Numbers 22:1-24:25

In Children’s Church, we reviewed the story of the Bronze Snake and connected it to the New Testament. The Israelites  started complaining again so God allowed poisonous snakes to bite them, but He also gave them a way to be healed by instructing Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. When those that were bitten and dying looked at it, they would be saved. We found Jesus referring to this event when He was talking to Nicodemus in the book of John. “Moses lifted up the snake in the desert. The Son of Man (Jesus) must be lifted up also. Then everyone who believes in him can live with God forever.” John 3:14-15 

We learned that God was pointing the wandering Israelites to what Jesus was going to do on the cross. We are not like the Israelites; Jesus has already paid the punishment for our sin. We already have to opportunity to be saved if we look at what Christ did on the cross and believe.

In Sunday School, Today in The Gospel Project for Kids, your kids heard one amazing story of a talking animal. God actually gave an animal, a donkey, the ability to speak for a brief moment in order to make a point to one impromptu prophet. Balaam was hired by the king to pronounce a curse on the Israelites. Balaam headed out but his donkey kept running him into walls and crevices. After beating the donkey, Balaam heard the donkey speak. Shortly thereafter Balaam learned that he had no choice but to say what God wanted him to say and nothing else. After repeatedly blessing the Israelites instead of cursing them, Balaam lost favor with the king.

Who protected God’s people? God always protects His people. Fourteen hundred years after Balaam predicted Jesus’ birth, wise men from the east came to visit the boy Jesus.

Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Numbers 22:1-24:25

 Big Picture Question: Who protected God’s people? God protected His people from their enemies.

 Key passage: “And God spoke all these words, saying,

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.”

            Exodus 20:1-17

 Christ Connection: Fourteen hundred years after Balaam announced Jesus’ birth, wise men followed a star to the place where Jesus was born. The wise men worshiped Jesus as King. (Matthew 2:2)

 Family task: Write a blessing for each of your children. Blessings in the Bible sometimes included instructions for living and a vision of the kind of person a child would become. Blessings communicate love. Consider using words of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:6) about entering the promised land: “Be strong and courageous…. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Next week's lesson:  Joshua 3-4  (Don’t worry, we will cover Moses’ great speech in Deuteronomy, it’s too important to skip)

Numbers 7:1-12; 20:1-12,14; 21:4-9

In Children’s Church, we enjoyed another visit from Miss Johnetta. She shared a story about Samuel Morris and how he encouraged many to not only follow Christ but go out into the world and share Christ. She sang a song about God’s Word entitled, “You Have A Way With Words.”  God Word is so powerful and sweet. I pray that the children are growing to love and enjoy the Bible. Hoping God is giving them understanding and they are going home and reading this “Love Letter from God.”

To review what we learned in Sunday School last week, some of our children became actors and reenacted the story of the 12 spies going into the Promised Land. We remembered that only Joshua and Caleb trusted God to go in and take the land. Because of Joshua’s obedience and trust in God, he gets to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land at the end of 40 years. Fast forward to the New Testament. Did you know that Joshua is the Hebrew name for Jesus? Jesus obeyed and trusted God so that we could go into the Promised Land of eternity. God loves us so much that he made a way for us to be with Him forever even though we are disobedient. Jesus is the Way!!!

 In Sunday School, your kids learned about the aftermath of Israel’s sin when they were wandering in the wilderness. God had given the people and opportunity to obey, but again they chose not to. After much grumbling from the Israelites, God sent poisonous snakes into the ranks of the nation. God, in His gracious wisdom, gave them a way of escaping the results of the snake bite. Sin comes with consequences, but God always provides a way of salvation.

Because of our sin, we face a huge problem. Our sin leads us to be separated from God, and we deserve to die. Just like the Israelites who were healed from the poison snake bite when they looked at the snake on the pole, those who choose to see Jesus on the cross and trust in Him, will be saved from their sin.

Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Numbers 7:1-12; 20:1-12,14; 21:4-9

Big Picture Question: What happens when people repent from sin? Sin comes with consequences, but God provides the way of salvation.

 Key passage: “And God spoke all these words, saying,

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.”

            Exodus 20:1-17

 Christ Connection: The Israelites faced a huge problem because of their sin. God sent snakes to punish them. Anyone who was bitten could look at the snake on the pole and not die. Because of our sin, we face a huge problem; we are separated from God. We deserve to die. Anyone who looks to Jesus on the cross and trusts in Him will be saved and be made right with God.

 Family task: The Israelites complained in the wilderness. Think about what people complain about. Parents, do you complain during rush-hour traffic? Kids, do you complain about doing your chores or homework? Philippians 4:4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This week, make a game to see who can recite Philippians 4:4 the fastest when someone complains. Turn complaints into rejoicing by focusing on God!

