glue the smaller following Bible Picture [run a copy] on the top of the Map.

Getting your Bearings John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Our Map is the Bible. Our Way is Jesus.

Trek to Wildcat Mountain Climbing Wildcat Mountain Ages 4s & 5s Ron & Francine Singleterry/ Wrangler Church Ministries©2017

Trek Teachers: Climbing Wildcat Mountain

References: And, behold, I come quickly…. Revelation 22:12a For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37

Introduction: Jesus came to earth and spoke as a man face to face to mankind, yet, confusion still abounds. People are confused about the Second Coming of Jesus. But no matter how much people are confused that will not change God’s plan. Jesus will come back. Will you be ready? Climbing up by the Short Cut: John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

The temptation to take short cuts is always there. When you are practicing for a competition it is easy to cut your practice time short because you think you are “good enough.” Several years ago we knew a couple of young ladies that both won awards in their age groups at the NFR in Vegas in Dummy Roping. They told us that they practiced throwing the rope at the Dummy every day. Not only daily, but they threw the rope until they hit the dummy correctly 100 times in a row. If while they were practicing they MISSED their throw, then they had to start over again and begin the count from scratch. Now that is dedication! That is practice! That is how you win the

Trek to Wildcat Mountain is a fun Vacation Bible School or Camp or Sunday School Series based on Jesus’ teachings primarily from Matthew and Revelation. Trek to Wildcat Mountain endeavors to clarify the basics of the Return of Christ for both the churched and the unchurched student. This package includes optional People Melodrama, Optional Puppet Scripts, Two Devotional Style Workbooks, Worksheets, Activities, & crafts for younger age groups. A more detailed set of Lessons/Messages for ages 4 years through adults regarding The Second Coming are available for free download in a previously published series called RELEASED SERIES__The Return and is available online from Wrangler Church at www.wranglerchurch.com . These could easily be added at the end of the Trek series to study in more depth, if desired.

Nationals! But what if they had taken SHORT-CUTS at practice time? Then someone who had not taken short cuts would have beaten them most likely. To do your best, and be your best, you cannot take shortcuts. The same is true of chores, or in sports. Think how many times you have had to go back and “do it right” or “do it over.” Taking a short cut on a hike in the mountains can have pitfalls as well. Getting off of the trail can mean a trip through the thorns. Short cuts usually do not work out the way we expect them to work out. Getting to go to Heaven is something like that, too. There are NO short cuts to Heaven. Jesus is the only way to Heaven; He is the Redeemer. Some think that doing good deeds, like raising funds for a church or good cause is a good short cut. Some folks think that helping a neighbor is a good short cut to get God to let them into Heaven. But these are not the way. The Bible, God’s Word, says that you must turn to Jesus, repent, giving your heart and life to Him in faith. Anything less, is a short cut, which will not get you to the mountain top. A short cut turns out to be a time taker; not a time saver. It’s a distraction. Jesus is coming back for those that have trusted Him as their Savior; that is, those that are saved. The Bible says that we won’t have time when He returns to get ready. It says that when He sounds the trumpet, that we must already be ready. 1 Corinthians 15:52-53 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

The Bible tells us that:  

Jesus will come so quickly, that faster than you can blink your eyes, He will have taken the saved to Heaven. There is a trumpet sound that only the saved will hear.

There will be no short cuts when the trumpet sounds. There will be no time for “do-overs.” You must be ready before He sounds the trumpet. You must have already chosen Jesus. Climbing up by Blazing your own Trail: Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

God wants us to have success. There are many religions with messed up ideas about right and wrong, as well as wrong information about how to get to Heaven. Fake ideas will lead you to the edge of a canyon with no way across. We live in a time when the world will twist and distort truths and say there is a better way. But remember, turning away from God’s Word to a new way will only blaze a trail around the mountain to a dead end; it does not lead you to the top of the mountain. Once that trumpet sounds and Jesus says, Come up, then it’s too late for those that have already heard and rejected. Jesus warns us about misleading information. Matthew 24:3-12 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. ……And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

So we are plainly warned that bad information will be around. We are plainly warned that we will be tempted to follow misinformation. This is not a new thing. This is why it is VITAL that you know your Bible. You must learn to read the Bible for yourself as soon as you learn to read; you must pray and ask for God’s direction and seek wise counsel and teaching. If something does not line up with the Bible, then it may be from the enemy, the deceiver. Avoid trying to Blaze your own Trail; read THE BOOK. Listen, watch, and learn. Climbing up through the Narrow Gap: Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Have you ever tried to SQUEEEEEZE into a small space? Maybe you have had to squeeze into a gap between the gate and the fence post? Maybe you have had to squeeze inside a doorway because the door would not open all the way? Sometimes being small is helpful when grown-ups need someone to squeeze into a small space like in the trailer or in the pickup bed to get something out. There are advantages to being small sometimes! The Bible, God’s Word, tells us that the way to Heaven is sort of like that small space that only a few people can get through. This is mainly true, because it’s a hard thing to find although Jesus made it very clear!

