table talk for families sample

THE SMALL PRINT

Table Talk is published by The Good Book Company, 37 Elm Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 3HB, UK.Written by Alison Mitchell (email: [email protected]). Fab pictures by Kirsty McAllister. Bible quotationstaken from the Good News Bible. UK: www.thegoodbook.co.uk North America: www.thegoodbook.comAustralia: www.thegoodbook.com.au New Zealand: www.thegoodbook.co.nz

Welcome toTable Talk

In the next three pages you’ll find suggestions for how to use Table Talk, along with hintsand tips for adapting it to your own situation. If you’ve never done anything like thisbefore, check out our Table Talk web page for further help (see website addresses below)or write in for a fact sheet.

• Families• One adult with one child• A teenager with a youngerbrother or sister

• Children’s leaders with their groups• Any other mix that works for you!

Table Talk helps children and adults explore theBible together. Each day provides a short familyBible time which, with your own adaptation, could work for ages 4 to 12. It includesoptional follow on material which takes the passage further for older children. There arealso suggestions for linking Table Talk with XTB children’s notes.

TableTalkA short family Bible time for dailyuse. Table Talk takes about fiveminutes, maybe at breakfast,or after an evening meal. Choosewhatever time and place suits youbest as a family. Table Talk includesa simple discussion starter oractivity that leads into a shortBible reading. This is followedby a few questions.

XTB

XTB children’s notes help 7-11 year olds to getinto the Bible for themselves.They are based on

the same Bible passages as Table Talk.You will find suggestions for how XTB can beused alongside Table Talk on the next page.

Who can useTable Talk?

TT1 internals 2011:TT1 pages - updated 17/6/11 17:21

HOW TO USE

Table Talk

Linking with XTBThe XTB children’s notes are based on the same passages as Table Talk. There are anumber of ways in which you can link the two together:• Children do XTB on their own. Parents then follow these up later (see suggestions below).• A child and adult work through XTB together.• A family uses Table Talk together at breakfast. Older children then use XTB on their own later.• You use Table Talk on its own, with no link to XTB.

The Building Up section is designed to build on the passage studiedin Table Talk (and XTB). Building Up includes some additionalquestions which reinforce the main teaching point, apply the teachingmore directly or follow up any difficult issues raised by the passage.

As far as possible, if your children are old enough to read theBible verses for themselves, encourage them to find the answers inthe passage and to tell you which verse the answer is in. This willhelp them to get used to handling the Bible for themselves.

Table Talk is designed to last for up to three months.How you use it depends on what works for you. Wehave included 65 full days of material in this issue,plus some more low-key suggestions for another 26days (at the back of the book). We would like toencourage you to work establishing a pattern offamily reading. The first two weeks are the hardest!

FOLLOWING UP XTBIf your child uses XTB on their own it can be helpful to ask them later to show you (or tell you)what they’ve done. Some useful starter questions are:

• Can you tell me what the readingwas about?

• Did anything surprise you in thereading? Was there anything thatwould have surprised the people whofirst saw it or read about it?

• Is there anything you didn’tunderstand or want to askabout?

• What did you learn aboutGod, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

• Is there anything you’re going todo as a result of reading thispassage?

• Did you stick in a Promise sticker?If so, why? What was the promise?

The main part of Table Talk is designed to be suitable for younger children.Building Up includes more difficult questions designed for older children, orthose with more Bible knowledge.

DAY 1What shall we do?

PRAY

Building upThe apostles had the task of telling others aboutJesus. Some of them also wrote the books that makeup the New T. But whatif they forgot some of what they had seen or

heard? Or didn’t understand it? Read John14v25-26 to see how the Holy Spirit helped them.Thank God for making sure that what the apostlestaught and wrote down about Jesus was true andaccurate.

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Recap: Lookagain at yesterday’s five pointsfrom Peter’s speech.

When the people heard Peter’s speech,they asked, “What shall we do?” ReadActs 2v38-39

Peter told them to repent. What doesthat mean? (To repent doesn’t just meansaying sorry. It means asking God tohelp you to change, and to do what Hesays.) What two things did Peter saywould happen? (Their sins will beforgiven, they’ll be given the gift of theHoly Spirit.)

Use the illustration in Notes for Parents(on the previous page) to show howJesus rescues us from our sins.

Verse 39 means that this promise is forus too—even though we live 2000 yearsafter Peter! Thank God for sending Jesusso that you can be forgiven.

KEYPOINTWhen the people heard Peter’sspeech, they asked, “What shallwe do?” Read Acts 2v38-39

Today’s passages are:Table Talk : Acts 2v38-39XTB : Acts 2v37-40 Table Talk is based on the same Bible

passages as XTB, but usually only asksfor two or three verses to be read outloud. The full XTB passage is listed atthe top of each Table Talk page. If you are using Table Talk with olderchildren, read the full XTB passage rather than the shorter version.

KEYPOINTThis is the main point youshould be trying to convey.Don’t read this out—it oftengives away the end of the story!


HOLIDAYSSet aside a special time each day while

on holiday. Choose some unusual places toread the Bible together—on the beach, up a

mountain, in a boat... Take some photos to puton your Tale Talk display when you get back

from holiday.

You could try one of the special holiday editionsof XTB and Table Talk—Christmas Unpacked,Easter Unscrambled and Summer Signposts.

Have an

adventure!Table Talk is deliberately not too

ambitious. Most families find it quitehard to set up a regular pattern ofreading the Bible together—andwhen they do meet, time is oftenshort. So Table Talk is designed tobe quick and easy to use, needinglittle in the way of extra materials,apart from pen and paper now andthen.

BUT!!Most families have special timeswhen they can be more ambitious,or do have some extra timeavailable. Here are somesuggestions for how you can useTable Talk as the basis for aspecial family adventure...

PICNICTake Table Talk with you on a family picnic.Thank God for His beautiful Creation.

WALKGo for a walk together. Stop

somewhere with a good view andread Genesis 1v1—2v4.

GETTING TOGETHERInvite another family for a meal, and to readthe Bible together. The children could make aposter based on the passage.

MUSEUMVisit a museum to see a display from Bibletimes. Use it to remind yourselves that the Bibletells us about real people and real history.

FOOD!Eat some food linked with the passageyou are studying. For example Manna

(biscuits made with honey, Exodus16v31), Unleavened bread orHoneycomb (Matthew 3v4—

but don’t try the locusts!)

DISPLAY AREAWe find it easier to remember and understand whatwe learn when we have something to look at. Makea Table Talk display area, for pictures, Bible verses

and prayers. Add to it regularly.

