Day 1
The Two Kingdoms

Bible passages
Creator King and Prince of Darkness
Various Verses; Ephesians 6:10–14
Apologetics Content
Absolute truth is true for all people, for all times, for all circumstances.
Veritas verse
Put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:11
Rhyme Time
Of two, only one is true!
Lesson Focus
We’re in a battle between two kingdoms—God’s good kingdom that is based on truth and the enemy’s bad kingdom that is based on lies.
Animal Pal
Winifred (“Winnie”) the Warhorse
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Kingdom Cards 
Touch Table Wet: Make It Clean!
Touch Table Dry: Two Kingdoms Sandcastles
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:11
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Which Side of the Keep?
Teach it! 
Part 1: Two Kingdoms Contrasted
Part 2: Puppet Pal—The Battle’s On
Part 3: Animal Pal Review
Apply It!
Part 1: Veritas Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Song 1: “I’m in the Lord’s Army” 
Song 2: “The Kingdom Keepers”
Preparing for the Lesson 
Read Ephesians 6:10–18 several times. 
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on absolute truth and the two kingdoms, visit AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq.
Pray.

Devotion 1: The Two Kingdoms
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Psalm 51:6
When Pilate questioned Jesus about the charges the Jews were leveling at him, Jesus replied, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 
Can you hear the cynicism and sarcasm in Pilate’s voice as he asks dismissively, “What is truth?” and hands over Jesus to the Jews for crucifixion (John 18:37–38)?
Throughout the ages, people have echoed Pilate’s question, in sincerity as well as skepticism. In fact, the battle over truth is as ancient as the original sin. Take a look at the lies Satan told himself and those who rebelled with him against their Creator:
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!
You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north;
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High’” (Isaiah 14:12–14, emphasis added).
Satan knew the truth—that there is none in heaven like the Creator God—but he exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and in the process became the father of lies (John 8:44). His first temptation of Adam and Eve was a continuation on the theme. He introduced error into God’s words (“Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1) and then blatantly lied about what God had said (“You will not surely die,” Genesis 3:4). 
For the past six thousand years, we’ve been floundering, trying to find our own way and denying that truth comes from God and his infallible Word. Thankfully, God has called his children into his kingdom through the sacrifice of his Son. In his infinite grace, God has given us the armor we need to stand strong in this battle for truth and boldly serve our Creator. 
This week as we examine the pieces of armor God has provided, ask yourself this: Where am I in the battle? Am I asking “what is truth?” along with Pilate, or do I know the difference between truth and error based on God’s Word? 
“Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19).

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Kingdom Cards
Materials
Kingdom Cards
Piece of poster board
Dark marker
Light colored marker or colored pencil
prep
Print the card patterns on white cardstock and cut apart. Draw smiley faces lightly on the back of the good cards and frowney faces on the back of the bad cards. Draw a thick dark line down the middle of the poster board to divide it in half. Write at the top of the left side “Good Kingdom” with a smiley face. Write at the top of the right side “Bad Kingdom” with a frowney face.
Directions
Students put the cards either on the “Good Kingdom” side or the “Bad Kingdom” side. When done, flip over each card to see if they are in the right spots using the smiley or frowney faces for self checking.
Teaching Tie-In
There are two kingdoms, aren’t there? But of the two, only one is true. God is the ruler of the true, good kingdom. If we’re part of God’s family, we’re part of that kingdom.
Touch Table Wet: Make It Clean!
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Baby shampoo or bubble bath 
Extras: bath toys, plastic dishes, washcloths, dish scrubbers
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Make suds with baby shampoo or bubble bath. Add the extras.
Directions
Wash the toys and dishes to make them clean.
Teaching Tie-In
We don’t want anything dirty or bad on our dishes or toys, so we clean them. The enemy’s kingdom is full of bad things like lying and being mean. But God’s kingdom is clean and pure; it doesn’t have anything bad in it.
Touch Table Dry: Two Kingdoms Sandcastles
Materials
Under-the-bed storage container, small wading pool, or “official” touch table
Tarp or plastic tablecloth
Play sand, available from hardware stores (make sure it’s marked play sand, not regular sand)
Water spray bottle for wetting down sand
Extras: small buckets, shovels, cups, scoops, LEGOS
Printed pictures of simple sandcastles
Wet wipes for cleanup
prep
Cover the floor under the touch table with a tarp or plastic tablecloth. Put the play sand in the table and spray it with water to add moisture. Place the extras into the sand for children to use. Post pictures of sandcastles for inspiration.
Directions
Help the children copy some of the picture ideas to build   their own sandcastle. Or you could direct two groups to each build one. 
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible says there are two kingdoms—a good kingdom of light and truth and a bad kingdom of darkness and lies. Who’s the leader of the good kingdom? God. Who’s the leader of the bad kingdom? The enemy, Satan. 
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Choose from any of the following, depending on your situation. These will be used all week.
Backdrop supplies as listed in Decorating Decisions
Little table, chairs, “throne” (see Prep)
Small rocking chair
Baskets, wooden bowls
Silver plastic cups or plastic transparent cups
Play food (e.g., eggs, bread, cheese, fruit)
Costumes (e.g., crowns, play armor sets, princess dresses)
Small broom and pail
Stick horses (check online for directions for how to make “pool noodle horses” if you want to jazz up pool noodles)
Crate or large basket
prep
Set up the castle with the castle stone wall, the table and chairs, supplies, and costumes. Make the throne by putting a piece of foam core or plywood on the back of the chair and draping it with a piece of satin, velvet, or other shiny material. (Or just use a high-back chair and cover with material.) Put the costumes in a crate or large basket.
Note: Make play armor sets from simple items: foam plates for shields, spray-painted fast-food chicken buckets 
for helmets, old ties for belts, and vests for breastplates. Other costume ideas include crowns or tiaras (see Craft Guide for crown ideas), princess dresses found at garage sales, or tunics made from old pillowcases that have the sides slit and an opening cut for the head. Play armor sets are also sold in the Resource Catalog (26-1-049).
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be knights, servants, kings, and queens using the play items.
Teaching Tie-In
It’s fun to play kings and queens, isn’t it? Did you know Jesus, who is God, is called the King of kings? He’s by far the greatest King ever. There’s no other king like him!
Note: You may want to put out only part of the supplies today and add new ones each day.
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:11
Materials
Day 1 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet
Decorating supplies as listed in Decorating Decisions
Markers or crayons in a wooden bowl or metal pail
Optional: additional supplies to add to the sheets, including glue sticks
prep
Print the coloring sheet, 1 per child. Make or gather the decorating supplies and set them up. These will be used all week. Gather additional supplies to glue on if you’d like, such as foil for the knight’s outfit or a piece of a feather added to his helmet.
Directions	
Color the sheet. Add additional supplies if desired.
Teaching Tie-In
Practice saying the memory verse on the sheet. Discuss its meaning.
Additional Exploration Station Ideas
Castle Building—Assemble various supplies that kids can use to build castles. This can be on a small scale (building blocks, cereal boxes, etc.) or on a larger scale (appliance boxes, copy paper boxes, cardboard tubes, etc.) You can also make “bricks” out of lunch bags by stuffing them with newspaper, then folding down/flattening the opened end, and taping them shut.
Canopy Reading—Make a colorful canopy/tent using a sheet draped over a table. Put a basket inside with a variety of children’s books, including children’s picture Bibles, books about knights, castles, and the armor of God. Also include books with accurate accounts of dragons, such as When Dragons Hearts Were Good.
Puppet or Marionette Theater—Puppets and marionettes were popular in medieval times, so have a play station featuring these items.
Play Figurines and Castles—Borrow or buy play plastic figurines of knights, kings, queens, horses, etc. Also, see if anyone has a play castle (big or small) that can be borrowed. Or buy pop up castles or large cardboard versions online or at a teacher supply store.
Flannel Board Fun—Provide a flannel board with people and items from each day’s Bible lesson, along with animals and items from medieval times. 
Texture Trays—Provide various textures on which and in which the kids can trace words or pictures of key Bible concepts they learn about. Possible textures include shaving cream or hair gel in zippered baggies that are duct-taped shut, burlap, trays of salt, thick fleece, magic slates, or chalkboard and chalk. Supervise carefully and make sure they know not to put their hands in their mouths. You may want to put out different textures on different days. Provide wipes for cleanup.
Play Dough—Play dough is always a favorite, so you may want to feature a station with it all week, adding thematic supplies that have to do with the day’s teaching. See play dough recipe on the Day 4 Exploration Station page.

Introduce It!

Bible
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape for hanging things
Painter’s or masking tape

 Which Side of the Keep? (5 minutes)
Prep: Prepare your costumes. Put down the tape line.

Think of fun names for yourselves:  Princess Katherine the Curly-Haired, Lady Betty of Boston, Crispin of the Woods, Gwendolyn the Glad, Albert the Silly, etc.
The Bible is listed just once daily in the supply list but is used throughout, so keep it handy and marked to the correct passages ahead of time.

 Teacher 1: Greetings, one and all! I’m ___, the trainer here in the strongest part of the castle, the keep. We’ll meet here every day to learn about kings, kingdoms, and some special armor we need to put on as we battle for the greatest King, God.
Teacher 2: Good morrow! I’m ___, and I’m excited to open God’s Word, the Bible. But first, let’s line up on this middle line. Do so. I’m going to give you two choices. You should go to either this side of the keep, or that side, depending on which choice you like best. 
Read through the following choices and have the kids move to one side of the tape according to their preference.
Would you rather eat vegetables or eat ice cream?
Would you rather walk really slow or walk really fast?
Would you rather celebrate your birthday or forget your birthday?
Would you rather own a big animal or own a small animal?
Would you rather talk really loud or talk really soft?
Would you rather run around or stand still?

Be familiar with the lesson, but don’t memorize it. Place it on a clipboard to use as a reference.
If working as co-teachers, decide which parts of the lesson each of you will be responsible for teaching. Plan to both dress in costumes.

 Teacher 1: Okay, let’s sit back down quietly. Do so. Now, you may have noticed that your choices were something we call opposites. Slow and fast are opposites. Move slowly and then quickly to illustrate as you say this. Talking loudly and talking softly are opposites. Do so to illustrate.
Teacher 2: But did you know there are two kingdoms that are opposites? One is all things good, and one is all things bad. Let’s see what the Bible has to say about this.
Teach It!

Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Poster
Two Kingdoms Contrasted Cards 

 Part 1: Two Kingdoms Contrasted (5–10 minutes)
Prep: Cut the Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Poster in half and put each section up.
Share the two cards for each contrast below and have the kids decide which one goes with the good kingdom and which with the bad kingdom. Tack the cards up under the appropriate posters. (You may want to have the pictures posted apart from each other with the kids moving to the good kingdom when you talk about the good kingdom, then to the bad kingdom when you talk about that.) To make it easier, you can always share the good kingdom card first, then the bad kingdom card or, to make it a little more challenging, sometimes say the bad kingdom card first, followed by the good kingdom card. 

Mounting putty or tape is listed just once daily in the supply list, but use it throughout as needed.