Why is the narrow gap so hard to find? Why is it so hard to find a way up the mountain? Is it camouflaged? Is it hidden? Are we blinded? Are we even looking for it? Could it be that most people do not like tight spaces? Most people will turn to the broad path, the easy path, the popular path rather than journey up the narrow path. The broad path won’t get you up the mountain, but at least it is the easier path. Don’t be fooled by this “easier path” because along the way it will leave you at a dead end and stranded. Matthew 24:27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Jesus told us that He is coming back to earth! Are you ready for that event that we call “the Rapture” of the church? The term “Rapture” is not in the Bible, but the event certainly is. We learn more about that event and what follows in the next Message; but the main point of this message is: Jesus is coming back to earth; don’t be fooled by people that say otherwise. Worksheet Follows:

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

NO SHORTCUTS Draw a line from the Sheep to the Top of the Mountain by going through the Correct Gate.

Trek to Wildcat Mountain Sorting at Wildcat Mountain Ages 4s & 5s Ron & Francine Singleterry/ Wrangler Church Ministries©2017

Trek Teachers: Sorting at Wildcat Mountain Suggested Props: †

Goats & Sheep [real or figurines]

References: And, behold, I come quickly…. Revelation 22:12a For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37 John 14: 1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Introduction: Matthew 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

God has a sorting planned. The Bible usually refers to people that have accepted Jesus as their Savior as sheep and those that have not as goats. God has a sheep and goats sorting event coming up. [Teaching this lesson with a live sorting is an easy task; just follow the lesson and interject as needed. Teaching it inside a classroom can be as simple as setting up figurines of animals on a table top and having a sorting as the lesson goes along. A visual adds to the lesson.] The Sudden Sorting: Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Trek to Wildcat Mountain is a fun Vacation Bible School or Camp or Sunday School Series based on Jesus’ teachings primarily from Matthew and Revelation. Trek to Wildcat Mountain endeavors to clarify the basics of the Return of Christ for both the churched and the unchurched student. This package includes optional People Melodrama, Optional Puppet Scripts, Two Devotional Style Workbooks, Worksheets, Activities, & crafts for younger age groups. A more detailed set of Lessons/Messages for ages 4 years through adults regarding The Second Coming are available for free download in a previously published series called RELEASED SERIES__The Return and is available online from Wrangler Church at www.wranglerchurch.com . These could easily be added at the end of the Trek series to study in more depth, if desired.

Once the Holy Spirit starts talking to your heart about choosing Jesus as Savior, then you will have to make a choice. You can either choose to go through the narrow gate that the Bible is talking about or we can choose to do nothing and stay on the wide path that leads to everlasting destruction. There is a big event coming in the future which is called the RAPTURE by many Christians. Did you know that Jesus is coming back to get all of the saved people, the people that have asked Him to forgive their sins? Jesus is coming to get these people and take them to Heaven to a BIG banquet! And, behold, I come quickly…. Revelation 22:12a For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37

He will come very fast to get them and most of the people left on earth won’t even notice that He has come. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:27

We do not know WHEN He is going to sound the trumpet call and take the Christians to Heaven. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. Matthew 24:36 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matt.24:44 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

There are a lot of different opinions amongst people that study the Bible carefully about exactly HOW and WHEN the end time events will take place. There is no need to get disturbed about the fact that people will “interpret” the Bible differently. Instead you should be assured that no matter what people “think” it will not change what God is going to do. He is going to end the world as we know it; He is going to make sure that His people that are saved are taken care of and He is not going to change His mind about how and when He does this. The fact remains: He is coming again. The most important thing is: Will you be ready?