 Next week's lesson:  Numbers 22:1-24:25

Numbers 13:1-14:38

On Sunday, Feb. 10, in Children’s Church we reviewed the book of Leviticus. We learned from “What’s In The Bible?” that Leviticus is a book of rules. Ask your children if they remember that. The video helped us understand the two different kinds of rules in Leviticus. All were for the purpose of making the Israelites holy. There are Ritual rules (like not trimming your beard) just for the Israelites and there are Ethical rules (like loving your neighbor as yourself) that apply to us today.

With all these rules, it was important to bring us to an understanding of those rules in the New Testament.  Because of what Christ did by giving Himself to be sacrificed for our inability to successfully keep all those rules, we can be free of the punishment for not keeping the rules. The Gospel was explained like this:

The Gospel- God’s Plan for Me

gos pel – noun. good news. the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation.

 God Rules- The Bible tells us God created everything, including you and me, and He is in charge of everything. Genesis 1:1; Revelation 4:11, Colossians 1:16-17

 We Sinned- We all choose to disobey God. The Bible calls this sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. Romans 3:23; 6:23

 God Provided- God sent Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9

 Jesus Gives- He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 2:8-9

 We Respond- Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10,13

 Ask your children to show you the hand motion for each part of the Gospel Plan above. The children were encouraged to respond to Jesus by talking to a teacher or parent about trusting Christ as Savior if they haven’t already. I hope your child came home asking questions.

 In Sunday School, The Gospel Project for Kids took on a spy mission this week. Spies were sent into the land of promise. They had finally arrived! The problem was most of the people who went in to spy were having problems believing that they could conquer the people who lived there. Bigger problem … God had told them they could take it, so why worry? Two of those spies, Joshua and Caleb, knew that God was true and that He would lead them to victory. The problem became helping the others see that God was true to His word.

The crowd, unfortunately, followed the dissenters who said the people of the land were too large and that Israel could not take the promised land. The people sinned. How does God respond when His people sin? Sin has a price, but God is always willing to forgive when people seek forgiveness.

 Joshua and Caleb were not perfect, but they lived a life of obedience to God. Joshua would one day lead the people of Israel into the promised land. His accomplishments point to Christ’s finished work on the cross—defeating Satan, setting people free from sin, and making a way into the promised land of eternity.

 Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

 Bible Passage: Numbers 13:1-14:38

Big Picture Question: What happens when God’s people sin? Sin has a price, but God forgives when people seek forgiveness.

  Key passage: “And God spoke all these words, saying,

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.”

            Exodus 20:1-17

 Christ Connection: Even though Joshua was not perfect, he lived a life of obedience to God. Joshua was faithful and was going to lead the people into the promised land. His accomplishments point to Christ’s finished work on the cross-defeating Satan, setting people free from sin, and making the way into the promised land of eternity.

Family task: Hide some objects for a scavenger hunt. Connect the game to Moses’ instructions to the 12 spies to look through the promised land and report about the people, farmland, fruit, and fortifications. Consider hiding things that relate to the Bible story, such as a doll, toy food, grapes, and something representing protection (such as a bike helmet). List the items and why they are important.

Next week's lesson:  Numbers 7:1-12; 20:1-12,14; 21:4-9

Leviticus 1-27

Dear Parents, 

We started and ended Children’s Church with a review of what we learned so far from Genesis through the end of Exodus with the help of “What’s In The Bible?” Vol. 3.  (www.whatsinthebible.com) The first 15 minutes gave us a good summary and an introduction to the book of Leviticus which they were to begin studying in Sunday School.  

Last week in Sunday School, your children learned about the tabernacle, so we talked about what they had learned and we showed some slides of what the tabernacle might have looked like based on the detailed blueprints in the last chapters of Exodus. Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 also give a good description. We learned that God desired to dwell with the Israelites. He wanted to be with them. He told them to build a tabernacle where He could dwell with them. He wants to be with us too. We see that in the New Testament.

We always want to find Christ in our Old Testament lessons. We read the following verses. I encourage you to look them up and discuss with your children.

John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Galatians 2:20, and Hebrews 9-10

We learned from these verses that Jesus came to be the perfect and only sacrifice for our sins that would make us truly clean and forgiven and righteous for eternity. He wants to dwell with us and those of us who have trusted Jesus as our Savior become a living tabernacle for God. God dwells inside of us.

 He wants to be with us!!! He gave His life to be with us forever!!