 The ruler of this kingdom is God. Ask which poster they think it goes under and put it under the Good Kingdom Poster. The ruler of this kingdom is our enemy, Satan. This enemy is not our friend. Put this under the Bad Kingdom Poster.
This ruler is for us. God—good Kingdom Poster. This ruler is against us. the enemy—bad Kingdom Poster.
This ruler loves us. God—good Kingdom Poster. This ruler hates us. the enemy—bad Kingdom Poster.
This ruler is kind. God—good Kingdom Poster. This ruler is mean. the enemy—bad Kingdom Poster.
This ruler is all-powerful. God—good Kingdom Poster. This ruler isn’t as powerful as God. the enemy—bad Kingdom Poster.

This ruler always tells the truth. God—good Kingdom Poster. This ruler lies. the enemy—bad Kingdom Poster.
This ruler always keeps his promises. God—good Kingdom Poster. This ruler breaks his promises. the enemy—bad Kingdom Poster.
Teacher 1: As you can see, God is the amazing King and Ruler of the good kingdom! The enemy, Satan, is not! Let’s talk a little more about that with our puppet now.
Part 2: Puppet Pal—The Battle’s On (5 minutes or less)

Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Poster
Day 1 Rhyme Time Poster 
2 copies of Day 1 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and puppet stage
Clipboard
Mini sword (large craft stick covered in foil)

 Prep: Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Make the mini sword. (See the Craft Guide for an example.)
Each day, the puppet pal will teach part of the lesson or reinforce what the kids just heard. It’s always a favorite, so try to include it even if you have to cut something else. 
Decide which of you will be the puppet and figure out when you need to leave the previous teaching so you will be positioned in time for the start of the puppet pal time.
If you don’t have a teaching assistant or co-teacher, enlist someone (a troupe leader or other volunteer) ahead of time to work the puppet each day. If you’re alone, have the puppet come up from behind a trunk with the lid flipped up, or just stand and work the puppet. (It’s fine if your lips move. No need to be a ventriloquist.)
You can either use a boy or a girl puppet. It is written as a boy (Christian), but it can instead be a girl named Christy. Use a consistent voice for the puppet all week. Speak clearly and exaggerate words and expressions. For instance, draw out certain words for emphasis or make an exaggerated action for things like groaning, turning its head, or sneezing. Use your free hand to do things with the puppet’s hands or arms. For example, if the puppet is “thinking,” put the puppet’s hand on its chin. When the puppet is talking, make sure the mouth is open. (This is the opposite of what people often do!) In other words, the mouth should be open on most syllables. You don’t have to open very wide, which will help you move the mouth faster and more naturally. 
Your puppet should come out from behind the puppet stage. (See Decorating Decisions.) When the puppet is entering, hold your arm back and down and have the puppet take three steps up, getting higher each time, until the puppet is out and visible. When exiting, turn the puppet toward you and take three steps down until out of sight. 

The puppet can be dressed in a a small VBS T-shirt. To make a small T-shirt, photocopy, cut out, and laminate a color copy of the logo and tape it to a baby-sized T-shirt.
If you want to get snazzy, use a quick musical introduction and exit when it’s time for the puppet to come and go.

 Teacher:  Our puppet’s name is Christian (or Christy if a girl). Let’s all call for him (her) together. Do so.
Puppet: Come up waving a mini sword as if pretending to sword-fight someone.
Teacher: Hi there, Christian. What’re you doing?
Puppet: Oh, I’m pretending to be King Arthur.
Teacher: Was he the boy who pulled a sword out of a stone?
Puppet: Yes! I read how he grew up and became a great king who fought enemies in England.
Teacher: I know that story. King Arthur and his knights of the round table lived in a kingdom called Camelot.
Puppet: Yep! The good kingdom fought against the bad kingdoms. King Arthur and his knights were really brave! One knight even killed a dragon! Pretend to stab a roaring dragon.
Teacher: That’s exciting! But you know King Arthur’s just a pretend story, right?
Puppet: I know.
Teacher: But did you know in real life there really are two kingdoms—God’s good kingdom and the enemy’s bad kingdom?
Puppet: What do you mean? Stop sword fighting.

Teacher: Well, the Bible tells us how everything used to be all good. There was only one kingdom.
Puppet: What happened?
Teacher: Well, we’ll hear more about this tomorrow, but basically, an enemy named Satan came along and got the first man to disobey God’s command (sin), which messed up the good kingdom on earth. So now we have two kingdoms. The good one is ruled by God, and the bad one is led by the enemy, Satan. Point to the Good Kingdom/Bad Kingdom Posters you used earlier.
Puppet: And they’re in a battle?
Teacher: Yep. You’re pretending just now, but there’s a real battle going on out there. You can’t see it, but it’s really happening.
Puppet: Oh! Should I be scared?
Teacher: Not at all—if you’re on God’s side—‘cuz you win! Nobody can beat our all-powerful God! The enemy is not equal to God. He can’t beat God! 
Puppet: That’s so good to know.
Teacher: And of those two kingdoms, only one is good. Only one is kind. Only one is true! Do you know which one?
Puppet: God’s!
Teacher: Right! God is great, and God’s kingdom is great! 
Puppet: And like you said, of the two kingdoms, only one is true—God’s!
Teacher: Hold up the Day 1 rhyme time Poster. Yep! Let’s say this together, “Of two, only one is true!” Do so. 
Puppet: Of two, only one is true. I want to remember that! Well, I’ve got to go now, so see you later.
Teacher: Bye, Christian! See you soon.
Part 3: Animal Pal Review

Day 1 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets (12-0-078)

 Take a couple minutes to summarize the lesson today using the Day 1 Animal Pal Poster. Pass out the Armor of God Sticker Sets (available to purchase from AnswersVBS.com), one set (child and armor stickers) per child. This week, children will add armor pieces as they learn about them. For now, have the children put their name on their papers and then return them to you.  
Some knights rode on warhorses, like Winifred here. These horses were strong and didn’t get tired easily during a battle. Winnie reminds us that we are in a battle between two kingdoms: God’s good kingdom and Satan’s bad kingdom. Just as these knights had to trust their horses to carry them faithfully through battle, we must trust in our Creator God, who made us and takes care of us. 
With each question, have the kids whinny like a horse and shake their heads (manes) “yes” if the answer is true and shake their head “no” if it is false.
There are two kingdoms. (True—shake head “yes” and whinny.)
One kingdom is good, and one kingdom is bad. (True—shake head “yes” and whinny.)
There are lots of different rulers of the good kingdom. (False—shake head “no.” Remind them t
Gospel opportunity.: The gospel will be shared in detail on day 2. Briefly explain what trusting in Jesus for salvation means. 

here is only one ruler of the good kingdom—God.)
The good kingdom’s book is the Bible, and it always tells the truth. (True—shake head “yes” and whinny.)
The bad kingdom is as powerful as the good kingdom. (False—shake head “no.” Remind them that God is the most powerful, kind, loving Ruler of all. Nobody is his equal.)
God is kind and keeps his promises. The enemy is mean and doesn’t keep his promises. (True—shake head “yes” and whinny.)

Apply It!

The front page of each day’s student guide is an overview of today’s lesson. The back page matches this section. 

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. You won’t have time to do them all, but these ideas are also on the back of the Pre-Primary Student Guides. Send the student guides home each day as a fun review and also encourage the kids to do the practical ideas (the Go and Do sections) that apply today’s lesson to real life. They’re important! 
Supplies for this section are not listed in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 1: Veritas Verse

Theme and Day 1 Memory Verse Posters
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 Today’s Verse: Put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:11
Note: The word “veritas” means “truth is mighty and will prevail” or simply “true, trustworthy.” It was a word used in the Middle Ages and is still used today. Share the meaning with the students so they know that every Bible verse is true, trustworthy, and mighty.
Practice the verse several times by playing the appropriate song from the Memory Verse music and using the day 1 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.

Put the Theme Memory Verse Poster up before class. Then each day, arrange that day’s memory verse poster under the theme poster.

 Challenge: Say the verse while pretending to put on armor.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Having fastened on the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14.
Try the challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse. You may also want to practice the week’s theme verse, using the Theme Memory Verse Poster as a reference.
Part 2: Go and Do
God is the ruler of the good kingdom. How many good things can you think of? Tell him thank you for all good things.
Play a game of opposites. A grown-up says one word, then the child says the opposite. Examples: good, bad; laugh, cry; up, down; in, out; smile, frown; happy, sad; light, dark. What are the two opposite kingdoms you learned about in VBS? (God’s good kingdom and the enemy’s bad kingdom) 
Tell someone about God—the ruler of the good kingdom. Is he good? Is he kind? Does he tell the truth? Does he keep his promises?
With someone’s help, check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Which kingdom do I want to be part of?
Song 1: I’m in the Lord’s Army (medieval style)
Explain the terms in the song and how a knight would have done these things. Or sing in the traditional way. Both versions are on the Simple Songs CD. 
 Verse
I may never march to the castle keep (March in place.)
Ride in the tournament 
(Ride a horse, holding a spear in one hand.)
Shoot at the battlement 
(Shoot an arrow from a bow.)
I may never sword fight the enemy 
(Swing a sword.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir
(Cross arm over chest in knight’s salute.)
chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Knight’s salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Knight’s salute.)
Repeat verse.

Song 1: I’m in the Lord’s Army (traditional)
Verse
I may never march in the infantry
(March in place.)
Ride in the cavalry (Ride a horse.)
Shoot the artillery
(Clap and shoot right hand forward.)
I may never zoom o’er the enemy
(Put arms out to fly.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army—Yes, Sir
(Salute.)
chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
Repeat verse.
Song 2: The Kingdom Keepers (To the tune of “The Ants Go Marching”)

“I’m in the Lord’s Army” song
“The Kingdom Keepers” song 
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
Device to play songs

 The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah
(March in place, lift up hands on “hurrah.”)
The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah 
(March in place, lift up hands on “hurrah.”)
God gave us armor we will wear
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
Satan’s kingdom better beware
(Fists up, fighting stance.)
And we all go marching on
(March in place.)
For the Lord—who is strong—and has won
(Point up, flex biceps, lift arms to make a V for victory.)
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
(Shout and point up on each word.)
Repeat, adding a fourth Huzzah! at the end.

Day 2
The Belt

Bible passages
Genesis 1–3; Gospels; Ephesians 6:10–14
Apologetics Content
Build a biblical worldview to stand strong in the truth.
Veritas Verse
Having fastened on the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14
Rhyme Time
Decide your side!
Lesson Focus
Every child of the King needs to fasten on the belt of truth.
Animal Pal
Wily the Fox
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Strength Exercises
Touch Table Wet: Snakes and Fruit
Touch Table Dry: Nativity
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:14
Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Chronicles of the Kingdom
Teach it!
Part 1: Puppet Pal—Gospel Presentation
Part 2: Belt of Truth
Part 3: Belt of Truth—Continued
Part 4: Optional Activity—Truth or Lie Game
Part 5: Animal Pal Review
Apply it!
Part 1: Veritas Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Song 1: “I’m in the Lord’s Army”
Song 2: “Armor of God”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Genesis 1–3 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on the belt, see Answers VBS.com/keeperfaq.
Read “Leading a Child to Christ,” found on the inside back cover of this guide.
Pray.