VIDEOA wide range of Bible videos are available—from

simple cartoon stories, to whole Gospels filmed withreal life actors. (Your local Christian bookshop

should have a range.) Choose one that ties in withthe passages you are reading together. Note: Use

the video in addition to the Bible passage, notinstead of it!

DRAMA OR PUPPETSTake time to dramatise a Bible story. Maybe act it

out (with costumes if possible) or make some simplepuppets to retell the story.

Enough of the introduction, let’s get going...

PRAYER DIARYAs a special project, make a family prayerdiary. Use it to keep a note ofthings you pray for—and theanswers God gives you. Thiscan be a tremendous help tochildren (and parents!) to learnto trust God in prayer as wesee how he answers over time.

Go on—try it!


Luke wrote two books—Luke’s Gospel andActs. (Gospel means “Good News”.) Inhis Gospel, Luke “wrote about all thatJesus began to do and teach until theday he was taken up to heaven” (Acts1v1-2). Think of five things Luke wouldhave written about or flick through Luke’sGospel to find some examples.

Luke’s second book, Acts, tells us whathappened after Jesus died and cameback to life. It starts with Jesus telling Hisfollowers to wait... Read Acts 1v4-5

What did Jesus tell His friends to waitfor?—v4 (The gift that God His Fatherpromised) What was this gift?—v5 (TheHoly Spirit) The Holy Spirit is called “TheHelper”. Why do you think that is? Howdoes He help us? Read the Holy SpiritFact Box in Notes for Parents to find outmore.

The Holy Spirit helped Jesus’ friends tokeep following Him—and to tell othersabout Him. Following Jesus is hard attimes. We need help too.

Ask God to help you—evenwhen it’s hard.

DAY 1 The never-ending story

Building upAfter being brought back to life, Jesus

spent 40 days with His followers. Read Acts1v3 to see what Jesus did and taught duringthat time. Why do you think Jesus’ followersneeded proof that He really was alive? Howwould this help them later, when they startedto tell other people about Him?

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KEYPOINTJesus tells His followers to waitfor the Holy Spirit, who willhelp them to follow Jesus

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 1v4-5

XTB: Acts 1v1-5

DAYS 1-15Notes for Parents

THE BOOK OF ACTSActs is the second book written by a doctorcalled Luke. His first book tells the life of Jesus.His second book tells us what happened afterJesus died and came back to life again.

Acts is short for “Acts of the Apostles”. It’s allabout how Jesus’ closest disciples (now calledapostles) began to spread the good newsabout Jesus.

Note: Disciple means “pupil” or “learner”. Itis used in the Gospels to describe all thosewho followed Jesus. In practice, we often usethis title for Jesus’ twelve closest followers.Apostle means “sent one”. The twelveApostles were chosen (sent) by Jesus to tell theworld about Him. (Acts 1v8)

THE HOLY SPIRIT FACT BOXIt is important to make clear to people that theHoly Spirit isn’t a force (like electricity). He’s aperson. He’s God! Jesus sends us His Spirit tolive inside us and help us to follow Him.

Always refer to Him as He not it. Somechildren can be worried about the Spirit(associations with ghosts/spirits etc.). Makesure they understand that He is the Spirit ofJesus with the same character as the Lord—powerful, but also loving, kind, caring.

Children may like to make or draw a FactBox, or design one on a computer, to putthese facts in. Extra information can beadded as you read through the Book of Acts.

THE HELPERThe Holy Spirit helps us

� wherever we are� to know Jesus is with us� to follow Jesus� to tell others about Jesus� to pray


Are any of you chatterboxes? (i.e. Youcan’t stop talking!) The apostles were to bechatterboxes about Jesus—but they neededone more man to join them. What kind ofman do you think they’d need? (Whatmight he be good at? What would heneed to know?)

Peter described the kind of man theyneeded. Read Acts 1v21-22

What did Peter say was most important?(Someone who’d been with Jesus from thebeginning.) What are some of the thingsthis man would have seen and heard?(Miracles, Jesus’ teaching, Jesus’ deathand resurrection...)

Read v26 to find out who was chosen. Thiswas a H-U-G-E job. Who would helpMatthias to do it? (Holy Spirit,1v8)

Who do you know who tellsother peopleabout Jesus?Ask God tohelp them.

I live near London. How many ways couldyou get a message to me? (Post, phone,visit, email, text message, fax,messenger...)

Jesus’ followers had to tell other peoplethe great message about Jesus. Howmany people do you think they had totell? Read Acts 1v8 to see what Jesussaid.

What four places does Jesus mention?Who would help them to witness (tellpeople) about Jesus? (The Holy Spirit)

(Optional) Find Israel and Jerusalem inan atlas. Judea and Samaria are bothparts of modern Israel. Look for countriesnearby where the message about Jesuscould spread quickly. Now find some faraway countries—”the ends of the earth”.

A bunch of ordinary men telling thewhole world about Jesus seems animpossible mission! Why wasn’t it?The good news about Jesus has spread toevery country in the world. It has reachedyou too! Thank God for the people whotell you about Jesus.

Missionimpossible?

DAY 3 The Chatterboxteam

Building upFind out how Jesus left His disciples by

reading Acts 1v9-11. Film makers use specialeffects to make people appear to float, but Jesusreally did rise up into the air! Why do you thinkJesus was able do this? The angels promisedthat Jesus would come back again. Are youlooking forward to Jesus returning? Why?

Building upA twelfth apostle was needed to replace

Judas. The Old T had said that one of Jesus’followers would betray Him, and that he mustbe replaced. Read Peter’s summary of this inActs 1v15-17 + v20. Think about thequalifications Peter didn’t include in v21-22(e.g. good at making speeches, clever,brave...) Why didn’t Peter add any of these?What’s most important for people today ifthey’re going to tell others about Jesus?

DAY 2

PRAY

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PRAY

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KEYPOINTThe Holy Spirit will help Jesus’followers to spread the messageabout Him.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 1v8XTB: Acts 1v6-11

KEYPOINTMatthias is chosen to replaceJudas. The Holy Spirit will helphim to tell others about Jesus.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 1v21-22 + 26

XTB: Acts 1v21-26


Building upGod could have sent the Spirit at any time. Why

do you think He chose a time when so many peoplewere visiting Jerusalem? Read Acts 2v12-13 to see

two reactions to what happened. Have you toldanyone about Jesus recently? How did they react?Were they amazed? Or puzzled? Did they laugh atyou? Talk about the best way to respond to thesedifferent reactions. Ask God to help you to keep talkingto others about Jesus.

