**Scoreboard Sheets with directions can be printed from anydisc. from series Truthopolis printed be can directions **Scoreboard with Sheets scorekeepingmaterials.and registration anydisc,with along from series Truthopolis printed be can tags Name lowerthe child'scornertag.rightofeachon name indicated are alpha/omega) and (boy/girl †Teamaffiliations foraboveEXCEPT awardingofthe all points Ifcompetition,do * yourteam NOTa churchis using correctly,responds awardinganswerwithoutmoveon the anyand givepoints. or BIBLE DRILL, select a member of the OPPOSING to respond.TEAM If neither team on the forhis/heroutpoint one earns verse child the DRILLcorrect, is answerorverse the Ifloud.BIBLE the read or QUESTION the answer then should child This up. stands child a onceverse fairness,teacher.ensure Tothe DRILLchildBIBLE the finds versewho theirin should Bible) first the DRILL, BIBLE a of case the in (or,QUESTION the answer can thinks he/she who child first The verse.DRILL BIBLE the or QUESTION the present then a to come you When Watchfor the then "Omegas"), with compete "Alphas" or points: are worth lesson this in followingsymbols girls with compete boys (where the implementing is church your If Format... TeamCompetition the About Pray! • YourUse Bible! • Prepared! Be • • YourExaggerate Voice• Inflections! Children! the With Connect • Fun! Have • Teachers...for Tips Copyright Notice Although Bible passages used in this lesson are printed in the lesson itself, keepitself, lesson the in printed are lesson this in used passages Bible Although lesson,supplies,this gatheranybeforepracticeneeded Review and youteach! children'shear them. Repeatall can thateveryone ensure to answers child. a to interesting morelesson the make can voiceExaggerated inflections betterthatifrespondtheyknow aboutthem. youcare will kids Involveshy boldchildrenand that alikeso everyoneactively is involved. The them. kids,befriend byname,the addressand them eyecontact Make with be! itwill effectivelesson,more this the youmake fun more The silly! Be Prayas youpreparefor, lesson! this closeopen, and offront in youforand referenceyouropen impact. Bible and visual Repeat Children's Answers to Yourto Questions! Answers Children's Repeat SCOREBOARD SHEET**

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©2005 TruthQuest® Ministries. All rights reserved. | www.truthopolis.com | www.truthquest.net A Candy Cane Christmas 6C NLT Directions: Today's Story: During the story, the whole class should perform special actions whenever they hear the Keywords below. Explain and practice "A Reason to Celebrate" these keyword actions, and then read the Bible story.. Shepherds Spread the News of Jesus' Birth When you hear: Adapted from Luke 2:8-20 Do This: NEWS Point to heaven and say "Christ is