Devotion 2: The Belt
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. Psalm 119:160
There are no absolutes. Ever heard that one before? Of course, the irony with that statement is that it’s an absolute statement. Those who say that actually mean, “I choose not to accept the absolute truth claims you are making.” 
So, can we know truth? Is there any basis on which we can make absolute moral statements (e.g., “Homosexual behavior is sinful; Jesus is the only way to heaven; there are only two genders”)? 
The only basis for determining truth from error, and right from wrong, comes from embracing the one who is truth. Jesus is “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). And Jesus reiterates that God is the source of truth when he claimed, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, emphasis added).
When we know Jesus, we know truth. When we believe in Jesus, we believe in truth. Because he is the Creator, he is the one who sets the rules for his creation to follow. And he has given us those rules in his Word. There is no room for wavering because he has confirmed that we can trust his Word to be truth (John 17:17). 
Apart from the standard given in the Bible, there is no way to determine what truth is—everything becomes a matter of personal opinion. And who determines which opinion is correct? 
Examine your heart today. As you teach the children the truth that the Savior King Jesus came to earth as a baby, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose from the dead, showing that God had accepted his payment, are you harboring doubts about God or his Word? Can you say with the psalmist, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me” (Psalm 119:30)? Have you put on the belt of truth?

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Strength Exercises
Materials
Optional: exercise mats and child-safe equipment
Optional: Wii
prep
Put down exercise mats if you have them and put out child-safe exercise equipment. If you have someone to carefully supervise it, you may even want to set up a Wii.
Directions
Children have fun exercising. Lead them in doing various exercises, such as jumping jacks, bending and stretching, and running in place. Use the child-safe equipment if you have it.
Teaching Tie-In
Exercising makes us strong, doesn’t it? But did you know the Bible tells us about another way to be strong? God wants us to be strong in the Lord. To help us grow strong in the Lord, we pray, learn the Bible, sing praises to God, and obey him. That’s the way God wants us to be strong in the Lord!
Touch Table Wet: Snakes and Fruit
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Plastic snakes
Plastic fruit
Extras: tongs, scoops, cups
prep
Partially fill the touch table with water. Place some plastic snakes and plastic fruit in the water. Add the extras.  
Directions
Free play with the snakes and fruit. 
Teaching Tie-In
In the garden of Eden, God told Adam and Eve not to eat fruit from a certain tree. The enemy wanted to trick Eve so she would disobey God. Does anyone know what kind of animal the enemy used to trick Eve? He used a snake to trick her into eating that fruit. 
Touch Table Dry: Nativity
Materials
Play sand (or could also swap out crinkle wrap, shredded paper, or Easter grass)
Child-friendly nativity set
prep
Hide the nativity pieces in the touch table.
Directions	
Search in the touch table to find the nativity pieces.
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus came to earth as a baby. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas! Then he lived on earth and never did anything wrong. Then he died and rose again. Jesus loves us!
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Day 1 dramatic play materials
Old belts or ties
prep
Add the belts to the dramatic play area.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be knights, servants, kings, and queens. (Monitor to make sure they play safely with the ties and belts.)
Teaching Tie-In
Remember what the name of that belt is we’re talking about today? It’s the belt of truth. It reminds us that God’s Word is true—every word of it! We can always trust the Bible!
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:14
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 2 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Chronicles of the Kingdom Background Poster
Chronicles of the Kingdom Pieces Poster
Bible 
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Treasure chest supplies (see Prep)

 Introduce It!
Chronicles of the Kingdom (5 minutes)
Prep: Make a treasure chest large enough for your Bible to fit inside. Spray-paint a box gold and glue fake jewels on it. Hinge the lid with duct tape so it opens and loosely closes. Make it sturdy enough to use again. Bookmark the Bible at Ephesians 6 and place it in the treasure chest. Cut out the pieces from the chronicles of the kingdom pieces poster and laminate if possible.
Teacher 1: Bring out the treasure chest. At the times listed below, pull out the appropriate piece from the treasure chest to put on the Chronicles of the Kingdom Background Poster.
Look at my beautiful treasure chest! Shall we open it and see what’s inside? Slowly and dramatically open it and pull out the Bible.
Oh, it’s the greatest treasure on earth, the Bible! The Bible is better than all the money and all the jewels in the world! It’s a special book because God wrote his very words in it. Let’s find out what God wants us to learn today from his precious book. Open to Genesis 1.
Note: This can also be done by just one teacher, doing both parts.
Teacher 1: About 6,000 years ago, God, the Creator King, made the very first man and woman. Do you know what the man’s name was? Take responses.
Teacher 2: It’s Adam! Let’s shout it out together. Adam! Put adam where indicated on the background poster.
Teacher 1: Do you know what the woman’s name was?
Teacher 2: It’s Eve! Let’s shout it out together. Eve! Put Eve where indicated on the poster.
Teacher 1: Along with Adam and Eve lived all the different kinds of animals, such as cats and bears.
Teacher 2: And even dinosaurs! Put the Dinosaur on the poster.
Teacher 1: God also made beautiful flowers and bushes and trees.
Teacher 2: Pretty! Pretty! Put the Flowers on the poster.
Teacher 1: God said everything was very good. It was a perfect kingdom.
Teacher 2: Let’s all cheer and say a word that means hooray—”Huzzah!” Do so.
Teacher 1: But then, something bad happened to destroy this good place. An enemy came into the kingdom. We heard a bit about this enemy yesterday, didn’t we?
Teacher 2: Sing, “Da, da, da, da, dum” with me! Do so.
Teacher 1: This enemy hated God and everything God had made. The enemy was disguised as a serpent.
Teacher 2: Can you hiss with me? Hiss! Put the Serpent (not on the tree) on the poster.
Teacher 1: The enemy didn’t want Adam and Eve to live happily ever after. He wanted something bad to happen.
Teacher 2: Let’s wag our finger at the serpent and say, “No, no, serpent!” Do so. 
Teacher 1: So the enemy decided to play a dirty, rotten trick on Eve. God told Adam they could eat from every tree in the garden except one. God warned him that if he ate of that tree, the punishment for not obeying would be death.
Teacher 2: Put the Tree in the middle of the poster and the other serpent on the trunk. Oh, I bet I know what the enemy did. He tricked Eve into eating from that tree. 
Teacher 1: Yep. That’s what happened. Adam and Eve both ate the fruit that God had told them not to eat, even though Adam knew better. And just by eating that fruit, the perfect kingdom was now messed up. Now there were two kingdoms on earth—one was good.

Teacher 2: Give me a big smile and say, “One good” while I put the good kingdom up. Put the Good Kingdom Picture to one side of the background poster. 
Teacher 1: And one was bad.
Teacher 2: Give me a big frown and say, “One bad” while I put the bad kingdom up. Put the Bad Kingdom Picture on the other side of the poster.
Teacher 1: And from that day on, there has been a battle between the two kingdoms.
Teacher 2: Start making shooting noises. 
Teacher 1: No, it’s not that kind of battle. It’s not a battle we can actually see or hear. It’s a battle between God and his good kingdom and the enemy and his bad kingdom. And all people throughout all time are involved in this battle.
Teacher 2: Even these nice kids?
Teacher 1: Even these nice kids. And, sadly, this changed everything. Now earth is no longer perfect and always happy. Sometimes sad or bad things happen, don’t they? But there’s good news! God thought of everything, and he made a plan for his good kingdom to win. Let’s talk to Christian to hear more about that now.
Teach It!

Gospel Presentation Posters
Day 2 Rhyme Time Poster 
2 copies of Day 2 Puppet Script 
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard 
Treasure chest

 Part 1: Puppet Pal—Gospel Presentation (5 minutes)
Prep: Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Cut apart the Gospel Presentation Posters and put them in the treasure chest.
Puppet: Come up looking around at the children and saying: Huzzah! Huzzah! (Ha-SAW!) That means hooray! I’m so glad you’re here again today!
Teacher: Christian, we just learned about the first two people. Kids, can you tell Christian who the first two people were? Have the kids shout out responses.
Puppet: Adam and Eve. Cool!
Teacher: And an enemy came along and tricked Adam and Eve. Kids, tell Christian what they ate that they shouldn’t have. Have the kids shout out responses.
Puppet: Yeah, the enemy tricked Eve into eating the fruit she wasn’t supposed to eat. And Adam ate it, too.
Teacher: Right. And because of that, there’s a good kingdom and a bad kingdom. The enemy rules the bad kingdom, and we’re actually all born into that bad kingdom—we all disobey God’s commands. That’s called sin.
Puppet: So you said we’re born into the bad kingdom. Does that mean everyone’s going to be stuck in the bad kingdom forever?
Teacher: Nope! God had a great plan to rescue us. He sent Jesus, the leader of the good kingdom. Jesus is God’s only Son. He came from heaven to rescue us.
Puppet: Let’s stand up and give Jesus the loudest claps we can to thank him! Do so.

For those who prefer not to show images of Jesus, we have included alternative pictures in the Resource USB or at AnswersVBS.com/keeperresources for you to print. 

 Teacher: He actually came as a baby. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas! Hold up/put up Baby Jesus poster.
Puppet: Let’s go around the room and say, “Merry Christmas!” to each other. Do so.
Teacher: Jesus grew up and lived a perfect life. We all disobey God’s commands (sin), but Jesus never did. He’s the only one who never did anything wrong. But then, when he was a grown man, he allowed some men from the bad kingdom to put him to death. They nailed him to a cross, which would hurt a lot. Hold up/put up Jesus Carrying the Cross poster.
Puppet: Why would he allow them to do that?

Teacher: Hold up/put up heart poster. Because he loves each of us. And he knew we could never make it to God’s good heaven on our own. So he gave his life in place of ours. He was a perfect substitute for us.
Puppet: Jesus must really love these boys and girls.
Teacher: He does! And the cool thing is that he didn’t stay dead! He came back to life! Hold up/put up empty tomb poster. 
Puppet: Say what? That’s impossible! Once you’re dead, you’re dead.
Teacher: Not for Jesus, because he’s God and the King of all kings. He can do anything!
Puppet: Wow! Since Jesus is alive, does that mean people can be part of his good kingdom and live with him in heaven someday?
Teacher: Yes! You can become a child of God and be part of his kingdom if you choose to turn away from sin and turn to Jesus.
Puppet: So everyone must decide their side—the bad kingdom or the good kingdom?
Teacher: Right. Remember that I said we’re born as members of the bad kingdom? But kids, if you don’t want to continue to be part of the bad kingdom but want to join God’s good kingdom, then make sure you talk to your mommy or daddy or me today to learn more about that. Hold up/put up the Day 2 Rhyme Time Poster. Let’s say, “Decide your side!” together. Do so. I sure hope each of you wants to be on God’s side!

If you have older pre-primaries, check out Lesson 2 in the Primary Guide to continue the gospel presentation with how to admit, believe, and forever receive the Lord.

