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Thank you for purchasing this curriculum series from High Voltage Kids Ministry. All material, both written and recorded, is protected under universal copyright laws. As the purchaser of this product, you are given permission to photocopy necessary materials found in this volume for your workers and volunteers. Please do not photocopy materials for another church to use. Additional volumes of this and other valuable Children’s Ministry resources can be ordered online at www.highvoltage-kids.com Lessons Written By: Brian Dollar

The Cast: Officer Jay Walken: Victor Rodriguez Big Poppa: Josh Clinton Dum Dums: Parker Loy & Aaron Stone

Directed By: Brian Dollar and Gary Tomlinson Camera Operators: Gary Tomlinson & Brian Dollar Edited By: Gary Tomlinson & Brian Dollar

All photos/images used are royalty free images and/or are public domain. Used by permission. Some photos and PowerPoint Games used by permission of Kidzmatter Ministries, courtesy of Ryan Frank. For more info about Kidzmatter visit www.kidzmatter.com.

“Life Is A Highway” written by Thomas Cochrane; performed by Rascal Flatts; used by permission of Disney Music Group Soundtracks

Life Is A Highway Credits TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction……………………………………………………………………….page 1

The Elements……………………….…………………………………………….page 2

How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet…………………………………..page 3

Music CD Track Listing…………………….…………………………………. page 4

Lesson 1: One Way……………………..…...... page 5

Lesson 2: Stop……………………………...…………...... page 14

Lesson 3: Yield…………………...…………………...... page 22

Lesson 4: Merge…………………………………………...... page 30

Lesson 5: Construction Zone………..……….…………...... page 39

Lesson 6: Detour………………..…………………...…...... page 48

Lesson 7: Wrong Way…………………...…...... page 61

Lesson 8: Watch For Children…………………………...…...... page 66

Lesson 9: Dead End………………………...………………………...... page 75

Life Is A Highway Table Of Introduction

Road Trip!!!! Remember all the fun road trips you had as a kid with your family? Or maybe you and your College friends decided to take a spur of the moment road trip to sights unseen and destinations unknown. What a journey!

Life is a lot like a highway. The Bible says that there are two roads that we can choose to travel on. One leads to life in Heaven forever and one leads to sin and death. We have to make sure we are on the road that leads to Heaven.

Along the road, there are many lessons to learn. In this series, your kids will learn some of those lessons by studying road signs. They will learn lessons like there’s only ONE WAY to Heaven, how to STOP sinful habits, how to YIELD to God’s Spirit, how to make a U-Turn when you’ve hit a DEAD END, and much more. Your kids will delight in this amazing journey of faith.

So, enjoy the ride as you and your children take off on one of the most amazing journeys in this Curriculum Pack Volume 9—”Life Is A Highway.”

For This Generation,

The High Voltage Kids Ministry Team

Life is A Highway Introduction The Elements

The DVD: Included on the DVD are the Lesson Intro Video segments featuring Officer Jay Walken and Big Poppa, and “Rap It Up” Videos featuring the DumDums, a five-minute Countdown video to begin each service, plus a bonus “Bloopers” segment. You can also find the mpg-1 files on the DVD-ROM portion of the DVD. (just put the DVD into your computer and click “explore” on the disc from “My Computer”)

The Music CD: Contained on this music disc are instrumental game songs, the “BIG IDEA” sound byte, “Let’s Play A Game” intro song, and the world famous “OFFERING TIME” song to introduce the Offering.

The Data CD: This CD contains graphics and artwork of the logos for you to use for promo. Also included are PowerPoint games, slides for use during illustrated sermons, and PowerPoint slides for each Big Idea and Power Verse. In addition, you will find a “Family Devotion” for each lesson. These are designed to either send home with the parents (to reinforce the lesson during the week), OR they can be used as “small group segments” in your service (to reinforce the lesson right away).

The BIG IDEA: This is the main thought you want to get across to the kids during the week’s lesson. The BIG IDEA is a simple statement that sums up the entire week’s lesson. Sometimes it rhymes, sometimes it relies on rhythm, and other times it is just crazy fun! The plan is to have the kids learn the BIG IDEA by repetition. Included on the CD is the sound byte “Hey! What’s The Big Idea?” (track #1). This is a sound byte that your sound engineer can play as many times during the service as desired. Each time the kids hear the sound byte, they should stand up on their feet and say the week’s BIG IDEA. We have also embedded the sound byte within the BIG IDEA slide in the PowerPoint presentation each week.

The Intro Video: This video clip introduces the topic we will be tackling each week as well as teaches the BIG IDEA and Power Verse. Each segment lasts five to ten minutes! We suggest you open your service with this segment to help set the tone for the rest of the lesson.

Game Time: Each week a game has been provided. Most of them are themed with the lesson being taught that week. There are also high energy instrumental game songs included on the Music CD. Some of them are 60-second versions (to be used for games with a one-minute time limit), and some of them are extended versions. More music can be found on our Crazy Kids Game Music CDs at www.highvoltage- kids.com.

Puppet Skits: Use your favorite puppet to perform these skits. The puppet interacts with a human, which can be you or any member of your team. Names can be changed for each specific church and situation. If you do not have puppets, use the skits with a “human” character you create.

Illustrated Messages: Because kids tend to learn best if you combine speaking the truth with visual illustrations, we have written an illustrated sermon to be used each week. Materials are listed, and manuscripts are provided. Each illustrated sermon comes with a PowerPoint slide for each main point. The Elements Page 2 How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet

The first page of each lesson includes a lesson plan for the service with a suggested order of service that you may follow. On the second page of each lesson is a worksheet with a schedule of events for your service with blanks that you fill in and photocopy for your team of workers.

Please note that each lesson worksheet includes “Intro Video,” “Game Time,” “Illustrated Sermon,” and the other lesson segments we provide with the curriculum. Just fill in the blanks as you plan your service and give them to the people who help with your service.

How To Use The Lesson Plan Worksheet Page 3 Sound Effects and Weekly Songs 1. What’s The Big Idea? 2. OFFERING TIME 3. Let’s Play A Game 4. Zip Breakman’s intro music 5. Rooster Crow Sound Effect (for lesson #9)

60 Second Game Songs 6. Magic 7 Speed Freak 8. Sizzle

Extended Game Songs 9. Revelation 10. Trample 11. Kickin’

*BONUS* Songs 12. “In The Quiet” from “Quiet Times For Kids” (available at www.highvoltage-kids.com) 13. “My Best” from “High Voltage Power Praise Vol. 2” (available at www.highvoltage-kids.com)

Music CD Track Listing Page 4 Intro Video Jesus Christ is the one and only “One Way To Heaven” way to get to Heaven!

“I am THE WAY, the truth, and the Character Skit life. No one can come to the “Introducing Zip Breakman” Father except through me.” – John 14:6 Offering Time

“God’s Son Is The Only ONE WAY To Heaven!” Praise Songs

Game Time ”Go Where?”

Children receive conflicting Power Verse review messages throughout their life when it “I am THE WAY, the truth, and the comes to how to get to Heaven. They life. No one can come to the are told that there a variety of ways to get to Heaven. But, which one is THE Father except through me.” way? – John 14:6

Do you focus on doing good deeds? Do you go to church and memorize Bible verses? Do you give Worship Songs lots of money to charity or in the offering at church? The “options” can seem to be endless. Illustrated Message “ONE WAY” In this lesson, the children will learn that Jesus is the ONE WAY to get to Heaven. The only way to assure your place in Heaven is by putting your trust in “Rap It Up” Video Him. Review Questions

Lesson One - “One Way” Page 5 Jesus Christ is the one and only 1. ______way to get to Heaven! by ______2. ______by ______“I am THE WAY, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the 3. ______Father except through me.” by ______– John 14:6 4. ______by ______5. ______“God’s Son Is The Only by ______ONE WAY To Heaven!” 6. ______by ______Intro Video 7. ______“One Way To Heaven” by ______Character Skit 8. ______“Introducing Zip Breakman” by ______9. ______Offering Time by ______Praise Songs 10. ______by ______Game Time 11. ______”Go Where?” by ______Power Verse review 12. ______“I am THE WAY, the truth, and by ______the life. No one can come to 13. ______the Father except through me.” by ______– John 14:6 14. ______by ______Worship Songs 15. ______Illustrated Message by ______“ONE WAY” 16. ______by ______“Rap It Up” Video 17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson One - “One Way” Page 6 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman (a racing/NASCAR enthusiast; Zip can wear any kind of NASCAR clothing and a ball cap turned backwards; add some black “oil and grease” stains on his face to make him authentic)

Leader: I am so excited to start our series on “Life Is A Highway” today. It’s going to... (all of a sudden Zip’s intro music off the Music CD Track #4 begins to play; Zip comes running in full speed yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs because he is excited about racing; put the Zip Breakman PowerPoint slide on the screen)

Zip: BOOGITY-BOOGITY! What’s up everybody?!

Leader: Hey there! I don’t believe we have ever met.

Zip: We haven’t? Well, then in that case let me introduce myself. I am Zip Breakman, racing enthusiast.

Leader: Hey there Zip! What kind of racing do you like?

Zip: I absolutely LOVE car racing! Oh man! I love how the cars just ZIP around the track! I love the squeal of the tires, the smell of burned rubber all over the track, and the roar of the crowd when their favorite racer does his victory lap! Oh yeah! I LOOOOOOVE racing!

Leader: That’s awesome. Well, it turns out that we are talking a little bit about cars here today.

Zip: You are, huh? Like what?

Leader: We are talking about how life is like a highway. Just like a car rolls down the highway on the way to its destination, we are going down the highway of life on our way to our eternal destination, Heaven. Along the way, there are lessons we have to learn. The lesson we are learning today is that Jesus is the ONE WAY to Heaven.

Zip: Now, hold yer britches there! What do you mean there’s only ONE WAY to git to Heaven? That ain’t true.

Leader: Well, of course that’s true.

Zip: Nah, it ain’t. Listen, I happen to have a friend down at the track. He was telling me that he is going to Heaven by worshipping some dude named Bubba.

Leader: Bubba?

Zip: Yeah, Bubba. He’s got a statue of him on his dashboard. He’s a little fat guy wearing a diaper or something.

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson One - “One Way” Page 7 CHARACTER SKIT (CONTINUED)

Leader: Oh, you’re talking about Buddha.

Zip: That’s it! He said he could get to Heaven by rubbing Buddha’s belly. Sounds gross to me.

Leader: Well, I am afraid Buddha is NOT the way to get to Heaven.

Zip: Whatever! He told me there was tons of ways to get to heaven, not just Jesus! Maybe he’s right! Maybe I can find tons of different ways to get to heaven! Maybe I could pray to a dog or a sandwhich or maybe I can just get to heaven by being such a cool guy and be nice to everybody!

Leader: Now hold on a second there Zip, today we’re learning about the One Way sign.

Zip: What’s that got anything to do with it? Can I get to heaven by praying to street signs?

Leader: No! We’re using the one way sign as a reminder that there’s only ONE WAY to heaven, and His name is Jesus! Jesus is God’s Son who came down from Heaven 2,000 years ago to die on a cross for our sins. It’s by accepting His forgiveness for our sins that we are able to get to Heaven.

Zip: For real?!

Leader: That’s right! The Bible says that Jesus is the only way to get into heaven! Not being a nice person, not praying to Buddha or Mohammad or anybody else. The ONE WAY, the ONLY WAY to get to heaven is through Jesus Christ.

Zip: Wow! That’s awesome! So now I don’t have to be so confused when people talk about all the different ways to get into Heaven. I know now that Jesus is the ONE WAY to get to Heaven! Well, I gotta go everybody! They’re gonna be kicking off the race soon. BOOGITY-BOOGITY- BOOGITY BOYS! Let’s go racing! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Leader: Well, kids, I am glad we set Zip straight today. We are going to be learning all about how Jesus is the ONE WAY to Heaven. As we go down the highway of life, we must follow Him everywhere He leads us.

Lesson One - “One Way” Page 8 Game Time “Go Where?”

Items Needed For Game: The Data CD; Open the PowerPoint presentation for Lesson One; begin with the slide titled, “Go Where?”

How To Play: Choose one boy and one girl to compete in this game (with the help of their team members in the audience). Say, “Since we are starting our trip down the Highway of Life today, we are going to make a few pit stops on our road trip. We will visit several important places that are mentioned in the Bible. You will see those places described on the screen, and with your team’s help you will have to choose which place is being described.”

They will take turns answering the questions with the help of their team members in the audience. For every correct answer, their team will receive a point. The team with the most correct answers wins the game.

Lesson One - “One Way” Page 9 Illustrated Message “One Way”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; an actual One Way street sign (optional); a piece of paper and pen; additional options for supportive material are the “One Way” magic lesson found at www.gospelmagic.com and the video “Evidence” by Steelhouse Media available for download at www.sermonspice.com

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson One,” begin with the slide titled “One Way.” There is a slide for each point in the message. Familiarize yourself with the story of Jesus talking to the disciples at the Last Supper in John 14:1-6 SUGGESTION: If you are able to find one of each of the street signs that are talked about in this series, a great idea is to fasten them to a stand and use them to decorate your stage area. Each week, add the new sign as you teach about it.