How many languages can you speak?(Even if it’s just to say Yes, No or Hello!)How about Hebrew? (Oh yes, you do!Alleluia [Hallelu Yah] is Hebrew. Itmeans Praise the Lord.)

Jesus had promised that theHoly Spirit would come. Hedid—with some very surprising results!Read Acts 2v1-4

What three strange things happened?(v2—sound of wind, v3—tongues of fire,v4—other languages) Jesus’ followerswere to be chatterboxes about Him.When the Holy Spirit came He gave themnew languages. How would they help?

Praise God in these different languages—they all mean “Praise the Lord.”Le Seigneur soit loué! (French)Looft den Here! (Dutch)Il Signore sia lodato! (Italian)El Señor sea glorificado! (Spanish)

(Optional) Make a poster praisingGod in these languages. IncludeEnglish and Hebrew too. You coulddraw flags as well.

DAY 5Look who’s talking

DAY 4Great tongues of fire!

Building upThe apostles had the task of telling others about

Jesus. Some of them also wrote the books thatmake up the New T. But what if they forgot some ofwhat they had seen or heard? Or didn’tunderstand it? Read John 14v25-26 to seehow the Holy Spirit helped them. Thank God formaking sure that what the apostles taught andwrote down about Jesus was true and accurate.

Either: Use an atlas to find Israel, Turkey,Crete, Egypt and Italy. Or: Give clues toguess some of these places.

Remind each other of yesterday’s story.Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival,so there were loads of people inJerusalem for the celebrations. They camefrom many countries, including the oneslisted above. Read Acts 2v5-8

Why did the crowd gather? (v6) (Theyheard the noise.) What surprised themso much? (Galileans, from North Israel,spoke in all their languages.) Read v8again. How would you answer theirquestion?God wants the whole world to hearabout Jesus. Pray for anyone you knowwho teaches about Jesus in anothercountry. If you can, send them an email,letter or gift andtell them youare prayingfor them.

KEYPOINTThe Spirit gives Jesus’ followersnew languages to help themspread the message.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk : Acts 2v5-8XTB :Acts 2v5-13

KEYPOINTJesus keeps His promise to sendthe Holy Spirit.


XTB: Acts 2v1-4

PRAY

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Copy these five sentences onto strips ofpaper. These are the key parts of Peter’sspeech to the crowds in Acts 2. Try to putthem into the correct order.

A: God brought Jesus back to life.B: Jesus has poured out His Spirit on

His followers.C: Long ago God said amazing things would

happen when He sent theHoly Spirit.

D: Jesus is the Christ (God’s chosen King).E: It was always God’s plan that Jesus would

be killed.

Check Acts 2 vs 17, 23, 24, 31 + 33 tosee what order Peter said these in.(Answer: CEADB) Note: Keep this list fortomorrow’s Table Talk.

Peter has just told the crowds that Jesus isthe promised King—but that they killedHim! How do you think they will react?(More about that tomorrow.)

Look again at the five points listed. Noticehow God was always in control. PraiseGod that His plans always work out.

GOD’S RESCUE PLAN(You need pencil & paper.) Prepare threeseparate pieces of paper. Write GGOODD onone, SSIINN on a second, and draw a person(a stick man is fine) on the third.

Place the piecesof paper as shown.

ASK: WHAT IS SIN?Sin is more than just doing wrong things. Weall like to be iinn cchhaarrggee of our own lives.We do what we want instead of what GGooddwants. This is called Sin.

ASK: WHAT DOES SIN DO?As the picture shows, ssiinn gets in the waybetween us and God. It stops us fromknowing God and from being His friends. Sinis a H-U-G-E problem—and there is nothingwe can do about it.

In Acts 2v38 Peter says that our sins can beforgiven. This isn’t because of anything wedo—but because of what Jesus did. WhenJesus died on the cross He was beingpunished. He took the punishment that wedeserve, so that we can be forgiven.

Take the paper saying SIN and tear it in half. Then place the two halves as shown.

ASK: WHAT GETS IN THE WAY NOW BETWEEN PEOPLE AND GOD?(Answer: Nothing!)When Jesus died, He dealt with the problemof sin so that we can be forgiven. There isnothing to separate us from God any more.This was GGoodd’’ss RReessccuuee PPllaann for us.

DAY 7Notes for Parents

Building upWhen Peter was talking to the crowd, he

summed up some key facts about Jesus. ReadActs 2v22-24. Find at least five importantfacts about Jesus in the verses. Verse 23 saysthat Jesus was killed by men—but that it wasalways part of God’s plan. Who was incontrol?Does v24 confirm your answer?

PRAY

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DAY 6Peter pipes up

KEYPOINTPeter tells the crowds that Jesus is the Christ (God’s chosenKing)—but that they killed Him!

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 2v17,23,24,31,33

XTB: Acts 2v14-36GOD

SIN

GOD

SI N


Do any of you have a nickname? Wouldyou like one—and if so, what? The firstfollowers of Jesus were given anickname—Christians. Why do you thinkthey were called that? (They believedJesus was the Christ, which meansGod’s chosen King.)

After hearing Peter’s speech, about 3000people became followers of Jesus—Christians. (v41) They met together everyday. Read what they were like in Acts 2v45-47

What did these new Christians do?(Shared with each other, gave to thosein need, met daily, praised God.) Whatdid others think of them? (See v47)

If someone looked at your life, could theytell that you are a Christian? How? If not,what needs to change?

Ask God to help you to live for Him, just as these early believers did.

DAY 7What shall we do?

DAY 8Growing all the time

Building up

Read Acts 2v44-45Think carefully about your money andpossessions. How do you decide the best way touse them? Think of someone you know who hasless than you. How can you share with them?Ask God to help you to do it.

PRAY

Building upPeter told people to “repent and be

baptised”. At that time, trusting Jesus andgetting baptised happened together. Thebaptism was a public sign that someone hadput their faith in Jesus and was now living forHim. Why does it help to make a public standfor your faith? Do people know that you area Christian? How?

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Recap: Look again at yesterday’s fivepoints from Peter’s speech.

When the people heard Peter’s speech,they asked, “What shall we do?” Read Acts 2v38-39

Peter told them to repent. What doesthat mean? (To repent doesn’t just meansaying sorry. It means asking God tohelp you to change, and to do what Hesays.) What two things did Peter saywould happen? (Their sins will beforgiven, they’ll be given the gift of theHoly Spirit.)

Use the illustration in Notes for Parents(on the previous page) to show howJesus rescues us from our sins.