 Puppet: I sure hope so, too! Well, I’ve got to go, but I’ll be thinking about this.
Teacher: I hope so! Let’s wave good-bye to Christian, everyone. Do so. Let’s sing “I’m in the Lord’s Army.” (Sing this while Teacher 2 gets ready for Part 2—see below. Words to the song are at the end of this lesson.)
Part 2: Belt of Truth (5 minutes)

Belt
Hat
Papers in a folder

 Prep: Teacher 2 should come from behind the puppet stage and have on a t-shirt and shorts/pants with the following. 
A belt (just hold this) 
A crooked t-shirt
One shoe on, one shoe off
A hat that’s falling across your face 
Papers in a folder that are messed up
Teacher 2: Out of breath. Whew, it’s been a busy day, but I’m ready to continue on.
Teacher 1: Um, excuse me, but what happened to you? You don’t look ready.
Teacher 2: A little hesitantly. I’m ready.
Teacher 1: Kids, does he (she) look ready to you? Take responses. Look at you. Your belt’s practically falling off. Your shirt’s crooked. You only have one shoe on. Your hat’s covering half your face. And your teaching notes are a mess. I’m sorry, but you’re not ready! Can you pull yourself together?
Teacher 2: Okay. Let me get ready here. Do so right now.
Teacher 1: That’s better! Boys and girls, ___ wasn’t ready, was he? Did you know God wants us to be ready to live for him every day? He gives us a special set of clothes to wear if we’re part of his good kingdom. These aren’t clothes like the ones we have on today that we can see. They’re special invisible clothes called the armor of God. They’re only for those of us who are part of God’s kingdom! Let’s hear more about the first piece of the armor of God.
Part 3: Belt of Truth–Continued (5 minutes)

Knight Posters 
Armor Pieces Poster (belts) 
Oversized pants
Belt from before
Armor demo pieces 

  Prep: Decide what you’re using to illustrate the armor of God and if you’re demonstrating just on yourself or having the kids put on actual items, too. Gather supplies accordingly. Cut out the belts from the armor pieces poster and laminate if possible.

Each day, demonstrate the parts of the armor by holding them up or putting them on in front of the class. Have the kids put on imaginary pieces while you work with either imaginary or actual pieces. You can use foil to fashion pieces of armor or use something to symbolize the armor, such as pieces of a baseball catcher’s uniform (belt for belt of truth, chest protector for breastplate of righteousness, cleats for shoes of peace, catcher’s mitt for shield of faith, helmet for helmet of salvation, and playbook or baseball for sword of the Spirit). You can also buy play armor sets (26-1-049) from AnswersBookstore.com. If you want the kids to put on actual pieces each day, try something like the following:
Belt of truth—old ties
Breastplate of righteousness—old pillowcases with the sides slit and a hole cut out for the head
Shoes of peace—shoes they’re wearing—wiggle them
Shield of faith—cardboard pizza rounds or sturdy foam plates
Helmet of salvation—painters’ caps, shower caps, or other hats
Sword of the Spirit—paper towel tubes
The first piece of the armor of God is the belt of truth. Hold it up. Even though it’s really invisible, we’ll put this belt on to help us remember its name—the belt of truth. Teacher 2 is now tasked with putting a pair of oversized pants on over regular shorts/pants. They should fall down. Then put the belt on and cinch it tightly so the pants stay securely up. The belt of truth helps you remember that the Bible is all true. It’s God’s words, and God can’t lie. Let’s all shout, “The Bible is true!” Do so. And the belt of truth helps you remember that God wants you to tell the truth, too! God’s Word is a truth teller, and God’s children should be truth tellers! Let’s put a belt on our kingdom keepers to remind us of that. Attach the belt pieces to the knight posters or ask a boy and a girl to come up and attach them. 
Part 4: Optional Activity—Truth or Lie Game (5 minutes or less)

Good Kingdom Poster/Bad Kingdom Poster (from Day 1)
Treasure chest

 Put the Good Kingdom Poster on one side of the room along with the treasure chest and Bible and the Bad Kingdom Poster on the other side. Have the kids stand in the middle of the room. Ask questions and have them run to the good kingdom (which is based on truth) or the bad kingdom (which is based on lies). You’ll have to guide them with this game. Cheer for them and make a big deal about going to the good, truthful kingdom.
You broke the lamp, but you tell your daddy that your brother did it. Is that telling the truth or telling a lie? (Lie–bad kingdom.)
You took a cookie when your mommy wasn’t looking, but then you told her you took it. Is that telling the truth or telling a lie? (Truth–good kingdom.)
You say you ate your carrots, and you really did. Is that telling the truth or telling a lie? (Truth–good kingdom.) 
You say you brushed your teeth, but you didn’t. Is that telling the truth or telling a lie? (Lie–bad kingdom.)
You hit your brother, but say your sister did it. Is that telling the truth or telling a lie? (Lie–bad kingdom.)
You find someone’s money at the store, and you go and tell them. Is that telling the truth or telling a lie? (Truth–good kingdom.)
Continue with other examples.
Part 5: Animal Pal Review

Day 2 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets

 Share the day 2 Animal pal poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Armor of God Sticker Sets to each child and have them put the belt on the child (either boy or girl or both) as you discuss the animal pal. 
During the medieval times of kings and queens, some people hunted foxes just for fun, like a sport. But foxes could be tricky and hide. This is Wily the fox. To be “wily” 
means to be tricky. Someone in our lesson was tricky. Who lied to Eve and tricked her into eating the fruit? Satan; enemy; the snake. Wily the fox reminds us to put on the belt of truth so we aren’t tricked by lies. Truth comes from God, and we find his truth in the Bible. 
With each question, have the kids run in place like a fox if the answer is true and stand still if it is false.
God made the flowers and trees and animals and people. (True—they should run in place.)
The name of the first man was George. (False—they should stand still. Remind them it was Adam, and his wife was Eve.)
Adam and Eve sinned. (True—they should run in place. Remind them that sin is not obeying God’s commands.)
We all sin. (True—they should run in place.)
We can ask God to forgive us of our sin. (True—they should run in place.)
The armor of God is for everyone—those in God’s kingdom and those in the enemy’s kingdom. (False—they should stand still. Remind them that the armor of God is only for God’s children—those who are part of God’s kingdom.)
Apply It!

Day 2 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 In the remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the Pre-Primary Student Guides and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 1: Veritas Verse
Today’s Verse: Having fastened on the belt of truth. Ephesians 6:14
Try the following challenge, using the day 2 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Practice the verse several times, pretending to fasten on the belt of truth while you’re saying it.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Put on the breastplate of righteousness, and . . . shoes . . . of peace. Ephesians 6:14–15
Try the challenge again, this time with tomorrow’s verse.
Part 2: Go and Do
When you get up each day this week, pretend to put on the belt of truth. Remember God’s Word is true, and God wants us to tell the truth. 
Hunt around your house and find the one book that is completely true. Hint: One name for it is God’s Word! How many Bibles did you find?
Draw a picture of a Bible, the true book that is written by God and has no lies.
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Am I on God’s side?

Song 1: I’m in the Lord’s Army (medieval style)

“I’m in the Lord’s Army” song
“Armor of God” song 
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
Device to play song

 Explain the terms in the song and how a knight would have done these things.
Verse
I may never march to the castle keep (March in place.)
Ride in the tournament 
(Ride a horse, holding a spear in one hand.)
Shoot at the battlement 
(Draw a bow and shoot an arrow.)
I may never sword fight the enemy 
(Swing a sword.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir 
(Cross arm over chest in knight’s salute.)
chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Knight’s salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Knight’s salute.)
Repeat verse.
Song 1: I’m in the Lord’s Army (traditional)
Verse
I may never march in the infantry
(March in place.)
Ride in the cavalry (Ride a horse.)
Shoot the artillery
(Clap and shoot right hand forward.)
I may never zoom o’er the enemy
(Put arms out to fly.)
But I’m in the Lord’s army—Yes, Sir
(Salute.)
chorus
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
I’m in the Lord’s army 
(Point to yourself and then to God.)
Yes, Sir (Salute.)
Repeat verse.
Song 2: Armor of God (To the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)
Even though we can’t see the spiritual armor of God, we must wear it every day. It will help us to obey. Let’s sing about putting on the armor of God.
Verse 1
We must put on the armor of God 
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
The armor of God, the armor of God
(Tap waist, tap feet—2x.)
We must put on the armor of God
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
We’ll wear it ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 2
First, we tie on the belt of truth 
(Make tying motion at your waist, then pull hands apart.)
Belt of truth, belt of truth 
(Repeat motion—2x.)
And we put on the breastplate, too 
(Tap front of your shoulders with open hands.)
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Verse 3
Next, we slip on the shoes of peace 
(Step/slide each foot into pretend shoes.)
Shoes of peace, shoes of peace
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then we put on the helmet, too 
(Slide your open hands down the sides of your head.)
They protect us ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 4
Now we hold up the shield of faith 
(Cross your hand over and down, then lift your fist in front of you.)
Shield of faith, shield of faith
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then take the sword—the Word of God 
(Cross other hand over, then hold up your fist as if unsheathing a sword.) 
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Repeat Verse 1.

Day 3
The Breastplate and Shoes

Bible passages
King Josiah
2 Kings 22–23; Ephesians 6:14–15
apologetics content
Put on what’s right (Jesus’ righteousness), then do right.
Veritas verse
Put on the breastplate of righteousness, and . . . shoes . . . of peace. Ephesians 6:14–15
Rhyme time
Do right in God’s sight!
lesson Focus
Children will learn to put on the breastplate of righteousness as King Josiah did. Doing right includes wearing our shoes of peace as we tell others about Jesus.
Animal Pal
Grimwald the Dragon
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Obedience Drawing
Touch Table Wet: Icy Treasure
Touch Table Dry: Find the Treasure
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:14–15

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Puppet Pal—Breastplate
Teach it!
Part 1: King Josiah
Part 2: Shoes of Peace
Part 3: Optional Activity—Do Right Game
Part 4: Animal Pal Review
Apply it!
Part 1: Veritas Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Song 1: “Do Right”
Song 2: “Armor of God”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read 2 Kings 22–23 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the breastplate and shoes, see AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq. 
Pray.

Devotion 3: The Breastplate & Shoes
Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true. Psalm 119:142
Tolerance. It’s a word we hear a lot today . . . usually coming from those who are intolerant of any standard of truth (except their own, of course). 
When Josiah became king of the nation of Israel in 640 BC, the people had been practicing “tolerance” for idol worship, child-killing, and all types of sexually immoral behavior for years, neglecting the truth in the book of the law that had been handed down to them.   
King Josiah was twenty-six years old when he first read the words of the Lord. After reading the Scriptures (perhaps part of Deuteronomy), he immediately repented, realizing that he held truth in his hands and hadn’t been obeying it. Josiah also shared the truth of the book of the law with his people and set about making reforms (being intolerant of tolerance) based on what he’d read. He burned the altars to idols, tore down the place where children were sacrificed to false gods, and rid the temple of priests who were leading the people astray. With his newfound knowledge of the truth, Josiah acted righteously, no longer tolerating the views of those opposing the standard given in God’s Word (2 Kings 22–23).
When we make tolerance our standard, we set ourselves up as gods, determining on our own which views and practices are acceptable and which are not. And we find ourselves in a morass of immorality. Are those who tolerate one view any more right than those who tolerate an opposing view? Who determines which actions to tolerate and which to forbid (if any)? 
With the belt of truth firmly buckled around our waist, the question then becomes: What do I do about that truth? Do I obey God’s Word, putting on the breastplate of righteousness? Do I share the truth of God’s Word with others, putting on the shoes of the gospel of peace? King Josiah did both. May the Lord use young Josiah’s example to encourage our hearts in the battle for truth. 
May we say with the psalmist, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name” (Psalm 86:11).