The Message: (title slide)

Today we are looking at the ONE WAY sign. It’s a very important sign. It shows the ONE WAY you can drive down that street. What happens if you choose to go a different way than the way it shows? (allow kids to respond) That’s right! CRASH!

(choose a volunteer from the audience) Boys and girls, I am excited because I have invited __(name of volunteer)___ to my house for dinner. There’s only one problem. They do not know how to get to my house. They come to me and say, “How do I get to your house?” (have your volunteer repeat after you) I say, “I would love to tell you how to get to my house. Do you have a pen and paper to write down the directions?” (pull out the pen and paper and hand it to them) “Of course you do. OK, write this down as I tell you the directions. Go straight down Main st., turn left on 3rd street, and then go 6 blocks.” (once your volunteer has written down the directions, show them to the audience) Now, kids, I have given my friend the directions to my house. This is the one way to get to my house. What happens if my friend decides there are many ways to get to my house and they choose one of those ways? What if along the way to my house some people on the side of the road say they have a better way to get to my house? What if my friend here chooses to follow their way instead of the way I gave? That’s right, my friend will probably get lost and never make it it to my house. It’s MY house, and I know how to get there. The way to get there is to follow the instructions I gave, right?

1) The World Says There Are MANY Ways To Get To Heaven (title slide)

Lesson Oneone - “One Way” Pagepage 107 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED)

The world says that there are many ways to get to Heaven. They say, “Trust in Mohammad! Pray to Buddha! Do good deeds! Be a nice person!” Those are all things that people say will get you to Heaven. The world doesn’t believe that there is only ONE WAY to Heaven. But, I want to read from the Bible an amazing thing that Jesus said as He was meeting with His disciples at the Last Supper right before He was arrested.

In John chapter 14, starting with verse one we read, "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you.” Did you hear that? Whose home did Jesus say was in Heaven? (allow kids to respond) That’s right, Heaven is God’s home. He has invited us to live with Him there forever. So, if Heaven is God’s home, then who do you want giving you directions to God’s home? (allow kids to respond) That’s right! God!

Just like my friend, ______, should listen to the directions I was giving to MY home, we should pay close attention to the directions that Jesus is giving to God’s home. The world tries to say there are many ways to get to Heaven, but the world is not who we should listen to. GOD knows the way to Heaven. We should listen to what He says is the ONE WAY to get there.

After Jesus said this, one of his disciples, Thomas said in verse 5, "...so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” That’s our Power Verse today. The world says there are many ways to Heaven, but...

2) Jesus Said There’s Only ONE WAY To Heaven (slide)

Jesus IS the one way to Heaven. The way to Heaven is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. How do you do that? You have to realize that you, like all people in the world, have messed up and broken God’s rules. The Bible calls that “sin.” Sin is something that God can’t be a part of. That’s why everyone who has sinned deserves to go to a place called Hell that is far away from God. It’s a terrible place full of suffering and pain. But, God did not want you to have to go to Hell.

That’s why God sent His only Son, Jesus, to come and pay the price for your sin. Jesus was beaten and died on a cross to pay the punishment for your sin. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, you can now ask God to forgive you of your sin. When you do, God wipes away all of your sin and gives you a brand new life. From that moment, you have the right to enter Heaven. Not because of anything you did, but because of what Jesus did. Jesus is the ONE WAY to Heaven.

3) It’s Time To Get On The Highway To Heaven (slide)

Maybe you are here today and you have never asked God to forgive you of your sins. Maybe you are hearing for the first time that Jesus is the ONE WAY to Heaven and you want to invite Him into your life to be your Lord and Savior. Well, there is no better time to do it (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Oneone - “One Way” Pagepage 117 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED) than right now. It’s time to get on the Highway to Heaven.

ALTAR RESPONSE: (play soft music)

Pray with the children to receive Christ as their Savior. Give individual attention to each child, helping them understand the prayer they are praying and the decision they are making. Then, celebrate with the entire group that we are all on the Highway To Heaven!

Lesson Oneone - “One Way” Pagepage 127 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “God’s Son Is The Only ONE WAY To Heaven!”

2. What was the name of the racing enthusiast we met today? Answer: Zip Breakman

3. What is the name of the false god that Zip had heard of? Answer: Buddha (he thought it was Bubba)

4. What is the name of the trucker who taught us the Power Verse? Answer: Big Poppa

5. Whose home did Jesus say was in Heaven? Answer: God’s

6. How many ways are there to get to Heaven? Answer: ONE WAY

7. Is it possible to get to Heaven just by being a good person? Answer: no

8. Who is the ONE WAY to Heaven? Answer: Jesus

9. What’s the name of the police officer in our video? Answer: Officer Jay Walken

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: John 14:6

Lesson Oneone - “One Way” Pagepage 137 Intro Video God wants us to stop sinning and “Stop“ do what is right! Character Skit “Zip Needs to Stop” “Stop sinning and do what is right.” - Daniel 4:27 Offering Time

“Don’t Let Sin Do You In! Praise Songs

Game Time ”STOP! Drop & Roll!”

Power Verse review Sin is dangerous. ALL sin is “Stop sinning and do what is dangerous. Sadly, many Christians have right.” - Daniel 4:27 decided that there are “BIG” sins and “little” sins. There are some sinful habits that we tend to ignore and allow to remain in our lives. Worship Songs

In this lesson, the children will learn that ALL sin breaks God’s heart Illustrated Message and can cause eternal damage to our “S-T-O-P Sin In Its Tracks” souls.

They will also learn an effective method of STOPping sin in its tracks and “Rap It Up” Video defeating those nagging sinful habits that tend to continue to hang around. Review Questions

Lesson two- “Stop” Page 14 God wants us to stop sinning and 1. ______do what is right! by ______2. ______by ______

“Stop sinning and do what is right.” 3. ______- Daniel 4:27 by ______4. ______by ______5. ______“Don’t Let Sin Do You In! by ______6. ______by ______Intro Video 7. ______“Stop“ by ______8. ______Character Skit by ______“Zip Needs to Stop” 9. ______Offering Time by ______10. ______Praise Songs by ______11. ______Game Time by ______”STOP! Drop & Roll!” 12. ______Power Verse review by ______“Stop sinning and do what is 13. ______right.” - Daniel 4:27 by ______Worship Songs 14. ______by ______Illustrated Message 15. ______“S-T-O-P Sin In Its Tracks” by ______“Rap It Up” Video 16. ______by ______Review Questions 17. ______by ______

Lesson two- “Stop” Page 15 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

Leader: Today we are learning about how to STOP... (all of a sudden Zip’s intro music off the Music CD Track #4 begins to play; Zip comes running in full speed yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs because he is excited about racing; put the Zip Breakman PowerPoint slide on the screen)

Zip: Boogity-boogity! Hey there everybody its (Zip freezes in place for a few seconds, then starts moving again) me! Zip Breakman!

Leader: Hey…um…Zip? Zip? What are you doing?

Zip: Oh I’m not doing much I’m just (freezes) ...

Leader: Zip, c’mon man. What’re you doing?

Zip: I’m just doing what we’re talking about (freezes) today.

Leader: What’re you talking about? We’re talking about “STOP.”

Zip: That’s what (freezes) I’m doing!

Leader: Oh! You think we’re talking about “STOP” as in stopping all the time?

Zip: Well (freezes) duh! What else (freezes) would we be talking about?

Leader: We’re talking about stopping sin in its tracks! We’re talking about how to stop sinning right now and doing what’s right!

Zip: Oh, so I should (freezes) stop stopping every few words?

Leader: Yeah, actually it’s getting a little annoying.

Zip: So I need to…

Leader: Stop.

Zip: Stop? (freezes)

Leader: Yeah, Zip. Stop stopping.

Zip: Stop stopping?

Leader: Yeah, Zip. Stop stopping.

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson two- “Stop” Page 16 CHARACTER SKIT (Continued)

Zip: How exactly do I do that? If I stop stopping, then I will still be stopping. Right?

Leader: Zip, c’mon man. Would you just stop?

Zip: I thought you said you didn’t want me to stop?

Leader: No, I said I didn’t want you to (freezes) STOP. But, I do want you to stop doing the (freezes) thing.

Zip: Oh, I get it! You want me to stop stopping so you can stop stopping me from stopping.

Leader: ZIP!!!!! We are learning today about how to STOP sin in its tracks and get sin out of our life. So, I think we are going to have to get on with our lesson.

Zip: Well, why didn’t you say so! It’s time for me to STOP talking and let you get on with the lesson.

Leader: Exactly!

Zip: Well, BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson two- “Stop” Page 17 Game Time “Stop, Drop, & Roll”

Items Needed For Game: Game CD (cue one of the extended game songs)

How To Play: Choose five boys and five girls to compete in this relay race. Choose a starting point and a turnaround point. Contestants have to run one at a time to the turnaround point, STOP, DROP to the floor, & then ROLL all the way back to the starting line. Be ready to laugh hysterically as they roll all over the place! First team to have all team members complete the relay wins.

Lesson two- “Stop” Page 18 Illustrated Message “S-T-O-P Sin In Its Tracks”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; four large pieces of posterboard

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Two,” begin with the slide titled “How To Stop Sin In Its Tracks.” There is a slide for each point in the message. Familiarize yourself with the story of Jesus’ temptation in Matthew 4. Prepare the posterboard by drawing and coloring the letters “S-T-O-P” (one letter on each piece of posterboard)

The Message: (title slide)

Sin is a terrible thing. Sin is what the Bible calls anything we do that goes against what God teaches us in the Bible. When we sin, we invite trouble and punishment into our lives. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that ALL of us have sinned. It also says in Romans 6:23 that the payment for sin is death. Sin is what separates us from God.

So, with all of that in mind, how many of you want to stay away from sin? (allow response) Of course all of us want to keep sin out of our lives. But, sometimes there are sinful habits that seem to mess us up. Lying, disobeying, stealing, cheating, and other sinful habits can have a way of being a problem for us over and over again. We pray, ask forgiveness, then before we know it we have messed up in the same area all over again.

Today we are going to learn how to STOP sinful habits once and for all. If you ever find yourself struggling with the same sin over and over and unable to beat a sinful habit, here is a plan to help you STOP sin in its tracks. We will use the letters in the word STOP to help us remember.

S—Stop What You Are Doing! (slide)

(choose a child to come up and hold the posterboard with the “S” on it) The first thing you have to do when you find yourself in the middle of sin is STOP what you are doing. If you are in the middle of a lie—STOP! If you are in the process of cheating—STOP! Just take a time out and stop talking, stop moving, stop everything. Then, move to letter “T.”

T—Think About What The Bible Says (slide)

(choose a child to come up and hold the posterboard with the “T” on it) Once you have

Lesson two-one “Stop” Pagepage 197 Illustrated Message “S-T-O-P Sin In Its Tracks” stopped what you are doing, then you need to THINK about what the Bible says. When Jesus was tempted to sin, He knew exactly what to do in order to keep Himself free from sin. In Matthew chapter 4, the devil comes to Jesus and tries to tempt Him to sin. Over and over Jesus answers, “It is written.” He was referring to what was written in the Bible. The Bible gives us a clear picture of what God wants us to do and doesn’t want us to do.

Stop and think about what the Bible says. When you are tempted to lie, stop and think about how the Bible says in Colossians 3:9, “Do not lie to each other…” When you are tempted to disobey your parents, stop and think about what the Bible says in Ephesians 6:1, “Children obey your parents…” . Over and over Jesus reminded Himself and the devil what the scriptures had to say and He won the battle over sin and temptation. We need to do the same thing. S-Stop what you are doing, T- Think about what the Bible says, then...

O—Obey It (slide)

(choose a child to come up and hold the posterboard with the “O” on it) It’s not enough just to think about what the Bible says, we have to actually obey it. Too many children come to church and Sunday School and learn what the Bible says, but then don’t obey it. It’s not enough just to have the word of God in your mind, you have to live it out in your life. If you want to STOP sin in its tracks, follow and obey every word given to us in God’s Word.

So, when you find yourself stuck in the cycle of sinful habits, S-Stop what you are doing, T- Think about what the Bible says, O-Obey it, and…

P—Pray That God Will Give You Strength To Resist (slide)

(choose a child to come up and hold the posterboard with the “P” on it) Pray daily that God will give you strength to resist that temptation to sin the next time it comes around. Never think that just because you won the battle against sin and temptation once that it’s over forever. Sin has a way of constantly trying to sneak in and defeat us. But, if we follow the STOP plan and pray that God will give us strength to resist every time, that is exactly what God will do.

ALTAR RESPONSE: (play soft music)

Pray for children who have been struggling with the same sinful habits over and over again. Pray that God will help them break those habits and follow the STOP method.

Lesson two-one “Stop” Pagepage 207 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “Don’t Let Sin Do You In!”