Verse 39 means that this promise is forus too—even though we live 2000 yearsafter Peter! Thank God for sending Jesusso that you can be forgiven.

PRAY

TABLETALK

READ

TALK

THINK

KEYPOINTPeter tells the crowds to repent—to turn away from their sins.We need to repent too.


XTB: Acts 2v37-40

KEYPOINTAbout 3000 people becamefollowers of Jesus. These newChristians had changed lives.


XTB: Acts 2v41-47


Have some fun asking each otherquestions. Every answer has to includeBanana! e.g. How are you going toschool? On my banana. What’s theweather like? It’s raining cats andbananas!

The crowds were amazed by thehealing of the lame man. They thoughtPeter must be special and powerful—butPeter said not! Read Acts 3v12Why didn’t Peter want them to think he’dhealed the man by his own power? Whatdo you think Peter will talk about now?(No—it’s not bananas!)

Read Acts 3v16 Who does Peter talkabout instead of himself? What does hesay about Jesus?Peter took everyopportunity to be achatterbox about Jesus. Doyou? What opportunitieswill you have this week totell someone about Jesus?Ask God to help you.

DAY 9 The threeo’clock miracle

DAY 10Chatterbox time

Building upRead Acts 3v13-15 We saw yesterday

how asking questions helps us to understand aBible passage more clearly. Here’s a few more:The crowds were amazed by the miracle, butWhat does Peter choose to talk about? Usethese verses to make two lists. 1—What doesPeter say that God has done? 2—What had thepeople done? Why did Peter want them toknow all this? Why did Peter say that theapostles are witnesses (v15)? (To show it’s true.)

PRAY

Building upA good way to help you understand a

Bible passage is to ask questions. WHY isparticularly useful. For example: Why werePeter and John going to the Temple? (v1)Why did Peter say what he did to the lameman? (v6) Why was Peter able to heal theman? Why do you think Luke included thisstory in the book of Acts?

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(Preparation) Write WHO, WHAT,WHERE, WHEN, and WHY on fivepieces of paper.

Read Acts 3v1-8 Younger childrenmay like to act the story out, to mime itas you read it again, or to retell it usingdolls or puppets.

Use the question cards to talk about thestory.

WHO was there? (Peter, John, lameman). WHERE were they? (Temple,Beautiful gate). WHEN did it happen?(3 o’clock in the afternoon—the “ninthhour”). WHAT happened? (retell themain points— beginning, middle andend). WHY was the man“walking, jumping andpraising God” (v8)?

This man was very excited! He easilycould have forgotten to thank God—buthe didn’t! It’s easy to forget to thank Godfor the great things He has given us.Think of some things to thank and praiseGod for now.

PRAY

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KEYPOINTPeter heals a lame man in thename of Jesus.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 3v1-8XTB: Acts 3v1-10

KEYPOINTThe crowds thought Peter hadhealed the lame man—but hepoints them to Jesus.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 3v12 + 16

XTB: Acts 3v11-16


DAY 11Signposts

PRAY

Building upHave fun chasing down some other verses

that end in 3v16.

John 3v16 is probably the best known versein the Bible. How does it link with Acts3v16? Compare these verses with 1 John3v16 and Matthew 3v16-17. What doall these verses have in common? Finallycheck out 2 Timothy 3v16 (This explainswhy Table Talk aims to help you to read theBible for yourself.)

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Where might you see a “Keep Out!”sign? Or a “Welcome” sign? What arethey for?John’s Gospel says that miracles are likesignposts (John 20v31). Jesus’miracles point to who Jesus is. Peter’smiracle was like a signpost too. ReadActs 3v16

Who did Peter’s miracle point to? (Jesus)How was this man healed? (By faith inthe name of Jesus.) Is Peter saying thisman was healed by faith in a deadman? (No! God brought Jesus back tolife—v15)

Jesus didn’t die a second time—He is stillalive today. We can’t see Him or touchHim, but we can know that He is with us.Jesus sends us His Spirit to live inside usand help us to follow Him.

Dear Jesus, thank you that You are stillalive today. Please help us to follow Youtoday and always. Amen

KEYPOINTMiracles are like signposts,pointing to who Jesus is.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 3v16XTB: Acts 3v16

THINK


PROMISED LONG AGO...The crowd Peter was speaking to wereJewish. They would have known their OldTestament very well—the people in itand the promises God made...

In the last part of his speech, Peter showed thatJesus came as the answer to all threepromises. Read Acts 3v22-26

Wow! God promised that Jesus would come—and He did! He came to rescue His people andbless the whole world—just as God had said.We can trust God to always do what Hesays.

MOSESGod promised that He

would send a prophet (whichmeans God’s messenger) likeMoses. The people mustlisten to this new prophet.(This promise is inDeuteronomy 18v15 + 18)

THE PROPHETSThe Old Testamentprophets spoke of a timewhen God would send arescuer to His people,called the Messiah or Christ. (For example, in Isaiah53v4-6, and Zechariah 9v9.)

ABRAHAMGod promised that one ofAbraham’s family wouldbe God’s way of blessing thewhole world. (See Genesis12v3 + 22v18)


Play two quick games of hangman. Thewords are Chatterbox and Prison.

Because he was a chatterbox aboutJesus, Peter got into BIG trouble. TheTemple leaders had Peter and Johnthrown into prison! The next morningthey were dragged in front of the JewishCouncil. Read Acts 4v7-10

What question was Peter asked? (v7)What was his answer? (v10) The menquestioning Peter were the same oneswho had Jesus killed! Why was Peterable to answer them so bravely? (v8—theHoly Spirit helped him.)

Do your friends laugh at you forfollowing Jesus? Or say that church isboring? The Holy Spirit will help you tostand up for Jesus—just as He helpedPeter.

Ask God to help you to stand up for Jesus.

DAY 12Promised long ago

DAY 13B-I-G trouble!

Building upRead Acts 4v11-12 Peter again shows

how the Old Testament points forward to Jesus.(He is quoting Psalm 118v22) Why does Peterwant the people to understand that the Old Ttalks about Jesus? (The Jewish leaders claimedthat Jesus had NOT come from God.) Yousometimes hear people say that all religions arethe same. What does v12 say about that?Compare it with Jesus’ own words in John14v6.

PRAY

Building upSee Notes for Parents (left) for ideas onhow to build on today’s Table Talk.

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Note: The end of Peter’s speech isquite complex. Older children may liketo follow it through using Notes forParents on the previous page. Withyounger children just focus on verse19.