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Obedience Drawing
Materials
Sample page
Crayons or markers in four colors for each child (see Prep)
Blank, white paper for each child
prep
Make a sample page by drawing something like the following: a blue circle in the upper left section, a red 3 in the upper right section, a yellow star in the bottom left section, and a purple square in the bottom right section. 
Directions
Begin with the teaching tie-in. Give each child a piece of paper. Tell them to draw what you tell them. For example, say, “Draw a blue circle up here,” as you point to the upper left section of a blank piece of paper. Then, “Draw a red 3 here,” as you point to the upper right section. When you are done, show them yours and see how they did in comparison.
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible is great for so many reasons! One wonderful thing about the Bible is God gives us helpful rules to obey. Do you know what it means to obey? It’s like following the directions! Let’s try to follow the directions as we make a special picture. I’m going to give you directions to obey, and then we’ll see whose came out looking like mine. Make sure you follow the directions!
Touch Table Wet: Icy Treasure
Materials
Wet touch table materials
Ice cubes, mix of plain and colored cubes
Optional: glitter or jewels
Treasures: strings of beads, large jewels, play coins and keys, foam cutouts, colored ping-pong balls
Extras: tongs, spoons, cups, shovels, muffin tins, bowls
prep
Make some “jewel” ice cubes by mixing washable paints with water, then freezing the separate colors into cubes. You may want to add glitter or jewels to each cube before freezing. Set up the touch table with a small amount of water in the bottom, then add ice cubes (plain and colored). Add the treasures and extras.
Directions
Free play with the ice and treasures.
Teaching Tie-In
Some things in our table look like jewels and treasures, don’t they? Today, we’ll hear about a king who found a special hidden treasure that was better than jewels. This treasure was God’s Word! Do you know what book is God’s Word? Yes, the Bible!
Touch Table Dry: Find the Treasure
Materials
Bible Cutouts (laminated) 
Touch table with tarp underneath
Crinkle wrap, shredded paper, raffia, Easter grass, or dry beans
Extras: paper plates, tongs, plastic tweezers, magnifying glasses, bowls
prep
Print, cut, and laminate (if desired) two or more sets of the Bible Cutouts. Place them in the touch table and cover with one or two kinds of filler. Add the extras.
Directions
Search for the treasure—the Bible cutouts. See how many each child can find and place on their paper plate.
Teaching Tie-In
Josiah found God’s Word in the temple, didn’t he? What a treasure! Do you love God’s Word like a treasure? 
Note: If they haven’t had the teaching about King Josiah yet, explain more about him.
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Days 1–2 materials
Old pillowcases with sides slit and hole cut out for head and/or tunics or vests for the breastplate
Lots of play shoes
prep
Add the breastplate and shoes to the dramatic play area.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be knights, kings, queens, etc.
Teaching Tie-In
When you put on the shoes of peace, you’re ready to tell others about Jesus. Do you know anybody who needs to hear that God loves them? Put on your shoes of peace and tell them!
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:14–15
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 3 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Introduce It!

Day 3 Rhyme Time Poster
2 copies of Day 3 Puppet Script
Bible
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Mini foil or ribbon belt
Mini breastplate

 P
Briefly review the gospel and remind the kids that the armor of God is only for those who are children of the heavenly King. 

uppet Pal—Breastplate (5 minutes or less)
Prep: Fashion a mini belt out of foil or ribbon and put it on the puppet. Also make a mini breastplate and have it ready to put on. Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference.
Teacher: Good morrow, all! I wonder what Christian’s up to today. Should we call him? Do so.
Puppet: Come up with a belt on, showing it off. How do you like my new belt?
Teacher: I like it. Kids, what do you think of it? Take responses. Hey, Christian, does this have anything to do with the special belt I was telling the kids about yesterday?
Puppet: It sure does! It’s called the belt of . . . the belt of . . . . Have the kids help finish the phrase. Oh, right, the belt of truth.
Teacher: That’s right. If you believe God’s Word—every word of it—and you want to be a person who tells the truth, you’re wearing the belt of truth.
Puppet: Are there any more pieces of the armor of God?
Teacher: Yep! The next one’s called the breastplate of righteousness.
Puppet: Breastplate of right . . . breastplate of right . . . 
Teacher: Righteousness. But you can call it the breastplate of right because it reminds you to do right. That means you’ll follow God’s directions by obeying the Bible and make the right choices God wants you to make, like telling the truth (Ephesians 4:25)and being kind (Ephesians 4:32).
Puppet: Can we see the breastplate of righteousness?
Teacher: No. Remember, the armor of God is spiritual armor. We put it on by believing in Jesus and by reading the Bible.
Puppet: What’s a real breastplate look like?
Teacher: It’s worn right here to protect your heart. Put the mini breastplate over the puppet’s shoulders and chest/back area. Knights wore them to protect themselves from harm. 
Puppet: Sweet! I feel protected with this on.
Teacher: Yep. When you obey God’s Word and do right in God’s sight, it protects you from the trouble bad choices can get you into. Hold up the Day 3 Rhyme Time Poster. Let’s say, “Do right in God’s sight!” together. Do so.
Puppet: I want to do right in God’s sight and make good choices for God!
Teacher: Well, keep learning from the Bible every day. That’s how you know what God wants you to do.
Puppet: Okay! And speaking of doing right, I hear my mom calling, so I need to do right and obey. Gotta go!
Teacher: See you around, Christian! Boys and girls, while Christian’s leaving, let’s sing “The B-I-B-L-E” before we hear about a king in the Bible who wanted to do right. Sing the song together, once or twice.
Teach It!

King Josiah Poster
Treasure chest
Optional: temple mess supplies 

 Part 1: King Josiah (5 minutes)
Prep: Bookmark the Bible at 2 Kings 22. Hide the treasure chest with the Bible in it. Optional: Make a pile of clutter for the temple mess.

Teacher 1: Boys and girls, hold up your fingers to show me how old you are. Well, our Bible account today is about a boy named Josiah who was just eight years old.
Teacher 2: Guess what happened to Josiah when he was eight?
Teacher 1: He became . . . a king?
Teacher 2: Yep! He became king over the nation of Israel. Anybody here ever wish to be a king or queen? Take responses.
Teacher 1: From reading the Bible, we know that Josiah was a good king. He decided to do right in God’s sight.
Teacher 2: That means he was wearing the breastplate of righteousness.
Teacher 1: He sure was! He chose year after year to do right. And one year, when he was older, he decided to fix up God’s house, which was like their church. It was falling apart!
Teacher 2: Boys and girls, let’s pretend we’re fixing up God’s house. Get your saws and your brooms and your hammers, and let’s get up and fix it. Do so.

If you want to get more involved, have piles of toys, sheets, little chairs, etc. around to symbolize a mess. They can fix up God’s house by putting things away.

 Teacher 1: After a while, someone found something really, really exciting in God’s house that had been lost for a long time.
Teacher 2: Was it money?
Teacher 1: Nope. Worth more than money.
Teacher 2: Was it jewels?
Teacher 1: Nope. Worth more than jewels.
Teacher 2: What could it have been? Boys and girls, our treasure chest is hidden somewhere in this room. Let’s all look around and see if we can find the treasure chest. Then we’ll open it and see what treasure they found in God’s house. Do so. Find the treasure chest and bring it up front. Open it and pull out the Bible, opening it to 2 Kings 22.
Teacher 1: Yep! They found God’s special book, the Bible, which is the best treasure in 
the world. We can read all about King Josiah and this event right here in the book 
of 2 Kings. Point it out.
Teacher 2: Wait a minute. If the people had lost the Bible, that means they weren’t reading it either.
Teacher 1: You guessed it. They hadn’t read from it in a really, really long time. So Josiah gathered everyone together. He called the grandmas and grandpas and moms and dads.
Teacher 2: And I bet he called all the boys and girls, too.
Teacher 1: He sure did.
Teacher 2: Let’s all stand and gather together. Do so.
Teacher 1: Then he read God’s Word to them and made a promise to do right—to obey everything that was written in that special book. Show the King Josiah Poster and read/paraphrase 2 Kings 23:2b–3.
Teacher 2: And so did the people. Let’s all say, “God, help me to obey your Word.” Do so.
Teacher 1: God wants each of his children to do right! He’ll help each child of God with this! When you do, you’ll be wearing the breastplate of righteousness.
Teacher 2: It’s not so we can try to be good and earn our way to heaven. The only way to heaven is to admit we sin and to believe in Jesus.
Teacher 1: Right! We aren’t trying to do right to earn something. We’re wanting to do right because we love God and want to obey him! 

Teacher 2: Yes! If we’re children of God, we should want to do right because we love God. So let’s remember to ask God to help us to do right in God’s sight!

Another option instead of taking off shoes is to gather shoes of various kinds and put them in a pile, letting the kids find pairs.

 
Knight Posters
Armor Pieces Poster (breastplate and shoes) 
Armor demo pieces

Part 2: Shoes of Peace (5 minutes)
Prep: Cut out the breastplate and shoes from the Armor Pieces Poster and laminate if possible.
Teacher 1: Okay, now let’s check to make sure you remember the first two pieces of armor. What’s the first one? Take responses. The belt of truth (to remind us to always believe God’s true words and to be honest). And the next one? Take responses. The breastplate of right (to remind us to do right in God’s sight).
Teacher 2: Now I need you all to take off your shoes and throw them in a pile. After everyone has done so, say:
On the count of three, we’ll race to see who can get his shoes back on quickly. Ready? One, two, three, go! Do so, then continue.
Teacher 1: If a knight didn’t have any shoes on, he’d be in trouble. He wouldn’t be able to stand firm, and he could get hurt or slip. You may want to share a time you slipped or fell due to improper shoes. He might also not be able to move ahead for battle. But with his shoes on, he wouldn’t have to worry about falling.
Teacher 2: Anyone who’s a child of the King doesn’t have to worry because he has invisible shoes on that help him trust God and have peace. And those shoes help him go and tell others about God and the good kingdom, too. God’s a great King! Let’s put on our shoes of peace and tell others about him! Who can you tell about Jesus? Take responses. That’s wearing those shoes of peace.
Teacher 1: Now let’s put the breastplates and shoes on our knights as we remember what they mean. Attach them or have the kids attach them as they share what each means.

Optional: jump rope

 Part 3: Optional Activity—Do Right Game (5 minutes or less)
This is a fun but important little game the kids will enjoy if you have time. In fact, it can be played any day you have a few extra minutes.
Let’s play a quick game to practice doing right. Now remember, we don’t do right because we’re trying to be good enough for God to love us. He already loves us! We do right because, if we’re a child of God, we love God and want to please him. 
To play this game, everyone needs to stand up. Do so. I’m going to say something. If you think it’s an example of showing love for God and doing right, jump up and down. If not, sit down. You may also want to put a jump rope down and have them jump over it or have them do other movements.
Go through some or all of these examples. The puppet can tell the correct answer.
Doing right means I’ll obey my mom and dad when they ask me to do right things. Jump! Choosing to obey means you’re wearing your breastplate! Ephesians 6:1.
Doing right means I won’t listen to my teacher. Sit. That’s not doing right! You’re not wearing your breastplate. Romans 13:1–3.
Doing right means it’s okay to bite my brother or sister. Sit. That’s not doing right because you’re not being kind! Ephesians 4:32.
Doing right means I’ll be nice to my brother or sister. Jump! That’s wearing your breastplate of right. Ephesians 4:32.
Doing right means I’ll pick up my toys when Mommy asks me to. Jump! That’s doing right because you’re obeying your mom. Ephesians 6:1.
Doing right means I’ll throw a temper tantrum. Sit. That’s not practicing self-control. Galatians 5:22–23.
Doing right means I’ll ask God to help me do what the Bible says. Jump! 1 John 2:5.