2. What did Zip keep doing over and over again today? Answer: “stopping” or freezing in place

3. What does the Bible call it when we break God’s laws? Answer: sin

4. When Jesus was tempted to sin, He kept telling the devil, “It is ______.” Answer: written

5. What did the “S” stand for in our lesson today? Answer: Stop what you are doing

6. What did the “T” stand for in our lesson today? Answer: Think about what the Bible says

7. What did the “O” stand for in our lesson today? Answer: Obey it.

8. What did the “P” stand for in our lesson today? Answer: Pray that God will give you the strength to resist.

9. Once you win the battle with temptation, is it over forever? Answer: No

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Daniel 4:27

Lesson two-one “Stop” Pagepage 217 Intro Video The Holy Spirit speaks to our “Yield” hearts and help us in life. Character Skit “Zip Is Hearing Voices” “…let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.” – Galatians 5:25 Offering Time

“Slow Down, Wait A Minute, Listen To The Holy Spirit” Praise Songs

Power Verse review “…let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.” – Galatians 5:25

The Highway of Life is full of twists and turns. There are difficult Game Time decisions to make on this amazing ”A-Maze-Ing Verse” journey. Too often, we try to “go it alone” and end up wandering through life making bad decision after bad decision. Worship Songs God has given us an amazing gift in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God and He knows exactly what is God’s plan for our lives. If we allow Him, He will Illustrated Message lead and guide us through life’s toughest “Yield To The Spirit” decisions. All we have to do is slow down and listen to Him. “Rap It Up” Video Slowing down and listening is sometimes the hardest part of the journey. In this lesson, your children will learn the importance of listening to that Review Questions still small voice that is the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 22 The Holy Spirit speaks to our 1. ______hearts and help us in life. by ______2. ______by ______

“…let us follow the Holy Spirit's 3. ______leading in every part of our lives.” by ______– Galatians 5:25 4. ______by ______5. ______“Slow Down, Wait A Minute, Listen by ______To The Holy Spirit” 6. ______by ______Intro Video 7. ______“Yield” by ______Character Skit 8. ______“Zip Is Hearing Voices” by ______9. ______Offering Time by ______10. ______Praise Songs by ______Power Verse review 11. ______“…let us follow the Holy by ______Spirit's leading in every part 12. ______of our lives.” – Galatians 5:25 by ______Game Time 13. ______”A-Maze-Ing Verse” by ______14. ______Worship Songs by ______Illustrated Message 15. ______“Yield To The Spirit” by ______16. ______“Rap It Up” Video by ______17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 23 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

Leader: Today we are learning about how the Holy Spirit... (all of a sudden Zip’s intro music off the Music CD Track #4 begins to play; Zip comes running in full speed yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs because he is excited about racing; put the Zip Breakman PowerPoint slide on the screen)

Leader: Hey Zip! How’s it going?

Zip: (looks around like someone is behind him; he’s acting a bit paranoid) I’m not doing so well.

Leader: Oh really? What seems to be the problem?

Zip: Well, (keeps looking around) I’ve been….uhhhhh….hearing voices.

Leader: Hearing voices...

Zip: (interrupts) Sshhhhhhhhh! I don’t want it to know I’m here. I’ve been hearing the voices everywhere I go. It’s scaring the heebie jeebies out of me!

Leader: Like what kinds of voices?

Zip: Just one voice, really. Everywhere I go I hear it. Like the other day I was at the race track, and there was this mechanic sitting over on the curb by himself. I was gonna walk right on by, but then a whisper voice says, (talks in a ghost like manner) “Goooo taaalk to hiiiiiim. Tell him about Jeeeesuuuuus!” And then I was at the racers cafeteria on Tuesday, and there was this guy in front of me that didn’t have enough money to pay for his food. Then, all of a sudden that voice comes on again saying, “Paaayyyyyy for his fooooooood for hiiiiiiiim. He neeeeeds your heeeeeelp.” It about made me drop my tater salad it scared me so much.

Leader: Now, Zip. Did the voice really sound all ghost-like like that?

Zip: Well, no not really. But, I thought that was a good little addition to help make the story more interesting.

Leader: Yeah, I know. Zip, I know who the voice is that’s talking to you.

Zip: (freaks out) You DO? Who is it? You gotta tell me! I gotta know! It’s driving me crazy not knowing!

Leader: It’s the Holy Spirit.

Zip: (freaks out) It’s a spirit? It IS a ghost! Oh my goodness! I’m gonna die! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 24 CHARACTER SKIT (CONTINUED)

Leader: You are not going to die, now calm down.

Zip: (slowly gets a hold on himself) I’m not going to die. I’m not going to die. Ok, so tell me what this Holy Spirit is all about.

Leader: I would love to. The Holy Spirit is who we are talking about today. The Holy Spirit is God. God speaks to us through His Holy Spirit to lead us and guide down the Highway of Life. He spoke to you to help you know what to do with that man who didn’t have any money and with the man who needed to hear about Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us make good decisions for God and live for Him in a big-time way.

Zip: (starting to get it) So, the Holy Spirit isn’t something to be afraid of at all, huh?

Leader: Not at all. He doesn’t want to scare you. He wants to help you. All you have to do is YIELD to Him and let Him have His way in your life. He will lead you and guide you into all kinds of wisdom.

Zip: Well red hot mustard on a chili dog stick! Why didn’t you say so in the first place? I am going to go see if I can listen even more to the Holy Spirit and do some awesome things for God. Thanks for helping me out today, kids.

Leader: It was our pleasure. See you later, Zip!

Zip: BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 25 Game Time “A-MAZE-ING Verse”

Items Needed For Game: White board, chalk board or poster board. Piece of cloth or newspaper.

Preparation: Write the following at the top of the white board: “...______.” ______:___

Draw a maze under the verse. At the finishing point of the maze, draw a heart. Cover the maze with the cloth (old sheet, towel) or newspaper until your ready to begin the game.

How To Play: Remove the covering from the maze. Ask the children to raise their hands if they know one of the missing words. If they give a correct answer, they get to choose which direction to go in the maze. You can make this game as easy or as hard as you like depending on the difficulty of the maze. Make sure there are at least sixteen turns in the maze (for the sixteen blanks in the verse). When the children finally make it to the end, tell them that the heart represents them working to put the word of God into their hearts.

Reward all of the children with a prize. Tell them that when we hide God’s word in our heart EVERYONE wins!

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 26 Illustrated Message “Yield To The Spirit”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; a GPS device (or a phone that has GPS installed on it); gift wrapping paper; a small box (to put the GPS device in); a bunch of pots and pans, noisemakers, wooden spoons, etc.

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Three,” begin with the slide titled “Yield To The Spirit.” There is a slide for each point in the message. Place the GPS device in the small box and wrap it with the gift wrapping paper. Place a tag on it that says, “To (your name), From: God”; prepare one of your volunteers to bring the gift in for you at the beginning of your lesson

The Message: (title slide)

Today we are talking about the Yield sign. (volunteer walks in with the gift and lets you know it is for you.) A gift for me? From who? (read the tag) From God? That is awesome! I wonder what it is. (open gift and pull out the GPS device) WOW! A GPS! That’s what I have always wanted. You know kids, this GPS reminds me of another important gift that God has for all of us...The Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a lot like this GPS device. In case you don’t know what a GPS device is, let me explain. GPS stands for “Global Positioning System.” This device is in constant communication with satellites in space. The satellites see the entire world at once. The GPS device basically knows every road, every street, every river, every mountain in the entire world. It tells people where to go. If I want to get to a destination a thousand miles away, I just punch the address into this device and it tells me every step of the way.

This device is a lot like the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit speaks to us as we travel down the highway of life. He tells us where to go and what to do. We need to listen to His still small voice in our hearts and always obey what He tell us. Why? Because...

1) The Holy Spirit IS God! (slide)

We can trust what the Holy Spirit says to us because the Holy Spirit IS God. God is made up of God the Father (the Creator), God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. So, if the Holy Spirit IS God, then we know…

1) The Holy Spirit Knows So Much More Than Us! (slide)

If the Holy Spirit is God, He knows EVERYTHING. He knows the past, the present, and the (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 27 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED) the future. Just like the GPS satellites can see everything and know all the roads, the Holy Spirit sees everything and knows everything. So, why wouldn’t we listen and obey what the Holy Spirit tells us. Why would we ever think WE know better than the Holy Spirit does? We would never think we know more than the GPS and turn left when it says turn right. In the same way, we should always obey what the Holy Spirit says because He knows so much more than we do. More than that…

3) The Holy Spirit Wants God’s Best For Us (slide)

When the Holy Spirit leads us and guides us, He leads us and guides us into God’s best for our lives. We can trust Him. The GPS device would never deliberately lead us the wrong way, would it? Of course not. It was programmed to lead us to the destination. The Holy Spirit also never leads us astray. We can trust Him. He wants God’s best for us.

So, how many of you would say you definitely want to YIELD to the Holy Spirit in your life? (allow kids to respond) Of course we do. But, how? Sometimes it is difficult to hear the Holy Spirit speaking to us because life is moving so fast and there are so many other voices in our lives. Let me illustrate:

(Choose volunteers from the audience to come up and take one of each of the pots and pans and noisemakers. On your cue have them all bang and clang and make noise. While they are making noise, have one of your adult volunteers stand in the middle of them and quietly sing “Amazing Grace.” Don’t tell the children that they are doing this. The children won’t hear them. They will only hear the noise. After the first round of noise, stop the noise and say..) WOW! Can you believe how loud that was? Life is like that sometimes; noisy and busy. Let’s remove a few of these noisemakers and give it another try. (Remove half of the noisemakers, then have them do another round of noise. While they are making noise, have the adult volunteer continue singing softly. After several rounds of removing a few noisemakers at a time, finally have it where it is only the adult volunteer up there. Finally, the kids will hear what was being sung, even though they couldn’t hear it up to that point.)

You see, kids, sometimes life is so busy and loud that we have a hard time hearing the Holy Spirit speak into our lives. We need to slow down, wait patiently, and listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts. When we hear Him, we should obey Him. He knows more than us and He wants God’s best for our lives.

ALTAR RESPONSE: (play soft music) Pray for the kids to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking into their lives. Practice slowing down by sitting still for a few moments. Ask the kids to listen to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to their hearts. Then, pray that God will help them obey the Holy Spirit this week.

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 528 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “Slow Down, Wait A Minute, Listen To The Holy Spirit!”

2. What did Zip think he was hearing? Answer: He thought he was hearing voices (ghosts)

3. What was the gift that God has for all of us? Answer: The Holy Spirit

4. The first lesson we learned today that “The Holy Spirit Is ______.” Answer: God

5. The second lesson we learned today is that “The Holy Spirit knows so much more than ______.” Answer: us

6. The third lesson we learned is that “The Holy Spirit wants God’s ______for us.” Answer: best

7. What was in the gift box we opened today? Answer: A GPS device

8. What sign did we study today? Answer: Yield

9. Will the Holy Spirit ever lead us astray? Answer: No

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Galatians 5:25

Lesson three- “Yield” Page 29 Intro Video We must come together and work “Merge“ as a team for God’s glory! Character Skit “Zip Don’t need nobody” “We work together as partners who belong to God.” - 1 Corinthians 3:9 Offering Time

“You & Me, We Agree, We Can Work In Unity!” Praise Songs

Game Time ”We CAN Work Together”

Power Verse review It’s easy to think that “it’s all about “We work together as partners me” when it comes to life. Often, we give who belong to God.” so much attention to standout athletes - 1 Corinthians 3:9 who are the “Most Valuable Players”, we honor music and movie stars with awards. Many kids think that the most Worship Songs important thing is to find out “what’s in it for me.” Illustrated Message But, in the Kingdom of God it’s “Merge” not about individual performance or importance. We are all members of the same team, it’s called the Body of Christ. On this team, we all must work together “Rap It Up” Video to help accomplish the goal of reaching as many people as possible for Christ.

In this lesson, kids will learn how Review Questions to work together in unity to win the world for Christ.

Lesson four- “Merge” Page 30 We must come together and work 1. ______as a team for God’s glory! by ______2. ______by ______

“We work together as partners who 3. ______belong to God.” by ______- 1 Corinthians 3:9 4. ______by ______5. ______“You & Me, We Agree, We Can by ______Work In Unity!” 6. ______by ______Intro Video 7. ______“Merge“ by ______Character Skit 8. ______“Zip Don’t need nobody” by ______9. ______Offering Time by ______10. ______Praise Songs by ______Game Time 11. ______”We CAN Work Together” by ______12. ______Power Verse review by ______“We work together as partners who belong to God.” 13. ______- 1 Corinthians 3:9 by ______14. ______Worship Songs by ______Illustrated Message 15. ______“Merge” by ______16. ______“Rap It Up” Video by ______17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson four- “Merge” Page 31 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

Leader: Today we are learning about how to... (all of a sudden Zip’s intro music off the Music CD Track #4 begins to play; Zip comes running in full speed yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs because he is excited about racing; put the Zip Breakman PowerPoint slide on the screen)

Zip: BOOGITY-BOOGITY! How’s it goin’ everybody?

Leader: Hey there Zip! We’re telling the kids about the “Merge” sign today!

Zip: Merge? What in the Wide World of Sports does THAT mean?

Leader: Well just like the Merge sign means we have to get onto another road with more cars, and in order to do that we have to let other cars take their turn, we as Christians have to work together as partners who belong to God.

Zip: Oh that ain’t no good!

Leader: What? What do you mean that’s not any good? You mean you don’t like working with a partner?

Zip: Not ever since the Nascar Picnic I went to last summer!

