More Precious Than Rubies

God’s Hidden Treasure

I wanted to spend an extra week on the Creation story so I have encouraged the kids to bring in something “extraordinary” from nature to share.  We will also be going over  verses from Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 2 so we can go over the differences  between man’s wisdom; which might question the creation account, and God’s wisdom.   This will also give you  time to go over the added details that are found in Genesis 2.

” For in the gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith; as it is written, ‘ The just shall live by faith’. (amplified) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools…” Romans 1:17-22

“Your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:5

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

The Bible is a book of theology.  It is God’s revelation of Himself to man.  When we walk in “the fear of the LORD” (the beginning of wisdom according to Proverbs 9:10), we believe He is our awesome Creator.  “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”  (Hebrews 11:3)   The world ridicules this faith, but we can take a firm stand because we know that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) We can share with them the amazing work of creation that God  perfected in our lives by removing our unbelieving heart of stone and giving us a new heart and a new spirit.  You may be gifted to be able to share with foolish men who bash the Genesis account of creation, but look at Jesus’ example when He answered Pilate that He had come into the world to bear witness to the truth…”everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37) Just share the truth of the word, love them, and leave the results to the Holy Spirit.

NOTE:  If you are  teaching  just a lesson on wisdom to older children, I would add the verses from Proverbs 1:24-32 that describe the warnings of rejecting wisdom’s cry! 

God’s Hidden Treasure

The puzzle  in the sample will help teach truths about wisdom, a gift that will help us understand Genesis 1 and 2.  The worksheets are also posted on my other blog, “kidsbible.wordpress.com”

answers (from NKJV)

worksheet

God’s Hidden Treasures – rubies

The kids will need their bibles to look up the verses.  Different versions will have different words so you will have to help them find the word that fits  (I used NKJV)….but it is important that they at least look up the references so they can be familiar with the Book…remember “sword drills when you were young????

Teaching the parts of the Bible

This is a simple lesson on teaching the major parts of the Bible.  Use it when you are transitioning from New to Old Testament…or vice versa. Cover and first few pages shown above, worksheets included in the “Parts of the Bible – 3” blog.

In the Beginning

“He stretches out the north over empty space;

He hangs the earth on nothing.  He binds up the waters in His thick clouds, yet the clouds are not broken under it.  He covers the face of His throne, and spreads His cloud over it.  He drew a circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and darkness.  The pillars of heaven tremble, and are astonished at His rebuke.  He stirs up the sea with His power…by His Spirit He adorned the heavens…Indeed, these are the mere edges of His ways…” Job 26: 7-17

“Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel… I have made the earth and created man upon it:  I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded…” Isaiah 45: 11-12

We read from the very mouth of God that He did indeed create the heavens and the earth by His mighty Word.  In Romans (chapter 1:20) we read a powerful scripture -“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…” and… “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God..” Hebrews 11:3.  If we doubt the awesome power of Elohim as Creator we will have problems believing the rest of the Bible.  Be much in prayer as you teach this lesson as you  may  be challenged by the occasional child who questions the authority of  God’s Word.

I teach this lesson with the worksheet, one “day” at a time:

Day one: separation of light and darkness .  Day two: gathering of the water from the atmosphere (heaven/sky) separating it from the waters below.  Day three: dry land(earth) and vegetation of all sorts.  Day four: the “light-bearers” – sun, moon and stars as a sign of seasons, days and years. Day five: all living creatures that fly above the earth or swim in the waters of the seas. Day six:  all living creatures that live on the earth including man and woman.

Every day I come across some exquisite example of the Almighty’s creation and marvel that there are folks that do not believe there was a Master Designer. Bring in some amazing samples to share with your class. Seed pods and insects would be a hit, I’m sure.  I teach that each day was a 24 hour period. If not…then the plants that God created on the 3rd day would have died without the creation of the sun on the 4th day.  For this lesson you can use stickers or pictures from magazines or the kids can draw in the different features. If you do not choose to color the separation of day and night on day one, you may  precut a black triangle that goes glued over the night portion .  Use your x-acto blade to cut out the piece over the word “night”.  You can also cut a black rectangle for day 4 so your moon and stars “pop”. If you would like to print the worksheet with annotated text, or “no text”  you can find these uploaded at my other blog –  “kidsbible.wordpress.com” (9/14/2012- creation worksheet)  Also available for printing  is this page of little creatures that the kids can cut out and glue.

creation “stickers”

 
When kids are coming in  to the class…why don’t you have some “galaxy play-doh” ready for them to play with.  You make it at home.  Instructions are on the internet.