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Bible Stories for Children of All Ages
Most of us have heard these stories since we were kids. But what happens when we look at them from a different perspective? These familiar “children’s” stories will take on a whole new meaning as they teach us about sin, temptation, faithfulness, courage, disobedience, and trust. We will uncover deeper truths about what it means to be human and to live as God’s chosen people. Join us this summer as we return to our favorite childhood stories and realize they are for ALL God’s children.
July 19
The Garden of Eden
Creation. Adam and Eve. The Fall. The first three chapters of Genesis tell the story of the beginning of the world. Is it actually true or just a fairy tale? What was the real temptation that led Eve and Adam to eat the apple? What does this story teach us about being human: freedom, disobedience, and our relationship with God? In the end, perhaps our deepest desire is to restore the perfect union with God we had in the Garden of Eden.
Reflection Questions: What are your greatest temptations? What are the most important lessons you have learned from the Eve and Adam story?
July 26
Noah’s Ark
Almost every civilization has a flood story. Our scripture tells of a God who decides to cleanse the earth of human violence and wickedness. God spares Noah and his family because of their faithfulness and asks him to build an ark when there’s no rain in the forecast. After 40 days of rain and the death of all living things, Noah’s family has to wait another 110 days for the waters to subside. After sending a dove to see if it was safe to exit the ark, Noah and his entourage finally leave the boat to set foot on dry land. God’s judgment and grace are evident in both the flood and the rainbow. What are the ways God’s judgment and grace are evident today?
Reflection Questions: What has God asked you to do that didn’t make sense at the time? Are you surprised God sent a flood to judge human wickedness? What motifs of faithfulness, floods, waiting, discernment, and promises of God are most meaningful to you at the moment?
August 2
David and Goliath
When everyone cowered at Goliath’s challenge, young David stepped forward to face the giant. Refusing Saul’s armor, David took with him into battle his slingshot and a few stones. This epic battle celebrates the underdog. Against all odds, the little guy wins because of his courage and faith in God. But in the real world, the underdog rarely wins.
Reflection Questions: When have you’ve felt like the “little guy”? List the giants in your life, those obstacles that seem unsurmountable. What do you already have that you could use to combat those giants? How will you take the first step to face them with faith and courage?
August 9
Daniel and the Lion’s Den
How far would you go to be faithful to God? Would you risk your life? Those are the questions Daniel had to answer when a law forbid him to pray to God. He remained faithful despite the threat of being thrown in the lion’s den. God protected him both from the lions and from those scheming against him. What are the ways society asks us to compromise our beliefs and actions today? How do you respond?
Reflection Questions: What laws would you be willing to break, or jobs you’d be willing to give up, in order to be faithful to God?
August 16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Rev. Kailey Stephens Preaching
These 3 Jewish men refused to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol. What are the golden idols we are expected to worship today? Willing to die for their convictions, they are thrown into a fiery furnace. Much to the surprise of the bystanders, a fourth figure is seen in the furnace with them. Their miraculous survival changed the culture of their day. How might our faith and counter-cultural way of life influence the hearts of those around us?
Reflection Questions: What have been the “fires” in your life when you felt tested? How has a “fourth figure” walked with you through it?
August 23
Jonah and the Whale
This is a story about the mercy of God to a people who did not deserve it and a prophet who just doesn’t get what mercy is all about. While we may want to limit God’s grace to those whom we think really deserve it, God’s love is wider and more universal than we can imagine. Jonah struggles with obedience when he’s asked to do something he doesn’t want to. Even prophets can be disobedient. Who are our Ninevites? When was the last time you didn’t want to do something God asked you to?
Reflection Questions: Name a situation when you were upset or disappointed that someone received a second chance, forgiveness, or mercy. What has acted like a “whale” in your life?