Leader: Nascar Picnic? What happened there?

Zip: Me and my buddies wanted to play a game of tug-o-war! We got a hold of that rope and pullllllllled and PULLLLLLLLLLED…and that’s when it happened.

Leader: What happened??

Zip: My buddies thought it’d be funny to pull a prank on ol’ Zip! All of the sudden they just let go of the rope and I went – “AAAAAAAGHHHH!!!” (Zip acts like he’s flying through the air, then lands on his rear end)

Leader: Oh Zip, that sounds terrible.

Zip: It was! That’s why I’m not ever gonna work in a team anymore! EVER!

Leader: Zip you can’t have an attitude like that!

Zip: Well, why not?

Leader: Just because you had bad teammates that one time doesn’t mean that you’re not going to need help at another time in your life. You’re a racecar driver, right? (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson four- “Merge” Page 32 CHARACTER SKIT (Continued)

Zip: Yes sir! The fastest puppet racecar driver you ever did see!!

Leader: And you have a pit crew, don’t you?

Zip: Yeah! Those guys are great! They change my tires and put gas in my car and they do it so fast and good so that I can be that much faster when I race! I wouldn’t know what…I’d….do…(starting to realize what he’s saying) without those guys…OH! I get what you’re sayin! If I didn’t have my team of pit crew guys..I’d have to do all that stuff myself and I’d never win a single race! Every thing’s better when you MERGE together and have a team to do it with! You gotta make sure you don’t try to do everything yourself, but instead work as a team.

Leader: I couldn’t have said it better Zip.

Zip: Well I’m gonna go see my Pit Crew and tell ‘em what a great team they are. I’ll see ya later everybody! BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson four- “Merge” Page 33 Game Time “We Can Work Together”

Setup: Say, “Since we are talking about learning how to MERGE with each other so we can work together for God, we are going to work together in this game. Let’s play “We CAN Work Together!”

Items Needed For Game: The Music CD (play one of the extended versions of one of the game songs), two empty soda cans, two chairs

How To Play: Choose two kids from each team to compete in the game. Choose a point in the room to place the two chairs, equal distance from the starting point. The two kids from each team will pair up. Both pairs will race against each other, placing one can between their heads (forehead to can, not touching the can with their hands at all) and walking together from the starting point to the chair, around the chair, and back to the starting point.

The first pair to work together as a team and make it back to the starting point will be the winners!

Lesson four- “Merge” Page 34 Illustrated Message “MERGE”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; a comb; a trophy or certificate that says “Most Valuable Player”

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Four,” begin with the slide titled “Merge.” There is a slide for each point in the message.

The Message: (title slide)

Today we are talking about the Merge sign. It means that two lanes of traffic are coming together into one. If we want to avoid a total crash, we have to work together and MERGE into one line together. What if someone in the lane says, “I am more important than you! I don’t have to let you into the lane.” And then, they refuse to let anyone in front of them? That’s right! There will be a MAJOR crash! Just like this, Christians have to work together as a team to help reach the world for Jesus.

(hold up the trophy or certificate that says “Most Valuable Player”) How many of you would love to win an award like this? Of course we would. But, let me ask you a question. If someone wins a “Most Valuable Player” award, does that mean they won the game all by themselves? Were they the only person out there on the field? Not at all. It takes a team to win a game. We need to understand that in order to win the world for Jesus, all Christians will have to work together as a team.

Remember Moses in the Bible? He was a powerful man of God, wasn’t he? He led God’s people out of slavery in Egypt. But, did you know that he didn’t do it alone. His brother, Aaron, was his partner. By looking at the partnership of Moses and Aaron, we can learn a few lessons about how to MERGE with one another and work as partners for God.

First of all, Moses knew that he could never go before Pharoah in Egypt all by himself. We find the story in Exodus chapter 4. God tells Moses to go before Pharoah and tell him to “Let God’s people go!” Moses tells God, “God, I can’t do it by myself. I am not a good speaker.” Moses didn’t try to act like he was better than he really was. He could have said, “No problem, God. I got this one. I am an awesome speaker.” Instead, he admitted that he wasn’t able to do that kind of speaking by himself. We can learn a lesson from Moses. In order to MERGE we must:

1) Be Humble! (slide)

Too many people think way too much of themselves. They think that they are the best there is

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) Lesson four- “Merge” Page 35 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED) and that they don’t need anyone else’s help. Do you know people like that? They are always bragging on themselves and looking down on others. That’s not what Moses did. That’s not what we should do if we want to be able to work with others as a team and MERGE.

Romans 12:3 tells us, “Don’t think you are better than you really are.” That’s the first thing you must do if you want to MERGE with others. Be HUMBLE! Moses knew that he needed someone else to help him. He admitted that he couldn’t do it alone.

But, it wasn’t enough just to be humble and admit he needed help. Moses found his brother Aaron and told him that he needed his help. Together they went before Pharoah. Moses allowed Aaron to be the speaker before Pharoah. It would have been easy for Moses to say, “Hey, wait a minute! I’m the one God came to first. Let ME be the one to talk to Pharoah.” But, he didn’t do that. He allowed Aaron to be the one to speak. This is the second lesson we can learn from Moses. If you want to MERGE, you must also:

2) Put Others First! (slide)

Many times we want to take all the glory for ourselves. We want to be in the spotlight. We want to be selfish and take all the credit ourselves. That’s not what someone who wants to MERGE does. On the highway, we have to allow others to go in front of us or else we will crash. In life, we must also put others first and, “Honor one another above yourselves…” as it says in Romans 12:10. That’s an important part of learning to MERGE.

There’s a final lesson we can learn from the partnership of Moses and Aaron. Moses knew that he needed Aaron to speak for him. He was humble and admitted it. Then, he honored Aaron by allowing him to be the one to speak to Pharoah instead of insisting that Aaron let HIM be the star. Then, they worked together to convince Pharoah that he needed to let God’s people go. Aaron did the speaking, and Moses performed miraculous signs to convince Pharoah that it was God who sent them. Aaron spoke, Moses did the miracles. They worked as a team TOGETHER. If we are going to MERGE, then we must:

3) Work Together! (slide)

Moses and Aaron worked together. We have to work together in order to do what God wants us to do: reach the world for Jesus. We need each other in order to do that. Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with each other…” That means we don’t fight with one another, we help each other. TOGETHER we can do big things for God.

(pull out the comb) Let me show you an example of what I mean. (choose a volunteer and hand them the comb; tell them they have to comb their hair WITHOUT bending their elbows; it’s (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) Lesson four- “Merge” Page 36 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED) impossible to do it; then, bring up another volunteer and hand them the comb; tell them that they can’t bend their elbows either—BUT they are to comb the original volunteers hair; suddenly what couldn’t be done alone CAN be done TOGETHER; have the volunteers sit down) Did you notice that when the first volunteer tried to comb their hair without bending their elbows they couldn’t do it. But, when they used a partner, they could get it done. It’s the same thing with being a Christian. God has gifted us all with different talents and abilities. What one person can’t do, another person can. What that person can’t do, another person can. If we work TOGETHER and MERGE, then we will be able to do big things for God.

ALTAR RESPONSE: (play soft music)

Have the kids partner with someone else in the room. Have them pray for each other that they will be able to work as partners with others. Have them pray that they will be humble, put others first, and work together to do big things for God.

Lesson four- “Merge” Page 37 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “You and Me, We Agree, We Can Work In Unity!”

2. What happened to Zip at the Nascar Picnic? Answer: His friends made him fall while playing tug-o-war

3. Did Zip finally realize he needed a team? Answer: Yes

4. What was the name of Moses’ brother who helped him? Answer: Aaron

5. What was it that Moses didn’t think he could do a good job of? Answer: speaking

6. Moses taught us the first lesson on how to merge. What was it? Answer: Be Humble

7. What was the second lesson we learned about how to merge? Answer: Put others first

8. What was the third lesson we learned about how to merge? Answer: Work together

9. Can any Christian do God’s work all on their own? Answer: No

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: 1 Corinthians 3:9

Lesson four- “Merge” Page 38 Intro Video We must work to build our faith “Construction Zone“ every single day! Character Skit “Zip Is stretched” “I pray that...you will keep on growing...” - Philippians 1:9 Offering Time

“I Gotta Build My Faith Every Day!” Praise Songs

Game Time ”How High Can You Build It?”

Power Verse review As Christians, there are times “I pray that...you will keep on when we find our relationship with God in growing...” need of some real “work.” Ever felt like - Philippians 1:9 you were kind of in a rut, or felt “stuck”, like you just weren’t growing? It’s in those times that we need to enter the Worship Songs CONSTRUCTION ZONE and let God help us BUILD up our faith in an amazing way. Illustrated Message “Construction Zone” In this lesson, the children will learn some basic keys on how to build their faith in God’s construction zone. They will learn that growing only “Rap It Up” Video happens when we make a choice to enter the Construction Zone. It won’t happen on its own. Review Questions We must choose to enter the Construction Zone and build our faith every single day.

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 39 We must work to build our faith 1. ______every single day! by ______2. ______by ______

“I pray that...you will keep on 3. ______growing...” by ______- Philippians 1:9 4. ______by ______5. ______“I Gotta Build My Faith by ______Every Day!” 6. ______by ______Intro Video 7. ______“Construction Zone“ by ______8. ______Character Skit by ______“Zip Is stretched” 9. ______Offering Time by ______10. ______Praise Songs by ______11. ______Game Time by ______”How High Can You Build It?” 12. ______Power Verse review by ______“I pray that...you will keep on 13. ______growing...” - Philippians 1:9 by ______14. ______Worship Songs by ______15. ______Illustrated Message by ______“Construction Zone” 16. ______“Rap It Up” Video by ______17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 40 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

Leader: Today we are learning about how to... (all of a sudden Zip’s intro music off the Music CD Track #4 begins to play; Zip comes hobbling in; he seems to be in a lot of pain; put the Zip Breakman PowerPoint slide on the screen)

Zip: (trying to be excited, but having a hard time) BOOGITY-BOOGITY! (grunts) How’s it goin’ everybody? (grunts in pain)

Leader: Hey there Zip! What seems to be the problem today. You don’t seem like your usual self.

Zip: I’m sore!

Leader: Sore? Have you been working out in the gym or something?

Zip: Well, something like that. I heard we were talking about growing in our faith and I noticed that I’m pretty short, so I wanted to become big and tall for today’s lesson!

Leader:: You’re not that short Zip.

Zip: But, still I wanted to be nice and tall for today’s lesson! So I decided I’d get myself all stretched out.

Leader:: Stretched out?

Zip: Yep. I got two of my racin’ buddies! They tied up my arms and legs to their cars, faced the cars in opposite directions, and hit the gas!!

Leader: Zip, that sounds terrible! Didn’t it hurt?

Zip: You bet your sweet sassafras it hurt! And, my legs feel like rubber now. I think they might be a whole two feet longer than before.

Leader:: Zip, you didn’t have to do that! That’s not the kind of growth we’re talking about!

Zip: It’s not?

Leader:: Of course not! We’re talking about the “Construction Zone” sign and stretching and building your FAITH, not your LEGS!

Zip: Ohhh! You mean like reading your bible and praying everyday and stuff like that? Trying to get stronger and stronger in your faith?

Leader:: Exactly! Sometimes we may find ourselves sort of stuck in our walk with God. We may notice that we aren’t growing. Well, it’s in those times that we need to enter into a Construction Zone (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 41 CHARACTER SKIT (CONTINUED)

with God. It’s a choice we have to make. But, if we choose to grow in our faith we will come out stronger on the other side.

Zip: Stronger, but not longer.

Leader: Right, not longer.

Zip: Well, I wish somebody would have told me before. Now I have to go back to Wal-Mart.

Leader:: Wal-Mart? Why?

Zip: Because I gotta take back the twelve pairs of extra long pants I just bought yesterday! BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 42 Game Time “How High Can You Build It?”

Items Needed For Game: a table, 24 empty cans of soda; Music CD (cue one of the one minute versions)

How To Play: Choose five boys and five girls to compete in this game. Set up the table at the opposite end of the room. Place twelve empty cans on the ground next to each team’s starting line. When you say go, the music begins. The players grab one can and run to the table to begin stacking the cans. They do this in a relay form, one person takes one can down, the next person takes another can and stacks it on that can. They can stack them in whatever manner they like.

Tell them they have exactly sixty seconds to run this relay. The goal is to get as many cans stacked on top of each other as they can. If it falls, they have to start over. Tell them that it doesn’t matter how they stack them, but the team that has the highest stack at the end of the sixty seconds will win.

After The Game: Most likely the kids will have stacked them one on top of the other in a tower. They probably didn’t think about trying to stack a pyramid. Show them that the best way to ensure the stack to stand up is to have a wide foundation and stack them in a pyramid. Tell them, “It’s the same in our lives. If we want to grow, we must build a foundation in God’s Word first, then enter a Construction Zone to grow in the Lord.”