Doing right means I don’t care about obeying the Bible. Sit. If we’re God’s children, we should want to obey God, even though we will never do that perfectly. John 14:23–24.
Doing right means telling my friends about Jesus. Jump! That’s putting on the shoes of peace. Matthew 28:19–20.
Part 4: Animal Pal Review

Day 3 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets

 Share the Day 3 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Armor of God Sticker Sets and have the kids add the breastplate and shoes stickers. 
Grimwald is a dragon. For many years, people around the world have told stories about dragons. Some of those stories might have been about real animals like dinosaurs! Some dinosaurs, or dragons, were covered in scales, which protected them like armor protects us. When we become a child of God by turning away from our sin and believing in Jesus, we can put on the breastplate of righteousness. Jesus helps us to do what’s right by obeying God’s Word. We can also put on the shoes of peace that help us stand firm in our faith and bravely go and tell others about Jesus.  
With each question, have the kids roar like a dragon if the answer is true and remain silent if it is false.
The belt of truth reminds us to love God’s Word and tell the truth. (True—roar like a dragon.)
The breastplate is called the breastplate of red. (False—remain silent. Remind them it’s the breastplate of righteousness.)
The breastplate reminds us to do right in God’s sight. (True—roar like a dragon.)
The armor also has special shoes called the shoes of comfort. (False—the shoes of peace. Remind them that these shoes help us not to worry about being against God. We’re at peace with God!)
The king who wanted to do right was King Josiah. (True—roar like a dragon.)
Josiah taught his people to follow the directions in God’s Word. (True—roar like a dragon.)
Apply It!
In any remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the Pre-Primary Student Guides and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 1: Veritas Verse

Day 3 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 Today’s Verse: Put on the breastplate of righteousness, and . . . shoes . . . of peace. Ephesians 6:14–15
Try the challenge using the day 3 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Practice the verse several times while pretending to put on the breastplate and shoes.
Tomorrow’s Verse: Take up the shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16
Try the challenge again using tomorrow’s verse. Then try all the verses learned thus far in order.
Part 2: Go and Do
Dress up like King Josiah (e.g., paper crown, bathrobe, paper towel scepter). He did right in God’s sight. Ask your mom or dad how you can do right today.

When your mom or dad asks you to do something today, obey with a smile!
Trace around your shoe on a piece of paper, then color it. Ask an adult to help you write “Jesus loves you!” on it. Then give the picture to a friend or neighbor and tell them about Jesus. That’s putting on those shoes of peace!
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I want to do right and obey God?
Song 1: 
“Do Right” song
“Armor of God” song 
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
Device to play songs

Do Right (To the tune of “Allelu, Allelu, Allelu, Alleluia”)
Do right, do right, do right, do right 
(Side one stands and sings loudly while side two sits.)
Obey the Lord (Side two stands and sings loudly, while side one sits.)
Do right, do right, do right, do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord (Side two up.)
Obey the Lord 
(Side two continues to stay up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord (Side two up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord (Side two up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord 
(Everyone up and singing loudly.)
Song 2: Armor of God (To the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)
Verse 1
We must put on the armor of God 
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
The armor of God, the armor of God
(Tap waist, tap feet—2x.)
We must put on the armor of God
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
We’ll wear it ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 2
First, we tie on the belt of truth 
(Make tying motion at your waist, then pull hands apart.)
Belt of truth, belt of truth 
(Repeat motion—2x.)
And we put on the breastplate, too 
(Tap front of your shoulders with open hands.)
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Verse 3
Next, we slip on the shoes of peace 
(Step/slide each foot into pretend shoes.)
Shoes of peace, shoes of peace
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then we put on the helmet, too 
(Slide your open hands down the sides of your head.)
They protect us ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 4
Now we hold up the shield of faith 
(Cross your hand over and down, then lift your fist in front of you.)
Shield of faith, shield of faith
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then take the sword—the Word of God 
(Cross other hand over, then hold up your fist as if unsheathing a sword.) 
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Repeat Verse 1.

Day 4
The Shield and Helmet

Bible passages
King Solomon
1 Kings 2–11; Ephesians 6:16–17a
Apologetics content
Guard against false teachings and temptations.
Veritas Verse
Take up the shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16
Rhyme Time
Win against sin!
lesson focus
Children will learn to take the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation. These will guard them from the enemy’s attacks.
Animal Pal
Byron the Ironclad Beetle
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Glitter Play Dough
Touch Table Water: Keep Out!
Touch Table Dry: Solomon’s Robe
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:16

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce it!
Puppet Pal—Shield and Helmet
Teach it!
Part 1: King Solomon
Part 2: Armor Review
Part 3: Animal Pal Review
Apply it!
Part 1: Veritas Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Song 1: “Oh, Be Careful”
Song 2: “Armor of God”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read 1 Kings 2–11 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials.
For more information on the shield and helmet, see AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq.  
Pray.

Devotion 4: The Shield & Helmet
Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165
Truth is relative. (Are you absolutely sure?) When we get involved with people on a personal level (as we should!), experiences and emotions can cause us to lose sight of the absolute standard as we begin to rationalize and reason away that standard: “They’re so nice, can I really say that what they’re doing is wrong? Maybe it’s okay for them, just not for me.”  
When David passed his kingdom to his son Solomon around 1000 BC, he reminded him of the command the Lord had given “to walk before me in faithfulness with all [your] heart and with all [your] soul” (1 Kings 2:4). Soon after, when the Lord promised to give Solomon whatever he asked for, Solomon asked for wisdom—the ability to think clearly about the truth. And the Lord granted his request, as evidenced by the thousands of proverbs and songs Solomon wrote and the judgments he rendered. Solomon also knew the truth about God’s tangible creation—birds, creeping things, fish, and trees (1 Kings 4:30–34).  
But somewhere along the way, Solomon began to allow his affections and attachments to the women (many women!) in his life to blur the lines between right and wrong, truth and error. Can you hear him begin to rationalize his behavior? “Sure, I know you don’t want me to marry foreign women, Lord, but I can handle it. That command is for others—not for me.” Sadly, as he allowed himself to be influenced by his wives, he built altars for their false gods . . . and eventually joined them in worshipping at the feet of idols. 
The helmet of salvation guards our minds and the way we think while the shield of faith helps us deflect temptations. Solomon neglected both of these vital pieces of armor. Solomon, the one who wrote, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment” (Proverbs 12:19), denied the absolute truth and turned away from the one who is truth. 
We must never be satisfied with our current knowledge of the Christian faith, but instead we need to be continually studying God’s Word, so that when the devil lobs his lies in our direction, we can easily deflect them with the shield of faith. And with the helmet of salvation firmly in place, we can guard what we put into our minds. Things we watch on TV, read in books, hear from our friends, and learn from our teachers should all be evaluated against the standard of truth found in the Bible before we allow ourselves to meditate on it and allow it to sink into our souls. May we take refuge in the truth of the Lord and his Word as the psalmist did: “But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” (Psalm 119:151).

Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Glitter Play Dough
Materials
Homemade or store-bought play dough with glitter in it
Heart and circle cookie cutters
prep
Make one or more batches of play dough to fit your needs.
Recipe:
2 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
2 c. warm water
4 t. cream of tartar
2 t. oil
Food coloring
Glitter
Mix the first five ingredients in a saucepan. After blended, mix in food coloring. Stir over low to medium heat until the dough is formed and is no longer sticky. Remove from the pan and knead until smooth, adding the glitter. After it has cooled, store in an air-tight container.
Directions
Make hearts and circles (shields) with the play dough.
Teaching Tie-In
Look how glittery and sparkly this play dough is! Can you make a heart to remind you that Jesus loves you? Can you make a circle to remind you of the shield of faith that protects your heart?
Note: The glittery play dough will be a big hit, so you may want to use it other days with other thematic cookie cutters, such as crowns (for King Jesus, King Josiah, King Solomon), animals (for the Creator King), or crosses. You can also roll it into a belt (like a “snake”) or a sword for armor pieces.
Touch Table Wet: Keep Out!
Materials
Optional: Water (or any of the other base materials)
Bucket with small rocks and ping-pong balls
Extras: funnels, scoops, colanders, strainers
prep
Put water in the table. Add the rocks, ping-pong balls, and the extras. Set the buckets to the side.
Directions
Begin with the teaching tie-in. Try to get all the sins (rocks and balls) out of the good kingdom (water) and into the buckets.
Teaching Tie-In
Let’s pretend the rocks are sins, and the water is the good kingdom. See if you can take all the sins out of the kingdom and put them in the buckets. Remember, God wants us to keep sin out of our lives. He gave us his armor to help us do that. 
Touch Table Dry: Solomon’s Robe
Materials
Solomon’s Robe Pattern
Touch table
Felt or fun foam sheets in various colors
Felt or fun foam scraps in various colors and shapes
Extras: feathers, cotton balls, pom-poms (any other items that stick to felt or fun foam)
Optional: paper plates, 1 per child
PREP
Use the robe pattern to cut out robes from colored felt or fun foam, one for each child. Cut scraps in different shapes and place them in the table. Add extras to the table.
Directions
Give each child a robe. Have them decorate their robe (on a paper plate if available), using the scraps and the extras.
Teaching Tie-In
Today, we’re learning about another real king named Solomon. At first, Solomon obeyed God, and God promised him some good things. You can pretend you’re decorating a robe for King Solomon to wear.
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Days 1–3 dramatic play materials
Shields and helmets (see Prep)
prep
Make shields out of cardboard pizza rounds or heavy-duty oval or round paper plates. Make helmets by spray-painting fast food chicken or popcorn buckets silver and cutting out an area for the face.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be knights, kings, and queens.
Teaching Tie-In
What is the name of the shield we’re talking about today? The shield of faith. It reminds us that God will protect us from the enemy’s attacks. And how about the helmet? It’s called the helmet of salvation. It reminds us to protect our minds.
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:16
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 4 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Introduce It!

Day 4 Rhyme Time Poster 
2 copies of Day 4 Puppet Script
Bible
Medieval costumes for teachers
Mounting putty or tape
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Mini belt and breastplate from yesterday
Mini shield and helmet

Briefly review the gospel and remind the kids that the armor of God is only for those who are children of the heavenly King. 

