Leader Guide
Teaching
- 1 sheet cardstock, 1 page copy paper
- Tape
- Scissors
- Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk
- Optional: posterboard
- Bibles or the Superbook Bible App
- GizmoNote (optional take-home note)
Discipleship Challenge Materials:
• Evidence Page
Make two copies of the Shield Puzzle Page; one on cardstock, one on regular copy paper.
Carefully cut the eight individual pieces from the cardstock copy of the puzzle.
Place the pieces face up, in order; 1 on top and 8 on the bottom.
Do not cut out the other puzzle on copy paper. This will be used as a key to reassemble the puzzle during class.
Write the SuperVerse on the board: 1 Peter 3:15:
Optional: Print the GizmoNote, one per child to take home after class.
Make copies of the Discipleship Challenge materials for children who missed Lesson 1; see Lesson 1 for details.
Paul arrived in Athens before Silas and Timothy, who had been traveling with him. While he waited for them to arrive, he explored the city. What did Paul see that troubled him? The people worshiped many false gods and idols.
Paul could have just rested as he waited for his friends. However, Paul used his time to share his faith by talking with the people of Athens—even though many didn’t accept his teaching.
Paul was also called Saul. Can anyone tell me how he became a Christian? Children answer.
He had been on his way to arrest Christians when God stopped him on the road to Damascus. His life was radically changed forever when Jesus became the Lord of his life! After that, Paul used every opportunity to share what God had done for him—even if he was mocked, harassed or arrested.
Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “The best defense of my faith is to share what God has done for me.”
When Christ is the Lord of our lives, we choose to follow His leading and honor Him by our words and actions. When we do this, people will take notice and ask why. We should always be prepared to share the reason Jesus gives us hope. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long you have been a Christian. All you need to do is share what God has done in your life.
Why do you study for a test? To be prepared to correctly answer the test questions.
If someone asked you why you believe in Jesus or what He has done for you, what would you say?
Children answer.
Let’s put together a puzzle to help us know some things we can tell people if they ask us why we believe in Jesus. Hold the pile of puzzle pieces and call up a volunteer to take the top piece and read it aloud. Then, place a small strip of tape on the piece and have the child place it in on the board, wall, or on a poster board so all can see it. Repeat this for each piece and guide each child to tape the piece in the proper position.
Lead a brief discussion of each piece after it is taped into position.
1. Eternal Life—Jesus died to save me from my sins and give me everlasting life.
2. Strength—Jesus gives me strength and works through my weakness.
3. Answers—Jesus hears my prayers and answers me.
4. Forgiveness—Jesus forgives my sins when I confess them to Him.
5. Peace—Jesus gives me inner peace that the world cannot give and no one can take away.
6. Love—Jesus loves me unconditionally no matter what! Nothing can separate me from His love.
7. Healing—Jesus is my healer.
8. Joy—Jesus gives me joy in my heart, no matter what is going on around me.
What have all of the pieces formed? A shield.
By sharing the various things we have experienced and received from God, we build a powerful shield that defends our faith. These pieces represent just a few of the countless blessings we receive from God. The more pieces we add, the bigger and stronger our defense shield becomes.
Let’s say today’s SuperVerse together. 1 Peter 3:15:
It’s now time for the Discipleship Challenge where we will continue to honor and praise God and look for opportunities to share our hope.
Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application
Give each child who missed the previous lesson an Evidence Page.
We learned that God created everything from nothing, including the earth and the sky which proclaim God’s glory.
Who would like to share something you observed in God’s creation? Children respond.
Does someone have a drawing you would like to share from the first challenge? Children respond.
Hold up an Evidence Page.
For this challenge you will read the second section of Psalm 148 each day in your Bibles. Next, try to observe, as much as possible, God’s creation that is described in those verses. Then, make a drawing of something you observed that was interesting or special to you on Evidence Card #2. In your prayer time, praise God for His creation. Continue to pray for opportunities and boldness to share your hope in Christ and tell others how God is the Creator of all we see and can’t see!
Optional: read Psalm 148:5–10:
When we meet again, you will have a chance to share your observations and drawings for this challenge.