The Sunday School lesson was a new one for most boys and girls. Recall the last time you sat and read the Book of Leviticus. What does it mean? Why did God give all these rules? God gave rules for sacrifice to show people how to worship Him and how to be forgiven of the sin they had committed. Why did God require a sacrifice of blood? Simply, God is holy and because of that His forgiveness requires a sacrifice. The Book of Romans teaches us that the penalty for sin is death. The sacrifice offered stood instead for the one who had sinned.

 The ultimate example of a substitution for sin is of course, Jesus Christ. Christ died on the cross for the sins of all. Christ died so that sinners wouldn’t have to die for their sin. The rules of Leviticus were given to help people know they could not live in right relationship with God apart from sacrifice. We today are free from following the rules of sacrifice because we trust in Jesus who perfectly obeyed the law. Our faith in Christ is what cleanses us from the sin in our lives.

 Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

  Bible Passage: Leviticus 1-27

Big Picture Question: Why did God require a blood sacrifice? Because God is holy, His forgiveness requires a payment for sin. Jesus made the ultimate payment for sin with His death on the cross.

 Key passage: “And God spoke all these words, saying,

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.”

            Exodus 20:1-17

 Christ Connection: The Book of Leviticus contains many rules for the Israelites, but we do not obey all the rules in Leviticus today because we trust Jesus, who obeyed the law perfectly for us. The Israelites had to make a blood sacrifice for their sin every year. Jesus sacrificed His blood on the cross to pay for our sin once and for all (Hebrews 7:26-27). When we trust in Christ, God forgives us of our sin.

 Family task: God gave routines for life and worship to teach people that He is holy and to help them recognize His Son (Christ) when He came. Leviticus teaches eternal truths using hands-on experiences. Parents teach their children skills for life beginning with simple experiences. Help your child practice steering a riding toy or bicycle, pedaling or walking it forward and backward. Write what each of you learned about steering or teaching.

Next week's lesson:  Numbers 13:1-14:38

Exodus 35:4-40:38

Dear Parents,

We had a special prayer time in Children’s Church for Tobi and Josiah, and the orphans each of the children promised to pray for. It is a special thing to hear children praying for others. I am thankful I get to experience this on a weekly basis.

Also in Children’s Church, we have been focusing on connecting the Old Testament to the New Testament. This week reviewing the Ten Commandments was a good time to show the children why they need Jesus. It became obvious as we went through each commandment that everyone was guilty of breaking them. We learned that it is impossible to keep them perfectly. James 2:10 told us that if we are guilty of breaking one commandment, we are guilty of breaking them all.  Romans 3, further explains we are sinners. Romans 3:20 tells us that the commandments make us conscious of our sin. There is no way to be righteous on our own. We did not end our lesson there. We need Jesus. Jesus took care of our problem. He came to take away the guilt of our sin. He died on the cross to take the punishment we deserve. The children were given a chance to see what happens when we trust that Jesus took our punishment and we trust Him as our Savior. We crossed over a bridge in the form of a cross and symbolically became clean of our sins. Jesus washes away our sins and He sees us as righteous because of His sacrifice on the cross. We learned that we don’t have to be perfect, but it is important to keep God’s commands  because we love Him and want to please Him. (Romans 6:1-2) This was a demonstration, of course. Afterwards, we asked if any child has never trusted Jesus as Savior to talk to their parents or a teacher or the pastor about this important decision.

In Sunday School, the children learned about the tabernacle. Talk about your church with your kids. What makes your church unique? Do you meet in a traditional church building structure, or do you meet in a more temporary place? The tabernacle was built as a temporary structure used to worship God and to house His presence. God’s presence would lead the nation of Israel, and they would follow. Whenever His presence would stop, the tabernacle would be set up for worship.

The tabernacle in the Old Testament was the physical place where God’s Spirit dwelled as the Israelites journeyed to the land God had promised Abraham. The tabernacle gives us a clear picture of God’s desire to dwell with His people and to be worshiped by them. The word tabernacle means “to dwell.” To show in the New Testament God’s desire for dwelling with His people has not ended, He sent Jesus to tabernacle (dwell) with people on earth.

 Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:

  Bible Passage: Exodus 35:4-40:38

Big Picture Question: What does the tabernacle show about God? God wants to dwell with His people and be worshiped by them.

 Key passage: “And God spoke all these words, saying,

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.

3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.”

            Exodus 20:1-17

 
 Christ Connection: God instructed the Israelites to build a tabernacle so that He could dwell with them. God desires to be with His people. As part of His plan of salvation, God sent Jesus to “tabernacle,” or dwell with people on earth.

 Family task: Take a picture of the place inside or outside your home where each family member feels closest to God. What is special or beautiful about that place? Post your pictures or list your thoughts.

Next week's lesson:  Leviticus 1-27