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 43 Illustrated Message “Construction Zone”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; a ladder; four pieces of construction paper; adhesive (Scotch tape or similar); make copies of the “Construction Zone Challenge” handouts that are on the last page of the Message

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Five,” begin with the slide titled “Construction Zone.” There is a slide for each point in the message. Write out each point on a separate piece of construction paper and place some adhesive on the back of them. As you teach each point, climb the ladder and place it in ascending order (each point a little higher on the ladder than the next)

The Message: (title slide)

Today we are learning about the Construction Zone sign. Construction zone means “We are working on this road. It’s broke and we need to fix it. It’s not what it should be. It’s not what it needs to be. It used to be pretty good, but it’s no longer ok. It’s under construction.” Often as we travel down the Highway of Life, we may find ourselves in a situation just like that. We may find ourselves in need of some real work. It’s in those times we need to enter a Construction Zone. We have to focus on building up our faith in Jesus.

But, how do we do that? Ever been to a construction site? Have you seen all the heavy equipment, tools, and materials they use to build? It’s amazing. The work they do in Construction Zones is amazing, but I have a question for you? Did it just happen? Did those trucks and equipment just “happen” to show up there one day? Did the men working on the equipment just accidentally walk into the zone and just happen to be there? No, it was a decision. Somewhere, someone decided, “Hey, this road isn’t what it should be. We need to do something about this.” They decided it was time for Construction. It’s the same way with our life. Growth isn’t going to just happen automatically. If we are going to build our faith, then we have to:

1) CHOOSE To Build (slide)

It’s a choice we have to make. We have to decide that we are not satisfied with the way things are. We must CHOOSE to enter into the Construction Zone and start doing what it takes to grow. There are so many boys and girls who say, “I don’t know why I am not getting stronger in my faith. I don’t know why I keep doing the same sins over and over.” I can tell you why. They haven’t made the CHOICE to enter the Construction Zone and do whatever it takes to grow in their faith. If you are going to build your faith, then you have to CHOOSE to do so. It won’t just automatically happen.

2) Hang Around Construction Zone People (slide) (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 44 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED)

If you want to grow in your faith, you have to be careful what kind of people you hang around. You don’t want to hang around people who aren’t interested in growing or are pulling you down in your faith. You want to hang around people who are going to help you grow and build you up in your faith. Be careful what kind of friends you hang out with.

Choose to hang around people who will help you grow closer to God. Choose friends who are wanting to grow in their faith, read their Bible, and pray. Choose friends who will go to church with you and will help keep you on the right path. Don’t hang around people who are going to try to get you to do things that are sinful. Hang around Construction Zone people!

3) Set Some Goals (slide)

Once you have made the choice to build and you have surrounded yourself with people who are going to help you grow, then it’s time to set some goals. Make a goal that you will pray 5 minutes a day every single day. Perhaps you could make a goal that you will read one chapter of the Bible every single day. Another goal you could make is that you are going to talk to at least one person about Jesus at school every single day.

When you set goals and reach them, it helps you know whether or not you are really growing in your faith or not. As you get set goals and reach them, it helps to make you more and more excited about living for God. You know that you are moving forward as you reach the goals you have set. Without setting goals, you really don’t know whether or not you are growing. So, set some goals and work toward them every day.

4) Never Stop Building (slide)

Finally, when you have entered into the Construction Zone—NEVER stop building. One of the worst things you can do for your faith in Jesus is to say, “Well, I think I have grown enough. I don’t need to grow anymore. I will just stay right at this level for the rest of my life.” Our Power Verse says, “I pray that you will keep on growing…” That is because God knows that if we ever decide we are “good enough” and don’t need to grow, then we will most likely begin to move backwards in our faith.

So, it’s important to keep growing and building our faith every single day until the day we end this life and are in Heaven for eternity. It is then that God can look at us and say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Altar Response: (play soft music)

Pray with the children that they will always keep growing in their faith. Then, pass out the “Construction Zone” Challenge handout to every child. Tell them that every person who brings the completed challenge worksheet to church next week will receive a special prize.

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 45 This week, it’s time to enter into the This week, it’s time to enter into the “Construction Zone”. We’re going to read our “Construction Zone”. We’re going to read our bible and pray (other than just at our meals) bible and pray (other than just at our meals) every single day this week. Place a checkmark every single day this week. Place a checkmark next to every day that you accomplish your goal. next to every day that you accomplish your goal. Have your parent sign the bottom to prove that Have your parent sign the bottom to prove that you did it. Bring this sheet to church next week. you did it. Bring this sheet to church next week. Every person who completes the challenge will Every person who completes the challenge will receive a special prize. receive a special prize.

Monday: Monday: ______Read the Bible ______Pray ______Read the Bible ______Pray

Tuesday: Tuesday: ______Read the Bible ______Pray ______Read the Bible ______Pray

Wednesday: Wednesday: ______Read the Bible ______Pray ______Read the Bible ______Pray

Thursday: Thursday: ______Read the Bible ______Pray ______Read the Bible ______Pray

Friday: Friday: ______Read the Bible ______Pray ______Read the Bible ______Pray

Saturday: Saturday: ______Read the Bible ______Pray ______Read the Bible ______Pray

Child’s Name: ______Child’s Name: ______

I certify that my child did read the Bible and pray every day this week as I certify that my child did read the Bible and pray every day this week as part of the “Construction Zone” Challenge. part of the “Construction Zone” Challenge.

______(signature of parent/guardian) (signature of parent/guardian) Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “I Gotta Build My Faith Every Day!”

2. What happened to Zip’s legs after he was pulled by those cars? Answer: they got stretched

3. Will we just automatically grow in our faith without trying? Answer: No

4. What’s the first thing we must do in order to grow in our faith? Answer: Choose to build

5. The second lesson we learned is that we must “Hang around ______people.” Answer: Construction Zone

6. Should we choose friends that will hold us back in our growth with God? Answer: No

7. The third lesson we learned is that we must “Set some ______.” Answer: goals

8. When should we stop building our faith? Answer: Never

9. Is it possible for us to ever grow “by accident”? Answer: No

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Philippians 1:9

Lesson five - “Construction Zone” Page 47 Intro Video Life is full of disappointments. We “Detour” must learn how to handle them. Character Skit “Here on earth you will have many “Zip Is Off The Track” trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." – John 16:33 Offering Time

“Trust In God! Don’t Forget, He Has Never Failed You Yet!” Praise Songs

Game Time ”Bible Detours”

Power Verse review Too many Christians are “Here on earth you will have convinced that once they choose to many trials and sorrows. But follow Jesus, then all of their problems take heart, because I have will disappear. They think that Christians overcome the world." should not have to deal with disappoint- – John 16:33 ments and problems.

Life is full of unexpected Worship Songs problems (we’ll call them detours). Jesus said, “In this life you WILL have many trials and sorrows...” The question Illustrated Message is not “WILL there be detours in life?” “Detour” The question is, “How will you RESPOND when the detours come along?” “Rap It Up” Video In this lesson we will look at the life of King David and a big detour that he faced. We will learn how to handle life’s toughest disappointments with an Review Questions attitude of victory!

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 48 Life is full of disappointments. We 1. ______must learn how to handle them. by ______2. ______by ______“Here on earth you will have many 3. ______trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the by ______world." – John 16:33 4. ______by ______5. ______“Trust In God! Don’t Forget, by ______He Has Never Failed You Yet!” 6. ______by ______Intro Video 7. ______“Detour” by ______Character Skit 8. ______“Zip Is Off The Track” by ______Offering Time 9. ______by ______Praise Songs 10. ______by ______Game Time 11. ______”Bible Detours” by ______Power Verse review 12. ______“Here on earth you will have by ______many trials and sorrows. But 13. ______take heart, because I have overcome the world." by ______– John 16:33 14. ______by ______Worship Songs 15. ______Illustrated Message by ______“Detour” 16. ______by ______“Rap It Up” Video 17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 49 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

Leader: Today we are learning about the detour sign... (all of a sudden Zip’s intro music off the Music CD Track #4 begins to play; Zip comes running in full speed yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs because he is excited about racing; put the Zip Breakman PowerPoint slide on the screen)

Zip: BOOGITY-BOOGITY! How’s it goin’ everybody?

Leader: Hey there Zip! How’s it going with you?

Zip: With me? You really want to know?

Leader: Of course I really want to know. Why would I ask if I didn’t really want to know?

Zip: Well, if you wanna know how it’s going with ol’ Zip today….it’s going….(pauses for a moment to wipe his eye like something might be in it.) WWWWAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! (starts crying hysterically)

Leader: Zip don’t cry! What’s wrong??

Zip: My car’s not working! My car…My car is…is…DEAD! WAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!

Leader: Zip that’s terrible! Did you get into a wreck?

Zip: No! I got into my racecar this morning to practice racing and I turned the key! I was expecting it to make that really cool engine noise it always makes, you know… (imitates an engine revving up)… but…but…nothing happened!

Leader: Oh Zip, that’s terrible.

Zip: You better believe it’s terrible! Now, my life is worthless! I must be doing something wrong! I must be not pleasing God or something for Him to punish me like this! I’m not supposed to be dealing with stuff like this! Christians aren’t supposed to have problems! WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!

Leader: What are you talking about? What do you mean Christians aren’t supposed to have problems?

Zip: Well, isn’t that what the Bible says? Doesn’t it say, “If you give your life to Jesus then you will have a rosy happy-go-lucky life with no problems or disappointments?

Leader: No, it doesn’t say that at all. In fact, we learned in our Power Verse today that Jesus said that we would have MANY problems in life. We are calling them DETOURS.

Zip: Detours? Why you wanna call them that?

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 50 CHARACTER SKIT (CONTINUED)

Leader: Because when you hit a detour it takes you off the road you had planned to be on. It’s very disappointing. Sometimes in life we have disappointments and problems. They get us off the road we planned to be on. But, it doesn’t mean we are out of God’s will or that we are not living for Him.

Zip: Then, I guess I’ve hit a detour! I’m really disappointed! My car won’t start! WAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

Leader: Now Zip, you can’t handle it that way! Life isn’t easy, but you serve an awesome God that’s always in control. When we hit a detour, we have to trust Him, follow Him, and let Him lead us back to where we are supposed to be.

Zip: Yeah, I guess you’re right. God is awesome and He’s always looking out for me. I’m just so sad about my car. I guess I should trust God to show me the way through this problem.

Leader: That’s true, Zip. Trust God to show you the way.

Zip: That’s exactly what I’m going to…do…wait a second. (looks at his hand)

Leader: What’s that written on your hand?

Zip: Oh, sometimes I write stuff on my hand so I’ll remember it later…see…this one says….”Remember to put gas….into car…” WOOHOO!

Leader: What’s going on?

Zip: My car’s not broken! It just needs some gas! MY CAR’S NOT BROKEN! WOOHOO! (looks up to Heaven) Thanks for showing me the way, God! BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 51 Game Time “Bible Detours”

Items Needed For Game: the Data CD; open the Power Point presentation titled, “Lesson 6”. Begin with the game title slide.

How To Play: Choose one boy and one girl to compete in this game (with the help of their team members in the audience). Say, “Since we are talking about Detours today, we are going to play a quiz game dealing with people in the Bible who faced detours. With your team’s help, you will have to choose which answer is correct for each question.”

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 52 Illustrated Message “DETOUR”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; a crown; a DVD of Disney’s “The Lion King” movie

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Six,” begin with the slide titled “Detour.” There is a slide for each point in the message. Familiarize yourself with the Bible story found in 2 Samuel 15 and the passage in Psalm 31:14-22.

Cue “The Lion King” movie to the beginning of the song by Simba titled “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” (on the DVD it is at 14:36 into the movie)

The Message: (title slide)

(Begin the entire lesson by playing the song “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” from “The Lion King” DVD. When it is done, hold up the crown for everyone to see. Maybe even put it on your head and walk around like you are a king.)

How many of you would LOVE to live like a King? Or a Queen if you are a girl? Many of us have thought about it before. How cool it would be - life with no worries, no cares, no problems. A castle of our own, servants to wait on us, a chef cooking our favorite meals. I want you to imagine for a moment that you are the King of an entire country. You rule over everyone and everything in the entire country. Wouldn’t it be awesome?

Well, that’s exactly what King David felt. He had been King of Israel for many years. He had everything that he could ever want. After all, God had anointed him to be King when he was very young. He has ruled over Israel with strength and wisdom. But, all of a sudden things start going way off course.

David’s son, Absalom, turned against him. He began trying to turn people away from David and make them follow him instead. It worked. One day, one of David’s messengers told him, “The hearts of the people are with Absalom.” David knew what this meant. Absalom was trying to take over the throne. David fled for his life. He left the city and rode off into the wilderness. This was NOT the plan he had. David had planned to rule over Israel until he died. After all, God had promised him that he would be King. But, now he finds himself on a total detour, running for his life—from his own son.

But, David does something that not many people would do. In the face of this ENORMOUS detour, he sits down and writes a song to God. And, it wasn’t a sad song...it was a worship song. We find it in Psalm 31. It’s a perfect picture of how we should react when we face life’s detours. Instead of getting angry at God, upset with people, or just quitting—we should follow David’s example.

Let’s look at Psalm 31 and see what David says. In verse 14, David says, “But I am trusting (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 53 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED)

You, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands.” These words that David wrote give us the first thing we should do when we face one of life’s DETOURS:

1) Trust God (slide)

When you find yourself in a DETOUR, don't start to panic. Don’t start to complain. Don’t start trying to figure out what to do next. Simply, trust God. He’s the one who is going to see you through this. He’s the one who knows all, sees all, and can do ALL things! So, trust God just like David did. He didn’t put his trust in other people, in money, or in himself. He put his trust in God. So should we.