born!" When you hear: Do This: Shepherds t looked like it was going to be another boring night. For "Baa" like sheep. Ia group of shepherds, every night was pretty much the same. Watch the sheep. Keep away wolves and lions. Don't let the sheep wander off. All night long, night after night, it "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men was the same thing. Being a shepherd wasn't exactly exciting on whom His favor rests!" It was the most beautiful song the work. And as far as most people were concerned, it wasn't very shepherds had ever heard. important work, either. After all, it didn't take a lot of smarts When the angels had finished delivering their wonderful to watch a flock of sheep all night long. But somebody had to news, the shepherds raced into town. do it, so here they were. It wasn't long before the shepherds saw it for themselves. Zach looked over the flock and turned to his friend Jacob. There, in a humble stable, was a manger, and in that manger, "Well, it looks like they're all still here," Zach said, "none of the wrapped in cloth, just as the angels had told them, was the Baby. sheep are missing." Jacob turned to Zach. "I know you're bored," It was Baby Jesus, the Savior of all the world. Jacob replied," but just keep at it and someday, maybe God will The shepherds couldn't wait to tell EVERYONE they reward you." could find, and quite a few people heard the news. The Savior Maybe, but of all people on earth, why should God or was here at last! And all who heard the news were amazed–at anyone else care about a group of lowly shepherds.. "I don't least for a few minutes. But strangely, even after hearing the know," Zach answered, "I wonder if..." best news of all time, most people just went on with their Suddenly, Zach was interrupted when a bright light lives. And while Mary treasured up all that had happened and shone all around the shepherds. They looked all around pondered it all in her heart, there wasn't a big line of people them in a panic, wondering what was happening, and that's waiting at the stable to worship the Lord Jesus. when they saw him. There, right before their eyes was , Strange, people KNEW that Jesus had come, but beyond being the great archangel of God. It was an awesome sight, and the amazed, most people didn't pay much more attention to Christ, shepherds were terrified. But then, the angel spoke. even on that night; the night that was the very first Christmas. "Don't be afraid," he said to the shepherds, "For I bring (1 point): you good news of great joy for ALL people!" Why don't some people think about Jesus at Christmas? For ALL people? Whatever this good news was, this angel Answer: They don't believe in Him or don't care enough. wanted EVERYONE to know about it. Why else would he be talking to a lowly group of shepherds? But the angel continued. (1 point): "Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to Some people don't believe in Jesus. Should we be careful not to you. He is Christ the Lord!" talk about Jesus at Christmas so we won't hurt their feelings? Answer: No! Christmas is ALL about Jesus, and we should (1 point): talk about him nicely to others! Why was Jesus' birth good news of great joy for all people? n that first Christmas, Jesus was all the shepherds Answer: Because Jesus came to save us all from our sin! Ocould think about. The Savior had come at last, and he shepherds could hardly believe their ears. The good the shepherds who understood how wonderful that was Tnews they had just heard was the greatest news in praised God, because their lives had been changed forever. history. It was news that the Jews had waited 700 years to hear. And now it was finally happening! The Messiah; the Savior who would save all of them, was HERE! And THEY had Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but for many people, been the first people to hear the news! Jesus isn't a big deal at Christmas. Just as the people didn't put Christ at the center of their lives when Jesus was born, people (1 point): don't put Christ at the center of Christmas today. We need to Jesus is sometimes called the "." Who were the change that. Remembering Jesus when we eat candy canes first people to hear about Jesus' birth? is one way we can remember that Jesus our Shepherd is holy Answer: Shepherds. and pure. The red stripes on our candy canes remind us of the he angel continued. "Look for a Baby wrapped in cloth and blood Jesus shed to save us. Don't let anyone take Christ out of Tlying in a manger." And suddenly, a huge choir of angels Christmas. Keep Him at the center of your celebration, because appeared with Gabriel and sang a beautiful song. Jesus is the reason to celebrate! A Candy Cane Christmas 6C NLT Memory Verse: (1 point): Does Jesus provide for us and protect us? Luke 2:11 Answer: Yes! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born Explain: tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David. Christ is called the good shepherd. He provides everything we need. Without Him, we could not survive. He also pro- tects us and guides us where we need to go. He also laid down His life for us, His sheep, who had wandered away from Him. He gave up His life so that we might live. Isaiah 53:6 (below): All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s Lesson Preparation: paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. In today's lesson we are discussing the Christian traditional meaning of the candy cane. You will need a small, traditional, (1 point): red and white candy cane for every child in your group. They Who are the sheep Jesus died for? should not eat them during the lesson time because they are Answer: You and me. teaching props for the Lesson. Action: Action: Now have all the kids turn their candy cane upside down. Pass out a candy cane to every child in your class. Make sure Trace the shape of the candy cane with your finger and have to explain to the children to not eat the candy canes until you the kids do the same. tell them to. (1 point): (1 point): What letter does the candy cane look like? What kind of candy is this that I am giving to each of you? Answer: It looks like a "J." ANSWER: A candy cane. (1 point): Action: What do you think the "J" can remind us about Jesus? Hold a candy cane up for the whole class to see. Have the Answer: It reminds us of Jesus, which begins with a "J." children hold up their candy cane as well. Action: (1 point): Have the children pick up and smell their candy canes. Why do you think the candy cane is shaped in the way it is? ANSWER: It was originally shaped to look like a shep- (1 point): herd's staff, because Jesus is the Good Shepherd. What does the candy cane smell like? What flavor is it? Answer: Mint, peppermint. Discussion Question (no points): Q. What are some things that shepherds do for their sheep? Explain: A. Allow for various answers. Even the flavor of the candy cane can remind us of Jesus. Peppermint is similar to the flavor of hyssop, which was a Explain: spice used back in Bible times. It was a symbol of purity, A flock of sheep rely totally on its shepherd for its survival. which means to be without sin, and was a symbol of sacrifice. Without a good shepherd, a flock of sheep can be destroyed. To sacrifice means to give up something of great worth to Back in Bible times, a shepherd spent most of his days out you. In Bible times, a lamb was killed when people sinned. in fields where sheep could graze on grass and drink from The lamb had to be perfect. Jesus is the only one who never a nearby stream or lake. Too little grass or water, and the sinned. Because he never sinned, he was able to take our sheep could die. He also had to be wary of wolves or lions who place on the cross, and die for our sins. He was our sacrifice. would like to eat his sheep. Often robbers would try to steal That means he died in our place for our sins. sheep. The shepherd was responsible for protect his sheep at all cost. In fact, a good shepherd was willing to put his own John 1:29 (below): life in danger to protect his sheep. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! There is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 10:11 (below): Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays Continued on Next Page... 2005 TruthQuest® Ministries. All rights reserved. | www.truthopolis.com TruthQuest®All | 2005 www.truthquest.net| Ministries. rightswww.truthopolis.com reserved.