Do you remember what Peter told peopleto do at the end of his last speech?(Acts 2v38—”Repent and bebaptised.”) What do you think he willtell people to do at the end of thisspeech?This time Peter tells the crowd somethingto turn away from and something toturn towards. Read Acts 3v19

What are they to turn away from? (Sin)What are they to turn towards? (God)

Last time 3000 people becameChristians. (Acts 2v41) What do youthink will happen this time?Read Acts 4v4 to find out.

Wow! Loads of people believed themessage about Jesus, and turned toGod. Thank God for anyone you knowwho has become a follower of Jesusrecently.

PRAY

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TALK

THINK

KEYPOINTPeter tells the crowds to turn awayfrom sin, and turn towards God.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Acts 3v19XTB: Acts 3v17-26

KEYPOINTThe Holy Spirit helped Peter tokeep bravely talking about Jesus,even when it got him into trouble


XTB: Acts 4v1-12


Recap the whole story. Every time youmention Peter everyone has to stand up,turn around and sit down again. (Keypoints: Peter & John [P&J] went to theTemple, healed lame man, crowdsamazed, P spoke about Jesus, manybelieved, P&J arrested, P spoke aboutJesus again, P&J set free but told NOTto speak about Jesus.)

Peter & John were set free, and wentback to the other believers. They’d beentold not to speak about Jesus. Insteadthey asked God to help them keeptalking about Him! Read Acts 4v29-31

What did they ask God for? (v29—helpto speak boldly about Jesus, v30—miracles) The believers wantedeveryone to know about Jesus. That’swhy they asked God for help. How didGod answer their prayer? (v31)

If we ask God to help us tell others aboutJesus, He will always help us. Pray toHim now—thanking Him and asking forHis help.

DAY 14Stop talking!

DAY 15Growing all the time

Building upLook back through the first four chapter of

Acts. What have you found out about the firstChristians? Can you think of some ways that youare like those early believers? How could you bemore like them? Pray together about youranswers.

PRAY

Building upPeter & John were ordinary men. They

hadn’t even had much schooling. So whywere they able to stand up to these leaders sobravely, and explain themselves so clearly?Think about your answer to this question—then compare it with Acts 4v13 to see whatLuke wrote. Why do you think being withJesus had made such a huge difference?

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Do you ever get told to stop talking?Why?The Jewish leaders had a problem. Theyhated what Peter was saying aboutJesus—but they couldn’t pretend themiracle hadn’t happened. So theydecided to tell Peter & John to stop beingchatterboxes! Read Acts 4v18-20

What were Peter & John told not to do?(Not to speak or teach in the name ofJesus) Did Peter agree to do what theysaid? (No!) Who was Peter going toobey instead? (See v19)

Peter knew that God had to comefirst—no matter what happened. Whendo you find it hard to put God first?(e.g. when your friends want you to lieto get them out of trouble, or when youdon’t feel like reading your Bible orgoing to church.)

Ask God to help you to put Him first—just as He helped Peter & John.

PRAY

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KEYPOINTPeter knew that God had tocome first—no matter whathappened—so he carried ontalking about Jesus.


XTB: Acts 4v13-22

KEYPOINTThe Holy Spirit helped Jesus’followers to be bold, and to keepspreading the message about Jesus.


XTB: Acts 4v23-31


Give everyone one minute to collect oneor more things that give light. (e.g.torch, candle, bike light, table lamp—becareful with plugs... You could put thingsround the room beforehand.)

Today’s reading starts at the verybeginning of the Bible. It tells us wherelight came from... Read Genesis 1v1-5

Who is the first person mentioned in theBible? (v1—God) What did God do?(He created everything) Verse 3 tells usthat God created light. How did He makeit? (He spoke)

(Optional) Ask your child to draw thesun. What did they need to draw it?(Paper, and a pen or pencil) Can theymake a picture out of nothing? (No!) ButGod is so powerful that He createdthe universe out of absolutely nothing! Hejust spoke—and the universe was made!

Imagine if there was no light—andeverything was always dark. Think ofsome things you couldn’t do.

Thank God for creating our world—andfor the light to see and enjoy it.

DAY 16In the beginning...

Building upThe book of Genesis doesn’t mention Jesus by

name—but He’s there. The New Testament makesit clear that Jesus is the Word through whom allthings were made. Check out John 1v1-3 andColossians 1v15-17. What do these versestell you about Jesus?

PRAY

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KEYPOINTGod created the Universe out ofabsolutely nothing. He justspoke—and it was made!

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Genesis 1v1-5

XTB: Genesis 1v1-5

THE BOOK OF GENESISGenesis is a Greek word. It means“beginnings”. The book of Genesis is abook of beginnings. It tells us about:

• The beginning of the universe

• The beginning of the human race

• The beginning of God’s special family, theIsraelites

In Genesis we see what God is like. Duringthe next fifteen days of Table Talk we will seethat God is the Star-Maker and Promise-Giver. (Note: In the XTB children’s notes,children stick in Promise stickers wheneverGod is shown to be making or keeping apromise.)

Genesis also shows that God is King of theworld that He made. But sadly we see thatpeople don’t want God to be their King. (Thisis what Sin is.)

HOW? WHO? and WHY?How we came to be here is a fiercelydebated question among Christians

(sometimes too fiercely)! Whatever yourview on How the universe came into

being, it is important to concentrate onteaching children Who made us and

Why. And also why the world is in sucha mess. These are questions that are at the

heart of Genesis also (and whichChristians have no disagreement about!)The major questions of life are answered

in this remarkable book, so it is veryimportant that you do not teach it as ‘justanother creation story.’ (Your children will

probably have been exposed to othercreation stories at school already).

BLOW YOUR MIND!The Bible starts with God. Nobody made

God. Before anything else existed, God wasalready there! This is incredibly hard to get

our heads around—but it’s true!



DAY 17 He also madethe stars

PRAY

Building upRead Genesis 1v16

The end of v16 is my favourite throwaway linein the Bible: “He also made the stars.” Whatdoes this great sentence tell you about God?Compare it with Psalm 147v4 There are further Building Up suggestions inNotes for Parents opposite.

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Ask each person to choose a favouriteanimal—and to say why they chose it.

Chapter One of Genesis tells us theorder in which God made things whenHe created the world. Use Notes forParents (opposite) to check out whatGod made on Days 1 to 6.

Find out more about Day Six by readingGenesis 1v24-25

How many kinds of animal did Godmake? (Loads!) Why do you think Godmade so many? Think of some words todescribe what God made (e.g. great,beautiful, varied...) Genesis describeseverything God made as good. It wasjust how God wanted it to be.