The next thing we should do when we face one of life’s disappointing detours is found a few verses later in Psalm 31. David says in verses 21 and 22, “Praise the Lord, for he has shown me his unfailing love. He kept me safe when my city was under attack. In sudden fear I had cried out, ’I have been cut off from the Lord!’ But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.’”

What David was doing in this scripture is something else we need to do when we face one of life’s DETOURS...

2) Remember What God Has Done In The Past (slide)

David was remembering how God had kept him safe when his city was under attack. He made himself think about how God had taken care of him in the past, and he knew that God was going to take care of him this time.

When you face one of life’s tough times—a DETOUR—remember how God has taken care of you in the past. Remember how He has answered your prayers. Don’t forget how God has done amazing things for you before and He will do it again. God “is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” That means if He didn’t fail you before, He won’t fail you this time. No matter how bad your DETOUR might be, remind yourself that God has done amazing things in the past and He will do it again this time.

Finally, David did something else that helped him deal with the DETOUR. It’s the same thing we should do as well. Put your trust in God, remember what He has done in the past, and...

3) Ask God For Help (slide)

David says in Psalm 31:15,16, “My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 54 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED) me down relentlessly. Let your favor shine down on your servant. In your unfailing love, save me.” David knew that he could trust God, he remembered what God had done in the past, but then he cried out to God for help. It wasn’t a fancy prayer. He just said, “God help me! Save me!” Do you know what? God answered him and did just that.

After a tough detour, God put Kind David back in the throne of Israel. The detour was over. David never lost trust in God, he didn’t forget what God had done in the past, and he asked God for help. That’s exactly what we need to do when we hit a detour. If we will, then God will come through for us just like He did with David.

ALTAR RESPONSE: (play soft music)

Pray for the children who feel like they are facing a disappointing detour. Pray that they will trust God, remember what He’s done in the past, and ask Him for help.

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 55 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “Trust In God, Don’t Forget, He Has Never Failed You Yet!”

2. What was wrong with Zip’s car? Answer: it was out of gas

3. Who was the King we learned about today? Answer: David

4. Which of David’s sons tried to steal the kingdom away from him? Answer: Absalom

5. When David faced his detour, he wrote a ______. Answer: song

6. The first lesson David taught us in his song was “Trust ______. Answer: God

7. The second lesson David taught us was to “Remember what God has done in the ______.” Answer: past

8. The third lesson David taught us was to “Ask God for ______.” Answer: help

9. Did God give David back his kingdom? Answer: Yes

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: John 16:33

Lesson Six - “Detour” Page 56 Intro Video We must choose to follow God’s “Wrong Way” plan in everything we do. Character Skit “Zip is going the wrong way” “Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow." – Deuteronomy 5:33 Offering Time

“My Way Is The Wrong Way, So I’m Gonna Follow Yahweh!” Praise Songs

Game Time ”Which Way?”

Power Verse review Have you ever been driving and “Stay on the path that the just convinced you were going the right Lord your God has commanded way, but someone else was telling you you to follow." that you should go another way? You – Deuteronomy 5:33 argue that your way is the right way— until you suddenly find out you are going the WRONG WAY. Worship Songs It’s so frustrating to know that the way you’ve been following (even though you were completely convinced it was Illustrated Message the right way) is the WRONG WAY. “Wrong Way”

Often, we try to follow our own plans for our lives thinking we know what is best for us. But, God says, “I have a “Rap It Up” Video better plan for your life. You can trust Me to lead you the right way into eternal blessings and joy!” In this lesson, the Review Questions children will learn how to follow God’s way and not their own way!

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 57 We must choose to follow God’s 1. ______plan in everything we do. by ______2. ______by ______“Stay on the path that the Lord 3. ______your God has commanded you to by ______follow." – Deuteronomy 5:33 4. ______by ______5. ______“My Way Is The Wrong Way, So by ______I’m Gonna Follow Yahweh!” 6. ______by ______Intro Video 7. ______“Wrong Way” by ______Character Skit 8. ______“Zip is going the wrong way” by ______9. ______Offering Time by ______10. ______Praise Songs by ______Game Time 11. ______”Which Way?” by ______12. ______Power Verse review by ______“Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded 13. ______you to follow." by ______– Deuteronomy 5:33 14. ______Worship Songs by ______15. ______Illustrated Message by ______“Wrong Way” 16. ______“Rap It Up” Video by ______17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 58 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

(all of a sudden Zip’s intro music off the Music CD Track #4 begins to play; Zip comes running in full speed yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs because he is excited about racing; put the Zip Breakman PowerPoint slide on the screen)

Zip: Boogity-boogity everybody! Its me, Zip Breakman! (Zip comes in facing the opposite direction of the kids—his back is to the audience)

Leader: Hey Zip! Zip…what’re you doing buddy? You’re facing the wall. None of the kids can see your face.

Zip: I know! That’s the point!

Leader: That’s the point? You don’t want anybody to see your face?

Zip: Nope, that ain’t the point!

Leader: Is it because…

Zip: Nope! It’s not because I got stinky breath either!

Leader: Then, why are you facing the wrong way?

Zip: That’s it!

Leader: What’s it?

Zip: What you just said! Today we’re talking about the Wrong Way sign and I’m facing the wrong way!

Leader: Ohhh, so by facing the wrong way you’re helping us remember that going our own way is the wrong way and we should follow God’s way?

Zip: Exactly.

Leader: Well, that’s awesome. You can turn around now.

Zip: You want me to turn around?

Leader: Yes, I want you to turn around.

Zip: OK. (turns completely around 360 degrees—when he stops he is still facing the opposite direction of the audience)

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 59 CHARACTER SKIT (CONTINUED)

Leader: No, that’s not exactly what I had in mind.

Zip: Oh, OK. (turns around the other direction 360 degrees—ends still facing the wrong direction)

Leader: No, Zip. I mean I want you to turn and face the kids. They need to see your face.

Zip: (turns around to face the kids) How about this?

Leader: Perfect! Well, I really appreciate you coming to remind us what we are learning today. It is very important to follow God’s way and not our own way. Our way will never lead us into God’s best for our lives.

Zip: Nope! You are right about that! Hey, you mind if I tell the kids a joke before I go?

Leader: Sure.

Zip: You ready for a joke, kids? (allow kids to respond) All right, here goes! Knock Knock!

Leader: Who’s there?

Zip: Cargo.

Leader: Cargo who?

Zip: Car go beep beep!

Leader: Zip, you are crazy!

Zip: You betcha! BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 60 Game Time “Which Way?”

Items Needed For Game: the Data CD; open the Power Point presentation titled, “Lesson 7”. Begin with the game title slide.

How To Play: Choose one boy and one girl to compete in this game (with the help of their team members in the audience). Say, “We are talking about the wrong way sign today. Many times in life we have to make a decision on which way is God’s way and which way is MY way. In this game, we will be deciding which way is the right way to go.”

They will take turns (with the help of their team members in the audience) deciding which way to turn. If they make the correct choice, they will find food under their arrow and can continue to play if they want. For every piece of food they find, their team will receive points. However, if they don’t find food, their turn is over and the lose all the points for that round. The team with the most points wins the game.

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 61 Illustrated Message “Wrong Way”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; one large box (gift wrapped, but empty); one old shoe; a $20 bill; The DVD (cue the video “Yah-Way” by Skittles on the Misc. Videos Menu)

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Seven,” begin with the slide titled “Wrong Way.” There is a slide for each point in the message. Familiarize yourself with the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 24:1-7. Place the $20 bill deep into the shoe where it cannot be seen.

The Message: (title slide)

We’ve been talking today about the “WRONG WAY” sign. It has helped us remember that when we are making decisions in life we don’t want to follow our own way, but God’s way. Life is full of decisions we have to make. Some of those are easy decisions. Others are not so easy.

(bring out the gift-wrapped box and the old shoe) Easy decisions are easy to make, right? Take these two items, for instance. If I asked you to choose which one you would rather have that would be easy, right? Choosing between a huge gift and an old dirty shoe is easy. Duh! (choose a child to come up and decide which one they would rather have. Most likely they will choose the gift, but they may suspect a trick and choose the shoe. Either way, the illustration still works. Have the audience vote on whether or not they think they made a good choice. Then, reveal the contents of the box—nothing—and the shoe—$20.)

You see kids, even when it seems like an easy choice, you can’t go by the way things “look.” This gift “looked” appealing and wonderful—but it was empty. This shoe “looked” stinky and smelly, but inside was a big blessing. Even though a decision may seem like a “no brainer,” when you choose the wrong way, you could be missing out on something big that God has planned for you.

David learned a lesson just like this in 1 Samuel chapter 24. David had been running from King Saul for a long time. King Saul was jealous of David and wanted to kill him. David and his men ended up running for their life and hiding in caves. One day, King Saul and his army were out looking for David. King Saul had a problem...he needed to go to the bathroom. So, he told his army to stop and wait. King Saul walks a long way off by himself and wanders into a cave. He thinks this is the safest place to get some privacy so he can go to the bathroom.

But, guess who happened to be in the that cave already? That’s right! David and his men happened to be hiding in that very same cave. All of a sudden, David is faced with a decision. Here he had King Saul right where he wanted him. King Saul was all by himself in a cave using the bathroom. David had a chance to kill Saul right then. Some of us would look at that situation and say, “C’mon, David! It’s obvious that God put this together. God brought Saul into that cave of all caves (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 62 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED) and delivered him right into David’s hands, right? Well, it sure seemed that way. But, David had to make a big decision. “Is this God’s way or my way?” It’s the same decision that you and I have to make many times.

If you are at school and you are about to take the most difficult test of your life, and the teacher walks by your desk with her notebook and all of a sudden the answer key to the test falls out and lands in your lap...what are the chances? This must be God’s way of providing you with an A, right? It sure seems like it HAD to be God, but you have a choice to make. “Is this God’s way or my way?” It’s an important decision because you don’t want to go the WRONG WAY.

So, what do you do when you want to make the right decision and not go the WRONG WAY? How do you know which way is God’s way and which way is the WRONG WAY? Today, I want to quickly give you a couple of questions to ask yourself every time you are faced with a difficult decision that “looks” good on the outside. Here is what you should ask yourself:

1. What Does The Bible Say About This? (slide)

Most of the time, you can know whether or not something is the right thing to do simply by looking at what the Bible says about it. With the situation with the test answer key falling into your lap, you can easily know that the Bible says we are not to cheat. It doesn’t matter how bad you want an A, you can’t cheat. If you are deciding whether or not you should go to a certain movie with your friends that your parents have told you not to—you know that the Bible says to “Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.” So, you know which way is the wrong way simply by reading the Bible.

2. Have I Prayed About This? (slide)

Sometimes the Bible doesn’t specifically give us an answer to the decision we are trying to make. For instance, if we are trying to decide what College God wants us to go to there is not a verse in the Bible that says, “You should go to State University.” So, when the Bible doesn’t give us a specific direction, we should pray and ask God to help us with our decision.

A lot of people pray to God after they have made a bad decision. That’s a good thing to do, but an even better thing to do would be to pray to God BEFORE you make the decision. Then, once you have prayed, ask yourself:

3. What Do WISE People Say? (slide)

Once you’ve looked in the Bible and prayed about the decision, then go to the WISE people God has put in your life. Your parents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, and Children’s Church (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 63 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED) leaders are people God has put in your life to speak wisdom to you and help you along the way. Go to them and ask them what they think about the decision you are about to make. They can help you and guide you. Finally, after you have looked in the Bible, prayed about it, and asked the wise people in your life about it, ask yourself:

4. Do I Have Peace About This Decision? (slide)

Once you are ready to make the decision, if you have checked the Bible, prayed, and asked the wise people in your life about it, then you should be able to have a strong sense of God’s peace in your heart about the decision you are about to make. God’s will is an amazing thing. When you are following God’s way, not your own way, you will feel a strong sense of peace in your heart. It’s an amazing thing.

So, back to the story about David. There he was with the opportunity of a lifetime. He had King Saul right where he could take him out for good. He was alone in the cave using the bathroom. It was the perfect opportunity. Or at least it LOOKED that way. But, David turned to his men and said, “The Lord forbid that I would do such a thing! He is the anointed of God. I will not lift my hand against him.” David knew that if he had followed HIS way instead of GOD’S way, he would have ended up becoming King at the wrong time for the wrong reasons. He decided to trust God and follow GOD’S way instead of his way. He knew that his way was the WRONG WAY!

ALTAR RESPONSE: (play soft music) Pray for the children who are facing tough decisions in life. Pray that God will speak to their hearts and show them the way He wants them to go. Have them resolve to ask themselves the four questions in the lesson today every time they face a difficult decision.

OPTIONAL: (after the Illustrated Message) Play the music video for “Yah-Way” by Skittles on the Misc. Videos Menu. This song is all about following God’s way instead of my way.

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 64 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “My Way Is The Wrong Way, So I’m Gonna Follow Yahweh!”