down his life for the sheep." © Explain: Action: Discussion Question (no points): (no Question Discussion Explain: : Answer: offorgiveness?price the is blood Whose forgivenessofsins.no ofblood, is thereshedding the Without blood. with sprinkling by purified was everything nearly Moses, of law the to according that say can we fact, In werehealed. thatmighthavewebeaten peace. wasHe whipped,we and for oursins.crushed was and Buthe woundedwas He howbeforewascrucified.he wasbeaten Jesus represent bystripes for shed little Jesusthree oursins. The Answer: ofus remind Jesus?candy cane the on stripes red the Howcan theircandycanes.on stripes red the trace Nowkids havethe sacrifice for our sins. Answer: flavorpeppermint the of? does us remind What A. neverthem? and opening tree Christmas a under presents the all seeing imagine you a Christmas, at presentCan isn't it.any to youopen youget gooduntil itand like just But, Jesus. of gift great the about is Christmas Jesus. is which given, us ever remind gift greatest can the of They gifts. as given often are canes Candy forgiven.be couldweforso die us to had Jesus Answer: fordie haveus? did Jesusto Why acceptoursavior,as Heaven! Jesus to go can we fordied He us. priceforthe paid blood His our sin. Now if we us,then with lived He born,was love,He Jesus.provided and mercyHis ofourin because sins. die areto God sentencedus death.forofpenaltyis sin All sin. with The aredirty ofus All Q. Continued from Continued

Would youever leave presents tree and under Christmas the Variousanswers. Previous Page Previous never open them iftheywereneverthem foropen or you?why not? Why Hebrews 9:22 (below): 9:22 Hebrews (below): 53:5 Isaiah Because sin can only be forgivendeath.throughonlybe can sin Because Jesus'blood. thatwasforblood stand the stripes red The pure.wasourHe and wasperfect Jesus That (1 point): (1 point): (1 point): (1 point): (1 Explain: Action: Explain: Conclusion: Action: points): (no Question Discussion ANSWER: of? us remind candycane ofthe shape the does What remembercandycane. what the we've from learned candycane, reminditshould youof Jesus.Let'sif see youcan meaning of Christmas. So every time you see a red and white the others with shareway to wonderful a is cane candy The again. theircandycanes Haveup holdeveryone be youraskto help savior.youto Jesus will I today,and class after me to talk and come today,then to wants and savior their as acceptedJesushasn't who here anyone is there If foryou.just that's tree the under present wonderful to a ignoring refuse than crazier and even That's Him Him. accept about forget They Jesus. of gift great the ignore people of lot A that. like just is Jesus of gift The e ed o hr wt ohr te pca maig f the of meaning to Jesus.pointpeople and candycane special the others with share to need We Jesus. about things many so of us reminds cane candy The eattheircandycanes.allowto your kids can you desire, you if point, this At Jesus. about others tell to cane candy the use will theyhow share children the Have A. You can tell your relatives non-Christian and aboutfriends others tell to cane candy a use can you ways are What Q. forforpaid oursins.death us. His ANSWER: of? us remind stripes red the do What sacrifice less for our sins. ANSWER: of? flavor us the remind candy cane does of the What ANSWER: of? us remind candycane down upside the does What ofus.care cane to remind others ofwhyothers remindcelebratewe Christmas. to cane Jesus by using the candy cane. You can also use the candy about Jesus? Jesus is the Good Shepherd who takes good takes Shepherdwho Good the is Jesus They remind us of the blood thatshed blood Jesus ofthe us remind They sin perfect,that wasthe us JesusItreminds ofa "J"us Itreminds for stands which Jesus. A Candy Cane Christmas ACandyCane (1 point): (1 (1 point): (1 point): (1 point): (1