Puppet Pal—Shield and Helmet (5 minutes)
Prep: Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Make a mini shield by covering a plastic margarine lid with foil and putting a piece of duct tape on the back for the puppet’s hand to go through so it looks like it’s holding a shield. Make a mini helmet out of foil that will fit on the puppet’s head. Don’t put it on the puppet until it’s called for in the script.
Teacher: Huzzah! Hooray! I’m glad to see all of you today here in the strongest part of the castle, the keep. Do you think we can get Christian to visit again? Take responses, then have the kids call for him.
Puppet: Come up with the belt and breastplate on from yesterday. Also have a mini shield. Hey, everyone! Look what I’ve got!
Teacher: Well, I see you have your belt on. What’s that belt called, boys and girls? Take responses.
Puppet: It’s my belt of truth. God’s Word is true!
Teacher: And you have your breastplate on. What’s the breastplate called, kids? Take responses.
Puppet: The breastplate of right(eousness). When I learn the Bible, it helps me to do right.
Teacher: But now I’m wondering what you’re holding there.
Puppet: That’s the next piece of armor. It’s called the shield of faith.
Teacher: That’s really important to have because it’ll protect you. You see, the knights always carried great big shields into battle because the shield protected them from flaming arrows.
Puppet: I’m not going to have real flaming arrows come my way, am I?
Teacher: No, but the enemy sends lies and bad ideas your way to try to get you to mess up.
Puppet: I sure don’t want the enemy’s arrows to make me mess up and sin.
Teacher: That’s why you need your shield of faith to block them. And you need another piece of armor too—a helmet. Put the helmet on the puppet’s head at this point.
Puppet: What does that do?
Teacher: The helmet of salvation reminds us that Jesus saves us from sin, and he doesn’t want us to keep doing the same sins over and over. Now that you have your shield of faith and your helmet of salvation, you’re protected from the arrows the enemy will throw your way.
Puppet: What’s sin again?
T
You may want to sing a round of “Oh, Be Careful” before moving on.

eacher: Sin is when you don’t obey God. 
Puppet: But that’s why God gives us armor, right? To help us say no to sin so we don’t do it.
Teacher: Right! God wants us to win against sin. Let’s say that together. Do so, showing the Day 4 Rhyme Time Poster. Just remember, any time the enemy gets you to disobey God’s commands, you’re sinning. Let’s take a look at how the enemy got a very wise king in the Bible to mess up and sin. Here we go.
Teach It!

King Solomon Poster
Day 4 Rhyme Time Poster
Knight Posters
Armor Pieces Poster (shields and helmets) 
Treasure chest
Birthday hat or party blower

 Part 1: King Solomon (5 minutes)
Prep: Bookmark the Bible at 1 Kings 3. Place the Bible and party blower or hat in the treasure chest. Cut out the shields and helmets from the Armor Pieces poster and laminate if possible.

Pull the Bible out of the treasure chest and have it opened to 1 Kings 3. Also, pull out a birthday hat or party blower.
Let’s sing “Happy Birthday” and pretend to blow out the birthday candles on our pretend cake. Do so. Did you make a wish? What did you wish for? Take responses.
Well, right here in the Bible (point to the spot) God said to a king named Solomon, “Ask! What shall I give you?” What do you think he answered? Take responses. King Solomon didn’t ask to be rich or to live to be old. He asked to be wise, which means to know the right thing God wants you to do. Do you think that was a good wish? Jump up and down if you think it was.
Yes, that was a good wish. In fact, God was so glad that Solomon asked to be wise, he made Solomon wise and also gave him riches and long life!
So Solomon became known as the wisest man ever. He loved God, and he knew how to make the best choices for his people. Do you think that was good? Jump up and down if you think it was.
God told Solomon not to collect gold, silver, or horses. But Solomon started collecting lots and lots of gold and silver and horses. Do you think that was good? Jump up and down if you think it was good or stomp your feet if you think it wasn’t good.
That wasn’t good. God told him not to, but he didn’t obey, and he collected those things anyway. We know God intended for a man to have just one wife, as we see with Adam and Eve (Genesis 1). And in the New Testament, God tells us that he wants us to marry someone who is part of the same kingdom we’re part of (2 Corinthians 6:14). But Solomon didn’t listen. He married many wives who didn’t love God and weren’t part of God’s kingdom. Do you think that was good? Jump up and down if you think it was good or stomp your feet if you think it wasn’t good.
Show the King Solomon Poster. No, that wasn’t good. Solomon wasn’t using his shield of faith and helmet of salvation. He was sinning and making bad choices.
God told Solomon, “Because you haven’t kept my commands, I will take the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.” And that’s exactly what happened. His kingdom was taken away. Solomon’s life started out well, but it didn’t end well because he let his guard down and messed up.
God gives us what we need to win against sin. Hold up the Day 4 Rhyme Time Poster. Let’s say that together. Do so. To win against sin, we need to be on guard and make good choices based on what God teaches us in his Word, don’t we? That means we need to hold up the shield of faith and wear the helmet of salvation. Let’s put them on our poster now. Attach them to the knight posters or have children do so.  

Armor demo pieces

 Part 2: Armor Review (5 minutes)
Prep: Decide how you will review the armor and gather the supplies.
Let’s review the parts of the armor and remind ourselves of how to make good choices.
Review all the pieces of the armor of God thus far with the kids. There are a few ways to do this. Hold up or put on the pieces of armor yourself. You can also put the pieces of armor on a child volunteer as you review them, or have the kids put on imaginary or foil pieces of the armor. As you review, give them scenarios that are applicable to them and have them decide if it’s a good choice or a bad choice (e.g., “If I run away from Mommy at the store, is that a good choice or a bad choice?” or “If I cry and whine in the check-out aisle, is that a good choice or bad choice?”) Have them pretend to hold up their shield to stay away from bad choices.

Day 4 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets

 Part 3: Animal Pal Review
Share the Day 4 Animal Pal Poster to summarize the teaching of the day. Pass out the Armor of God Sticker Sets and have the kids add the shield and helmet as you discuss the animal pal. 
Byron is an ironclad beetle. Because sin changed God’s perfect creation, even bugs like Byron have to watch out for enemies. God has given Byron strong coverings to protect 
Download these items from AnswersVBS.com/keeperresources.
him. What has God given us as protection? The armor of God. The shield of faith gives us courage to block the arrows of lies and bad ideas. The helmet of salvation guards our minds and helps us remember that Jesus doesn’t want us to sin.
With each question, have the kids scurry (run in place) like a beetle if the answer is yes and curl up if it is no.
The belt of truth helps me know God’s Word is true. True—scurry like a beetle.
The belt of truth also helps me want to tell the truth. True—scurry like a beetle.
The next piece of the armor of God is the shirt of dirt. False—curl up. Mention there’s no piece called the shirt of dirt. It’s called the breastplate of . . . righteousness! 
Another piece of the armor is called the shoes of peace. True—scurry like a beetle. If we’re on God’s side, we have the shoes of peace.  
The next piece is called the shield of faith. True—scurry like a beetle. The shield of faith protects us from wrong ideas.
The other piece we talked about today is called the helmet of glue. False—curl up. Mention there’s no piece called that. It’s called the helmet of . . . salvation!
The helmet protects our minds from thinking wrong ideas. True—scurry like a beetle.
King Solomon let his guard down and started making bad choices. True—scurry like a beetle.
Apply It!
In any remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also on the  Pre-Primary Student Guides and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.
Part 1: Veritas Verse

Day 4 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies for Part 1 and Part 2
Optional: Memory Verse music and player

 Today’s Verse: Take up the shield of faith. Ephesians 6:16
Try the challenge using the day 4 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Practice the verse several times while pretending to take up the shield and put on the helmet.
Tomorrow’s Verse: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit . . . praying. Ephesians 6:17–18a
Try the challenge again with tomorrow’s verse. Then say all the verses learned thus far in order.
Part 2: Go and Do
Go on a hat hunt around your house. How many hats did you find? Which hat is the funniest? Which hat is the biggest? Which hat would keep your head safe (e.g., bike helmet, hard hat, large sun hat)? Remember that the helmet of salvation will guard your mind and help you make right decisions.
King Solomon was given the job of building God’s temple. Can you use your toy blocks to build a building like Solomon’s?
Solomon started out as a good and wise king. Sadly, he let his guard down and made bad choices and disobeyed God. What is a good choice you can do today?
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I care if I do things that would make God sad?

Song 1: Oh, Be Careful
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Point to your ears.)
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Point to your ears.)
For the Father up above (Point up.)
Is looking down with love
 (Put hand over your eyes and look down.)
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear (Point to your ears.)
Other verses: little heart love the Lord; little mouth what you say; little hands what you do; little feet where you walk
Song 2: Armor of God (To the tune of “Here We Go ‘Round the Mulberry Bush”)

“Oh, Be Careful” song
“Armor of God” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
Device to play songs

 Verse 1
We must put on the armor of God 
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
The armor of God, the armor of God
(Tap waist, tap feet—2x.)
We must put on the armor of God
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
We’ll wear it ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 2
First, we tie on the belt of truth 
(Make tying motion at your waist, then pull hands apart.)
Belt of truth, belt of truth 
(Repeat motion—2x.)
And we put on the breastplate, too 
(Tap front of your shoulders with open hands.)
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
Verse 3
Next, we slip on the shoes of peace 
(Step/slide each foot into pretend shoes.)
Shoes of peace, shoes of peace
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then we put on the helmet, too 
(Slide your open hands down the sides of your head.)
They protect us ev’ry day (March in place.)
Verse 4
Now we hold up the shield of faith 
(Cross your hand over and down, then lift your fist in front of you.)
Shield of faith, shield of faith
(Repeat motion—2x.)
Then take the sword—the Word of God 
(Cross other hand over, then hold up your fist as if unsheathing a sword.) 
They’ll help us to obey (March in place.)
 Repeat Verse 1.

Download these items from AnswersVBS.com/keeperresources.
Day 5
The Sword and Prayer

Bible passages
King of Kings vs. Prince of the Air
Matthew 4:1–11; Ephesians 6:17–18a
apologetics content
Be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in you.
Veritas verse
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit . . . praying. 
Ephesians 6:17–18a
Rhyme Time
Train your brain!
LESSON Focus
Children will learn to use the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and memorize it so they’ll be ready to use it wisely.
Animal Pal
Skye the Peregrine Falcon
Today’s Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Smart Heart Bookmarks
Touch Table Wet: Bible Truth Colors
Touch Table Dry: People Play
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:17–18a

Today’s Lesson at a Glance
Introduce It!
Puppet Pal—Sword
Teach It!
Part 1: Jesus in the Wilderness
Part 2: Armor Review
Part 3: Animal Pal Review
Apply It!
Part 1: Veritas Verse
Part 2: Go and Do
Song 1: “Do Right” 
Song 2: “The Kingdom Keepers”
Preparing for the Lesson
Read Matthew 4:1–11 and Ephesians 6:10–18 several times.
Read this lesson several times and prepare the materials. 
For more information on the sword of the Spirit and praying, see AnswersVBS.com/keeperfaq.  
Pray.