2. What Bible character was being chased by King Saul? Answer: David

3. Why did Kind Saul have to go inside the cave? Answer: to use the bathroom

4. The first question we must ask ourselves when trying to make a big decision is “What does the ______say?” Answer: Bible

5. The second question we must ask ourselves is “Have I ______About This?” Answer: prayed

6. The third question we must ask ourselves is “What Do ______People Say?” Answer: wise

7. The final question we must ask ourselves is “Do I Have ______About This Decision?” Answer: peace

8. Did David end up killing King Saul? Answer: no

9. Can you always go by the way things look? Answer: No

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Deuteronomy 5:33

Lesson Seven - “WRONG WAY” Page 65 Intro Video We must be a Godly example for “Watch For Children” those who are younger than us. Character Skit “Don’t let anyone think less of you “Zip learns to be a leader” because you are young. Be an example to all believers ." – 1 Timothy 4:12 Offering Time

“I Will Watch For Children” Praise Songs

Game Time ”Baby Bottle Big-Gulp”

Power Verse review Every one of us can be a leader “Don’t let anyone think less to someone else. No matter how young of you because you are young. a child is, there is always someone Be an example to all believers ." younger than they are. It is those to – 1 Timothy 4:12 which we have a responsibility to lead by example.

Timothy was a young man. The Worship Songs Apostle Paul encouraged him not to think he was “too young” to do big things for God. Instead, Paul told Timothy to be a Illustrated Message Godly example to all believers. “Watch For Children” Just because you are young, you are not excused from being a Godly example to others. In this lesson, the “Rap It Up” Video children will learn how to “Watch For Children” and be an example to those who are younger than they are. Review Questions

Lesson Eight - “WRONG WAY” Page 66 We must be a Godly example for 1. ______those who are younger than us. by ______2. ______by ______“Don’t let anyone think less of you 3. ______because you are young. Be an example to all believers ." by ______– 2 Timothy 4:12 4. ______by ______5. ______“I Will Watch For Children” by ______6. ______by ______Intro Video “Watch For Children” 7. ______by ______Character Skit 8. ______“Zip learns to be a leader” by ______Offering Time 9. ______by ______Praise Songs 10. ______by ______Game Time 11. ______”Baby Bottle Big-Gulp” by ______Power Verse review 12. ______“Don’t let anyone think less by ______of you because you are young. 13. ______Be an example to all believers ." – 1 Timothy 4:12 by ______14. ______Worship Songs by ______15. ______Illustrated Message “Watch For Children” by ______16. ______“Rap It Up” Video by ______17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson Eight - “Watch For Children” Page 67 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

Zip: Boogity-boogity everybody! Its me, Zip Breakman! (Zip comes in facing the opposite direction of the kids—his back is to the audience)

Leader: Hey there, Zip! How’re you doing?

Zip: I’ll tell you what — I am so annoyed!

Leader: You’re annoyed?

Zip: That’s right! My annoying cousin came over today.

Leader: I didn’t know you had a cousin.

Zip: Yep. His name is SKID Breakman! I can’t stand him! He keeps going into my room and touching all of my racing stuff and messing around in my race car and he just gets on my NERVES!

Leader: Well, that doesn’t sound very fun at all.

Zip: It ain’t! He’s a mean little kid and I took care of him just right!

Leader: Well what did you do?

Zip: I stuck him up in a tree.

Leader: You WHAT???

Zip: Yep! I stuck him up in a tree so he’d “leaf” me alone. Get it? “Leaf” me alone.

Leader: Zip that’s terrible!

Zip: Well, I admit it’s not the funniest joke in the world, but it’s not terrible.

Leader: No, Zip, I’m not talking about your joke. I’m talking about the fact that you put your cousin in a tree. That is not nice at all.

Zip: Why? He’s such a mean kid I thought I’d give him what he deserves.

Leader: Zip, I have a question for you. Is your cousin, Skid, a Christian? (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Eight - “Watch For Children” Page 68 CHARACTER SKIT (CONTINUED)

Zip: Well, no. I don’t think he is.

Leader: Do you think you are the setting the right example for him by putting him up in a tree?

Zip: No, I guess not. But, that’s what he gets for being such a knot head.

Leader: Zip, maybe he’s such a knot head because he hasn’t ever had someone show him what a man of God looks like. You may be the only Godly example he ever sees, and you’re not being a very Godly example today are you?

Zip: No, I guess not.

Leader: Zip, we are learning about the “Watch For Children” sign today. It’s a sign that reminds us that the Bible teaches us to be an example to other believers, especially those who are younger than us. They are looking up to us. Your cousin looks up to you. You have to Watch for Children and be a Godly example to your cousin.

Zip: Well, blow my carburetor! Why didn’t you say so in the first place. I better run on back and pull my cousin down out of that tree before the birds lay a nest in his hair. Thanks for helping me learn something important today!

Leader: You’re welcome, Zip!

Zip: BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson Eight - “Watch For Children” Page 69 Game Time “Baby Bottle Big-Gulp”

Items Needed For Game: six small baby bottles (cut a mid-size hole in the end of the nipple so that the milk flows through it easily—otherwise this game could take forever); milk; bibs (optional)

How To Play: Choose three boys and three girls to compete in this game. Say, “We are talking about Watch For Children today, so we are going to play a game that takes us all the way back to being very SMALL children.”

When you say, “Go!”, the contestants will try to drink the milk from the bottle as fast as they can. The first team to have a contestant finish the milk completely wins!

Lesson Eight - “Watch For Children” Page 70 Illustrated Message “Watch For Children”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; five pieces of posterboard

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Nine,” begin with the slide titled “Watch For Children.” There is a slide for each point in the message. Prepare the five pieces of posterboard by placing one of the following on each of them: a pic of a large mouth, a pic of a human body, a pic of a large red heart, a pic of a Bible, and a pic of an Orange Juice bottle that says “100% PURE Orange Juice”

The Message: (title slide)

Ever heard this before? “Hey! You can’t do that! You’re just a kid!” Or maybe, “When you grow up you can do that. But, right now...you’re just a kid!” Well, while it’s true there are some things you can’t do while you are still a kid...like get your driver’s license, fly a plane, or be the president of the United States...there is one thing that you are NEVER to young to do: “Watch For Children.”

You’re never too young to be a leader for God. Unless you were born yesterday, you have someone that is younger than you. As a result, you have younger kids that are looking up to you. That’s a big responsibility. Whatever you do, they will do. However you act, they will act.

How many of you have younger brothers or sisters? Have you ever had them copy something you have said or done? Hopefully it was something good. If not, you probably saw them get in trouble as a result of copying you. No matter how young you are or how old you are, you have a responsibility to set an example for those younger than you. You’re never “too young” to be an example for others.

There’s a young man in the Bible who learned that lesson. His name was Timothy. Timothy was a young man who worked with the Apostle Paul. Even though he was still very young, Timothy was a minister and leader to others. It would have been easy for Timothy to feel like he was “too young” to be a leader for God, but Paul taught him to think differently. Paul wrote a letter to Timothy which we find in the Bible. It’s the book of First Timothy. In the fourth chapter of that book, we find a very important lesson Paul teaches Timothy. It’s our power verse today. It says, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young, but be an example to all believers…”

You might be thinking, “Well, that’s easy to say. But, how am I supposed to do it? How am I supposed to be an example for others? I’m just a kid. How do I ’Watch For Children’ and be an example for all the believers?” Well, Paul finishes that verse by telling Timothy about five areas of his life where he can be an example. We are going to look at this list and see how WE can be an example for those younger than us in these same areas.

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) Lesson eIGHTone - “Watch For Children” Pagepage 717 Illus- trated Message (CONTINUED)

1. In Speech (slide)

(hold up the posterboard with the pic of the mouth on it) One area we can be an example for those younger than us is in the way we talk. Don’t put other people down. Don’t say bad words. Don’t allow yourself to talk bad about others or spread gossip. Those things cause you to have a garbage mouth. Instead, use your words to set the right example for those younger than you.

Speak the truth, encourage others, and always make sure that what comes out of your mouth is helpful for those who hear it. Instead of being a garbage mouth, have a “Godly mouth.” Use your speech to help those who are younger than you become better Christians.

2. In Life (slide)

(hold up the posterboard with the pic of the “body” on it) This means in the way you live...in the way you act. It’s in the choices you make and the things that you do. You have to realize that you can’t just listen to any old kind of music, watch any kind of movies, hang out with any crowd you want, and just “do what I want.” You have a responsibility to make wise choices in the way you live and act.

Everything you choose to do is being watched by children younger than you. Whenever you are about to make a choice in the way you act, you have to ask yourself, “If someone younger than me were to copy this behavior, would God be pleased?” If not, then it’s not the right choice to make.

3. In Love (slide)

(hold up the posterboard with the pic of the heart on it) God has called ALL of us to love others. How much are we to love others? “Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” That means that we are to show love to everyone. It’s a big way we can “Watch For Children” and be an example for those younger than us. When someone is new at school...be their friend. When people are picking on someone...be that person’s friend. Even when someone is not being nice to you...show love to them.

Is that easy to do? NO! It wasn’t easy for Jesus. People beat Him and made fun of Him and even nailed Him to the cross. But, He didn’t try to get even with them...He forgave them and showed them God’s love. We can do the same with His help.

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson eIGHTone - “Watch For Children” Pagepage 727 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED)

4. In Faith (slide)

(hold up the posterboard with the pic of the Bible on it) We can “Watch For Children” in another very important way...the way we show our faith in God. When it’s worship time, you can set an example by worshipping God with your whole heart. When it’s time to listen to the lesson, you can be an example by sitting quietly and listening so you can learn all you can about the Bible.

You see, when you set the right example in faith, you allow the children younger than you to see what it looks like to really live out what the Bible says. It’s one of the best ways you can “Watch For Children.”

5. In Purity (slide)

(hold up the posterboard with the pic of the bottle with “100% pure” written on it) When something says “100% PURE” on the bottle, what does that mean? This says that this is “100% PURE Orange Juice”. What does that mean? It means that there are no added ingredients that would change the taste or mess up the healthy nature of this drink.

When we “Watch For Children” by staying pure in our lives, that means we don’t allow the things of this world like greed, fame, jealousy, envy, and others to get into our lives and “change the taste” of our lives. We must keep those ingredients OUT of our lives and stay “100% PURE” toward God. That way, when children younger than us look at our lives, they see a life that 100% looks like someone in love with Jesus. They can follow after our lives because we are “100% PURE.”

So, there you have it. Five ways to “Watch For Children”: in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. You might ask, “Well what’s the big deal? Why is it so important for me to ‘Watch For Children’ anyway? What does it matter if they follow my bad example?” Well, the Bible teaches that very plainly. Jesus said in Matthew 18:6, “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose faith, it would be better for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around the neck.” That’s how serious God is about us setting the right example for those who come behind us. We ALL have a responsibility to set a good example for those who are younger than us. We ALL have a responsibility to “Watch For Children.”

ALTAR RESPONSE: (play soft music)

Pray for those who feel they need to improve in one or more of these five areas. Have them make a new commitment to being a good example for younger children. No matter how young they may be, they can lead those who are younger than they are.

Lesson eIGHTone - “Watch For Children” Pagepage 737 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “I Will Watch For Children!”

2. What did Zip do to his cousin? Answer: put him up in a tree

3. What young preacher did Paul write a letter to? Answer: Timothy

4. What was the first way Paul told Timothy to be an example: In ______. Answer: speech

5. What was the second way Paul told Timothy to be an example: In ______. Answer: life

6. What was the third way Paul told Timothy to be an example: In ______. Answer: love

7. What was the fourth way Paul told Timothy to be an example: In ______. Answer: faith

8. What was the fifth way Paul told Timothy to be an example: In ______. Answer: purity

9. Are you ever too young to be an example to others? Answer: No

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: 1 Timothy 4:12

Lesson eIGHTone - “Watch For Children” Pagepage 747 Intro Video When we mess up, we must turn “Dead End” around and head back to God. Character Skit “Let the people turn from their “Zip hits a dead end” wicked deeds." – Isaiah 55:7 Offering Time

“If You’re At A Dead End, And You Don’t Know What To Do, Turn Around And Pray And God Will Praise Songs Help You!” Game Time ”Mummy Dearest”

Power Verse review Peter had made some really bad “Let the people turn from their mistakes. Peter even had told several wicked deeds." people that he never even knew Jesus. – Isaiah 55:7 Can you imagine how terrible Peter must have felt? He found himself at a DEAD END. Worship Songs But, Peter made the right decision. He went back to Jesus and asked forgiveness and told Jesus how Illustrated Message much he loved Him. Jesus forgave him “Dead End” and helped him get back on the right path.

Jesus will do the same for us “Rap It Up” Video when we find ourselves at a DEAD END. If we turn and ask Him for forgiveness, He will help us get back on track. In this lesson, the children will learn how to Review Questions make a spiritual U-turn when they have hit a DEAD END.