Activity Follows: Pseudo Sorting for 4s & 5s [older kids have a more advanced version]:  



   

Kids prepare to separate the "Sheep" ---White Balloons from the “Goats” …..A color other than white. Place a circle [make from placing a rope on the ground in a circle, or by drawing a circle, or placing a round pen in an arena. Any kind of boundaries will do.] Place all the balloons in the circle together to begin. Have 2 designated boxes or 2 designated locations on opposite sides to collect the balloons that the students collect…designated area is the “Pen” for either the Sheep or the Goats respectively. Students have 30 seconds each to try to get a “sheep” into their correctly designated box. After 30 seconds the students must pass off the turn to the next student in line. Students take timed turns or can go in groups depending on your group size, trying to separate the Sheep into their “Pen” With a balloon ("sheep") in front of them on the ground, kids maneuver the sheep into the circle.

Simple indoors Sorting alternative. Using your imagination pick any two different sets of objects like figurines to sort. You can talk about the sorting. God has a sorting coming. We live on this planet together but one day God is going to separate the sheep from the goats in the event called the Rapture.

Trek to Wildcat Mountain The Great Divide at Wildcat Mountain Ages 4s & 5s Ron & Francine Singleterry/ Wrangler Church Ministries©2017

Trek Teachers: The Great Divide at Wildcat Mountain References: And, behold, I come quickly…. Revelation 22:12a For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Hebrews 10:37

Introduction: Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence.

In the first three lessons we talked about the Map to Wildcat Mountain, the Climb up Wildcat Mountain, and the Sorting at Wildcat Mountain. This lesson will talk about what we will be doing once we get to the top of Wildcat Mountain. Have you ever planned a trip but did not have a clue what you would do when you got there? When it comes to our Christian life we learn what Jesus provided for salvation. We are taught how Christians are to behave here on earth. However, most Christians really do not understand what eternity and forever is all about. What is this everlasting life all about? How will it play out? Will we be sitting on clouds strumming a harp and floating around in white nightgowns? What do YOU think Heaven is like? [Get a few answers, then move on to what the Bible has to say.] Let’s find out what the Bible has to say. It is the only reliable source of information that we have on the subject.

Trek to Wildcat Mountain is a fun Vacation Bible School or Camp or Sunday School Series based on Jesus’ teachings primarily from Matthew and Revelation. Trek to Wildcat Mountain endeavors to clarify the basics of the Return of Christ for both the churched and the unchurched student. This package includes optional People Melodrama, Optional Puppet Scripts, Two Devotional Style Workbooks, Worksheets, Activities, & crafts for younger age groups. A more detailed set of Lessons/Messages for ages 4 years through adults regarding The Second Coming are available for free download in a previously published series called RELEASED SERIES__The Return and is available online from Wrangler Church at www.wranglerchurch.com . These could easily be added at the end of the Trek series to study in more depth, if desired.

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God…

The Divided World at War: Revelation 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

After the Marriage Supper of the Lamb [from previous lesson] Jesus will saddle up and be wearing His leggings or chaps that are engraved: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Instead of a cowboy hat, He will be wearing “many crowns.” The saved that are in Heaven will mount up on white horses and follow Him as He wages war on the unsaved world. This is the last war the earth will ever see; and it will be the shortest battle ever. Revelation 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

The Battle of Armageddon takes place in the Valley of Megiddo in Israel. The armies of the earth will be locked in a fierce battle there when Jesus comes back riding His white horse and ends the battle. We won’t even have time to draw our swords before Jesus has claimed victory! This will be a great victorious celebration day! God’s Promised Divide: God keeps His Promises. If you are a born-again Christian, He made you a promise, too. John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

The Last Divide: The New Heaven and New Earth Have you ever gotten something new? It might be a new saddle, or a new puppy, or new boots. But after a time, the newness wears off. You have to take care of what was once new. Things get dirty; that pup grows into a dog that needs to be cared for. Can you imagine something where the newness never wears off?

Can you imagine some place where you never get tired of being there? Every day is like a new thing. In the first lesson we talked about the Map the Bible. In the second lesson we talked about the Climb up the Mountain, making the correct choice to accept Jesus to get you to the right destination. In the third lesson we learned about the sorting that God has set up. Now we are going to talk about the final destination. So what is eternity in Heaven like? It is a place of extreme beauty. Revelation 21:18-21 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

No one will ever feel pain or die. Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

We will never get tired or have need to rest. Revelation 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

There will be no more night. Jesus will provide the Light. Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

We will be in the presence of God the Father and Jesus, God the Son forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

The Bible is true. Jesus did not lie. He keeps His promises. Will you believe the Map, the Bible? Will you climb up by the way of the Narrow Gap? Which side of the Sort will you be on? Eternity is real. Which way will you choose?

Color Sheet Follows: Jesus Keeps His Promises

Jesus Keeps His Promises.

John 14: 2b-4 I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whether I go ye know, and the way ye know.