6C NLT -

©2005 TruthQuest® Ministries. All rights reserved. | www.truthopolis.com | www.truthquest.net A Candy Cane Christmas 6C NLT Hey Kids! Visit Truthopolis online at www.truthopolis.com TruthQuest® Ministries • www.truthquest.net ) by the numbers.

Do AT LEAST THREE of the things on this sheet and CHECK THEM OFF in theYOUR checkboxes NAME there( too!) Dad to remind you and help you to do this stuff, and then have them Ask your Mom or Sign their name at the bottom to show that you did it (and write Bring this SIGNED Worksheet with you the next time you come to Truthopolis and turn it in for credit!

GIVE your Mom or Dad the FAMILY STUDY Sheet we sent home with you today. That way, they can learn the same stuff YOU learned!

Luke 2:11 MEMORIZE The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight this verse in Bethlehem, the city of David.

ANSWER What do the stripes on the candy cane remind us of? these questions What are some other things the candy cane can remind us about Jesus?

How will you make Christ the center of your Christmas celebrations?

APPLICATION Challenge: Pass out three candy canes to friends or fam ily and tell them how the candy cane can re - mind them about Jesus. - Please sign your name below to verify that your child made an effort to learn and grow Spiritually. This sheet is to be returned to Truthopolis for credit the next time your child attends. This Week, My Child Did AT LEAST THREE Sheet. READ your BIBLE and PRAY of the Things Listed on This EVERY DAY! Check off each day here: Parent Signature: Sunday Thursday Monday Friday My Child's Name: Tuesday Saturday 2005 TruthQuest® Ministries. All rights reserved. | www.truthopolis.com TruthQuest®All | 2005 www.truthquest.net| Ministries. rightswww.truthopolis.com reserved.