Lesson Nine - “Dead End” Page 75 When we mess up, we must turn 1. ______around and head back to God. by ______2. ______by ______“Let the people turn from their 3. ______wicked deeds." – Isaiah 55:7 by ______4. ______by ______“If You’re At A Dead End, And You 5. ______Don’t Know What To Do, Turn by ______Around And Pray And God Will 6. ______Help You!” by ______Intro Video 7. ______“Dead End” by ______Character Skit 8. ______“Zip hits a dead end” by ______9. ______Offering Time by ______10. ______Praise Songs by ______Game Time 11. ______”Mummy Dearest” by ______12. ______Power Verse review by ______“Let the people turn from their wicked deeds." 13. ______– Isaiah 55:7 by ______14. ______Worship Songs by ______Illustrated Message 15. ______“Dead End” by ______16. ______“Rap It Up” Video by ______17. ______Review Questions by ______

Lesson Nine - “Dead End” Page 76 CHARACTER SKIT

Character: Zip Breakman

Zip: Boogity-boogity everybody! Its me, Zip Breakman! (Zip is shaking as if he is scared)

Leader: Hey! Um…Zip? What’re you doing?

Zip: Um, what are you talking about? (continues shaking)

Leader: Well, I’m talking about the way you are shaking like a leaf. You seem scared.

Zip: Well, that’s probably because I am SCARED OUT OF MY GOURD!!!

Leader: Why are you scared Zip?

Zip: I’m soooooo scared! Remember last time when I put my cousin Skid up into the tree?

Leader: Yeah!

Zip: Well, I got him down. Now he says he’s gonna tell my aunt what I did to him, and I’m FREAKIN’ OUT!

Leader: Is your aunt scary?

Zip: Scary?? SHE’S TERRIFYING! She used to be a pro body-builder! She’s gonna break me like a Pringle chip!

Leader: Zip, it sounds to me like you’re at a Dead End.

Zip: AGH! Did you have to use the “dead” word????

Leader: Well, that’s what we’re talking about today. When you make a mistake, the best thing you can do is turn around and head the other direction. Sounds like what you need to do is face up to your aunt and apologize for what you did.

Zip: Apologize? I can’t apologize for what I’ve done! There’s no way things can get better now! I put my cousin in a tree and now my aunt’s gonna drop kick me into the next county! AAAAGH! AAAAAAAAAAAGH!

Leader: Zip, you’re going to have to calm down. When you make a bad mistake like this you need to ask for forgiveness, get back on the right track, and start doing things the way you’re supposed to. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Nine - “Dead End” Page 77 CHARACTER SKIT (Continued)

Zip: That’s easy for you to say! You don’t know what it’s like to be in my shoes.

Leader: Actually, I do. I have made many mistakes in my life. And someone else who made a big mistake was the Bible character we are learning about today, Peter.

Zip: Um, what are you talking about?

Leader: Well, Peter had denied that he knew Jesus. He had been too scared to stand up for God. Instead of quitting on his relationship with God, Peter went to Jesus and asked for forgiveness. Jesus helped him get back on the right track!

Zip: Well, that was a guy in the Bible. Do you think the same thing can happen for me?

Leader: I know it can.

Zip: So, I need to apologize to my aunt and ask for forgiveness?

Leader: That’s the only thing you can do. It may not be fun, but it’s the only way things are going to get better.

Zip: Well…I guess you’re right. I gotta go and ask my aunt forgiveness for what I did …I gotta be brave! I gotta be bold! I gotta…..beg for mercy! BOOGITY BOOGITY BOOGITY BOYS, Let’s go racing!!!!! (runs out of the room while his theme music plays—Track #4 on the Music CD)

Lesson Nine - “Dead End” Page 78 Game Time “Mummy Dearest”

Items Needed For Game: The Music CD (play one of the sixty second versions of one of the game songs), two rolls of toilet paper; two chairs

How To Play: Choose three boys and three girls to compete in this game. Choose two leaders from the audience to come sit down in a chair. Give each team a roll of toilet paper.

Before the game, say this:

“We are talking about a DEAD END sign today, so we are going to play a game that reminds me of something dead...a mummy. You are going to create toilet paper mummies out of some of our workers!!!”

When you say, “Go,” each team begins to try to wrap the leaders up in toilet paper. The team that has the leader covered the most by the time the music ends, wins.

Lesson Nine - “Dead End” Page 79 Illustrated Message “Dead End”

Materials Needed: The Data CD; Music CD (cue track #5 “rooster crow)

Preparation: Open the PowerPoint presentation on the Data CD titled “Lesson Nine,” begin with the slide titled “Dead End.” There is a slide for each point in the message.

The Message: (title slide)

Have you ever really messed up? I mean really messed up in life, made a huge mistake, and found yourself at a “Dead End?” When you’re driving and you find yourself at a “Dead End”, it means that the road you are on is not going any further. It means that the path you have been on is over...done...kapoot.

What do you feel like when you have made a huge mistake and you are at a dead end? You know, when you thought you could get away with cheating on a test...but you got caught. When you thought no one would ever know that you watched that movie, but your parents found out. When you have made friends and hung out with the wrong kind of people and they have led you into all kinds of trouble and sin. What do you feel like when something like that happens and you know that you have failed? (have some of the kids talk about how they have felt when they have messed up and found themselves at a Dead End)

You know, there’s someone in the Bible that probably had some of those same kinds of feelings. It’s Peter. Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples. On the night Jesus was betrayed by Judas, he was arrested and taken to court. Peter was outside the court and was asked by several people if he knew Jesus. Three different times Peter was asked, “Are you one of the disciples of Jesus? Don’t you know Him?” Three different times Peter said, “No way! Not me! I have never met the man!” He even screamed and cursed when he was asked whether or not he knew Jesus. The same man who had spent three years of his life with Jesus, watching Him do miracle after miracle, denied ever even knowing Him.

How did this happen? How could Peter find himself at such a Dead End? How could he have spent all this time with Jesus and then find himself totally denying that he even knew Jesus? Did it “just happen?” Or was there a pattern that got him to that point? Can we learn anything about Dead Ends by looking at the days leading up to Peter’s denial? Let’s back the story up and see what we can learn.

(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE) Lesson Nineone - “Dead End” Pagepage 807 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED)

Earlier that night, Peter had been sitting around the table at the Last Supper with Jesus and the other disciples. Jesus told all of the disciples that this very night they would all fall away from Him. Peter speaks up and says, “Not me, Lord. All of these other disciples may fall away from You, but I never will.” At that moment, Jesus says to Peter, “This very night, before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.” Peter responded, “No, Lord! Even if I have to die with you, I will NEVER deny You.”

Peter makes a very bad mistake that many of us make. It’s the mistake that often leads us to a Dead End in life. What’s the mistake? It’s having the thought...

1. “It Will NEVER Happen To Me!” - PRIDE (slide)

Peter had the thought that “It will NEVER happen to me! I will NEVER deny You, Jesus!” It’s the same attitude that many times we have. “It will NEVER happen to me! I will never smoke ciga- rettes.” “It will never happen to me! I will never steal something from the store.” We get in our minds that we could NEVER do something like that. It’s usually then, that we let our guard down thinking we would NEVER do something like that...then we find ourselves falling into that trap and doing the very thing we thought we would NEVER do.

What’s it called when we think, “It will NEVER happen to me?” It’s called PRIDE. The Bible says to watch out because “Pride comes before a fall.” When you think you are too good to ever fall into one of the devil’s traps...watch out! It’s then that you are a prime target for him to set a trap. We have to know that ANYTHING could happen to us, so we have to always be on the lookout for the devil’s traps and not let him catch us not paying attention because we were full of pride.

Well, Peter had another step in the process that led him to the Dead End. Not only did he think, “It will never happen to me,” and let pride in. But, later, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked the disciples to pray. He left the disciples alone for awhile and went off to pray on his own. When he came back, the disciples (including Peter) were asleep. He told them to watch and pray, and instead they fell asleep. What mistake was being made here?

2. “I Don’t Want To!” - DISOBEDIENCE (slide)

Peter didn’t “feel like” praying, so he fell asleep. He was so sure of himself and thought he would NEVER fall away from God that he thought he didn’t need to pray. He wanted to sleep. He had worked all day and was tired, so instead of obeying Jesus and praying...he slept. That’s disobeying Jesus, isn’t it?

Lesson Nineone - “Dead End” Pagepage 817 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED)

Many times it’s the same reason we find ourselves at a Dead End. (hold up the Bible) We know that the Bible says, “Thou shalt not steal.” But, we really want that toy so we say, “I don’t want to obey the Bible!” And, we disobey and steal anyway. We know that Jesus wants us to love those who are our enemies, but we say, “I don’t want to.” So, we disobey and pick a fight with them anyway.

Whenever we choose to disobey God, we will ALWAYS find ourselves at a Dead End. It was true for Peter, and it’s true for us. But, that’s not all Peter did that led him to this Dead End. He not only was full of pride and said, “It will never happen to me.” He not only was full of disobedience and thought, “I don’t want to pray!” But, he made an even bigger mistake.

When the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, Peter goes crazy and pulls out his sword. He swings it wildly and cuts off the ear of one of the servants of the High Priest. Jesus looks at Peter and says, “Put your sword away! Don’t you know that all who live by the sword will die by the sword.” Jesus had taught Peter better than that. He had told him to love his enemies and not try to get revenge. But, Peter had his own plan. He figured his way was better. It’s one of the final mistakes Peter made that led him to his Dead End. He thought:

3. “My Plan Is Better!” - FOOLISHNESS (slide)

Why would Peter think that his little plan of cutting off the dude’s ear was better than Jesus’ plan? Who did he think he was, Zorro? Instead of following the way Jesus had taught him, Peter fol- lows his own plan and tries to defeat the whole army by himself. What does he accomplish? He whacks a dude’s ear off. Whoopee!

Peter’s plan was about as good our plans without God—FOOLISHNESS. Let’s say you have never been to the mall before. I know the way to the mall. I give you instructions. I even write them down for you in a book. But, halfway there you decide, “I’d rather find my own way to the mall. I know I’ve never been there, but I think I can figure this out. He doesn’t know what he is talking about. I’m going to ignore his directions and go my own way.” Would it be any surprise when that didn’t work out? Of course not. When you choose your own path, you wind up at a dead end. It’s foolishness to think your plan is better than God’s plan.

Peter ended up following the soldier who took Jesus all the way to the courtyard where Jesus would be put on trial. Several people came up to him and asked if he knew Jesus. Peter denied to all of them that he even knew Jesus. He screamed, cursed, and said, “I DON’T EVEN KNOW THE MAN!” Just then, Peter heard a sound (play track #5 on the Music CD, “rooster crow”) Suddenly, he remembered what Jesus had said earlier that night. “This very night, before the rooster crows you will deny me three times.”

Peter realized that at that moment he had hit a dead end. He had messed up so bad. He felt worthless. He felt like there’s no way he could go on like this. He had reached a DEAD END. (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)

Lesson Nineone - “Dead End” Pagepage 827 Illustrated Message (CONTINUED)

So, what do you do when you find yourself at a dead end? Do you give up? Do you quit? Do you just lay down and cry? What do you do? Well, you can do the same thing Peter did:

4. Realize You Are At A Dead End And Run To Jesus (slide)

It was just a few days after Jesus had been raised from the dead. The disciples hadn’t seen Jesus alive yet. They were out fishing one morning, but hadn’t caught a single fish, when Jesus appeared on the shore. He yelled to them, “Throw your net on the other side.”

When they did, suddenly their nets were filled with fish. Peter looked and suddenly realized who had yelled to them from the shore. It was Jesus! The same man he had denied just a few days earlier. It was really Jesus! How would Peter react? Would he be ashamed? Would he hide his face? No, Peter jumped out of the boat, swam for shore, and threw his arms around Jesus.

He begged for forgiveness and Jesus forgave him. Jesus told him that even though he had failed and hit a dead end, Jesus’ plan for his life wasn’t over. He turned his life around and Peter be- came one of the most powerful Apostles and leaders of the first church.

How was he able to come back from this Dead End? Because he realized it was a Dead End and RAN to Jesus. It’s the same thing that you need to do today. If you realize that you have reached a Dead End because of the way you have been living, it’s time to realize it’s a Dead End and RUN to Jesus.

ALTAR RESPONSE (play soft music)

Allow those kids who have made bad choices, allowed pride to set in, disobeyed, or followed their own plan to accept God’s forgiveness. Have those who feel they have reached a “Dead End” to come forward to receive God’s forgiveness. Have them RUN to Jesus today.

Lesson nineone - “Dead End” Pagepage 837 Review Questions

1. What was today’s Big Idea? Answer: “If You’re At A Dead End, And You Don’t Know What To Do, Turn Around And Pray And God Will Help You!”

2. Who was Zip scared of today? Answer: his aunt

3. What disciple did we talk about in our Bible Story today? Answer: Peter

4. What was Peter’s first step toward the Dead End? Answer: Pride (It will never happen to me)

5. When Jesus told the disciples to pray, what did Peter do? Answer: fell asleep

6. What did Peter do to the high priest’s servant? Answer: cut off his ear

7. What sound did Peter hear after he denied Jesus in the courtyard? Answer: rooster crow

8. When Peter reached his dead end, did he give up? Answer: No

9. When we are at a dead end, we should ______to Jesus and ask forgiveness. Answer: run

10. Where was our Power Verse found? Answer: Isaiah 55:7

Lesson nine - “Dead End” Page 84