Devotion 5: The Sword & Prayer
Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right, for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:1, 6–7
Truth is what you make it. But what if I say that is a false statement? Am I making truth, or are you? You can see that absurdity reigns when we allow truth to be set aside in favor of opinion. 
Satan knows there is an absolute standard of truth, but he delights in obscuring, changing, and denying it. He is the author of the false truth claims we’ve visited this week, and he loves it when Christians—the ones who hold truth in their hands every time they pick up a Bible—fall for his lies. 
He has even been so bold as to lie to the King of kings—the one who banned him from heaven in the first place for his original lies. When he tempted Jesus, he lied in three ways:
1. He denied the truth that Jesus is God (Matthew 4:3). 
2. He wrongly quoted Scripture to serve his own purposes (Matthew 4:6). 
3. He lied about the power and authority he had (Matthew 4:9). 
How many times have we fallen for one of these lies: doubting God, believing someone who twists a passage of Scripture to mean something other than what it does, or craving the things of the world more than Jesus?
When Satan tempted the King of kings in the wilderness, Jesus responded with the truth. Even though he was bone-weary, famished, and thirsty, he didn’t stoop to Satan’s level by falling for any of his lies. Instead, he rebuked and rebuffed the enemy by simply drawing the sword of the Spirit and quoting Scripture that he had already memorized and meditated on, Scripture that was readily available in his mind for him to speak, Scripture that he himself had written. 
In this battle between truth and error, may we continually hunger to know the truth of God’s Word and desire to seek his face in prayer. We know the end of the “story”: God wins the war, and Satan will be forever sentenced to an eternity in fiery hell. But how are we fighting the battles in the meantime? How accurately can you handle the sword of the Spirit? How well does it fit in your hand? How comfortable are you using it to defeat the enemy? How intimately familiar are you with the Word of God? 
May we stand strong in this battle for truth and say, “For my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips” (Proverbs 8:7). 
Exploration Stations
Discovery Center: Smart Heart Bookmarks
Materials
White cardstock
A variety of heart stickers or self-inking heart stamps
Optional: red ribbon or yarn
Optional: crayons or markers
prep
Cut the cardstock into 81/2 x 2-inch pieces. If using ribbon, cut it into 5-inch pieces. Hole punch the center top of each bookmark. Make a sample bookmark.
Directions
Children sticker and color the bookmark, putting the ribbon at the top if provided.
Teaching Tie-In
The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Do you love God’s Word? Put this heart bookmark in your Bible and give your Bible a hug every time you use it to remind you of how precious it is!
Touch Table Wet: Bible Truth Colors
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Water
Plastic balls or blocks in a dark color, red, white, and yellow
Extras: tongs, scoops, cups, bowls
prep
Place a tarp on the floor under the touch table. Partially fill the touch table with water. Place some plastic balls or  blocks into the water. Add the extras.  
Directions
Help children find the correct colors of balls or blocks as you direct them with the teaching tie-in. Monitor water play carefully.
Teaching Tie-In
The Bible tells us the truth about Jesus, God’s Son. He’s the only one who can save us from our sins. Which color (balls or blocks) reminds us of our sins? Dark one. Which color reminds us of Jesus’ blood when he died on the cross for our sins? Red. When we put our trust in Jesus, he washes our sins away. Which color looks nice and clean? White. When we believe in Jesus, we become part of his kingdom! Which color reminds us of God’s bright and beautiful kingdom? Yellow.
Touch Table Dry: People Play
Materials
Touch table with tarp underneath
Play sand (or other base material)
Play people or craft sticks with faces drawn on one end
Extras: scoops, spoons, cups
Wet wipes for cleanup
prep
Put the play sand and play people in the touch table.
Directions
Play in the sand with the people.
Teaching Tie-In
Jesus wants us to share Bible truths with others. What do you think these little people would say if they could tell each other about the Bible and Jesus?
Dramatic Play: Inside the Castle
Materials
Days 1–4 dramatic play materials
Any items you want to add in
prep
Add in any last supplies today you held back.
Directions
Dress up and pretend to be knights, kings, and queens.
Teaching Tie-In
It’s fun to pretend we live in a kingdom from long ago. But those who believe in Jesus are part of his real kingdom that lasts forever!
Royal Pavilion Coloring Corner: Ephesians 6:17–18a
See directions for Day 1, but use the Day 5 Memory Verse Coloring Sheet.

Introduce It!

Day 5 Rhyme Time Poster
2 copies of Day 5 Puppet Script 
Bible
Medieval costumes
Mounting putty or tape
Boy or girl puppet and clipboard
Small juggling ball
Optional: mini jester hat

 Puppet Pal—Sword (5 minutes)
Prep: Find a small ball to use as a juggling ball or make one following the directions in the Craft Guide. Tape one script inside the puppet stage and attach the other to a clipboard for reference. Optional: search the internet for “paper jester hat” and make one in a miniature size.  
Teacher: Welcome, knights and maidens, to our last day in the castle keep. Should we check in on Christian one last time?
Puppet: Come up with a juggling ball and jester hat (optional).
Teacher: What’s wrong, Christian? You don’t seem very happy today.
Puppet: I’m not! I want to be a juggler so, sooo much, but I just can’t get the hang of it.
Teacher: Let me see you try.
Puppet: Throw up the ball and drop it. Sigh a big sigh, then say dejectedly: Boy, I sure was hoping I could be the best juggler ever!
Teacher: Well, have you been practicing?
Puppet: Well, no. But I sure do wish I was good at it.
Teacher: How do you expect to get good at it if you aren’t putting any effort into it?
Puppet: I don’t know. I just hope I will.
Teacher: Kids, what do you think Christian should do? Take responses. You know, the more you practice, the better you’ll be.
Puppet: Well, maybe I’d better go outside and practice some juggling.
Teacher: I think you should, Christian. But before you go, let me tell you something else you need to practice to get good at.
Puppet: What’s that?
Teacher: It’s our next piece of armor. Just like the knights used swords, the last piece of our invisible armor is a sword, too.
Puppet: Ooh, I’ve seen sword fighting in the movies.
Teacher: Well, our invisible sword is called the sword of the Spirit. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God, which is the Bible. A knight’s sword wouldn’t do him any good if he never used it during a battle, would it? Well, the Bible won’t be the help it should be if we aren’t really learning it and practicing how to use it.
Puppet: What do you mean? How can we learn and use God’s Word?
Teacher: You know, sometimes God’s children leave the Bible just laying around. Boys and girls, if you have a Bible somewhere in your house, shout, “I do!” Does that Bible ever sit there and not get opened for days and days? Every day, you’ve got to be hearing and memorizing and using the Bible. You’ve got to train your brain with the Bible. Hold up the Day 5 Rhyme Time Poster. Let’s say, “Train your brain!” together. Do so.
Puppet: Wow! That’s a lot to remember—to wear all the armor and train my brain.
Teacher: That’s why God tellls us to put on the armor, then pray. He’ll help his kingdom keepers use the armor to fight against sin and obey him.
Puppet: Whew! I’m so glad God will help. Well, I’m going to try to train my brain by memorizing my Bible verses! And I’m going to pray and ask God to help me!
Teacher: That’s awesome, Christian! Now let’s listen to a great example of how Jesus used the sword of the Spirit in this Bible account.

 • <Day>: <Section Header>
Teach It!

Jesus in the Wilderness Poster
Treasure chest
Optional: clip of Jesus in the wilderness and device to play clip

 Part 1: Jesus in the Wilderness (5 minutes)
Prep: Bookmark your Bible at Matthew 4, then put it inside the treasure chest. Set up for the video clip if you are using one.
You know kids, even Jesus used the sword of the Spirit to fight the enemy’s attacks. The sword of the Spirit is the Bible! Satan tried three times to get Jesus to sin. Let’s find out what happened.
At this point, either share a shortened version of Matthew 4:1–11 from the Bible or a children’s picture Bible OR show a short video clip of this scene from a Christian video. Tell the kids they need to listen closely, and every time they hear Jesus using the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word), you are all going to jump up and down. (Stop the video at each point when doing so.) When done, show the Jesus in the Wilderness poster and talk about how important it is to speak God’s Word, like Jesus did.
Part 2: Armor Review (5 minutes)

Knight Posters
Armor Pieces Poster (swords) 

 Prep: Cut out the swords from the Armor Pieces Poster and laminate if possible.
Let’s give our kingdom keepers their swords. Attach the sword pieces to the knight posters or have kids do so. Look at that! They have the whole armor of God. Help me remember what each piece of armor is called. Point to each piece of armor on the posters as you review.
Part 3: Animal Pal Review

Day 5 Animal Pal Poster
Armor of God Sticker Sets

 Share the Day 5 Animal Pal Poster to summarize today’s teaching. Pass out the Armor of God Sticker Sets and have kids add the sword. They can take these home today. 
Skye is a peregrine falcon. People trained falcons to hunt small animals. Falcons like Skye learn quickly and are eager to obey. Skye reminds us that we need to be quick and eager to learn the Word of God. We need to train our brains!
With each question, have the kids flap their arms like a flying falcon if the answer is yes and squat down if it is no.
The Bible tells us of a special armor called the armor of God. (True—flap like a bird.)
We can see the armor of God. (False—perch on a limb. Mention we can’t see it but it’s there for every child of God.)
One piece of the armor is the belt of truth. (True—flap like a bird.)
The next piece is the breastplate of right(eousness) that helps us to do right in God’s sight. (True—flap like a bird.)
Another piece is called the blue shoes. (False—perch on a limb. Mention it’s the shoes of peace, and that means we are on God’s side and aren’t fighting God. We’re at peace with him.)
The shield of faith and the helmet of salvation help protect us from wrong thinking. (True—flap like a bird.)
The sword of the Spirit is another name for the Bible. (True—flap like a bird.)
Jesus wants us to know the Bible. (True—flap like a bird.)
We shouldn’t pray to God. (False—perch on a limb. Mention that God wants us to pray to him at any time. Praying means talking to God.)
God loves you and wants you to be his child. (True—flap like a bird. Mention we have to understand that we sin and must believe Jesus came to save us from our sin.)

Gospel opportunity: Remind kids that the armor of God is only for those who are members of God’s kingdom.
Apply It!
In any remaining time, complete one or more of the following ideas in class. These are also in the  Pre-Primary Student Guides and can be done at home with a parent or caretaker if you are out of time.
Supplies for this section are not included in the supply list on the back cover since they will vary depending on the activities you choose, so decide what you will do and add them to your supply list accordingly.

Day 5 Memory Verse Poster 
Optional: Student Guides and supplies
Optional: Memory Verse music and player
Optional: Bookmarks, 1 per child

 Part 1: Veritas Verse
Today’s Verse: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit . . . praying. Ephesians 6:17–18a
You may want to show them the bookmarks that are available if you plan to give these out. Then try the challenge using the day 5 memory verse poster as a reference and the Memory Verse music if you have it.
Challenge: Act out today’s verse as you say it. Then see if you can go the whole way through the verses, putting on the whole armor of God.
Part 2: Go and Do
Train your brain to know God’s Word. With someone’s help, pick a verse from the Bible or your card caddy and memorize it!
Dress up like a knight in armor. Add a toy or pretend sword to your belt. The sword of the Spirit is the Bible. How many Bible verses from VBS can you say?
Can you tell someone something about the armor of God? What piece do you wear around your waist? What pieces go on your feet?
Check AnswersVBS.com/keeperkids for more fun information!
Ask yourself this question: Do I like to listen to and learn from the Bible?

“Do Right” song
“The Kingdom Keepers” song
MP3 download or Simple Songs CD (12-0-141)
Device to play songs

 Song 1: Do Right (To the tune of “Allelu, Allelu, Allelu, Alleluia”)
Before you begin, divide the class into two sides. 
Do right, do right, do right, do right
(Side one stands and sings; side two sits.)
Obey the Lord 
(Side two stands and sings; side one sits.)
Do right, do right, do right, do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord (Side two up.)
Obey the Lord  (Side two stays up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord  (Side two up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord  (Side two up.)
Do right (Side one up.)
Obey the Lord  (Everyone up, sing together.)
Song 2: The Kingdom Keepers (To the tune of “The Ants Go Marching”)
The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah
(March in place, lift up hands on “hurrah.”)
The kingdom keepers march for God, hurrah, hurrah 
(March in place, lift up hands on “hurrah.”)
God gave us armor we will wear
(Tap head, tap shoulders, tap waist, tap feet.)
Satan’s kingdom better beware
(Fists up, fighting stance.)
And we all go marching on
(March in place.)
For the Lord—who is strong—and has won
(Point up, flex biceps, lift arms to make a V for victory.)
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!
(Shout and point up on each word.)
Repeat, adding a fourth Huzzah! at the end.