Wednesday © A Candy Cane Christmas 6C NLT Learn More About our Ministries, Products and Resources at www.truthquest.net cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death "A Candy Cane of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. White symbolizes the virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus. Back in Bible Christmas" times, a person was supposed to present a lamb for sacrifice when he had sinned. This lamb had to be a very special lamb. It had to be spotless, and How Can Candy Remind us of Jesus? perfectly white. It could not be sick or crippled. It had to be perfect for it to It's Christmas, and everywhere you look, whether people realize it or not, be acceptable for sacrifice. there are reminders of Jesus. Nativity scenes, crosses, stars, and Christmas Leviticus 5:17-19 Exodus 12:5 carols remind us of what Christmas is about. But what about the candy we Mint: The Flavor of Sacrifice eat? There is a legend about a particular kind of Christmas candy which The flavor of the cane is peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is gives us multiple reminders of Jesus. It's the legend of the candy cane, and it in the mint family and was used in the Old Testament for purification and tells of how the color, consistency and shape of the candy all point to Jesus. sacrifice. Jesus is the pure Lamb of God. He came to be a sacrifice for the While it is not clear where this legend began or whether it is factual, the story sins of the world. Jesus is called the spotless lamb of God without blemish nonetheless shows us how even a piece of candy can remind us of Jesus. That or defect. This means that Christ was perfect, without sin. Only perfection story, along with some Scripture references, is the basis of this Family Study. was acceptable for the sacrifice of sins. Jesus was the only one who met that We encourage you to use this sheet for your family devotions this week and standard. Only He could take away our sins. consider how many ways we are reminded of Christ this Christmas! 2 Corinthians 5:21 1 Peter 2:22 1 John 3:5 Ancient Beginnings Hebrews 4:15-16 Revelation 5:12 The symbol of the shepherds’ crook is an ancient one, representing the humble shepherds who were the first to worship the newborn Christ. Its Christ the Solid Rock counterpart is our candy cane – so old as a symbol that we have nearly The hard candy symbolizes the solid rock - the foundation of the church and forgotten its humble origin. Anyone who’s even been near a child knows firmness of God’s promises. A rock is solid, heavy, and unmovable without the impossibility of keeping one of them still and quiet for any reasonable heavy equipment. Christ is our solid rock. He provides us with an unshak- length of time. And it’s even worse in church, especially if it’s a long service. able foundation on which to stand. This was the concern of the Choirmaster of Cologne back in 1670. His solu- Psalm 18:2 1 Corinthians 10:4 tion was probably the same as any harried child-care provider: Give ‘em candy. But not just any candy would do. He wanted the candy to remind "J" for Jesus the children of Jesus. Hard candy was freely available. Legend has it that the The candy maker made the candy in the form of the staff with which the choirmaster handed out sugar sticks among his young singers to keep them Good Shepherd reaches down to the pits of the world to lift out the fallen quiet during the long Living Nativity ceremony. In honor of the occasion, he lambs that, like all sheep, have gone astray. It also represents the letter “J” to had the candies bent into shepherds’ crooks. It became a mini-shepherd’s represent the name of Jesus. crook, instantly transforming a bad distraction into a heavenly one. They Isaiah 9:6-7 Matthew 1:21 Luke 1:31-33 were pure white then. Stripes of Red Jesus is the Good Shepherd Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candy maker stained it A candy cane is shaped like a shepherd's crook to remind us that Jesus is our with red stripes. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on Good Shepherd. A flock of sheep rely totally on their shepherd for survival. the cross. The candy maker used three thinner red stripes for the stripes Without a good shepherd, a flock of sheep can be destroyed. Back in Bible He received on our behalf when the Roman soldiers whipped Him. It was times, a shepherd was responsible for making sure all of his sheep were because of us and our sins that Jesus died. well fed and watered. He also had to be wary of predators who would like Isaiah 53 Romans 6:23 Ephesians 1:7 Hebrews 9:22 to feast on his sheep. Often bandits would try to steal sheep. The shepherd was responsible for keeping predators and bandits at bay. In fact, a good Lest We Forget.... shepherd was willing to put his own life in danger to protect his sheep. This nameless candy maker began making candy canes as special Christ is called the Good Shepherd. He provides everything we need. Christmas treats for his children, friends and local shopkeepers. Since Without him, we could not survive. He also protects us and guides us where that time, however, the candy has become known as the candy cane. we need to go. He also laid down his life for us, His sheep, who had wandered The story of its creation has been lost to tradition and mass production, away from Him. He gave up His life so that we might live. and it is now available in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. But we don't have to forget! Psalm 23 John 10:11, 14-15 I Peter 2:25 We encourage you as a family to share with others the meaning of White: A Symbol of Purity the candy cane. Use it as a witnessing tool to spread the good news of It was not until the 1920’s that the candy cane’s more recognizable red and Christmas. May your Christmas be filled with joy, peace, and love as you white stripes and peppermint flavors were added. A candy maker wanted celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 2005 TruthQuest® Ministries. All rights reserved. | www.truthopolis.com TruthQuest®All | 2005 www.truthquest.net| Ministries. rightswww.truthopolis.com reserved. to make a candy that would be a witness, so he created the Christmas candy © **Scoreboard Sheets with directions can be printed from anydisc. from series Truthopolis printed be can directions **Scoreboard with Sheets scorekeepingmaterials.and registration anydisc,with along from series Truthopolis printed be can tags Name lowerthe child'scornertag.rightofeachon name indicated are alpha/omega) and (boy/girl †Teamaffiliations foraboveEXCEPT awardingofthe all points Ifcompetition,do * yourteam NOTa churchis using sheets.those on Scoreboardprinted areforthe Sheets directions using Complete games. these in scored points record will you SHEET which SCOREBOARD upon a them, bring with will Time Game for you to comes who group Each scored by TEAMS points then "Omegas"), with compete"Alphas" or girls with compete boys (where the If yourimplementing churchis Format... 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Inc.,Illinois reserved.NLT, Wheaton, Living, Publishers rights New House All of registeredby arepermission Tyndale logo Used Translation Living New Trust. Charitable the by and owned1996 Tyndale Holy © copyright Bible,Translation Living New www pr esented by Sportsmanship! Objective! www .t ru TEAM COMPETITION* TEAM