Each choose two things in Creation tothank God for. Take it in turns to pray:Thank You God for making...

KEYPOINTEverything God made wasgood—it was just how Godwanted it to be.


XTB: Genesis 1v6-25

Day 1(v3-5)

Day 2(v6-8)

Day 3(v9-13)

Day 4(v14-19)

Day 5(v20-23)

Day 6(v24-31)

Day andnight

Sky andwater

Sea, landand plants

Sun, moonand stars

Fish andbirds

Animalsand people

THE DAYS OF CREATION

Do a quick whiz through Genesis1v3-25 to spot the words that keep popping up

(v4,10,12,18,21, 25). When “God saw that it wasgood” it doesn’t just mean that He liked it! The

word “good” means that it was fit for the purposeGod had made it for. Everything was just as God

planned it. None of it happened by accident!

CREATION GAMEChildren may like to make a simple game,

using 12 pieces of card. On six cards write

Day 1, Day 2...Day 6. On the other six

draw what God made. The game is to to

match what was made with the correct

day. Children could use it to test visitors!



Test each other to see if you canremember what God made an each day.Check Notes for Parents on Day 17if you’re not sure.

Chapter Two of Genesis tells us moreabout the creation of man. Verse 7 saysGod made man “from the dust of theground”. Then God planted a garden forthe man to live in. Read Genesis 2v15-17

What was the man to do? (v15) (To workand take care of the garden) God toldthe man he could eat from any treeexcept one. Which one? (v17) Whatwould happen if he ate from it? (Hewould die)

If the man eats from this tree, he will wantto decide for himself what’s good andbad. What’s wrong with that? (The worldis God’s place—He created it—He isKing. It’s God’s job to decide what’sgood and what’s bad.)

Father God, thank you that You know thebest way for us to live. You show uswhat’s good and what’s bad. Please helpus to trust You and obey You.

DAY 18Spot the difference

DAY 19 Whose job is it anyway?

Building upThe man had a choice—to obey God, or to

eat from the forbidden tree. We have the samechoice—to obey God or do what we wantinstead. Do you find it hard to believe that Godalways knows what’s best? Why? (Adults needto be honest here too.) Ask God to help you totrust Him and to live His way.

PRAY

Building upPeople sometimes say that we’re no

different from animals. How does Genesis1v26-27 help you answer that? Does thismean it doesn’t matter how we treat animals?Why/why not?

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Do you have any pets? How are youdifferent from them? (e.g. you talk,draw...)

Yesterday we saw that God madeanimals on Day 6. Then He createdpeople. Read Genesis 1v26-28

Verse 26 tells us two ways that peopleare different from animals. What arethey? (1—made in God’s image, 2—rule over fish, birds and animals)

People are made in God’s likeness(image). That means made like GodHimself! Wow! Does that mean we cando the amazing things God can do?(No!) But it does mean that humanbeings rule the rest of God’s creation.(See v28) God has put us in charge ofHis world—to look after it and enjoy it.

(Optional) Read Genesis 2v1-3 Whatdid God do when He had finishedcreating the world? (v2—He rested)God wasn’t tired! He stopped becauseHe had finished His work, and it wasexactly how He had planned it.Everything was perfect.

Thank God for creating a good worldfor us to live in. Ask Him to help you tolook after it.

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KEYPOINTPeople are different fromanimals. We are made in God’simage (likeness) and rule the rest of God’s creation.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Genesis 1v26-28XTB: Genesis 1v26-2v4

KEYPOINTIt’s God’s job to decide what’sgood and bad—not ours.


XTB: Genesis 2v4-17


(You need paper & pencil) Draw apicture to sum up what you know aboutAdam and Eve so far. (e.g. garden, manand woman, trees, one tree they mustn’teat from...)

There was someone in the garden whowanted to spoil everything. Read Genesis 3v1-5

What did the snake pretend that Godhad said? (They mustn’t eat from anytree in the garden) Then the snake liedagain. What did he say wouldn’thappen? (v4) (They wouldn’t die) Whatdid he say would happen? (v5) (They’dbe like God, knowing what’s good andbad)

Whose job is it to decide what’s goodand bad? (God’s job—as we saw onDay 19) But Eve listened to the snake’slies. She ate the fruit—and gave some toAdam too.

The snake was the devil in disguise. Thedevil always wants us to disobey God.Ask God to help you not to listen tothe devil’s tempting ideas.

DAY 20She’s the one!

DAY 21Snakes and ladders

Building upHow would you explain Sin to someone?

(Discuss your ideas.) This story helps usunderstand what sin is. Adam and Eve didn’twant God to be King—to be in charge. Theywanted to decide for themselves what was goodand bad. They chose to do what they wantedinstead of what God wanted. This is sin.

PRAY

Building upDid you know that marriage was invented

by God? Read Genesis 2v23-24 Adam’swife was very special to him because shecame from his own body. God says allmarriages are special—two people cometogether and form one partnership. ThankGod for His great gift of marriage.

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Name Game: Try to go right throughthe alphabet naming an animal for eachletter. (e.g. Aadvark, Baboon, Camel...)

The first man—Adam—was living in aperfect garden, in a perfect world. Butsomething wasn’t good... Read Genesis 2v18

What wasn’t good? (Adam beingalone)

God brought the animals to Adam, sothat he could name them all. But none ofthem could be Adam’s companion,because people are completelydifferent from animals (as we saw onDay 18). Read Genesis 2v20-23

What companion did God make forAdam? (A woman) What did God makeher from? (Adam’s rib) Do you knowwhat Adam called his wife? (Eve—Adam chooses this name in Genesis3v20)

The woman was just what Adamwanted. She was like him—butdifferent. Thank God for creating bothmen and women, boys and girls.

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KEYPOINTIt wasn’t good for Adam to bealone, so God made Eve as acompanion for Adam. She waslike him, but different.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Genesis 2v18 + 20-23

XTB: Genesis 2v18-25

KEYPOINTAdam and Eve disobeyed God.They listened to the devil’s lies,and ate the forbidden fruit.


XTB: Genesis 3v1-7


DAY 22Sin snapshots

PRAY

Building upRead God’s curse on the snake (the devil) in

v14-15. It sounds odd—but there’s a greatpromise here. God is saying that one of Eve’sfamily (her offspring) will beat the devil. Who is thisabout? (This promise is all about Jesus—one ofEve’s family—who came as our Rescuer to beatthe problem of sin for ever.) Thank God forkeeping His promise to send Jesus.

