Big Idea: The Lord is the one and only God, so we can put Him first in our life.
Bible Basis: 1 Kings 18:16-39
Key Verse: “Do not put any other gods in place of me.” Exodus 20:3 (NIrV)
OPENING PRAYER
Lord, open now my heart to hear, And through your Word to me draw near. Let me your Word ever pure retain; Let me your child and heir remain. All this I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THUMBS UP, THUMBS DOWN
Simply ask your child to share one good thing that happened today or this week (thumbs up) and one not-so-good thing (thumbs down). This is a great way to share celebrations and struggles with one another.
COMIC SHEET
This month’s theme, The Fab Five, has a superhero / comic sheet feel. So, as we go through the Bible lessons, your child will be able to add their drawings to the Bible History comic sheet available below. The comic sheet will include panels with background scenery, but the primary drawings are missing. As our leader goes through the story, encourage your child to draw the missing pictures.
BIBLE LESSON VIDEO
ASK THESE QUESTIONS
For younger kids:
What was your favorite part of this story? Why?
Why do you think Elijah’s prayer was the only one that brought down fire from the sky?
For older kids:
What does this story teach you about God?
How does this story help you in your life?
REFLECT AND RESPOND
After the video, have your child pick one or more of the prompts on the GO! Home Guide.
Prayer Station prompt: Write a prayer to God. Tell Him how awesome you think He is for being the one and only God.
Journal Station prompt: Write a letter to God. Tell Him about a problem you have or something you need and ask Him to help you.
Bible Station prompt: Read it for yourself: 1 Kings 18:16-39. Draw a picture of the story or write to God about your favorite part of the story. Tell Him why you liked it.
Art Station prompt: Draw a giant number one. Color and decorate it in any way that you want. While you’re drawing, say a prayer and thank the Lord for being the one and only God.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
+ The Fab Five Connect Activity
- Say: Today, we started a new series called “The Fab Five.” t’s like a comic book adventure through the Bible. We’re going to hear all about five fabulous prophets from the Old Testament. To get us started, I want to ask you a question. Instead of telling us the answer, though, you’re going to draw it.!
- Directions: Give each kid a blank piece of paper. Place a box of markers, crayons, or colored pencils in the middle of the group. When ready, ask the question below and have the kids draw a picture of their answer. When finished, allow the kids to show their picture and tell a little bit about what they drew.
- Question: If you could see into the future, what one thing would you want to see or know?
+ Fitting God First (Application Activity)
- Set-up: Place 3 ping pong balls in a clear Mason jar, then fill it up close to the top with rice so that the rice fills the gaps between the balls. Next, pour the rice out of the jar and into a plastic sandwich bag and remove the ping pong balls from the jar. .
- Say: Today we saw how the Israelites were worshipping a fake god named Baal (pronounced: bale). Even though we might not worship Baal, we can still have fake gods in our life. Whenever we love something more than God, it becomes like a fake god that we put in His place. We’re going to do an activity right now that will help us see why we should put God first in our life.
- Directions: Place the glass Mason jar in the middle of the group. Pour the bag of rice into the jar. Show the kids the 3 ping pong balls and challenge them to fit the balls inside of the jar with the rice. (The balls cannot be standing out above the rim of the jar.) Let them know that it is definitely possible to fit all of the balls and the rice inside of the jar. Let the group work together while trying to solve the problem. When the kids are ready to give up, hold the jar up for them to see.
- Say: This jar is kind of like our life. The ping pong balls are like things we do with God—prayer, reading the Bible, going to church. The rice is like all of the other things we do during the day—watching TV, playing sports, hanging out with friends. When we put all of those things first in our life, there isn’t really room for God. But look at what happens when we put God first.
- Directions: Remove the balls and pour the rice back into the bag. Place the 3 ping pong balls back into the jar first and then pour the rice over the balls. The rice will fill the gaps between the balls and fit within the jar.
- Question: What does this show us about putting God first in our life?
- Say: When we put God first in our life, not only do we have time to spend with Him, we also have time to do everything else we like doing.
- Question: What are some things that you sometimes put before God or love more than Him?
- Question: What can you do to put God first this coming week?
+ Bible Body Motions (Bible Memorization Activity)
- Directions: Place the Bible verse sign in the middle of the group and read it carefully with your kids several times so they can begin to memorize it. Today’s Bible verse says: "Do not put any other gods in place of me.” Exodus 20:3. Tell your group they have to work together to come up with motions for the verse using their body. The activity will take place over 3 rounds. Each round will involve a different part of the body. For each round, call on kids one at a time and ask for their suggestions. When they’re ready, flip the Bible verse card over and have the group repeat the verse several times using the motions. When finished, move on to the next round. The list of rounds: (1) hand motions; (2) foot motions; (3) head motions.
- Question: What do you think is a consequence (result) of making other things more important than God?
+ Play Dough Prayers (Prayer Activity)
- Directions: Give everyone in your group a small piece of play dough. For today’s prayer, tell them to form their play dough into the shape of something they’re thankful for. Ask them to show their creation and share why they’re thankful.When everyone has had a chance to share, open the kids in prayer by saying “thanks” to God for everything they shared. Following your prayer, allow the kids who are comfortable praying out loud to do the same. When everyone is finished, close the group in a final prayer.
- Say: During the coming week, remember to thank God every day. In fact, make a list in your mind and tell us next week all of the amazing gifts from God that you noticed.
(Due to copyright restrictions, the printable materials described in the activities above are only available to those who have registered for Our Savior’s Kids. To register your child(ren), click the button below)
CLOSING PRAYER
Dear God, you showed me how important I am to you by sending Jesus to forgive all my sins. Help me to show how important you are by putting you first in my life. Amen.
DURING THE WEEK
Read in the Bible the story that was the basis for this week’s lesson:
1 Kings 18
Do more of the activities list above with your child.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LESSON?
Leave them in the comments below!