PART I ~ RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD / RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS
A Ministerial Insight on Relationships
By: Jack W. Sword, U.P.C.I. Ordained Minister
How Soft is Your Dirt?
This lessons deals with the condition of our hearts and focuses on the parable of the sower.
Being Consistent in All Things
Teaches the importance of being consistent in all areas of our life, especially in our walk with God. Uses Jesus as our prime example of consistency.
“To-Do List” Priority #1: Work on My Relationship with God
Covers the different types of relationships one has in life, and shows the importance of cultivating the most important one – our relationship with God.
The Eight Areas of Prayer
Introduces the children’s prayer wheel that we created (modeled after the adult 8-area prayer wheel).
What is Intercession?
Teaches the different types of intercession: Warfare (fighting), Travail (birthing), and Supplication (pleading).
Our Spiritual Ice Cream Sundae
Compares our life after receiving the Holy Ghost to an ice cream sundae. Likens the toppings to good and bad things that we allow to be added to our life (e.g. fruits of the spirit or acts of the flesh, such as gossiping, lying, etc.) Also touches slightly on the nine gifts of the spirit as potential toppings as we “grow up” in God.
What does “God is my Father” mean?
Focuses on the fact that God is our heavenly Father and explains how we can begin to view Him as we do our earthly Father, which may affect our relationship with Him.
Holiness, Lesson #1: What Does It Mean to be Holy?
Stresses the necessity of wholly surrendering ourselves to Him in order to become holy (our heart, self, speech). Appearance is touched on only slightly, noting that we should not appear as the world does. As teachers, it was not our place to introduce holiness parameters; rather, we focused on the condition of one’s heart.
Holiness, Lesson #2: What is My Holiness Grade? (A, B, C, D, or F)
This lessons looks at the difference between a true Christian and one that occasionally “walks the walk” as they should. Causes one to look at, and grade, themselves on their behavior.
How Do I Keep My “River” Flowing?
Explains the necessity of keeping our “Holy Ghost River” flowing by continually working on our relationship with God.
How Can I Make My Time with God Even Better?
Uses a devotional study sheet to teach one how to study a scripture in God’s word and apply it in their own life.
Becoming a Journalist for Jesus
Shows how a journal can be an important tool in our relationship with Him, including remembering when and what He speaks to us!
(You + Me) + Working Together = Unity
Explains the necessity of God’s people working together towards any common goal; stresses the need for love one to another.
I’m Called to be a Soulwinner!
Shows how we are all called to be witnesses of Him using both biblical and situational examples.
PART II ~ BIBLICAL CONCEPTS AND DOCTRINE
A Ministerial Insight on Doctrine
By: Rev. William L. Sciscoe, Pastor of The Church Triumphant of Columbus
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Two Plans for Your Life
There are two plans for our lives, and Matthew 6:24 and 7:13-14 both say it pretty well - narrow is the gate…wide is the gate…no one can serve two masters…
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Heavenly Mansion No. 2,352,427
Talks about heaven and how we “can get there”; touches on the rapture and who will go when He comes.
You want me to FAST? But…I’m just a KID!
Explains the need for fasting in order to strengthen our relationship with Him. Gives ideas for “kid fasting,” such as going without sweets, favorite foods, video games, etc.
Why Do We Give Tithes and Offerings?
Teaches why we give tithes and offerings and explains the necessity of doing both.
Faith, Lesson #1: Faith – Something We Cannot See
Teaches about the faith that helps us “get through our problems.”
Faith, Lesson #2: Will God Heal Us?
Builds one’s faith to believe that He can and will heal us!
Faith, Lesson #3: How Much Faith Do We Need?
Uses the grain of mustard seed to explain that He can work with just “tiny faith” if we simply believe.
Faith, Lesson #4: Faith and Trust (Are They the Same Thing?)
Shows the relationship between faith and trust, and how we must have both.
Praying For Others (Laying on of Hands: How, When and Why)
This is not a “legalistic” lesson, nor is it intended to be doctrinal; rather, it simply provides boundaries for children when they begin to pray with others (we strongly suggest talking it over with the pastor prior to teaching it in the classroom).
Gifts of the Spirit, Lesson #1: “Showing” Gifts
Talks about the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and discerning of spirits; it enables a child (or new convert) to better understand these gifts and how they would be used. Shows how God will reward us with gifts as He ‘stretches’ our relationship with Him.
Gifts of the Spirit, Lesson #2: “Telling” and “Doing” Gifts
Teaches about diverse kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues, gift of prophecy (“telling gifts”) and the gift of faith, gift of healing, and gift of miracles (“doing” gifts). Continues the teaching of His “stretching” the relationship that we have with Him.
(Authors’ note: the Godhead lessons were written after a number of our assembly’s children began attending Trinitarian schools and became doctrinally confused, disabling their ability to explain their beliefs. God enabled Mark to bring this concept down to a level where a child could understand it; it has also helped new (adult, former Trinitarian) converts come to an understand of the Oneness of God.)
Godhead, Lesson #1: There is One God
Explains the terms “co-equal,” “co-eternal,” and “co-substantial.”
Godhead, Lesson #2: Jesus is God
Explains the terms “eternally begotten” and “second person in the Godhead.”
Godhead, Lesson #3: Why is the Name of Jesus so Important?
Talks about the Trinitarian belief that Jesus is simply a “human” name and should not be used in baptism; explains the absolute necessity of being baptized in Jesus’ Name.
PART III ~ SHAME: ITS ORIGIN, SYMPTOMS, AND DELIVERANCE
Shame, Lesson #1: What is Shame?
Explains the meaning of shame (or dishonor). Talks about things that we have done or should have done, disappointing someone (including ourselves), rejection, mental or emotional abuse. Two causes of shame: someone putting shame on someone else, and someone bringing shame upon himself or herself.
Shame, Lesson #2: How Shame Affects Our Relationships
Teaches how shame can affect the three basic relationships in our lives: God, others, and ourselves.
Shame, Lesson #3: How Can Shame Mess Up Our Lives?
Explains that when we carry shame, it’s like carrying a neon sign that tells satan “I’m available for you to bother.”
Shame, Lesson #4: How Does Shame Affect Me?
Teaches one the difference between guilt and shame. Teaches that Jesus understood shame because He suffered it while He was on the earth. Enables one to be set free from shame, showing how we (a) must forgive ourselves, (b) must forgive others, (c) must forgive God, and (d) must ask God to forgive those who have hurt us. This lesson concludes this particular topic and helps the instructor prepare the students for a time of healing prayer.
TEACHER’S TOOLBOX
Prayer Wheel
My Bible Study Form
Prayer & Fasting Commitment Card
My “21 Days Make a Habit”
Shame Prayer Card
A Few Prayer Time Ideas…