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upplies Needed: Supplies Needed: Supplies Hoop-La: Hoop-La

Three 8-foot lengths ofor8-foot rope yarn lengths Three • • • goals,followinganyforms:ofTwo takethe can which balls foam orhollowplastic baseball-sized About20 feetfeetatleast12 by16 measuring area game open An ofor8-foot rope yarn lengths Three goals as serve to storagetubs rubber/plastic large Two balls foam orhollowplastic baseball-sized About20 feetfeetatleast12 by16 measuring area game open An atonce. goals for shoot can everyone where game basketball-style A atonce. goals for shoot can everyone where game basketball-style A Medium-sized moving boxes with open tops open boxes with moving Medium-sized cans trash orkitchen-sizedbathroom Clean, empty buckets five-gallon Clean,empty : A Candy Cane Christmas ACandyCane 6C NLT

©2005 TruthQuest® Ministries. All rights reserved. | www.truthopolis.com | www.truthquest.net A Candy Cane Christmas 6C NLT Today's Game: Memory Verse: Luke 2:11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born "Hoop-La" tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David. A basketball-type game with a twist

What you Need: • An open game area measuring at least 12 feet by 16 feet • About 20 baseball-sized foam or hollow plastic balls • Two goals, which can take any of the following forms: • Clean, empty five-gallon buckets • Clean, empty bathroom or kitchen-sized trash cans • Medium-sized moving boxes with open tops Game Play and Rules: • Three 8-foot lengths of yarn or rope • Children MAY NOT cross the center line and MAY NOT stand Preparation and Setup: inside the GOAL PERIMETER LINE. They must all stay on their 1. Divide your game area in half by laying a length of yarn or own side of the court and must not stand inside their goal rope on the floor to mark the center line. perimeter line to block opposing goals. 2. On opposite ends of your game area, place your goals on the • Children may pick up balls anywhere on their side of the floor. game area and may take as many shots as they can. 3. Around each goal, form a semicircle perimeter by laying a When a Goal is Made: length of rope or yarn on the floor. 4. Have each of your teams take one end of the game area and • The teacher blows the whistle to stop game play. give each team HALF of the balls. • The team who made the goal must jointly recite today's 5. Game area should look like this: Memory Verse correctly to score a point for their team. NOTE: For younger children, do not require that the verse be goal perimeter lines recited perfectly. If the Team Recites the Verse Correctly... • The scoring team will win one point on the Scoreboard Sheet, and game play will resume. If the Team Cannot Recite the Verse... • No points are awarded. goal goal • The teacher will blow the whistle again to resume game

yarn center line play. Ending the Game • The game ends, regardless of the score, when your desig- nated time for game play expires. Before the Game: • The team who has scored the most points on the Scoreboard • Practice today's Memory Verse out loud with all of the chil- is declared the winner of the game. dren. Have them recite it with you about three times until they become familiar with it. Object of the Game: To throw balls into the opposing team's goal and THEN to cor- rectly recite today's Memory Verse. When a team succeeds in putting a ball into the opposing goal AND in jointly reciting today's Memory Verse, that team earns ONE POINT on the Scoreboard. 2005 TruthQuest® Ministries. All rights reserved. | www.truthopolis.com TruthQuest®All | 2005 www.truthquest.net| Ministries. rightswww.truthopolis.com reserved. ©