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Recap yesterday’s story: What didthe snake tell Eve? What did Adam &Eve do?Adam and Eve had disobeyed God.When they heard Him walking in thegarden they hid. Read Genesis 3v8-13

God knew that Adam and Eve had eatenthe forbidden fruit. Who did Adamblame? (v12) (Eve) Who did Eve blame?(v13) (The snake) Adam and Eve bothblamed someone else—but they hadboth chosen to disobey God. They choseto sin. As a result (v23-24) they had toleave the perfect garden.

Sin separates people from God.Adam & Eve had to leave the gardenbecause of their sin. They couldn’t livewith God for ever, as they were meantto. Sin gets in the way between us andGod too. But who did God send to solvethe problem of sin? (JESUS—as we sawon Day 7)

Thank God for sending Jesus to solve theproblem of sin.

KEYPOINTSin separates people from God.Adam and Eve had to leave thegarden because of their sin.


XTB: Genesis 3v8-24

Adam and Eve had two sons. Theireldest son, Cain, was a farmer. Theiryounger son was called Abel. He was ashepherd.

Cain was so angry that he took hisbrother Abel out to a field—and killedhim!

Abel gave Godthe best of hisflock.

God was pleased with Abel’s gift. But Hewasn’t pleased with Cain’s gift.

Cain and Abel both gave gifts to God.These were called offerings.

Cain gave Godsome of his crops.



Find any Noah stuff you have. (Books,toys, pictures, t-towels!!) Use these tohelp you think about the story of Noah—but bear in mind that children’s booksmay focus on cute animals rather than onGod!

In the last two readings we’ve seen thatsin spreads. Today we see just how farit had spread... Read Genesis 6v5-8

When God looked at the people, whatdid He see? (v5) (Their hearts were fullof evil) How did God feel? (v6) (Sorrythat He had made them) God was sosorry that He had made man, that Hedecided to flood the earth clean. But oneman was different. Who? (Noah) Whatdoes verse 8 say about him?God told Noah to build a boat (an ark)so that Noah and his family would bekept safe. (The details are in v14-16)Imagine being told to build a H-U-G-Eboat—miles away from the sea! Wouldyou do it? Why/why not? What wouldyour friends say?Read v22. Noah obeyed Godcompletely. Do you want to be likeNoah? Then ask God to help you.

DAY 23The best way to live

DAY 24Build a lifeboat

Building upRead Genesis 1v31 and compare it withGenesis 6v6. What has changed betweenthese two verses? Why?

PRAY

Building upIt’s tempting to think that being in charge of

our own lives must be better than being toldwhat to do. But this horrible story shows whathappens when people live without God incharge. The Bible tells us that God alwaysknows the best way for us to live. Do youbelieve that? Why/why not?

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Read the story of Cain and Abel inNotes for Parents (on the previouspage).

Cain had just committed the first murder.Then God asked him where his brotherwas. Read Genesis 4v8-12

What did God ask Cain? (v9) What wasCain’s answer? (v9) Cain lied, but Godknew what he had done. How did Godpunish Cain? (v12) (He wasn’t able togrow crops any more. He became awanderer, with no home.)

See how sin spreads. Cain lied to Godand murdered his brother. As a result ofhis sin he was separated from God(v16 makes this clear). Does this remindyou of anything? (e.g. Adam & Evewere separated from God because oftheir sin.)

Say sorry to God for the times youdisobey Him. Thank God that He’sgiven us lots of help in the Bible to showus the best way to live.

PRAY

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KEYPOINTCain killed his brother Abel—the first murder. Cain’s sinseparated him from God.


XTB: Genesis 4v1-16

KEYPOINTPeople’s hearts were so full ofevil that God decided to floodthe earth clean.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Genesis 6v5-8 + 22

XTB: Genesis 6v5-22


Find a very simple jigsaw. (About 20pieces.) Time how long it takes you to doit.

The Bible fits together like a Giant Jigsaw.All the way through we find the same twothings. 1—Sin must be punished.2—God provides a way to berescued. Look out for these two things inthe story of Noah.

The flood waters kept coming for 40days. Everything was under water—eventhe highest mountains! Read Genesis 7v20-24

1—Sin must be punished. At thebeginning of chapter 6 we saw howwicked the people had become (6v5).How did God punish them? (The flood)2—God provides a rescue. Godprovided a way to be rescued from theflood. What was it? (The ark) Who wasrescued? (v23)

The Bible says that Jesus is thegreatest Rescuer of all. (Matthew1v21) Everyone sins. We all disobeyGod and deserve to be punished. ThankGod for sending Jesus to be your Rescuer.

DAY 25Into the ark

DAY 26God’s great rescue

Building upWhy were Noah and his family rescued? (See

Genesis 7v1) Note: This doesn't mean that Noahwas perfect! Who is the only perfect man to havelived? (Jesus) But Noah did obey God—and hetrusted God to rescue him.

PRAY

Building upWhether an animal was clean or

unclean had nothing to do with mud! Theclean animals (like sheep) were the ones thatcould be offered to God as a gift (a sacrifice).Any animal offered to God had to be perfect.Thousands of years later, the death of Jesuswas the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to God.See 1 Peter 1v18-19

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How many birds can you name in oneminute?Noah had built the ark, and filled it withfood for all. Now it was time to get onboard. Read Genesis 7v1-5

How many animals did Noah take? (7pairs of each clean animal, 2 pairs ofeach unclean animal—see BuildingUp below if you want moreinformation.) How many pairs of birdsdid Noah take? (7 of each kind) Itwould start raining in seven days time.How long would it rain for? (v4) (40days and 40 nights) What does v5 tellyou about Noah? (He obeyed Godtotally)

Have you ever tried to catch a pet thatdoesn’t want to be caught? Noahcouldn’t possibly catch all those animalsand birds! So God made them come toNoah! (“they will come to you” 6v20,“they came to Noah and entered theark” 7v9 NIV)

Noah obeyed God by doing what hecould do—and trusted God to look afterthe rest. Ask God to help you to do thesame.

PRAY

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KEYPOINTNoah obeyed God completely.He built the ark, filled it withfood, and pairs of everyanimal and bird.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Genesis 7v1-5XTB: Genesis 7v1-10

KEYPOINTSin must be punished, but Godprovides a way to be rescued.




Try to mimic the sounds Noah had beenlistening to for a year. (e.g. waterslapping the ark, the wood creaking,animal noises, bird calls...)

God told Noah and his family to comeout of the ark—so they did. After leavingthe ark, Noah gave thanks to God. Hetook some of the “clean” animals andoffered them to God as a gift. Read Genesis 8v20-22

God was pleased with Noah’s offeringand thankfulness. What did Godpromise? (v21) (Never again to destroyall living things) Instead, God promisedthat for as long as the earth exists somethings will never end. What are they?(v22) (e.g. cold & heat, day & night...)

Look again at the list in v22, Which ofthese is true for you right now? ThankGod that these things remind you thatGod is keeping His promise to take careof our world.

DAY 27 Godremembers Noah

DAY 28Out of the ark

Building upRead Genesis 6v14

Who told Noah to build the ark? Read 7v1 Who told Noah to enter the ark?Read 7v16 Who closed the door of the ark?Read 8v15-16 Who told Noah to come out ofthe ark? What do these verses tell you aboutGod? (e.g. He’s in control of every detail, Hekeeps His promises, He’s a God who rescues...)

PRAY

Building upRead Genesis 7v11 & 8v13-14 to

work out how long Noah and his family livedon the ark. (Just over a year!) Imagine

spending a year on a boat with all thoseanimals! The noise! The smell! Do you thinkNoah found it easy? Why do you think hekept trusting God all that time? Ask God tohelp you to trust Him patiently as Noah did.

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How do you remember things? (a diary?a knot in your handkerchief? analarm?...)

Genesis 8v1 says “God rememberedNoah”. God doesn’t forget things!!When God remembered Noah itmeans He acted on His promise torescue Noah from the flood. He sent awind to dry up the water.

The flood waters were going down. NowNoah had to find a way to check if thefloods had completely gone. Read Genesis 8v6-12

What two birds did Noah send out? (Araven & a dove) What happened thefirst time he sent the dove? (v9) (It cameback with nothing) The second time?(v11) (It brought back an olive leaf—soNoah knew the water had gone) Thethird time? (v12) (It didn’t come back)

God remembered Noah andhis family. He had promised tokeep them safe—and He did.Thank God for always keepingHis promises.

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KEYPOINTGod kept His promise to rescueNoah and his family. He sent awind to dry up the flood waters.


XTB: Genesis 8v1-14

KEYPOINTNoah thanked God for rescuinghim. God promised never againto destroy all living things.




Briefly retell the whole story of Noah,using Noah pictures or toys if you haveany. Choose two words that describewhat Noah was like.

Find out what one part of the NewTestament says about Noah... Read Hebrews 11v7

What two key things does the book ofHebrews tell us about Noah? (He hadfaith in God. He obeyed God.)

Noah stood out among theother people of his time.He was the only one whotrusted and obeyed God.Does his story help you totrust and obey God? Why?(e.g. we’ve seen that Godalways keeps His promises)

Dear God, Thank you thatYou always keep Your promises. Pleasehelp us to trust You. Thank you that Youshow us the best way to live. Please helpus to obey You. Amen

DAY 29Rainbow promises

DAY 30A perfect man?

Building upGenesis 9 ends with an odd little story,

where Noah planted the first vineyard, turnedthe grapes into wine—and got drunk! Then hisson Ham didn’t treat Noah with the respect heshould have shown. (Genesis 9v18-29) Noahand his family were not perfect! (There is onlyone perfect man—Jesus.) But we can stilllearn loads from Noah’s faith and obedience.Thank God for the things you’ve learnt fromNoah’s life.

PRAY

Building upThe account of Noah shows us God’s

character. Psalm 145 praises God for whoHe is. If you have time, read the whole Psalm.Otherwise, just read v8-13 which praiseGod for His compassion towards His creation.Thank God for being like this.

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Rainbow Fun: Do you know thecolours of the rainbow? (Red, Orange,Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet) Atraditional (if rather boring!) way toremember them is “Richard Of YorkGave Battle In Vain”. Can you make upa better one instead?Now that the floods had gone down,God made a covenant (a bindingagreement) with Noah and his family.Read Genesis 9v8-13

Who did God make His covenant with?(v9-10) (Noah, his family [descendants]and every living creature) What didGod promise? (v11) (Never again todestroy the earth) What is the sign ofGod’s covenant? (The rainbow)

(Optional) Draw a rainbow. Write“God always keeps Hispromises” under it. Stick it on yourwall—or send it to someone else toremind them of God’s faithfulness.

Thank God for keeping the promise Hemade to Noah, to all of creation and toyou.

PRAY

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KEYPOINTGod made a covenant (a bindingagreement) with Noah—neveragain to destroy the earth.


XTB: Genesis 9v1-17

KEYPOINTThe NT sums up Noah. He wasn’t perfect—only Jesus is!—but he trusted and obeyed God.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Hebrews 11v7

XTB: Hebrews 11v7


Talk about your family. Who is in yourfamily? Who is your mum’s mum? Whois your dad’s sister? and so on.

(Optional) Work together to draw yourown family tree. This can be quick, if justclose family, or the start of a longer termproject.

Matthew’s book starts with a family tree.Read Matthew 1v1

A “genealogy” (NIV) lists a person’sfamily line. Which three people are listedin verse 1? (Jesus, David, Abraham) Godpromised Abraham and David thatsomeone from their family would be agreat King. Who do you think this Kingwas? (JESUS. The title Christ means“God’s chosen King”)

(Optional) Read Notes for Parentsopposite for more details of God’spromises.

Jesus had a human family like we do.Thank God for your family and pray foreach person in it.

DAY 31Family tree

Building upWhy did Matthew want us to know that Jesus

comes from the same family as Abraham andDavid? (To show that God kept His promise toAbraham and David to send Jesus as the King)Does it matter that God keeps His promises?Why?

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KEYPOINTMatthew starts with Jesus’ family tree, to show He is theKing promised to Abraham and David.

Today’s passages are:Table Talk: Matthew 1v1XTB: Matthew 1v1-17

God’s Promise toAbraham

God promised that one ofAbraham’s family would

be God’s way ofblessing the whole

world. (Genesis 12v3 + 22v18)

God’s Promiseto David

God promised that one ofDavid’s family would be aKing who would rule forever and ever. (2 Samuel

7v12 + 16)

God’s Promise to HisPeople

God promisedthat He would

send a rescuer,called the Messiah

or Christ. (e.g.Isaiah 53v4-6,Zechariah 9v9)


MATTHEW’S GOSPELThe next 20 days are based in Matthew’sGospel. (Gospel means Good News.) The firstfour chapters cover the birth of Jesus and Hisearly ministry. Then we will be investigatingpart of a big block of teaching called TheSermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7).

As we’ll see, Matthew squeezed in loads ofchunks from the Old Testament. He did thisbecause the Old T is full of promises about anew king...


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